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Authorities in Texas have arrested at least 30 people intending to buy sex and rescued a child over three days as part of an undercover human trafficking investigation called Operation Cupid in Fort Bend County.

Over three days, Operation Cupid aimed to combat human trafficking in Fort Bend County by identifying and arresting those intending to buy sex, Assistant District Attorney Craig Priesmeyer told reporters this week, according to Fort Bend Herald.

Commonly known as johns, they create the demand for human trafficking and contribute to the pervasive problem the community faces from these crimes. We are focused on saving victims by following basic economics; removing the demand will reduce the supply, Priesmeyer explained.

It was a joint operation by the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office, the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance and partnering agencies.

Source:The Christian Post
Bank of Ireland has been accused of 'turning its back' on the people of rural Wexford following the decision to close its branches in Taghmon and Rosslare Harbour.

The closures will come into effect in September of this year with a total of 88 branches set to shut nationwide.

Explaining its decision, a spokesperson for Bank of Ireland (BOI) said, 'We've now reached a tipping point in customer preference between online and offline banking. Our mobile app is our most popular way to bank, with almost half a million customer logins every day and traffic up by a third in the past two years.

'In contrast, in the two years before the pandemic, the number of people visiting branches had reduced by almost a quarter. This decline has accelerated over the past 12 months, with the number of visits to branches just over half of what they were in 2017. Footfall in the branches due to close has reduced by 60 per cent.'

In an effort to replace the services provided by the banks in Taghmon and Rosslare Harbour, BOI is launching a new partnership with An Post which will offer all BOI customers banking services throughout the county.

'Our partnership with An Post will see BOI customers able to access 38 Post Office locations across County Wexford for their banking, cash and lodgement needs with longer weekday opening hours than traditional bank branches and Saturday opening,' read the statement. 'There is also a Post Office in each town where there are changes to our branch network.

'We are committed to Wexford and these changes will allow us to invest in our other five branches in the county as well as digital services. We will also continue to work with community groups through initiatives such as Begin Together, our three-year 4 million investment programme providing funding for community-focused initiatives across the island of Ireland.'

Yet local councillors, TDs and community groups said the announcement was a further sign of the neglect of the county's rural towns and villages.

'The bank has turned its back on the rural people again,' said Aontu councillor Jim Codd. 'This is in line with what's been happening in villages in Wexford for some time.

'For example, in Duncannon there isn't pub, a shop, or a post office anymore, that used to be a thriving village once upon a time. We have a huge struggle on our hands to regenerate our villages and to keep life in them.'

While BOI has pointed to the increase in mobile banking as reason for the closures, Cllr Codd said this simply isn't an option for many of those in Taghmon.

'In terms of broadband, I don't know how many times I've been contacted by parents about their children not being able to go online because the connection is so poor,' said Cllr Codd who also revealed plans to start a petition to save the banks.

'And many older people in our communities have little experience in online anything, never mind online banking. Not only that, there's a third element to this, the benefit of going into a bank and speaking to your neighbour far outweighs staring into the emptiness of a screen.'

Meanwhile, Independent councillor Ger Carthy described group CEO of Bank of Ireland Francesca McDonagh as a 'hatchet woman'. The former Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) said these closures were 'yet another attack on rural Ireland' and said 'it was very disappointing' to hear this announcement after all the loyal support the people of Rosslare Harbour and Taghmon had given to BOI.

'These banks were bailed out by Fianna Fail and the Greens, and now they, along with Fine Gael, are overseeing the closure of BOI branches in rural areas. BOI doesn't care about rural development, its happy to see the services diluted. Francesca McDonagh is a hatchet woman, what she's doing is reprehensible,' said Cllr Carthy.

Current chair of the RMD, Cllr Frank Staples, recalled how the closure of the Post Office in Ballycogley had impacted everyone in the community, in particular its elder members, and feared the loss of these banks could have the same effect.

'Banks have changed in fairness, everyone knows that, but a lot of people rely on them, they see the bank as being like an old friend,' the Fine Gael councillor said. 'It's sad to see another institution disappearing from these areas. Whatever the locals want to do in Taghmon and Rosslare Harbour, I will stand behind them.'

The members of the Taghmon Action Group (TAG) believe the closure of the local branch will have far-reaching implications across the village.

'We are disappointed the bank is closing down in Taghmon, we have always had a very good working relationship with the staff,' said a statement released by TAG.

'It will be a disappointment to our businesses and private customers too, especially the elderly folk who may not be up to speed with online banking at all. It will also be an inconvenience to all the businesses working in the area.

'There is mention of offering banking services through An Post. That is a positive, but a full range of these services should be up and running before the bank is closed.

'Banking services are moving cashless and online and these may be seen as modern progress, but being able to talk to a friendly face in a bank about our banking needs will be missed.'

Wexford's TD also expressed their disappointment at the news with Minister of State, James Browne described it as a 'disappointing day' saying it was 'very concerning for those who work in the branches and their families.'

Looking to the future, Deputy Browne said he had already been engaging with BOI to ensure prioritisation is given to Rosslare and Taghmon as the bank prepare to rollout their services via the Post Office.'

Sinn Fein TD, Johnny Mythen, said BOI had effectively used the pandemic as an excuse to close the branches.

'BOI has attempted to justify this announcement based on a fall in branch visits over the past twelve months,' he said. 'This is hardly surprising given the entire population has had its movements significantly restricted in response to a public health emergency.

'In reality, the bank is using Covid-19 for cover, punishing customers for following public health regulations.'

And Independent TD, Verona Murphy, said this announcement would curtail much of the progress made by these two communities in recent times.

'Prior to Covid-19, both these rural villages were beginning to reinvent themselves, particularly with the opportunity of government funding through tourism, rural regeneration and town and village schemes.

'This decision by BOI is a significant setback to rural redevelopment plans. In light of this announcement, along with Ulster Bank's decision to exit the Irish market, the Government needs to move to provide the sector with real customer choice.'

Graiguenamanagh and Thomastown branches to close

Two Bank of Ireland branches in south Kilkenny are set to close.

The Graiguenamanagh and Thomastown branches are among the 103 across the island of Ireland that the bank announced on Monday would close in September. The banking institution said the closures were due to a massive decline in footfall at branches, amounting to around 75 per cent.

Urlingford and Callan branches are also closing as part of significant changes to Bank of Ireland's branch network. Only Kilkenny City and Castlecomer branches will remain open when the changes come into effect.

The closures of 88 branches in the Republic and 15 in the North will take place from September.
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Photo: The Canadian Press Indian farmer Dilbagh Singh returns homewards after harvesting fresh peas from his farm in village Samrodha, in the northern Indian state of Haryana Friday.

Thousands of Indian farmers blocked a massive expressway on the edges of New Delhi on Saturday to mark the 100th day of protests against agricultural laws that they say will devastate their income.

Farmers stood on tractors and waved colourful flags while their leaders chanted slogans via a loudspeaker atop a makeshift stage.

Thousands of them have hunkered down outside New Delhis borders since late November to voice their anger against three laws passed by Parliament last year. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government says the laws are necessary to modernize agriculture, but farmers say they will leave them poorer and at the mercy of big corporations.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha, or Joint Farmers Front, said the blockade would last five hours. It is not our hobby to block roads, but the government is not listening to us. What can we do? said Satnam Singh, a member of the group.

The farmers have remained undeterred even after violence erupted on Jan. 26 during clashes with police that left one protester dead and hundreds injured. But they could soon run into problems.

For 100 days, Karnal Singh has lived inside the back of a trailer along a vast stretch of arterial highway that connects Indias north with New Delhi. He camped outside the capital when it was under the grip of winter and smog. Now the city is bracing for scorching summer temperatures that can hit 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

But Singh, like many other farmers, is unfazed and plans to stay until the laws are completely withdrawn.

We are not going anywhere and will fight till the end, Singh, 60, said Friday, as he sat cross-legged inside a makeshift shelter in the back of his truck.

The mood at the Singhu border, one of the protest sites, was boisterous on Friday, with many farmers settling into their surroundings for the long haul.

Huge soup kitchens that feed thousands daily were still running. Farmers thronged both sides of the highway and hundreds of trucks have been turned into rooms, fitted with water coolers in preparation for the summer. Electric fans and air conditioners are also being installed in some trailers.

Farmers say the protests will spread across the country soon. The government, however, is hoping many of them will return home once Indias major harvesting season begins at the end of the month.

Karanbir Singh dismissed such concerns. He said their community, including friends and neighbours back in the villages, would tend to farms while he and others carried on with the protests.

Well help each other to make sure no farm goes unharvested, Singh said.

But not all farmers are against the laws. Pawan Kumar, a fruit and vegetable grower and ardent Modi supporter, said he was ready to give them a chance.

If they (the laws) turn out to not benefit us, then we will protest again, he said. "We will jam roads, and make that protest even bigger. Then more common people, even workers, will join. But if they turn out to be beneficial for us, we will keep them.

Multiple rounds of talks between the government and farmers have failed to end the stalemate. The farmers have rejected an offer from the government to put the laws on hold for 18 months, saying they want a complete repeal.

The legislation is not clear on whether the government will continue to guarantee prices for certain essential crops  a system that was introduced in the 1960s to help India shore up its food reserves and prevent shortages.

Farmers also fear that the legislation signals the government is moving away from a system in which an overwhelming majority of farmers sell only to government-sanctioned marketplaces. They worry that will leave them at the mercy of corporations that will have no legal obligation to pay them the guaranteed price anymore.
Mumbai: Terming the voluminous 12,000-page charge sheet filed against Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik and 31 others as "expected", their lawyer Satish Maneshinde launched a sharp attack on the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), virtually accusing it of a witch-hunt, here on Saturday.

"All efforts of the NCB have been directed towards Rhea Chakraborty, to somehow rope her in. The entire NCB, from top to bottom was engaged in unearthing the drug angle in Bollywood," Maneshinde said.

"The charge sheet is a damp squib standing on the foundation of inadmissible evidence and statements recorded under NDPS Act Sec. 67 even after the Supreme Court judgement in the Toofan Singh case. Without Rhea Chakraborty being charged, this case has no substance," Maneshinde said.

Referring to the NCB' contentions in the charge sheet that it has seized various narcotic drugs (Charas, Ganja, LSD, Ecstasy) and psychotropic substances (Alprazolam and Clonazepam), the lawyer rubbished the federal drug agency's claims.

"The entire amount of 'Narcotic Substances' recovered against the 33 accused are nothing compared to what even a Constable in Mumbai Police or Narcotics Cell or the Airport Customs or other agencies recover from one raid or trap," Maneshinde pointed out.

Moreover, he said there's hardly any material against any known faces, who were paraded during the investigations, and wondered whether the allegations were false, or "only God knows the Truth".

The lawyer added that even the Bombay High Court did not find prima facie material at the stage of bail of the 'alleged' financing of drugs trade, as claimed by the NCB.

Maneshinde's strong reactions came a day after the NCB lodged its charge sheet -- a 11,700-page plus more in electronic format -- with the Special NDPS Court in Mumbai, signalling an end to the probe.

The NCB came into the picture in August 2020 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) stumbled on the drugs aspect of its probe into the financial angles surrounding the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14 at his rented duplex in Bandra, Mumbai.

Besides Rhea and Showik, the NCB has named the late actor's ex-manager Samuel Miranda, his domestic help Dipesh Sawant, a drug peddler Anuj Keshwani from whom a commercial quantity of drugs like LSD sheets and Marijuana) were first recovered.

Also figuring in the charge sheet are two foreigners -- actor Arjun Rampal's South African girlfriend and model Gabriella Demetriades, her brother Agisilaos Demetriades, besides Kshitij Prasad, a former executive producer with Dharma Productions, and two collegians, said to be the last-mile peddlers.

"We will have the last laugh Satyameva Jayate," an unfazed Maneshinde concluded.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore.  The Klamath County School District Board of Directors has lobbied Oregon officials to substantially reduce social distancing requirements that necessitate hybrid learning in their classrooms, arguing for the benefits of full-time in-person instruction.

KFSD's board approved a resolution on Thursday to urge the Oregon Department of Education for an adjustment  reducing the 35-square-foot per student requirement to 9-square-feet effective April 5. The district's schools are currently on a hybrid model, offering in-person instruction two days a week and distance learning for three days, and the reduction in required spacing would allow for full-time classroom learning.

Despite the efforts of our teachers, who are doing a phenomenal job, many of our students are struggling and their education and mental health is suffering, said Steve Lowell, chair of the KCSD Board of Directors. We are concerned prolonged distance learning may impede the ability of our students to master the skills they need to be successful.

The board promised that all other COVID-19 safety protocols would remain in place; masks, sanitizing, contact tracing, and quarantining cohorts when needed. There would be a fully-online option for families who are uncomfortable with the change.

KFSD's resolution suggests that schools could operate under this greatly reduced spacing if school employees have had the opportunity to get vaccinated, the remaining safety measures are left in place, there is no confirmed spread within the school, and the local public health authority has approved the school's plan.

According to the district, the resolution is supported by Klamath County Public Health director Jennifer Little, who penned a letter to accompany the resolution. Both are headed to Governor Kate Brown, ODE, and the Oregon Health Authority.

Schools are where communities turn for consistent, nurturing environments for children, Little wrote, citing concerns about distance learning on mental and behavioral health for local youth. A proactive return to campus will resonate throughout the lifetimes of students 

Governor Brown announced on Friday that she is directing schools throughout the state to embrace in-person learning  whether full-time or hybrid  by March 29 for K-5 students and April 19 for grade 6-12 students. Accompanying the directive was a promise that state officials will be revisiting some of the school guidelines by March 19, but no specific indication that existing safety protocols will dramatically change.

KCSD Superintendent Glen Szymoniak brought the resolution to the board  the fourth time since September that Szymoniak has petitioned the state for changes to its guidelines.

The resolution cited KCSD's success in bringing back K-3 and rural students for in-person instruction with "limited need to quarantine cohorts."
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Anita Massari remembers when her young daughter started talking about the novel coronavirus.

Airdrie came home from pre-K and said, Theres a virus thats in China thats going to be scary,' Massari said.

Airdrie, 5, was going to school four days a week at the time and her mother recalls picking her up on a Thursday in March and never going back.

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Since then, life has changed  in both little and big ways  for children across the state, nation and world.

Kristina Sowar, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of New Mexico, said the extent to which children have been affected by the socially-distanced world weve been in for a year will depend on their home life and age.

Some of the data as far as studies that are being conducted, and then drawing from prior studies looking at things like loneliness and social isolation, definitely would suggest that at least a fair amount of kids are experiencing pretty significant effects from it, she said.

A lot to process

Sowar noted children have gone through extensive change in a short time and its a lot to process.

Airdries 4-year-old sister, Florence, said she pictures the coronavirus as a straight fire that flies through the air and captures souls.

I feel uncomfortable talking about it  because I feel like its bad for the whole world, Florence said.

Airdrie highlighted the differences she sees in her daily life, such as having to wear a face mask when shes out in public and using hand sanitizer a lot more now. Shes also being home schooled for kindergarten  a move Massari was already thinking about pre-pandemic and ended up diving into when schooling went virtual.

Florence has noticed changes to her routine, too. She no longer gets to go to the library every week.

Potential trauma

In general, Sowar said the pandemic has led to social concerns for children in the 11-19 age group, such as impacts on self esteem; whereas effects on learning and peer engagement are more of a concern in younger kids.

The pandemic and the stressors that have arisen from it could lead to an increase in potentially traumatic events in kids, called adverse childhood experiences or ACEs.

Theres definitely been discussion in the field that this is likely or should be considered an ACE in various ways, Sowar said.

In the Massari home, the mother of two gets sad thinking about how much negativity and division the girls have seen in the world surrounding the pandemic and societal issues.

Sowar said children in the pre-middle school age group who experience more stress during the pandemic could show changes in their mood, behavior or anxiety levels.

Experts are keeping an eye out for any developmental disruptions resulting from fewer in-person interactions. Previous studies on more significant social isolation have found evidence of such disruption.

Its not to the point that clinically, were seeing a significant trend of speech or language or basic developmental concerns, especially for young babies and children, Sowar said. But I think there is more concern around social development  things like navigating interactions with peers, sharing or how kids play with one another, and how they learn about that as they get older. That is a piece that people are worried about.

For the 11-19 age group, Sowar said, social ramifications are top of mind because they are uniquely primed for social interactions at this stage.

Some children have experienced dramatic changes during life milestones: seniors finishing high school on the computer or freshmen starting college virtually.

We know its hard on the teenagers who are not getting a chance to see their friends or spend as much time socializing, Sowar said. And (we) are definitely seeing higher rates of anxiety, depression and, unfortunately, higher rates of suicidal ideation, and other self-harming and maladaptive coping strategies.

Sowar said the jury is out on longer-term effects, such as how kids will feel being around other children moving forward. In part, thats because theres not an apples-to-apples precedent to compare the pandemic to, especially when considering virtual interactions substituting for face-to-face socializing.

I think its still a little up in the air to what extent the current world  with things like online social connections and social media and other ways that this is being navigated  kind of offsets the relative in-person restrictions that we have, she said.

Still, child psychiatrists are bracing for any potentially increased levels of anxiety in kids about navigating the world post-pandemic.

For example, when we go back to school, that were going to see higher rates of  avoidance or anxiety about school, Sowar said.

If parents are worried about how the pandemic is affecting their child, Sowar said theyre encouraged to carve out some time to check in one-on-one. Its also beneficial to prioritize connecting with other people, she said, whether that be with an online group project or a Zoom with extended family.

We know stress levels are higher, and people are often being critical on themselves or anxious about all these potential negative outcomes. And theres so much we cant control with whats happening. And so I think we always try to help encourage families to be thinking about what are just little tangible things that they can do day to day, Sowar said.

Massari said shes grateful that living remotely in the Chama area has allowed a lot of the girls life to remain the same: getting outside as a family, preparing meals together and playing music.

Sowar also pointed out that some positives have been born from the pandemic. For some, its offered an insight into priorities and relationships.

For others, the silver linings are a little less philosophical. Florence said she kind of likes lock-down life, because it means more time at home watching movies.
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  The pandemic has exposed the inadequate water infrastructure and internet access in New Mexicos tribal communities. But the public health crisis has also sparked an influx of federal funds and local projects to connect more residents to clean water and the internet.

Improving water access

A year ago, officials began imploring people to stay home and wash their hands frequently to prevent spreading the coronavirus.

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Thats a difficult task on the Navajo Nation, where about 30% of homes do not have access to piped water, according to the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority.

The rapid spread of the virus has added urgency to existing water projects, said Emma Robbins, director of the DigDeep Navajo Water Project.

Weve been able to expand into new communities and pave the way for longer-term projects rather than only emergency relief work, Robbins said. A silver lining of COVID is that so many of these complex processes that usually have so much red tape have been expedited.

The organization has installed more than 700 water storage tanks in Navajo homes since June, and continues to truck water to remote homes and install handwashing stations near chapter houses.

Were also piloting a program where we help Navajo families get homesite leases, Robbins said. Its a really important document that can help families who are living so close to water lines get piped water in their homes.

DigDeep is part of the Navajo Nation COVID-19 Water Access Coordination Group, a partnership of 20 organizations led by the Indian Health Service.

The group is using $5.2 million from the CARES Act to install 59 free water access points across Navajo chapters, and provide millions of water disinfection tablets.

The funds are also helping supply 37,000 water storage containers to Navajo homes.

Rex Kontz, deputy general manager for the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, said the projects are a valuable use of the federal aid.

It just made it much easier to cope and deal with the restrictions, the need to shelter in home, minimize movement, and increase sanitation, Kontz said. Obviously water is a very important component of that.

IHS estimates that the initiative has decreased the average round-trip distance to access clean water in the Navajo chapters from 52 miles to 17 miles.

NTUA has drawn on an additional $130 million from the CARES Act for new water cisterns, septic tanks and well repairs.

An $8 million pipeline to connect the Navajo community of Tohajiilee to Albuquerques water supply could be in the near future, thanks to the CARES Act and a New Mexico Water Trust Fund appropriation.

Digital divide

A stark lack of reliable internet and electricity has become more apparent as New Mexicos Indigenous students continue to attend school remotely.

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission estimates that 46.6% of households on tribal lands have basic broadband access, compared to 92% of nontribal households.

The COVID-19 pandemic has magnified the need for broadband connectivity to meet the needs of our students, teachers, first responders and elders, said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

In October, the FCC granted 15 New Mexico tribes and pueblos broadband spectrum licenses as part of the Rural Tribal Priority Window program. The FCC had provided some pueblos, like Zuni, temporary use of an unassigned broadband spectrum early on in the pandemic due to increased demand.

And last week, the FCC announced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, which includes discounts for computers, tablets and broadband service for low-income tribal households.

The Navajo Nation was recently awarded $53 million through the FCCs E-Rate Program. The money will help install 600 miles of fiber optic lines to improve internet at 90 chapter houses and 53 Head Start facilities.

New Mexico Public Education Secretary Ryan Stewart said the funding will help get Navajo children the connectivity they need for the modern education they deserve.

These are our kids  New Mexico kids  and we have an obligation to meet their educational needs whether they go to public schools, tribal schools or Bureau of Indian Education schools, Stewart said.

The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has used CARES Act money for 139 broadband installations, 43 wifi hotspots, and four new broadband and cellphone towers.

Our Indigenous communities are definitely more in the spotlight right now, Robbins said. More people are learning of the inequities that exist here. Hopefully that attention will mean more progress, even once were past a global pandemic.

Theresa Davis is a Report for America corps member covering water and the environment for the Albuquerque Journal.
New Delhi, March 6 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu and Kerala once again.

On Sunday, Shah will visit both states that will go to polls on April 6. His visit is expected to give a big boost to the Bharatiya Janata Party's election campaign.

Shah will launch the Vijay Sankalp Mahasampark Yatra campaign in Tamil Nadu.

Party sources told IANS that the Union Home Minister will pay obeisance at the Suchindram Temple in Kanyakumari on Sunday. This program will be held at 10.20 a.m.

Later he will embark on the door-to-door campaign called 'Vijay Sankalp Mahasampark' in the Suchindram town of Kanyakumari. In this campaign, party workers will go from door-to-door to urge the people of Tamil Nadu to discuss the policies of the central government and the understand the vision of the BJP.

Shah will later lead a road show from Hindu College to Kamaraj Statue. The event will start at 11.15 a.m. He will address the workers at Uduppi Hotel in Kanyakumari at 12.30 p.m.

After this, the Union Minister will leave for neighbouring Kerala, where, he will visit Sri Ramakrishna Math in Thiruvananthapuram at 4.30 pm. Shah will also take part in the party's Kerala Vijay Yatra.

'We held hands and spent the day focusing on his breath. He was peaceful and comfortable, said his son, who said goodnight and fist-bumped his dad for the last time.
In November 2019, TheSmallBigIdea, a content-led digital agency, launched its localised content vertical  TSBI Bharat. The objective of TSBI Bharat was to focus on brands which have a linguistic and cultural focus in the heartland and south and address the exponentially growing regional audience through the language and platform they are most comfortable in.

The digital ad spends are heavily skewed towards the English speaking audience, according to RedSeer Consulting. In a report, the company found that although vernacular monetisable users will increase to ~320 million in 2023, making up to 85 per cent of the Internet population, they will only receive 25-30 per cent of the $10 billion digital advertising spends.

In conversation with Adgully, Harikrishnan Pillai, CEO and Co-Founder, TheSmallBigIdea, speaks about TSBI Bharat, how regional language speakers are influencing the Internet, and how brands are reaching these audiences.

What is the journey and experience of a regional language speaker on the Internet?

A few years back, irrespective of your purchasing power or intent, the regional audience had a tough time navigating through the Internet and especially if there was an English language filter. But today, due to regional language availability, voice search options, hardware adaptations, accessing regional content and access for regional audiences has increased predominantly. All estimates point to the fact that only 25 per cent of the Indian population speak in English. And there is a huge market that has the propensity to buy but is underserved. We launched TSBI Bharat in November 2019 for this exact same reason. To help brands get access to these regional audiences.

There has been a massive growth in Indian language content apps. Do these apps have the scale and reach that attracts advertising dollars?

Definitely. Regional newspapers, TV channels and radio stations have existed, so why not regional digital apps? They perform a similar role to entertain, engage and inform. There will always be potential for a regional app to exist, to get traction and attract advertisers. More importantly, its easier for these apps to scale outside of India. There is a huge Indian diaspora in many countries with a demand for regional content. This makes for a very attractive advertising proposition.

Will creator driven platforms be the sole digital touchpoint to reach Tier 3 and 4 audiences? Hence, will influencer marketing, content marketing be the most effective solutions to reach these audiences?

Influencer based applications are easier to launch and use. Also, they are being used by the digitally native youngsters, who are the first movers in any tech category. But as things adapt, we will see the demographics changing with older, mature audience sets with purchasing power coming onto these platform. It might be to consume local news, connect with local community or just consume content in their own language. Eventually all these apps will move to be super apps.

What has been the growth of TSBI Bharat since it launched in November 2019?

TSBI Bharat was launched in November 2019 with an intention to help regional and national brands targeting regional audience in the language they are most comfortable in. Our strategy is simple. We hired cultural experts from local markets and they are placed there as they service the brand. Our strong research and analytics wing supplies primary and secondary data to the Bharat team, which is merged with solid storytelling. Currently, 20 per cent of our social media revenue is generated from TSBI Bharat. With clients from Bihar, Punjab and Maharashtra, the requirement for content in Hindi language has become sharper for brands. We are also working for non-media brands who are big players in the regional space. Today, we have a diverse workforce coming from all parts of the country with great talent, which gives everyone an edge.

What gamut of solutions are you offering clients to reach the regional audience?

With the platforms playing similar roles, the biggest differentiation and hence our biggest offering is customised regional narratives. We have regional experts on board, who not only are language experts but have a very sound cultural understanding. Our second core offering is regional creators, who have an intense following and traction in these markets.

Digital penetration in Bharat is led by mobile devices. A mobile app based environment is more closed compared to a browser led desktop. What challenges does that pose for digital marketing strategy?

Mobile based app experiences provide higher personalised and meaningful time spent. So, overall its a big win for marketers. For restrictions attributed to a small screen can be easily circumvented through great user design.

What is the ask from clients who want to reach regional audiences via digital (awareness, consideration, sales)?

The clients first ask is that they want to reach out to the regional youngsters, the audience set absolutely unavailable on the traditional formats. They want to constantly engage with them. The second ask is a more nuanced and contextualised approach. They want to hyper-regionalise the communication, an intent which helps them get closer to the brands.

What kinds of clients are interested in reaching these audiences today? Do they have a long view strategy for winning over these audiences?

There are two types of clients. First being regional brands who are selling products in regional markets and second are national players who have focus in those regional markets. For the national brands they want to capture regional markets and for the regional brands want to consolidate their presence. Then there are media clients who are building platforms on the back of regional content for advertisers to eventually use them to reach out.
Chumash officials confirmed via social media on Friday that the casino would not shutter, as the order does not affect tribal casinos across California, although its three hotels  including Hotel Corque, Hadsten House and resort hotel  would close.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka.

Wednesday, March 3

8:27 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Larkin Township location for a car-deer crash.

8:02 p.m.  Deputies responded to Lee Township regarding a loose dog that gained access to a neighbor's chicken coop and killed 11 chickens. Deputies made contact with the dog owner and the issue was handled civilly between all parties involved. The owner of the chickens declined prosecution.

7:55 p.m.  A deputy responded to a Warren Township location for two larceny from automobile complaints. One catalytic converter was stolen and another was damaged. The total value of parts stolen/damaged is estimated at $600. There are no suspects at this time.

6:32 p.m.  Officers responded to an intoxicated driver in the area of west U.S.-10 and the Ashman Street overpass.

3:50 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Eastman Avenue and North Saginaw Road.

2:38 p.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the 300 block of South Saginaw Road.

12:28 p.m.  Officers responded to a crash causing injuries in the area of Eastman Avenue and North Saginaw Road.

9:21 a.m.  Deputies responded to a two-vehicle crash in Lee Township.

8:44 a.m.  Officers responded to a car-deer crash in Lee Township.

8:16 a.m.  Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Warren Township.

7:44 a.m.  Deputies responded to a vehicle crash in Edenville Township.

6:46 a.m.  Officers responded to a trespassing complaint in the 6700 block of Eastman Avenue.

Tuesday, March 2

8:37 p.m.  Deputies responded to the Midland ER regarding an overdose that occurred at an address in Warren Township. Deputies made contact with a 27-year-old Midland woman, who stated she overdosed on fentanyl. Paramedics were able to provide medical assistance and the subject was in stable condition.

7:33 p.m.  A deputy responded to a car-deer crash that occurred on a Larkin Township roadway.

1:02 p.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Lincoln Township.

12:46 p.m.  An Animal Control deputy received a complaint of neighbors' dogs biting each other. The neighbors disagree on whose property the bite occurred, and both parties were advised to take steps necessary to prevent their dogs from leaving their property.

12:27 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to Homer Township after a 27-year-old Jerome Township male found an open window at a residence he was house-sitting. It is believed the window was left open the night prior during a separate incident that deputies investigated.

6:58 a.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Lincoln Township.

6:45 a.m.  Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Lincoln Township.

2:18 a.m.  While investigating a 21-year-old homeless woman on an unrelated complaint, it was discovered the woman had entered the home of a 27-year-old Homer Township man without his permission. The man was contacted and said the woman was not supposed to be there, and he wished to proceed with charges. The woman was removed from the home and a report has been forwarded to the courts for review.

1:39 a.m.  Officers responded to a heroin overdose in the 2900 block of Ronan Drive.
In view of the rising coronavirus cases, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed the state authorities to make it mandatory for the travellers coming from Maharashtra to carry a negative COVID- 19 test report. Chouhan issued the directives in this regard during a meeting held on Friday, an official statement said.

"It will be mandatory for the travellers coming from Maharashtra to carry a negative report for coronavirus infection. The responsibility for this will be with the bus operators, who will allow passengers to board the bus only on the basis of the report," Chouhan said. Adequate arrangements should be made for checking along the the state's border areas, he said.

Chouhan said that the number of coronavirus cases in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Betul, Chhindwara, Ujjain and the state's districts bordering Maharashtra, has been on the rise. He also said that the situation in all the districts along the Maharashtra border should be monitored constantly.

The chief minister expressed the possibility of imposition of night curfew in Indore and Bhopal- the two cities in the state that are worst-affected by the pandemic. "The coronavirus infection in Bhopal and Indore is continuously rising. If there is no drop in the COVID-19 cases in the next three days, then night curfew will be imposed in Bhopal and Indore from March 8," Chouhan said.

The coronavirus cases in Indore have almost doubled over the last fortnight. Hence, there is a need to pay special attention in Indore and Bhopal, the chief minister said. On Friday, six persons in Indore district were found infected with the UK variant of coronavirus. These patients - all of them males aged between 19 and 49 years - had no history of foreign travel, an official had said.

Madhya Pradesh on Friday reported 457 COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 2,63,747, health officials said. With 176 new cases, Indore's caseload went up to 60,386, while that of Bhopal rose to 44,474 with the addition of 77 cases. Indore has so far reported 933 deaths and Bhopal 618.

ALso read: SC to hear cases in hybrid manner from March 15; all you need to know
The moment I realised what we were up against was when a student nurse, who had just spent a year on the Covid front line, told me that she wouldnt have the vaccine because it might prevent her from becoming a mother in the future.

She was 21 and already in her third year of nursing. But she had been told the vaccines trigger an immune reaction which could damage the placenta in a pregnant woman  something that was entirely incorrect.

I was surprised. I expect this kind of misinformation from patients, not from a fellow medic, who had heard it from her mother.

I took time to explain the science to her and made her promise two things. First, that she would have the jab, and second, that she would tell her family, to encourage them to follow her lead.

Dr Amir Khan says he was surprised to hear misinformation from a fellow medic, not just from patients

This is the challenge we face in overcoming vaccine hesitancy in ethnic- minority communities, because that student nurse, who is from a South Asian background, is far from alone.

I recently bumped into an acquaintance from my gym, a fit-looking man of Afro-Caribbean heritage in his 60s. He told me he was too scared to have the vaccine. We dont know the long-term consequences, he told me.

I attempted to allay his fears, saying any side effects of vaccines present themselves earlier, not later, and they are almost always mild. He didnt look convinced. I continued: You and I are both from an ethnic minority background. The consequence of not having the jab, and catching Covid, is that we risk getting very sick.

My work as a GP in a busy, inner-city Bradford practice has seen me touring care homes to vaccinate residents. Here again, among the most vulnerable members of society, I found vaccine hesitancy. One elderly lady, from a South Asian community, said her daughter had told her not to have the jab because it contained chimpanzee cells.

This isnt quite as nuts as it sounds, because the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab does contain a genetically modified vector virus  which carries the vaccine into the human body  that causes the common cold in chimpanzees. However, it is not made of the apes cells or any other animal matter. Even so, you can see how misinformation has arisen.

I told the lady that my mum, the redoubtable Mama Khan who is a very strict Muslim, has had the jab. She knows it does not contain pork gelatine, animal cells or alcohol.

Having seen the damage done to ethnic minority communities by the pandemic, if I have to convert people one by one I certainly will.

I remember the very first weekend of vaccinations when I injected 100 people over a 48-hour shift. By the end, I was exhilarated but bothered: everyone I had vaccinated had been white.

Analysis by the Royal College of GPs revealed that 90.6 per cent of all Britons who had been vaccinated by the beginning of February had been white. This is deeply troubling, given that people from minority backgrounds have been impacted worse during the pandemic, in terms of numbers infected, severity of illness, hospital admissions and death.

So why are people so hesitant? The answer lies in a wide range of reasons, from fake news to issues of religion. Social problems, economic deprivation, and a language  or at least a communications  barrier all play their part, too.

The most up-to-date information about vaccines is usually broadcast on mainstream media channels. But these are often inaccessible to anyone whose main language is not English. This can mean they rely on social media or other third parties for information, which may be incorrect, misleading or a conspiracy theory.

The problem, however, dates long before Covids arrival.

Studies of the uptake of routine childhood immunisations show they have been lower in these communities. And according to Macmillan Cancer Support, cancer screening is, generally, less utilised by minority groups than by people from the white population.

Inevitably we are now witnessing an attitude, prevalent online, that goes: Well, if people dont want the vaccine, why are we bothering.

But I believe this is a terrible mistake. It is not about stubbornness, it is about fear born of inequality and social deprivation. Having grown up working-class in Bradford, I understand the issues. There are invisible barriers and obstacles in daily life only experienced by those from minority ethnic backgrounds. These groups feel unfairly treated during this pandemic. They believe the Government was too slow to recognise ethnicity as a risk factor, and the official response is judged lukewarm at best.

The spikes in infection rates in cities such as Leicester, Bradford and Blackburn, triggering local lockdowns, were most likely due to social deprivation, overcrowded housing (a major factor) and the many people there who are in low-paid key-worker jobs.

Despite making up only 15 per cent of the population, people from minority ethnic backgrounds constitute 22 per cent of those living in the most socially deprived areas.

Bangladeshi people account for 24 per cent of overcrowded households in the UK, compared with two per cent of the white British population. Unemployment rates in black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities are approximately double the national average.

These factors, in turn, have a negative impact on health and the NHS.

Significantly, too, changes to local lockdown restrictions coincided with the start of religious holidays, and it felt as though ethnic minorities were suffering disproportionately. For example, my mother was distraught when told last July that we wouldnt be able to celebrate Eid as a family because of new restrictions that were brought in for Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire on the night before Eid itself.

When we talk about the lower uptake rates in minority ethnic groups, it can feel as though they are being blamed for it.

There is little understanding as to why these groups feel marginalised and why they have been reluctant to be vaccinated.

It was often said early on in the pandemic that Covid was the great equaliser. Nothing could be further from the truth. The pandemic has hit those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds the hardest. Existing divisions have widened, be it age, gender, social deprivation, education or jobs.

Now, though, we have something that can unite us all: the vaccine.

The Covid jab, not the virus, is the great equaliser.

lDr Amir Khan is the author of The Doctor Will See You Now (Penguin) and an ambassador for The Good Grief Trust.

We must have a grown-up debate about Covid, culture and race - or thousands more will die

By Dan Hodges

The cartoon was striking. A hapless Boris Johnson belatedly locking a barn door with a giant syringe, as an army of green Covid mutants ran amok behind him. Border Farce, said a sign drawn on the side of the ramshackle stable.

But even more significant than the message was the messenger. The attack on the Prime Minister for being insufficiently swift in closing the nations borders appeared in Mondays Guardian. The in-flight magazine of the liberal elite was castigating a Conservative government for failing to construct Fortress Britain.

It was an image that again exposed the hypocrisy of Britains self-styled progressives. When Sajid Javid and Priti Patel moved to end the cross-Channel trade in human misery, there was outrage. Then Covid arrived, and it suddenly became clear it wouldnt just be Dover and Folkestone that bore the impact of a vaccine-busting coronavirus strain. At which point the plea for openness and tolerance was replaced with a demand to rapidly slam down the shutters.

Do we actually want an honest conversation about Covid, immigration and race?

But it has also highlighted another issue. Do we actually want an honest conversation about Covid, immigration and race? At the start of the pandemic, the answer was No. It was a national crisis and we would confront it together.

But then attitudes shifted. There was evidence that Britains black and Asian communities were being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. A public inquiry was called for. London Mayor Sadiq Khan claimed the Government needed to look at the link between Covid deaths and a hostile environment created by Ministers. Matt Hancock said the concerns were particularly timely because right across the world, people are angry about racial injustice. And I get that. Black lives matter.

But then the debate shifted again. As the Government embarked on its whack-a-mole strategy, people began to perceive a connection between areas with large ethnic-minority communities and higher rates of Covid. Tory MP Craig Whittaker broke cover, and claimed Test And Trace data showed that members of the Muslim community within his Calder Valley constituency were not taking the pandemic seriously enough.

Whittaker was duly pounced upon. Drawing a link between Covid and ethnicity was now deemed unacceptable. He was branded a racist.

That was until a few weeks later, when Greater Manchester Police suddenly declared a major incident as a result of soaring infections in its region. The biggest increase in rates were, according to local health officials, within the white community. Manchester Covid outbreak a warning to complacent white middle class, screamed the headlines. Linking Covid and race was now legitimate after all.

The reality is that the truth about the spread and impact of Covid within Britains ethnic-minority communities is complex. For example, the latest Government data shows that during the first wave, the risk of death from Covid was greater for all minority ethnic groups. In the second wave this was true only for those of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani heritage. But some facts are uncontested. Infection rates and deaths have indeed been higher among Britains ethnic minorities, sometimes to a staggering level. One Minister told me they have data showing infection rates of 67 per cent within the Orthodox Jewish community.

A number of the reasons for this disparity align comfortably with progressive sentiment. Low-income households. Poor-quality, high-density housing. Low-wage employment, where there is no opportunity to work from home. But a number of others do not. Cultural issues surrounding isolating and social distancing. An inability of non-English-speakers to understand Covid safety and health advice. An attempt to lump all ethnic-minority groups under a single convenient heading of BAME, and engage with them accordingly. Workplace tensions created by a backlash against risk-assessments focused on black and Asian workers.

But regardless of these facts, the terms of the discourse have been set. So long as the discussion about Covid and ethnicity can be channelled through the prism of overt or structural racism, everything is fine. But as soon it strays towards cultural factors within the impacted communities themselves, a conspiracy of silence descends.

All of which would be another frustrating, but fairly typical, example of our skewed modern dialogue over race. Except for this. That conspiracy of silence is now leading us towards a catastrophe of silence.

Everyone has been lauding the vaccine rollout. But the vaccination figures within the black and Asian community are horrific. Black vaccine take-up is half of that of the white community. In the Asian community its two-thirds.

But again, these basic facts have to be channelled through a prism of political correctness. A BMJ report last week hit the usual liberal tropes. An erosion of trust through systemic racism and discrimination. Previous unethical healthcare research in black populations. Negative experiences within a culturally insensitive healthcare system. These, the paper claimed, were all legitimate concerns, before helpfully adding that a failure of public health messaging meant vaccine hesitancy was a legitimate viewpoint.

Its not a legitimate viewpoint. And the primary failure of public health messaging is now from those progressives who  in a reckless and self-serving effort to paraded their anti-racist credentials  keep pretending it is. This morning Britains black and Asian communities find themselves at the centre of a propaganda double whammy. From the anti-vaxxers who are targeting them as part of their deranged campaign. And from the preening liberals who want to use Covid as the latest super-weapon in World War Woke.

The anti-vaxxers are beyond reason. So the only hope is that for once in their lives the self-styled progressives will shut up, take a step back and stop infantilising Britains ethnic minorities. And grasp these three realities.

First, that time is almost up. On June 21, lockdown will end. The country will reopen. And at that moment any community  regardless of colour or creed  that has turned its back on the vaccine will have issued an open invitation for Covid to come ripping through it.

The second is that the cavalry is not coming over the hill. There will be no preferential treatment for anyone. Those who have been calling for black and Asian communities to be raised up the vaccine priority list, or for door-to-door vaccinations to reach economically and racially disadvantaged households, can save their breath. The opportunity for vaccination is there for all. And Boris Johnson and his Ministers are only too well aware of the political implications of being seen to change the rules now.

The final reality is this. The only way to defeat the anti-vax propagandists is the way we always defeat propaganda  with hard truths and harder facts. And this is the hard truth that needs to be delivered. Every single one of us who can, needs to take the vaccine. We live in a free society, one that will stop short of legal compulsion. But despite that  indeed because of it  we each have an even greater obligation to ourselves and to our neighbours.

There can be no excuses. No cultural excuse. No historic excuse. No religious excuse.

Because if people try to rationalise and embrace the argument that vaccine hesitancy is legitimate, then people are going to die. Some of those who reject the vaccine will die. Some members of their family will die. And a lot of people in their communities will die. This is the message that needs to be delivered. To black and Asian Britain, just as it has to be delivered to everyone else.

In 2021, we will not pursue multiculturalism at the expense of thousands of needless Covid deaths. And if we dont explain that patiently and clearly, but instead choose at this life-or-death moment to again suffocate our ethnic minorities beneath a blanket of victimhood, then Matt Hancock will have been proven wrong. Black lives wont matter after all.
[March 05, 2021] LEIDOS HOLDINGS SHAREHOLDER ALERT by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Reminds Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Leidos Holdings, Inc. - LDOS

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until May 3, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS), if they purchased the Company's securities between May 4, 2020 and February 23, 2021, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. What You May Do If you purchased securities of Leidos and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-ldos/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by May 3, 2021.



About the Lawsuit Leidos and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On February 23, 2021, the Company disclosed disappointing 4Q and full year 2020 financial results, including only $163 million in sales (or $326 million annualized), falling well short of the projected $500 million sales, and expected cash flow of $850 million, well below analyst estimates of $1.083 billion. On this news, shares of Leidos fell $10.29, or 9.91%, to close at $93.51 per share on February 23, 2021. The case is Morton v. Leidos Holdings, Inc., et al., 1:21-cv-01911. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005615/en/

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Astronomers have discovered a new alien world that could help them study the atmosphere of rocky planets.

The exoplanet Gliese 486 b was found circling a dim red dwarf star 26 light-years from Earth. It's about 30 percent the size of our sun, according to Mike Wall with Space.com.

'SPACE HURRICANES': Yes, 'space hurricanes' are a thing, according to a new study

Gliese 486 b hurtles around its host star once every 1.47 Earth days, according to Wall.

The exoplanet is "the third-closest such "transiting" alien world known  and the closest one that orbits a red dwarf with a measured mass," Wall wrote.

According to a new study by Trifon Trifonov of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy, the atmosphere of the exoplanet is hot enough to be studied from Earth.

"This combination "of physical and orbital characteristics of Gliese 486 b makes it the 'Rosetta Stone' for atmospheric investigations of rocky exoplanets," Trifonov told Wall.

The Rosetta Stone is a discovery made in 1799 that aided scientists in translating Egyptian hieroglyphics, according to Owen Jarus with Live Science.

Trifonov and his colleagues discovered the Gliese 486 b at the Calar Alto Observatory in Spain, according to Wall. The astronomers used a CARMENES spectrograph instrument placed on a 3.5-meter telescope to find the exoplanet.

The astronomers and NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) studied the Gliese 486 for signs of being an alien planet in the system. Data collected from CARMENES and the spectrograph MAROON-X confirmed it was, according to Wall.

The composition of Gliese 486 b is described in more detail by the astronomers in their new study published on March 4 in the journal Science.

"Future observations of Gliese 486 b will help us understand how well rocky planets can hold their atmospheres, what they are made of" and how they're influenced by stellar radiation," Trifonov said.
Executive Editor Christine Peterson answers your questions and takes your complaints about The Californians news coverage in this weekly feedback forum. Questions may be edited for space and clarity. To offer your input by phone, call 661-395-7649 and leave your comments in a voicemail message or email us at soundoff@bakersfield.com. Please include your name and phone number.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  Zamboanga Peninsula has recorded its first COVID-19 B.1.1.7 variant first found in the United Kingdom, the Department of Health-Zamboanga Peninsula reported on Saturday.

In an advisory, DOH-Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development said the patient is a 29-year-old female domestic helper from Barangay Malintuoban in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte. She has since been discharged from quarantine after recovering from the virus, the local health officials said.

After returning from Abu Dhabi on February 8, the patient developed a fever with cough and was immediately swabbed for a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR test. The test came out positive on February 13. She underwent ten days of quarantine at Summit Hotel in Manila, the Zamboanga center said.

On February 24, she arrived in the municipality of Labason, Zamboanga via Philippines Airlines flight PR 4997 and was placed on strict home quarantine for five days with no other company in her residence. She was released from quarantine on March 2, as directed by the municipality's rural health unit.

"The patient has been asymptomatic since her arrival in the Municipality of Labason and up to the present day," DOH Zamboanga Peninsula said.

Authorities continue to work closely with Labason LGU to ensure timely and effective measures are in place to mitigate transmission, it added.

"On-going active surveillance thru follow-up has been conducted and contact tracing is ongoing."

There are now 118 total cases of the B.1.1.7 variant in the country, with 31 new cases added to the list, DOH reported on Friday. Meanwhile, cases of the B.1.351 variant that was first detected in South Africa have also risen to 58, with 52 new cases to date.
Wrecking things for everyone: Why dont we take whatever wall money has been left by the Trump administration and build a wall all the way around Texas and Mississippi? When we are this close to getting our country back to normal and vaccinated, now they decide is the time to lift all restrictions and have no more mask wearing in their states. Thats crazy. Its just a matter of another couple of months and theyre going to wreck it for the rest of the country.
NEW DELHI - Thousands of Indian farmers blocked a massive expressway on the edges of New Delhi on Saturday to mark the 100th day of protests against agricultural laws that they say will devastate their income.

Indian farmer Dilbagh Singh returns homewards after harvesting fresh peas from his farm in village Samrodha, in the northern Indian state of Haryana Friday, March 5, 2021. Saturday marks 100 days of the ongoing farmer protests against the contentious new agricultural reform laws which have led tens of thousands of farmers to blockade key highways leading to the capital. Multiple rounds of talks have failed to produce any breakthrough on the farmers' key demand to revoke the legislation. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

NEW DELHI - Thousands of Indian farmers blocked a massive expressway on the edges of New Delhi on Saturday to mark the 100th day of protests against agricultural laws that they say will devastate their income.

Farmers stood on tractors and waved colorful flags while their leaders chanted slogans via a loudspeaker atop a makeshift stage.

Thousands of them have hunkered down outside New Delhis borders since late November to voice their anger against three laws passed by Parliament last year. Prime Minister Narendra Modis government says the laws are necessary to modernize agriculture, but farmers say they will leave them poorer and at the mercy of big corporations.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha, or Joint Farmers Front, said the blockade would last five hours. It is not our hobby to block roads, but the government is not listening to us. What can we do? said Satnam Singh, a member of the group.

The farmers have remained undeterred even after violence erupted on Jan. 26 during clashes with police that left one protester dead and hundreds injured. But they could soon run into problems.

For 100 days, Karnal Singh has lived inside the back of a trailer along a vast stretch of arterial highway that connects Indias north with New Delhi. He camped outside the capital when it was under the grip of winter and smog. Now the city is bracing for scorching summer temperatures that can hit 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

But Singh, like many other farmers, is unfazed and plans to stay until the laws are completely withdrawn.

We are not going anywhere and will fight till the end, Singh, 60, said Friday, as he sat cross-legged inside a makeshift shelter in the back of his truck.

The mood at the Singhu border, one of the protest sites, was boisterous on Friday, with many farmers settling into their surroundings for the long haul.

Huge soup kitchens that feed thousands daily were still running. Farmers thronged both sides of the highway and hundreds of trucks have been turned into rooms, fitted with water coolers in preparation for the summer. Electric fans and air conditioners are also being installed in some trailers.

Farmers say the protests will spread across the country soon. The government, however, is hoping many of them will return home once Indias major harvesting season begins at the end of the month.

Karanbir Singh dismissed such concerns. He said their community, including friends and neighbours back in the villages, would tend to farms while he and others carried on with the protests.

Well help each other to make sure no farm goes unharvested, Singh said.

But not all farmers are against the laws. Pawan Kumar, a fruit and vegetable grower and ardent Modi supporter, said he was ready to give them a chance.

If they (the laws) turn out to not benefit us, then we will protest again, he said. "We will jam roads, and make that protest even bigger. Then more common people, even workers, will join. But if they turn out to be beneficial for us, we will keep them.

Multiple rounds of talks between the government and farmers have failed to end the stalemate. The farmers have rejected an offer from the government to put the laws on hold for 18 months, saying they want a complete repeal.

The legislation is not clear on whether the government will continue to guarantee prices for certain essential crops  a system that was introduced in the 1960s to help India shore up its food reserves and prevent shortages.

Farmers also fear that the legislation signals the government is moving away from a system in which an overwhelming majority of farmers sell only to government-sanctioned marketplaces. They worry that will leave them at the mercy of corporations that will have no legal obligation to pay them the guaranteed price anymore.

Associated Press videojournalist Rishabh R. Jain contributed to this report.
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New Delhi:

The financier Zahoor Ahmad Watali, who has been arrested in J&K terror funding case, used to get money from Dubai, Pakistan and even through Pakistan High Commission in India, say NIA sources.

As per reports, Zahoor used to provide money to separatists and got 8-9 per cent commission. Hurriyat leader SAS Geelani's son Naseem Gilani also received money from Pakistan and Dubai for terror funding.

Earlier on Thursday, the National Investigation Agency arrested financier Zahoor Ahmad Shah Watali in connection with J&K terror funding case.

Zahoor Watali was questioned by the NIA regarding his dubious financial transaction details and property-related records. He will be produced before the Special NIA Judge at Patiala House Courts on Friday.

The arrest has been followed by searches conducted by the NIA on Wednesday at multiple locations in Srinagar, Handwara, Kupwara and Baramulla belonging to the relatives and employees of Zahoor Watali.

The searches have disclosed highly incriminating material pertaining to receipt of funds by Zahoor Watali from foreign sources and its further distribution to the terrorists and separatists in Kashmir valley for anti-India activities.

Earlier in June, the NIA had conducted search in Zahoor Watalis house in Srinagar and seized documents related to financial transactions and land deals.

Zahoor Watali was arrested by Police in 1990 when some anti-national activists were found present in his house. In the year 2009, Zahoor Watali was accused of illegal encroachment of land and assault, and a case was registered against him.

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Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
NEW YORK, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lowey Dannenberg P.C., a preeminent law firm in obtaining redress for consumers and investors, is investigating a potential breach of fiduciary duty claim involving the board of directors of Capital One Financial Corporation (Capital One or the Company) (NYSE: COF).



If you are a long-term shareholder of Capital One and wish to participate, learn more, or discuss the issues surrounding the investigation, please contact Andrea Farah by phone at (914) 733-7256, or via email at afarah@lowey.com or at investigations@lowey.com.

About Lowey Dannenberg

Lowey Dannenberg is a national firm representing institutional and individual investors who suffered financial losses resulting from corporate fraud and malfeasance in violation of federal securities and antitrust laws. The firm has significant experience in prosecuting multi-million-dollar lawsuits and had previously recovered billions of dollars on behalf of investors.
The Bachelor alum Taylor Nolan's offensive tweets have led to 'multiple complaints' being filed against her with the Washington State Department Of Health.

Nolan, 27, posted the tweets in 2011 and 2012 but they were unearthed this week, causing a furious backlash online.

As she is a licensed mental health counselor in Washington, the complaints have been directed to that state's health department, a spokesperson for the government agency revealed to E! News on Friday.

Embattled: The Bachelor alum Taylor Nolan's offensive tweets have led to 'multiple complaints' being filed against her with the Washington State Department Of Health

Gordon MacCracken, the spokesperson in question, clarified that although a formal investigation has not been opened the complaints are regarded 'seriously.'

He noted that the grievances are 'in connection with the issues that recently arose' and are currently 'under assessment,' with 'patient safety' as the 'top priority.'

MacCracken pointed out that Nolan has had no disciplinary problems with the health department since she became licensed in 2016, and he told E! News: 'In short, this is in the early stages, and we can't predict what the result may be.'

He told Page Six that 'not all complaints lead to us opening cases' and said the 'facts of the case' would determine whether charges are filed.

'None of the things I said were okay': Earlier this week Nolan issued an apology after a series of racist tweets she posted in 2011 and 2012 came to light

Nolan's worst case scenario in the event that there are charges is 'license suspension or revocation,' but 'dismissal or withdrawal of charges' would also be a possibility.

E! News and Page Six each reached out to a representative for Nolan and in each case the representative declined to comment.

In an Instagram apology posted earlier this week Nolan claimed the tweets were dug up not 'in good faith' by 'anti-woke' Bachelor fans, and addressed her apology specifically to those targeted by her tweets.

Called out: The reality star, 24, faced major backlash this past week after the offensive tweets resurfaced, prompting the Bachelor In Paradise star to address the incident on her Instagram account, where she posted both a written and video statement

'I have been being attacked and harassed online for weeks,' she began. 'My video earlier wasn't concise because I didn't feel like I could even have a day to process everything that was coming my way. At the time of the video I only had seen the tweets towards BIPOC communities but obviously have hurt many outside of that. Close to every marginalized group, honestly!

'Because of all of what I said in my video and because of the environment I was in, and that still doesn't excuse it or justify it which is why I do the work I do today and for the last several years.

'This is nuanced and there is a lot to unpack. These tweets were not surfaced in good faith and were in direct opposition to the work I do today for all those communities who were hurt by my tweets, and I wanted to fight against that.

'Folks who were upset at the standard bachelor Reddit page covering politics and advocating for BIPOC contestants created their own subreddit that is essentially the "anti-woke" bachelor Reddit. I do not apologize to you. None of this is for you. You are relentless and I will not let you continue to cause harm. None of this was to help those communities but to create chaos and distraction.

Issuing an apology: Nolan addressed the controversy on her Instagram account with a lengthy statement

'These are people who surfaced the tweets in attempt to invalidate and distract from the work being done. They've been harassing me and trolling me, and I didn't want to give them that so I felt hesitant to apologizing and making them feel like they're right. I didn't want to distract from the actual work around racial justice and bachelor franchise that I'm doing and so many others are doing.

'I have to get so specific in just speaking to the folks who I have hurt because y'all are who I care about. You have every right to be upset at me to feel shocked and disappointed in me, please know that i know that there is valid space for that. I know I've hurt every group out there, from LGBTQ to disabled community to black, to Asian people, the list goes on!

'None of the things I said were okay. Period. I hated myself and fully absorbed those harmful messages we all have grown up with in this culture and that's where those came from. The things in my tweets were all wrong, and I fight against them today.

'Please know that I stand with you in fighting against people who currently hold those harmful perspectives like in my tweets. I have acknowledged these harmful perspectives, discussed where I have for example perpetuated fat phobia in the past, and it will always be an ongoing daily work because those things are embedded in our culture.

'For those who have been open to me, who have supported my work, please know that I will always be open to doing what I can to support you and to showing that work along the way.

'I know I will always be a student and will always have new things to unlearn and learn. I am dedicated to this work and I hope my work will allow for forgiveness and acceptance of my change on your part. I will have more in the future, per usual! I just need some space.'

In her Instagram stories, Taylor re-iterated the intended recipient of her apology writing: 'To the marginalized people that my old tweets have hurt disappointed or broken trust with, I see you and I AM SO DEEPLY sorry.'

Past mistakes: Some of Taylor's unearthed tweets are seen here

In her Instagram stories, Taylor re-iterated the intended recipient of her apology writing: 'To the marginalized people that my old tweets have hurt disappointed or broken trust with, I see you and I AM SO DEEPLY sorry'

Bachelor Nation first met Taylor on Nick Viall's season of The Bachelor in 2017, where she famously tiffed with controversial contestant Corinne Olympios over her 'emotional intelligence.'

Though it did not work out with Nick, Taylor did find love with Derek Peth on the following season of Bachelor In Paradise, where she became engaged.

The couple called it quits less than a year later.
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DARLINGTON  Just 150 yards away from where the likes of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt once celebrated hard-fought victories, Emily Adams couldnt help but get choked up. She knows that March 5 will go down as the most important day in the long history of Darlington Raceway.

As hundreds of cars made their way onto the racetrack, it represented a new chase to the finish line  in the form of 5,400 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.

In one day, thousands of lives changed.

Today, this is our redemption, said Adams, vice president of patient services with McLeod Health, which partnered with the raceway to put on South Carolinas largest single-day vaccination event to date.

In five days, McLeod Health has administered 10,800 doses across two mass vaccination events, the first a two-day stint at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center that was limited to those in Phase 1A, which includes health care workers and those 65 and older.

On Friday, with the blessing of Gov. Henry McMaster, those in Phase 1B  those 55 and up, essential workers and people with underlying health conditions  were vaccinated for the first time. McLeod officials estimated nearly 4,500 were from the newly eligible group  with the rest of the state needing to wait until March 8 to try to find an appointment.

With appointments lagging on March 2, McMaster worked with McLeod officials to make the announcement that Phase 1B would eligible to get the vaccine at Darlington, with more than 4,000 signing up in a 30-hour period, providing a sellout at a venue quite used to them.

It also kept many from making the trek to neighboring states to get the vaccine, including Georgia, North Carolina and even Louisiana.

Romalis Dorris and his wife, Cheryl, had booked appointments in the Bayou State and had been planning to drive all the way there Friday from their home in Lugoff until they were able to score spots at the Darlington event.

Ive been looking forward to this day, to getting back to some kind of normal life, said Romalis Dorris, 60, who works at the nuclear plant in Hartsville. We havent been to a restaurant or church since last March.

Its going to feel good to start living again, said Cheryl Dorris, 62.

While teachers from Florence 1 were a common sight, some came from as far away as Horry County, where plans were still not firm as to when vaccinations would occur locally  although Conway Medical Center announced late March 5 that it would begin the process on March 12.

Horry County Schools kindergarten teacher Cori Canada had planned to travel to North Carolina next week to get her vaccination but switched gears after hearing positive feedback about McLeod-run events.

She left the racetrack impressed by how smoothly the event was run, providing a positive experience after a negative year for so many.

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I traveled because I wasnt sure how long the rollout would take for HCS, Canada said.

Cathy Ahlschlanger, 59, cried with excitement when her appointment was confirmed.

In a few weeks, Ahlschlanger said shes planning to visit her 85-year-old mother, whos about to get her second vaccine shot in Florida.

Ive been very emotional because weve definitely followed the protocol, we have not been in a restaurant, we have not been able to socialize, and we retired to be social, Ahlschlanger said. Its been a rough year. Thank goodness for Zoom, but I need a hug.

And smiles were a lot more prevalent throughout the day, from the approximately 350 volunteers working the 10-hour shift to the legion of politicians who arrived midafternoon to tour the facility and tout the states progress in vaccine distribution.

U.S. Rep. Tom Rice heaped praise on McMaster, with the two exchanging pats on the back and a chuckle or two over racing puns used by Rice as he addressed the media.

The Myrtle Beach Republican pointed to a recent conversation with McMaster over a concerted effort to address rural counties throughout the Pee Dee region. He specifically pointed to Marion County, where early adoption of the COVID-19 vaccine wasnt high. Rice credited McMaster in helping the county reach an 18 percent vaccination rate within two weeks.

(McMaster) is making sure not only that vaccine gets out but that it gets distributed fairly, Rice said.

Just a day before the one-year anniversary of the first known cases in South Carolina, Jumana Swindler, a McLeod Health spokeswoman, said that the medical outlet did not fathom hosting a life-saving vaccine event this time in 2020.

While her belief in science is strong, watching drivers honking horns in excitement and patients in tears as they were stuck with a needle was an unexpected delight for Swindler.

Its truly a miracle, Swindler said.

And now that McMaster has indicated all week that supply of multiple COVID-19 vaccines is ramping up, Will McLeod, administrator of McLeod Regional Medical Center, said that organizers spent weeks planning the event with experience in mind  an extra ray of sunshine on an already sunny and brisk day.

And after a year that claimed so many lives due to a pandemic, the Darlington event brought about the opportunity for the polar opposite.

We get to save lives today, McLeod said.
WE are now reading that the Minister of Sport has come out with a statement regarding our participation in the Tokyo Olympics.

As with the usual run-of-the-mill political type, the statement vacillates, kicks the can down the road and seeks to avoid the issue. Let us be clear on what the situation is regarding these Olympics.
New Delhi:

Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi said that she would request Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to rescue the 16-year-old girl, who had been married to an Omani sheikh in sixties, on Thursday.

The Women and Child Development minister has termed the incident, deeply disturbing.

Gandhi, took the microblogging site after media reported of a schoolgirl in Hyderabad was forced to marry a 65-year-old Omani sheikh.

She tweeted, Have asked the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, to investigate the case and identify the person who forced this illegal marriage.

Gandhi also wrote on Tweeter, I would request @SushmaSwaraj to intervene and bring the girl back to India from Oman.

The Women and Child Development minister has directed the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights to contact the victims family.

According to media reports, parents of the victims on Wednesday reported to the Hyderabad police that their daughter was forced to marry a 65-year-old sheikh from Oman three months back.

The victims mother told the police that her daughter called them from Muscat asking them to rescue her or she would commit suicide.

Parents also told the police that the victims aunt took Rs 5 lakh money from the Sheikh to facilitate the marriage.

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Over 40 SIPTU members working at Camphill Communities at Duffcarrig in Ballymoney, have voted unanimously in favour of taking industrial action in a dispute over funding and working conditions.

The union representing the majority of employees in Duffcarrig, including social care assistants, health care assistants, house coordinators and workshop leaders, announced that the first 24-hour work stoppage will take place on March 12, starting at 8 a.m., with a level of service expected to be maintained to ensure residents are not at risk.

Duffcarrig is one of 16 Camphill Communities around the country, providing day care and residential services for people with intellectual disabilities and other special needs in a home-based setting.

SIPTU Industrial Organiser Ger Malone said the vote has taken place aginst a backdrop of long-standing industrial issues and what she termed a grossly deficient funding model underwritten by the Health Service Executive (HSE) which members say is failing the residents and staff.

'Our members are stretched too thin and beyond their capacity, working excessive hours with many suffering with various stress-related illnesses, including burn-out and anxiety.

'It appears that the HSE and management believe they can replicate a HSE model with the same standards for a fraction of the cost and with half the staff. It is not realistic or sustainable and workers are at breaking point'.

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Camphill Communities CEO Ann Sheehan said the organisation has been engaging with staff at Duffcarrig and their representatives, SIPTU, to resolve a range of issues over the past year.

'While the union has served notice of industrial action on Camphill, the talks process between the two sides will continue and we are determined to reach a resolution of the issues satisfactory to both sides.'

'Meanwhile, Camphill is engaging with the HSE about putting contingency arrangements in place for our community members with support needs should the proposed industrial action go ahead'.

Employees have cited underfunding and consequential understaffing as an ongoing problem which, they claim, is compromising the safety, health and welfare of residents and staff and is exacerbated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

SIPTU members say agency staff are a constant feature, causing higher levels of insecurity and anxiety amongst residents due to unfamiliar people and different approaches leading to upset and behavioural problems, compounded by the fact that staff are frequently too over-stretched to give the necessary time to provide the comfort and care required.

Ms Malone said some workers in Duffcarrig report they are working 12-hour shifts without breaks due to staffing shortages and some report having to work 60 hours per week for the same reason.

'Staffing levels are cut to a minimum with over reliance on co-workers who are volunteers there to gain work experience but find themselves working excessive hours with inadequate training and experience for no pay.

'Those volunteers are often left working on their own at night without the qualifications to deal with the types of scenarios that can arise.

'Employees reported working with residents on their own, making it impossible to take proper breaks including toilet breaks. Workers describe being in a state of perpetual anxiety.

'Complying with Covid safety measures is a challenge for workers every minute of the day and dealing with the physical and emotional effects on residents is even more challenging. The workers are expected to cope with no additional supports or resources.

'The reality is that the needs of these vulnerable residents are not being met and the staff are not prepared to stand by and accept that any longer,' said Ms Malone.

She said management are constantly imposing HSE policies but omitting and or diminishing any provisions that provide staff benefits including 'scandalously slashing sick pay provision and terms and conditions in the middle of a pandemic'.

'It is like expecting to get a Mercedes for the price of a Lada, it just is not possible. The HSE should know what it costs to fund these services. They know the price they must pay to get the quality of care that our most vulnerable citizens and professional care workers deserve.

'The reality is that SIPTU members in Camphill Communities are providing a first-class service and made Camphill Communities a home for residents. They firmly believe that if the necessary staffing levels and funding are not put in place this "home from home" model will collapse.'

Aoife Kehoe has been working in Camphill for over seven years and said a combination of factors has brought workers to this point of industrial action.

Staff have become overwhelmed with new responsibilities without any additional incentives and supports while still trying to provide the time and patience needed to care for residents and this has led to high staff turnover and short and long-term stress leave, she said.

Ms Kehoe said changes had been enacted which made working in Campill impossible for many, especially carers and single parents, with shift patterns and workloads leading to burn-out and a system that does not support staff members in crisis.

'While we appreciate that management have their own agendas to reconcile, we are no longer willing to let that be at a consequence to our members and the residents of Camphill. We are appealing to them, the HSE and the public to support Camphill and all frontline residential workers in achieving a supportive and cooperative working environment that recognises the needs of all involved as opposed to the needs of regulators.'

Evelyn Martin who has worked in Camphill for 'a long time', said morale is very low among staff, who have been left to work 12-hour shifts with three residents on their own, without breaks, and they are not even paid HSE rates.

Jennifer Duffy handed in her notice at Camphill in Duffcarrig a few weeks ago, having been employed as a Social Care Worker there since late 2018.

She said she was dreading her last day and was preparing to leave with a heavy heart. 'No words can describe or sum up the sadness I will feel when saying goodbye to the residents I have grown to understand and to love, each with their own unique and endearing personalities and their own way of communicating.'

Ms Duffy said staffing levels in Duffcarrig directly contribute to the needs of residents being unfulfilled and understaffing has led to an increased workload and stress for staff.

'Covid-19 will undoubtedly be put forward as a reason for Camphill's inadequacies but these problems were in existence pre-Covid', she said.

'I am leaving this job because I can no longer endure my concerns about residents being ignored and diminished. I can no longer stay in this job because I can no longer endure the emotional pain I see in some residents; despite my best efforts to highlight their needs and despite my best efforts to help them.

'I cannot work for any organisation whose carpets have become lumpy due to the amount of things brushed and hidden under them. The staff in Camphill are of the highest calibre, are thoroughly devoted to their work but are impeded at every hands turn and their voices are not heard. If Camphill won't listen to those with a voice, what chance have the voiceless?', she asked.
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Two boys were in very critical condition after fire gutted their Paulsboro home in South Jersey early Saturday morning, Mayor Gary Stevenson told NJ Advance Media.

Stevenson said he did not know the ages of the children, but believed they were both under the age of ten.

Police arrived at the house on West Washington Street, which was fully engulfed in flames, around 4 a.m. Family members on the lawn told them children were still trapped inside, the mayor said. Officers tried to rescue them, but could only make it halfway up the stairs before the heat and flames pushed them back.

When firefighters arrived, they also tried to make it in the same way, but were unable to initially get upstairs because of the rapidly deteriorating conditions until they ran waterlines through the home, Stevenson said.

They eventually made it up to a second floor bedroom and were able to get the two children out through a window to fire crews waiting outside on a ladder, he said.

The boys were rushed to a local hospital for treatment and remained there as of noon along with entire family, the mayor said.

The blaze was knocked down around 7 a.m., which allowed the fire marshal to access the home which was destroyed in the blaze.

The floor is gone, the roof is caved in, its completely gutted, Stevenson said.

He said the fire marshal was still investigating the cause, but that it appeared to have started somewhere on the first floor  possibly in the dining room area, the mayor said.

He said he has contacted the Red Cross and local eateries to help the family in their time of need.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the children, he said.

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

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Fierce fighting between Yemeni pro-government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has killed at least 90 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours, a government military source said Saturday.

The clashes in the oil-rich province left 32 dead among government forces and loyalist tribes, while 58 Huthi rebels were killed in air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition, the sources told AFP.

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Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 05:39:02|Editor: huaxia

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PARIS, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in France increased by 23,507 in the past 24 hours, while another 439 patients died, according to figures released by health authorities on Friday.

This daily count, down from 25,279 on Thursday, has brought the country's accumulative total of infections to 3,859,102. The total of deaths reached 88,274.

Some 24,765 people with COVID-19 remained hospitalized, down by 126 in one day. Among them, 3,680 were receiving intensive treatment, up from 3,633 recorded on Thursday.

Despite growing concerns over the spread of more contagious variants, French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday retained from imposing a new nationwide lockdown but ordered tougher restrictions.

As in Alpes-Maritimes and Dunkirk, people in Pas-de-Calais in northern France have to stay at home from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Three more departments -- Hautes-Alpes, Aisne and Aube -- are added to the list of high-alert zones, where large malls will close and mask-wearing will be reinforced in all urban areas starting from Friday midnight.

Local authorities will have the power to impose a ban on public gatherings on weekends in most crowded areas in these departments "under reinforced surveillance" where inhabitants are called to limit their travel as much as possible.

So far, 3,392,269 people in France have received at least one shot of vaccines. The government plans to inoculate 10 million citizens by mid-April, 20 million by mid-May and a total of 30 million, or two-thirds of the adults by summer.

As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in an increasing number of countries with the already-authorized vaccines.

Meanwhile, 261 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 79 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 March 5. Enditem
KYODO NEWS - Mar 6, 2021 - 14:06 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima

About four in five survivors of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear crisis in northeastern Japan support abolishing nuclear power generation immediately or gradually, a Kyodo News survey showed Saturday nearly 10 years after the disaster.

Some 30 percent of respondents said all nuclear power plants should be abolished immediately, with 52 percent supporting phasing out nuclear power and eventually eliminating it.

The poll conducted in November in the three hardest-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima had 300 respondents and found that only 15 percent were in favor of restarting nuclear reactors and relying on them in the future.

Following a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that hit on March 11, 2011, the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant owned by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. suffered meltdowns.

Decommissioning work continues to prove difficult and evacuation orders are still in place in some areas around the complex a decade after the world's worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.

All reactors in Japan were halted after the nuclear crisis but some have resumed operations in recent years under stricter safety regulations. The government aims for renewable energy to account for 50-60 percent of overall electricity by 2050 while relying on 30-40 percent from thermal power and nuclear energy.

By prefecture, 40 percent of respondents in Fukushima supported an immediate exit from nuclear energy, higher than 27 percent in Iwate and 24 percent in Miyagi.

Hiromi Suzuki, a 59-year-old evacuee from Namie, close to the crippled nuclear plant, said consumers remain concerned that fish from Fukushima may be contaminated with radiation.

"Such rumors remain even now and the situation would continue if contaminated water (from the Fukushima plant) is released into the sea," said Suzuki, who has taken shelter in the nearby city of Minamisoma.

Yasuo Oka, a resident of the neighboring town of Naraha, said Japan will need to rely on nuclear power for a certain period of time to address global warming.

In Onagawa, Miyagi, where Tohoku Electric Power aims to restart the No. 2 unit of its Onagawa nuclear power plant, a local resident in his 40s said he supports the resumption, citing the economic benefit it would bring to the local communities such as creating jobs. But another man in his 60s said it should be scrapped in consideration of "young people's future."
At least 30,000 US organizations including local governments have been hacked in recent days by an "unusually aggressive" Chinese cyber-espionage campaign, according to a computer security specialist.

The campaign has exploited recently discovered flaws in Microsoft Exchange software, stealing email and infecting computer servers with tools that let attackers take control remotely, Brian Krebs said in a post at his cyber security news website.

"This is an active threat," White House spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said when asked about the situation during a press briefing.

"Everyone running these servers needs to act now to patch them. We are concerned that there are a large number of victims," she added.

After Microsoft released patches for the vulnerabilities on Tuesday, attacks "dramatically stepped up" on servers not yet updated with security fixes, said Krebs, who cited unnamed sources familiar with the situation.

"At least 30,000 organizations across the United States -- including a significant number of small businesses, towns, cities and local governments -- have over the past few days been hacked by an unusually aggressive Chinese cyber espionage unit thats focused on stealing email from victim organizations," Krebs wrote in the post.

He reported that insiders said hackers have "seized control" of thousands of computer systems around the world using password-protected software tools slipped into systems.

Microsoft said early this week that a state-sponsored hacking group operating out of China is exploiting previously unknown security flaws in its Exchange email services to steal data from business users.

The company said the hacking group, which it has named "Hafnium," is a "highly skilled and sophisticated actor."

Hafnium has in the past targeted US-based companies including infectious disease researchers, law firms, universities, defense contractors, think tanks, and NGOs.

Story continues

In a blog post on Tuesday, Microsoft executive Tom Burt said the company had released updates to fix the security flaws, which apply to on-premises versions of the software rather than cloud-based versions, and urged customers to apply them.

"We know that many nation-state actors and criminal groups will move quickly to take advantage of any unpatched systems," he added at the time.

Microsoft said the group was based in China but operated through leased virtual private servers in the United States, and that it had briefed the US government.

Beijing has previously hit back at US accusations of state-sponsored cyber theft. Last year it accused Washington of smears following allegations that Chinese hackers were attempting to steal coronavirus research.

In January, US intelligence and law enforcement agencies said Russia was probably behind the massive SolarWinds hack that shook the government and corporate security, contradicting then-president Donald Trump, who had suggested China could be to blame.

Microsoft said Tuesday the Hafnium attacks "were in no way connected to the separate SolarWinds-related attacks."

gc/dw
By David Ljunggren and Steve Scherer

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's drug regulator on Friday approved Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine, the fourth such shot to be given the green light, as Ottawa brought forward deliveries of millions of Pfizer doses.

"To people watching at home right now who are looking forward to getting their shot - your turn is coming," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a televised briefing.

Trudeau also said Pfizer Inc had agreed to accelerate deliveries, shipping a total of 3.5 million doses ahead of schedule by the end of May.

Deliveries to Canada have been slow - lagging many other developed nations - even though it has ordered more doses per capita than any other country.

With a population of almost 38 million, Canada now expects 36.5 million doses of previously approved vaccines to be delivered by the end of June.

The regulator authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Inc vaccines in December, and AstraZeneca's in February. Each of these requires two shots.

The government of Ontario, Canada's most populous province, said on Friday it would extend the maximum period between first and second doses to four months, speeding up access to a first shot.

In addition to seniors and healthcare workers, Ontario now plans to prioritize shots for those who are unable to work from home, including teachers, and it aims to administer at least one dose of a vaccine to all adults over 60 by early June, officials said.

The J&J vaccine is the first single-dose vaccine approved in Canada and it can be stored in normal fridges, while the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots must be kept in freezers.

The J&J shot, which has been authorized for adults in Canada, was 66% effective at preventing moderate and severe disease, said Supriya Sharma, a senior health ministry official.

Canada has pre-ordered 10 million doses of the J&J vaccine, with options to order up to 28 million more. In a statement, the Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it planned to provide the 10 million doses by the end of September.

Story continues

U.S. President Joe Biden said earlier this week that J&J was behind in manufacturing. The company was due to have shipped 37 million doses to the United States by the end of this month but looks set to fall well short of that.

So far, 4.2% of the Canadian population has received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine, according to volunteer-run tracking site COVID-19 Tracker Canada, compared with 16% in the United States.

(Reporting by David Ljunggren and Steve Scherer, additional reporting by Moira Warburton; Editing by Giles Elgood and Steve Orlofsky)


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Two area fires that occurred Friday evening and Saturday morning have displaced a total of 11 families, officials said.

A residential fire on Hobart Street in Meriden displaced two families consisting of eight adults, according to Meriden Assistant Fire Chief Brian Wysoki.

The Hobart street fire  which was called in at 4:49 a.m. according to WTNH  has been extinguished. The families are being relocated by the Red Cross and the fire remains under investigation by the fire marshals office, according to Wysoki.

Wysoki said he was unsure of the structural damage caused to the property.

Another fire, in New Haven on Peck Street, was called in at 5:01 p.m. Friday and was under control by 5:30 p.m., Director of Emergency Management Rick Fontana said Saturday. According to Fontana, it was a bedroom fire in a residential apartment structure housing approximately seven units.

This probably will not be a long-term displacement, Fontana said. Fontana said the buildings gas and water lines might have been shut off, leading to the nine families displacement.

The fires cause remains undetermined, and the fire marshals office has launched an investigation, according to Fontana.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 21:43:46|Editor: huaxia

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LONDON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- More than half of secondary school head teachers had faced difficulties getting parental approval for COVID-19 tests, ahead of pupils returning to school in England from Monday.

According to a survey carried by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), the most common problem headteachers have faced in providing COVID tests to pupils for the full reopening of schools is obtaining parental consent, as more than half of respondents (52 percent) indicated that this has been a difficulty.

The next most common problems were finding sufficient space in their school or college to set up testing stations, and recruiting sufficient numbers of staff to run them (both 43 percent).

Only 17 percent said they had not encountered any challenges, according to the survey outcome.

The British government guidance requires secondary schools and colleges to offer on-site testing to returning pupils with the first test taking place before they enter the classroom. It says that the testing and return of pupils can be phased during the first week from March 8 to manage the number passing through the test site at any one time.

The survey of 934 headteachers and principals of schools with secondary-age pupils and colleges in England found that 76 percent will need to phase the return of students during the course of next week rather than them all returning on Monday.

The survey also asked respondents about the government's decision to recommend the extension of face coverings to classrooms for secondary school pupils. Most headteachers expected that a small number of pupils will refuse to wear face coverings in classrooms, while five percent head teachers expected that a significant number would refuse to do so.

An overwhelming majority of respondents, 84 percent, felt that government guidance, which recommends face coverings in classrooms but does not make them mandatory, fails to provide sufficient clarity for schools and colleges.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL, said Friday "It is worrying that the biggest problem emerging is the difficulty in obtaining parental consent for COVID tests. This is most likely to be simply a matter of oversight with some parents not returning forms and we would urge them to do so."

"There may also be parents who are nervous about testing because they have seen or heard misinformation and we would encourage them to speak to their school if they have concerns," Barton said. "These tests are voluntary, but the more they are used, the better the chance of detecting asymptomatic cases."

Barton said the government had left schools with a logistical "nightmare" to sort out testing arrangements, when it had "nothing to do with the core business of education".

The survey was conducted on Thursday by email to 3,172 headteachers and principals in England, and produced 934 responses. The majority were from state-funded secondary schools.

Children in England are returning to school from Monday, after months of home-schooling. Secondary school students will be tested for COVID-19 three times in the first two weeks of school. After that they will be given two tests each week to use at home.

Testing is voluntary and children will only be tested in school if a parent or carer has given consent. Pupils will not be stopped from returning to school if they do not agree to be tested, or are unable to take a test.

England is currently under the third national lockdown since outbreak of the pandemic in the country. On Feb. 22, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced his long-anticipated "roadmap" exiting the lockdown. Schools in England will reopen from Monday as first part of the four-step plan, which Johnson said was designed to be "cautious but irreversible".

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. Enditem
Over the past day, Russia-occupation forces in Donbas opened fire on Ukrainian positions seven times, a Ukrainian soldier was wounded, the press center of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) headquarters has said.

"Over the past day, on March 5, in the area of the Joint Forces Operation, seven violations of the ceasefire were recorded in the area of responsibility of the Skhid (East) task force... As a result, one Ukrainian soldier received a gunshot wound. The serviceman was promptly taken to a hospital, where he is being provided with the necessary medical assistance. The wounded man's state of health is grave," the JFO HQ said in a morning summary on its Facebook page on Saturday.

"Since the beginning of this day, March 6, the situation in the area of the Joint Forces Operation is under control of the Ukrainian military, no ceasefire violations have been recorded.
The incredible moment a mother jumped into a canal to chase down a man who allegedly stole her son's boat has been captured on video.

Penelope Howard spotted the man in her son's boat at Mermaid Waters, on the Gold Coast at about 3pm on Friday.

She shared footage to Facebook of the heroic moment she leapt into the water and swam towards the man, who appeared to be rowing away awkwardly.

Penelope Howard spotted the man in her son's boat at Mermaid Waters, on the Gold Coast at about 3pm on Friday

'Stop, that's ours. Bring it back,' Ms Howard could be heard yelling.

Ms Howard called the police who arrested the 39-year-old man

'Turn around and bring it back. You can't take our boat.'

A second video shows the man allegedly trying to turn on the motor as Ms Howard begs for someone to stop him.

Moments later, Queensland Police including the dog squad rushed to the scene and hunted down the 39-year-old alleged thief.

The man was charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary, trespass, contravening a direction.

Ms Howard's heroic behaviour caught the attention of social media users who commended her efforts.

'That's awesome work by you,' someone wrote.

'Super mum! So brazen to do it all in daylight too. Glad he was caught,' another commented.

'WOW!!! That is gold. Good on you. What a mum!' another posted.
In context: For years, high speed internet has been defined as a minimum download speed of 25Mbps and upload of 3Mbps, according to the FCC. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instead defines high speed as just 10Mbps down and 1Mbps up. Now, a bipartisan group of senators is calling on the FCC to update its definition of high-speed broadband, and argues for a base of 100Mbps up and down  figures which the group claims reflect the needs of modern Internet users.

Without a doubt, 2020 was the year when our home broadband was put to the test, and its likely that many of us realized our high speed connection wasnt all that. Base speeds of 25Mbps down and 3Mbps up as defined by the FCC are barely enough to maintain one Zoom call  let alone multiple ones  which is why a bipartisan group of senators is calling for an updated definition.

Updating the definition would mean the FCC would be unable to identify an area as being served by high speed access unless the new symmetrical speed of 100Mbps was offered.

In an open letter, the group writes, Broadband has helped millions of students maintain their education and provided patients access to vital care through telemedicine services. It has also given family and friends a way to connect in this difficult time while supporting social distancing. All of these vital economic, social, and healthcare-related functions are only possible with access to adequate broadband, the demands for which only continue to increase.

Its hoped this would drive forward improved Internet access for Americans across the country. There is no reason federal funding to rural areas should not support the type of speeds used by households in typical well-served urban and suburban areas, the letter adds.

Equity of Internet access is a longstanding issue, with many families living in underserved areas struggling with speeds as low as 768kbps. One AT&T customer recently went so far as to shame AT&T with a $10,000 newspaper ad complaining about his 3Mbps DSL (TL;DR: it worked).
Supreme Court: Centre's Regulation Doesnt Have Provisions For Action Against Digital Platforms

The Supreme Court Friday said the Centre's guidelines on regulating social media lacks teeth and do not have any provision for taking appropriate action for prosecution or punishment against digital platforms which show inappropriate content or violate the norms. The top court also granted interim protection from arrest to Amazon Prime Video's India head Aparna Purohit in FIRs lodged over web series Tandav. It asked her to co-operate with the investigation and appear before the Investigating Officer as and when required.

A bench comprising justices Ashok Bhushan and R S Reddy also issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on Purohit's plea for anticipatory bail in FIRs on Tandav series. The top court said that there is nothing in the rules to control the inappropriate content on these platforms and without legislation it may not be possible to control it. A perusal of the Rules indicate that the Rules are more and more in the form of guidelines and have no effective mechanism for either screening or taking appropriate action for those who violate the guidelines, the bench said in its order.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Centre, told the bench that the Government shall consider and take appropriate steps for regulation or legislation as may be found fit and it shall be placed before the court. Considering the submissions of counsel, issue notice. In the meanwhile, we direct that the petitioner shall not be arrested in FIR No. 14/2021 subject to her co-operation with the investigation. She shall appear before the Investigating Officer as and when required, the bench said.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Abbas Zafar (@aliabbaszafar)

The top court said that one of the issues, which have been cropped up in the facts of the present case, is regarding control and regulation of platforms on which web-series are released. During the hearing, the bench perused the recently notified rules, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, placed before it by Mehta. Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Purohit said that the government has notified the rules on February 25. These rules lack teeth, these are mere guidelines. They don't have any provision for prosecution or punishment. It is mostly a guideline thing, the bench told Mehta.

The Solicitor General then urged the court to give some time and the government will come up with some draft regulation and legislation and place it before the court. Rohatgi said that rules are different as his client has approached the court for anticipatory bail as cases are lodged against her. He said that Allahabad High Court had asked her to cooperate with the investigation in a case lodged in Lucknow and provided her protection from arrest. Rohatgi said she has been cooperating and ready to cooperate in future with the investigating agencies with regard to another FIR lodged in Greater Noida.

He submitted that the petitioner is not involved with the production, writing, direction of the webseries and is merely an officer of the Company which owns the platform on which the web series was released. The petitioner is head of India Originals of Amazon Prime Video i.e. the OTT streaming service of Amazon Seller Services Pvt. Ltd, he said. Mehta at the end of hearing said that Centre needs to be made party in the plea after which the bench asked Purohit to file amended memo of parties making Union of India as a party to her plea and allowed the impleadment.

Rohatgi said that the court's remark on pornographic content shown by OTT platforms has been widely reported but be it Amazon Prime Videos or Netflix, no pornographic content is being shown. I see them every evening but there is no such thing like pornography, Rohatgi said. Mehta told Rohatgi, Pornographic content is not as we understand today. It is something different. Rohatgi then told the bench to ask the Solicitor General to come over to his place to see the content of movies and shows and reiterated, There are hundreds and hundreds of movies but there is no pornographic content.

The top court had on Thursday observed that some over-the-top (OTT) platforms at times show pornographic contents and there should be a mechanism to screen such programmes. It had asked the Centre to place its guidelines on regulating social media. Tandav is a nine-episode political thriller starring Bollywood A-listers Saif Ali Khan, Dimple Kapadia and Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub. Purohit has been accused of inappropriate depiction of Uttar Pradesh police personnel, Hindu deities and an adverse portrayal of a character playing the prime minister in the web series.

Earlier, the apex court, on January 27, had declined to grant interim protection from any coercive action to Ali Abbas Zafar, Director of the web series, Purohit, producer Himanshu Mehra, the show's writer Gaurav Solanki and actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub. It had said that they may seek bail from courts concerned in the FIRs lodged in connection with the web series. Purohit has appealed to the top court against the High Court's February 25 order declining anticipatory bail to her saying she had not been vigilant and has acted irresponsibly making her open to criminal prosecution in permitting streaming of a movie which is against the fundamental rights of the majority of citizens of this country.

On January 19, an FIR was lodged on the complaint Balbir Azad of Raunija village under Rabupura police station of Greater Noida.

Six books by Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a.Dr. Seuss, including "On Beyond Zebra!" and "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street," will no longer be printed because of accusations of racist and insensitive imagery. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)

Dr. Seuss Enterprises, the business that preserves the authors legacy, announced recently that six of his works will stop being published because they portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.

As a historian, a parent and the owner of a small publishing house, I have found that one of the best ways to teach children that authors change over time is by asking them to put Dr. Seuss books in chronological order, since his oeuvre is one of the first that kids can really conquer. It seems this lesson might be a good one for adults right now as well.

Once you start looking at the Seuss collection, the shifts are hard to miss. Start with the pictures. When Theodor Geisels first Seuss book, And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, was published in 1937, printing in color was more time-consuming and more expensive. Other early books, such as "The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins" (1938), have little color, and the relatively complex images are coupled with full paragraphs of (gasp!) non-rhyming text.

Later books like "Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories" (1958) have less text and do rhyme, though the palette is still limited to one or two solid colors that don't mix or overlap, an artifact of the complex color separation process of the time. Subsequent books have additional tells  even Seuss unmistakable visual style matured over the years.

What kids might not see, but adults should, is a shift in values. Geisel was a cartoonist before he was an author of children's books, and racist imagery is present in both bodies of work. But Geisel changed. The six books that will no longer be sold were published in 1937, 1947, 1950, 1953, 1955 and 1976. Geisel died in 1991; the last book he wrote, "Oh, The Places You'll Go!," was published in 1990.

It is the later Seuss that is most associated with his ability to distill values into kid-friendly form. The The Sneetches and Other Stories, a parable about racism and anti-Semitism, was published in 1961; the environmentalism of The Lorax in 1971; and the nuclear non-proliferation of The Butter Battle Book in 1984. Geisel clearly had a spark from the very beginning, but there is real development here, and there is a depth to some of these later works that his earliest books lack.

Story continues

Geisel was also open to revising his older work. Importantly, more than 50 years after publication, Geisel responded to criticism of imagery in And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street one of the six that will no longer be printed  by removing the yellow skin color and pigtail from a character referred to as a Chinaman. The changes did not go far enough; the figure, now labeled Chinese man, is still holding a bowl and chopsticks.

The point, however, is that Seuss himself recognized problems in the work that brought him fame in the first place. Revisions are not external to his development, but a continuation of it. This willingness to admit to old mistakes is something that we want from the people who speak to our children.

A little more than a year ago, in my role as a publisher, I was given the option to acquire the intellectual property rights to a work that I grew up on, about which I am nostalgic. As I paged through it, trying to get a sense of what a reprint would look like, I noticed for the first time that the work featured sporadic racist depictions of Chinese people. Despite my remembered fondness for the work, there was no way I could justify spreading it further. I did not cancel myself. I simply chose to own up to the responsibility that comes with pushing ideas out into the world.

Mister Rogers, in the later seasons of his show, would sometimes go back and re-record segments of earlier shows. He'd put on the episode-appropriate sweater and erase the mistake of assuming that an unknown person was a he, or that a woman was a housewife.

The ability to reflect on your own mistakes is itself laudable, and it's one of the things that we try to teach our own kids constantly. Objecting to the news from Dr. Seuss Enterprises on the grounds that it is a revision of the author's legacy neglects the fact that good authors, authors who listen, are revising their legacy all the time.

David Zvi Kalman is a scholar in residence at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America and owner of Print-O-Craft Press.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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After three days of search and IT raids at Taapsee Pannu's property, the actress has finally broken her silence on this ongoing controversy in a series of tweets. While addressing the allegations levelled against her, the Rashmi Rocket actress joked how she is not sasti anymore.

Speaking about the raids by the Income Tax department, Taapsee tweeted, "3 days of intense search of 3 things primarily 1. The keys of the "alleged" bungalow that I apparently own in Paris. Because summer holidays are around the corner."

3 days of intense search of 3 things primarily

1. The keys of the alleged bungalow that I apparently own in Paris. Because summer holidays are around the corner  taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 6, 2021

She continued in her another tweet, "2. The "alleged" receipt worth 5 crores to frame n keep for future pitching coz I've been refused that money before."

2. The alleged receipt worth 5 crores to frame n keep for future pitching coz Ive been refused that money before   taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 6, 2021

Her next tweet read, "3.My memory of 2013 raid that happened with me according to our honourable finance minister," further sarcastically adding, "P.S- "not so sasti" anymore."

3. My memory of 2013 raid that happened with me according to our honourable finance minister 



P.S- not so sasti anymore   taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 6, 2021

For those unversed, on March 3, the Income Tax Department conducted raids on the homes and offices of Taapsee Pannu, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and his partners, who launched the defunct production house Phantom Films.

On Friday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the same persons were raided in 2013 as well, but no issue was made out then as it is being done now. Further, she refused refused to comment on individual cases and said that it is in the national interest to know if some evasion is happening. Taapsee broke her silence post Sitharaman's statement.

Meanwhile, post the IT raids on Taapsee Pannu and Anurag Kashyap, Bollywood celebrities like Swara Bhasker, Anubhav Sinha and others had tweeted in support of them.

ALSO READ: Taapsee Pannu's Boyfriend Mathias Boe Says Her Parents Are Stressed Amid IT Raid

ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut Blasts Taapsee Pannu & Anurag Kashyap As IT Department Claims Discrepancy Of Rs 650 Crore
KYODO NEWS - Mar 5, 2021 - 01:20 | All, World, Japan

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are making arrangements to visit Japan from March 15 for talks with their Japanese counterparts, marking the first trip to the country by senior members of President Joe Biden's administration, Japanese government sources said Thursday.

In the possible visit through March 17, Blinken and Austin plan to hold so-called two-plus-two talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. They are also likely to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

The planned in-person talks, to be held in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, are expected to showcase the robust alliance between the two countries amid China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, including around the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Japan and the United States last held a two-plus-two security meeting in Washington in April 2019.

Blinken and Austin will also hold one-on-one talks with Motegi and Kishi, respectively, the sources said, adding that the U.S. officials are considering traveling on to South Korea after their Japan visit.

The two governments later announced that their senior foreign and defense officials held discussions via videoconference on Thursday and affirmed their close coordination to maintain "a free and open Indo-Pacific" and enhance deterrence capabilities.

Their press releases did not mention the envisioned visit by Blinken and Austin to Japan.

Both sides reiterated their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion in the East and South China seas and shared their "deep concerns" over Beijing's controversial coast guard law, according to the two governments.

The law, implemented on Feb. 1, explicitly allows the Chinese coast guard to use weapons against foreign ships it sees as illegally entering China's waters, raising concerns that it could result in an escalation of maritime disputes.

Chinese coast guard vessels have repeatedly intruded in Japanese waters around the Senkaku islets, claimed by Beijing and called Diaoyu, in an apparent attempt to undermine Japan's control over them.

Blinken said Wednesday in his first major foreign policy speech since becoming Washington's top diplomat that dealing with China will be "the biggest geopolitical test" of this century and underscored the Biden administration's emphasis on alliances and multilateralism.

Suga and Motegi showed eagerness to visit the United States in their respective telephone talks with Biden and Blinken in January, but such trips have not been realized due to the Biden administration's reluctance to accept foreign guests amid the pandemic.

Austin, meanwhile, expressed his readiness to visit Japan at an early stage in his telephone talks with Kishi in January.

Covid-19 vaccines do not alter fertility: Expert

Kolkata, Mar 6 (UNI) Theres zero evidence that Covid-19 vaccines interfere with fertility. This misinformation is dangerous because the confusion it is based on sounds plausible, but in fact is not, a health expert has opined.

'World over there are no studies showing that vaccinations can affect fertility in either men or women and cause any health issues for pregnant women.

As the Covid vaccines become available to more younger people, concerns about infertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding could mean that many women will skip vaccinations,' Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor - National Immunisation Programme said while addressing a webinar here last evening on "Effect of Covid vaccine on fertility" organised by the All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata,
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By Malcolm Galpern Levin

galpernl@grinnell.edu

Rock Creek State Park has welcomed four brand-new animal-themed wooden sculptures to its campgrounds, all carved by local chainsaw artist Gary Keenan from trees downed in last Augusts derecho.

The sculptures are currently located at the entrance to the campgrounds, near the parks check-in shelter, but eventually theyll be displayed throughout the campgrounds and park.

Keenan, who lives about an hour away from Kellogg state park, carved each of the animals. Using his chainsaw, he created freestanding wooden sculptures of an eagle, a blue heron, a jumping bass and an owl, the latter accompanied by a squirrel and three raccoons peeking out of a hollow. Each of the four statues was carved with white or bur oak and took two days on average to fully sculpt. He used power tools and sanding devices for the finer details, as well as to better bring out the grain of the wood.

On Aug. 10 this past summer, while trees were down across central Iowa after the derecho, Keenan received a number of messages from people interested in potentially turning the damaged trees into sculptures.

Brian Brunk, who was a member at the time but is now a board member of Friends of Rock Creek State Park, a charity group that helps steward the park, was one of those people.

Brunk, who primarily lives in Des Moines, purchased a second residence approximately five years ago that borders the park, where hes spent most of the past year during the pandemic. After the derecho hit, Brunk and his nine-year-old son Cameron, who, like Brunk himself, loves nature, heard from neighbors that damaged and potentially hazardous trees were being taken down at the campgrounds.

We were just kind of awestruck at how many mature trees, 75 to 150 years [old] perhaps, had been taken down, explained Brunk. On top of everything wed already been through in the prior week with the derecho and having no power, that was just yet another point of sadness.

Upon seeing the campsite, Cameron said, I wish there was something we could do.

The pair began discussing possible options, and soon came up with the idea to have the logs carved into something interesting and unique. After reaching out through Facebook, Brunk quickly discovered Keenans work and approached the Friends of Rock Creek group, proposing the project and explaining that he and his wife would be willing to start the fund for such an endeavor.

Within minutes people were pulling hundred dollar bills out of their wallets and writing checks, said Brunk. It was amazing.

Once he completed that first carving and I saw his beautiful work up close and personal, I just knew that it would mean a lot to the park, said Brunk. It would be a great way to memorialize the event that happened and salvage some trees for that purpose. My thoughts immediately went to not only adults having a greater appreciation for what went into that and what the park had been through, but also children  their eyes lighting up and saying, Dad can I take a picture next to the big fish?

Brunk, Keenan and park ranger Kory Kinnick all worked together to decide upon the sculpted animals that are native to the state park and its lake. On top of the completed animal sculptures, Keenan says he will likely be sculpting a bench for the park soon, though the details have not been officially ironed out.

Keenan himself has a special connection to the campground as he grew up on a dairy farm nearby and on occasion, went camping and fishing with his aunt and uncle at the state park. One of my cousins farms is just on the other side of the lake, he added.

In addition, Keenan has some relatives buried at Rock Creek Cemetery. Its a lot of family attachment to that area.

Keenan has worked in chainsaw carving full-time for the past 17 years, taking up commissioned projects and participating in both the Iowa and Kansas state fairs, as well as several county fairs.

All my life I had an appreciation for sculpture, said Keenan.

His artistic career began 20 years ago. A friend told him about some chainsaw art they had seen at the Iowa state fair. Although Keenan himself hadnt seen it, he replied, I think I could do that.

Soon after his boast, Keenans friend invited him to test out his skills on a log in their yard and put the claim to the test.

It was slow and crude, but I was intrigued with the process and I started playing around with it on weekends and it just kind of took off from there, said Keenan.

Pretty soon neighbors wanted to buy his carvings, and after doing it as a hobby for about three years, Keenan went full-time with chainsaw art. Not everybody in the world loves their job, he said, and I feel very fortunate to love my job.

Though Keenan has attended a couple of chainsaw carving seminars over the years, hes had to learn the art form on his own for the most part. It is something that is predominantly self-taught. You learn your own style and your own techniques and develop it the best you can, he explained.

One of the things I enjoy and appreciate about this art form is that rather than a tree becoming firewood or mulch at the landfill, it can become a piece of art that is hopefully enjoyed by many people for a long time, said Keenan.
Barry Arkles, Ph.D., Gelest Inc.s chair, founder and CEO has been elected as a member to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE).

Previously: Barry Arkles Resumes Gelest CEO Role

Arkles has been recognized for his contributions to organosilicon materials, organometallic and biochemical reagents. According to the company, he has contributed scientific advances and inventions with positive impacts extending from the professional community to the global public. His record of innovation and accomplishments in applied materials science, surface chemistry and biotechnology are demonstrated by his contributions to medical devices such as contact lenses and semiconductor fabrication, particularly ILD (interlayer dielectrics) and interconnect metallization.

The NAE membership recognizes individuals who have contributed to engineering research, practice or education, including contributions to the engineering literature; and to developing fields of technology, making advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing approaches to engineering education. Arkles is one of 106 elected NAE members and 23 international members. The recent election brings the total U.S. membership to 2,355 and international membership to 298.

Arkles formed Gelest, Inc., in 1991 to develop and manufacture silicon and metal organic-based chemicals and polymers for applications in microelectronics, optoelectronics, diagnostics (including DNA array devices), medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Prior to founding Gelest, he was vice president of corporate development at Huls America/Evonik. Arkles came to Huls with the companys acquisition of Petrarch Systems, a company he founded to develop advanced silicon and silicone products for medical devices.

Additionally, Arkles is a recipient of the American Chemical Society 2020 Frederic Stanley Kipping Award in Silicon Chemistry and a Fellow of the British Royal Society of Chemistry. He holds a bachelors in science in chemistry and a Ph.D. in biochemistry at Temple University in Philadelphia.

Related: Gelest Closes Sale to Mitsubishi, Appoints Goff CTO

Without question, it is one of the great honors of my life to be elected to the academy, said Arkles. Election to academy membership validates my lifes work and the collective mission of Gelest, and now MCC scientists to customize materials solutions that benefit society at large.

Gelest's technology led by Arkles combines organic and inorganic chemistry and has great potential as an approach to various problems that could not be solved by organic or inorganic chemistry alone, said Masayuki Waga, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC) president and CEO.

Barry Arkles is a rare combination of technical excellence, entrepreneurial acumen and research management expertise, which was evident early in his career and has continued to date, said Robert D. Miller, Ph.D., an academy member and IBM emeritus at IBM Almaden Research Center. Companies either founded or co-founded by Arkles currently generate nearly $1B in revenue. In each of his ventures, he has remained the technical face of the business with more than 150 technical publications and more than 75 U.S. patents. The marriage of broad technical expertise and business impact is refreshing and is uncommon in todays world of specialization.

For more information, contact Gelest Inc.

New Delhi:

The spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar, on Friday spoke about the Japan Envoy Kenji Hirramatsu's statement on supporting India on Doklam. He said that the Japans statement speaks for itself.

Japan experiencing similar problem as India-Bhutan with China in east China sea, said Dhruva Jaishankar, Fellow, Foreign Policy, Brookings.

Jaishankar said that Japan sees similarity in situation in tri-junction area, natural for Japan to support India.

Earlier in the day, coming out in support of India over military standoff with China on Doklam issue, Japan has affirmed there should be no attempt to alter the status quo on ground by force.

The countrys statement is being seen as strong support for Indian side on the current crisis. India has been saying that China has violated the agreement with India and Bhutan by invading in the territory of Bhutan which is a serious defence concern for Indian forces.

Japanese ambassador Kenji Hiramatsu expressed his views on issue, saying that the development in the region could affect the stability.

Kenji said that External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has already cleared Indias stance that the nation would continue to engage with dialogue through diplomatic channels with China to find a mutually acceptable solution.

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

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said no worker should be forced to be vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to returning to work, noting that a policy requiring such is illegal.

Hindi pwede na pilitin mo ang isang tao na magpabakuna kung ayaw nya and lalo hindi pwede na gawin mong kundisyon para makapasok siya na kailangang magpabakuna muna sya. That is a very illegal policy, he said during the Laging Handa briefing on Saturday.

[Translation: You cannot force a person to undergo vaccination if he does not want to and you cannot make it a condition that a worker should get vaccinated first before physically returning to work.]

Bello also said that workers should give their consent on whether they are willing to get a vaccine shot or not.

This is in relation to reports that there are workers being required to be inoculated first before physically reporting to work.

The Association of Labor Unions earlier said that they have received complaints that there are workers who have been told by their superiors that they would not be allowed to report to work unless they participate in the company-sponsored vaccine rollout.

Some are also being threatened to be placed on floating status until they get inoculated, while another group said they will be required to present proof that they really received vaccine.

Bello said no labor group has filed a complaint yet and an advisory will be released on Monday regarding the said matter. Violators will be issued with a compliance order and affected employees will still have to be paid their salary, he added.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III previously said that he is against proposals to require employees to get vaccinated first, noting that workers have been physically going to work prior to the arrival of the vaccines.

Bello then encouraged Filipinos to get vaccinated once they become available since this is the best way for us to ensure our return to normalcy.

Currently, the country has around 1 million doses of the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines combined, which is still not enough to immunize 1.7 million healthcare workers across the country.
CORK podcast duo Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby have received texts from people in the LBQTQ+ community, telling them they were finally able to come out to their families because of their work.

Thats when I realised... its actually having a big impact... me and Kevin crying in the kitchen to each other about it, says PJ, about the texts.

The comic duo began recording their podcast, called Im Grand Mam, in which they explore what it means to be gay in the world today, at their kitchen table in London two years ago.

Growing up gay, coming out, moving away from their Cork home, dating, and the importance of looking after your mental health, are among the wide range of subjects they have discussed.

Even though my family was quite accepting (when I came out) and Kevins was similar, you still always feel other when you are younger, says PJ.

We wanted to make that we talked about that in a humorous way, but still say how serious and how difficult that was because we want to help young LGBTQ+ people listening to say that they are not alone.

PJ, whose boyfriend lives in Dublin, discusses whats involved in keeping a long-distance relationship alive and the duo even have an episode entitled Transition Year Made Me Gay.

Definitely we have a gay following  thats across the community  people are reaching out from all branches of the LGBTQ+ community to us to say that listening to us has been reassuring, says Kevin.

Weve had people come out to us themselves who have said they havent told anyone and theyre still coming to terms with it.

The fact were speaking about it and the fact a lot of our stories, like, involve us just having a laugh or talking about memories or things wed be getting up to in London, theyre (the listeners), like, For me thats so reassuring, to know that things will get better, that thats all ahead of me and its not just all doom and gloom.

Kevin, 27, who is from Douglas, and PJ, 28, who is originally from Blarney Street, met when Kevin attended PJs hip-hop classes in UCC.

PJ subsequently moved to London to study musical theatre and the friends were reunited after Twomey moved back to London following a year-long stint dancing in Asia.

The pair, both trained dancers, moved in together as part of a house share with others.

They made the decision to try their hand at podcasting after friends kept telling them they were, a bit of a double act and should work on something together.

When we started, I did not know what a podcast was, says PJ.

Kevin was like, What about a podcast? and I said, Whats a podcast?. They talked about it further on a flight to Budapest and when they returned they ordered a mike from Amazon.

Then we forgot about it and then it arrived so we were like, Oh, s**t, we have to do this now!

The intention was to have a bit of fun with it but at the same time I was kind of like, well, if we were going to do it, we were going (to) try, and make it good, says Kevin.

The podcasts name Im Grand Mam stems from the response they generally give their mammies to reassure them, when they get in touch, that all is going well for them.

No matter whether you were miles into the overdraft and whether you missed a payment on the rent that month, youd always tell your mam you were fine, because the worst thing ever would be to have her worrying because shed be on that next Ryanair flight over, says Kevin.

Im grand is a very Cork colloquialism, instead of saying, Im fine mummy, we wanted it to be very Cork.

The duo are close to their families and always have been very close to their mothers, Nuala Kirby and Phil (Philomena) Twomey.

My mam would be one of my very, very good friends, says PJ.

Shes my mam, but I also talk to her like I would to my friends, obviously through a filter. But Id be very close to Nuls. Id be mad about her, he says.

That was one of the things that kind of killed me a small bit about moving away, says Kevin. I was kind of... Ill be leaving my mam there... thats one of the things I definitely battled with, he says of his initial move to the UK in 2014 to attend a school of performing arts, from which he earned a diploma in musical theatre.

Fast forward two years and the duo have recorded 60 episodes over four seasons and put their listenership at about 50,000 listeners a week.

The majority of their listeners are Irish living here and abroad, including in the UK, Australia, Canada, and the U.S, but there are plenty of non-Irish listeners too, including in South Africa, even as far afield as Panama.

Youd be surprised at the amount of non-Irish listening, English, Scottish, theyre like, I get your sense of humour. You dont have to be Irish to enjoy it, says PJ.

One of the highlights of last year was undoubtedly having star of the TV series Normal People Paul Mescal as their first ever podcast guest.

The actor was listening to the show and following them and agreed to be interviewed by the lads just after the TV series had been shown.

It was really nice, says PJ. It felt like he was the biggest star in the world at the time.

It was crazy, adds Kevin.

Wed never had a guest on before and then out of nowhere our very first guest happens to be the biggest rising star of the year. So there was this immense pressure. He just went with everything and he was just such an easy person to interview.

Other guests have included author Shahroo Izadi, who wrote The Kindness Method, a book about being kind to yourself, and who the pair interviewed as part of an episode on mental health.

Despite living in different countries, the boys mothers remain a huge part of their lives and have their own role in the podcast.

At the end of each episode, Nuala and Phil answer questions from listeners, submitted via Instagram, by recording WhatsApp voice notes in a section called Mam Knows Best.

They have recently given advice on how a family should celebrate their mothers 60th birthday, and what a daughter can do to help her mother who hates her job.

Their last episode in the most recent season fittingly culminated with the pair interviewing their mothers in Cork in early December before this lockdown began, and included a quiz where the duo tested their mothers knowledge of gay slang.

For the moment, the pandemic has grounded PJ, who works in advertising and can work remotely, and Kevin, who has been furloughed from his job as a spin instructor in a gym, in Ireland, but they hope to resume recording at the kitchen table in London in early summer.

In the meantime, they have been making the most of the time with their mams.
The head of the Diocese of Allentown joined other Pennsylvania bishops Saturday in clarifying the Roman Catholic churchs stance on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Despite reinforcing concerns with how the vaccine was produced, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference said that if no choice is available, it is morally acceptable to receive COVID-19 vaccines that have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and production process.

The Pennsylvania Bishops have affirmed Church teaching that, given a choice of vaccines, the least morally offensive vaccine should be chosen, Bishop Alfred Schlert said in a statement Saturday at ad-today.com. In our area, a true choice is not yet available; therefore, Church teaching would allow for receiving a less-desirable alternative if a person wishes to be vaccinated now.

The conference says the position of some bishops in Pennsylvania has been inaccurately reported in some news media, resulting in confusion among Catholics and the public.

Please be assured that we are not saying that about any of the media who have covered the Allentown Diocese on this story, Allentown Diocese spokesman Paul Wirth said Saturday.

Lehighvalleylive.com reported Wednesday on Roman Catholic leaders labeling Johnson & Johnsons one-dose vaccine as morally compromised because of the cell line used to produce it.

Our position has never changed, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference said in a statement this week, nor has that of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which said, While we should continue to insist that pharmaceutical companies stop using abortion-derived cell lines, given the world-wide suffering that this pandemic is causing, we affirm again that being vaccinated can be an act of charity that serves the common good.

While not disputing the contention of Catholic officials that an abortion-derived cell line is used in the production, Johnson & Johnson issued a statement this week stressing that there is no fetal tissue in its vaccine.

The companys COVID-19 vaccine is made using a harmless cold virus, called an adenovirus  the same technology it used to produce a successful Ebola vaccine. The adenovirus is grown using whats called an immortalized cell line, and the virus then is pulled out and purified.

Several types of cell lines created decades ago using fetal tissue exist and are widely used in medical manufacturing but the cells in them today are clones of the early cells, not the original tissue.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said in a January statement that abortion-derived cell lines were used to test the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, but not in their development or production.

In essence, we recognize that at this time individuals are not given a choice of which vaccine to receive and that this should not prevent Catholics from getting vaccinated as soon as possible, the Pennsylvania Conference of Churches stated. Catholics may in good conscience, receive any vaccine, in order to protect themselves. Once again, being vaccinated safely against COVID-19 should be considered an act of love of our neighbor and part of our moral responsibility for the common good.

Saturday marks one year since Pennsylvanias first confirmed case of COVID-19. The state on Saturday reported 2,789 new coronavirus cases and 55 more deaths, bringing the cumulative case count to 946,985, with 24,317 deaths linked to the virus.

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

The Associated Press and supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
Netflix gave expectant fans a hint of what's to come on its popular crime series Lupin on Friday with the release of a new teaser trailer.

The teaser for Lupin Part 2 promises an escalation of tensions as Omar Sy's character Assane Diop wages a stealth war against the family he blames for his father's death.

The series, which released the first half of its first season on January 8, is set to be back on streaming sometime in the summer of 2021.

Part Deux: Acclaimed French star Omar Sy stars as Assane Diop in the teaser for back half of the first season of Netflix's hit crime series Lupin, which dropped Friday

Sy, who broke out internationally with his role in the hit French dramedy The Intouchables, plays a professional thief who now has to resort to more extreme and violent measures to take down the Pellegrini family.

He blames them for framing his father for the theft of a valuable necklace, and thinks the shame of being caught for a crime he didn't commit drove him to suicide.

Inspired by a book about the popular fictional French thief Arsene Lupin, Diop uses disguises and subterfuge to get information about his father's fate and the Pellegrini family's culpability.

The tease opens with Diop standing across a field and talking on the phone while addressing a man standing in the window of a large house across the way.

'If you touch my son... I'll kill you,' he intones over a sinister score.

Threats: The tease opens with Diop standing across a field and talking on the phone while addressing a man standing in the window of a large house across the way. 'If you touch my son... I'll kill you,' he says

Chilling: 'You want your son? Come and get him,' says the man in the house while shot in extreme closeup

'You want your son? Come and get him,' says the man in the house while shot in extreme closeup.

The teaser cuts to Hubert Pellegrini (Herve Pierre), who may have stolen the necklace that led to Diop's father's imprisonment.

'If Diop realizes we have his son we won't have to look for him,' he says sinisterly. 'We're going to use his kid as bait.'

Then, Diop is shown in montage disguised as a chef as he flees armed men in a restaurant's back hallways.

Once he's discovered hiding in an elevator he efficiently dispatches the armed men and takes their handguns.

Bad guy: The teaser cuts to Hubert Pellegrini (Herve Pierre), who may have stolen the necklace that led to Diop's father's imprisonment. 'If Diop realizes we have his son we won't have to look for him,' he says

Action: Diop is shown in montage disguised as a chef as he flees armed men in a restaurant's back hallways. Once he's discovered in an elevator he dispatches the men and takes their guns

Later, the protagonist looks desperate as a he rips off a car's antenna to use it to break into another vehicle.

Another quick montage shows footage of his son bound and gagged, while Lieutenant Sofia Belkacem (Shirine Boutella) is seen firing her gun at someone.

Risky: Later, the protagonist loo

Violent: Another quick montage shows footage of his son bound and gagged, while Lieutenant Sofia Belkacem (Shirine Boutella) is seen firing her gun at someone

Return to the scene of the crime: Diop seems to have returned to the house at the beginning of the teaser, as he's now seen running out of it, panting, toward something on fire

The trailer concludes with a humorous scene as Diop stops a man's car by falsely identifying himself as a police officer.

He claims the man's car has a flat tire, but once he gets out to check, Diop turns around and shoots a hole in the tire of an idling police car nearby.

Now that it won't be able to follow him, he steals the man's car while he's still distracted.

So far, Netflix hasn't shared a release date, but the second half of Lupin's first season will arrive sometime in the summer of 2021.

False identity: The trailer concludes with a humorous scene as Diop stops a man's car by falsely identifying himself as a police officer


NEW YORK  Antivirus software entrepreneur John McAfee was indicted on fraud and money laundering conspiracy charges alleging that he and cohorts made over $13 million by fooling investors zealous over the emerging cryptocurrency market, authorities said Friday.

McAfee, 75, was charged in a newly unsealed indictment in Manhattan federal court along with Jimmy Gale Watson Jr., who served as an executive adviser on what prosecutors described as McAfees so-called cryptocurrency team.

Prosecutors said Watson, 40, was arrested Thursday night in Texas and would make an initial appearance Friday before a federal magistrate judge in Dallas. McAfee, authorities said, is detained in Spain on separate criminal charges filed by the U.S. Justice Departments tax division.

Attorney Arnold Spencer, representing Watson, said his client is a decorated former Navy Seal.

He fought for other peoples rights and liberties, and he is entitled to and looks forward to his day in court to exercise some of those very rights, he said in an email.

Criminal indictments are blunt instruments, not precise scalpels, Spencer added. This is not the right place to debate whether cutting edge technologies like cryptocurrencies are securities, commodities, or something else.

It was not immediately clear who might represent McAfee. There was still no lawyer listed for him in the Memphis, Tennessee, federal court where tax charges were lodged against him in October.

McAfee and Watson exploited a widely used social media platform and enthusiasm among investors in the emerging cryptocurrency market to make millions through lies and deception, U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement describing crimes in 2017 and 2018.

The defendants allegedly used McAfees Twitter account to publish messages to hundreds of thousands of his Twitter followers touting various cryptocurrencies through false and misleading statements to conceal their true, self-interested motives, she added.

In October, McAfee was charged in Tennessee with evading taxes after failing to report income made from promoting cryptocurrencies while he did consulting work, made speaking engagements and sold the rights to his life story for a documentary.

McAfee developed early internet security software and has been sought by authorities in the U.S. and Belize in the past.

The Tennessee indictment said McAfee failed to file tax returns from 2014 to 2018, despite receiving considerable income from several sources.

In July 2019, McAfee was released from detention in the Dominican Republic after he and five others were suspected of traveling on a yacht carrying high-caliber weapons, ammunition and military-style gear, officials on the Caribbean island said at the time.
A 33-year-old man has been charged with murder after the suspicious death of a woman at a hospital in Londonderry last year.

A 21-year-old woman died at the city's Altnagelvin Hospital on August 9, 2020.

Police described the woman's death as "suspicious"

She died following an incident at an address in the Gortnessy Meadows area of Derry on August 3.

The man is set to appear before Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday.
The man who beat a Law & Order actress' Maltese dog to death and tortured another, causing her 'so much pain,' will not go to prison.

Vincent Tang, 36, appeared in court remotely on Friday where he avoided up to two years in prison for 'savagely' killing Janis Dardaris' dog Alex, 11, and the near-fatal beating of Frankie, 12, on October 24, 2019.

Instead, he will serve five years of probation, is ordered to undergo mental health counseling and was given a 10-year ban on owning animals.

Tang had previously admitted to two counts of aggravated cruelty for beating the beloved animals.

Actress Janis Dardaris, pictured with her dogs on Instagram, has filed a lawsuit against a man who killed her dog, torturing another

Dardaris, who also appeared in The Sopranos and The Sixth Sense, told the New York Post that she was 'beyond disappointed' in the decision.

'I don't understand how someone who committed such cruel and violent acts against two small dogs would not have to face more serious consequences,' she told the Post.

'Mr. Tang has caused me so much pain. I live with the consequences of his actions every day.'

Robert Cannata, who is representing Dardaris, has also filed a lawsuit against Tang, which is still pending, for causing her emotional distress, the outlet reported.

Defense lawyer Jason Goldman told the Post: 'This has been a mental-health issue since day one.'

'We're appreciative that the court, unlike the government, agreed that ongoing treatment is a better solution for him than sitting in a jail cell,' Goldman said.

In 2019, Tang snuck into the apartment of his then-girlfriend, Dardaris' dog-sitter, when she wasn't home and tortured the poor pooches, the Post previously reported.

After fatally beating Alex, Tang was accused of taking Frankie to the building's rooftop and punching, throwing and kicking him.

'He sadistically tortured Frankie for several minutes by punching, throwing, chasing, and kicking the defenseless dog multiple times.' court filings read.

Tang then took Frankie inside where he left him to die, court papers revealed.

Cell phone video was also taken by a neighbor living in a building opposite which shows a man, alleged to be Tang, chasing and kicking a small white dog like a ball, before slamming it into a step.

'The visceral feeling I get when I think of what happened  it feels like an ice pick to my heart. It's a nightmare,' Dardaris told The New York Post at the time.

Actress Janis Dardaris, pictured with her dogs on Instagram, said 'I don't understand how someone who committed such cruel and violent acts against two small dogs would not have to face more serious consequences'

It was only when the neighbor who saw the alleged assault occurring that police were called to the apartment block and Frankie was able to be taken to an animal hospital to save his life.

After Tang had been arrested, Dardaris' friend went to her apartment to investigate and found 'one small white dog cowering inside  and a second small white dog lying dead on the floor.'

Frankie suffered 'two skull fractures, two fractured ribs, and a permanently damaged left eye,' the criminal complaint states. He was hospitalized for 16 days.

At the time, Dardaris told the Post that she simply wants to know 'why?'

'Why did you go into my apartment and do that? I want answers.'

'It's unimaginable to me that something like that could happen and that someone could do that and create such pain and grief in someone's life,' she had said.

Dardaris has had the little dogs since they were three months old.

'I wake up every night thinking about  the ache of thinking about what Alex went through doesn't go away and Frankie you dear little thing how could this have happened to you,' Dardaris said.
A UK high court has ruled in favour of Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland in a contractual dispute with SpiceJet, saying that it is entitled to recover $42.9 million in liquidated damages from the airline.

The court gave this ruling after De Havilland sued for its failure to make pre-delivery payments for 14 Q-400 aircraft on order.

The aircraft manufacturer had served notice for termination of the purchase agreement and claimed $ 42.9 million in liquidated damages.

In a recent judgment, the High Court of Justice in the UK upheld the aircraft manufacturers claim that did not abide by terms of contract. The court also said De Havilland is entitled to claim $ 42.9 million in liquidated damages from the airline.



Under the Indian law a separate application has to be filed in a court for execution of judgment in a civil or commercial suit.

said is appealing against the order.  The same court allowed appeal against the order and we shall be doing the same within the timeframe provided by the court, an airline spokesperson said today.

SpiceJet operates passenger and freight versions of Q-400 aircraft manufactured by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Ltd. In 2017 it signed a purchase agreement for 25 Q-400 aircraft. It took delivery of five aircraft but failed to make pre-delivery payments (PDPs) for fifteen aircraft in the order.. It also did not take delivery of three of those planes ( number 6-8) resulting in a commercial dispute.

The bone of contention between the two sides relates to changes in the purchase terms. Under the amended terms scheduled delivery dates for aircraft 9- 25 were suspended. De Havilland said only delivery dates were suspended and there was no agreement to suspend the dates for pre-delivery payments in respect to those planes. SpiceJet countered by stating that liability to make those payments got automatically suspended upon suspension of delivery dates.

It would not make business sense for the Defendant to be obliged to pay the PDPs if the deliveries were suspended, the airline argued. SpiceJet also made a counter claim for damages against the plane maker and said it had failed to arrange financing for the aircraft.

This breach by De Havilland resulted in non payment of PDPs for three aircraft, it contended. However the court did not upheld the airlines plea.

 De Havilland Canada confirms that it has received judgment against SpiceJet from the High Court of Justice of England and Wales in the amount of $ 42.9 million. De Havilland Canada is pleased with the judgment. The decision confirms our position that SpiceJet did not abide by the terms of the contract in failing to accept delivery of aircraft and to make the required pre-delivery payments, the plane manufacturer said.
File photo of Sharon Fast Gustafson (L), in her capacity as an attorney representing plaintiff Peggy Young (R), answers questions outside the U.S. Supreme Court, in Washington, on Dec. 3, 2014. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Biden Fires Trump-Appointed General Counsel in Move Critics Describe as Break From Long-Established Norms

President Joe Biden on Friday fired Trump-appointee Sharon Gustafson, who refused to resign willingly as general counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), documents show.

Gautam Raghavan, the White House deputy director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, said in an email to Gustafson obtained by The Hill (pdf) that she was being fired effective 5 p.m. Friday after she declined to resign. Her term was originally supposed to end in 2023.

Gustafson, in a letter to the White House released by the Ethics & Public Policy Center, a conservative think tank (pdf), said she had received the request to resign, but had opted to respectfully decline.

I have confidently given this advice to countless embattled clients over the last 25 years: hold your head high, do your best work, and do not resign under pressure, she wrote. In solidarity with them, I will follow that advice.

Republicans were quick to denounce Gustafsons termination, with Andrea Lucas, a Republican-appointed commissioner to the EEOC, saying it undercut Bidens pleas for unity.

I find the action taken today by the White House against our independent agency to be deeply troubling, a break from long-established norms respected by presidents of both parties, an injection of partisanship where it had been absent, and  telling evidence of what unity actually means to this President and his Administration, she wrote in a tweet.

Another Republican to denounce the move was Education and Labor Committee Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), who issued a strongly-worded statement that called for Gustafson to be reinstated.

This is a pattern. President Biden calls for the end to partisan warfare, only to turn around and demand that Senate-confirmed officials resign so he can make room for his left-wing friends, she wrote.

This unprecedented firing of an honorable public official which occurred just hours after she was asked to resign is unwarranted and should be immediately rescinded. General Counsel Gustafson should be reinstated so she can complete her four-year term, independently and free from undo political influence, Foxx wrote.

The move comes after Biden fired National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Peter Robb, also a Trump appointee, after he refused to step down on Jan. 20.
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New Delhi:

Amid the raging debate on cow protection and growing incidents of attacks by self-made rightwing vigilantes, over 200 cows scummed to death due to starvation and lack of medicines in a Gushala maintained by a BJP leader.

At least 200 cows allegedly died of starvation at a Gushala in Rajpur Village of Chhattisgarh's Durg district, a report said on Friday. The cattle shelter is reportedly maintained by a Bharatiya Janata Party leader.



The villager Sevaram Sahu, who confirmed the news to ANI, told Hindustan Times that over 200 cows died due to starvation and lack of medicines at the shelter within three days. The authorities have, however, confirmed only 27 starvation-related deaths, reports said.



The BJP leader, Harish Verma, who is also the vice president of Jamul Nagar Nigam, has been running the shelter for the last seven years.



We noticed JCB machines operating near the cow shelter two days ago and informed media persons. When we reached here, we found that many trenches were being dug to bury the dead cows lying around, said Seva Ram Sahu, the Rajpur Sarpanchs husband.

The villagers are alleging that most of dead cows have already been buried near the shelter. Several carcasses, other than those buried, were found in the vicinity, they told media.



According to doctors present at the spot, cows died due to starvation and lack of medicines.



However, the BJP leader, Harish Verma attributed the deaths to a wall collapse two days ago.



At this stage, the reason behind the cow deaths seems to be lack of fodder. The post mortem of 27 cows has been done in last two days," said MK Chawala , deputy director , veterinary department of Durg district.



The cows buried near the shelter are yet to be exhumed, he said.



Another 50 cows, said to be critical, are being treated. The number of deaths may rise , the doctor added.



A local sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) , Rajesh Ratre, said the exact death figures are yet to ascertained and investigation was on.

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Sligo University Hospital has 254 vacant posts including 93 nursing and midwifery posts according to a report from HSE management which was issued in response to a question from Cllr Declan Bree, at last week's meeting of the Regional Health Forum West.

In addition to the nursing and midwifery vacancies there are 71 Health and Social care professional staff vacancies, 46 administration staff, 18 Patient and Client care staff and 26 support service staff vacancies in the hospital.

"These figures can only be described as shocking and unacceptable", Cllr Bree told The "Sligo Champion".

"Nurses have been under extreme pressure since the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. Many have been risking their lives and have worked far and beyond the call of duty. This large number of vacancies clearly puts additional pressure on the existing complement of nurses in the hospital.

"Apart from the 93 nursing and midwifery posts vacant, I was also informed that 47 of the existing complement of nurses in the hospital were employed on temporary contracts while 13 were agency staff.

"Fine Gael was trumpeting last week about two additional ICU nurses having started at the hospital since the end of January. Are they living in the real world?

"These alarming vacancy figures confirm that there is a significant and ongoing crisis in recruitment and retention of nurses and midwives as a result of poor pay and conditions - and it is time the government realised this.

"The Covid pandemic has highlighted nursing at its best, but is has come at a personal and professional cost to nursing. The pandemic has also exposed the years of underfunding of our health services. Pre-Covid the crisis in our health system caused by the cuts imposed over the years by Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Labour, led to a huge shortage of nursing and medical staff, long waiting lists, a shortage of beds and record numbers of patients on trolleys in our hospital corridors.It is important that we now make our voices heard in demanding a properly funded universal health system, free at the point of delivery, which will deliver services in a way that is efficient, effective and sustainable," said Cllr Bree.
Columbia, MO (65201)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 57F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening with more clouds for overnight. Low 57F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 18:32:20|Editor: huaxia

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A community health worker receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Rwamagana district, central Rwanda, on March 5, 2021. More than 50,000 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Friday, the first day of a nationwide vaccination campaign, Rwandan Minister of Health Daniel Ngamije said. (Photo by Cyril Ndegeya/Xinhua)

KIGALI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- More than 50,000 people were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Friday, the first day of a nationwide vaccination campaign, Rwandan Minister of Health Daniel Ngamije said.

"Generally the vaccination exercise started smoothly across the country due to adequate preparation in terms of personnel and other necessary requirements," Ngamije said in a news program on the national broadcaster Rwanda Television.

The vaccines had been distributed to about 45 hospitals and 508 health centers across the country for the three-day vaccination campaign, which targets priority groups including health personnel, frontline workers and those older than 65 years or with underlying health conditions.

Ngamije received the jab during the formal launch of the vaccination campaign at Masaka hospital, in the suburbs of the capital city Kigali.

He called on all those who are eligible for vaccination to receive their jabs.

Through the COVAX vaccine sharing program, the central African nation on Wednesday received AstraZeneca-Oxford and Pfizer vaccines that can inoculate 171,480 people.

Rwanda plans to vaccinate 30 percent of its population by the end of 2021 and 60 percent by the end of 2022, or some 8 million people, to achieve herd immunity against the virus.

In February, the Rwandan Health Ministry said it has started vaccinating high-risk groups against COVID-19, notably frontline healthcare staff, with limited vaccine doses acquired through international cooperation. Enditem
Do The Bartman spent nine weeks at number one in Ireland

The Simpsons first aired in December 1989 and, by the end of its first season was one of the hottest shows on TV.

In the summer of 1990 rumours began circulating that 'King Of Pop' Michael Jackson would write a song for Bart on a forthcoming Simpsons offshoot album.

In fact, Jackson - a superfan of the animated show - was already on board, having called the producers one night offering to write Bart 'a number one single' and do a guest spot on the show.

The resulting 'Do The Bartman', an infectious slice of new jack swing, was included as the first track on 'The Simpsons Sing The Blues' album, released in December 1990.

'Do The Bartman' was not released a single in the US but in the UK it spent three weeks at number one and went on to become the fifth best-selling single of 1991.

In Ireland the song dominated the charts through February and March, spending nine weeks at the top. Only nine singles have ever managed a longer run at number one in the Irish charts.

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'Do The Bartman' was performed by voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy Cartwright. Michael Jackson provided backing vocals but was not credited for this contribution as he was under contract to Epic Records. It later transpired that he also co-wrote and co-produced the track (with co-writer Bryan Loren).

The extent of Jackson's writing input is unclear.

Simpsons creator Matt Groening has repeatedly stated Michael Jackson wrote the song, but when selling the publishing and songwriting rights for 'Do The Bartman' in 2015, Bryan Loren disputed those claims.

'I am the sole writer of the song. It was his idea to call the song, 'Do The Bartman'. And, he did insist I include his name in the lyric. Hence, 'If you can do the Bart, you're bad like Michael Jackson.' And so, obviously, he was involved. Perhaps this tidbit of info is not as sensational as saying MJ co-wrote the song, but I assure you, he did not.'

In reaching No. 1 on the UK charts, Bart Simpson joined a select club of chart-topping animated characters who have scaled single or album chart heights. Other members include Teletubbies Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po, Mr Blobby, The Archies, Bob The Builder, The Tweenies, The Wombles and The Muppets.

1 Do The Bartman The Simpsons

2 Crazy For You Madonna

3 (I Wanna Give You) Devotion Nomad featuring MC Mikee Freedom

4 You Got The Love The Source

5 Should I Stay Or Should I Go The Clash

6 Get Here Oleta Adams

7 3AM Eternal KLF featuring The Children of the Revolution

8 All Right Now Free

9 In Yer Face 808 State

10 Move Your Body (Elevation) Xpansions
Help India!

Padma Shri Ravi Kumar Narra is an entrepreneur and social activist. He is the National President of the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) and founder of the Shanti Chakra Foundation, which assists Dalit entrepreneurs in networking. In this exclusive interview with TwoCircles.net, Narra talks about his journey, his inspiration and offers advice for Dalit entrepreneurs on how to succeed in the field.

Preeti Nangal, TwoCircles.net

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Your journey as an individual and as a professional is inspiring. Could you share the role played by your parents in encouraging you to be an entrepreneur?

My father worked as a mason and my mother worked as a housemaid. Sometimes she used to work as a labourer with my father. They are not educated and come from very poor backgrounds. We used to stay in a small house with a very big family in a basti near Secunderabad railway station. We didnt even have a toilet and used a public one which was in a bad condition. We had to go out to fetch water and would have days assigned to each member to do this.

My parents were committed to our education. Whatever earnings they made, they invested in our education. My mother used to say only one thing that come what may you have to study well. She used to take me to the houses where she worked as a housemaid. I used to observe that those people had cars, big bungalows, nice clothes, and language skills. She would introduce me to the children there and would say: one day, you should become like them. I wanted that life for myself as much as my mother did. I saw these people were happy, proud and I wanted to be like that.

Also, sometimes my mother used to take me to a nearby hillock area. She used to collect cow dung there, turn them into cakes, and paste them on a nearby rock. By the next day, they would dry out, and she would collect them in a basket to sell in the market. This used to be additional revenue for us. From this experience, I learned that my mother is a good entrepreneur. With hard work and no investment  cow dung, rock, solar power were all freely available  she created a product to sell. My mother was intelligent to not depend on one source of income.

My father used to get paid weekly on Saturdays and my mother would send me along with him so he would not spend any money on drinking. There used to be arguments between the contractor and my father because he would refuse to give whole wages to my father citing that the government had not passed his bills. When my father would raise his voice, the contractor would threaten him to not come to work from the next day. This scene is printed on my mind.

A hardworking person is at the mercy of a contractor who is not discharging his responsibility and instead of making payments for the work done, he threatened him. The winner is always the contractor, not the labourer. I thought that one day I should also become a contractor but not treat my employees like how he treated my father.

Apart from your parents, who have been your role models?

My role model is Mr NT Rama Rao. He was the former chief minister of our state [Andhra Pradesh] and was also a film actor. I got associated with him during my college days when I was a student leader. He advised me on how we should come up in life, what status we should create in society, what should be our character and commitment towards the family. He advised me not to work for the government because otherwise, the system will corrupt you and that your talent wont be recognized because promotion happens as per age and seniority, not by ones talent. His inspirational words changed my life to some extent.

Moreover, after engaging in-depth with Dr Ambedkars philosophy and ideology, I feel informed and empowered to not worship the gods blindly or follow astrology. I am now able to question the system. I can talk to anybody with assertion.

My family, siblings, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law also supported me.

You mentioned the influence of political leaders on your career. What role has politics played in your journey as an entrepreneur?

Initially, I was earning only for sustainability. Subsequently, when my business went up, politics attracted me. I entered into politics with the help of Mr NT Rama Rao. I have worked closely with Mr Chandrababu Naidu. I also contested MLA elections twice but could not succeed. All said and done, the prevailing political system will not be doing any favour to the SC/ST community because the governments view is to only look at us as a vote bank. The schemes they introduce are introduced while keeping votes in mind. So, every scheme targets the lakhs of people but is not designed to empower individuals.

Suppose, the government gives free education to Dalit children. What responsibility would the father be able to discharge towards his children? The children would say: you could not even support our education. If the government gives me a house then what is my contribution to my family? When I enter that house, what self-respect will I have?

This political system is unable to provide solutions for the aspirations of many SC/ST community people. Many young generation people are coming up nowadays with great ideas but there is no support system. If they want to start a business or a startup, they want land but we do not have any land. So how do we start? Somebody has to finance them. If they go to the bank, they will be asked for collateral but collateral is not available to them. The Indian banking system is based on the collateral system. So these fundamental things need to be addressed by the government.

The government should be able to provide them with the land. The government should be able to give the guarantee on behalf of the entrepreneur to the bank. The young people dont have the market, so the government should be able to create a market for them by sourcing material from the SC/ST entrepreneurs.

Now, being part of DICCI, I am doing more professional business and I can support many aspiring SC/ST youth across the country. We have created a huge infrastructure and network. We have succeeded in convincing the government that there must be an exclusive policy support system for the SC/ST communities.

You were born in a working-class Dalit family with no academic background. Yet you managed to get degrees in law, journalism, public policy, science. What encouraged you to pursue institutional education? Was it challenging to sustain yourself among peers from non-Dalit backgrounds who were more privileged than you?

I pursued my education while doing odd jobs simultaneously. I would attend college in the morning and work during the evening and when college used to be in the evening, I worked in the mornings. The main reason for the acquisition of the degrees is that I have a passion for education. My situation did not permit me to go to regular reputed colleges. So, whatever best options were available, I adopted those.

Till 10th class, I studied in a Telugu-medium school. So, when I entered college, I was not able to communicate properly with the fellow students since I was not proficient in English. Subsequently, I recognized the importance of the English language. Then I started focusing on learning the language.

You mentioned your struggle in communicating and networking because of language hindrance. Do you consider the English language an asset? Is the emphasis laid on the relevance of the English language resulting in the under-utilization of regional languages as an asset for networking and business?

Regional languages have their importance. One should have both. If we want to communicate with poor people, we should have access to the local language. If I go to Warangal and speak in English or Hindi, I wont be able to communicate with them. So, there I have to speak Telugu.

I am the national president. If I would not have known Hindi and English, how could I have communicated with the DICCI people and the rest of the country? If I only know Telugu, I cannot become a national leader. First and foremost, language must make it convenient to communicate. How you are able to communicate and connect with people is the most important.

What are the future avenues for entrepreneurs from the Dalit community to explore and venture into?

Roti, kapda aur makan [food, clothes and houses]. Theres no saturation in this line of activity. These are also the three things that we lack in the Dalit community. Many jobs were traditionally done by Dalits. Since we left those works, others occupied them with technological advancements. For example, the footwear industry. Footwear is a very big opportunity for anybody and theres no saturation. Also, sewage cleaning. For ages, only our people have been doing this business but now mechanization is taking place. The big players are coming into the field. This will be a business opportunity for many. Aerospace, fisheries, new technologies are coming up. At DICCI, our aim is to not only be job givers but to also develop business leadership, leaders who would recognize and create these opportunities.

What do you consider as a prerequisite to be an entrepreneur?

The prerequisite for a general entrepreneur is different from the prerequisite for a Dalit entrepreneur. One should be hardworking and must have the risk-taking capacity. Mostly, resistance to becoming an entrepreneur comes from the community itself. Many young people do business without the knowledge of their parents because parents will stop them. Parents say it is not our culture, that we are likely to fail. So, they would prefer a job even if it is a peons job.

To convert from one culture to another is very difficult. What we need is to showcase the success stories. One should have the moral support of the family members. At DICCI, we want to develop the family business culture. The entire family must be aware of business developments. My wife, for example, is very competent to look after my businesses even when I am not around. My sons only talk about business.

Unless you see some success stories, you will not get the confidence. You dont have the experience, land, connections, or investment. You are socially weak and there is no business network for you. All of these challenges have to be overcome. You should have that passion, commitment and confidence to be successful.
It is impossible to automatically apply restrictive measures in Ukraine to Ihor Kolomoisky following the U.S. sanctions, but the opening of criminal proceedings against Kolomoisky for corruption crimes, the basis of which may be a statement by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, managing partner of the Sokolovsky law firm and partners Vladyslav Sokolovsky has said.

"Such criminal proceedings are under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. Other crimes can be investigated by the State Bureau of Investigation or the Security Service of Ukraine. Thus, our law enforcement agencies have the last word," he told Interfax-Ukraine on Friday.

The lawyer predicted that following the announced sanctions, based on the experience of applying previous sanctions packages, the oligarch's money would most likely be frozen, and real estate located in the United States would be seized. "It is difficult to automatically apply the same restrictive measures to Kolomoisky in Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian law on sanctions," Sokolovsky said.

According to him, it is possible to impose personal sanctions on Ukrainian citizens only for carrying out terrorist activities, as was the case with Viktor Medvedchuk and Taras Kozak.

"This reason is the only possible right option for applying significant restrictive measures to the citizens of our country without a court decision. Although Ihor Valerievych himself stated that he has several foreign passports. He is not officially deprived of Ukrainian citizenship. It will be extremely difficult bring him to justice under the law on sanctions," the lawyer said.

As reported, Blinken announced sanctions against businessman and former Ukrainian statesman Ihor Kolomoisky in connection with his involvement in major corruption, he and his immediate family are banned from entering the United States.

Blinken said that in his official status as the head of Dnipropetrovsk region of Ukraine from 2014 to 2015, Kolomoisky was involved in corrupt acts that undermined rule of law and the Ukrainian public's faith in their government's democratic institutions and public processes, including using his political influence and official power for his personal benefit.
Vicar The Reverend Meurig Williams arrived in Mallow in recent weeks to take up his new post at St. James's Church in Mallow, replacing Canon Eithne Lynch who retired in August 2019.

Rev Meurig was born in sight of the mountains of Snowdonia in the city of Bangor in northern Wales. Rev Meurig recalls that this part of the world would be known by many Irish people leaving the port of Holyhead en route to London.

His mother came from a farming background while his father's people were all coalminers which, he says, is a classic Welsh upbringing.

Meurig's home language was Welsh as well as English which drew him towards other languages and in particular French. In the 1980s while studying languages in university he did a course in Breton and was so delighted to learn on his arrival here that Mallow was twinned with Treguier in Brittany.

Even though his father was a minister Meurig admits he had no interest in religion as a teen but was more interested in politics while campaigning for the survival of the Welsh language but during his year in Bordeaux he was drawn into the religious life.

He joined a ecumenical and monastic community in a tiny village in Burgundy, France called Taize. It was here he knew his vocation was to the priesthood in the service of the people and the Church. He admits it was not a sudden conversion but just like a gentle tug of the sleeve.

Eventually, after theological studies in Cardiff, Cambridge and Berlin, he was a ordained a priest in 1993 in the Cathedral of his home town of Bangor, which is one of the oldest Cathedrals in the British Isles. Now almost 30 years later it has brought Meurig to the diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross.

His ministry began in Holyhead and from there he 'explored' Ireland by taking a ferry to Dun Laoghaire in time to have a cup of coffee in Grafton Street. Coming from Wales the history of Ireland meant so much to Meurig and he says Brexit suited him because as a Welsh European he needed to stay in the EU.

He feels it has been very easy to settle in Ireland but jokingly says it may become problematic on certain international rugby days. During his life in religion he has served in Holyhead, Pwllheli, Cardiff and Bangor, when he became Archdeacon. For a decade he was based in HQ in Brussels and most recently serving as Archdeacon of France.

During his stay in mainland Europe he travelled widely and loved rural settings where sometimes without a transport service he availed of the good hearted people to get him home. Music in the Church or pub is a great interest to him and has sung in many choirs throughout his life.

Already Meurig has made contact with people in the Mallow Farmers Market and looks forward to exploring the Wild Atlantic Way. He said he is looking forward to the times ahead in Mallow making new friends and getting involved in community activities.

A lover of words and languages and literature and poetry Meurig Williams will certainly be welcomed with open arms by all in the community. We wish him well.
Hai Duongs first farm produce, including cabbage and chicken eggs, are being sold on voso.vn, an e-commerce website, while an online stall distributing Hai Duongs produce has been set up.

Hundreds of farm produce have been stuck in Hai Duong, a Covid hotspot. Tens of thousands of tons of oranges in Ha Giang cannot be sold. In Me Linh district in Hanoi, farmers threw turnips into river, while Nam Dinhs farmers can only get VND1,000 only for three kilograms of tomatoes.

In Hai Duong province, because of the lockdown commencing on February 16, nearly 90,000 tons of farm produce could not be sold. The provincial authorities then had to ask for help, calling on people to buy Hai Duongs produce.

Within half a month, 27,000 tons of farm produce were rescued with selling prices of VND4,000-7,000 per kilogram and 1 million chickens were sold, while 100,000 eggs were sold each day.

However, there are problems in the way the produce are sold: tons of vegetables and eggs are displayed on pavement, sold dirt cheap, and the rate of broken and rotten produce is high.

Orange growers in Ha Giang have seen prices fall dramatically to VND3,000 per kilogram. The provincial agriculture department estimates that the total orange output is 70,000 tons this crop, but only 20,000 tons have been sold.

The same thing is happening in Tuyen Quang province. This is the second year the orange prices have dropped so sharply.

The local authorities reported that there are 8,600 hectares of orange growing area that produces 90,000 tons a year. In previous years, farmers could earn VND100-150 million per hectare selling oranges at VND8,000-10,000 per kilogram.

Hai Duongs first farm produce, including cabbage and chicken eggs, are being sold on voso.vn, an e-commerce website, while an online stall distributing Hai Duongs produce has been set up.

In late February, 600 tons of turnips were due to be harvested, but they remained unsold and were thrown away. In the Tay Tuu flower village in Hanoi, farmers were upset when they had to chop down daisy plants and sell lilies cheaply.

Farmers in Rang Dong Town in Nam Dinh do not want to harvest tomatoes at this time, leaving them rotting in the fields, because they cannot carry them away because oflockdown in many localities.

In Dien Chau and Hung Yen districts of Nghe An province, cabbage grown on hundreds of hectares could not find buyers, though the price has fallen to VND2,000 per kilogram.

E-commerce sites

With the support of local authorities and people throughout the country, some of the farm produce has been sold. However, experts point out that over the long term, farmers need radical solutions to sell produce, rather than rely on support from consumers.

Pham Tat Thang, a market expert, said it is necessary to put farm produce for sale on e-commerce platforms, which can reach a wide market.

Thang believes that this is a feasible solution as nearly all Vietnamese people have smartphones, including farmers. However, he stressed that there should be a good logistics system to support farmers in preservation and transportation.

In fact, the solution has already been applied by many individuals. Pham Van Khang and his wife in Tuy Duc, Dak Nong province sold out their macadamia and bananas by putting produce online.



In order to help farmers, Viettel Post has introduced a digital technology solution to allow farmers to sell produce on Vo So e-commerce website via a smart logistics system.

With Vo So, farmers can sell produce at good prices, while consumers can be sure that they are buying high-quality produce.

Viettel Post Hai Duong has sent officers to the fields to show farmers how to create online stalls and put produce on Vo So. They also show farmers how to use the e-commerce site, and help farmers take pictures and write about produce.

The first stalls became operational on March 4.

Now people can buy Cam Dong chicken eggs, Chi Linh hill chickens, Thanh Ha guava and other specialties just with clicks. This farm produce has been certified as meeting OCOP (one commune one product) or VietGap standards.

Following voso.vn, many other e-commerce websites have been cooperating with local authorities and farmers to distribute fresh produce directly to consumers. Not only produce from Hai Duong, but specialties from other localities will be available on online markets.

Tam An

Pandemic turns Hai Duong farm produce into waste People in the northern province of Hai Duong are calling for help as their farm produce distribution networks have been disrupted since social distancing was imposed in the locality.
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Many Christians are surprised when they hear that there are communities where no one has preached nor heard about Jesus. In Nigeria, there are over 83 people groups that are designated as unreached with a population of over 64 million (Joshua Project survey). It is surprising to note that even among the unreached, short thick bottles of Coca-Cola are found in their midst. This observation calls for sober reflection and it is a challenge to global Christians.

Jan Conway in an article titled, "Coca-Cola, statistics and facts," said: "Everyone has heard of Coca-Cola, and you would be hard pressed to find somebody who was unable to recognize the iconic white lettering against the bright red background of this global brand". Conway was convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that all have heard of Coca-Cola. The million dollar question to all Christians is: can any of us boldly assert that everyone has heard of Jesus?

It is obvious that no Christian can make such a claim because we know that it is not true. In Nigeria alone statistics has shown that over 64,306,000 have not heard about Jesus. In one particular community, we informed the residents that Jesus was coming to rule over their community and that they should allow us to set ablaze their gods because they were man-made. They held a meeting and returned to us and told us that they would had liked Jesus to come to their community but they were afraid that He might not be able to survive the harsh environment.

According to them, "From your explanation about this Jesus, He is a wealthy king. We do not have good house to accommodate Him. Our bed is not good enough for Him to sleep on. No good food for Him to eat and no clean water for Him to drink. Please tell him that we appreciate all the food and clothe which He sent to us through you but we are afraid that He will not be able to survive the hardship of our community."

It is important to note that before these people came up with this response, we had already done some explanations about the divinity of Christ. Yet they did not understand because they were hearing about Him for the first time. Even the name "Jesus" was mentioned for the first time in this community. The people innocently made the response out of ignorance.

We visited another community with relief materials and told them that Jesus sent us with the goods. Some groups of women gathered and requested that they would like meet with Jesus to express their profound gratitude to Him for all that He has sent to them. According to them, "Please whenever you are visiting again endeavor to come with Jesus. We want to thank Him for all these gifts that He has sent for us. Tell him that we would like to see Him."

If Coca-Cola has advertised their products and everyone has heard about them, why are Christians finding it difficult to advertise our only product  Jesus? Is it that we do not have the money to carry out the research and advertisement? Or is it that we do not have the personnel requirements? Are we not innovative enough?

Coca-Cola uses the social platforms sponsorship strategy, television and radio commercials, print media, billboard ads, etc. as advertising strategies to spread their brand farther. Coca-Cola maintains human connections, stays truthful to their principles and remains innovative in order to ensure that all hears about their products. Jesus needs to be advertised through every available medium. Church program advertisement should be about Jesus and not about the men of God who are ministering in the program. I have not seen where Coca-Cola advertises their chief executive officer; their advertisement is product-focused.

How thick bottles of Coca-Cola found their ways to unreached communities is what I cannot really explain. I wondered if the company had in any way targeted the unreached who do not have access to any advertisement medium. I presume that their marketing officers must have accessed unreached and hard-to-reach places on feet with their products. Most of the villages where we saw Coca-Cola bottles do not even have roads. Jesus marketing officers (missionaries) should be massively recruited, trained and sent to market their product among the unreached no matter how difficult the terrains.

Investment on research on how to develop missiological strategies to reach the unreached should be supported by every Christian. A comprehensive Biblical study of the history of the Christian mission should be embarked on by every mission-minded believer. There should be scientific investigation of the psycho-spiritual, socio-cultural and geo-political background of every unreached tribe, nation and community and an in-depth research on strategies used before now by missionary heroes of faith. Missionary researchers and field missionaries must learn how to hear the voice of the Holy Ghost for ideas on how best to reach the unreached.

Churches must embark on grooming every member to realize that missionary work is a collective responsibility. If you are not called to go, you must hold lifelines to those who are going by intercession and giving. Every church must set up a mission team that must be stronger, more committed, more innovative and more pragmatic than the Coca-Cola team. It will be glorious if there comes a day when the leaders of our churches and mission agencies will lift their voices confidently to declare that everyone on this planet Earth has heard about Jesus.
The Biden administration is facing an increasing number of unaccompanied migrant children crossing into the United States, placing added strain on a system operating under limited capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic.

US Customs and Border Protection has attributed the increase in arrests in part to instability in home countries, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic and perceptions of instant shifts in US immigration policies.

The pandemic has taken a dramatic toll on Latin America, where Covid-19 cases and deaths have soared and economies once projected to grow have been decimated. The region was also hit with two devastating hurricanes. The decline in economic growth in 2020, according to the Congressional Research Service, is expected to worsen income inequality and poverty in the region.

Administration officials have urged migrants not to come to the US, arguing that changes to the US immigration system will take time to make. 'They need to wait. It takes time to rebuild the system from scratch,' Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday.

Here's what to know about the situation at the US-Mexico border:

Who's crossing the border?

The majority of border crossers since October are single adults, many of whom are from Mexico. In January, the US Border Patrol arrested more than 75,000 migrants on the southern border, up from around 71,000 in December, according to the latest data. Of those, single adults made up around 62,000 arrests.

But the increase from month to month is notable given that there's usually a dip between December and January due to the holidays. It's particularly concerning among families and unaccompanied children.

On average, over the last 21 days, the US Border Patrol arrested around 340 children who crossed the US-Mexico border alone, according to internal documents reviewed by CNN.

Border Patrol officials are the first to come in contact with children who cross the US border alone. After being taken into Border Patrol custody, unaccompanied children are turned over to the Health and Human Services Department.

There are approximately 7,700 unaccompanied children in HHS care. The department has around 13,650 beds to accommodate children when not under reduced capacity.

In 2019, the Trump administration faced large numbers of children and families at the US-Mexico border that overwhelmed facilities. While it's difficult to compare today's arrests with those of recent years because of the drastically different circumstances as a result of the pandemic, the increasing trend of children has raised concerns.

In January 2019, the year where there were surges on the border, the Border Patrol encountered around 5,100 unaccompanied children. This past January, Border Patrol took roughly 5,700 children who crossed the border alone into custody.

'The numbers are very high. They're not the highest ever, but they're particularly high for this time of year,' said Mark Greenberg, a senior fellow at the Migration Policy Institute and former Health and Human Services official. 'There is some seasonal variation and usually the numbers are higher in springtime than in winter, so to see such high numbers in February is very unusual.'

What is Biden doing differently from Trump regarding kids?

The numbers of children coming into US custody may look higher when compared to last year because the Trump administration subjected children crossing the US-Mexico border alone to a policy that allowed for the swift removal of migrants.

The Biden administration has said it will not do that, meaning those unaccompanied minors are taken into US custody, instead of turned away.

How is the Biden administration treating other migrants?

Other migrants, like most families and single adults, are still subject to instant removal, barring some exceptions.

In a holdover from the Trump era, individuals encountered illegally crossing the US-Mexico border can be swiftly expelled from the United States with little consequence under a public health order put in place last March. That's led to single adults trying to cross multiple times.

What does US law say about children in custody?

After being taken into Border Patrol custody, unaccompanied children have to be turned over within 72 hours to the Department of Health and Human Services, which is tasked with the care of migrant children, barring exceptional circumstances.

Once in care, case managers will work to place children with a sponsor, like a parent or relative, in the US, but as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and precautions to avoid spread of Covid-19, the department is only able to use a little more than half of the beds it has for children.

CNN reported this week that the average time in Border Patrol facilities, which are not designed to hold children, was 77 hours, longer than the 72 permitted under US law.

Where are children held?

HHS has an expansive shelter network nationwide equipped to care for children until they can be placed with family in the United States. These shelters are separate from Border Patrol facilities, which are not intended to house children, and have been used under previous administrations.

Shelters have been operating under reduced capacity to account for Covid-19 precautions. But on Friday, the Biden administration notified facilities caring for migrant children that they can open back up to pre-Covid-19 levels, acknowledging 'extraordinary circumstances' due to a rising number of minors crossing the US-Mexico border, according to a memo obtained by CNN.

HHS also recently opened an overflow facility in Texas to house children arriving at the US southern border without a parent or relative.

'We have to look for facilities and places where we can safely and humanely have these unaccompanied minors in the interim,' White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Friday.

What other facilities are being considered?

HHS also conducted a site survey at Fort Lee in Virginia to determine if facilities there might 'be suitable for temporary housing for unaccompanied children' crossing the border, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said Friday.

Kirby said a formal request from HHS has not been sent to the Department of Defense yet. He also said the Department has housed unaccompanied children in the past, citing a time when HHS asked for similar assistance in 2012 and 2017.

If the request did go through, children would be under the care of HHS, and the Pentagon would simply provide the space for housing, Kirby added.

'The children would be housed on the facilities in, usually base housing there, not for families, but barracks type housing, and they are under the responsibility and the care of HHS. The Department's role would be to provide the space in a fully reimbursable format,' Kirby said.
Ngozika Ihuoma, a defence witness called to testify by the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, conceded on Friday that his claims of alleged mismanagement of recovered assets by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) were not backed with any documentary evidence.

Mr Ihuoma, the first defence witness to testify for Mr Maina, who is being prosecuted before the Federal High Court in Abuja for laundering N2billion, made the concession under cross-examination by EFCCs lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Mr Ihuoma testified in his evidence-in-chief on Thursday that the anti-graft agency mismanaged 222 assets handed over to it by the Mr Maina-led PRTT.

He had also credited the PRTT with the recovery of funds that were used to fund the 2012 budgets, and that Mr Maina had also provided intelligence that helped the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to recover about N1.3 trillion in looted funds.

The witness who owned Crincad & Cari Nigeria Ltd said to have been engaged by the Mr Maina-led PRTT for consultancy services, tendered three documents in the course of his testimony but none had to do with his claims against EFCC and its former acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the documents tendered by the witness were: a court judgment delivered by Adamu Bello, an EFCC memo, and a letter of appointment from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

No documentary evidence tendered against EFCC, Magu

Fielding questions from EFCCs lawyer, Mr Abubakar, on Friday, the witness conceded that he did not tender any document to back his claim that Mr Maina, in 2016, gave an intelligence report to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and the National Security Adviser in Dubai leading to the recovery of N1.3 trillion.

He admitted that he did not tender a copy of the petition which he claimed to have sent to the AGF against EFCC and Mr Magu over their alleged mismanagement of recovered assets.

Mr Ihuoma also confirmed that he did not tender any document to prove that his said petition led to the setting up of the Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Inquiry that probed Mr Magu and the EFCC last year.

You claimed that Magu confessed before the panel to have mismanaged the property, but you did not tender the record of proceedings of the Salami panel to prove this, Mr Abubakar said.

Responding, the witness said, Yes, I said the Salami panel indicted Magu but I have not tendered a document before the court.

No document to back recoveries by PRTT

The witness, who had said the PRTT recovered N181 billion in its first 11 months of operations, admitted that he did not tender any document to support the claim.

He also agreed that he did not tender any document to back his testimony that Mr Mainas task force recovered N282 billion within its first 18 months.

When the EFCC lawyer asked him if he tendered a list of the 222 pieces of property and N1.63 trillion recovered before the court, Mr Ihuoma said, I have not tendered a list of those pieces of 222 property in my evidence-in-chief for now.

In addition, he admitted that he had not produced the evidence to prove that the assets were valued at N1.63 trillion.

We have not tendered the document in a way, he said.

Asked if he had tendered any document to back his claim that N282 billion purportedly recovered by the PRTT was warehoused at Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the witness said, It is not in contest, though I have not.

He also admitted that there was no document tendered in court by him to prove that N74 billion allegedly recovered by PTRT was used in funding the 2012 budget.

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He also confirmed that he did not tender any document to prove his claim that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended the PRTT for the biometric data capturing of pensioners in the diaspora.

Maina being persecuted

But, when asked by the prosecutor, the witness maintained that Mr Maina was being persecuted.

He also stuck to his claims that EFCC mismanaged recovered assets without providing any document to back the claim.

The judge, Okon Abang, adjourned till March 9 to 11 for further cross-examination of the defence witness.

The EFCC had arraigned Mr Maina and his firm, Common Input Property and Investment Ltd on 12 counts of laundering about N2billion in pension funds.

The defendants denied the charges.

.(NAN)
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The abduction of a child in northern Afghanistan has shocked the countrys Turkmen minority. It has prompted members of the community to shut the countrys northern river ports and border crossings with its Central Asian neighbors and hold protests both in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the four months following the abduction.

Last week Abdul Nabi, the father of Abdul Rauf, 9, arrived in Kabul with a group of relatives. They were invited by the National Directorate for Security (NDS), the Afghan spy service, for more than 10 days of meetings with officials about his sons release, which has yet to be secured despite promises by top officials.

Even the Taliban has made attempts to recover Nabis son by allowing him to meet with a group of suspects who admitted to participating in the kidnapping or hosting the kidnappers.

Still, Nabi is waiting to bring his son home. The kidnappers are now demanding a ransom of $2.2 million for Raufs release and have sent Nabi numerous videos of his son being tortured. Some of the videos have been widely viewed on Afghan social media.

If we see that you are not going to accept our demands, we will commit such atrocities against your child that not even Ganges Khan would have conceived of, one of the latest WhatsApp messages from his kidnappers warned Nabi. You will also see the video of what we are going to do to him, read the message, which he shared with Radio Free Afghanistan.

Nabi has pleaded with the Afghan government for President Ashraf Ghani to intervene. It has been more than 100 days since Raufs abduction, and yet we are no closer to finding him, he told Radio Free Afghanistan.

He says his son was abducted soon after he left for school with his 12-year-old sister, Gozel, on November 1. The family lives in Mazar-e Sharif, the capital of Balkh Province and the biggest city in northern Afghanistan.

The family learned of the abduction minutes after it happened when their daughter came running home. Nabi immediately reported the incident to the local office of the NDS. But he says the Afghan authorities failed to take sufficient action.

I could monitor his GPS watch from my smart phone, and it was working for a full 12 days after his abduction, but no one was able to pinpoint his location, he told 1TV, a private Afghan news station. I dont know what their motive is, but they are increasing the price for his release."

Nabi, a middle-class trader in Mazar-e Sharif, says he doesnt have the money but is prepared to give up everything he has to secure his sons release.

News of his situation and debates on social media have prompted fellow Turkmens to protest for Raufs release. In late February, scores of Turkmen protesters forced the closure of the Aqina, Shir Khan Bandar, and Hairatan border crossings and river ports with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Members of Afghanistans estimated 1 million Turkmens, most of whom are associated with the carpet industry, have also organized social media campaigns and street protests in Afghan cities and in front of their countrys embassy in Washington, D.C.

The government is answerable to this nation because these people are also part of the nation and have voted in elections, Nabi told a large February 7 protest in Mazar-e Sharif. If Ashraf Ghani is the president of our republic, he must hear my voice, he must hear the voice of these people who have voted for him.

But Ahmad Zia Siraj, Afghanistans current spy chief, says they are doing their best to reunite Rauf with his family.

It is a very complex case, he told journalists last week. We have so far carried out 29 operations and sweeps of 26 places, he added. We are using all our resources to resolve this case.

In January, Ghani warned security officials in Balkh that he would fire them if they fail to find Abdul Rauf. With the clock ticking on, the nightmare continues for Rauf, his family, and their community.
Frankfort, KY (40601)

Today

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 61F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 61F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.

Trump supporters are seen in Times Square, New York City, on Oct. 13, 2020. (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images)

4 Arrested as Trump Supporters, Anti-Police Protesters Clash in New York City

New York police officers on Friday made four arrests after supporters of former President Donald Trump clashed with counter-protesters in the borough of Manhattan.

Trump supporters marched on Fifth Avenue near Trump Tower carrying Trump 2024 banners in an event billed as the Trump Save America Flag Unfurling.

Video footage showed over 100 supporters turning out for the event.

One participant told Right Side Broadcasting Network that the event was a rally for Trump. Trump 2024 baby! Yeah! he said.

The event was protested by another group, who the network alleged were linked to the far-left Antifa and Black Lives Matter.

The counter-protesters grabbed a huge banner Trump supporters were carrying and a struggle ensued, according to video footage captured by independent reporter Ford Fischer.

NYPD officers arrested two of the counter-protesters, one of whom claimed a Trump supporter used a racial slur.

The NYPD said later in the day that officers were attempting to prevent a clash between anti-police protesters and pro-Trump protesters.

Four arrests were made for various crimes, including assaults on police officers and weapons possession. Violent actions will not be tolerated from those who claim to be peaceful protestors. pic.twitter.com/kke0GzpwAw  NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 5, 2021

While doing so, multiple officers were faced with violent actions resulting with one officer currently being treated at a hospital for suspected bleach being thrown in his eyes, the department added.

Four arrests were made for various crimes, including assaults on police officers and weapons possession.

Violent actions will not be tolerated from those who claim to be peaceful protesters,' police said in a statement.

Officials declined to answer on Saturday when The Epoch Times asked if any of those arrested were confirmed to be with a certain group.

Following the arrests, counter-protesters continued confronting supporters, including one who told a woman to fight me.

Frankly, sometimes I cover two-sided events where arguing etc. leads to some finding of common ground. Other than a few shared moments collectively ripping on Governor Cuomo, today was a lot of fighting words and not a lot of common ground, Fischer said in a tweet.

Trump has said he is mulling another run for president after a win in 2016 and a loss last year.

Democrats should suffer withering losses in the midterms and to lose the White House decisively four years from now I may decide to beat them for a third time, Trump told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 28, referring to his claim that he actually won the 2020 election.

In an interview that day, he said he cant imagine that someone else would win if he does run again.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Xiaomi Malaysia has officially launched the Redmi Note 10 series, which consists of the Redmi Note 10, as well as the Note 10 Pro, which starts from the price at RM699 and from RM999 respectively. If youre keen on purchasing any of the phones from the Note 10 series, you can do so via the official Xiaomi Store on Lazada, as well as any of the Authorized Mi Stores and official retailers located across Malaysia.

In terms of the tech specs, the Redmi Note 10 comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 chipset, up to 6GB RAM, up to 128GB ROM, 6.43-inch AMOLED DotDisplay, and a 5000mAh internal battery which supports up to 33W wired fast charging. Camera-wise, it has a 48MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear camera while the front has a 13MP selfie camera.

The Redmi Note 10 Pro, on the other hand, comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset, up to 8GB RAM, 128GB ROM, 6.67-inch 120Hz display, 5020mAh battery with 33W fast charging. In terms of the camera, it has a 108MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP quad-camera rear while the front has a 16MP selfie camera.

As for the colours, the Redmi Note 10 is available in Onyx Gray, Pebble White, and Lake Green while the Note 10 Pro is available in Onyx Gray, Glacier Blue, as well as Gradient Bronze. Other than the variants mentioned above, theres also the Redmi Note 10S, as well as the Redmi Note 10 5G which will, unfortunately, not be available in Malaysia until further notice.

When it comes to the tech specs, the Redmi Note 10S comes equipped with the Helio G95 chipset, up to 8GB RAM, up to 128GB ROM, a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, as well as a 5000mAh internal battery. It also has a 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP rear camera at the rear while the front has a 13MP front-facing selfie camera.

Last but not least, the Redmi Note 10 5G has a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, up to 6GB RAM, up to 128GB ROM, 6.5-inch 90Hz AdaptiveSync DotDisplay, and a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging. At the back, it comes equipped with a 48MP + 2MP + 2MP triple rear camera as well as an 8MP front-facing selfie camera.

Head over to Xiaomis official website, if youre keen on finding out more information. Would you be interested in getting the Redmi Note 10 series as soon as it is available in the local market? Let us know on our Facebook page and for more updates like this, stay tuned to TechNave.com.
Thanks to reports of a local resident, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Healths inspectors were able to break a facility illegally providing vaginal rejuvenation services concealed as a coffee shop in District 5.

The facility in question is located at 783 Tran Hung Dao Street in Ward 1 in District 5.

From the outside, the facility was home to a cafe named Nha.

As the inspectors, in collaboration with the local police and medical division, launched an unexpected probe into the aforementioned venue, they discovered the coffee business was only operated in the ground floor, while its first floor housed a cosmetic salon named Comeback Beauty.

At the time of inspection, the establishment owner was unable to present the business registration license and other legal documents of the beauty salon.

On top of that, there was no signboard showing the Comeback Beauty name placed in front of the facility as required by Vietnamese law.

Instead, a Comeback Beauty signboard was placed on the wall inside the first floor.

At the first room in the first floor, which was labeled Cosmetic surgery room for vaginal rejuvenation, there were a minor surgery bed, a minor surgery lamp, a minor surgery chair, machinery, medicine, and medical equipment.

The inspection team also spotted a dried tissue sample on the minor surgery bed there.

The second room in the same floor bore a signboard that reads Spa hair removal room.

There were two machines labeled OPT SHR-Q818 and Cool & Hot Facial Atomizer, in addition to cosmetic products, medicine, and medical tools and equipment in that room.

Meanwhile, posts on the Facebook page named Comeback Beauty showed that the establishment provided medical aesthetic services, including filler injection and vaginal rejuvenation.

At the end of the proble, the inspection team sealed off and temporarily seized all of the cosmetic products, drugs, medical tools and equipment and requested the establishment owner to immediately stop its aesthetic operations.

The inspectors of the municipal Department of Health also assigned the District 5 medical division to coordinate with local authorities to monitor the shutdown of this establishment.

They will also continue to clarify and strictly deal with cases that had used cosmetic services at the facility.

The Department of Health also recognized and appreciated the local resident who had reported the case directly to its inspectors.

It encouraged people to copy this example for rapid response to similar cases in the future.

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The United Kingdom welcomes Ukraine's initiative to create the Crimean Platform, supporting efforts to bring together the international community to de-occupy Crimea.

Permanent Representative of the UK to the OSCE Neil Bush said this during a meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council on March 4.

It is clear that Crimea must remain high on the international agenda, and that Russia must be continually held to account for its actions on the peninsula. The UK therefore welcomes the new International Crimean Platform. We support Ukraines initiative to bring together the international community to keep the spotlight on Crimea and support its return to Ukraine," he said.

The UK does not and will not recognize Russias illegal annexation of Crimea, the ambassador stressed.

We condemn Russias ongoing violation of Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on Russia in the strongest terms to respect international law and OSCE principles and commitments and to return Crimea to its rightful place under Ukrainian government control. Until they do so, their actions will continue to have consequences, including through a robust package of sanctions. Crimea is Ukraine," he underlined.

As Ukrinform reported, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar presented the Crimean Platform at the OSCE, calling on the participating States to take an active part in its activities and inaugural summit on August 23, 2021.

The Crimean Platform is a new consultative and coordination format initiated by Ukraine to improve the efficiency of the international response to the occupation of Crimea, respond to growing security challenges, step up international pressure on Russia, prevent further human rights violations, protect victims of the occupying power, and to achieve the de-occupation of Crimea and its return to Ukraine.

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Scott Stafford has been a reporter, photographer, and editor at a variety of publications, including the Dallas Morning News and The Berkshire Eagle. Scott can be reached at sstafford@berkshireeagle.com, or at 413-496-6301 and on Twitter at @BE_SStafford.
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Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon on Saturday, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action against the ruling junta for the killings of protesters.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged in turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with daily protests and strikes that have choked business and paralysed administration.

Sporadic protests were staged across Myanmar on Saturday and local media reported that police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to break up a protest in the Sanchaung district of Yangon, the country's biggest city.

There were no reports of casualties.

More than 50 protesters have been killed since the coup, according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone in the bloodiest day of the protests so far.

Anti-coup demonstrators returned to the streets of Myanmar Saturday, a day after a United Nations envoy urged the Security Council to hear the nation's 'desperate pleas' and take swift action to restore democracy. Pictured: A wall of demonstrators on March 6, 2021 in Yangon

The country has been in turmoil since a February 1 putsch ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power, triggering a massive uprising from hundreds of thousands angered to be returned to military rule. Pictured: Protesters are engulfed by tear gas fired by police

Security forces have escalated an increasingly brutal crackdown on demonstrators - killing more than 50 people since the coup - but protesters rallied again on Saturday (pictured)

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged in turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Pictured: Protesters make the three finger salute during protests on March 6. In the background, a sign saying 'free our leader' can be seen

From the dusty roads of northern Lashio - where young protesters stared down police behind homemade shields - to central Loikaw city in view of Myanmar's eastern mountains, hundreds continued to march for democracy.

'Our revolution must win,' chanted protesters in Loikaw, who included civil servants like teachers in their green and white uniforms.

Protesters demand the release of Suu Kyi and the respect of November's election, which her party won in landslide, but which the army rejected.

The military alleged widespread electoral fraud, justifying it as a reason for seizing power. The Nobel laureate has not been publicly seen since she was detained.

Memorials were held Friday for three killed in Yangon's North Okkalapa, with hundreds of mourners holding up a three-finger salute as their coffins are carried through the funeral home.

Protesters and residents hold candles and pray during the ceremony to honor protesters, who died during clashes with the military around the country. Candles placed on the floor spell out 'We want democracy'

Pictured: People hold candles during a memorial service for victims of the crackdown on anti-coup protests by security forces in front of the statue of General Aung San, who has not been seen since she was detained in February

Pictures of victims of the crackdown on anti-coup protests by security forces are put up on the statue of General Aung San, national hero and father of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, during a memorial service on Saturday night

Pictured: Protesters and residents hold candles and pray during the ceremony to honour protesters who have have died

Left: A Christian minister hold candles and pray during the ceremony to honour protesters, who died during clashes with the military around the country, while holding up the three-finger salute. Right: The three-finger symbol painting on the ground covered in candles and rose petals

The coffins of Arkar Moe, Zwee Htet Soe and Phoe Chit were draped with the signature red flag of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy Party.

The generals have shown no sign of heeding calls for restraint despite mounting international pressure, including targeted sanctions by Western powers.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday heard from UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who warned against any moves to grant legitimacy to the junta.

'The hope they have placed in the United Nations and its membership is waning and I have heard directly the desperate pleas - from mothers, students and the elderly,' she said. 'How much more can we allow the Myanmar military to get away with?

'Your unity is needed more than ever on Myanmar... The repression must stop.'

Pictured: A demonstrator receives medical attention after being exposed to tear gas fired by police during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar, March 6

Pictured: A protester receives a soda wash after being exposed to tear gas fired by police during a protest against the military coup in Yangon

More than 50 protesters have been killed since the coup, according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone in the bloodiest day of the protests so far. Pictured: Protesters stand together with shields during a protest against the military coup on Saturday

Pictured: A demonstrator holds up a sign during a protest against the military coup. The military alleged widespread electoral fraud, justifying it as a reason for seizing power

Myanmar generals have shown no sign of heeding calls for restraint despite mounting international pressure, including targeted sanctions by Western powers

Pictured: Riot police stand along side a vehicle with equipment, as a pile of debris burns next to them

'It is critical that this council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results,' she added.

But diplomats say it was unlikely that the Security Council would approve any international measures against the junta, and the session ended without any statement.

Condemnation against Myanmar's military has largely been unanimous, but veto-wielding China is still regarded as a key obstacle in getting consensus. Furthermore, any kind of coordinated action at the U.N. will be difficult because two permanent members of the Security Council, China and Russia, are likely to veto it.

China's ambassador, Zhang Jun, said his country did not want to see instability in Myanmar.

But 'the messages and measures of the international community should be conducive for the parties in Myanmar to bridge differences and resolve problems,' he told reporters.

A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment from Reuters.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday heard from UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who warned against any moves to grant legitimacy to the junta

The United Nations Security Council on Friday heard from UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who warned against any moves to grant legitimacy to the junta. Pictured: Protesters gather with makeshift shields painted with the three-finger sign of resistance during an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay, Myanmar, Saturday, March 6

Pictured: Anti-coup protesters flash the three-fingered sign of resistance during a demonstration in Mandalay, Myanmar, Saturday, March 6. From the dusty roads of northern Lashio to central Loikaw city in view of Myanmar's eastern mountains, hundreds continued to march for democracy

Condemnation against Myanmar's military has largely been unanimous, but veto-wielding China is still regarded as a key obstacle in getting consensus

Pictured: Police officers patrol on the street during a protest against the military coup in Yangon, Myanmar. The army says it has been restrained in stopping the protests, but has said it will not allow them to threaten stability

The army says it has been restrained in stopping the protests, but has said it will not allow them to threaten stability.

Several hundred people gathered in Sydney on Saturday to protest against the coup, singing and holding up three fingers, a salute that has come to symbolise solidarity and resistance across Myanmar.

'We would like to urge the Australian government to work closely with the U.S., UK and EU governments and take strong action against these Myanmar military dictators,' said protest organiser Thein Moe Win.

In Myanmar's southern town of Dawei, protesters chanted 'Democracy is our cause' and 'The revolution must prevail'.

People have taken to Myanmar's streets in their hundreds of thousands at times, vowing to continue action in a country that spent nearly half a century under military rule until democratic reforms in 2011, cut short by the coup.

'Political hope has begun to shine. We can't lose the momentum of the revolution,' one protest leader, Ei Thinzar Maung, wrote on Facebook. 'Those who dare to fight will have victory. We deserve victory.'

Pictured: Monks shout slogans during a protest against the February 1 military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, seen on Saturday, March 6

A protester holds a makeshift shield with photos denouncing coup leader Min Aung Hlaing during a demonstration in Mandalay on Saturday

Pictured: A protester holds up a picture of detained Myanmar civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday. The Nobel laureate has not been publicly seen since she was detained last month

The country's vital sectors have been crippled by an ongoing 'Civil Disobedience Movement' - a campaign urging civil servants to boycott working under a military regime.

The impact has been felt on every level of the country, with shuttered hospitals, empty ministry offices, and banks unable to operate.

On Saturday, state-run media announced that if civil servants continue to boycott work, 'they will be fired' with immediate effect from March 8.

But protesters in Myanmar's commercial hub continued to defy authorities, gathering especially in San Chaung - a once-buzzing township with cafes, restaurants and bars that has emerged as a hotspot for unrest.

Activist Maung Saungkha said the movement will persist - even as the security forces continue to step up their enforcement tactics - as many remember the repression under the previous junta regime.

'In our past revolutions, we never won... this time we must fight to win,' he told AFP.

'We must fight together with the younger generation to get victory.'

On Friday night, authorities disturbed the grave of a 19-year-old woman who became an icon of the protest movement after she was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read 'Everything will be OK', a witness and local media said.

One witness said the body of Kyal Sin, widely known as Angel, was removed on Friday, examined and returned, before the tomb was re-sealed in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay. The independent Mizzima news service also reported the event.

A military spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. Reuters was unable to contact police for comment.

On Friday night, authorities disturbed the grave of a 19-year-old woman who became an icon of the protest movement after she was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read 'Everything will be OK'. Pictured: A grave of 19-year-old protester, Kyal Sin in Mandalay

One witness said the body of Kyal Sin, widely known as Angel, was removed on Friday, examined and returned, before the tomb was re-sealed in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay. Pictured: Kyal Sin (bottom right), seen before she was shot and killed

Pictured: The body of a protester Angel also known as Kyal Sin, 19-year-old, lies during her funeral after she was shot in the head as Myanmar forces opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 6

The killing of protesters has drawn international outrage.

'Use of violence against the people of Myanmar must stop now,' South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a tweet, calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees and for the restoration of democracy.

The United States and some other Western countries have imposed limited sanctions on the junta and the independent U.N. human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, has called for a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions.

The army took power over allegations of fraud in last year's election which had been dismissed by the electoral commission. It has promised to hold a new election at an unspecified date.

Myanmar's vital sectors have been crippled by an ongoing 'Civil Disobedience Movement' - a campaign urging civil servants to boycott working under a military regime

On Saturday, state-run media announced that if civil servants continue to boycott work, 'they will be fired' with immediate effect from March 8

That plan is rejected by protesters and by a group representing lawmakers elected at the last election that has begun to issue statements in the name of a rival civilian administration.

On Friday, it listed four demands - the end of the junta, the release of the detainees, democracy and the abolition of the 2008 constitution which left significant political representation and control in the hands of the military.

A civil disobedience campaign of strikes running parallel with the protests has been supported by many government workers including a trickle of policemen.

Authorities in Myanmar have asked India to return eight policemen who sought refuge across the border to avoid taking orders from the junta, an official in northeast India said on Saturday.

India's foreign ministry responded to a request for comment by referring to a statement given at a media briefing on Friday which said the ministry was still 'ascertaining the facts.'

Earlier in the week, Schraner Burgener warned Myanmar's army that the world's nations and the Security Council 'might take huge, strong measures.'

'And the answer was, "We are used to sanctions, and we survived those sanctions in the past,"' she said. When she warned that Myanmar would become isolated, Schraner Burgener said 'the answer was, "We have to learn to walk with only a few friends."'

A decree issued by the junta and published in state media Friday increased the potential costs of opposition, declaring that members of a self-styled alternative government formed by elected lawmakers whom the army barred from taking their seats were committing high treason, which is punishable by death.

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Myanmar's Parliament, wants foreign countries and international organizations to recognize it instead of the junta. It also claims to have won the loyalty of local bodies inside Myanmar. The junta's announcement said that people who collude with the committee would be subject to seven years' imprisonment.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies urged immediate protection for all Red Cross volunteers and health workers.

The statement came after video from a surveillance camera that was circulated widely on social media showed members of an ambulance crew in Yangon being savagely beaten after they were taken into custody by police on Wednesday.

'We express profound sadness that Myanmar Red Cross volunteers have been injured while on duty providing lifesaving first aid treatment to wounded people, in line with fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality. Red Cross volunteers should never be targeted,' the federation said.
The move by the Haryana government to force the private sector to reserve 75 per cent jobs in their establishment for the people of the state is a regressive move. It also appears to be unconstitutional since our Constitution does not discriminate on the ground of place of birth. The decision of the Manohar Lal Khattar government announced last Tuesday is, in fact, shot through with political cynicism.

The ongoing farmers agitation, which has had a special impact in some northern regions, including Haryana, has left the Khattar government reeling and the so-called sons-of-the-soil policy seems a desperate bid to recover some lost ground. Needless to say, it militates against the very thought of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat which Prime Minister Narendra Modi injects into his speeches on a frequent basis.

The Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act 2020 requires companies and other private entities  including trusts and societies  that have more than 10 employees to reserve three-fourths of all jobs where salaries will be below Rs 50,000/- per month for residents of the state or domiciles of Haryana. This is far from being a welfare move as it does not even pretend to efface iniquity. But even if it did so, it will be open to questioning. The basic reason is that such a step impinges on the right of individuals or a group of individuals to choose their business and profession in an open society.

If the government forces companies to take steps that may impact employee productivity, then it forces companies to be less than competitive. That goes against the grain of capitalist development. The idea of positive discrimination in a sociologically iniquitous context is for the state to promote through education and employment policies by enlarging opportunity following on appropriate investments, and not to be thrust down the gullet of private players. Indeed, obliging the non-government sector to enter the realm of states is a step in the wrong direction as it undermines the legitimacy of the state.

If all states were to follow suit, the mobility of labour and the freedom of Indians to compete anywhere in the country in search of work will be comprehensively stymied as one state will become like another country to other states, requiring work permits and visas. The people of Haryana, too, will be barred from working in other states. The dangerous principle on which such moves rest will also make a mockery of all-India services since India will cease to be common territory for the purpose of employment. If the idea is extended to the field of education, and other sectors, then we may conceivably be looking at the vivisection of India.

Andhra Pradesh has mandated 75 per cent reservation for locals and Karnataka seems to be contemplating quotas for locals in blue-collar employment. The Andhra Pradesh Bill has been challenged in the high court. It is time for the constitutionality of the matter to be settled by the Supreme Court. Caste and class are bad enough to divide society and the country. Motivated moves to catch votes by insecure political parties are something we can do without.
In a political setback for Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, the Nepali Supreme Court ruled on February 23 that his dissolution of parliaments lower house was unconstitutional and ordered it to be reconvened within 13 days.

K. P. Sharma Oli [Source: Wikipedia]

Responding to months-long fighting inside the ruling Stalinist Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Oli prorogued parliament to avoid a no-confidence motion and then on December 20 dissolved it.

Nepal President Bidya Devi Bandari sanctioned Olis decision to dissolve the parliament two years prematurely and declared there would be national elections on April 30 and May 10.

Factional conflict erupted between NCP co-chairs, Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Oli, over who would be prime minister. Dahal insisted that he should have been appointed prime minister mid-last year, in line with the merger agreement between his Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre and the Oli-led Nepal United Marxist-Leninist Party in 2017.

A total of 12 petitions, including from various civil rights groups and the Dahal faction of the party, were presented to the Supreme Court (SC) challenging Olis decision to terminate parliament.

The five judges, headed by Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and sitting as a constitutional bench, unanimously ruled that dissolution of parliament was unconstitutional. They rejected Olis claim that he had closed parliament because he lacked a majority, saying he could have formed a government and pursued other avenues without putting a monetary burden on the people.

Notwithstanding its legal reasoning, the Supreme Court verdict indicates that a considerable section of the ruling elite is hostile to Olis actions and concerned by the growing discontent against his corrupt and increasingly autocratic rule.

Prior to the Court ruling, four former chief justicesMin Bahadur Rayamajhi, Kalyan Shrestha and Sushila Karki, Anup Raj Sharmaissued a public statement declaring Oli had violated the constitution.

A day before the official judgement, Nepals Chief of Army Staff General Purna Chandra Thapa met with Chief Justice Rana. While the meeting was said to be about another issue, the timing of the meeting makes clear the dissolution was discussed.

There was also a show of force by the military, which publicly paraded its forces on February 1. The army, which was a central pillar of the previous rule by the Nepali monarchy, may be making its own calculations about how to resolve the deep-going political crisis gripping the administration.

Despite media speculation that Oli would resign on moral grounds after the Supreme Court judgment, he has clung to his post. All the parliamentary parties are now involved in backroom horse-trading to cobble together a majority and form government.

Nepal Congress (NC) leader Sher Bahadur Deuba is sounding out the possibility of becoming the next prime minister. NC General Secretary Shashank Koirala told journalists that the party should not hesitate to join hands with the Dahal-Madhav Kumar Nepal faction of the Nepal Communist Party to oust Oli.

While the Dahal-Nepal faction is calculating whether it can pass a no-confidence motion against Oli it needs support from other parties. To do so, however, it must name an alternative prime minister. Oli is now seeking an alliance with other parties and on Thursday lifted a ban on the activities of the Netra Bikram Chand-led Communist Party of Nepal.

Underlying the deep divisions in the ruling elite is the rising mass opposition of workers and the poor whose lives, jobs and social conditions have been devastated by the pandemic.

While the overall death toll of over 2,000 from coronavirus in Nepal is relatively low and the number of recorded infections is more than 200,000, these figures, according to experts, are the result of low testing levels.

From the outset, the Oli government has ignored the impact of COVID-19 on the Nepali population, with disastrous economic effects.

According to World Bank estimates, Nepals 2020 gross domestic product growth was only 0.2 percent, down from 7 percent in 2019. Job losses in tourism and the informal sector has produced soaring personal debts levels.

Oxfams 2019 annual report noted that more than 8.1 million of the countrys 26 million-strong population live in poverty. Women and girls are more likely to be poor More than one-third of Nepals children under five years are stunted, and 10 percent suffer wasting due to acute malnutrition, it stated. The income of the richest 10 percent of Nepalis is more than three times that of the poorest 40 percent.

More than 500,000 persons enter the labour force annually but about 80 percent of those migrate due to a lack of job opportunities. Around 32 percent of Nepali labourers work less than 40 hours per week for a meagre income.

Strikes and demonstrations erupted against Olis dissolution of parliament. While some were called by political parties, those participating did so not because they had any confidence in these organisations but to voice their anger against the entire ruling class.

Global geopolitical tensions and rivalry are major factors in the Nepal political crisis. The US and India are keen to extend their influence in Kathmandu and outmanoeuvre China. For its part, China is determined to maintain its presence in Nepal. India and China have both sent high-level delegations for discussions in Kathmandu.

On February 26, the Indian ambassador, Vinaya Mohan Kwatra, met with Congress President Deuba. It is no secret that New Delhi would welcome a Nepali Congress administration.

China, which has had close relations with the Oli administration, first tried to patch up the internal factional differences. Beijing, however, will not rule out new alliances if the Nepali Congress makes gains from the NCP split. Chinese ambassador Hou Yanqi has reportedly held discussions with the Congress leader.

A March 1 opinion piece in the Kathmandu Post about the battle for influence in Nepal by the US, India and China declared that, the priority of the Western powers, including the US naturally coincides with that of India. But, for Nepal, this endless meddling by big powers will only further complicate the political process, rather than facilitate it to amicably settle down.

Nepal has been drawn deeper into the geo-political maelstrom. At the same time, the ruling elite sits on a social powder keg because none of the capitalist parties, including the Stalinist-Maoist organisations, can address the social and democratic questions facing Nepals workers and the poor.
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EUGENE, Ore -- Nearly two years ago, Mayor Lucy Vinis promised the city's homelessness crisis would be greatly improved within 18 months.

But many Eugene residents KEZI spoke to said they feel like that has not happened.

Ryan Barnes works at Metalworks, one of the many businesses on Arrowsmith Street. He said the camps don't put businesses in the area in a good light and that theft is a major problem.

"They cut the fence going through the back which obviously is a cost incurred by the company every time you have to fix that," Barnes said. "We've had a number of things stolen from parts to an actual vehicle last week, so it's pretty frustrating."

According to those who live and work in the area, the street is often loud and many buildings have been forced to buy expensive security systems.

Another camp has been growing across the street from the Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School.

Some community members in the area said they are concerned about the camp's close proximity to the school as well as their residential neighborhood.

"I don't walk that way. I don't ever walk that way," said Dottie Shiloh, who lives in the neighborhood. "I see it out my window, but I don't ever walk that way. Anywhere I see it, I walk the other way when I walk my dog because there are things on the ground that I don't know what they are necessarily."

KEZI reached out to Vinis for an interview, but she was unavailable.

On Feb. 26, the mayor released a blog post addressing the topic of homelessness in Eugene. Click HERE to read that post.

When the pandemic started, the city temporarily adjusted its camping policies to support the homeless during the pandemic. This included a ban on the removal of campers to prevent them from having to move to different locations frequently.

In response to community outrage over the ban, the city lifted the ban on camping except in riparian areas, playgrounds and schools, and neighborhood parks.

A spokesperson for the mayor said the COVID-19 pandemic derailed the mayor's original homelessness response plan. She also said the CDC's guidelines impacted the number of beds available at local homeless shelters.
A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre in west Belfast on Saturday.

Heavily-armed cops have arrested three men in what the PSNI say was an operation targeting the INLA.

Undercover officers from the Paramilitary Crime Taskforce were pictured detaining three suspects in west Belfast on Saturday morning  two on the Glen Road and one at the Twin Spires complex in the Divis area.

Sunday Life understands that they were acting on intelligence relating to the suspected planned robbery of a delivery van.

Expand Close A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre, Northumberland Street off the Falls Road, Belfast. / Facebook

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Whatsapp A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre, Northumberland Street off the Falls Road, Belfast.

Detective Inspector Hamilton said: At 9am on Saturday as part of a proactive policing operation into criminality linked to the INLA, a car was stopped in the west Belfast area resulting in the recovery of a firearm and ammunition.

Two men, aged 23 and 27, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, encouraging or assisting an offence, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A short time later a 30-year old-male was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and encouraging or assisting an offence.

The INLA remains a key target for the Taskforce, with the elite police unit linking it to taxing drug dealers and racketeering.

Expand Close A man is arrested by armed security forces on the Glen Road close to St Teresa's Primary School. / Facebook

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Whatsapp A man is arrested by armed security forces on the Glen Road close to St Teresa's Primary School.

DI Hamilton added: I am pleased to report the seizure of this firearm and ammunition to the people of west Belfast and indeed the wider community. We have removed the ability of these criminals, hiding behind the guise of paramilitarism to terrorise members of the community and our city is undoubtedly a safer place today as a result.

Those who involve themselves in this kind of crime should be under no illusion as to our commitment and determination to identify, pursue and arrest anyone suspected of involvement in criminality and see them convicted for their crimes.
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

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Bill Maher clashed with radio presenter Charlamagne Tha God as the pair discussed sexual misconduct allegations against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and President Biden.

During Maher's Real Time show on HBO Friday night, the panel discussed whether Cuomo needs to resign after he was accused by three women, including two who worked for the administration, of sexual harassment.

Maher stated the he did not believe Cuomo needed to be the subject of an investigation into the allegations, which includes claims of inappropriate conversations and unwanted touching and kissing.

'It's always on a case-by-case basis and believe these women completely,' Maher said.

The Governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, was the subject of a series of barbs from comedian Bill Maher during his HBO show on Friday night

Maher had a heated debate with radio presenter Charlamagne Tha God who likened Cuomo's allegations to those against Joe Biden

Charlamagne responded 'It's kinda hard to ask Cuomo to resign when 'you voted for Joe Biden.

'If you weren't more upset with Joe Biden, who had more serious allegations...'

'No, he didn't!' Maher interrupted

'Yeah, he was accused of actual rape,' Charlamagne said.

'No, he wasn't,' Maher maintained.

'What are you talking about?!' Charlamagne gasped.

'Are you talking about the hallway incident?' Maher questioned.

'Tara Reade!' Charlamagne responded.

'Well, I don't believe that,' said Maher, as he dismissed the allegations.

Tara Reade (pictured) claims that Biden sexually assaulted her in a Congressional hallway when she was working as a Senate staffer in 1993

'Just be real about it. 'I'm lonely, I'm horny.' I mean, there's nothing sadder than a man with no game,' Maher said, speaking about Cuomo

'That's what I'm saying. Some I believe, some I don't. That's my right. I don't believe her. These women I believe completely. I don't think that Joe Biden is the guy who finger-b**** you in the hallway. I don't. I just don't.'

Charlamagne responded that although he didn't necessarily believe Reade's claims either, he said her allegations were 'more serious' than Cuomo's and yet 'I didn't hear people asking him to resign or drop out of the race.'

Tara Reade, who was previously a staffer for the then-Senator Biden, claimed her former boss sexually assaulted her.

Biden and his presidential campaign repeatedly denied her allegations.

Biden previously landed himself in hot water when he appeared on Charlamagne tha God's The Breakfast Club.

The then-presidential candidate told Charlamagne, during his campaign, that if he couldn't figure out whether to vote for him or Trump, 'then you ain't black'.

Biden later apologized admitting he 'shouldn't have been such a wise guy' after facing strong backlash for his comment.

During Maher's show on Friday, Charlamagne and the host discussed allegations that were made about Biden's 'inappropriate touching'. But Maher said it was 'a different issue. That's when he was sniffing their hair.'

'The first allegation was just ... it wasn't even a MeToo, even though it was interpreted that way in the press. It was just he was just trying to do an old-man thing.'

'Hey man, harassment is harassment,' Charlamagne said.

'No, it's not,' Maher responded.

'I don't think we can tell women the difference between sniffing hair and saying something inappropriate because I think sniffing hair is just as inappropriate as saying something,' Charlamagne said.

Maher defended Biden saying that he was just trying to offer up encouragement, speaking about Lucy Flores, who accused Biden of grabbing her shoulders and planting a 'big slow kiss' on the back of her head when she was campaigning for lieutenant governor of Nevada.

Flores accused Biden of grabbing her shoulders and planting a 'big slow kiss' on the back of her head while she was campaigning for lieutenant governor in Nevada (pictured)

'She was just about to make a speech, he came up behind her just to be like, 'You're going to do good out there, honey,'' Maher said. 'Let's not pretend that we live in this world where all these things are the same.'

'I agree with that,' Charlamagne stated.

Maher then slammed Cuomo for his denials that he was trying to make an advance towards his female accusers.

'Yes, you were. Just be real about it. 'I'm lonely, I'm horny.' I mean, there's nothing sadder than a man with no game,' Maher said.

Earlier in the show, Maher turned Cuomo into a laughing stock.

'How could a politician of this high-profile be this f***in' stupid?' Maher said. 'We're four years into the MeToo era, he's this dumb that you don't hit on the help, don't touch people without their permission. ... What could this guy be thinking?'

'He told a girl, 'I'm open to a relationship to a woman in her 20s.' No kidding,' Maher quipped. 'How big of you! Yes, who hasn't dreamed of banging Chico Marx?!?'

Charlotte Bennett, a former staff member for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, alleges he quizzed her about her sex life and asked whether she would be open to a relationship with an older man

On Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said he would not resign in the wake of a series of sexual misconduct accusations leveled against him by young women but offered a fresh apology

'Cuomo asked one of the 25-year-old staffers how she felt having sex with older men and then he said he was just making small talk,' Maher ribbed.

'Pick a subject, any subject, oh I don't know... sex with older men!'

The HBO star panned the governor's excuse of making 'small talk' amid claims of his sexually charged conversations with his former aides.

'He's an amazing man, an Italian with no game,' Maher swiped the 'tone-deaf' Democrat.

'A lot of people want him to resign now and he said he's not going to leave his job because then where am I going to meet chicks?'

On Wednesday, Cuomo said he would not resign but offered a fresh apology and vowed to 'fully cooperate' with a review by the state's attorney general.

'I am not going to resign,' Cuomo told a news conference after he offered an emotional apology for what he said was behavior that made 'people feel uncomfortable.'

'I feel awful about it and frankly I am embarrassed by it,' said the Democratic governor, who has also contended with allegations in recent weeks that his administration sought to downplay the number of elderly nursing home residents killed by COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

Cuomo said his behavior toward the women who have accused him of misconduct was unintentional and maintained that he never touched anyone inappropriately. Even so, he acknowledged that it is 'custom' for him to kiss and hug people when greeting them.

'I understand that sensitivities have changed and behavior has changed and I get it, and I'm going to learn from it,' he said.

Three women, including two former aides, have come forward recently to say that Cuomo had sexually harassed them or made inappropriate remarks. Lindsey Boylan, who first came forward in December, said the unwanted advances included an unsolicited kiss on the lips in Cuomo's New York City office, which Cuomo denied.

Boylan, a candidate for Manhattan borough president, dismissed the governor's apology in a Twitter message on Wednesday. 'How can New Yorkers trust you @NYGovCuomo to lead our state if you 'dont know' when youve been inappropriate with your own staff?' she wrote.

Charlotte Bennett, 25, worked as an aide for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year. She claims he sexually harassed her and left her 'terrified'

Anna Ruch, 33, (left) claimed Cuomo behaved inappropriately at a Manhattan wedding in September 2019. Lindsey Boylan, 36, (right) claims Cuomo commented on her appearance inappropriately, kissed her without her consent and went out of his way to touch her on her lower back, arms and legs

The second woman to detail her experience is Charlotte Bennett, a former executive assistant and health policy adviser, who told the New York Times in February that Cuomo peppered her with questions about her romantic life last year in what she viewed as an effort to have sex with her.

A third woman, Anna Ruch, has also come forward, telling the New York Times the governor made unwanted advances and physical contact after meeting her at a wedding in 2019.

Ruch said that Cuomo touched her bare lower back and asked if he could kiss her.

In response to Bennett, Cuomo released a statement on Sunday saying he sometimes playfully teased colleagues and was sorry if he made anyone uncomfortable, and his office granted the referral required by state law for New York Attorney General Letitia James to investigate the complaints.
UK Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi has defended a shipment of 10 million doses of Covishield en route from India amid some concerns that it would impact supplies of COVID-19 vaccines for poorer nations.

The minister in charge of overseeing the UK's vaccination programme said the vaccine doses developed by the Serum Institute of India, in collaboration with Oxford/AstraZeneca, were always intended for Britain and that assurances have been sought that the delivery would not impact other supplies.

We, of course, sought assurances from AstraZeneca and from Serum that our doses will not impact their commitment to the low-income and middle-income countries of the world, Zahawi told the Associated Press in an interview on Friday.

And they are making about 300 million doses available to low- and middle-income countries. You've seen those arrive in Accra in Ghana, last week and the Philippines this week and Ivory Coast as well. And you're going to see much more of that volume also going out, he said.

Non-governmental organisations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) had raised concerns that shipments from India would reduce supplies to developing countries.

The minister insisted this was not the case and that supplies around the world would also be deployed through the United Nations backed COVAX system.

Britain has acquired the rights to around 457 million doses of various vaccines, estimated at three times the total needed to fully vaccinate everyone in the country.

While some of the leftover doses may be offered through bilateral relationships, the bulk of it will be offered through COVAX, Zahawi said.

Meanwhile, in an update from Downing Street on Friday, UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced that as of midnight on Thursday, 21.3 million people have been vaccinated in the UK which is two fifths of the entire adult population of the country.

The government has set a July-end target to vaccinate all adults with at least one of two-dose vaccines.

We're on course to hit our target of offering a first dose to everyone who's 50 or over, or part of an at-risk group, by April 15. And all adults by the end of July," said Hancock.

The minister also confirmed that coronavirus cases in the UK were falling steadily and that the country was headed in the right direction with the pandemic.

The average daily number of cases is now 6,685 the lowest since late September 2020 and the weekly case rate across the UK is now 84 per 100,000.

"The vaccine roll-out has allowed us to set out our roadmap for how we'll carefully lift some of the restrictions that we've all endured for far too long, added Hancock.

It comes as the UK begins its first phase of lifting strict lockdown restrictions with the reopening of schools from Monday.

The coronavirus has so far killed 124,495 people, along with over 4.2 million confirmed cases, in the UK.

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In March 2006, a colleague and I were leaving Helmand for Kabul having spent time there covering the impending arrival of the British forces  who were meant to be a mission not lasting more than two years.

Are you guys going to the British embassy in Kabul? asked Lieutenant Colonel Henry Worsley as we were getting on a helicopter. If you are, can you ask them what exactly is HMGs policy on poppy eradication? Because no one has told us down here.

Henry was in charge of a small UK military group at the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) base in the Helmandi capital, Lashkar Gar, which was being handed over by the Americans to the British to become the task force headquarters.

One of his main tasks was to convince the local population that the latest foreign army to arrive in their land would come as friends, bearing aid and development. He and his deputy, Major Sean Pendry, took us to village shuras in soft-skinned Land Rovers, the soldiers without body armour and helmets in an effort to look unthreatening.

But, at the same time, the American private security company DynCorps started coming into town to carry out out poppy eradication. Listening to the village elders complaining about famers having their livelihoods destroyed, and warnings of how the Taliban would exploit the discontent, Henry sought guidance from London on ways of suspending the crop destruction for the time being.

He had little joy. DynCorps started eradicating poppy fields, the farmers waited for the promised compensation. Soon the contractors took to coming over to the PRT base for dinner with their fellow Americans. One evening, while we were there, a car packed with explosives followed them and drove into the main gate. It was the first suicide attack in Lashkar Gar.

Henry, a former SAS officer, a brave man of charm and modesty, died in 2016, just as he was close to making history, completing Sir Ernest Shackletons journey to the South Pole. He was raising money for the Endeavour fund for injured servicemen and women. In the intervening years we would talk from time to time about all that went wrong and right in those early Helmand days.

In April 2003, as the statue of Saddam Hussein was being pulled down at Firdous Square in Baghdad, I found myself standing next to Colonel Brian P McCoy of the US marines, who had led one of the columns of American forces into the city.

McCoy winced when he saw an American flag being put on the face of Saddam and ordered that it should be replaced by an Iraqi one. Some of his men protested. That particular Stars and Stripes, they claimed, was the one which had flown over the Twin Towers on 9/11, and had been rescued for that very day. Thats bulls***, was the colonels reaction. Look at it, its brand new.

An Iraqi flag was found and placed on Saddams face. But the 30ft edifice refused to come down, despite strenuous efforts. At the end they brought in a Hercules, a vehicle used to salvage broken 75-ton tanks, which smashed down the steps to the plinth along the way. At last the statue fell, and the Americans had their television pictures and the symbol of victory.

I asked McCoy how long he and his marines would stay in Baghdad. We need to leave as soon as possible, our jobs done, hanging around could be trouble, he replied. A few days later a mob from the suburb of Saddam City (now Sadr City) came into Baghdad to loot and burn government buildings, offices and homes. US troops, including the marines, stood and watched.

When asked why they werent stopping the lawlessness, they said that the order from back home was not to intervene; this was to be seen as a popular uprising against the regime. They sure do look like patriotic revolutionaries dont they? said a young captain shaking his head, gesturing at six men carrying away curtains, a sofa, and umbrellas from an apartment block.

These are anecdotal examples of how British and American forces sent to conflicts had to cope with the lack of planning by their governments and fit in with false, self-serving narratives of politicians to justify wars.

There is no doubt that politics back home played a major part in creating some of the debacles of the Iraq and Afghan wars. A new book, The Changing of the Guard: The British Army Since 9/11, focuses primarily on the military failures and puts the blame on senior commanders.

Its author, Simon Akam, spent a gap year in the army before university, but has no other service experience and thus has not, one assumes, an insiders axe to grind. The book is impassioned. It is long, at around 700 pages, has taken five years to write and is based on 560 interviews, mainly with those in the armed forces, with a smattering of diplomats and journalists. It has led to controversy, dividing opinions, but that is what happens with any serious work on important subjects. It is a valuable addition to analysing the past, present and future of a venerated institution.

The ensemble is overwhelmingly British, with brief passing appearances by Americans, and even briefer ones by Iraqis and Afghans. This is a problem when it comes to painting the big picture. The British were the junior partners in both the conflicts, and their action, or inaction, was in many cases influenced by American policy. The internal Afghan and Iraqi politics increasingly affected western military tactics as the conflicts stretched on into years and the west sought an exit strategy from the unpopular wars.

In the early part of the book there are references to works on soldiering in the declining days of the British empire, such as Robert Gravess Goodbye to All That and Siegfried Sassoons Memoirs of an Infantry Officer. Akam finds that little had changed in army culture since those times when Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns came along.

In the authors view the army hierarchy was based on class, with polo-playing officers swigging Pol Roger and general drunkenness in the lower ranks. Some units, like the Parachute Regiment, were overly aggressive, while many former SAS men who wrote accounts of their exploits grossly exaggerated them.

The focus of the book is on Iraq and, specifically Basra. An operation called Charge of the Knights is portrayed as the Dien Bien Phu for British reputation. What led up to the way it took place had a lot to do with Iraqi politics. But the upshot was that an operation planned by the British with the Iraqi commander in the south, General Mohan al-Furayji, to clear out Shia militias was taken over by the Iraqi prime minister, Nouri al-Maliki, and conducted by American and Iraqi forces with the British initially excluded.

For Akam, what happened in Basra is a story about the nadir, the end of days ... What some observers will later describe as the greatest British military disaster since Suez in 1956 ... In Basra the idea that the British army took to war in 2003  that you could go abroad and simply do good with a rifle  came crashing down.

Akam recounts reports at the time that the Americans had lost confidence in the British militarys handling of Basra. He tells of a conversation (the content of which is disputed) between the US Major General George Flynn and the British Brigadier Julian Free in which the American officer questions British capabilities.

In Frees recollection, Flynn said: I have been sent here to ensure overwatch does not fail again, overwatch is all about situational awareness, which you do not have. Another British officer present, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Harkness, remarks that it was the moment of ultimate humiliation and embarrassment.

It was fairly well known at the time that the Americans and the British did not see eye to eye on everything. The habit of the British regularly referring to the insight gained from the Northern Ireland experience and Templars Malaya campaign of a half century ago began to jar with some Americans. At the same time there was the accusation that the British had been insufficiently robust with the Shia militias in the south, and had let them gain control over swathes of areas.

But there was also British concern, at times turning to distaste, over the aggression displayed by the Americans in the early years of the occupation. Those of us spending extended periods of time amid the ferocious violence of Baghdad witnessed examples of this. It was this culture which enabled terrible abuses like those at Abu Ghraib to take place.

There is not enough in this book about the British and American political failings which permeated the Iraq and Afghan wars. There are plenty of examples of this. There is the abandonment of Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban, when security and stability should have been established, with resources switched to overthrow Saddam Hussein in Iraq. There is also the deception over weapons of mass destruction in invading Iraq. And the replacement of the US General Jay Garner and the British Major General Tim Cross as the head of the post-invasion administration by Paul Bremer, with his disastrous policy of de-Baathification.

Could the British military commanders have done more to question and caution politicians? Lord Boyce , the chief of the defence staff, did demand assurances from the Blair government that the Iraq invasion was legal. The circumstances surrounding the advice given by the attorney general, Lord Goldsmith, that it was legal remain a matter of bitter dispute.

In the run-up to another war, with David Cameron demanding intervention in Libya, General Sir David Richards, the chief of the defence staff, (now Lord Richards of Herstmonceux) stressed the need to the prime minister for caution and a longer-term strategy. When Richards expressed his reservations publicly, Camerons response was: I tell you what, you do the fighting, I will do the talking.

Akam concludes in The Changing Of The Guard that the army had learned lessons. In almost every respect, the institution that pulled out of Camp Bastion in late 2014 was, compared to the army which lined up in Kuwait in 2003, more professional, better led, less racist, sexist and drunken and far better equipped, he writes.

But what plan would a British government have beyond regime change when the military engages in the next war of intervention? Would it be to establish a presence to promote democracy and civic society? Or to seek commercial interests? There is little sign of a British footprint in Iraq, Afghanistan or Libya. There is little indication that politicians have got any better at defining their long-term goals and how to achieve them when sending men and women into wars.

This remains the case even when a war of intervention is deemed to be a success. I went back to Kosovo two years ago for the 20th anniversary of the war in which General Sir Mike Jacksons British-led Nato force had headed the mission. The British had been hailed as liberators. Tony Blair had visited post-war Kosovo to a rapturous reception. Such was his popularity that there was a vogue for naming baby boys Tonybler in his honour.

At the anniversary celebrations, there were European dignitaries, and a large American delegation with Bill Clinton, Madeleine Albright and General Wesley Clark, the US commander of Nato forces at the time on whose behalf Jackson famously refused to start the third world war with the Russians.

But there was not one single British minister present, or any senior officer from the British military. Blairs only namecheck came when Clinton mentioned that he had a photograph of the former British prime minister at his office in New York.

The Changing of the Guard: The British Army since 9/11 by Simon Akam, Scribe, 704pp; 25
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 20:58:00|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday stressed giving "strategic priority" to safeguarding people's health when he joined national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors in a joint group meeting.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for focusing on tackling major diseases and problems that affect people's health.

The country's public health protection network should be fortified and efforts should be made to promote the high-quality development of public hospitals, he said, demanding comprehensive health care for the people at all stages of life.

The meeting was held during the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body. Enditem
The Ukrainian Government, at its session held on March 3, endorsed a draft decision to grant the countrys Ministry of Defense the status of the importer to buy military products and products containing information pertaining to state secrets.

By that document, the Ministry of Defense, in its capacity as the chief Government customer in the field of defense, has been granted the authority to import into Ukraine military products and products comprising state secret information, the Defense Express online media outlet informs.

The importer status has been granted to the Ministry of Defense for the duration of the next five years. During the said period, the Ministry of Defense will be eligible to execute orders, contained in the Government defense procurement contracts, involving imports of defense-related products, works, and services to meet the requirements of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Also at the Government session of March 3, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal delivered his first one-year report on the Governments performance under his leadership. It was particularly announced that the Government had paid initial upfront under contracts to build three An-178 aircraft for use by the countrys military.

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Laurieann Gibson, an Emmy-nominated choreographer, director, and producer who's worked with world-famous music artists including Katy Perry, The Jonas Brothers, and Diddy, revealed in an interview with The Christian Post the impact faith has had on informing her career decisions for more than 20 years.

Gibson recently released her debut book, Dance Your Dance: 8 Steps to Unleash Your Passion and Live Your Dream (W Publishing) that focuses on eight points she shares with readers to empower them and unlock their potential.

I didn't realize I was going to write a book," she said. "It wasn't something that I set out to do; God gave me the inspiration.

Source:The Christian Post
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 23:55:17|Editor: huaxia

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HONG KONG, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Hong Kong's business sector has highlighted the significance and urgency of improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong."

They said improving the electoral system and implementing "patriots administering Hong Kong" is a must to ensure the steady and sustained implementation of "one country, two systems," Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and people's wellbeing.

The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Friday started deliberating a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR.

The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong vowed to fully support the draft decision of the NPC and stressed improving the electoral system will guarantee Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and promote the development of Hong Kong's democratic system.

Yuen Mo, chairman of the chamber, said improving Hong Kong's electoral system is crucial to implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" and safeguarding the national development interests and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

If those not genuinely willing to serve Hong Kong enter the power structure, the effective administration of the HKSAR government will be obstructed and the so-called "Hong Kong independence" will be incited, which will damage the law and order, people's livelihood and Hong Kong's international image, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong said.

Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the association, believed an improved electoral system of the HKSAR will reduce infighting and let Hong Kong refocus on economic development.

The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association said the rioting and turbulence that occurred in the Hong Kong society reveals that the existing electoral system of the HKSAR has obvious loopholes and deficiencies, which the anti-China, destabilizing elements jumped on to take into their hands the power to administer the HKSAR.

Necessary measures must be taken to improve the electoral system and remove existing institutional risks to ensure the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body, the association said.

Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of China Business Wong Ping said improving the electoral system is another significant move by the central authorities after the national security law in the HKSAR to safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.

Tan Yueheng, permanent honorary president of the Chinese Securities Association of Hong Kong, stressed under "patriots administering Hong Kong," Hong Kong remains a society inclusive of diverse opinions and Hong Kong residents still enjoy democratic rights with Hong Kong characteristics.

As violent incidents and the COVID-19 epidemic dealt blows to Hong Kong's businesses, an improved electoral system will help the Legislative Council resume normal operation and the government of the HKSAR carry out policies to improve people's livelihood, Lo Kam-yam, president of the Hong Kong Commerce and Industry Associations, said.

After that, businesses will have a sound business environment and residents can again lead a happy and stable life, he said. Enditem
I read your reply to William Mayfields query (about) a crash near the Taj Mahal at Randolph AFB. I was a witness to the crash as I was standing between the Taj and the crash itself. Until this crash, a trainer jet flew over the Taj each day at 5 p.m. when the flag was lowered for the day. This crash ended these flyovers.

The single-seat jet flew circa 1,000 feet overhead but flamed out. The pilot chose to drive it into the ground and die in order to ensure the crash would not harm the Wherry housing (for military families) adjacent to the crash site. He could have ejected but chose not to do so.

He was proclaimed a hero, and the Scout hut and family picnic area were named after him. I am not sure now but I think his last name was Eberle. The crash site was on Randolph itself halfway between the Taj and the main gate to the base next to the road connecting them.

I hope this helps and that you will forward this note to Mayfield. I, too, lived on base from 1950 to 1955 as a teen.

 David Fischer

Apologies for a swing and a miss  last Sundays column described a B-29 crash, where the pilot made a loop around the base and veered off to crash-land in a field about two miles from Randolph AFB (now Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph).

Reader Mayfield recalled that the crash happened near the Taj Mahal (administration building) in the early 1950s and that the doomed plane came right over our apartment prior to crashing. As best we recall, there were two fatalities.

At first, the 1951 accident was thought to have claimed only two lives; the third lost airman was thrown farther from the wreckage. That was the wreck that seemed similar to the one Mayfield was asking about.

But the 1953 crash described by you is much closer to Mayfields memories, as confirmed by a Randolph historian.

Capt. Eberle died in the first jet aircraft fatality at Randolph AFB on Jan. 8, 1953, when a wing fell off his F-80 Shooting Star, said Gary W. Boyd, director of the Air Education and Training Command History History and Museums Program.

Joseph Norbert Eberle of Louisville, Ky., 27, was an experienced pilot, who had served since 1943 and had flown during World War II and served on Iwo Jima from 1947 to 1949. Later a reserve officer, Eberle had only recently agreed to remain on active duty indefinitely.

According to the San Antonio Light, on the day of the crash  Feb. 9, 1953  Eberle was flying gunnery exercises in a single-seater fighter plane with B-29 bombers from Randolph. When a wing buckled and dropped off at 800 feet, reported the United Press wire service, his plane was thrown into an uncontrollable flat spin and crashed just inside the main gate, about 200 yards from the administration building (the Taj Mahal). Civilians working on a project just outside the main gate were almost hit by fragments of the plane.

The crash site, the Light reported, was only a few yards from quarters occupied by families of (Air Force) personnel. A crash rescue team was dispatched, but base officials reported that Eberle had died instantly. What was left of the plane burst into flames, and base firefighters put out the fire within five minutes. Wreckage was scattered as far away as Universal City, and Patrolmen and sheriffs deputies went to the scene to prevent their removal as souvenirs.

Eberles military funeral was held Jan. 14, 1953, in Louisville, and he was buried in that citys Calvary Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, the former Marie Fitzgerald, who had been commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and served at Fort Sam Houstons Brooke Army Hospital before they were married in September 1950. The couple had a son, William Joseph Eberle, born in 1951.

Eberle Park is still in use, Boyd confirmed. The park was dedicated to the fallen pilot in April 1954 and is still used for family outdoor activities. An old hut on the recreation grounds probably was the Scout hut you remember.

historycolumn@yahoo.com | Twitter: @sahistorycolumn | Facebook: SanAntoniohistorycolumn

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo attends a briefing at the Office of the Governor of the State of New York on June 12, 2020. (Jeenah Moon/Getty Images)

Cuomos Office Told to Preserve Documents Related to Sexual Harassment Investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia Jamess office has ordered Gov. Andrew Cuomos office to preserve any documents that may be related to the sexual harassment investigation her office is conducting.

A spokesperson for James, a Democrat, told news outlets that the preservation notice was sent on Friday.

Jamess office did not return a request for comment, nor did Cuomos office.

The request came on the same day Debra Katz, who is representing one of Cuomos accusers, asked James to order Cuomo to preserve documents.

Katz said in a letter to James that she was concerned about the maintenance of documentary evidence and potential spoliation by the Cuomo administration.

That concern was heightened by a report that Cuomo aides pressured state health officials to remove COVID-19 death data from a report published in the middle of 2020, Katz added, urging James to ensure that Cuomo aides maintain, without alteration, all documents pertaining to Ms. Bennett in any way.

Cuomo has been accused by Charlotte Bennett, 25, and Lindsey Boylan, 36, both former aides, of harassment. A third woman, 33-year-old Ann Ruch, has also alleged Cuomo harassed her.

Cuomo has said interactions detailed by the women may have been insensitive or too personal but denied inappropriately touching anybody or propositioning them. He apologized for his conduct.

Cuomo has also refused to resign, saying its up to voters to decide who governs the state.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James speaks at a news conference in Rochester, New York, on Sept. 20, 2020. (Joshua Rashaad McFadden/Getty Images)

Because of the scandal and the withholding of nursing home death data, the Democrat-controlled legislature on Friday voted to repeal the emergency powers he was granted in March 2020 to deal with the pandemic.

James is overseeing the probe into the harassment claims. She plans on appointing an attorney to lead the investigation.

That attorney will have subpoena power.

We will hire a law firm, deputize them as attorneys of our office, and oversee a rigorous and independent investigation, James said in a statement this week.

Bennett, who has detailed her claims the most, told CBS in a recent interview that Cuomo implied to me that I was old enough for him and he was lonely.

Cuomo is nearly three decades older than Bennett, who was 22 at the time.

She has also called Cuomos apology insufficient, calling it an issue of his actions.

The fact is that he was sexually harassing me and he has not apologized for sexually harassing me. And he cant even use my name, she added.

The Guardian

The potential consequences of the origins of the virus are shattering  if they can be proved My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters There was a time when the Covid pandemic seemed to confirm so many of our assumptions. It cast down the people we regarded as villains. It raised up those we thought were heroes. It prospered people who could shift easily to working from home even as it problematized the lives of those Trump voters living in the old economy. Like all plagues, Covid often felt like the hand of God on earth, scourging the people for their sins against higher learning and visibly sorting the righteous from the unmasked wicked. Respect science, admonished our yard signs. And lo!, Covid came and forced us to do so, elevating our scientists to the highest seats of social authority, from where they banned assembly, commerce, and all the rest. We cast blame so innocently in those days. We scolded at will. We knew who was right and we shook our heads to behold those in the wrong playing in their swimming pools and on the beach. It made perfect sense to us that Donald Trump, a politician we despised, could not grasp the situation, that he suggested people inject bleach, and that he was personally responsible for more than one super-spreading event. Reality itself punished leaders like him who refused to bow to expertise. The prestige news media even figured out a way to blame the worst death tolls on a system of organized ignorance they called populism. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a cult out of the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general But these days the consensus doesnt consense quite as well as it used to. Now the media is filled with disturbing stories suggesting that Covid might have come  not from populism at all, but from a laboratory screw-up in Wuhan, China. You can feel the moral convulsions beginning as the question sets in: What if science itself is in some way culpable for all this? * I am no expert on epidemics. Like everyone else I know, I spent the pandemic doing as I was told. A few months ago I even tried to talk a Fox News viewer out of believing in the lab-leak theory of Covids origins. The reason I did that is because the newspapers I read and the TV shows I watched had assured me on many occasions that the lab-leak theory wasnt true, that it was a racist conspiracy theory, that only deluded Trumpists believed it, that it got infinite pants-on-fire ratings from the fact-checkers, and because (despite all my cynicism) I am the sort who has always trusted the mainstream news media. My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month; a few weeks later everyone from Doctor Fauci to President Biden is acknowledging that the lab-accident hypothesis might have some merit. We dont know the real answer yet, and we probably will never know, but this is the moment to anticipate what such a finding might ultimately mean. What if this crazy story turns out to be true? The answer is that this is the kind of thing that could obliterate the faith of millions. The last global disaster, the financial crisis of 2008, smashed peoples trust in the institutions of capitalism, in the myths of free trade and the New Economy, and eventually in the elites who ran both American political parties. In the years since (and for complicated reasons), liberal leaders have labored to remake themselves into defenders of professional rectitude and established legitimacy in nearly every field. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a sort of cult out of science, expertise, the university system, executive-branch norms, the intelligence community, the State Department, NGOs, the legacy news media, and the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general. Now here we are in the waning days of Disastrous Global Crisis #2. Covid is of course worse by many orders of magnitude than the mortgage meltdown  it has killed millions and ruined lives and disrupted the world economy far more extensively. Should it turn out that scientists and experts and NGOs, etc. are villains rather than heroes of this story, we may very well see the expert-worshiping values of modern liberalism go up in a fireball of public anger. Consider the details of the story as we have learned them in the last few weeks:  Lab leaks happen. They arent the result of conspiracies: a lab accident is an accident, as Nathan Robinson points out; they happen all the time, in this country and in others, and people die from them.  There is evidence that the lab in question, which studies bat coronaviruses, may have been conducting what is called gain of function research, a dangerous innovation in which diseases are deliberately made more virulent. By the way, right-wingers didnt dream up gain of function: all the cool virologists have been doing it (in this country and in others) even as the squares have been warning against it for years.  There are strong hints that some of the bat-virus research at the Wuhan lab was funded in part by the American national-medical establishment  which is to say, the lab-leak hypothesis doesnt implicate China alone.  There seem to have been astonishing conflicts of interest among the people assigned to get to the bottom of it all, and (as we know from Enron and the housing bubble) conflicts of interest are always what trip up the well-credentialed professionals whom liberals insist we must all heed, honor, and obey.  The news media, in its zealous policing of the boundaries of the permissible, insisted that Russiagate was ever so true but that the lab-leak hypothesis was false false false, and woe unto anyone who dared disagree. Reporters gulped down whatever line was most flattering to the experts they were quoting and then insisted that it was 100% right and absolutely incontrovertible  that anything else was only unhinged Trumpist folly, that democracy dies when unbelievers get to speak, and so on.  The social media monopolies actually censored posts about the lab-leak hypothesis. Of course they did! Because were at war with misinformation, you know, and people need to be brought back to the true and correct faith  as agreed upon by experts. * Let us pray, now, for science, intoned a New York Times columnist back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The title of his article laid down the foundational faith of Trump-era liberalism: Coronavirus is What You Get When You Ignore Science. Ten months later, at the end of a scary article about the history of gain of function research and its possible role in the still ongoing Covid pandemic, Nicholson Baker wrote as follows: This may be the great scientific meta-experiment of the 21st century. Could a world full of scientists do all kinds of reckless recombinant things with viral diseases for many years and successfully avoid a serious outbreak? The hypothesis was that, yes, it was doable. The risk was worth taking. There would be no pandemic. Except there was. If it does indeed turn out that the lab-leak hypothesis is the right explanation for how it began  that the common people of the world have been forced into a real-life lab experiment, at tremendous cost  there is a moral earthquake on the way. Because if the hypothesis is right, it will soon start to dawn on people that our mistake was not insufficient reverence for scientists, or inadequate respect for expertise, or not enough censorship on Facebook. It was a failure to think critically about all of the above, to understand that there is no such thing as absolute expertise. Think of all the disasters of recent years: economic neoliberalism, destructive trade policies, the Iraq War, the housing bubble, banks that are too big to fail, mortgage-backed securities, the Hillary Clinton campaign of 2016  all of these disasters brought to you by the total, self-assured unanimity of the highly educated people who are supposed to know what theyre doing, plus the total complacency of the highly educated people who are supposed to be supervising them. Then again, maybe I am wrong to roll out all this speculation. Maybe the lab-leak hypothesis will be convincingly disproven. I certainly hope it is. But even if it inches closer to being confirmed, we can guess what the next turn of the narrative will be. It was a perfect storm, the experts will say. Who coulda known? And besides (they will say), the origins of the pandemic dont matter any more. Go back to sleep. Thomas Frank is a Guardian US columnist. He is the author, most recently, of The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
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MEDFORD, Ore.  A Medford man has been committed to the supervision of the Oregon State Hospital after threatening someone during a racially charged incident in September of 2020, according to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office.

Corey Alan Spurgeon was arrested on September 2 after threatening another man while wielding "a large rock," according to court documents. Since then, he has remained in custody between the Jackson County Jail and the Oregon State Hospital, undergoing mental health assessments.

According to multiple affidavits filed by law enforcement officers since Spurgeon's arrest, the man yelled threats, racial slurs and profanities at jail staff  throwing urine at people on several occasions. Another affidavit claimed that Spurgeon became unruly during a hospital stay, urinating on the floor and throwing a mobile computer desk.

The DA's office said that Spurgeon's original criminal case was brought back to a grand jury in January, after prosecutors learned that Spurgeon had used racial slurs "based on his perception of the victim's race" during the threatening incident. The grand jury added a felony charge of Bias Crime in the First Degree on an amended indictment.

During a stipulated facts trial on Friday morning, Spurgeon was found guilty except for insanity on four felony charges  Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Bias Crime in the First Degree, and two counts of Aggravated Harassment. Each crime is a class C felony.

Spurgeon will be under the jurisdiction of the Psychiatric Security Review Board at the Oregon State Hospital for the next 15 years, the DA's office said.
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Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is scheduled to go on trial Monday for the May 25 killing of George Floyd. But that plan was put in question Friday after the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that a lower court has to reconsider whether to add a third-degree murder charge against Chauvin. Floyd died May 25 after Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly eight minutes as Floyd repeatedly said he couldnt breathe. Opening statements were expected to begin March 29 after a jury selection process.

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The court overturned a ruling by Hennepin County District Judge Peter Cahill that rejected the third-degree charge, and said he must reconsider the prosecutions request. As far as the appeals court is concerned, it had set precedent on the issue in an unrelated decision last month. Although parties, attorneys, district court judges, and the public may disagree with this courts precedential decisions, district courts are bound to follow them, wrote Court of Appeals Judge Michelle Larkin for the panel of three judges.

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What does it mean? No one is quite sure whether it will lead to a delay. And for now the trial has been engulfed in a cloud of uncertainty as experts were quick to express that the situation was highly unusual. My head is spinning, Richard Frase, University of Minnesota law professor, told the Star Tribune. Ive been a lawyer for 50 years and a Minnesota lawyer for 44 years and Ive never seen a situation like this.

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Chauvin is already facing a second-degree unintentional murder charge, which is a more serious accusation, as well as a charge for second-degree manslaughter. But prosecutors want to add the third-degree murder charge as a way to assure a path to conviction. The more charges there are, it kind of suggests to the jury that, Boy, this guy has done all kinds of bad things, he must be guilty of at least one thing, Frase told NBC News.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said he agreed with the appeals court. Adding this charge is an important step forward in the path toward justice. We look forward to presenting all charges to the jury in Hennepin County, Ellison said in a statement. Some suggest jurors could see a third-degree charge as a middle ground. But it would surely be controversial considering that third-degree murder was the first charge against Chauvin and that led to an outcry from many who said Chauvin should face a more serious charge.

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Chauvins lawyer, Eric Nelson, hasnt commented on what his next step will be but experts said he could ask the Minnesota Supreme Court to review the ruling. That would lead to a delay in the start of the trial. He could also ask for a delay in the start of the trial because Chauvins rights could be compromised if he doesnt have enough time to prepare for the new count. The possible delay to the trial comes as City officials have put up security barriers around government buildings and business owners have started to board up storefronts in anticipation of protests.
Caffe Nero staff have been switching the sell-by dates on cakes to avoid food wastage, former employees reveal.

Six former and present staff at the popular UK coffee chain admitted to changing the dates using a label gun since 2016.

Another 17 former workers told The Times they were aware of the practice while one other said they had seen it happening. Meanwhile, 23 other employees said they had never heard of labels being swapped.

Caffe Nero bosses told MailOnline it was not company practice to switch sell-by labels and 'no store is permitted to extend the product date unless instructed to do so by the supplier'.

It comes after a customer shared a photograph of a mouldy cake that should have been thrown out on February 11, but was kept for another month.

Mirza Sameer Khalid bought a mouldy raspberry and coconut crumble bar on Monday at a branch in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

Six former and present staff at the popular UK coffee chain admitted to changing the dates using a label gun since 2016 (file image)

In a video on Facebook he removed the date label, which showed March 11, to find the original was dated February 13. 'Look at that disgusting antique and the staff are in complete denial so stay away from these,' he said.

The changing of labels happened more often around London, staff said, but was known to have taken place elsewhere across the UK.

However, as many employees that said they were aware of the practice told The Times it was not one they had heard of.

Staff have since been ordered to ensure no products are relabelled and a company-wide message warned the practice was strictly banned.

The Food Standards Agency has asked an authority that advises councils nationally to investigate.

By law, food retailers can only change dates if it is validated as microbiologically safe, but this was not the case according to those spoken to by the newspaper.

Staff said conflicting duties between avoiding waste and encouraging customers to buy from fully stocked shelves tempted some managers to encourage the practice.

These managers - it is claimed - wanted to top up earnings of 25,000 with bonuses awarded for effective forecasting and ordering of food, they said.

One former manager claimed he was told to change the labels when he first started at the company as a trainee.

He said: 'The assistant manager said, "You can't throw it away". We were told if it was a really hard muffin or cake, offer to microwave it.'

Mirza Sameer Khalid bought a mouldy raspberry and coconut crumble bar (pictured) on Monday at a branch in Chesham, Buckinghamshire

None of the employees The Times quizzed said they were encouraged to change dates by Caffe Nero chiefs.

A lawyer for the brand said: 'This activity has never been tolerated in the 24 years of Caffe Nero. This has never come as an issue in the past. There is nobody in the leadership team that would tolerate such activity,'

He added that only 20 complaints were made each year on food issues to central offices for the last three years.

Caffe Nero, with 800 sites and 5,700 workers, is renowned for its high quality training. Yet one worker said they learnt to change labels during their first week.

If a store sold 1,000 worth of products during one day, with a 1.5 per cent wastage allowance 15 worth of food will have been thrown out. To avoid this staff would simply paste a new label over the old.

A current barista told the newspaper the practice continued. He said: 'We do so, yes, as to most of us too much food is being wasted otherwise as we are instructed to throw out certain items, mostly cakes, after two or three days even when they're clearly still perfectly fine to consume.'

A former store manager said the company had warned employees caught changing food labels would be fired.

A spokesman for Caffe Nero said: 'We categorically deny any suggestion that extending the shelf life on food is practiced in our stores, and take any such allegation extremely seriously.

'We have a very strict policy on shelf life where no store is permitted to extend the product date unless instructed to do so by the supplier.

'Food safety and quality are paramount at Caffe Nero and we are investigating these allegations and will be taking action against any employee found contravening our policy.'
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Auburn, N.Y.  It started simply enough: Jennifer Donaldson just wanted to bring her fiance some lunch.

Two days later, her story has picked up nearly 14,000 upvote reactions on the social media site Reddit and generated positive chatter on other social media. Its probably because it involves someone doing something nice for someone else. Thats especially welcome right now.

Its definitely sunshine on a cloudy day, Donaldson said.

It was Wednesday afternoon, and Donaldson, who lives in Port Byron, wanted to pick up lunch so she and her kids could deliver it to her boyfriend, Richard Rice. He works in the power station at the Auburn Correctional Facility.

Due to the state hiring freeze during the pandemic, Rice works a few double-shifts each week. His lunch hour is about 7 p.m.

His favorite lunch is the Balboa, a roast beef and melted cheese sandwich on foccacia bread with a special garlic spread. He gets it from the Downtown Deli in the Auburn Plaza at 217 Grant Ave.

The problem was that the deli closes at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.

So Donaldson went on the private Facebook group You know youre from Auburn if ... She explained the dilemma and asked for recommendations for a place that might have a similar sandwich.

Enter Rick Habbada. Hes the owner of the Downtown Deli, and was at Destiny USA in Syracuse when a friend in the Facebook group tagged him on Donaldsons conversation. He made a quick decision.

He sent Donaldson this message: Hello Im Rick and the Owner of Downtown Deli! I am at Destiny right now but if you can hold off when I get back into Auburn in about an hour and a half I will personally make the sandwich for you and open up Downtown Deli just for you.

Donaldson began her response with Are you kidding me???? OMG!

I actually thought at first I was being spoofed, Donaldson said. But no, it was real and he was real.

For Habbada, it was a no brainer. She was on the Facebook site saying nice things about us and our sandwich, he said. How could I let her down?

Habbada called one of his employees to get things ready. (Making the sandwich requires the use of a toaster and a steamer, which had to be heated up.)

An hour and half later, Donaldson had her sandwich. At 7 p.m., she and the kids handed it over to Rice.

Rice was surprised.

He was expecting Chinese, which was his second choice, Donaldson said. He knew the deli closes at 3. He said something like, Where in the hell did you get this? 

Though Donaldson said she and Rice eat at the Downtown Deli frequently, she and Habbada had never met.

It was just a really nice thing for him to do, to go out of his way like that, she said.

She later posted about it on her personal Facebook page:

Tonight a pretty amazing thing happened. Richard Rice has been working a ton of overtime so me and the kids decided to... Posted by Jennifer Donaldson on Wednesday, March 3, 2021

Its a simple story, but it resonated with the followers of a subreddit (a thread on Reddit) called r/HumansBeingBros. That thread describes itself as A place for sharing videos, gifs, and images of people being total bros.

Many of the commenters were former residents of Auburn or other parts of Central New York.

Such a genuinely heartwarming and light story, one commenter wrote.

Sometimes I miss CNY when I see things like this, another posted. But then I remember winter.

And from commenter xomiranda: Well damn, now Im making the trip to Auburn from Rochester this weekend. Not only does that sounds delicious, but I love supporting business owners who go above and beyond. Thank you for sharing!

A screen shot from Reddit of part of the Facebook conversation between Jennifer Donaldson of Port Byron and Owner Rick Habbada of the Downtown Deli in Auburn.

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.

WASHINGTON - A federal judge chided the self-identified "QAnon Shaman," who was part of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, for appearing in a "60 Minutes Plus" interview without permission.

During a detention hearing Friday, Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia questioned whether Jacob Chansley appeared in the interview that aired Thursday without the required clearance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the detention facility or the judge. The judge also questioned whether Chansley's attorney, Albert Watkins, was deceitful in skirting proper authorization to appear on the show.

In what was billed as Chansley's first interview since his arrest, he said that his actions were "not an attack on this country" and that he does not regret being loyal to former president Donald Trump. Chansley became one of the most distinct individuals arrested in the riot, photographed flexing near the vice president's chair in the Senate while shirtless and wearing a headdress and face paint.

Watkins said he did make "independent arrangements" with "60 Minutes Plus" but denied conducting "subterfuge." He said he assumed his client would be allowed to be captured on camera from his office.

A decision about Chansley's detention is still pending.

Chansley has been behind bars since he was arrested in his hometown of Phoenix on Jan 9.

In February, a judge ordered Chansley moved to a jail in Virginia that serves organic food after he claimed that nonorganic food was against his religion.

Chansley has been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building among other federal felony charges. He is among more than 300 charged in the Capitol riots that resulted in five deaths.

In a previous interview with The Washington Post, he said he danced, sang and prayed in the Capitol, drumming on the floor with his pole to "reclaim our nation."

He also said he left a note for Vice President Mike Pence that said "It's only a matter of time, justice is coming."

On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall argued that Chansley is a danger to the community and should therefore remain jailed until trial. She said there was "ample evidence" that Chansley was carrying a spear while facing off with an officer inside the Senate chambers. She pointed to Chansley's "60 Minutes Plus" interview as evidence of his still-standing belief "that the current government is not a legitimate government and that the 2020 presidential election was stolen."

She argued that Chansley would not be capable of following conditions of release.

Watkins, meanwhile, painted his client as a nonviolent man misled and let down by Trump, who he greatly admired. He highlighted Chansley's lack of criminal history and said his client simply walked into the Capitol after police let him in. The judge and prosecutor pushed back.

"I am not belittling my client . . . but my client was wearing horns," he said. "He had tattoos around his nipples. He wasn't leading anywhere. He was a follower."

Watkins also said that Chansley believes in ahimsa, a form of nonviolence toward living things, and denied that the flagpole he carried was a spear.

Chansley apologized last month for storming the Capitol, saying he regrets entering the building and that Trump "let a lot of peaceful people down."

Chansley publicly requested - but did not receive - a pardon from Trump, which he expressed disappointment with in the 60 Minutes Plus interview. At one point, Chansley had offered to testify against Trump during his impeachment trial.

On Friday, Watkins cast the absence of a pardon as a turning point for Chansley.

"My client went from that point to expressing deep disappointment in the former president," he said.

Assured Signs Is Expanding

At the beginning of March 2021 Assured Signs announced it was expanding its presence into the United Kingdom. Until now, Assured Signs was largely only available to customers residing in the United States and Canada but now, the company is excited to offer its range of quality signage across the whole of the United Kingdom and can be purchased on Amazon.co.uk from as early as May of this year.

Increased Product Portfolio

Along with this Assured Signs continues to aggressively launch new products in the Office, Safety, and Baby categories to complement its existing product portfolio. This is good news for existing customers who are already familiar with the quality products Assured Signs provide and, its another step forward for Assured Signs as it attempts to establish itself as one of the leading brands in the informational signage niche.

Stepping into Home Decor

Assured Signs has also announced it is stepping into the realm of home decor for the first time. One of the directors, Sean explained that this strategic move opens a door to a whole new range of signage. Sean said this is an exciting challenge for the company as it aims to deliver not only the informational message each sign contains in a clear fashion but also aims to deliver that message in a stylish and elegant way that will enhance the look of any home. They are entering the market by offering a series of stylish dishwasher magnets that can be flipped depending on whether the dishwasher is dirty or clean. Sean continued stating that this product will be a gateway into the niche before it will introduce further home decor signage in the true sense of the phrase.

Assured Signs is so confident in its products that it offers a lifetime warranty on its website (http://www.assuredsigns.com) where their range of items can also be viewed and purchased. It is truly exciting times for this company as they continue to make strides forward and bring value to its customers.
A Meelin man who has dedicated his life to saving the lives of mothers and children in one of India's most poverty-stricken regions has likened the burgeoning global hunger crisis caused by Covid-19 to that of the Great Famine.

In order to highlight the escalating catastrophe and raise funds for the Mothers First charity, Paddy McMahon will next Monday Mark International Women's Day by undertaking a 13km 'Barefoot Paddy Walk' around his native village.

Having qualified as a nurse in 1998, Paddy packed his bags and spent five-years travelling across Asia, starting in India, a country that he always knew he would one day return to. After spending two years as a Buddist Monk in Thailand, he returned to India where was immediately struck by the unfairness of the healthcare system he found in Varanasi, a city of some two million people in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

"Its is a system wherein if you have no money for treatment there is no hospital that will admit you," he told The Corkman in 2015 after his nomination as a Cork Person of the Month.

He encountered countless numbers of children suffering from the most appalling malnutrition and who were unable to get hospital treatment. His caring and spiritual nature would simply not allow him to walk away and he worked alone for six-months taking children to hospital and paying for their treatment.

With funds running low, Paddy was reluctantly preparing to move back to Ireland until a chance meeting with a local paediatrician set him on a path that was to change his life and the lives of countless children.

Expand Close Meelin nurse Paddy McMahon in action at the Varanasi Childrens Hospital he helped establish in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh / Facebook

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Whatsapp Meelin nurse Paddy McMahon in action at the Varanasi Childrens Hospital he helped establish in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh

Dr RK Singh agreed to give Paddy space in a new private clinic he was setting up and the Varanasi Children's Hospital, which offers a free health service to the poor, was born.

In addition to the free hospital service, Paddy also helped establish the first Malnutrition Centre in the area, a Mobile Health Unit, a Health Promotion and TB Clinic and a dedicated schools' health programme.

He also oversaw the establishment of Mothers First, which has helped thousands of malnourished mothers and children by delivering life-saving food and medicine.

The charity believes that by prioritising nutrition in young mothers it can break the cycle of maternal nutrition, pointing to UNICEF's stance that 'undernourished girls have a greater likelihood of becoming undernourished mothers who in turn have a greater chance of giving birth to low birth weight babies, perpetuating an intergenerational cycle'.

Paddy says it is all about empowerment and education, so that mothers can in turn lead from within their communities.

"Mothers First is an organisation for women and girls. By breaking the cycle of malnutrition in communities, it begins to address the poverty, injustice and inequality that is holding them back as women."

The 'Barefoot Paddy Walk' was initially to have taken place between Tracton and Kinsale, recalling the 14 kilometres walked by 124 starving citizens to the workhouse in 1850, an event historians mark as having huge significance in Irish history.

However, Covid restrictions mean that it will now take place in Meelin, with Paddy set to don a suit for the walk.

"The symbolism of the suit while walking barefoot is to highlight the inequality of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on different parts of the world," he says.

"We in Ireland have had a very difficult time, of that there is no doubt. However, the suffering we have endured pales in comparison to what is happening in developing countries.

"By reconnecting with our past, we can understand the growing hunger crisis that is exacerbated by the Covid crisis. The devastation of Ireland's Famine that destroyed thousands of families is not dissimilar to the burgeoning global hunger crisis emanating from this pandemic," he adds.

The Barefoot Paddy Event will be live-streamed on Facebook from 9.30am on March 8, beginning with an opening ceremony followed by progress updates of the walk and a closing ceremony in Meelin.

Find the full details of the event on the events page of Mothersfirst.net.

How you can get involved

* Tune in to the event on March 8.

* Join the virtual walk.

* Participate in a virtual 6km walk (7800 steps) - (Covid-19 restrictions applying).

* Donate to the Mothers First charity to maintain and expand the reach of its programmes:

www.idonate.ie/6022_mothers-first.

* Sign its petition to ask for a greater co-ordinated international response from the Irish Government given the position of influence its holds with their seat on the UN Security Council:

www.openpetition.eu/ie/petition/online/covid-19-and-the-growing-hunger-crisis-that-has-no-coordinated-international-response.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 02:59:28|Editor: huaxia

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ROME, March 5 (Xinhua) -- A podcast of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released Friday focused on the strengthening of industrial ties between the northern Italian city of Turin and Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province in southern China.

The two cities are industrial hubs in their respective countries as well as the home of each nation's automotive production.

In the podcast, Lorenzo Angeloni, an Italian ambassador and director-general for the ministry's promotion of national systems, called the two cities "symbols of the two countries' industrial strength."

Angeloni said the ties were strengthened by a renewed commercial agreement between Italy and China signed last month, a treaty that not only promotes economic and commercial ties but also regarding sport, education and culture.

"The signatures were a new step forward for our rapport for our countries' friendship," he said.

In specific terms, the agreement promotes ties between the Polytechnic University of Turin and the Guangzhou-based South China University of Technology. The two universities established the South China-Turin Joint Laboratory in 2015. The latest phase in the agreement solidifies those ties, Angeloni said, creating a cultural exchange and urban design course for the students from both universities.

The deal will help foster collaboration between Stellantis, the carmaker created earlier this year by the merger between Italian-American manufacturer Fiat-Chrysler and France's Peugeot and the company's local Chinese partners.

Angeloni said that in addition to the strengthened industrial and educational ties, Turin and Guangzhou have agreed to promote tourism between the cities starting after the coronavirus pandemic. Enditem
New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) With game nights, workout videos and fun with family and friends, Katrina Kaif's social media platform has been followed avidly by fans. The actress recently spotted in PepsiCo India Slice's newly launched TVC which encourages consumers to take the 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' challenge thereby reaffirming its position as the thickest and tastiest mango drink in India. IANSlife caught up with the star to talk about the shoot, her days in lockdown and what she's looking forward to in 2021.

Q: How does it feel to be back to work after months of lockdown?

A: As much as I have learnt and grown internally during the lockdown I really did miss the hustle and bustle of my job. While the lockdown was critical at that point, I made sure I spent quality time on things I rarely get to do, but now that work has gradually begun with all the necessary precautions, I cannot be happier. The joy of filming is irreplaceable.

Q: Do you feel there is a difference between shooting in a pre and in a post-Covid world?

A: There surely is a difference as maintaining social distancing and various other precautionary norms are a must unlike before. But all the sets I've been on have made sure that the crews' safety is a priority which makes it a very safe working place, giving us artists the creative liberty needed.

Q: International travel is on standstill... did you manage to take a holiday or a getaway and how was it?

A: I actually made a trip to Maldives during the pandemic for the shoot of Slice's new 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' campaign. I had mixed feeling when I was getting ready for the trip -- on one hand I was excited about the shoot post the lockdown and on the other hand, I was nervous about travelling in the 'new normal' and ensured I took all the right precautions, throughout the trip -- COVID tests, ensuring social distancing, using face masks. Shooting in Maldives was such an exhilarating experience and it was one of the best shoots I had.

Q: Women's Day is around the corner, the lockdown has been especially tough on women, how do you feel they should celebrate this Women's Day?

A: I feel everyone has their own struggles to deal with, men, women, kids as well as senior citizens. The lockdown has been challenging for everyone. We should be so grateful for our lives of privilege and these times have been really hard for so many people. However, I'm glad to see how women have realised the importance of "me time" and hope they continue to take time for themselves even post the lockdown.

Q: What are you looking forward to in 2021 and what is the one lesson of 2020 you will carry with you forever?

A: While 2020 has reminded me about the joys of little things, 2021 is a very exciting year for me as well. I'm thrilled about the work I'm doing and cannot wait to share it with the world.

Q: Last and certainly not the least why is Slice your go to drink in the summer?

A: My association with Slice goes back a long time -- it gives me pure, indulgent joy to drink Slice. Slice is my favorite mango drink and I am beyond excited to launch the new 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' campaign that exudes my confidence in the brand. I cannot wait for my fans to take the taste challenge and discover the pleasure of drinking the thick and tasty Slice themselves.

Speaking on the new campaign, Anuj Goyal, Associate Director, Tropicana and Slice, PepsiCo India said,"Consumers have expressed immense love for Slice which is a testament to our confidence in the product. However, we wanted to take a step further and encourage our consumers to take the new Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty blind taste challenge to bolster Slice's position as the tastiest and thickest mango drink in India. We are excited to reach out to our consumers this summer through this campaign featuring the incomparable Katrina Kaif."

The TVC film, set against the beautiful backdrop of a beach, shows brand ambassador posing the ultimate taste challenge to a fan. The blind taste challenge set off by Katrina urges him to make a choice and take up the taste challenge to discover the thickest mango drink in the market.

(Tanya Banon can be contacted at tanya.b@ians.in)

--IANS

tb/
All six were relatives of Kurbanjan Abdukerim, who died last week after being released from detention.

Five relatives of a Uyghur trader who died after being freed from an internment camp in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) are in prison, according to officials, while one other is believed to have died in a camp after being ordered home from Egypt.

Kurbanjan Abdukerim, 54, passed away four days after his Feb. 23 release from one of the facilities in the XUARs vast network of camps, where authorities are believed to have held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities since early 2017, his former neighbor Zibibulla recently told RFAs Uyghur Service, speaking from exile in an undisclosed location in Europe.

The well-known businessman was detained in early 2018 from his home township of Azaq, in Atush (in Chinese, Atushi), a county-level city of around 270,000 people that is the capital of Kizilsu Kirghiz (Kezileisu Keerkezi) Autonomous Prefecture in the cotton- and grape-growing region of southwestern XUAR.

At the time of his detention, Kurbanjan was reportedly healthy and weighed around 100 kilograms (220 pounds), said Zibibulla, who declined to provide his family name for fear of reprisal against relatives still in the XUAR. But by the time he was released three years later, Kurbanjan was down to 53 kilograms (117 pounds) and he died soon after of unknown causes.

While investigating his case, RFA learned from Zibibulla that Kurbanjans brother, Seyitakhun is currently serving a prison sentence in Aghu Prison in Atush, reportedly for having sent two of his sons to Egypt to study.

Seyitakhun, one of four siblings, sent his sons Ibrahim and Ezimet to Egypt to study in 2013 after consulting with his older brother Abdukerim.

In 2017, Seyitakhun returned to Atush from Kyrgyzstan, where his family regularly traded Chinese fabrics, after being called home by police, Zibibulla said. Upon his return, he was made to force his sons to return to the XUAR from Egypt and all three were taken into custody.

After returning to Atush, they detained Kurbanjans younger brother Seyitakhun Abdukerim because his children had studied in Egypt, told him he had to bring his children back, and forced his children back from Egypt, Zibibulla said.

According to Zibibulla, Seyitakhun was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the crime of having sent two of his children to Egypt to study.

Seyitakhun was sentenced to 18 years. His children were also sentenced at the same time, theyre in jail.

Kurbanjan Abdukerim in an undated photo. Zibibulla

Perceived religious extremism

Egypt is among several countries blacklisted by authorities for travel by Uyghurs because of a perceived threat of religious extremism, and RFA has documented several instances where people have been detained for overseas visits or maintaining ties abroad.

Beginning in early July 2017, more than 200 Uyghurs, many of them religious students at Al-Azhar, were detained in Egypt after being rounded up in restaurants or at their homes, with others seized at airports as they tried to flee to safer countries, sources said in earlier reports.

Dozens were then deported back to Xinjiang, where rights groups said they faced a serious risk of arbitrary detention and torture, while many who had earlier gone home on their own in response to a Chinese government order to return for registration were also taken into custody.

Zibibulla told RFA that another nephew of Kurbanjans and one of his nieces, Imran and Madina Hekimjan were also detained and later imprisoned after being forced to return from Egypt, where they were studying at the time.

They were also in Egypt and were locked up in prison after being called back, he said.

He said Kurbanjans nephew, Ilham Qari, was also forced to return to the region from Egypt and later died in an XUAR camp, as did the son of Kurbanjans brother-in-law, Ilhamjan Mamatnot long after which his body was returned to his family.

Zibibulla claimed that Ilhams father, Mamatjan, had gone on to experience significant trauma and psychological problems, being unable to deal with his sons death.

RFA had confirmed Zibibullas claim about Ilhams death through an investigation in 2018.

Sentences confirmed

A government employee in the familys home village of Boger confirmed that Seyitakhun had been ordered back to Atush from the place where he was living and conducting business in Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek and that he was detained for having sent his children to study in Egypt.

Its been about three years  Hes now serving his term in Aghu Prison in Atush, she said, adding that Seyitakhun had been sentenced to 12 years in prison, rather than 18, as Zibibulla had claimed.

Another employee from the government office in Boger confirmed the imprisonment of the niece and nephews, noting that three of the students had received sentences of between seven and nine years.

There are four of them, he said, referring to Kurbanjans niece and nephews.

The employee said that Ibrahim was sentenced to nine years, Ezimet to seven years, and Madina to eight. He said he was unclear on the sentence that Imran received.

For the first one, its been over a yeara year or two. The later ones, its been a yearmaybe a bit longer, he said.

Basically, they were detained one after the other. First, the oldest son, and then the others. [The higher-level officials] dont talk openly with us about the details, or about what theyve done.

Lastly, RFA was able to speak with an official from the vicinity of Ilham Qaris home who, when asked for the number of his family members to speak with them about his death, did not deny it.

The familys residence is a little bit far from us and we dont have their contact information, the official said.

Ilham Qari in an undated photo. RFA listener

Camp conditions

RFA was unable to independently confirm details about Kurbanjan Abdukerims health at the time of his passing or the cause of his death.

However, questions remain about the cause of his drastic weight loss in detention, including whether it was the result of malnutrition or an infectious disease he might have contracted in the camp. It was also unclear to what extent his weight loss contributed to his death.

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 treatmentincluding systematic rapeand political indoctrination.

Amid increasing international scrutiny, authorities in the region have begun to send detainees to work at factories as part of an effort to label internment camps vocational centers, although those held in the facilities regularly toil under forced or coerced labor conditions.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
Soon to become available in the United States for a mere $49.99 (with free shipping), the Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus has been created with help from the automaker itself. More precisely, a special example of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimers (VWNO) collection in Hannover, Germany, served as the direct inspiration for the 1:18 scale toy set.Its affectionately known as Henrik the Red at home and has been fatefully recreated (complete with its camper characteristics) by Playmobil to hold true to many of the characteristic details. Those include the iconographic V-shaped front end with red and white color separation and red VW logo, rounded roof, split windshield and removable roof rack.The camper van's beige grey/sealing-wax red exterior treatment has been mirrored on the inside as well: theres a tipping bench seat, working table and cupboards, as well as the appropriate food and camping aids. Even the classic four-cylinder boxer is visible (if you are close enough, that is).The little Playmobil characters will even do the dishes and cook food with help from the kitchen appliances, while the bench seating will convert into a sleeping area for two.Of course, one will have to contend with the fact that were not dealing with something thats more than four meters long. The Playmobil Bulli is just 25-cm (9.84-in) long, 11-cm (4.33-in) wide, and 13-cm (5.11-in) tall, including the roof rack.Obviously, its also not going to cost an arm and a leg to have it in proper working condition, either. The set comes not just with the vehicle itself but also with a couple of figures and a lot of accessories.
Senior members of Britain's royal family are to show a united front Sunday praising the efforts of global health workers before the airing of a tell-all interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Just hours ahead of the screening of the interview, which has strained relations between the royals and sparked a transatlantic public relations war, Queen Elizabeth and other senior family members will appear in a programme celebrating the Commonwealth.

Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, his eldest son William and their wives Camilla and Kate will pay tribute to the world's frontline workers in the Covid outbreak.

Charles will commend the "extraordinary determination, courage and creativity" shown by the people of the Commonwealth -- an association of nations from the former British Empire -- while fighting the disease.

He will also say the outbreak has shown how "human health, economic health and planetary health are fundamentally interconnected", emphasising that climate change is another "existential threat" which "knows no borders".

William and Kate, formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, will speak with South African doctor and health activist Zolelwa Sifumba about the rights of healthcare workers.

"It's sad, almost, that it's taken the pandemic for the public to really back and support all those working on the front line," Kate will say.

Messages will be broadcast from London's Westminster Abbey, where last year at the Commonwealth Day service Meghan and Harry made their last appearance before giving up royal duties during an acrimonious split from the family.

They couple, who have relocated to the United States, agreed last month they would not return to their roles as senior royals and said at the time "service was universal".

Since their departure and in the run up to Sunday's interview, counter-briefings in the press between the couple and Buckingham Palace have escalated.

Story continues

The interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey is expected to deal with media intrusion into their lives and the decision to quit royal duties the UK and move to North America.

On Thursday, the US broadcaster CBS released a new clip of the interview in which Meghan said the royal family played an "active role" in "perpetuating falsehoods about us".

Buckingham Palace had said earlier it was probing claims that Meghan had bullied royal household staff during her time in Britain.

csp/tgb
Several Oregon nonprofit and business leaders are calling for an investigation after the AARPs state director was fired in what many say was an abrupt and shocking dismissal.

Ruby Haughton-Pitts, who had led the organization for senior citizens since 2018, was dismissed in mid-January. A petition to investigate her firing has drawn more than 2,000 signatures.

The story was first reported by The Skanner.

Community leaders have also expressed concern about the firing of a Black woman without further explanation, especially during a time of reckoning about racial inequality. AARP, meanwhile, has not detailed publicly why Haughton-Pitts was dismissed.

I find the silence not only deafening, but not a good look in a time where racial and social justice issues are on the front burner everywhere in the world, said Sharon Gary-Smith, the president of Portlands NAACP chapter.

AARP members said they were informed about the dismissal on Jan. 15, when the organizations regional vice president, Kim Adler, sent volunteers a brief email about news from the state organization. The email had a single line noting that Haughton-Pitts was no longer with AARP.

In a letter to AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins, several community leaders said Haughton-Pitts was put on paid leave in December pending an investigation, was never told why she was being investigated and received little information when she was dismissed a month later.

Jason Young, a national AARP spokesperson, declined to comment on the specifics of the firing.

AARP policy doesnt allow us to comment on personnel matters, but AARP is an inclusive, mission-driven workplace, is deliberative about all employment decisions and does not consider any inappropriate factors while making those decisions, Young told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Employees from the local AARP office also would not comment on Haughton-Pitts dismissal.

Neither Haughton-Pitts nor her lawyer responded to requests for comment.

The letter calling for an investigation into her dismissal was signed by Gary-Smith and six other people who were part of a personal advisory committee Haughton-Pitts assembled over a year ago to advise her as AARPs state director.

Former Oregon State Treasurer Randall Edwards, who also signed the letter, said the committee was composed of about a dozen people who aimed to help Haughton-Pitts identify areas where seniors needed to be reached and better served.

But the formation of the group appeared to be outside AARP policy, which says each state director is advised by two groups: an executive council, which is appointed by regional directors and includes the state director and president, and a diversity committee, also comprised of AARP volunteers.

It was unclear whether Haughton-Pitts personal advisory committee played a role in her dismissal.

And while AARP accepts applications for her former job, many  including Sen. Ron Wyden  continue to seek answers about her firing.

Senator Wydens office will be following up with AARP based on the serious concerns about transparency, racial equity and more that advisory board members raised in their letter, which was CCed to the states congressional delegation, Hank Stern, a Wyden spokesperson, said in an email.

CHANGE AGENT

Haughton-Pitts had deep Oregon roots before being hired as state director in 2018.

She had previously spent many years in Oregon, having graduated from the University of Oregon and worked as an executive for several companies, including CareOregon and U.S. Bancorp, before taking a job as AARPs director of outreach and advocacy in Chicago, according to an AARP article announcing her hire.

Jay Bloom, a member of AARP Oregons state volunteer executive council and of Haughton-Pitts personal advisory committee, said she came into the role with several significant relationships and connections throughout the state.

Shes not an outside person, even though she came from Chicago, Bloom said. Her level of relationships was very high. Im not sure the national office ever appreciated how much she was upgrading the image of AARP in the state.

Bloom said Haughton-Pitts brought new ideas and approaches to the organization, building bridges with several diverse communities that the organization hadnt consistently reached before.

Ruby is a change agent, he said. She didnt come in with the idea of, Same old, same old. When youre hired to disrupt and improve, people can get their egos bruised.

He called Haughton-Pitts dismissal a huge loss for the state.

A RECORD OF LEADERSHIP

Gary-Smith said Haughton-Pitts is known as a strong and capable leader who has an excellent record of engaging people and recognizes the changing demographics of Oregons seniors in ways others in the organization have not.

Under Haughton-Pitts leadership, AARP recruited many more seniors of color and focused on underserved and isolated groups, Gary-Smith said.

People from communities who are marginalized in their working years are likelier to also face financial struggles and difficulty accessing resources in retirement, Gary-Smith said. Outreach to such communities is key, especially during a pandemic thats left many seniors isolated, ill or facing trouble registering for the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Portland chapter of AARP is predominantly African American, Gary-Smith said. There were all kinds of activities being done pre-pandemic. But never did (the state organization) ever appear to recognize that Oregon has changed dramatically, demographically.

Judy Boyer, president of the North-Northeast chapter of the AARP, said Haughton-Pitts dismissal came as a shock  especially to longtime friends and colleagues.

She said Haughton-Pitts helped attract more members to the organization and amplify seniors voices on important issues  asking members to testify about the high cost of prescription drugs, for example.

Boyer, whose Portland-based chapter serves seniors from throughout the region, recalled two instances of Haughton-Pitts leadership.

A few years ago, she said, Portlands AARP chapter applied to receive electronic tablets from a government organization. The chapter didnt qualify, Boyer said, but she mentioned the need for new technology to Haughton-Pitts in passing.

Within days, Haughton-Pitts connected Boyer with someone who provided the equipment the chapter was looking for.

Boyer also recalled how Haughton-Pitts looked out for AARP members who are vulnerable to scams.

She said Haughton-Pitts had once given her a direct line to the Oregon attorney generals office that she could call if members were victims of price gouging or other scams. Boyer said the issue arose last month when a woman was scammed by someone who claimed to offer technological help.

As soon as I found out, I dug out that number and gave it to her, and a person from the attorney generals office immediately started investigating, Boyer said. Ruby worked with us directly to give us resources to help our seniors that we didnt have before.

Gary-Smith said she hopes the reason for Haughton-Pitts dismissal will eventually come to light.

Were not asking them to share any details that would be inappropriate for the public, she said. Its easy to fall back on HR excuses, when theres a way to be clear and accountable in a way that will not step on anyones privacy.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR




These past 12 months have been a witness to countless awe-inspiring stories of women who have come out of the shadows, and made a mark for themselves while contributing to their community. Committed to celebrating journeys of this incredible fighting spirit of womanhood, Femina, Indias leading womens magazine, begins a new chapter in its 61-year-old history of empowering women by introducing a novel initiative,. With the mission to, Femina, in the first edition of its initiative, has joined hands with theto shine the spotlight on theThealso aims to spread awareness about womens safety and dignity, which dovetails with thedriven by the state government. Through these initiatives, Femina, as a flag bearer of positive change in society, provides women with a platform to come forward and tell the world their inspiring stories.



Ahead of International Womens Day, Femina Spark collaborated with Grameen Foundation India and Abhishek Yadav, Special Commando Trainer and world record holder, to curate special workshops for women. The first workshop was held in Varanasi on March 4, 2021, and the second in Gorakhpur the next day. The workshops were on the topics of Financial Literacy and Self Defence, and witnessed the enthusiastic participation of several women from these two cities.

Led by Isha Sharma of the Grameen Foundation, the Financial Literacy Workshop offered women learnings about the benefits of using digital financial services, financial planning, and tips on how to invest and save their earnings for the future.

In the Self Defence Workshop, Special Commando Trainer Abhishek Yadav taught women practical ways to defend themselves, thereby empowering them to handle difficult situations in their day-to-day life.



With both these workshops aiming to make women independent, secure, and empowered in every way possible, Femina Spark has taken another step towards making a difference for the better.





While the workshops concluded amid rave reviews from the participants, Femina Spark is all set to launch many such activities for women across the state. The initiative will continue to amplify its underlying message of womens empowerment, the very crux of the, on ground, by travelling across the state and visiting schools, universities, public and government offices, commercial establishments, anganwadis and hospitals. By having inspirational leaders highlight their vision for a better future, along with reaching out to as extensive and diverse an audience as possible, the purpose-drivenwill leave no stone unturned to instil the change we all want to see.Read more: Mission Shakti: Strengthening Women To Empower Themselves






remaining of

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Congress' effort to unite all opposition parties against ruling BJP in Assam failed as newly floated Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Akhil Gogoi-led Raijor Dal announced their lists of candidates for the first two phases of polling on March 27 and April 1.

The AJP, led by the former general secretary of All Assam Students' Union Lurinjyoti Gogoi, announced their first list of 18 candidates on Friday evening, hours after BJP's list was made public.

Raijor Dal, which was also formed out of the anti-CAA agitation, released names of 18 candidates, 12 for the first phase and six for the second phase. Akhil, who is in judicial custody since the anti-CAA protests in December 2019, has been fielded from the Sivasagar constituency in eastern Assam, which witnessed strong protest against the act. AJP chief Lurinjyoti will contest from the Duliajan constituency in eastern Assam.

The party named its general secretary and former minister in AGP ministry, Jagadish Bhuyan as a candidate in Sadiya, which also witnessed violent protest against the CAA.

Also read: Assam Assembly Polls: Akhil Gogoi to contest from Sibsagar

Both AJP and Raijor Dal has made the CAA its main poll plank with a target to defeat BJP and its regional allies.

The two parties, however, rejected Congress' invitation to join the grand alliance of seven opposition parties including Badruddin Ajmal-led AlUDF and BJP's former ally Bodoland People's Front.

"We were hopeful till the last moment that they (AJP and Raijor Dal) will rethink and join the grand alliance to prevent the division of the anti-CAA and anti-BJP votes. The decision is definitely unfortunate and will raise questions about their intention," a Congress leader said.

Raijor Dal, while releasing the list on Saturday, however, said they decided to contest only in 18 of the 86 seats going for polls in the first phases to prevent the division of anti-BJP votes.

Meanwhile, discontentment in the Congress camp has started brewing over the selection of candidates.

President of All India Mahila Congress and former MP, Sushmita Dev is unhappy and warned the party leaders that she would quit if the party decides to give most seats in Barak Valley constituencies to AIUDF.
Ghana has received 50,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the government of India as a donation.

The vaccines arrived in Accra on Friday, March 5, 2021, and were handed over to the Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.



Mrs Botchwey said the donation reflects the cordial and fraternal relations between Ghana and India.



The donation, coming just a few days after the historic delivery of 600,000 doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines to Ghana, under the COVAX Initiative, is certainly a noteworthy support to our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and reflects the very cordial and fraternal relations between Ghana and India.



She added that it also underscores the mutual commitment of the two governments to work in solidarity and partnership to address common challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.



She gave the assurance that "the government is leaving no stone unturned in the quest to acquire, at least, 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to effectively inoculate the population.



Ghana has started administering the AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccines which were received on February 24, 2021.



The Ghana Health Service has said 30,500 Ghanaians have so far been vaccinated.

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
Restaurant floor manager Janet Henestroza (R) said she and her team are working hard to open for indoor dining at Orens Hummus in Mountain View, Calif., on March 4, 2021. (Nancy Han/NTD News)

San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants Resume Indoor Dining

SANTA CLARA, Calif.Restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve food in most counties in the San Francisco Bay Area resumed indoor dining as of March 3 following a decline of COVID-19 cases.

Restaurants in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Napa, and Marin counties are now allowed to seat customers inside at 25 percent of capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer. They have transitioned to the Red Tier of the states reopening roadmap, which allows indoor dining.

I feel its just the perfect time to let people, to let restaurants dine in, Galip Vural, owner of Olympus Caffe & Bakery and the restaurant Ephesus, told NTD News.

He thinks indoor dining will help restaurants stay in business.

He said he had to close for a few months at the beginning of the lockdown. When he reopened, he had to adjust to takeout and rely on to-go companies such as Uber Eats to increase sales. Now, hes preparing for more indoor diners.

Im one of the lucky businessmen that have good outdoor dining, Vural said.

However, he added, customers look forward to indoor seating when its cold and rainy.

Galip Vural (C) speaks with customers dining outdoors at Olympus Caffe & Bakery in Mountain View, Calif., on March 4, 2021. (Nancy Han/NTD News)

Others say opening for indoor and outdoor dining benefits customers as well as the businesses.

We are ready for opening inside doors. Everything is ready. My team is working hard for that, Janet Henestroza, floor manager at Orens Hummus, told NTD News.

Two local residents said they arent ready to dine indoors, but they still enjoy being outdoors.

We live in California; we have to enjoy our weather. But I still dont feel comfortable going inside, though, Stephanie Saba, a Los Altos resident, told NTD News. So Im just going to stay outside for a little longer.

A street is blocked off for outdoor dining in Mountain View, Calif., on March 4, 2021. (Nancy Han/NTD News)

I think theyre taking precautions inside, like spacing the tables, cleaning after everything. The waiters and waitresses are wearing masks, so I feel pretty confident that soon people will be able to go back, Yasmine Folly-Kossi, a Fremont resident, told NTD News.

She said she doesnt mind the outdoor dining environment because of its quiet, downtown ambience.

Maybe like a European feel, of more outdoor life, cafes, and terraces open. So Im enjoying that, Folly-Kossi said.

After a year of challenges, locals and their businesses continue to adapt to the changes. Other Bay Area counties may soon follow suit to reopen indoor dining.

Nancy Han contributed to this report.
The race is on for the province to nearly double its capacity and deliver 20,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses a day next month.

The race is on for the province to nearly double its capacity and deliver 20,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses a day next month.

In just four weeks, vaccine deliveries are expected to ramp up significantly, but on Friday, the province only had the capacity to dole out about 12,500 lifesaving shots.

The Manitoba government has set a goal to give out 20,000 jabs daily in order to keep up with the minimum 1.5 million doses it will receive from the federal government from April to June.

Considering recent changes that allow second doses to be delayed as many as four months, Johanu Botha, operational lead for the COVID-19 vaccine task force, said he is certain the province will make good on its promise and provide a single shot to all adult Manitobans as early as May 18.

The new timeline is contingent on the province receiving a steady and high supply of vaccines from the federal government, Botha said.

If the province gets a steady supply of vaccines from the federal government it can administer 20,000 doses a day, says Johanu Botha, operational lead for the COVID-19 vaccine task force. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press files)

"If thats the case, and our system is up and running, as it will be, to administer 20,000 doses a day come the first of April, we will have all eligible Manitobans vaccinated," Botha said. "Were confident we can do this, if the supply arrives more consistently."

The vaccine task force had earlier estimated all eligible Manitobans would get a shot by the end of August in the best-case scenario.

The expedited schedule follows a recommendation by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization that provinces delay second doses as long as the vaccine supply is scarce.

Attention now turns to the provinces ability to deliver.

Heavy hitters: mass vaccination clinics

Manitoba plans to use high-volume vaccination clinics  dubbed super-sites  to give roughly 14,000 shots a day beginning in April.

Right now, the province has three such clinics capable of administering 6,499 shots a day, including the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, the Keystone Centre in Brandon, and two locations in Thompson: a clinic at the recreation centre, and one at "Vaxport," the provincial air hangar. A fourth super-site clinic will open Monday at the former Selkirk and District General Hospital, with an estimated daily capacity of 1,000 shots.

A fifth clinic will open at the Access Event Centre in Morden. An opening date has yet to be announced and the province has yet to confirm how many doses the clinic will provide daily.

Where the balance of doses will be offered  as many as 6,000 daily  remained uncertain Friday.

Provincial plans have called for a total of 13 super-sites, including two more in Winnipeg, a third for the north in either Flin Flon or The Pas, and one additional site in Southern Health and Interlake-Eastern, to be open in April. So far, no additional clinics have been announced.

Recently, Botha said the search for suitable facilities for mass clinics has been challenged due to strict infrastructure requirements for infection prevention and control.

KEVIN KING/WINNIPEG SUN Gisella Greschner, 97, receives her COVID-19 vaccination at the convention centre in Winnipeg, one of three of the province's so-called supersites. (Kevin King / Pool files)

"So what were looking at in terms of what will help us leap up to 20,000, it may be another super-site or two, but I think probably what will get us there at this point will be an array of pop-up sites," Botha said. "We will continue on with building up to our around 13 super-sites, but that timeline... is impacted by the appropriate infection prevention and control measures."

In the meantime, officials said the clinic at the convention centre will be expanded to towards meeting the April goal.

When it comes to staffing, the province says it has hired 1,647 immunizers  more than enough to deliver 14,000 doses a day at super-sites. Immunizers can also be assigned for post-immunization observation, as clinical leads or clinic managers, based on experience, the province said.

Earlier this week, 165 people were added to the provincial vaccine workforce, for a total of 2,224 staff. The province said it continues to recruit for clinic navigators outside Winnipeg and is in the process of hiring 50 students to begin working full-time as of April 1 to fill positions across Manitoba. Recruitment continues for immunizers in southern Manitoba.

Familiar and convenient: pharmacies and clinics

The province has recruited enough pharmacists and physicians to give up to 5,000 daily vaccine doses  a quarter of the planned capacity  through community clinics and pharmacies.

On average, individual clinics and pharmacies will give up to 20 doses a day throughout the spring.

However, physicians and pharmacists will only be able to hit the targeted 5,000 daily doses if enough fridge-stable vaccines are sent to Manitoba.

Currently, only the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines can be stored between 2 C and 8 C, with the former recommended for people under 65 years of age. The national advisory clinic has not provided recommendations on how the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should be used.

Barret Procyshyn, pharmacist and co-owner of Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy, said his pharmacy is ready to spring into action when the doses arrive.

CP The province has recruited pharmacists and physicians to provide up to 5,000 daily vaccine doses through community clinics and pharmacies. (Jessica Hill / The Associated Press files)

It has designated space to offer COVID-19 vaccines, Procyshyn said, and has established an online waiting list where community members can sign up and provide information related to their eligibility.

As eligibility criteria are expanded, Procyshyn said his pharmacy will contact people on the list to offer them appointments. He said they will be able to do between 60 and 80 doses a day.

"It has been a lot of work, but this is a chance for pharmacists and our profession to step up and show that were front-line health-care providers," Procyshyn said. "I think youre going to see a lot of pharmacists, especially in rural areas, step up to the plate.

"Thats the only way people in these small towns are going to get their vaccines," he said.

Meanwhile, Doctors Manitoba has prepared its own website to assist the public in connecting with physicians who give COVID-19 vaccines. The website, ManitobaVaccine.ca, will include a list of doctors providing the jabs as clinics open for appointments. Each clinic and pharmacy will book appointments directly for their clients.

Hard to reach: pop-up clinics and immunization teams

An estimated 1,000 doses will be given per day to people who live in congregate settings or in isolated communities, through focused immunization teams and pop-up clinics.

Vaccine booking changes On Friday, Manitoba's vaccine task force announced changes to the way vaccine appointments are booked as officials plan to speed up delivery of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Here's the latest:  Manitobans older than 87, and First Nations members older than 67, are eligible to get vaccinated.  Age eligibility will be expanded in descending order. All Manitobans age 80 and up will likely be eligible to book vaccine appointments next week. Up-to-date eligibility requirements are posted on the government's website here. click to read more On Friday, Manitoba's vaccine task force announced changes to the way vaccine appointments are booked as officials plan to speed up delivery of the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Here's the latest:  Manitobans older than 87, and First Nations members older than 67, are eligible to get vaccinated.  Age eligibility will be expanded in descending order. All Manitobans age 80 and up will likely be eligible to book vaccine appointments next week. Up-to-date eligibility requirements are posted on the government's website here.  Only one appointment will be booked per person as of Friday. (Previously, Manitobans were required to schedule a second-dose appointment before they could receive their first shot).  Spouses and members of the same household can book their appointments at the same time, as long as they all meet the age requirements. This means they can travel to their appointment together. Only those who are old enough to be eligible can get the vaccine at the same time as their spouse.  Manitobans who are between 50 to 64 years old and have serious health conditions will be next in line to receive the vaccine, at their doctor's office or pharmacy. It is not yet possible to book appointments with a doctor or pharmacy, but they will set up their own booking systems. More information will be released when it's available.  Currently, the only way to book a vaccine appointment is by calling 1-844-626-8222. Appointments are limited to those who meet the age requirements. A Manitoba health card number is required. A consent form is available online to be printed out and taken to the appointment. Copies of the form are available on site.  Online booking doesn't yet exist in Manitoba. The province plans to launch an online booking portal in April.  Manitobans with vaccine appointments will be directed to their nearest vaccine clinic. Currently, Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson each have one vaccine clinic. On March 8, a clinic will open in Selkirk. A clinic will open in Morden later this month.  In response to concerns the vaccine super-site clinics have not been accessible enough for elderly Manitobans, members of the task force said Friday they were working to improve the situation and would place more chairs so people can sit and wait.  In First Nations communities, vaccine clinics will start being set up later in March to offer the vaccine to everyone over 18.  Plans are underway for the First Nations clinics. Information on where they will be located and how people can book appointments hasn't yet been released. People living in or near First Nations will be able to receive the vaccine at their nearest super-site if they don't want to wait for an immunization team to arrive in their community.  The First Nations vaccine rollout is also following the province's plan to deliver all first doses before continuing with the second vaccine dose. Close

The province says it has the capacity to offer 500 doses a day to people through focused immunization teams.

Currently, immunization teams are tasked with providing shots at assisted-living facilities and seniors homes, as well as at hospitals to immunize long-term patients. Nearly 3,000 residents and patients are scheduled for a vaccine at 70 locations throughout the province next week.

The same immunization teams will eventually go to provincial jails, family violence shelters, homeless shelters and transitional housing, group homes and addictions treatment facilities.

For rural and remote communities that cannot easily access a super-site clinic, the province plans to offer pop-up clinics. As of Friday, pop-up clinics could offer as many as 500 total daily doses.

However, no information has been provided about where pop-up clinics will be staged or when they would open. Churchill, Gillam, Lynn Lake, Leaf Rapids and Grand Rapids have been flagged for pop-up clinics.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
MUMBAI: Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who was busy shooting for her upcoming outing 'Tejas', recently revealed that she has completed the Mumbai schedule of the film. Kangana also shared that she will be moving on to shoot other portions of the movie in Delhi and Rajasthan.

The actor took to Twitter on Friday to share some behind-the-scenes pictures from the shoot of the forthcoming film. An elated Kangana tweeted, "Successfully completed #Tejas mumbai schedule now heading to Delhi and Rajasthan soon for upcoming schedules... Thank you everyone for your love and blessings."

Successfully completed #Tejas mumbai schedule now heading to Delhi and Rajasthan soon for upcoming schedules...

Thank you everyone for your love and blessings _ pic.twitter.com/uZcRL3lFKV  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 5, 2021

Kangana will be seen playing an air force pilot in the movie, which has been written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara. The film is being bankrolled by RSVP Movies, the production house that had also produced the blockbuster military drama 'Uri: The Surgical Strike'.

The Indian Air Force was the first of the country's defence forces to induct women into combat roles in 2016. The film takes inspiration from this landmark event.

The 'Panga' actor who feels honoured to play the character of a fighter pilot had earlier stated, "Very often the sacrifices made by our brave women in uniform go unnoticed by the nation. 'Tejas' is a film where I have the honour of playing the role of one such Air Force pilot who puts country before self. I hope we instill a sense of patriotism and pride in the youth of today with this film. I am looking forward to the journey with Sarvesh and Ronnie on this one."

Apart from 'Tejas', Kangana will also be seen in 'Thalaivi', a biopic on actor-turned-politician Jayalalithaa. Apart from this she also has 'Dhaakad' and 'Manikarnika Returns: The Legend Of Didda' in the pipeline.

Kangana has also signed up to play the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in an upcoming political drama.
St. Vincent's School mascot 'Finn' patiently awaited the first arrival of students back to their classroom this week.

The adorable labrador became something of a celebrity when he enrolled a few years ago. Now, he is willing to offer a helping 'paw' to staff and students as these ease back into face to face learning once again.

School principal Deirdre Matthews told the Argus that although they were 'delighted with the progress of teaching and learning in the remote environment' they were looking forward to welcoming students back to class.

'Our school community once again has risen to the challenge of remote learning. We are extremely proud of the work, effort and resilience shown by all. Prior to the first period of remote learning, we had much of the structures and supports in place to enable the school move to the remote environment.'

She added: 'From the first day of school closure in January students once again followed their timetable and had a synchronous and asynchronous approach to learning with a mixture of live zoom lessons and pre-recorded lessons. From the feedback we have received, both students and parents are very happy with the blended approach taken.'

Online zoom lessons have afforded students the benefits of regular classroom interaction with their teachers and indeed social interactions with their peers through the use of zoom breakout rooms.

'These interactions are an important part of school life and are also underpin student wellbeing and happiness' said Ms. Matthews. But she admitted that 'while online learning has been undoubtedly a success it most certainly has not been without its challenges for all involved.'

'Teachers have had to juggle home life and work life, parents have also had to work from home or go to work while at the same time motivate their daughter(s) and in some case several children in various stages of schooling. While students have engaged well with remote learning, it must be acknowledged that many are struggling with self-motivation and are suffering from the effected of their inability to meet their friends and have the in person interactions which are so vitally important to all of us.'

The Principal said: 'The rise in COVID numbers after Christmas and the emergence of new variants have undoubtedly caused anxiety and apprehension for all regarding the reopening of schools. Nonetheless we are delighted to be welcoming back more of our student cohort.'

On Monday last, February 22nd, back students from the McAuley Room, their teachers and SNAs were welcomed back.

'The girls were delighted to be back into their structure and routine and to meet their friends and teachers.'

'And yesterday (Monday, 1st) we are welcoming back our 6th year girls. As this is such an important year for these girls, we are looking forward to supporting them in person throughout the months ahead.'

As all staff and students gradually plan their return to the classroom in the days and weeks ahead, Ms. Matthews added: 'We must as a school community redouble our collective efforts to adhere to the control measures already in place including social distancing, hand hygiene, cleaning measures and wearing masks. It is vital to do all we can to protect ourselves and our families and to starve this disease of opportunities to spread.'

'We hope as the vaccination programme and the further suppression of the disease in the community continues, we will in the near future have our whole school community back in school.'
Twelve months after flying to Australia Swe Win remains here, effectively in exile, running his newsroom from afar as it seeks to be a window for the world into the new juntas brutal crackdown against nationwide demonstrations that have gone on for weeks. Amid the chaos of tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades being deployed by authorities to disperse crowds, security forces have in the past week turned their weapons directly on protesters. Scores have been gunned down, including a boy as young as 14, as the death toll has risen past that of the countrys previous major uprising in 2007. Theyre trying to send a message to journalists to get off the streets and not cover the protests and this is at the same time as theyre using live rounds to kill protesters ... picking them off Thomas Kean, Frontier Myanmar editor-in-chief The Herald and The Age have decided not to publish where Swe Win and his family are living for their safety. He would like to go back to Yangon to join his news team of 35 on the ground but even before the coup his lawyer advised him against it, fearing not simply that he would be sent to prison but what would happen to him while he was behind bars as an enemy of the state. Sensing the danger to come, he had split his staff into three groups even before last months coup, with one group permanently in hiding to avoid arrest.

Im very worried [for the staff], he said. I cannot breathe actually over the first 30 days and now. I didnt have more than five hours of sleep every night. Most of the reporters have gone into hiding but you cant keep hiding all the time  youve got to report. We need to cover all these injustices but at the same time we need to keep them safe. Its difficult. There have been many demonstrators hauled away  more than 1500 people have been arrested or charged by police, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, a monitoring organisation. And journalists have been joining them in detention in increasing numbers. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand said at least 25 journalists had been arrested since the February 1 coup. At least six were charged this week, including Thein Zaw from the Associated Press and Kay Zon Nway, a multimedia journalist in her early 20s who is on Swe Wins staff in Yangon and had been live streaming a protest in the city on Saturday when she was arrested.

They have been held at Yangons Insein Prison since and face up to three years jail for violating an authoritarian public order law. Video footage also circulated this week of the violent arrest of a reporter from the Democratic Voice of Burma news outlet pleading for assistance as authorities stormed his apartment in Myeik in southern Myanmar. The media is the main source of information going out and they dont want any information, they dont want anyone recording whats going on, says Swe Win, who as a student spent seven years in prison for protesting against the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, in the late 1990s. Theyre going back to the dark era of military rule.

Swe Win said the targeting of media was the latest lever of General Min Aung Hlaings regime in conducting information warfare in the process of re-establishing a full-blown police state. A protester displays a defaced image of military ruler General Min Aung Hlaing. Credit:AP There have also been nightly internet blackouts for much of the five weeks since the junta re-assumed absolute power and an amendment to the nations electronic transactions law which has made illegal any criticism of the coup and the activities of the military and police. Thomas Kean, an Australian journalist who has worked in Myanmar for 13 years and is editor-in-chief of independent outlet Frontier Myanmar, says the tone had shifted markedly since last weekend. Theyre trying to send a message to journalists to get off the streets and not cover the protests and this is at the same time as theyre using live rounds to kill protesters [...] picking them off, Kean says.

The junta is also waging a battle with media off the streets, demanding it be referred to as the State Administration Council, the name military leaders have given themselves after seizing control over unfounded claims of election fraud. They have warned of legal action against outlets who ignore their order, which most have. This really gets to a core issue, which is the legitimacy of the military regime and the legality of the takeover. What theyre trying to project  and theyve done this since the first morning  is that what they did was entirely legal, in line with the constitution, and they are the legitimate government, Kean says. Obviously for the majority of the Myanmar people thats not how they see it. Anti-coup protesters run after riot police fire tear gas in Yangon. Credit:Getty Images While the social media-savvy Generation Z protesters continue to document horrific scenes of police brutality and indiscriminate killing and images find their way out from local photographers on the ground, human rights groups have labelled the targeting of journalists a sinister bid to suppress the truth.
A coronial inquest will be held into the death of a 35-year-old Indigenous man who was found unresponsive in a jail cell at Long Bay Hospital on Tuesday.

The cause of the mans death is unknown, however it is believed he had pre-existing medical conditions.

Following an enquiry from The Sun-Herald a spokeswoman for Corrective Services NSW confirmed the man had died on March 2.

Long Bay Hospital is a non-acute 85-bed healthcare facility located on the Long Bay Correctional Complex in Malabar. Credit:Nick Moir

He was found unresponsive in his cell at about 12.55pm before he was pronounced dead at 1.32pm, she said.

Photo credit: Sotheby/ Alice Morgan

From House Beautiful

A man in Connecticut bought a floral ceramic bowl at a yard sale for $35 last year, unaware of its true value.

AP News reports that the man (who wishes to be anonymous) had a hunch that he might have bought something special and sent an email with photos of the bowl to auction house company Sothebys for evaluation. As Sotheby's experts Angela McAteer and Hang Yin reviewed the ceramic bowl, they both noticed how valuable the piece actually was.

The style of painting, the shape of the bowl, even just the color of the blue is quite characteristic of that early, early 15th-century period of porcelain," McAteer told AP News.

The piece is actually a Chinese artifact that was made during the Ming Dynasty (13681644). This bowl is one of only six ceramic bowls like it in existence and they are all currently housed in museums throughout the world.

The bowl can now be found on Sothebys website as a part of their "Important Chinese Art" auction beginning on March 17th. On the site, Sothebys says that the bowl is in good condition, aside from a minor chip on its outer rim.

The listing further explains that the piece was created during the Yongle period (1403 1424), which many regard as a heyday in Chinese porcelain production. The emperor at the time oversaw much of the production of porcelain and heavily guarded it so that it would only be distributed throughout specific trading routes, making this piece all the more valuable.

It has yet to be disclosed how this rare artifact ended up in a yard sale for such a small price, but Sotheby's says that it might have been passed down through a family that was unaware of its value.

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Dr. Joseph Gnall died March 4, 2021, after recent health complications. Yet, his most debilitating health issue has been that of a broken heart after losing his beloved wife and soul mate, MaryAnn, in 2015. It is extremely difficult to discuss one without the other. Married for 51 years, the two were inseparable and completely dedicated to family. Left behind is a legacy of five children, 13 grandchildren and a soon expected great-granddaughter: Kimberly A. Gnall; Joseph J. and wife, Kimberly Hurchick Gnall; David and wife, Dr. Michele Domiano-Gnall; Jason and fiance, Renee Powell; Dr. Eric and wife, Dr. Kate Riley Gnall; grandkids, Jason and wife, Lindsey; Christopher and partner, Gina LaRose; Natalie, Morgan, Nathaniel, Joseph T., Ashley, Dimitri, Nigel, Natalya, Allessondra, Ben and Grace.

Surviving are sister, Joan Hendershot and husband, Blair; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Dorin and Sylvia Hubiak; brother-in-law, John Dorin and wife, Ann Marie.

Joseph was a graduate of Taylor High School class of 1954, attended the University of Scranton, received his bachelors degree from Alma White College in 1959, and his doctorate in chiropractic medicine from the Chiropractic Institute of New York. As a chiropractor, Joseph has served hundreds of patients over his 61 years in practice. Born and raised in Taylor, Pa., the son of Joseph and Helen Gnall, Doc opened his practice in Taylor intending to serve his community not knowing that he would come to serve people from miles around.

Dr. Gnall played an amazingly active role in countless organizations, recently receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Chiropractic Association. He served as the board president of this association and played an integral role in Senate Bill 443 whereas BlueCross insurance finally recognized chiropractic medicine. He served on the board of then, Lackawanna Junior College, playing a major role in securing its present location and setting the college on a renewed path for success. For many years he served as president of St. Georges Orthodox Church in Taylor, where he was a lifelong member. He was a longtime member of the Acacia Masonic Lodge 579, Taylor. His accomplishments are far too many to mention today, but if ever asked, hed tell you that he was most proud of the family and the life that he and MaryAnn built together. He had no hobbies; taking care of and healing people was his hobby. His greatest enjoyment came from knowing that his family was safe, well cared for and supported each one in their own lifes journey. Truly, he was the greatest dad and most dedicated loving husband.

The Gnall family thanks all those who have passed through their fathers life. Dad cared for each of you as though you were family, forming lifelong friendships with so many, his was truly a caring and personal family practice. We could not be more proud of our dad and the life he led.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Jones; baby, Jessica; and wife, MaryAnn. He leaves behind a big family and his faithful companion, his boxer, Broadie.

Family and friends are invited to attend Dr. Joes viewing, which will be on Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Semian Funeral Home LLC, 704 Union St., Taylor. Masonic services will be held on Sunday at 4 p.m. The funeral will be private on Monday in St. Georges Orthodox Church, 743 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor. Interment, parish cemetery.

Read Dr. Joe Gnalls obituary and guestbook on www.semiancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Adopt-A-Boxer Rescue, P.O. Box 154, Olyphant, PA 18447; or to St. Georges Orthodox Church cemetery fund.
As the search continues for a missing Hoover teen who disappeared in Birmingham nearly one week ago, Birmingham police said Friday they are expanding the investigation to other cities.

Jordian Valentine, 18, was last seen Saturday, Feb. 27, in the citys Wylam community. Police and family said Valentine and her on-again boyfriend, along with other friends, went to the home at 510 Frisco Street where they watched people get tattoos.

While there, said Sgt. Rod Mauldin, Valentine got into a verbal disagreement with her boyfriend. The boyfriend reportedly left the location to go to a nearby convenience store and Valentine left the residence walking in an unknown direction.

Police on Friday afternoon released surveillance footage of Valentine walking down a street.

Police on Friday, March 5, released surveillance footage of Jordian Valentine walking along a Birmingham street on Feb. 27, 2021. She disappeared a short time later. (BPD)

Mauldin said a missing persons report was initially filed with a neighboring jurisdiction on Sunday, Feb. 28, and Valentine was listed as a missing person in the National Crime Information Center. The Birmingham Police Department Special Victims Unit was eventually notified of this missing persons case on Tuesday, March 2 and became the lead investigative agency.

Detectives took immediate actions to locate Jordian Valentine. Detectives canvassed the area and multiple searches have been conducted using various resources such as BPD Patrol Division, Special Victims Unit, Homicide Division, and Star 1 Air Support; however, at this time efforts have come to no avail,' Mauldin said. Several interviews have been conducted with neighbors and parties who were present the night Valentine went missing.

Birmingham police have now expanded efforts to a multijurisdictional search. Information gathered during this investigation indicates Valentine may be in Bessemer, Auburn, Opelika, or Jenkins County in Georgia.

Dozens of friends and family have been conducting searches every day for Valentine. On Thursday they returned to Wylam, splitting up into groups and fanning out over the neighborhood. They will return to Wylam again on Saturday.

Were hoping to get some results, hoping to get some leads, hoping to find some indication that she is alive and well, perhaps needing assistance to get back home,' said Jordians aunt, LaDonna Jackson. Were just looking to unearth and uncover whatever we can.

Were knocking on doors, going in abandoned houses, going in abandoned cars, searching the thicket, speaking to as many people that will speak to us, and even those that wont,' Jackson said. Were ringing doorbells, were stopping traffic, were desperately seeking for our baby to be home.

Jackson said worry is indescribable. To think that you have a loved one that may be hungry, they may be in the rain late at night, may be hurt, may be lost, and your hands are tied,' she said. Theres no way for you to help. Its heart-wrenching. It is so unfair when we consider the evils that lurk in our streets and among us.

As a family were trusting in our faith. We know that God has a purpose and a reason for everything he does and were leaning strong on our faith and on our love for each other,' Jackson said. Love will bring us to a place where we come through this.

Jordians mother, Sheronda Valentine, said she is taking it one day at a time. I just want to find my my baby. I just want peace for her,' the mother said. Im going to walk until I find her.

Jordian was wearing a black short romper and white shoes. She is described at a Black female, 5-foot, 3-inches tall and weighing 120 pounds. She is also known to wear wigs.

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police at 205-297-8413 or 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The group formed to make a safer Balbriggan and tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the community has held its first meeting and planned the way forward for its work.

The Safe Balbriggan Pillar Group, which was ratified last week by the Balbriggan Leadership Group, held its first meeting last week and agreed a high-level work programme with three primary elements.

Those three elements are engaging with and supporting the town's young people, fostering community integration and creating safer public spaces.

Representatives from the Department of Justice, An Garda Siochana, Foroige and Fingal County Council took part in the inaugural meeting which had a workshop format. They discussed the issues underpinning each of the three work themes and explored the challenges facing Balbriggan as the youngest and most diverse town in Ireland. These challenges include universal access to services, resourcing, and physical improvements to public spaces to improve community safety.

The Pillar Group also examined opportunities to address these issues, selected areas for collaboration to deliver on objectives, and identified other key stakeholders, in the town and beyond, to be consulted as their work progresses.

The range of existing and planned activities in Balbriggan by various agencies, such as An Garda Siochana, Foroige and Fingal County Council, was also discussed.

The chairman of the Safe Balbriggan Pillar, former Garda Assistant Commissioner, Michael O'Sullivan, said: 'It was a very productive meeting with a wide range of views and thoughts expressed during it.

'The importance of inclusivity and representation was very evident, as was the need for actions aimed at building trust, strengthening integration and improving community relations.

'We discussed the three high level objectives in detail and determined what needs to happen for each of these objectives to be achieved.

'We have identified the various agencies who will be responsible for the delivery of the actions that underpin the high level objectives and will now start working with those agencies to develop an Action Plan and agree the timescales required to deliver them.'

It was agreed to invite representatives from Dublin and Dun Laoghaire Education and Training Board, TUSLA and other appropriate agencies to the next meeting of the Pillar Group on March 22 and we will know more about how it plans to tackle its work after that meeting.
Islamabad, March 6 : The University of Peshawar (UoP) has joined the Hazara University, Abbottabad and Bacha Khan University (BKU), Charsada, in introducing strict dress codes for female students and teachers, banning them from wearing modern attire, a decision that has already raised serious concerns over the conservative approach towards women in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The UoP has introduced a dress code for its students, notifying its female students to wear white overalls with white salwar kameez.

As per the notification, male students have been directed to wear modest clothes with chest cards.

The notification however, does not mention specification of banned clothing, as was done by the other two universities. It has cleverly notified of the dresses that will be acceptable in the university premises.

The UoP has become the fourth university in the province as previously BKU, Abdul Wali Khan University (AWKU) Swabi and Hazara University introduced a dress code on the directives of Governor Shah Farman in which dresses including skin fitted jeans and shorts were banned for female students.

Additionally, BKU has also imposed a ban on earrings and wristbands for female teachers and students.

The decision previously was widely criticized on social media as many questioned the deliberate and blatant discrimination against female students and teachers.

The criticism failed to prompt a response from Governor Farman, instead he has went ahead and ordered other universities to follow the same directive.

"The decision was taken after a meeting of the university administration with governor," UoP spokesperson Muhammad Noman said.

"The decision has also been issued by three universities and we are also determined to implement it completely." The University maintains that the decision is aimed at bringing uniformity in education institutions and decrease the financial burden on parents.

"There was no difference between the free structure of public and private universities anymore and the decision has been taken to lessen the burden of parents this way," said the UoP spokesperson.

The decision has been seriously criticized by activists, who say that the focus of the institute should be towards enhancing quality of its students rather than enforcing dress codes for females.

"Gender discrimination at play in UoP. Confining female students to specific dress code in erstwhile UoP, while letting male student room unleashed, is to discourage cohesive, integrated learning in already decaying educational setup," said Asad Shahzad Khan, a vocal student activist.
The farmers have blocked Western Peripheral Expressway in Kundli, Sonipat following their announcement of blocking the Expressway on Saturday for five hours from 11 am-4 pm.

The 136-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway, also known as Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway is facing a five-hour blockade, called by farmers to mark the 100th day of their protest against farm laws.

Farmers marched on the expressway while carrying farmer unions' flags in their hands. Few farmers were also seen on tractors. They were also raising slogans against the government. The farmers' protest against the Central government's three farm laws has entered its 100th day on Saturday. The protesting farmer unions have decided to observe March 6 as 'Black Day'.

Heavy deployment of police has been ensured in Haryana's Palwal to avoid any unusual incident.

"We are fully prepared to avert any unprecedented situation. We have deployed enough police force. Nobody is allowed to break the law. If anybody does so, they will face the law," Vijaypal, Deputy SP, Palwal told ANI.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protests, had on Friday requested the common people to wave black flags at homes and offices to support the movement and protest against the government.

On February 25, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar reiterated that the central government is ready to talk to protesting farmers at any time.

Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws - Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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Oman's Public Establishment for Industrial Estates (Madayn) said work is in progress at its Facility Building coming up within the Al Mazunah Free Zone.

Valued at more than RO3 million ($7.7 million), the project will boast office space, exhibition space and commercial stores.

The construction of the project has commenced lately, and while the ground and first floors have been completed, work is underway on the second floor, said the company officials at Al Mazunah Free Zone Committee meeting held this year.

The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Madayn CEO Hilal bin Hamad Al Hasani, reviewed several topics related to the ongoing projects that are being implemented by Madayn including the Facility Building, which is expected to be completed by mid-2022.

The meeting also highlighted the major indicators and commercial movement witnessed by Al Mazunah Free Zone since the beginning of the current year.

In January, the volume of goods in the free zone touched 35,481 tonnes, and the number of vehicles entering the free zone amounted to 962, said Al Hasani.

The free zone has also signed investment agreements with six companies, and an area of 6,569 sq m have been leased by the investors and businessmen, he added.
laid a wreath and also one for Queen, who watched from balcony

One source said that the Duke of Sussex felt deeply wounded by the decision

When the Queen blocked Prince Harrys Remembrance Day request to have a wreath laid on his behalf at the Cenotaph last year, it sparked a chain of events that would eventually culminate in the couples tell-all Oprah interview.

One source told The Mail on Sunday that Harry felt deeply wounded by the decision, finding it another glaring example of being pushed away by the Royal Family.

It has also been reported that Harry was said to be deeply saddened that his ten years of service with the military were not taken into consideration.

His military work is one of the most important things to him, a friend said.

Tribute: Prince Harry pictured laying his wreath at Los Angeles National Cemetery on Remembrance Sunday in November last year

The Prince of Wales laid a wreath and also one for the Queen, who watched from a balcony with the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duchess of Cambridge.

The Princess Royal, Prince William and the Earl of Wessex also laid remembrance wreaths.

Instead, Prince Harry marked the occasion by appearing on the Declassified Podcast alongside other veterans and members of the military.

He said the day was significant to him as a moment for respect and for hope.

Prince Charles laying a wreath during a National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Westminster, London, in November last year

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also arranged to be photographed laying a wreath at a cemetery in Los Angeles, saying they wanted to personally recognise the day in their own way.

Ex-Household Cavalry Lance Corporal Martyn, a friend of Prince Harry who served with him in Afghanistan, said: He was very passionate about what hed done, he has obviously served his time.

To have that taken away will be a massive ordeal for him, its a big thing that hes done, and personally I hope its worth it for him... he is obviously just looking out for his family.
The charity watchdog is reviewing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity amid concerns on how it was run and whether it complied with the law before it was shut down last year following their move to the US.

The Charity Commission has opened a 'regulatory and compliance case' into Sussex Royal, though the watchdog has not yet determined whether or not there was any wrongdoing.

The Commission first looked at Sussex Royal and Prince William and Kate Middleton's charity The Royal Foundation in July after an anti-monarchy group asked it to investigate hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of grants.

Lawyers for the Sussexes told The Telegraph that 'any suggestion of mismanagement or decision-making being handled in a "rash" fashion solely by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be entirely false'.

They added that the philanthropic organisation was 'managed by a board of trustees which made decision about the charity in accordance with its constitutional document and the requirements of charity law'.

It is unclear if the Royal Foundation is also being reviewed by the Commission.

A Charity Commission spokesman told the newspaper: 'Our regulatory compliance case is ongoing. We cannot comment further.'

It follows claims that royal staff 'nicknamed Prince Harry 'the Hostage' before his wedding' to Meghan Markle.

The charity watchdog is reviewing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity amid concerns on how it was run and whether it complied with charity law before it was shut down last year following their move to the US

Sources told the Telegraph the Charity Commission has opened a 'regulatory and compliance case' into Sussex Royal, though the watchdog has not yet determined whether or not there was any wrongdoing

Sources also said the Duchess of Sussex was 'constantly looking' for drama despite the best efforts of Palace workers in the build up to the 2018 ceremony.

The fallout spiralled out of control when the Duke of Sussex reportedly said: 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets'.

Prince Harry, 36, is reported to have been livid when a tiara Meghan wanted to wear for their marriage was not available for an unplanned hair appointment.

The Queen is said to have weighed in when the Duke clashed with her closest aide Angela Kelly over the accessory.

The charity watchdog first looked at Sussex Royal and The Royal Foundation last year after anti-monarchy group Republic asked it to examine nearly 300,000 of grants, including 145,000 given to the Sussexes' former UK charity.

It is understood that the Commission deemed the transfer of money from the Royal Foundation to Sussex Royal appropriate, though some of the trustees expressed 'disappointment' by the transfer, the Telegraph reports.

One source told the paper that it was 'very frustrating' and looked from the outside like 'rash' decision-making by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

The Royal Foundation also made grants totalling 151,856 'for the continued development of the Duke of Sussex's Sustainable Tourism programme, Travalyst', alongside the 145,000 grant to Sussex Royal.

According to UK charity law, a 'regulatory compliance case' falls short of a formal investigation. If the regulator finds wrongdoing, it can then issue formal regulatory advice or issue an official warning.

It comes amid reports that the Queen has not been given an 'advanced copy' of Meghan and Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In other twists and turns in the Royal saga:

CBS is paying Oprah up to $9million to air her bombshell interview;

Senior Royals and Palace aides will reportedly watch the 'shocking' interview 'at the same time' as the rest of the world;

Friends of the Sussexes said the Royal Family is using the Duke of Edinburgh's health as an excuse to keep her 'muzzled';

Tory MP Bob Blackman said: 'To be doing a tell-all interview screened in the UK when Philip is in hospital they are badly advised';

Harry and Meghan's friend Omid Scobie accused the Royal Family of hushing up claims against Prince Andrew in a shock interview;

Buckingham Palace launched an investigation into bullying allegations made by former aides against the Duchess of Sussex.

A Hollywood insider with ties to the Sussexes tells DailyMail.com, 'Even if Meghan had the choice to postpone the Oprah special she said she wouldn't'

Senior royals and Palace aides will watch the much-anticipated interview 'at the same time' as the rest of the world with network CBS set to air the two-hour special in the US at 1am UK time on Sunday night.

Officials have vowed to 'reserve judgement' on the show and will decide on Monday whether to make a public response in light of anything specific Meghan and Harry have to say. ITV will broadcast it at 9pm that evening.

In a further blow to relations between the royal family and the Sussexes, sources revealed that the Queen does not have an 'advance copy' of the no-holes-barred special - which is set to contain 'shocking' revelations about Meghan's short time as a working royal.

Over-produced teaser trailers have already seen the Duchess of Sussex accuse the 'Firm' of 'perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Prince Harry while the pair during their time in Kensington Palace.

The couple, ITV and CBS have all faced furious backlash at the decision to push ahead with broadcasting the interview while Harry's 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip recovers from heart surgery in hospital.

A friend earlier said Meghan would never ask to postpone Sunday's release of her tell-all interview with Oprah and said the royal family is using the Duke of Edinburgh's health as an excuse to keep her 'muzzled'.

Although most of the interview will be a one-to-one chat on what the duchess has to say about her brief but acrimonious time as a working royal, Harry is understood to come in towards the end to have his say on the media and discuss their plans for the future.

It is believed that this approach has in part been done in an attempt to distance himself from any of the stronger allegations made about his own family by his wife.

But if the 36-year-old prince, who is still sixth in line to the throne, thinks it will go any way to protecting his already fragile relationships with his relatives, notably his brother, the Duke of Cambridge, he will have to think again.

William has barely spoken to his brother in recent months and their relationship is said to be 'hanging by a thread' - although Prince Charles is understood to have tried not to get involved.

Despairing officials also cannot believe that Harry is so 'blinkered' that he cannot see how the interview is likely to destroy any vestige of trust between him and his family.

Royal staff 'nicknamed Prince Harry 'the Hostage' before wedding' and Meghan Markle 'wanted drama from the very beginning', insiders claim

By James Gant For Mailonline

Royal staff 'nicknamed Prince Harry 'the Hostage' before his wedding' to Meghan Markle, insiders have claimed.

Sources also said the Duchess of Sussex was 'constantly looking' for drama despite the best efforts of Palace workers in the build up to the 2018 ceremony.

The fallout spiralled out of control when the Duke of Sussex reportedly said: 'What Meghan wants, Meghan gets'.

Prince Harry, 36, is reported to have been livid when a tiara Meghan wanted to wear for their marriage was not available for an unplanned hair appointment.

The Queen is said to have weighed in when the Duke clashed with her closest aide Angela Kelly over the accessory.

It comes as tension is mounting in the Palace ahead of the Sussexes' bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey on Sunday night.

The Queen is said to have not been given an 'advance copy' of the tell-all sit-down and aides will 'reserve judgement' for any specific claims they make.

Meanwhile Meghan and Harry are facing a Buckingham Palace investigation into their alleged mistreatment of staff while they were in Britain.

Other claims the insiders made include:

Meghan did not want to be the 'supporting act' to Prince William and Kate Middleton, despite the Royal pecking order;

Aides were supportive of the couple and went to 'great lengths to accommodate their needs' despite contrary claims;

On a visit to Scotland, the Palace PR team 'body blocked' the Duchess's ex-adviser G ina Nelthorpe-Cowne outside a cafe in Edinburgh because Meghan apparently did not want to make eye contact with her;

The couple were said to have bombarded workers with emails on weekends, holidays and at night.

Sources said the Duchess of Sussex was 'constantly looking' for drama despite the best efforts of Palace workers in the build up to the 2018 ceremony (pictured)

A Hollywood insider with ties to the Sussexes tells DailyMail.com, 'Even if Meghan had the choice to postpone the Oprah special she said she wouldn't'

The latest claims against the couple circle back to Harry and Meghan's behaviour before their wedding in 2018.

A source spoke of a 'climate of fear' around the couple and said workers were 'humiliated' and subject to 'unreasonable demands' by the couple.

They told the Telegraph: '[The Queen's aide] Angela told Harry [the tiara] was priceless and couldn't suddenly be handed over at short notice.

'He was furious and shouted: ''What Meghan wants, Meghan gets''. Suffice to say it didn't go down too well.'

The newspaper also reported the Duchess was given her choice of the Crown Jewels to wear for the occasion but still appeared to be unhappy.

The Queen is said to have weighed in when the Duke clashed with her closest aide Angela Kelly (pictured in 2012) over the accessory

The source said: 'They insisted that they had the same inflation-adjusted budget for the wedding as William and Kate  she got the choir she wanted, the dress, the carriage procession, the tiara  she got everything she wanted but it still wasn't enough.

'She was constantly looking for reasons to say she had been deprived. Also, she wanted drama from the very beginning.'

The insider said the wedding at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in May 2018 was 'hugely stressful' for Palace staff.

On Sunday night in the US and Monday night in the UK senior royals and Palace aides will watch the much-anticipated interview with Ms Winfrey.

They will tune in 'at the same time' as the rest of the world, with network CBS set to air the two-hour special in the US at 1am UK time on Monday morning.

Officials have vowed to 'reserve judgement' on the show and will decide on Monday whether to make a public response. ITV will broadcast it at 9pm that evening.

Sources yesterday told the Mirror the Queen does not have an 'advance copy' of the no-holds-barred special.

Trailers have already seen the Duchess of Sussex accuse the 'Firm' of 'perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Prince Harry during their time in Kensington Palace.

The couple, ITV and CBS have faced a furious backlash for pushing ahead with airing it while Prince Philip, 99, recovers from heart surgery in hospital.

A friend said Meghan would never ask to postpone Sunday's release and claimed the Royal Family is using the Duke's health as an excuse to keep her 'muzzled'.

Most of the interview will be on what the Duchess has to say about her brief time as a royal.

But Harry is understood to come in towards the end to have his say on the media and discuss their plans for the future.

It is believed this approach has in part been done in an attempt to distance himself from any of the stronger allegations made about his own family by his wife.

But if the Prince, 36, who is sixth in line to the throne, thinks it will protect his family relationships - notably with his brother William - he will have to think again.

William has barely spoken to his brother in recent months and their relationship is said to be 'hanging by a thread'.

Despairing officials also cannot believe Harry is so 'blinkered' that he cannot see how the interview is likely to destroy any vestige of trust between him and his family.

It comes as the charity watchdog is reviewing Harry and Meghan's charity amid concerns about how it was run and whether it complied with charity law before it was shut down last year following their move to the US.

Sources told the Telegraph the Charity Commission has opened a 'regulatory and compliance case' into Sussex Royal, though the watchdog has not yet determined whether or not there was any wrongdoing.

The Queen (pictured with the Sussexes in 2018) has not been given an 'advanced copy' of Meghan and Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, reports claim

Senior royals (the family pictured together last year) and Palace aides will watch the much-anticipated interview 'at the same time' as the rest of the world with network CBS set to air the two-hour special in the US at 1am UK time on Sunday night

Mounting pressure has been put on Meghan, Harry and CBS to push back the much-anticipated interview special out of respect for Harry's grandfather Prince Philip, who is recovering from heart surgery.

But a friend of the Sussexes tells DailyMail.com exclusively, 'Even if Meghan had the choice to postpone the Oprah special she said she wouldn't because it has absolutely nothing to do with Prince Philip and that this is just an excuse by the palace to keep her muzzled.'

In a teaser released Wednesday, Meghan accused the Royal Family of 'perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Harry.

Mounting pressure has been put on Meghan and Harry to push back the much-anticipated interview special out of respect for Prince Philip's health

The clip was released the same day Buckingham Palace launched a probe into allegations that Meghan bullied her staff. The unprecedented inquiry came after Meghan was accused of inflicting 'emotional cruelty' on aides who said she is playing the victim.

Royal staff said they are members of the 'Sussex Survivors' Club' after working for the couple, with some claiming they have suffered post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety because of their treatment by Harry and Meghan.

But our source said, '[Meghan] said these outrageous allegations confirm why she and Harry had to part ways and make it their mission to be a voice for the underdog.

'Meghan said not once did anyone from the Palace come to her defense when she was being shredded by the tabloids, but now all of a sudden it's okay for those same people to talk to the media.

'She said it's a double standard and not in a million years would Kate ever be treated this way. Meghan said she was singled out from day one.

'Meghan said she is beyond relieved and grateful that she can enjoy her pregnancy surrounded by love and support, unlike what she experienced behind the walls of the Palace.'

On Friday another promo clip was released of the interview. In it, Meghan claimed royal aides blocked her from having a personal conversation with Oprah in the months leading up to her wedding to Prince Harry.

Oprah revealed she called Meghan in February or March 2018 - two or three months before her wedding at Windsor Castle in May that year - to ask for an interview, but she declined because it was not 'the right time'.

On Wednesday, the Palace confirmed that its HR team will 'look into' the allegations, saying it 'does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace'

The bullying claims emerged in a 2018 email sent by Harry and Meghan's press chief Jason Knauf, who now works for Prince William. This sparked an extraordinary chain of events where the Sussexes accused Buckingham Palace of smearing them. The Queen then launched an inquiry into the bullying claims

Meghan said she remembered that chat with Oprah 'very well' and 'wasn't even allowed to have this conversation with you personally' because there had to be other people in the room sitting in.

Asked why she was now speaking out, Meghan gave a long pause, before saying: 'Well, so many things. That we're on the other side of a lot of - a lot of life experience that's happened, and also that we have the ability to make our own choices in a way that I couldn't have said yes to you then.'

Harry and Meghan's Sussex Royal charity 'under review from charity watchdog' amid questions on 'how organisation was closed' when couple moved to US The charity watchdog is reviewing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity amid concerns on how it was run and whether it complied with charity law before it was shut down last year following their move to the US. Sources told the Telegraph the Charity Commission has opened a 'regulatory and compliance case' into Sussex Royal, though the watchdog has not yet determined whether or not there was any wrongdoing. The Commission first looked at Sussex Royal and Prince William and Kate Middleton's charity The Royal Foundation in July after an anti-monarchy group asked it to investigate hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of grants. Lawyers for the Sussexes told the newspaper that 'any suggestion of mismanagement or decision-making being handled in a 'rash' fashion solely by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be entirely false'. They added that the philanthropic organisation was 'managed by a board of trustees which made decision about the charity in accordance with its constitutional document and the requirements of charity law'. It is unclear if the Royal Foundation is also being reviewed by the Commission. A Charity Commission spokesman told the Telegraph: 'Our regulatory compliance case is ongoing. We cannot comment further.' The charity watchdog first looked at Sussex Royal and The Royal Foundation last year after anti-monarchy group Republic asked it to examine nearly 300,000 of grants, including 145,000 given to the Sussexes' former UK charity. It is understood that the Commission deemed the transfer of money from the Royal Foundation to Sussex Royal appropriate, though some of the trustees expressed 'disappointment' by the transfer, the Telegraph reports. One source told the paper that it was 'very frustrating' and looked from the outside like 'rash' decision-making by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Royal Foundation also made grants totalling 151,856 'for the continued development of the Duke of Sussex's Sustainable Tourism programme, Travalyst', alongside the 145,000 grant to Sussex Royal. According to UK charity law, a 'regulatory compliance case' falls short of a formal investigation. If the regulator finds wrongdoing, it can then issue formal regulatory advice or issue an official warning. Advertisement

She added: 'That wasn't my choice to make. So as an adult who lived a really independent life to then go into this construct that is different than I think what people imagine it to be, it's really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege in some ways to be able to say yes, I'm ready to talk.'

Oprah said Meghan was now ready to 'say it for yourself', which the Duchess agreed with, adding that she now did 'not to have to consult with anybody at this point'. Meghan added: 'Yeah, to make a choice your own and be able to speak for yourself.'

Oprah raised eyebrows when she attended the wedding in May 2018 among many observers who had no idea the billionaire US chat show legend even knew the couple.

She is thought to have only met the Duchess once face-to-face before being invited to the star-studded nuptials and given a plum seat next to senior royals.

Their sit-down at Kensington Palace months before the ceremony was reportedly initiated by Gayle King, a mutual friend and presenter on CBS This Morning, who is said to have set up the initial phone call between the pair.

Oprah has also promoted the Duchess's range of vegan coffee to her 19million Instagram followers, visited her mother Doria for 'kumquats and yoga in the garden' and even teamed up with Harry to secure an Apple TV deal.

The first of two clips released on Monday saw Oprah ask Meghan: 'Were you silent or were you silenced?'. Oprah added: 'I just want to make it clear to everybody that there is no subject that is off limits'. Two further sections of that clip saw Oprah say the phrases 'almost unsurvivable' and 'sounds like there was a breaking point'.

That same clip also featured Harry saying: 'My biggest concern was history repeating itself'  and two further snippets of Oprah saying: 'You've said some pretty shocking things here', and 'Wait, hold, hold up, wait a minute.'

The second clip released on Monday saw Harry say: 'For me, I'm just really relieved and happy to be sitting here talking to you with my wife by my side, because I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for her (my mother Princess Diana) going through this process by herself all those years ago, because it's been unbelievably tough for the two of us. But at least we have each other.'

The program will be broadcast in more than 70 countries - including Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, about 40 nations in sub-Saharan Africa and even Iceland - in deals experts say will be worth 'a king's ransom'.

More countries will be announced in the coming days under arrangements that could earn tens of millions of pounds for CBS. The Sussexes are not being paid for the chat and will not receive a slice of the syndication profits.

CBS is said to be charging advertisers more than $150,000 for a 30-second slot. PR insider Mark Borkowski said: 'With 70 countries, a conservative estimate is that this is going to make tens of millions. I can't see anything less than that.

'You're looking at a king's ransom and it's going to be a massive payday for CBS. The last event on a scale like this was probably Meghan's own wedding. If it had been outside of Covid and the ravages of that on the ad industry it might have been a bigger deal, but it's still going to be a huge piece of content to have.'

A source close to the couple said of the timing: 'There are a lot of people who are going to talk about this until the program airs, but the programming and all the rest of it is ultimately up to CBS. We're not involved in that side of things. As it stands, I don't think there is any intention from the program maker to change its air date.'

Tory MP Bob Blackman said: 'To be doing a tell-all interview screened in the UK when Philip is in hospital they are badly advised, to put it mildly. None of these royal interviews have gone well and I can't see this going any better.'

The tell-all chat with Oprah Winfrey was filmed at a location in California last month and will be shown in the US on Sunday

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their wedding at Windsor Castle in May 2018 (left), which Oprah Winfrey attended (right)

Ahead of its release, CBS presenter Gayle King (left), who is good friends with Oprah, tweeted (right): 'Two days and counting till Oprah's interview with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry... This morning we have an EXCLUSIVE preview'

In another trailer, Meghan calls her husband's family 'The Firm' and blames them for her decision to speak out.

Oprah asks her: 'How do you feel about the Palace hearing you speak your truth today?'

An emotional Meghan replies: 'I don't know how they could expect that after all of this time we would still just be silent if there is an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us'.

The Duchess adds: 'And, if that comes with risk of losing things, there is a lot that has been lost already.'

It's not clear which 'falsehoods' Meghan is talking about because the interview was recorded before she was accused of 'driving out' two PAs and shattering the confidence of another member of Kensington Palace staff - with one former aide branding Prince Harry and his wife 'outrageous bullies.'

Hours after she made the claims, Buckingham Palace revealed the Duke of Edinburgh, 99, underwent a 'successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition' and will remain in hospital for 'treatment, rest and recuperation for a number of days'.

Commonwealth Day in 2020 was the scene of Harry and Meghan's final official public engagement last year. The 2021 service was cancelled for the first time in nearly half a century, because of the pandemic

Meghan suggests she has no fears about losing her royal privileges by speaking out, claiming: 'If that comes with risk of losing things, there is a lot that has been lost already'

Buckingham Palace will braced for a weekend of potentially damaging revelations and will no doubt be nervously watching developments in the US to see what further claims are made in the interview.

Meanwhile other Royal Family members carried on with their engagements - including Prince William and Kate who had a videocall with the parents of a boy helped by a mental health text helpline that they are supporting.

While CBS was broadcasting, the @RoyalFamily Twitter account quoted a post about how the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had spoken to a family whose lives were changed by a message to a mental health support service.

The Queen has also continued working while her husband has been in hospital - including encouraging people to get the Covid-19 vaccine, holding phone calls with Armed Forces chiefs and virtually unveiling a new statue of herself in Australia.

The pair were both labeled 'outrageous bullies', according to sensational claims.

'Broken' royal aides told of feeling humiliated, 'sick', 'terrified', left 'shaking' with fear, and being reduced to tears by the duchess.

In an extraordinary statement, Buckingham Palace announced a formal probe into the allegations surrounding the Queen's grandson and his wife. Members of staff will be invited to contribute in confidence.

The Duchess of Sussex (pictured with the royal family) is accused of 'driving out' two PAs and shattering the confidence of another member of Kensington Palace staff - with one former aide branding Harry and his wife 'outrageous bullies' in The Times earlier this week

A photograph released by Kensington Palace yesterday of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during their videocall with the parents of a schoolboy who have praised the text helpline, Shout 85258, developed by the couple's Royal Foundation

The Palace said: 'We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

'Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Royal Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.

'The household has had a dignity at work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace.'

It does not appear that the duke and duchess will be consulted at this stage. However, Harry and Meghan have strenuously denied any bullying.

In response to the reports, they accused the Queen's staff of orchestrating a 'calculated smear campaign'.

But Palace sources slapped down the smear claim as utterly 'disingenuous'.

The allegations and resulting probe  as well as accusations by the Duchess that Buckingham Palace are deliberately moving against her  sees a new low in relations.

When the couple quit as working royals last year, the elderly monarch made clear her regret and made a point of saying they were still much loved members of her family.Aides said the hope was they could still return for family events such as Trooping the Colour, the official celebration of the Queen's birthday, and other occasions.
101st Airborne Getting New Commander

By The Associated Press

FORT CAMPBELL - A new commander of the 101st Airborne Division is taking over at Fort Campbell.Maj. Gen. Brian Winski is relinquishing command of the division and Fort Campbell to Maj. Gen. JP McGee. A change of command ceremony took place Friday at the Army post on the Kentucky-Tennessee line.Winski has been commanding general since February 2019. McGee was previously at Fort Campbell as commander of the Bastogne Brigade. He has recently been director of the Army Talent Management Task Force.
It's raining jobs at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta amid the COVID-19 crisis. The management institute recorded 100 per cent final placements during its virtual placement week for the flagship MBA programme. A total of 467 students received over 520 job offers in three clusters across cohorts.

A total of 172 companies participated in the final process. Average and median salaries were recorded at Rs 29 lakh and Rs 27 lakh, respectively. Consulting sector recruited 149 students (32 per cent) and emerged as the top recruiter.

In this cohort, Accenture Strategy and The Boston Consulting Group were the top recruiters. Companies like Kepler-Cannon and Arthur D. Little are some of the prominent first-time recruiters in the consulting cohort.

Since working from home and online shopping became the new normal during coronavirus pandemic, software and e-commerce companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Microsoft, Paytm, etc. hired 111 students (24 per cent) for Product Management and Fintech roles. Navi Technologies was one of the first-time recruiters in this cohort.

Investment Banking, Asset Management and Private Equity Venture Capital firms recruited 90 students (19 per cent). Goldman Sachs and Bank of America emerged as the top recruiters in this cohort.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was evident in some cohorts like General Management and Marketing where recruitment dropped from 30 per cent in 2020 to 15 per cent in 2021. Brands like Boehringer Ingelheim and Xiaomi encashed on this opportunity whereas companies like Adani Group, Hindustan Unilever, ITC, Procter & Gamble, Reliance India Limited and Vedanta chose to pull the strings on their human resource budget this time.

"Achieving 100 per cent placements in an unprecedented time such as this is a true testament to the value of the IIM Calcutta experience and I thank the recruiters for their trust. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our students, placement team, faculty, officers, and staff who has worked diligently to maximise the learning benefits to our students in the continuing COVID circumstances," IIM Calcutta Director Anju Seth said.

Also read: India's unemployment rate rises to 6.9% in February: CMIE

Also read: Cognizant offers bonuses to 1.6 lakh employees, promotions to over 24,000




Haiti - Crisis : The OIF in Haiti in search of a lasting solution





A delegation from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), led by Desire Nyaruhirira, Special Advisor, Political and Diplomatic to the Secretary General of La Francophonie, is staying in Haiti from March 3 to 9, 2021.



This delegation is made up of Professor Theodore Holo, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin, the Director of Political Affairs and Democratic Governance of the OIF, Antoine Michon, the Representative of the OIF for the Caribbean and Latin America, Emmanuel Adjovi, Saidou Kane, also from the Directorate of Political Affairs and Democratic Governance and Ms. Alexandra Lepeltier, consultant.



By deploying this mission, La Francophonie (which brings together 88 member states, on 5 continents), shows its willingness to stand alongside Haiti, a member of the Organization since its creation in 1970.



This mission is in line with the mandate of the OIF, which aims in particular to contribute to the consolidation of the rule of law, democracy and human rights as well as to prevent crises and conflicts in the most vulnerable member countries.



In Haiti, La Francophonie is mobilizing in order to contribute, with national actors and in conjunction with Haiti's other partners, to a lasting settlement to the political and institutional crisis.



This Delegation is responsible for initiating in-depth consultations with all parties involved in the crisis. It is a listening mission which should make it possible to better understand the situation and to consider, with all Haitian actors, the methods of support by the Francophonie to promote a peaceful political life, as well as to preserve peace and the democracy.



During its stay, the delegation will meet the national authorities, the heads of several institutions, the representatives of the various political movements, as well as many civil society actors.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33019-haiti-politic-la-francophonie-wants-to-get-more-involved-in-the-haitian-crisis.html



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PARIS  In the midst of a pandemic, with empty galleries, shuttered doors and plunging revenues, the Louvre faces new turbulence: a legal fight over the color of its walls.

Stucco cream? Or warm terra cotta?

Those are the hues of palace intrigue at the storied French museum, which is awaiting the imminent decision of President Emmanuel Macron about whether to appoint a new leader, or to extend a third term to its current president, Jean-Luc Martinez.

Some freshly repainted walls in the museum are now at the center of a trans-Atlantic legal clash between the Louvre and the Cy Twombly Foundation in New York over extensive renovations in its Salle des Bronzes. That gallery, now empty of its Greek antiquities, boasts a monumental blue ceiling mural designed in 2010 by Twombly, the abstract American painter, who died in 2011, a year after he completed the work.

A debate about the suitability of the new wall color  precisely Marron Cote dAzur, a reddish and black shade  has been circulating in the French press in recent weeks. On Friday, Twombly Foundation lawyers filed a lawsuit in a Paris court, demanding to reverse the Louvres renovation  part of a makeover project in what were once royal chambers  and restore the Salle des Bronzess neutral walls. The foundation is claiming a violation of the French concept of droit moral, or moral right to protect the integrity of an art work.
Indianapolis, IN (46208)

Today

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 58F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the COVID-19 vaccine was safe. Buhari gave the assurance after he was vaccinat...

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians that the COVID-19 vaccine was safe.

Buhari gave the assurance after he was vaccinated alongside the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the State House in Abuja, on Saturday.

They received the first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on live television.

Speaking after the vaccine was administered to him, President Buhari described his decision to take the vaccine in public as a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

I have received my first jab and I wish to recommend it to all eligible Nigerians, to do same so that we can be protected from the virus, he said.

He urged all state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to take the lead in the mobilization effort within their environment and areas of influence.

The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of coronavirus.

I similarly urge all eligible Nigerians to present themselves and be vaccinated in accordance with the order of priority already mapped out at the various authorized designated centres ONLY, he added
Agios Mamas is one of Europe's Natura 2000 wildlife diversity regions, and is home to nearly 60 different bird species

On a country road that the locals have dubbed 'Flamingo Street' Stavros Kalpakis walks alongside the tall reeds of Agios Mamas, a small northern Greek lagoon, peering through binoculars.

The grizzled environmentalist puts on his waterproof waders and boots and steps into knee-deep water. When he returns moments later, he is holding a dead pink flamingoone of dozens found in the area in recent weeks, killed by lead poisoning.

Around 50 of the majestic pink birds are known to have died so far in the small lagoon in Greece's northern Halkidiki peninsula some 580 kilometres (360 miles) north of Athens, Kalpakis, head of the Action for Wildlife organisation, tells AFP.

Of nearly a dozen flamingos retrieved by the group for medical attention, none could be saved.

"Flamingos eat small pebbles to help with digestion, and they are eating the shrapnel from bullets... it's giving them lead poisoning," says Ellie Bridgeman, a 20-year-old volunteer working with the group.

Tests confirmed that the cause of death was lead poisoning, which also threatens humans, said Sofia Prousali, one of the organisation's volunteer vets.

"We ran tests for avian flu and the West Nile virus and they all came back negative," Prousali said.

Around 50 pink flamingos are known to have died there after ingesting lead birdshot

"All the birds that had these symptoms were found to have pellets in their stomachs," she said, adding that there were likely other dead birds hidden in the lush vegetation that have not been recovered.

Agios Mamas is one of Europe's Natura 2000 wildlife diversity regions, and is home to nearly 60 different bird species.

Even more importantly, flamingos were recorded breeding here last year, the first time this has ever happened in Greece.

'Human interference'

"Prior efforts failed, mainly because of human interference with flamingo colonies," says Anna Panagiotou, head of the management authority for protected areas in the broader Thermaic Gulf.

"It would be truly disappointing if such a positive development was thwarted by the insistence of some of our fellow citizens in flouting environmental regulations," she adds.

Environmentalist Stavros Kalpakis holds an empty shotgun shell next to a dead flamingo in the Agios Mamas lagoon

The use of lead shot in wetlands has been illegal in Greece since 2013, and the EU in November said it would ban its use in all wetlands

The use of lead shot in wetlands has been illegal in Greece since 2013, and the EU in November said it would ban its use in all wetlands under its framework regulation for chemicals.

But Greek hunters still use pellets containing lead, wildlife groups say.

According to the European Commission, every year 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes of lead are released into wetlands around the bloc from lead gunshot.

For their part, the local Greek hunting association says the issue is being unfairly exploited in order to justify restrictions against them.

"We have strong indications that the case of the dead flamingos, regardless of its validity, is used for anti-hunting aims," the hunting association of Macedonia and Thrace said in a recent statement.

But Quentin, a 22-year-old French volunteer, says he has heard gunshots in the area.

"Even though hunting was forbidden under coronavirus restrictions, we would still hear shots from poachers. It's unbelievable."

Explore further Lead shot poisoning flamingos in Greece: wildlife group

 2021 AFP
My style has changed a lot, actually, she says. Im more in tune with fashion now and aware of the shapes that are in style. I do find it really interesting reading about the different trends. Being the face of a new Simone Rocha x H&M collection is the next step. Simone Rocha was a designer she knew about, but hadnt had a chance to wear. My cousin Jacqueline, who works in fashion, has been sending me pictures of Simones collections for years. So Id always been a big fan of her work and it was really cool to get the opportunity to wear her clothes. Daisy still sounds charmingly in awe of the whole experience, but for Simone, she epitomises much of what she wants her label to be recognised for. I am always inspired by strong, talented women, says Simone, who is known for her poetic, feminine-yet-tough aesthetic. I love the idea of women of all different kinds, and with all different tastes, enjoying this collection. It was also a great opportunity to work with new people like Daisy. I adored her in Normal People. Of course, I want to talk with Daisy about Marianne, but is she a bit bored of all that now? If she is, shes an even better actor than we all thought, because she does seem genuinely to light up at the chance to discuss the character who, for now, defines her.

Daisy wears Simone Rocha x H&M white shirt, black sequin crop top, skirt, bows and hair clips. Credit:Courtesy of H&M Its been lovely to see that audiences do crave simple stories from time to time, just of love and relationships, and how moved we can be by those types of stories. Half the time, I think, Have I just made this up? Have I fabricated it in my mind?  she says of the Normal People mania that swept the world. But then the interactions Ive had, when I can, have been so lovely. Im happy to talk about that book for the rest of my life. A lot of the appreciation Daisy now has for clothes seems to have come from how her costumes helped her to play Marianne through the different stages of her life, from Sligo schoolgirl to Trinity scholar. I remember every day coming in and having fittings with Lorna, our costume designer, and just saying, How did you think of this? Youre a genius. When I read the book, I was thinking, How on earth will you dress these characters?

Theyre timeless  Marianne doesnt go along with the trends at all. She has her own very specific style, which says a lot about where she is. And like everyone else, it was the Italy looks Daisy loved the most (I mean, I got to do three outfit changes in one day!). Mariannes fringe also became a talking point. There is an Instagram account dedicated to it (@mariannesbangs) and countless online guides to getting the look. Today, theres no sign of the famous fringe and its clipped back with some of the sparkly crystal slides that feature in the Simone Rocha x H&M collection. Im growing it out, just to mix it up. Im going through a bit of a change. Daisys normality extends to the way she thinks about style. She must have been offered endless designer freebies over the past few months, but her biggest fashion takeaway this year has been learning to wear what she already owns in new ways.

There isnt much need at the minute to buy a load of clothes because Im not going out very much, she says. Its been a nice challenge getting old pieces and trying to mix and match. The most treasured item in her wardrobe? A Miu Miu shirt that my mum found in a charity shop

years ago. It may not be for much longer that Daisy is synonymous only with Normal People. Shes excited to be filming Fresh, described as a social thriller, for the next few months. I cant say much, but its so different to anything Ive done before. Its a wild, scary, fun, interesting script. Its using that genre to really say something. The director [Mimi Cave] is a really cool lady with an amazing imagination, so Im excited to step into her world.

Then in the spring, she will begin work on Where the Crawdads Sing, the film version of Delia Owenss novel, which has spent two years on The New York Times bestseller list. Reese Witherspoon bought the film rights last summer, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring the world of marsh girl Kya Clark to life. Loading How does it feel to be playing another role that will already mean so much to so many people? I just feel so privileged, because I love reading, says Daisy. I used to read so much as a teenager, and Id be so devastated at the end of books to say goodbye to this world and character. So now, in my adult life, I feel so lucky that I can read these books and fall in love with the world and the character, then get to spend months with them stepping into that world, developing it even further. Its a great team of women and a brilliant story of a strong female character who is so complex and so fragile and interesting and strong. Im just very excited to realise Kya as best I can. With the awards season just around the corner and a host of new projects to tackle, it feels like Daisys rise has only just begun.
More than 100 workers on Friday lined Neff Road and Medical Center Drive for the second day of a walkout at St. Charles Bend of striking therapists, technicians and technologists.

No contract talks were scheduled, except for Wednesday when the hospital and the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals will meet with a federal mediator.

The toughest thing is we havent received a written proposal past one with salary increases in the first year, said Frank DeWolf, a St. Charles Bend catheterization lab technologist. Our salary is lower than our counterparts in Western Oregon. Our salaries are lower across the board.

A typical ultrasound technician makes $10-$15 more per hour in Portland than at St. Charles, said Sam Potter, union external organizer.

The union and St. Charles have met 28 times in the course of more than a year and have hammered out most of the contract language except for salary and differentials. The workers formed a union in 2019 and this is their first contract negotiation with St. Charles.

St. Charles Health System, which operates the Bend hospital, said in a prepared statement that there are two items on the table: compensation and union security.

The health system said that it ended 2020 about $21 million below its financial targets even after federal grant money from the the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Losses were incurred due to the period of time when the hospital could not perform scheduled surgeries as a way to regulate hospital patient loads in case of a surge of COVID-19 patients.

Last year, the nonprofit hospital received about $33 million in CARES Act funding and so far in 2021 received an additional $19 million, said Lisa Goodman, St. Charles Health System spokeswoman.

Even with the federal funds, Goodman said the hospital missed financial targets due to COVID-related losses.

While the CARES Act funding mitigated our losses, it did not make us financially whole, Goodman said in an email.

Since Thursday, the hospital has hired replacement workers, but many of the procedures these technicians, technologists or therapists do, have been canceled, Potter said. Roughly 94% of the 156 members voted to strike, Potter said.

We hear surgeons are refusing to do procedures with the replacement workers, Potter said. You need to trust the team you work with. Theres not been any training or orientation for the replacement workers.

Meanwhile, members of the community from other unions and politicians have joined the picketers. This is the first labor strike at St. Charles since 1980.

It really says something about the conditions at the workplace, Potter said. This doesnt happen frequently. Often therapists, technicians and technologists are undervalued for the work they do. Theyre paid less and fired more easily.

NORWALK  Three Danbury residents have been accused of beating a man they knew during a confrontation early Friday in South Norwalk, police said.

The driver of the suspect vehicle  Xavier Bryan, 19, of Alan Avenue  was charged with two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment, two counts of criminal mischief, reckless driving, and two counts of second-degree assault causing serious physical injury.

Michael Garcia, 20, of High Ridge Road, was charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment and two counts of first-degree criminal mischief.

Juan Jimenez, 19, of Pembroke Road, was also charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment and two counts of first-degree criminal mischief.

All three Danbury residents were each held on a $50,000 bond.

Around 1:30 a.m. Friday, officers were dispatched to the area of Meadow Street for a report of a two-vehicle collision, according to Sgt. Sofia Gulino.

The victim was driving on Meadow Street when the other vehicle cut him off, causing him to spin out, Gulino said. The victim called a friend who reported the incident to police, Gulino said.

Gulino said the victim told officers he was involved in an accident and then robbed by the occupants of the other vehicle.

But Gulino said officers soon learned there was more to the story.

Gulino said the victim knew the other men, who ran after and assaulted him after the accident.

The victim was taken to Norwalk Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, Gulino said.

Bryan, Garcia and Jimenez were taken into custody for the incident.

Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.


Paraguayan police cracked down on demonstrators in Asuncion on Friday amid protests over the collapse of public hospitals after a record increase in coronavirus cases. Authorities deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon trucks in their attempts to disperse protesters in the capital.

Hospitals across Paraguay have been left without basic drugs for intensive care patients. Since Wednesday, all scheduled surgeries in state hospitals have been suspended indefinitely so that resources are used to treat COVID-19 patients. Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni resigned earlier Friday over the crisis.

"With Congress, for the good of the nation, we have agreed that I leave the Ministry of Health to generate the peace we need," Mazzoleni said in an audio sent to The Associated Press by the Government Palace press office. Paraguay reported a further 1,501 virus cases on Friday, its highest daily total since the beginning of the pandemic. Overall the country of 7.6 million people has reported more than 165,000 infections and 3,278 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 16 - ISTAT said Tuesday that Italian exports dropped by 9.7% in 2020 compared to the previous year.

The national statistics agency said that the "rapid recovery" registered after the "collapse" of trade in the lockdown months of March and April could not stop Italian exports suffering their biggest drop since 2009.

It said imports were down by 12.8% last year.

"In 2020 the trade balance registered a surplus of 63,577 million euros compared to the surplus of 56,116 million euros the year earlier; excluding energy, the surplus was equal to 86,125 million euros compared with a 94,288 million euros surplus in 2019," it said. (ANSA).


The Oregon Health Authority announced 202 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday and three deaths as the U.S. Senate passed a $1.9 trillion relief bill after an all-night session where Democrats largely rejected a mass of amendments proposed by Republicans.

Senators approved the COVID-19 relief bill on a 50-49 party-line vote Saturday morning. The bill will return to the House next week for final approval before heading to the White House for President Joe Bidens signature.

The package includes direct checks of up to $1,400 for eligible Americans, would extend emergency unemployment benefits and would provide extensive funding for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, local governments and schools. It also includes tax breaks to help low-income people, families with children and consumers buying health insurance.

In continual contact tracing efforts, meanwhile, Oregon remains an outlier as one of just four states along or west of the continental divide that has not launched a smartphone COVID-19 contact tracing app.

While Washington and California have launched their notification systems and boast millions of users, Oregon is some two months behind schedule with no explanation from officials about the delay.

Where the new cases are by county: Baker (3), Benton (5), Clackamas (5), Coos (15), Curry (2), Deschutes (11), Douglas (18), Harney (1), Hood River (1), Jackson (27), Jefferson (1), Josephine (11), Klamath (7), Lane (16), Lincoln (2), Malheur (5), Marion (26), Multnomah (11), Polk (4), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (4), Wasco (1), Washington (18) and Yamhill (4).

Who died: Oregons 2,294th COVID-19 death is a 58-year-old Benton County woman who tested positive Dec. 14 and died Feb. 7 at her residence. She had underlying conditions.

The 2,295th death is a 75-year-old Clackamas County woman who died Jan. 31 at her residence. The death certificate listed COVID-19 disease or SARS-CoV-2 as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to her death. Presence of underlying conditions is being confirmed.

The 2,296th death is an 82-year-old Curry County man who tested positive Feb. 23 and died on Feb. 26 at Curry General Hospital. He had underlying conditions.

The prevalence of infections: On Saturday, the state reported 426 new positive tests out of 8,566 tests performed, equaling a 5% positivity rate.

Whos in the hospital: The state reported 113 Oregonians with confirmed COVID-19 infections were hospitalized Saturday, eight fewer than Friday. Of those, 29 coronavirus patients were in intensive care units, one fewer than Friday.

Vaccines administered: Oregon has administered 1,115,802 first and second doses out of 1,362,535 received, which is about 81.9% of its supply. Oregon reported 33,847 newly administered doses, which includes 18,943 on Friday and the remainder from previous days.

Since it began: Oregon has reported 157,079 confirmed or presumed infections and 2,296 deaths, among the lowest per capita numbers in the nation. To date, the state has reported over 3,859,605 lab reports from tests.

-- Jaimie Ding

jding@oregonian.com; 503-221-4395; @j_dingdingding
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The deadliest seven-day stretch of the pandemic in New Mexico started 2 weeks before Christmas.

As many New Mexicans turned to online gift buying and planned scaled-down holiday celebrations, hospitals in the state were bursting at the seams  and dealing with the horrific realities of the pandemic.

A staggering 297 New Mexicans succumbed to the virus from Dec. 7 to Dec. 13, among them Jerry Hernandez, a 68-year-old retired truck driver from Albuquerque who died at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center a week after testing positive.

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None of us were able to be by his side at all, said Cindy Hernandez, one of his daughters.  The doctor held my dads hand as he was passing. So my dad wasnt alone.

State officials were so concerned about the surge of patients during this period that the Health Department instituted crisis care standards on Dec. 10, a move aimed at helping overwhelmed hospitals decide how to ration scarce medical resources should the need arise. Those crisis standards of care were in place until Jan. 4.

Dr. David Scrase, the states Cabinet secretary for human services, described that time as literally our darkest hour.

Officials said the statewide health system bent but didnt break despite the extraordinary pressures wrought by the pandemic.

No care rationing was needed, but we came very close, said Jodi McGinnis Porter, a spokeswoman for the Human Services Department.

McGinnis Porter said the biggest shortage the state faced was a lack of health care professionals. Equipment, such as ventilators, never ran out.

New Mexico had as good of an outcome as possible, said Dr. Michael Richards, the vice chancellor of clinical affairs for the University of New Mexico Health System.

Saying goodbye

One of the health care workers on the front lines from the beginning has been University of New Mexico Hospital ICU nurse Lang Kirchheimer. Hes been with several COVID-19 patients as they drew their last breath and has even developed a system for shepherding families through the process of saying goodbye to loved ones over a computer screen.

I pull the sheet over (their head) because its hard for the families on the other end to discern their loved one has actually passed, he said. And I think people are searching for those cues. Were in this incredibly unfamiliar space.

Kirchheimer, 36, and his wife, Richelle Suttle, 34, both work in the COVID ICU at the University of New Mexico Hospital, the states only Level 1 Trauma Center. Suttle is an occupational therapist.

Because they dont have children or relatives in the area and because Kirchheimer was already going to be exposed to COVID patients, Suttle volunteered to work primarily in the ICU as well.

For the past year shes helped New Mexicos sickest COVID patients do simple tasks like sitting up in bed or using the bathroom.

We were the ones who felt like our life situation could be a little more flexible and to allow (working with COVID patients) to happen without endangering family, Suttle said.

Kirchheimer said he didnt shy away from working with COVID patients when the virus first arrived in the state.

I very much felt a sense of duty. I happen to be an ICU nurse in the only Level 1 ICU unit that the states got during a global pandemic, he said. I felt like this was my moment.

Not quite as terrifying

The decision by state officials to institute crisis care standards allowed hospitals to shift from focusing on individuals to instead taking into consideration limited resources and making decisions that would lead to the best outcomes for the population as a whole. Essentially, it meant that health care workers could devote their efforts to patients most likely to survive. But in the end, hospitals didnt have to ration care.

Kirchheimer said he doesnt think patient care at his hospital was affected when the state went into crisis mode.

That first wave (in the summer), it gave the hospital time to figure out a plan, where we could expand. They seemed to have a plan on what to do and how to keep operations running smoothly.

It wasnt ideal but it was absolutely safe.

By the time crisis standards of care were put in place, Kirchheimer and Suttle had already learned to deal with the load.

By the time December and January hit it almost felt like the new normal. Things were definitely worse, there were more patients, it was really intense, Suttle said. But because it was the second go around, it almost felt not quite as terrifying as the first time when we really just felt we were doing everything in the dark.

Suttles experience as a behavioral therapist working with COVID patients gave her a unique perspective on the virus. She spent weeks with many of them. Some recovered. Others did not.

Her goal was to teach patients how the virus had affected their bodies. She tried to teach them how to live knowing that the disease was going to make a walk to the bathroom a struggle, in some cases leaving them gasping for air.

They are so sick and they need so much care and so much hands-on (treatment) throughout the day for weeks and weeks on end, Suttle said. So you would develop relationships with them.

Kirchheimer said he shared the final moments with more than a half dozen COVID patients, often holding a tablet up so their family could say their goodbyes.

Its just you, in the equivalent of a space suit, just holding a persons hand while their family watches, often in horror, Kirchheimer said. Its a really bizarre ordeal, and its very tragic, and I really feel for the families affected by this.

And how has the last year affected the front-line workers who shared those gut-wrenching moments?

I think everyones still figuring that out, Kirchheimer said. Its helpful to  know that were in it together. Richelle and I have the advantage that we both work in health care and see the same things. Thats tremendous in helping to process that.


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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  More and more people are planning domestic road trips during the COVID-19 pandemic, cautiously avoiding international travel because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be a challenge if youre planning a romantic getaway to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday. But luxury doesnt have to be synonymous with flying to Paris or Santorini.

I asked award-winning wedding photographer (and Staten Island native) Natalie Licini, owner of Je Revele Fine Art Photography, and she recommended a few. Check out these fabulous  and best of all, local!  destinations and book your stay on Hotels.com.

1. Oheka Castle and Estate (Long Island)  A nights stay, is about $280, but many say its worth every penny. One reviewer said, This was a fabulous stay. It was nice to stay here during the winter. Exploring the castle felt surreal. The staff was unbelievably kind. Cant wait to come back during summer. The prize jewel of historic hotels in Long Island, Oheka Castle is one of the most sought-after getaway destinations. Also known as the Otto Kahn Estate, its located North Shore of Long Island, it was the country home of investment financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family. To book, please click here.

a luxury room at Nemacolin Estate. (Courtesy Hotels.com)

2. Nemacolin Resort (Farmington, Pa.)  This 4.5-star resort is the perfect setting to re-spark your connection with the one you love. As one reviewer says, The staff is exceptional in every way. They want your stay to be full of nice experiences. Seems to be driven from the top down and is a main goal. The property is very beautiful and very Well maintained. Its pricey - but worth the experience. A nights stay is about $399 and is tailored to your needs, from European-inspired elegance to adventure-ready comfort. To book, please click here.

A room at the Baker House in East Hampton.

3. The Baker House 1650 (Long Island)  The Baker House is one of the oldest continuously occupied structures in the United States, dating to the earliest settlers of the Village of East Hampton. The house was first constructed in 1648 by a sea captain, Daniel Howe, and now is the luxury standard for a weekend Hamptons getaway, boasting a state-of-the-art spa facility, accessed by a descending the paneled staircase leading to our lower level. The Baker Spa is also available for private use for a fee. A nights stay is pricey, starting at $870 a night, with the luxury Loft suite setting you back $2,060/night during peak season rates. To book, please click here.
The Daily Beast

Kevin Lamarque/ReutersThe Secret Service is spending nearly $35,000 to rent portable toilets for the next four months in Bedminster, New Jerseywhere former President Donald Trump is reportedly summeringaccording to federal procurement data reviewed by The Daily Beast.BATHROOM TRAILERS BEDMINSTER, the expenditure states. A NOTICE TO PROCEED WAS GIVEN ON MAY 24, 2021. The contract will run through Sept. 30, which works out to rental costs of about $8,500 per month. Imperial Restrooms of Saug
The second defeat former President John Dramani Mahama has suffered in the 2020 election in the Supreme Court by the seven Justices of the Supreme Court should be blamed on some leaders and lawyers in the NDC, according to the founder and leader of Alive Chapel International, Bishop Dr Elisha Salifu Amoako.



On the 9th of December 2020, the Presidential Candidate of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Mahama lost to President Nana Akufo-Addo as declared by the Returning Officer for the Presidential Election Madam Jean Mensa.



Former President John Mahama not satisfied with the declared Presidential Election results petitioned the Supreme Court to order for a re-run of the Presidential Election but the seven Justices hearing the case unanimously dismissed the petition on the grounds that it has no merit; making it the second defeat for Mr John Mahama.



Commenting on the Supreme Court final ruling on the 2020 election petition, Bishop Dr Elisha Salifu Amoako told the media last Thursday that some people and lawyers in the NDC did not give former President Mahama good advice.



I believe that some people and some lawyers in the NDC did not give Mahama good advice. They pushed Mahama to go to court, assuring him of winning the case; they instilled some hope in him that the case will favour him, he asserted.



Mahama and his legal team did not do their homework well. Prophetically, I was telling Mahama to accept defeat and if he had accepted defeat, it would not have travelled to this point, wasting money and time in court, he added.



He disclosed that God had already spoken about Mahamas defeat in the 2020 Presidential Election; thus, the former President should have conceded defeat and congratulated President Akufo-Addo when the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission announced the results on the 9th December 2020.



He indicated that that former President John Dramani Mahama should have let go of this 2020 election and prepare adequately for the next four years election.



He did not do that because of some peoples influence on him; he was pushed to go to court but their case has no merit as the judges of the Supreme Court said in the final verdict. All the seven judges looked into the case and they unanimously concluded that the case has no merit, he opined.



Inasmuch as Bishop Dr Salifu Amoako considered it wrong for the former President to rush to the Supreme Court, he says the move by the opposition NDC Leader shows the depth of the countrys democracy.



We, therefore, have to commend President Mahama and the NDC for going to court rather than using machetes to drum home their demands. The way the NDC handled the 2020 election should be applauded because they could have caused a mess in the country, he commended.



We cannot say that Mahama and the NDC have made a mistake going to court to address their grievances about the 2020 election; it is their legal right to go to court as it is the same court that has the authority and power to determine the matter, he reiterated.

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.

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The Congress is attacking both the state and Union governments for their alleged failure on various fronts.  Representational Image/AFP

HYDERABAD: While all the major parties are expressing confidence about winning the two graduate constituencies of the Legislative Council going to the polls on March 14, there are certain candidates who may mar their chances of victory.

Analysts, however, say with young graduates being a major factor in the graduate MLC elections from Khammam-Nalgonda-Warangal and Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahbubnagar constituencies, ideologies may mar the chances of political party candidates.

Among the candidates is Prof. Kodandaram who played an active role in the Telangana movement. As chairman of the Telangana Joint Action Committee, he coordinated with all political parties and employees unions and in the fight for statehood. Another leader, Cheruku Sudhakar, was booked under Preventive Detention Act and sent to jail for his active participation in the Telangana movement.

Also, new voices and agendas have emerged during the campaign. Dalit, Bahujan and Backward Class people form part of these groups.

Dalit Shakthi Programme (DSP) founder Ch Visharadhan and its state committee have decided to contest both the seats. The DSP has been working within Dalit and Backward Class people for 12 years. They are propagating among their cadre ideology of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phule and Kanshi Ram.

Analysts feel with different factors working, a silent wave could emerge in the graduate MLC elections. Thus, political parties cannot be complacent about their victory.

Ruling TRS and opposition Congress and BJP are going all out campaigning in the two constituencies of Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahbubnagar and Khammam-Warangal-Nalgonda constituencies. Ministers, MPs and MLAs of TRS, apart from senior leaders have been appointed as election in-charges and are busy campaigning in their respective areas.

So are opposition parties. The Congress is attacking both the state and Union governments for their alleged failure on various fronts. The BJP is attacking the ruling party on the unemployment front.

Senior leaders of political parties are worried over covering the huge area, with the graduate constituencies covering almost 75 per cent of the state. These regions have 77 MLAs representing them. This is the biggest challenge for political parties, particularly the Opposition ones as also the cash-strapped smaller parties and independents.
Aamir Khan And Elli Avram Look Smoking Hot In The First Look Of Koi Jaane Nas Song Har Funn Maula

Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan has been quite busy with his upcoming film Lal Singh Chaddha, co-starring the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor Khan and Mona Singh. He has been so focused on the comedy drama that he reportedly even switched off his phone till the films Christmas release! However, in the midst of his hectic schedule, the superstar did make a quick trip to Jaipur to shoot for a special track for close friend and filmmaker Amin Hajees directorial debut film Koi Jaane Na. A video of the same went viral on social media last month.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by V I R A L S U N N Y (@viralsunny7)

The track has been titled Har Funn Maula and will feature Aamir with the beautiful Elli Avram. When the actor learned about the plot point and purpose of the song, he decided to take styling into his own hands. Aamir has reportedly put together a look with a cool and casual hipster vibe. While the song will release next week, makers decided to tease fans with the first look of this much awaited track today. We have to say, Aamir and Elli look smoking hot and this song looks like it will definitely be worth the wait.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by T-Series (@tseries.official)

While Aamir is sporting a blue shirt and cool jacket, Elli looks drop dead gorgeous in a sequined number. Sharing the first look on his social media account, Amin wrote: He's the Jack of all trades, she's the Queen of the dance floor. Get ready to meet them! First song of #koijaanenamovie #HarFunnMaula out on 10th March. Hope you enjoy watching it like we enjoyed making it. Cant wait!


Khamphao Ernthavanh, Lao Ambassador to China (Photo provided by Embassy of Laos to China)

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhuanet) -- Projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are important milestones of Laos-China cooperation in the new era, said Lao ambassador to China Khamphao Ernthavanh in a recent written interview with Xinhuanet.

Laos has always attached great importance to and supported the Belt and Road Initiative, stressed the ambassador, adding that the Initiative is in line with Laos strategy to transform the country from being landlocked to land-linked within the region.

The ambassador highlighted the China-Laos Railway Project under the Initiative, saying the project is the symbol under the Initiative and the outstanding and the largest partnership project for Laos.

The railway project started in December 2016 and is scheduled to be completed and operational in December 2021.

The ambassador said the completion of the railway will increase the interaction of people and businesses and will create more favorable conditions for economic and trade cooperation, investment, tourism and other activities between the two countries.

She pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative not only considers the economic interests of participating countries, but also takes into account mutual understanding in society, culture and environmental issues.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of Laos-China diplomatic ties, the ambassador said that bilateral relations have been continuously enhanced over the past 60 years, benefiting both countries and contributing to regional and international development.

Laos will continue to strengthen cooperation with China in the fields of economy and trade, energy, processing industries and agriculture, she added.

The ambassador also hailed Chinas support to Laos in the fight against COVID-19 and its achievements in poverty alleviation.

She said China has sent medical experts and provided COVID-19 vaccines to Laos, which helps Laos combat the pandemic.

This support will strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between Laos and China and their partnership of jointly building Laos-China community with a shared future, she said.

The ambassador said Chinas achievement in poverty alleviation is a wonderful history of world poverty alleviation and expressed her willingness to learn from China to improve Lao peoples life.

Since the launch of the reform and opening up in the late 1970s, China has contributed to more than 70 percent of global poverty reduction.
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New Delhi:

Even as the flood situation in Bihar continues to be distressing, a disturbing video has been released depicting the ferocity of the floods that have ravaged large parts of the stste.



Said to have been shot in Araria, the video shows a woman and two children being washed away into the river as the bridge over which they were standing collapsed by the force of the gushing water of the river.



Even before anybody could do anything to rescue the three they were was washed away.



The flood situation in Bihar has worsened as the death toll has mounted to 119 due to the deluge which has affected nearly 98 lakh people in 16 districts.

Read more: Bihar: Army column, ETF deployed in flood-hit areas

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Just days after Mark Russell went public with his heartbreak at not receiving vital cancer treatment, he received the call to attend hospital for the stem cell transplant he needs so badly.

The sudden u-turn by the Beaumont hospital has been warmly welcomed by Beechwood man Mark and his partner Annmarie Dyas.

Its just the best news, and we are both so relieved, but at the same time, a bit scared that it is actually happening! says Annmarie. We got the call on Sunday morning to go into the Beaumont and all going well, he will be prepared for the transplant, which he has been waiting on since November.

The gruelling treatment will see Mark blasted with chemotherapy for two days, and after a short rest will be brought to St James hospital in Dublin, where the actual transplant will take place. I wont be able to visit him throughout this, which will be very hard, but at least I know he will be getting the treatment he needs, says his partner. We got great media coverage from you, LMFM and the RTE, and it is a shame it had to come to that, but fair play to everyone who contacted us, as it really helped.

The couple would also like to say a big thank you to Stephen McMahon from the Patients Association, who contacted the hospital on their behalf.
COVID-19 deaths fell sharply in New Jerseys nursing homes in February as the coronavirus second wave ebbed and vaccinations became more widespread.

Long-term care facilities recorded at least 147 deaths last month, a 64% drop from January and the first time they declined month-to-month since the summer, according to an NJ Advance Media analysis of state data.

That comes as nursing homes, assisted living centers and other senior facilities were given priority when vaccinations launched in late December, with the states most vulnerable seniors and the workers who care for them among the first given shots. With those clinics nearly completed, about 80% of long-term care residents and nearly 50% of staff have now been inoculated, the Health Care Association of New Jersey estimates.

We believe that the vaccine has had an impact, said Andy Aronson, the industry groups chief executive. He said efforts continue to encourage vaccinations, particularly among staffers, who have shown more reluctance to receive them.

The numbers going down is a really, really good thing and we are obviously happy with that, but we always have to return and keep pushing, Aronson said.

Is the above chart not displaying? Click here.

New Jersey nursing homes were devastated in the pandemic, and they account for more than 7,900 of the states 21,000 lab-confirmed deaths. The toll is among the highest in the nation, and operators and state regulators have faced scrutiny over their missteps as the virus ripped through New Jersey a year ago.

This winter, deaths at nursing homes ramped up again after infections exploded following Thanksgiving and the December holidays. January recorded at least 403 deaths, a high for the second wave, with 435 of the states long-term care facilities facing active outbreaks at the peak.

But in recent weeks, those metrics have plummeted, helped by declining coronavirus cases statewide and a federal partnership with CVS and Walgreens that has brought 219,500 doses of the two-shot vaccinations to residents and staff.

At a news briefing Wednesday, Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli noted the decrease, saying that in the last week of February, deaths were down 96% compared to the first week of January. She called that encouraging news in which vaccinations and falling cases in the community played a part.

Both factors likely contributed, agreed Stephanie Silvera, an epidemiologist at Montclair State University.

Were starting to get on the right path to get this under control in this particular community, Silvera said.

February saw less than 1,400 new infections in long-term care facilities, according to the NJ Advance Media analysis, compared to nearly 4,900 in January and more than 6,500 in December. On Friday, 309 facilities reported active outbreaks, more than 125 fewer than Januarys height.

Is the above chart not displaying? Click here.

The nursing home industry says that trend is happening across the United States and reflects the success of vaccination efforts.

Nationally, COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes dropped 63% from Dec. 20 to Feb. 7, the American Health Care Association said Wednesday, with new cases falling at a faster rate than was seen in the general community.

Still, hurdles loom. In New Jersey, nursing home deaths, new infections and outbreaks remained higher in February than in September or October, before the second wave gained steam. Experts warn that cases could leap anew if more contagious strains of the virus gain a greater foothold.

The federal partnership that brought vaccinations into New Jersey nursing homes is nearly completed, though Gov. Phil Murphy indicated Wednesday that he is open to a fourth round of clinics. Without them, nursing homes will need to find another avenue to continue to get vaccinations into their buildings as new patients are admitted and new workers are hired.

Also, with vaccinations have come calls by family members to reopen facilities that have been largely barred to visitors.

We are hearing from people who are getting more and more frustrated as the one-year anniversary of visitation restrictions is coming upon us, said Laurie Facciarossa Brewer, New Jerseys long-term care ombudsman, which advocates for seniors in the system.

She said the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention needs to update its guidance for nursing homes to reflect the reality that most residents are now immunized.

There should be greater mobility for residents within the facility in terms of community activities and more liberal visitations for family and caregivers, Brewer said.

Before the pandemic, Roosevelt Care Center at Old Bridge was known as a place where visitors were welcome any day of the week, any hour of the day, said its administrator, Bentzy Davidowitz. On Dec. 28, his nursing home became the first in the state to receive vaccinations, when 103-year-old Mildred Clements was given the first of her two shots shortly after 9 a.m.

Now, 90% of the facilitys 130 long-term care residents have been vaccinated, as have nearly 90% of its full-time staff, Davidowitz said. He said he does not know how soon the state will ease restrictions, but sees that day ahead.

I have people calling me all the time saying, Hey, I got vaccinated, my husband got vaccinated, can we visit?, Davidowitz said. While the answer remains no, Davidowitz said he and his staff anticipate a better tomorrow on the horizon.

We are so looking forward to a brighter future and a return to some sort of normalcy, Davidowitz said.

On Feb. 24, New Jersey announced that indoor visits could resume at some facilities in Hunterdon, Mercer, Somerset, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties, given moderate levels of coronavirus activity there. Since then, three more counties have been added: Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland.

The 65-and-older population makes up 80% of New Jerseys COVID-19 deaths. The second wave underscored how vulnerable even prepared nursing homes are, as the virus continued to creep into facilities despite improved infection control practices, routine testing and greater access to personal protective equipment.

Even with deaths falling in February, many facilities continued to grapple with outbreaks.

Seacrest Village in Little Egg Harbor in Ocean County was among the nursing homes that reported a surge of new cases in December. State records show 41 COVID-19 deaths at the facility since then, including two recorded early last month.

In Waterford Township, Camden County, 24 residents of Allegria at the Fountains died of coronavirus since November, state records show. Among those were 14 deaths reported in February.

And in Vineland in Cumberland County, Lincoln Specialty Care Center saw 19 residents and one staffer die of COVID-19 since late December, including three deaths recorded last month.

Officials from the three facilities did not return requests for comment.

In Sussex County, the massive Andover Subacute Care and Rehabilitation fell under scrutiny last spring after 17 bodies were discovered on Easter Sunday in a makeshift morgue. In total at its two buildings, 83 residents and two staffers succumbed to COVID-19 in the first wave.

Both facilities also had new outbreaks during the second wave, with a combined 9 deaths reported since January. The buildings were recently renamed, with the larger of the two now called Woodland Behavioral and Nursing Center and the smaller dubbed Limecrest Subacute and Rehabilitation Center. According to state records, the ownership remains the same.

A request for comment from the facilities was not returned. Andover Township Deputy Mayor Michael Lensak said he believes the name change was done from a public relations standpoint.

Because of course, all the families, if someone does research on a facility, theyll search by Andover Subacute, which Im sure wont pull up good results, Lensak said.

For facilities across the state, it has been a harrowing year, even among those that avoided widespread outbreaks. James McCracken, who heads a trade association of nonprofit senior care organizations, said hes optimistic New Jersey has turned a corner, though he admits to worries as spring break looms and states lift restrictions that helped stanch the disease.

In the meantime, nursing homes continue to look to vaccinate as many residents and staff as they can, said McCracken, the chief executive of LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware.

Im hearing, Almost all, All but a couple, things like that, McCracken said. We were able to protect residents and we were able to protect staff, which is great.

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

Riley Yates may be reached at ryates@njadvancemedia.com.
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If time travel was possible, heres what Id tell my younger self. Never say any of the following: I cant, I mustnt, Id never succeed, what will people think?

Sometimes, we doubt ourselves and impose our own limits. But its not just lack of confidence which can deter us  the absence of role models also holds us back. Visibility is key.

So it is always inspirational to see other women topple barriers, leading by example.

No one can underestimate the impact of Kamala Harriss presence on the world stage as the first female vice-president of the US. However, the Biden-Harris inauguration was additionally memorable because of a young woman of colour, Amanda Gorman, who stole the show performing her poem The Hill We Climb.

Closer to home, other impressive women of colour include Limericks Denise Chaila, this week named winner of the RTE Choice Music Prize for album of the year.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg is a sight to behold, and we have a notable activist of our own in Dubliner Flossie Donnelly, a teenager who organises beach clean-ups and speaks out about plastic pollution in the sea.

Read More

Impressive women have emerged in various walks of life, but one who stands out is Catherine Corless, a humanitarian whose investigations into infant burials in a Tuam mother-and-baby home had ripple-effect implications. No doubt she was considered difficult by people during the course of her research. Its noticeable how often people seek to silence women by dismissing them as difficult or hysterical or troublemakers.

But as International Womens Day approaches on Monday, lets take a moment to praise difficult women: its their shoulders were standing on.

Their activism is why rights can be taken for granted today: to vote, run for political office, have an education, be treated as a mans equal in the workforce and make our own choices about our bodies.

Women who challenge the status quo. Who are persuaders for change. Who take the initiative. Who support others. Who know things and share them. These are the women who make a difference for all  men included.

But if we walk around our streets, the scarcity of public art commemorating Irishwomen is striking.

Many were written out of history. Rendered invisible. Academics and writers are working hard at retrieving them, and An Post has played its part with stamps in recent years commemorating actor Maureen OHara, designer Eileen Gray, artist Sarah Purser and others. Earlier this week it launched a stamp to honour Jane, Lady Wilde, whose pen name was Speranza.

Speranza was a feminist before the word existed. A writer, reformer and campaigner, she sprang to attention in the 1840s as Speranza of the Nation  a nationalist newspaper associated with the Young Irelander movement pressing for political separation from Britain. Her incendiary poems were widely read, and one of her editorials led to the newspaper being suppressed.

Today, if shes known at all, it is as Oscar Wildes mother. But Speranza was a celebrity long before he was born. Her causes were not restricted to Irish nationalism and included the Rational Dress Movement: corsets were subjugation by another name. She also lobbied for access to education, complaining girls were prepared for nothing more than husband worship.

Her weekly at homes or salons were gatherings where she exerted influence, using them to push for the vote, for example. Unusually for 19th century, she valued the brain above the face, recognising the importance of beautiful minds. Independent women, learned women, thinking women are not liked, society only wants pretty, well dressed women to attract and amuse, she said.

The names of such pioneers should be kept to the forefront. But where are their street signs, statues, bridges, public buildings and plaques? These women have been forgotten, submerged or undervalued, sometimes deliberately. They should be reclaimed.

Just one of Dublins many bridges over the Liffey is named for a woman, trade union leader Rosie Hackett. OConnell Street has no statues to actual women  mythic representations dont count  although six men including Parnell, Larkin and OConnell are commemorated. Countess Markievicz stands on Tara Street, while Baggot Street features Sisters of Mercy founder Catherine McAuley. That aside, women are few and far between.

Trinity College Dublin is commissioning some long overdue sculptures of women for its prestigious Old Library, to join 40 marble busts of men. Four new additions will include Augusta, Lady Gregory, who worked tirelessly to establish the Abbey Theatre, wrote popular plays which raised much-needed revenue, and encouraged new playwrights such as Sean OCasey.

But what of Anna and Fanny Parnell of the Ladies Land League? Suffragette and feminist Hanna Sheehy Skeffington? Anti-slavery campaigner Mary Ann McCracken? Astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967 and was passed over controversially for a Nobel Prize in favour of her PhD supervisor?

If we are serious in Ireland about commemorating women of achievement, Dr Kathleen Lynns name would grace the new childrens hospital  she made a pioneering contribution to healthcare and addressing social problems.

In training to become a doctor, she gave the glass ceiling a good, hard knock. Today, that ceiling has received some further cracks  but it remains in place.

The gender pay gap is one issue of concern. In Ireland women earn 14.4pc less than men, roughly the EU average. The EU is tackling pay disparity with new rules to oblige large companies to publicise annual figures on their salary differences. Women must know whether their employees treat them fairly, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In a draft law published earlier this week, the European Commission said firms with more than 250 workers should publish pay differences. They will also be forced to reveal the proportion of men and women in each pay band. SIPTU wants the 250-staff threshold removed to speed up progress.

Finally, I note Edna OBrien is being named a Commander in Frances Order of Arts and Letters tomorrow. In her time, she was vilified here for so-called dirty books. What would she tell her younger self? My guess is shed say push boundaries, ignore the begrudgers, reach for the stars.

For an International Womens Day webcast go to www.anpost.com and look for the #ChoosetoChallenge hashtag. Martina Devlin talks about Speranza. Also featured are aeronautical engineer Dr Norah Patten with An Post executive Debbie Byrne, and a performance by singer-songwriter Loah.
Photo: Harpo Productions/Joe Pugliese

Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys much-anticipated CBS interview with Oprah hasnt even aired yet, and already its caused an uproar on both sides of the Atlantic. While the segment is expected to draw in millions of viewers across the world, some are clearly worried about what the couple will say in their first major interview since stepping down as senior royals back in 2020. In the weeks leading up to the interview, theres been an increase in negative stories about Meghan and Harry, an uptick so blatant that its difficult to interpret it as anything other than a smear campaign aimed at undermining the pair before they get to tell their side of the story.

According to reports, the interview has caused consternation, not only among members of the royal family but among the British press, whose ruthless attacks Meghan and Harry have described as almost unsurvivable, and which the couple cited as a major reason for leaving the U.K.

U.K. tabloids seem to have their knives out for Meghan, reports CBS News. In addition to publishing stories about Meghan allegedly bullying her personal aides, commentators have criticized the couple for airing the interview while Prince Philip is in the hospital. British journalist and professional blowhard Piers Morgan described the couples move as crass beyond belief.

In a statement about the bullying rumors, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex also called the British press recent attacks on the couple a smear campaign and noted the suspicious timing, saying that: Its no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining the Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and the Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.

In teaser clips of the interview, Meghan and Harry are seen discussing the terrible toll that the toxic environment of the royal family and its surrounding press took on them. In one clip, when asked by Oprah how she feels about the Firm (as the royal family is colloquially known) hearing her side of things, Meghan says: I dont know how they could expect that, after all of this time, we would still just be silent if there is an active role that the Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us.

The couple has responded with their own preinterview press as well. In a segment on James Cordens Late Late Show in February, Prince Harry described the coverage of his family as toxic, saying: We all know what the British press can be like, and it was destroying my mental health. He continued: I did what any husband and what any father would do  I need to get my family out of here.

Meghan has been subjected to racist and sexist attacks by the press ever since the public first caught wind of her and Harrys relationship. And even now, an ocean and a continent away from the royals, she and Harrys desire to do things in their own way instead of falling in line with the Firm continues to rankle. As journalist Ayesha Hazarika told CBS News: British culture is still incredibly socially conservative. And the British tabloids and British polite society  they prefer to see women in the royal family seen but not heard.

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Michael Madigans departure as party boss and House speaker is expected to accelerate that change, say more than two dozen Chicago elected officials and political operatives the Tribune interviewed. More independent candidates may be emboldened to run for office, leading to a more freewheeling legislature and City Council, and, perhaps, state party. In just the last two months, Illinois Democratic leadership already is more diverse  Emanuel Chris Welch is the first Black House speaker, and new state party chair, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, is the first African American and woman to hold the post.
Winners of the Marjorie Dykins OBE Volunteer Memorial Awards 2020 celebrated at virtual ceremony

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Mar 6th, 2021

Volunteers from across Wrexham have been celebrated at this years Marjorie Dykins OBE Memorial Awards 2020.

Wrexham Prostate Cancer Support Group and volunteer Anna Buckley of the of PISC (The Polish Integration Support Centre) were amongst those presented with their certificates at a virtual event presided over by John Leece-Jones (AVOW Chair).

The awards are in memory of Marjorie Dykins OBE a founder member and Secretary of the

Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (Avow) and were established in consultation with Marjories family.

The Awards Scheme provides two awards  one for an individual volunteer and one for a group of volunteers with 500 for each category winner.





David Wynne-Finch the High Sheriff of Clwyd announced the winners and presented the awards at the virtual ceremony.

In addition to the nominees and their organisations representatives, also present at the event were the Mayor of Wrexham (Councillor Rob Walsh) who read a message form Marjories family, Lesley Griffiths (Welsh Government Minister), Sarah Atherton MP for Wrexham and Avow trustees.

Highly Commended certificates were presented to Maggie Lloyd of Cais, Keith Samuels of Wrexham and District Stroke Group, Derek Delwyn of Bellevue F.C., Menna Davies of Capel-y-Croes and TCC, Councillor Andy Willams, and Overton-on-Dee Village residents.

In addition John Gallanders (Chief Officer of Avow) was commended for his work in the community in connection with the Covid Pandemic.

Further information regarding the Awards Scheme can be obtained from Ken Rowlands Tel No 01978 312556 or e.mail ken.rowlands @avow.org
A large group of illegal aliens boards a bus bound for the Border Patrol processing facility after being apprehended by Border Patrol near McAllen, Texas, on April 18, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Greyhound CEO Tells DHS Head Migrants Must Test Negative for COVID-19 Prior to Boarding Buses

Greyhound CEO David Leach told Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that migrants released into the country must demonstrate that they dont have the CCP virus.

The letter, obtained by Border Report, was sent on Wednesday, around the time when it was reported that more than 100 illegal immigrants that had tested positive for the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus were released into Texas since late January by Border Patrol agents. The CCP virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus, causes the disease COVID-19.

Our top priority is the safety of our employees and passengers, Leach wrote on his letter to Mayorkas. We need assurance that any detainees released by ICE have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, similar to the proof required for international airline passengers who arrive at US ports of entry. Greyhound already asks our customers to stay home and NOT travel if they are not feeling well or have been diagnosed with COVID.

The Greyhound CEO also requested funds from the Biden administration to reposition buses and drivers from different areas.

However, migrants simply do not have that choice unless the government or their sponsors house them while they quarantine. Therefore, it is critical to public safety that ICE provide 100% assurance that no one released that can be reasonably expected to ride a Greyhound bus be infected with COVID-19 (or mixed with other potential passengers that have tested negative), Leach wrote.

A Greyhound bus picks up about 18 Central Americans who crossed the border illegally days ago, in Yuma, Ariz., on April 14, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times)

Felipe Romero, a spokesperson for the city of Brownsville, Texas, told Fox News that 108 migrants have tested positive for the CCP virus since Jan. 25, when rapid testing began. That represents about 6.3 percent of the total illegal immigrants who were rapid-tested at Brownsvilles bus station, the official said.

Romero told Fox that the city doesnt have the authority to stop migrants who test positive for the virus from traveling anywhere else in the United States, although officials have advised them to quarantine and follow federal health guidelines.

The City of Brownsville continues to follow all guidelines provided by the CDC and [Department of State Health Services] for COVID-19. The migrants who test positive at the B-Metro facility are advised of quarantine procedures and are asked to socially distance, Romero also told Telemundo.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, criticized the Biden administration for allowing COVID-19 positive illegal immigrants into the country, calling it unconscionable.

Border security is strictly a federal responsibility. The federal government alone has the responsibility to test, screen, and quarantine illegal immigrants crossing our border who may have COVID, he said in a statement on Thursday.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.

In a development reflecting growing tensions between and the European Union, Beijing has slammed the 27-country bloc for its comments on the controversial Hong Kong electoral reforms.

The EU has warned Beijing against the Hong Kong electoral reforms, saying it is ready to take additional steps in response to any further serious deterioration of political freedoms and human rights" in the city, Chinese state media reported.

The call by the EU comes as Chinese leaders vowed to reform the electoral system to "deter external forces' interference in the affairs of Hong Kong and Macau" on Friday, the first day of the National People's Congress (NPC) - the most important annual event in China's political calendar.

has taken exception to the remarks by the EU.

The Chinese mission to the EU urged the bloc to discard their wrong stance on Hong Kong, stop saying and doing futile things, and interfering in Hong Kong's and other China's domestic affairs, according to Global Times.

The details of measures to be taken as part of the Hong Kong electoral reforms have not been made public yet. However, according to the South Morning Post, the legislative council will add 20 additional lawmakers taken from the Election Committee that selects the city's chief executive. The committee itself may add another 300 voters to become a 1,500-member outfit.

"If enacted, such reform would have potentially far-reaching negative consequences for democratic principles and democratically elected representatives in Hong Kong," the EU statement read.

"It would also run counter to previous electoral reforms in Hong Kong and renege on the commitments enshrined in Articles 45 and 68 of the Basic Law to introduce universal suffrage in the elections of the Chief Executive and Legislative Council.

In response, the Chinese Mission to the EU said that the situation in Hong Kong in recent years has shown that the region's system needs to be improved, to provide systematic support for implementing "one country, two systems," and "patriots governing Hong Kong.

(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, March 6 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday said that it has arrested Hittesh Patel and Suresh N Patel, directors of Shinago Plantations Pvt Ltd, in connection with its probe into a Rs 325 crore money laundering case.

An ED official here said that the two directors were arrested under the sections of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), by using a network of nearly 20 group entities located in Tamil Nadu.

The official said that during the probe it was revealed that the accused, in collusion with the valuers, availed loans from the erstwhile Corporation Bank (presently Union Bank of India) on the basis of inflated value of the properties offered as collateral and indulged in willful diversion of funds through various group accounts.

He said that during the probe, it was found that the funds so availed by various individuals or group concerns in the form of Letter of Credit (LC) and Cash Credit (CC) limits or Agriculture term loans, were transferred within the group entities through circular rotation of money to avail more funds from the Bank without any actual business.

The official said that after one day of judicial custody, a Special Court on Friday remanded both the accused to ED custody for 10 days.
(adds AstraZeneca shipment blocked)

By Francesco Guarascio, John Chalmers and Giselda Vagnoni

BRUSSELS, March 4 (Reuters) - The European Union is planning to extend its export authorisation scheme for COVID-19 vaccines to the end of June, two EU sources told Reuters on Thursday, as a shipment of AstraZeneca shots from the EU to Australia was blocked.

Extending controls could reignite tensions with countries who rely on shots made in the EU.

The mechanism was set up at the end of January as a reaction to vaccine makers' announcements of delays in the deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines to the EU.

It is due to expire at the end of March, but the European Commission wants to extend it through June, the two officials said.

"The Commission will propose its extension into June. And that was greeted by the member states with approval, not necessarily enthusiasm, but there is a feeling that we still need that mechanism," one senior EU diplomat said.

The second official added that at a meeting with EU diplomats on Wednesday, many countries supported the measure, including heavyweights Germany and France.

The EU Commission was not immediately available for a comment.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has also called for sanctions on companies that do not respect their contractual obligations with the EU.

When the EU's export control mechanism was introduced in late January it triggered an outcry from importing countries who feared their vaccine supplies might have been hampered.

Under the scheme, companies must get an authorisation before exporting COVID-19 shots, and may have export requests denied if they do not respect their supply commitments with the EU.

On Thursday two separate sources told Reuters the EU blocked a shipment of AstraZeneca's vaccine destined for Australia after the drug manufacturer failed to meet its EU contract commitments.

The sources said AstraZeneca had requested permission from the Italian government to export some 250,000 doses from its Anagni plant, near Rome.

Story continues

The company cut in January its supplies to the EU in the first quarter to 40 million doses from 90 million foreseen in the contract, and later told EU states it would cut deliveries by another 50% in the second quarter. AstraZeneca later said it was striving to supply missing doses for the second quarter from outside Europe.

Until the decision to bloc the shipment to Australia, the EU had authorised all requests for export since the scheme's debut on Jan. 30 to Feb. 26, which amounted to 150 requests for millions of shots to 29 countries, including Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Canada, an EU Commission spokeswoman said.

She added, however, that at least one other request was withdrawn by an exporting company. She declined to elaborate.

Export requests mostly concern the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine which is manufactured in Belgium. AstraZeneca and Moderna shots have also been exported from the EU.

Since Jan. 30 more than 8 million vaccines were shipped from the EU to Britain, a third EU source said.

Britain has so far prevented the export of AstraZeneca vaccines to the EU, using a UK-first clause in its supply contract with the Anglo-Swedish firm, EU officials have said.

The United States also has regulations that effectively ban vaccine exports, the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen told a news conference last week. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio, John Chalmers and Giselda Vagnoni; Editing by Toby Chopra)

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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has delayed her return to work following medical advice from her doctors in a move that will raise fresh questions about her political future.

Senator Reynolds was admitted to hospital on February 24 because of a pre-existing heart problem.

The hospital admission came after her former staffer, Brittany Higgins, went public with allegations that she was raped by a former colleague in the ministers office in March 2019. In the lead-up to her taking medical leave, Senator Reynolds became visibly distressed in question time while under pressure from Labor over her handling of the matter.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has taken leave. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

There is growing speculation in some quarters of the Morrison government about whether Senator Reynolds  who was initially due back at work on March 8  will ever return to her post, though her friends and allies in the government insist she will return.
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

Oliver Kahn replaces Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as Bayern Munich's manager

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Arturo Vidal tests positive for COVID-19

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Thomas Tuchel's contract with Chelsea automatically extended

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Do pets need to be vaccinated against coronavirus?

Sean Bean stops watching Game of Thrones after his hero's execution

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Roma, Mkhitaryan reach deal

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Armenia national squad hold last training session before friendly against Croatia

Roland Garros: Naomi Osaka withdraws due to disagreement with organizers

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Scientists offer new approach to overeating treatment

FC West Armenia announce end of career

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Brazil to host Copa America

Caparros: I think Henrikh Mkhitaryan will help the team during matches in September

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Aguero signs deal with Barcelona

Courtney Cox re-enacts Friends dance with Ed Sheeran

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Henrikh Mkhitaryan declines Zenit's and Monaco's offers

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia
Oh yes, Houston barely emerged from the winter hellscape to experience yet another catastrophe looming. The iconic H-town landmark, River Oaks Theater, faces a real threat with its lease ending at the end of March, and Weingarten and Landmark Theatres have failed to come to an agreement about its fate.

Houston, this is not who we are. We can't throw away one of the cherished iconic venues in town like it's just some disposable structure on the landscape. River Oaks Theater (ROT) should never be in jeopardy or suffer a fate with a wrecking ball. Even though the historic theater has been given landmark status by the city of Houston, the defining home of art house films in Houston might vanish.

LIFTOFF: What drives Elon Musk? 'Liftoff' author reveals more about magnate's early days of SpaceX

"The River Oaks Theater is a city of Houston landmark," Preservation Houston's David Bush told KHOU's Jason Miles. "Its been designated a landmark. However under our preservation ordinance, landmarks can be demolished."

The thought of the theater turning into a Texas-sized parking lot on steroids or another condo project is like ripping away the chapters of our city's history. It's not just about the nuances of Houston history in this cool art-deco theater freshly minted in 1939. It's more about our shared history and ethereal, heartfelt moments spent together in one beautiful space, in that theater. Whether it was Houstonians laughing at the irreverent "Rocky Horror Picture Show" or Wes Anderson's "Grand Budapest Hotel," the River Oaks Theater was the quintessential spot for Houstonians to share some of the most enduring film moments.

There was something sublime about sitting in Houston's River Oaks Theater, just as the newly-released 2014 Richard Linklater film "Boyhood" rolled out its opening credits. Further into this honest film, it became more of this transcendent experience. Cut to Patricia Arquette in her poignant scene with her son, Mason, who's leaving the nest for college. She breaks down and cries as she's packing the boxes for her son's trip to collegeand says something deeply resonant.

"This is the worst day of my life." Olivia tells her son candidly. She then talks about all the milestones that have punctuated her life, and her son doesn't quite know what to say. "I just thought there would be more," she said at the end of the scene. Yes, I got it, like a bullet in the heart. Tears started to flow. But it wasn't just me who got it. This moment was shared with others in the space, with my friends who sat right next to me, brushing back the tears.

Texas filmmaker Richard Linklater described his days viewing screenings at River Oaks Theater as more of a spiritual experience. People won't soon forget their big-screen experiences, Linklater told Sight & Sound.

"Sometimes its hard to articulate [what makes cinemas special] but I always tell people its about life experience," Linklater said. "You have those great experiences with movies, and its the place, its the community around you, or even if it was a sparsely attended movie, its remembering the whole experience of watching it in a theatre. Ask people about their top movie-going experiences and no ones going to say 'Oh, that afternoon I sat on this side of my couch''We're communal beings."

Don't go, River Oaks Theater. As Linklater once said about movies and the special moments created in one theater, "These are the markers in your life, and they are tied to a space."
SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. - Shasta County Sheriff's arrested a wanted man who was resisting arrest and held at gunpoint on Friday morning.

Holly Bail Bonds called Shasta County Sheriffs Office when an employee tried to contact Brian McCain, a 40-year-old Redding resident, for failing to appear in court for his bond.

Julie Mitchell of Holly Bail Bonds reported she spoke with McCain when he made a statement he was going to kill everyone at the Win-River Casino. Mitchell spoke with McCains family members, who said he was becoming aggressive and threatening to kill all the residents.

Shasta County Sheriffs Office said they had received phone calls about McCain for reports of him shooting a rifle inside the residence, threats to harm the staff at Win-River Casino, statement of suicide by cop, and reports of him walking around the casino with firearms and knives.

McCain had an active felony warrant in Tehama County for violently resisting an officer.

Deputies were assisted by California Highway Patrol Airship and Cal Fire Law Officer outside the residence at 1961 Redding Rancheria Road, located behind the Casino.

Sheriffs said they contacted the family who left the residence because they did not feel safe when McCain was erratic inside.

Deputies attempted to get McCain out of the residence by using a public announcement speaker, but he was located by the CHP airship running out the back of the residence.

Deputies chased and located McCain in the backyard of a residence on the 1800 block of Redbank Road. At this point, he was held at gunpoint when he continued to be non-compliant with deputies.

Additional deputies arrived on the scene, and McCain became compliant and arrested.

McCain was booked into Shasta County Jail for Resisting Arrest and on his felony warrant, according to deputies.
Investigators say the two, who were arrested in February, were part of an organised crime group active in a number of states.

The Czech Republic extradited two Ukrainians suspected of cybercrime and money laundering to the United States at the start of this month, Czech Television reported on Saturday.

Read alsoNSDC reports cyberattack on gov't agencies' e-document flow networkInvestigators say the two, who were arrested in February, were part of an organised crime group active in a number of states. The investigation into their activities has been conducted in cooperation with the FBI, according to Radio Prague.

A spokesperson for the Czech police's organised crime division said the two were highly-placed members of the group, which used state of the art cybercrime methods and opened bank accounts in this country using false identities.

More news reports

Reporting by UNIAN
Xiaomi owned Redmi is all set to launch its Redmi Note 10 Series today in the Indian market. The Redmi Note 10 Series is likely to comprise of Redmi Note 10, Redmi Note 10 Pro and Redmi Note 10 Pro Max. Redmi Note 10 Series will be introduced as the successor to the Redmi Note 9 Series that was launched in India last year. The launch event will commence at 12 noon via Xiaomi India's official YouTube and other social media handles. Viewers can also watch the live telecast of the event by clicking on the below-embedded video. Redmi Note 10 Series Launching Tomorrow in India; Check Expected Prices, Features & Specifications.

In terms of specifications, the Redmi Note 10 phone is expected to feature a 6.43-inch AMOLED dot display and expected to come powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 chipset.

Redmi Note 10 Series (Photo Credits: Amazon India)

#RedmiNote10 series gets #Redmi's first #108MP camera, Super #AMOLED display & more! Join us as we reveal everything about 2021's Smartphone of the Year! Participate in the launch-day #giveaway on Twitter for a shot at winning the #10on10 BEAST! https://t.co/nl3l2igiD5  Mi India #Mi10i is Here! (@XiaomiIndia) March 3, 2021

The phone is likely to come equipped with a quad rear camera setup comprising a 48MP primary camera, an ultra-wide-angle lens and macro shooters. The device could be fuelled by a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging support and dual stereo speakers.

Redmi Note 10 Series (Photo Credits: Amazon India)

Redmi Note 10 Pro could be offered with an AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz. The handset might come powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G chipset coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The phone is expected to come packed with a 5,050mAh battery. On the other hand, Redmi Note 10 Pro Max could be the high-end model with a 120Hz refresh rate and is likely to come powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 768G SoC. The phone is likely to feature a quad rear camera setup with a 108MP main camera and a 5,050mAh battery.

Redmi Note 10 Series (Photo Credits: Redmi India)

Coming to the pricing, the Redmi Note 10 phone is likely to be priced at Rs 15,999 for the 6GB & 64GB model. The handset could be made available at a lower price of Rs 13,999. Redmi Note 10 Pro is said to be available at Rs 20,300 for the 6GB & 64GB internal storage. The mid-range smartphone could also get 6GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 128GB storage options. The pricing of the Redmi Note 10 Pro Max is unknown and will be announced by the company during its launch event.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2021 09:07 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

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Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

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Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

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Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

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Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

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Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

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Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

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Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

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Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

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A vintage boat shed by the harbour with no house attached to it is set to sell for $40million and become the most expensive property to sell in Sydney this year.

The 1973sqm parcel of land on 29A Wunulla Rd in Point Piper in the prestigious eastern suburbs is being offered to buyers with an eye-watering $37m-$40m price tag.

While the land has no house on site, the boat shed and pool area is considered to be the best privately owned water facilities in the Sydney Harbour region.

29A Wunulla Rd in Point Piper in the prestigious eastern suburbs, is being offered to buyers with an eye-watering $37m-$40m price tag (pictured)

The boat shed (pictured) is considered to be the best private owned water facilities on Sydney Harbour region

'To get just under 2000sqm and level at the water is almost impossible to find, let alone with the ability to build what you want,' Ken Jacobs of Christie's International told realestate.com.

The elusive boat shed offers three floors of open plan living, with the first floor boasting a warehouse style space to house multiple water vehicles.

Upstairs offers apartment-style accommodation with a timber topped gas kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

The luxury swimming pool comes with boating facilities including two jetties and four boat moorings that can house a 26m vessel.

Mr Jacobs, who is selling the property with colleague James Hall, said the possibilities are endless with the Wunulla Rd property.

'You could live comfortably in the boat shed while you either look to add on it or build a new residence.'

The 1973sqm parcel has been approved for R2 Residential zoning to construct low density residential properties

The boat shed offers open plan living areas with high ceilings overlooking the Sydney Harbour (pictured)

The block has been approved for R2 Residential zoning, which permits the construction of low density residential properties such as dwelling houses and dual occupancies.

Other features include high ceilings, ample off-street parking, a double carport and an outdoor entertaining space.

Mr Jacobs said the property has already generated substantial interest from local and international buyers.

'We are already getting an extraordinary volume of inquiry from expats overseas and from Chinese buyers looking to make a permanent move to Australia,' he said.

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WATERBURY  Two people were arrested for operating a drug factory from a Willow Street residence, according to police.

Police said Vice Detectives, Street Crimes Unit officers, Gang Task Force and Auto Theft Task Force officers served search-and-seizure warrants at a Willow Street home around 1 p.m. Friday as the result of an ongoing narcotics investigation in the area.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers seized a .45-caliber handgun with seven live rounds in the magazine, a .38-caliber gun with two live roads, one bulletproof vest, 6.6 grams of crack cocaine, 0.3 grams of cocaine, 11.9 ounces of marijuana and $1,566 in cash.

Police said officers also seized 15 subOxone film strips, a prescription used for opioid dependence.

Chauncey Christian, 43, was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell and operating a drug factory.

Christian, whose bond was set at $100,000, was convicted of first-degree robbery in 2000.

Beth Quinones, 44, was charged with possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, operating a drug factory, criminal possession of body armor, criminal possession of a firearm/ammunition, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, illegal sale or transfer of a firearm and illegal possession near a school zone.

Quinones, whose bond was set at $500,000, was convicted on first-degree kidnapping and second-degree assault charges in 1999.

For substance dependency help or services, call 211 or click here to find available services in Connecticut.
FLINT  A popular food vendor nestled within the corner at the entrance of Flint Farmers Market has evolved beyond its basic Japanese hand-rolls.

Temaki was kind of our thing but with a twist, said Chef Ian Diem, owner of the Chubby Duck. Thats kind of how we were born and we started off in a real small spot and we had to make one really basic dish, and then we kind of evolved from there.

The Chubby Duck has a menu that features many beloved traditional sushi dishes including specialty rolls such as the California Roll, the Spicy Tuna Roll and the Scotsman Roll.

The menu also features Temaki combos that come with a drink and a side. Combos include the Krabby Temaki sushi cone combo, made with crab salad, green onion, carrot, avocado, cucumber and daikon, or the Shiitake Mushroom Temaki sushi cone combo, made from Shiitake mushrooms, green onion, carrot, cucumber, daikon and unagi sauce.

With a wide range of options from the menu, it would seem hard to pinpoint one specific dish that most of customers crave, but over the last year, Diem has come to narrow it down.

Because Ive changed the menu over the Covid (pandemic), I added a lot of other stuff because I kind of  after being here for so long  I kind of realized what people really wanted, Diem said. The Korean Chicken, the shrimp fried rice, they love the crab bangoon, we cant keep enough of them going, and they eat so many of them.

What makes each dish special is the authenticity of the ingredients used. Although Diem prioritizes buying most of his goods within the market or nearby stores, some foods are harder to come by locally.

You have to make some changes just based on product availability to your menu and things like that, Diem said. I buy what I can from the vendors here at the marketIll use Donlans Fish Market if I need something special theres just certain things that you just cant get, especially being like this style of cuisine which is more of an international style of cuisine.

Diem went to culinary school before graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelors degree in anthropology. In his career, he decided to combine the two, taking it as far as he could, studying and researching international cuisine.

He spent some time in Japan studying under a Japanese chef in Japanese cuisine and other Asian cuisines. Over time, Diem would write multiple cook books on international cuisines such as Indian cuisine and Mexican cuisine, and later on went on to be a tenured culinary arts professor.

Food opens up peoples eyes, Diem said. It drops down the walls, the borders, I love to give somebody something new that theyve never had before and just see their eyes light up, even now that Im not teaching, I still try to educate people on cuisine.

The Chubby Duck opened its kitchen six years ago on the same day the Flint Farmers Market opened. Aside from the storefront, the Chubby Duck also serves as a catering service.

However, the catering business was all but gone in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

When Covid hit, all that ended, immediately, Diem said. Its been tough, so really this is the only thing weve got going on now is the store front but Im trying to evolve this business and grow it.

Even though 2020 was a rough year with the pandemic and losing most of its persistent customers in the University of Michigan-Flint student body, Chef Diem is optimistic about pulling right out of the unfortunate events just fine.

Before the pandemic hit, Diem had goals of moving the Chubby Duck into its own brick and mortar space or having multiple locations and getting creative in these spaces, with hopes of still making the idea a reality.

Diem wants to further bring his experiences and culinary knowledge to his hometown of Flint.

Me personally, my main goal is to help out all the people in the community, Diem said. Im already retired, I dont need to be doing this, personally, but Im creating jobs, a lot of jobs, my goal is to keep this going, get these people trained and moving around, get a whole workforce going, give some people some opportunity where there wasnt any.

Aside from the Chubby Duck, Diem has an ongoing project with another local organization to build a commercial kitchen to give people opportunities in different environments in the food industry. In the future, hed like to bring something else to north Flint, not necessarily a restaurant, but something different.

For now, Diem is focused on making his Chubby Duck customers as happy as he can by providing them delicious dishes.

Its all so damn good, Diem said. The Korean Beef is absolutely wonderful. We use filet mignon for that, so were using expensive cuts of meat, even though were a small fast-food place, were using really high end cuts of meat.

Here are some fast facts about The Chubby Duck:

Location: Flint Farmers Market, 300 E. 1st St., Flint

Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Online: https://www.facebook.com/chubbyduck

Fun fact: Chief Diem excels in French cuisine and loves to bake French pastries

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American poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, whose writing career extended back to the mid-1950s, died on February 24 at his home in San Francisco. He was 101.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1960s (Photo creditElsa Dorfman)

Ferlinghettis poetry provided a glimpse of the restlessness and rebelliousness of generations that emerged from and after the Second World War, who felt strongly the possibilities of global modern life and, at the same time, the terrible constrictedness of the dominant politics and culture in the Cold War era. His work often gave voice to the existing, but suppressed opposition to the established order of those years and sought to unmask, in poetic form, a portion of the actual social and political conditions.

Ferlinghetti was, so to speak, a conscientious objector in regard to the conformist and anticommunist American culture of the 1950s, and his early poetry collections such as Pictures of the Gone World (1955) and particularly A Coney Island of The Mind (1958), which has been translated into many languages and read widely around the world, remain his freshest.

The opening lines of the first poem in A Coney Island of the Mind generally evoke the years of destruction from 1939 to 1945, and doubtlessly also refer to the violence Ferlinghetti himself experienced or witnessed personally as a naval officer in the world war. He begins by calling to mind the works of the Spanish painter Francesco Goya (17461828), perhaps above all the artists series of prints known as the Disasters of War:

In Goyas greatest scenes we seem to see

the people of the world

exactly at the moment when

they first attained the title of

suffering humanity.

They writhe upon the page

in a veritable rage

of adversity

Heaped up

groaning with babies and bayonets

under cement skies

in an abstract landscape of blasted trees

bent statues bats wings and beaks

slippery gibbets

cadavers and carnivorous cocks

and all the final hollering monsters

of the

imagination of disaster

they are so bloody real

it is as if they really still existed

And they do

Only the landscape is changed

They still are ranged along the roads

plagued by legionnaires

false windmills and demented roosters

They are the same people

only further from home

on freeways fifty lanes wide

on a concrete continent

spaced with bland billboards

illustrating imbecile illusions of happiness

The scene shows fewer tumbrils

but more maimed citizens

in painted cars

And they have strange license plates

and engines

that devour America

A Coney Island of the Mind by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (New Directions)

The flow of images and the assonance of words carry the reader along from the violence so recently inflicted on humanity in the Holocaust and the atomic bombings of Japanese cities to the prosperity and illusions of happiness of the postwar economic boom.

The work intends to awaken feelings produced by the recent and intensely traumatic historical periodas little as official society wants the population to be reminded of or examine it criticallyand the suffering inflicted on millions. A Coney Island of the Mind is a real and enduring accomplishment.

Ferlinghetti was born in 1919, itself a tumultuous year in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, in Bronxville, New York, just north of New York City. His father, an Italian immigrant, was an auctioneer in Little Italy and died before his birth. His mother, of mixed French and Portuguese-Sephardic heritage, was institutionalized in a mental hospital when he was two. He was taken to Strasbourg in France by a relative and later returned to the US and raised in a wealthy household. There he was encouraged to memorize epic poems and began to read voraciously.

Ferlinghetti attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and in 1941 enlisted in the Navy. He participated in the Allies bloody D-Day invasion of Normandy and was an eyewitness in Nagasaki six weeks after the Japanese citys destruction by US nuclear weapons, an indelible experience that made him a pacifist for life. After the war, Ferlinghetti studied literature at Columbia University in New York and at the Sorbonne in Paris, where he met and was influenced poetically and politically by Kenneth Rexroth, the anarchist writer, translator and critic.

Ferlinghetti founded City Lights Bookstore in San Francisco in 1953, the first all-paperback store in the US (which still exists), and soon a publishing house with the same name. Ferlinghetti was known for his association with postwar writers such as Allen Ginsberg, Gregory Corso, Michael McClure, Jack Kerouac, Gary Snyder and others known as the Beats. The Beat Generation in literature was synonymous with opposition to academicism and formalism, favoring more improvisational, spontaneous and jazz-influenced methods. Drugs, sexual license, anti-militarism and Eastern spirituality tended to be part of the mix.

City Lights Bookstore (Photo creditMobilus In Mobili)

Both perhaps because he did not lead an especially Bohemian lifestyle and because he adopted a more structured, classical approach to writing verse, Ferlinghetti never considered himself a Beat poet, although he was the first to publish many of their works.

Along these lines, a 2016 New York Times portrait suggested that while Ferlinghettis vagabond Beat cohorts were taking mescaline and Benzedrine-fueled road trips across the country, Mr. Ferlinghetti was married and running two businesses: his bookstore, which he co-founded in 1953, and his publishing house, which he created in 1955. On top of that, he had his own creative pursuits.

I had too much to do, he told the Times reporter. I was more interested in developing my own painting and writing.

There are numerous evocative poems of his from this period, including Fortune (Fortune / has its cookies to give out / which is a good thing / since its been a long time since / that summer in Brooklyn / when they closed off the street / one hot day / and the / FIREMEN / turned on their hoses / and the kids ran out in it / in the middle of the street / and there were / maybe a couple dozen of us / out there) and The world is a beautiful place (The world is a beautiful place / to be born into / if you dont mind some people dying / all the time / or maybe only starving / some of the time / which isnt half so bad / if it isnt you).

In Christ climbed down, Ferlinghetti has the Son of God descend from His bare Tree and run away to where / no intrepid Bible salesmen / covered the territory / in two-tone Cadillacs / and where no Sears Roebuck creches / complete with plastic babe in manger / arrived by parcel post / the babe by special delivery / and where no televised Wise Men / praised the Lord Calvert Whiskey.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti reading at City Lights Bookstore (Photo creditvoxtheory from Las Vegas)

Ferlinghettis publication of Ginsbergs Howl, in 1956, led to his arrest on charges of printing indecent writings, which sparked a major First Amendment trial that Ferlinghetti eventually won. His legal victory, commented the 2016 Times piece, paved the way for the United States publication of boundary-pushing novels by D. H. Lawrence and Henry Miller. Ferlinghetti also translated poetry of a number of important authors, including Jacques Prevert and Pier Paolo Pasolini.

The 1950s were difficult, contradictory times for serious artists. Left-wing thought had been practically illegalized by the McCarthyite witch-hunters, with whom American liberals had made a devils pact. Globally, the domination of Stalinism, masquerading as communism, and American imperialist democracy made access by artists to the working class as an independent force and to genuine Marxism difficult. The official cultural scene was dominated by various forms of anti-Communist liberalism, and there was little to nourish more than a sincere but often ephemeral revolt in a number of arts.

Nonetheless, Ferlinghetti, a philosophical anarchist, believed in the power and obligation of poetry to oppose the status quo, and he effectively communicated this. The radical 1960s no doubt revived his spirits, but as was the case with most American artists, questions as to the nature of the Soviet Union and Stalinism, the fate of the 1917 October Revolution, went unanswered. Ferlinghetti traveled to Cuba, identified himself with the antiwar and other protest movements, but his social views did not fundamentally develop.

His novel, Love in the Days of Rage, only published in 1988, provides some indications of his views. The book is set during the May-June events in France. A love affair between a young American woman, a painter, and a middle-aged Portuguese anarchist-banker, occurs in the foreground. Ferlinghetti writes:

Down in the streets a little revolution was giving birth to much hope and euphoria, not just in France but around the world, in the U.S., in Germany and Italy and Mexico City, in Prague, in Portugal, everywhere there was a stirring, more than a stirring, a new spirit, a seething spirit.

The French students, asserts a character, woke up the workers everywhere, they inspired the hunger strikers, and every other brand of forgotten humanity came pouring out of the side streetsthe anarchists and the Trotskyists, and the communists who hated everyone else, especially the anarchists, they all began to unite, because they were all hungry and fed up with the flat flabby ancien regime.

Indicating that the poet had some inkling of the political forces at work, Ferlinghetti writes about the eventual betrayal of the mass French general strike by the Communist Party, which played its opportunist and reactionary role, preventing any real revolution by supporting existing organizations and law-and-order, as it did in every incipient revolution around the world in the sixties.

In the final analysis, however, Ferlinghetti takes the line of least resistance and contends that the revolt of 1968 was the first articulation, the first bursting forth of a new vision of earth, of man and woman. It was a new consciousness, or an ancient consciousness rediscovered. And it was a new feminist consciousness, the Gaia hypothesis, based on what was being called the New Physics, the earth seen as Mother Earth again, ancient source of all  The spirit of sixty-eight was the first halting cry of what twenty years later would burst forth in a great new political movement, a new green movement, Green Power.

As noted above, his earliest work remains his sharpest and most striking. The past four decades or more of cultural and political stagnation took their toll on Ferlinghetti as they did on so many. A certain formulaic quality entered into his work. Even the more agitational, incendiary poems feel a bit forced, such as Populist Manifesto (1976): Poets, come out of your closets, / Open your windows, open your doors, / You have been holed-up too long / in your closed worlds.

Still, one comes upon such lovely, biting works as Two scavengers in a truck, two beautiful people in a Mercedes (1980), which describes two garbagemen in red plastic blazers looking down into an elegant open Mercedes / with an elegant couple in it. The two scavengers up since Four A.M. continue to gaze down as from a very great distance / at the cool couple, and the red light for an instant holds all four close together / as if anything at all were possible / between them / across the small gulf / in the high seas / of this democracy.

We learn something about the artist in the conditions that emerged in the 21st century from Ferlinghetti, for example, in this poem from his 2006 book, Poetry as an Insurgent Art.

I am signaling you through the flames.

The North Pole is not where it used to be.

Manifest Destiny is no longer manifest.

Civilization self-destructs.

Nemesis is knocking at the door.

What are poets for, in such an age?

What is the use of poetry?

The state of the world calls out for poetry to save it.

If you would be a poet, create works capable of answering the challenge of apocalyptic times, even if this meaning sounds apocalyptic.

You are Whitman, you are Poe, you are Mark Twain, you are Emily Dickinson and Edna St. Vincent Millay, you are Neruda and Mayakovsky and Pasolini, you are an American or a non-American, you can conquer the conquerors with words....

One reads the poem with a mix of feelings. The periodnow almost seventy years pastin which Ferlinghetti developed as a poet, due to the dominance of Stalinism and other bureaucracies, tended to cut the artists off from the social force, the working class, that could change the world, and poetry itself could do no more than object, often morally, to the state of things. There is a pessimistic and even panicky coloration to this poem. But there is also an admirable relentlessness. To one extent or another, this runs through Ferlinghettis work from his earliest days as a poet.

The flag of semi-anarchistic, semi-Bohemian artistic revolt is insufficient for our times, but Ferlinghettis work will help to inculcate critical thoughts and feelings about the world in the people who need to transform it.
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Wicklow Municipal District has a number of works planned for Newtownmountkennedy over the coming months.

District Engineer Kevin Scanlon provided an update at last Monday's Wicklow Municipal District meeting on outstanding works in Newtownmountkennedy. Ciara Martin Perks of Newtownmountkennedy District Forum also attended the Zoom meeting.

Nine out of 13 works have already taken place and the 150,000 budget was supplemented with 15,000 from both IPB and Discretionary funds.

The outstanding works include street furniture, repairs to footpaths and the placing of a defibrillator in a phone box which is no longer in use. The planting of trees and the replacement of public lighting heads throughout Main Street will also take place.

District Cathaoirleach Cllr John Snell paid tribute to former Councillor Daire Nolan, who is a Newtownmountkennedy native and decided not to contest the last Local Elections.

'Daire Nolan progressed a big amount of work in Newtown up to his retirement,' said Cllr Snell. 'I think we have a good working relationship between all the Councillors and we aren't trying to isolate any community. It's all about being fair.'

Cllr Paul O'Brien said online comments after the 2019 Local Elections lamenting the fact that Newtownmountkennedy didn't have a local Councillor were unfair.

'It's wrong to say Newtown doesn't have an elected representative. It does. It has six of them. Just because we aren't from the area doesn't mean it isn't being represented,' said Cllr O'Brien.

Cllr Shay Cullen, who grew up in Roundwood and currently lives in Newtownmountkennedy, said that Newtown is 'unrecognisable' over the past seven years.

'The amount of development is colossal and it has been described many times as the "fastest growing village in the country",' said Cllr Cullen.

'Newtown needs to continue to get investment, especially for infrastructure considering the amount of people moving into the area. It needs a second national school and a secondary school. I also have to praise the efforts of the District Forum and Tidy Towns. The amount of voluntary work they carry out is really making a difference to the area.'

Cllr Irene Winters proposed that Wicklow Municipal District write to the Department of Education to make sure there won't be any shortage of school places in Newtownmountkennedy in the future.

She said: 'We as local representatives need to write to the building section of the Department of Education telling them we want them to review the figures so we don't end up with over 100 children without a school place as has happened in Greystones and Kilcoole. It was due to the failure of the Department and we don't want something similar happening in our district.'

Cllr Mary Kavanagh stressed the importance of ensuring the services are in place to cater for such a growing population.

'I am always wary about something growing too quickly. I would like to see more of a focus on infrastructure like clubs, schools and community centres. There is no point putting people into an area where the facilities aren't in place.'

Cllr Gail Dunne added: 'We have to be especially careful of what goes on in Newtown from now forward.'
(Photo : Youtube/International)

The International Data Corporation or IDC released a record of 2020's shipments of smartphones in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. The records show that 2020's sale was the weakest one in the past six years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 2020, 345.2 million units were shipped in the region, which is a 4.2% year-over-year decline. Based on value, $110 billion worth of phones were delivered in 2020 in theMiddle East, Europe, and Africa.

In Europe alone, the number of smartphones shipped in 2020 amounted to 195.2 million units for a 4.9% decline. The value of smartphones shipped in the continent in 2020 was $82.4 million, which is down 3%.

Xiaomi comes out strong

In 2020, Xiaomi ended with the strongest annual gain in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa smartphone shipments. Another Chinese-based company, Huawei, had the biggest annual decline, according to PhoneArena.

Zdenek Krouzel, the program manager at IDC said that if people look at the topline numbers, they might think that it was a typical year with a bit of challenge, not one with a pandemic and lockdowns, thus leading to the economic downturn.

Also Read: Xiaomi MIUI 12.5 February Launch Confirmed: All Supported Device List, Features and MORE

IDC EMEA Research Manager Marta Pinto stated that across Europe, consumers switched quickly to buying online when phone shops closed in 2020.

The phone business did not get the same type of boost from virtual work, unlike the PC market, but consumers were valuing the phones more because that was how they coped with the stress of being forced to stay at home for months.

IDC stated that the average pre-tax price of an Android phone in Europe dropped 8.5% in 2020 to $278. On the other hand, the average sale price of an iPhone in Europe increased to $894. Apple also had a strong 2020 in Europe.

Samsung still on top

Although Xiaomi shows improvement, the top smartphone brand in Europe, Middle East, and Africa in 2020 was Samsung despite a 15.9% year-over-year decline in yearly shipments, according to Business Inquirer.

In 2020, Samsung shipped 99.7 million handsets. Apple, on the other hand, only shipped 53.2 million units with a 10% year-over-year gain.

The transition delivered 47 million handsets in EMEA in 2020 for a 13.6% market share, up 31.1% year-over-year. Xiaomi and Huawei had the largest year-over-year gain and the decline, respectively.

Xiaomi, which has climbed to third place in the global charts when it comes to smartphone sales, saw its shipments in Europe, Middle East, and Africa increase 66.4% on an annual basis to 41.1 million units.

Huawei's 35.8% year-over-year decline dropped its shipments in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East from 68.5 million to 44 million units during 2020.

Huawei's results were affected by the company's continued placement on the U.S entity list that was done last year, further preventing it from accessing its U.S supply chain for a second year.

Huawei was also affected by the change in export rules that prevents global foundries using U.S technology from shipping cutting-edge chips to Huawei. Meanwhile, Xiaomi has been taking market share from Huawei while Samsung is still the top seller.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sieeka Khan

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Guwahati/Silchar, March 6 : Weeks ahead of the Assembly elections in Assam, All India Mahila Congress (AIMC) President and former Lok Sabha MP Sushmita Dev on Saturday reportedly expressed her strong resentment over the allotment of seats to Congress ally AIUDF.

A media report said that Dev, who's the daughter of influential Congress leader and former Union minister Santosh Mohan Dev, has resigned from her post. However, the Congress leaders in Guwahati and Delhi strongly denied the report.

According to those close to Dev, she is upset with the seat allocation to AIUDF in Silchar and also about the selection of candidates for the Bengali dominated region in southern Assam.

The Congress leader on Saturday abruptly left the crucial candidates' selection committee meeting being held in Guwahati since Thursday.

Several Assembly seats fell under the Silchar Lok Sabha constituency from where Dev was elected to the Lower House in 2014, before she lost in the 2019 general elections.

Former Assam minister Siddique Ahmed, a close follower of Dev, said that they are annoyed because some Assembly seats and Congress strongholds have been allotted to the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), ignoring the sentiments and demands of the party workers.

Meanwhile, some Congress workers in southern Assam organised protests on Saturday and even burnt tyres to express their resentments over the issue.

However, the process of candidate selection by the central and state Congress leaders is still underway, and the names of candidates for the first two phases of elections are likely to be announced by Sunday.

In a press statement, the chairperson of the media cell of Assam Congress, Bobbeeta Sharma, termed the media report as speculative, saying: "We want to make it clear that Sushmita Dev has not resigned from the party." The Congress, which was in power in the state for 15 years (2001-2016) until the BJP-led alliance came to power in 2016, has formed a 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance) with three Left parties -- CPI(M), CPI and CPI(ML) -- as well as the AIUDF, the Anchalik Gana Morcha, Bodoland People's Front (BPF), three regional parties having a political base among the Muslims and indigenous people.

The Congress had gone solo in the previous Assembly elections in Assam in 2016, securing 26 seats in the 126-member Assembly.

The 126-member Assam Assembly will go to the polls in three phases on March 27 (47 seats), April 1 (39 seats) and April 6 (40 seats). The results will be declared on May 2.

The estimated cost of the extension to the Blessington Greenway has been revised upwards, going from 8.5 million to 15 million

Calls have been made for Wicklow County Council to ensure that there are no cost overruns on the planned extension to the Blessington E-Greenway.

Councillors heard during the February meeting of Baltinglass Municipal District that site walkovers over the last 12 months had found that the project required more construction work than initially anticipated. This had pushed up the estimated cost of the project from 8.5 million to 15 million.

Cllr Vincent Blake (FG) welcomed the project's progress, but expressed concerns about the increased costs.

'It's something in this country that we don't seem to take seriously enough and that's escalating costs'.

Referring to the example of the cost overruns for the new children's hospital, Cllr Blake said: '15 million is a huge amount of money, let's ensure to come in on budget'.

He added: 'Roads projects are something we do well in terms of costs. I'm looking forward to the day when we can walk the Blessington Greenway'.

Caroline Fox of Wicklow County Council's community, cultural and social development directorate told councillors that an application was expected to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala next month for planning permission for the greenway.

Site walkovers conducted with landowners, AECOM, ESB and council staff had identified significant construction works including a route change and a new bridge, lakeshore protection works and path widening. This had meant the costs had increased, however, the project had received a funding boost with the allocation of 6.4 million from the Government.

The alignment of the greenway route had been agreed with the ESB and a drone survey was completed. Further meetings had taken place with other landowners who had indicated their agreement in principle with the plans for the greenway. Approaches had been made to landowners to request access for construction works.

Ms Fox told elected members that the changes to the project meant that further environmental reports had to be carried out. As the construction was more significant than originally planned and would take place near an area of special conservation, an application had to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala. It was hoped that an application would be submitted to the Bord by late March. This would be followed by public information workshops in April. Tenders for the design and management of a website for the project were also due to be issued.

Ms Fox expressed the hope that the Bord would rule on the application in October or November. Permission would also have to be sought from the Office of Public Works in relation to proposed works near waterways. If the go-ahead was given, it was hoped that contractors could be onsite in November and the construction finished by mid-2023.

The finished greenway will be 40km in total, including the spurs, and 28km around the lakeshore.

Cllr John Mullen (FF) said a 'vast amount' of work had been done on the project and asked how a public consultation would take place during Covid restrictions.

Ms Fox explained that the proposals would be available online once submitted to the Bord. Council staff would be available to explain the plans to groups or individuals, but the consultations would likely take place online. She indicated that the Bord may decide not hold an oral hearing in relation to the proposal. Referring to plans for a greenway in Co. Kerry, Ms Fox said the Blessington project was different as it involved one main landowner, which was not the case with the Kerry project. The project team had prepared a substantial amount of reports in excess of the requirements to support the Blessington Greenway application.

Cllr Avril Cronin (FG) spoke about the importance of keeping the community informed of progress on the greenway.

'People have asked for updates. There's a need to ensure awareness and to maintain momentum with the community. It's a great project coming our way and will bring such benefits. We're lucky to have this amenity on our doostep,' she said.

Cllr Edward Timmins (FG) also highlighted the need for communication with the local community.

'Landowners and residents should be consulted every step of the way. If it's done by agreement, then you'll always have support,' he said.

Cllr Patsy Glennon (FF) said: 'If you keep people informed, you'll maintain good will'.

Cllr Gerry O'Neill (Ind) echoed the requests for communication with the local community. He asked about the potential for local people to get involved and develop projects to run alongside the greenway. He expressed a view that some people who wanted to apply to build facilities including glamping sites were 'not happy' with the responses received during pre-planning consultations. Cllr O'Neill also asked about the provision of toilets and other facilites along the route.

Ms Fox re-iterated the greenway team's commitment to reach out to the community as much as possible, even if this was mostly virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She pointed out that applications for planning permission were a separate process.

Possible sites for ten car parks had been identified. Toilet facilities would not be provided along the route, due to the findings of environmental reports and the proximity of the route to the lakeshore. Instead, the public would be encouraged to use toilet facilities at commercial businesses. There was a scope for toilet facilites, including a Changing Places, to be incorporated into the plans for the former HSE building.

Cllr Glennon also raised concerns about the issue of dog fouling on the extended greenway.

Ms Fox told councillors two operatives and a vehicle would be assigned to the route once it was operational.

Phase one of the project had been completed under licence from the ESB by the Blessington and District Forum, however, they would be giving up the licence in the coming months. The council would then take over the licence.

(Photo : Flickr/Kimmy) Google on Wolverine earbuds project

Google is said to be working on a new project: earbuds that will allegedly give the users supernatural hearing. The team behind the wearable technology device, X Moonshine Factory, calls the earbuds "Wolverine."

Google's Wolverine Earbuds

According to Business Insider, the popular wearables of Google, such as Fitbit, Pixel Buds, and Glass Enterprise, are currently the only ones marketed by the company, but now Google is ready to add a new wearable device to its lineup.

The Wolverine earbuds are said to be packed with sensors and microphones that can make it a never-before-seen in-ear device, but the X Moonshine team is facing challenges with the development of the device, according to 9to5Mac.

Also Read: Fitbit is Testing a New and Cheaper Subscription for its Users, Rollout May Happen Soon

Wolverine earbuds to isolate sounds

One of Google's Wolverine earbuds' most notable features is that it can isolate sounds in a room. So if the user is in a busy area and wants to drown out all of the noise and focus on what they are reading or watching, the Wolverine earbuds can segregate speech using an array of microphones and sensors.

The X Moonshine Factory team is working on the project for three years now and has run into some challenges with design and physics. Because of this, the earbuds have been through a lot of prototypes as the team wants to discover an ideal iteration for the Wolverine earbuds.

The news media outlet reported that sources described the early versions of the wearable device that covered the ear's whole side or protruded out from above the ear. The newer prototypes of Wolverine earbuds are said to be a lot smaller than the earlier models.

A spokesperson of Alphabet, Google's parent company, confirmed that Google is indeed exploring the future of hearing but did not elaborate on the subject.

The sources that spoke to Business Insider revealed that Google will not put Wolverine earbuds on the market until it becomes a viable business model.

This means that speech segregation does not have enough marketing prospects. The X Moonshine Factor team also has to prove the Wolverine project is bankable enough for Google to back it up.

Facebook's project

However, Google may need to speed up the project because Facebook is rumored to also be working on a high-tech wearable device, specifically AR glasses, that will offer users superhuman hearing, just like Wolverine earbuds.

As reported by Bloomberg, Facebook's smart glasses will arrive anytime this year, but it won't have the kind of digital overlay technology that is linked with augmented reality.

The glasses, which are being developed together with Ray-Ban and Luxottica Group SpA, will connect to a device, but the users won't be able to overlay digital objects onto their real-world view, which is a foundational element of AR.

According to hardware chief Andrew Bosworth, the AR glasses are connected glasses, and they give a lot of functionality, but they are coy about which functionality they are providing. He added that they do not want to over-hype the project.

Facebook announced the AR glasses project back in 2017 and has since developed numerous camera features that will allow people to project their digital images onto the physical world like photo fillers.

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sieeka Khan

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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Supporters of former President Donald Trump marched down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan on Friday as they carried enormous banners that read 'Trump 2024'.

The event was billed as a 'Trump Save America Flag Unfurling' and featured all sort of Trump signage including one banner that depicted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as a demon.

Towards the end of the event, the Trump marchers clashed with some angry New Yorkers and which the Right Side Broadcasting Network claimed was a group of 'Antifa' and Black Lives Matter activists, leading to the arrest of six people.

Trump supporters gathered at Trump Tower and marched down to Times Square as a group of Black Lives Matter protesters confronted them in New York City

A huge banner of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi appearing demonic as she is pictured tearing up the constitution is pictured

Trump supporters appear to be fully behind the former president having another run for the White House in 2024

An enormous banner was unfurled and stretched across the entire roadway as the marchers made their way down Fifth Avenue

The supporters unveiled their Trump 2024 banners directly underneath Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue

A woman appears decked out in Trump clothing including his famous slogan 'Make America Great Again'

A counter-protester is arrested by NYPD after confronting a march of demonstrators supporting former President Trump

Police arrested about five BLM protesters after Trump supporters gathered at the Trump Tower and marched down to the Times Square in New York City

Trump supporters march towards Times Square holding up Trump and American Flags following a gathering in front of Trump Tower

#NYC a esta hora | Seguidores de Donald Trump se toman la 5ta. Avenida de #Manhattan | Piden al republicano que se lance de nuevo a la presidencia de #EEUU en 2024 pic.twitter.com/aljO2pa6zO  Alejandro Rincon (@ALEJOrincon) March 5, 2021

Trump publicly teased at the Conservative Political Action Conference last Sunday the idea that he is thinking of making another bid for the presidency in 2024.

The former president reeled off a list of his accomplishments during his term in the White House while repeating his false claim that he won the 2020 election adding, 'Who knows? I may even decide to beat them a third time.'

Trump is said to be telling allies that he is strongly considering another run in 2024.

He said to be discussing alternative running mates to former Vice President Mike Pence as he takes stock of who he believes stood with him at the end of his term and who didn't, according to Bloomberg.

A counter-protester is arrested by NYPD after confronting a march of demonstrators supporting former President Trump

Police hold the perimeter as Trump supporters march towards Times Square following a gathering in front of Trump Tower

Police arrested about five BLM protesters after Trump supporters gathered at the Trump Tower

A counter-protester is arrested by NYPD after confronting a march of demonstrators supporting former President Donald Trump

Supporters gathered at the start of the rally near Trump Tower and then marched their way down Fifth Avenue to Times Square

Trump supporters appeared to clash with Black Lives Matter and Antifa protesters as they approached the end of the march

Trump and Pence appeared to fall out toward the end of their term after the vice president refused to get behind the president's plan to overturn the 2020 election result.

Trump lashed out at Pence on social media for not trying to block the certification of the election results in Congress on January 6, an act that Pence had no constitutional authority to do.

The pro-Trump mob that then stormed the Capitol chanted that they wanted to execute Pence and came within seconds of him and his family. A total of five people died in the riot.

After the Capitol riot, it was reported that Trump and Pence were not on speaking terms, with Pence said to be livid at Trump.

Although any announcement of a new White House Bid may be several years away, Trump's musing over a 2024 run may effectively freeze the Republican field until the former president makes a decision one way or the other.

Police arrested about five Black Lives Matter protesters after Trump supporters gathered at Trump Tower and marched down to Times Square in New York City

Police made six arrests when rival groups of supporters clashed with one another

The enormous Trump 2024 banner was brought down by the group from outside Trump tower Times Square to Times Square, about one mile away
The only country which claims itself to be a communist country namely China is liberally adopting capitalist policies. Many people think that communism as a political philosophy has lost its sheen all over the world.

by N.S.Venkataraman

It is now well realized by discerning people all over India , who are not involved in politics ,that Indian democracy is suffering to some extent due to lack of principled and credible opposition party in the parliament. The absence of such AN opposition party in India today is a matter of concern.

Unfortunately, most of the opposition parties in India are essentially regional outfits and most of them are family controlled parties and have little presence in several states.

The Communist and Marxist Communist parties have virtually reduced themselves to the level of regional outfits , as the leadership has not moved with the time and modified traditional communist philosophy , which has outlived its purpose. Due to advancement in science and technology and industrial practices and changed type of growth and management practices in the commercial and industrial sector, now new type of conflicts have arisen in the country between the organized class and unorganized class. Even airline pilots , employees in software companies, and those employed in commercial banks etc. are claiming trade union rights or organizing themselves in the trade union pattern.

In such circumstances, the communist parties in India remain confused , as the organized class of people who cannot be considered by any stretch of imagination as an oppressed and suppressed class are members of trade unions under the control of the Communist parties. Obviously, the communist parties have lost their sense of identity.

The only country which claims itself to be a communist country namely China is liberally adopting capitalist policies. Many people think that communism as a political philosophy has lost its sheen all over the world.

With both the communist parties out of reckoning as national parties, the only political party left now in the national scene is Indian National Congress.

It does not call for much analysis and deliberation to conclude that the Congress party is now facing a crisis of confidence and leadership. No one knows today as to what Congress party stands for, as it has aligned itself with Shiv Sena in Maharashtra to form government, though Shiv Sena was branded as a non secular and communal party by the Congress party earlier. Has Shiv Sena become a secular party overnight for the present leadership of the Congress party ?

The main allegation against the Congress party successfully made by BJP is that Congress is a dynastic party and essentially controlled by one family. Many believe this to be true and a fact. By and large, the general public is convinced that Congress party leadership is concerned largely about the welfare of one family, which is an anachronistic approach for a political party in a democratic country.

The dynastic character of Congress leadership has thrown Rahul Gandhi into the leadership position of Congress, with no justification except that he hails from a particular family, which appears to own the Congress party.

By his conduct and speeches, Rahul Gandhi has clearly created an impression that he has no particular attributes to lead a national party. His hugging the Prime Minister in the parliament when the parliament session was on and then sarcastically winking his eyes, to be seen by several members of parliament, has made many people suspect that he could be lacking maturity. Along with Rahul Gandhis image, the image of the Congress party has also taken a beating, as he was imposed as President of Congress party.

It is in the national interest and in the interest of Indian democracy that the Congress party should be revived and should be enabled to function as a principled and forward looking party and get back its credentials.

Obviously, Congress party cannot be revived without the effective leadership of the party being vested in the hands of a senior and tested person in the party, who is not from Gandhi family and who will not be a blind loyalist of the family. He should have the courage of conviction to stand by the principle of the party, so that the party men will get a sense of purpose.

Looking into the present structure and style of functioning of Congress party, even as Rahul Gandhi says that he is not interested in the position of the President of the party, he is practically functioning as de facto President of the party . Iit seems that the Gandhi family will never give up the control of the party, whatever may be the cost. This situation calls for some sort of determined and dignified rebellion in the Congress party ,that would inevitably make the Gandhi family realize that their period of lordship over the Congress party is now clearly over.

The obvious alternate leader who has the stature to become the president of the Congress party is Ghulam Nabi Azad. He started as youth congress leader and has always conducted himself with decorum and dignity , whether he has been in the government or outside. He has refrained from making obnoxious and abusive remarks against the members of the opposition parties unlike many other leaders in the Congress party today. He has the image of dignity personified. He looks far taller than any other leader in the Congress party today,

When Prime Minister Modi praised him in Rajya Sabha , it was a well deserved praise. There is absolutely no reason to think that it is a political praise and Ghulam Nabi Azad responded to the Prime Ministers praise with dignity , which reflects on the quality and standard of this political leader.

India has seen in the past lofty scenes like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajaji praising each other on occasions , though they were in the opposition camps after independence.

The consensus feeling in the country appears to be that Ghulam Nabi Azad can raise the standards of politics in India to a more dignified and lofty level and raise the respect for the Congress party in the country today.

A matured political leader like Ghulam Nabi Azad can be critical of the ruling party even without using abusive language .By way of contrast, Rahul Gandhi called the Prime Minister a thief, which Ghulam Nabi Azad would never do.
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Update 9:12 p.m.: Strickland has been found safe, police said.

Original story:

Birmingham police are calling on the public to help them find a 65-year-old man who disappeared Friday afternoon.

Luther Strickland, 65, was last seen around 3 p.m. Friday walking in Woodlawn to a convenience store, police said.

Strickland, who has a medical condition that impairs his judgment and cant speak, was wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans when he disappeared. He was described as 5-feet 9-inches tall and 185 pounds.

Anyone with information on Stricklands whereabouts was asked to call the Birmingham Police Departments Special Victims Unit at 205-297-8413 or 911. Additional information may be relayed to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
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As we all know, terrible ice storms recently in the Lone Star state froze many of their wind turbines and froze some of the gas pipelines, knocking out electricity for millions at a critical time. Some people even froze to death.

This was a tragedy, but despite the utter failure of green energy sources during the crisis, some on the left tried to use it to blame the climate alarmism skeptics for the debacle.

For example, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) said that the tragedy occurred because Texas had not signed on to the Green New Deal. Chuck Schumer, majority leader of the U.S. Senate, gloated that this deadly energy crisis happened to Texans because they ignored climate changenow Texas is paying the price.Hope they learned a lesson.

But, of course, Schumers lesson would be the wrong lesson. The point to be learned from Texas is that you cant count on renewables alone. It would seem that the only thing you can predict about the weather is that its unpredictable. So backup plans are in order, as is infrastructure upkeep.

I reached out to Dr. Cal Beisner, the director and spokesman for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, for a comment on the recent Texas tragedy.

Beisner told me, Those who blame the Texas power grids failures entirely on overreliance on wind and those who blame it entirely on rejecting claims of dangerous manmade global warming are both wrong. Climate-change alarmists everywhere call for more extensive use of wind power; Texas has nearly three times as much wind energy installed as the second-highest state in the Union (Iowa) and four times as much as California, which climate activists celebrate as a leader. And in the freezing cold, the wind turbines failed.

He continued, Critics of wind power are right to point to winds failure during the cold snap, as both lack of wind and freezing of turbines blades dropped winds contribution by over 90% February 816. But other sources struggled, too. Natural gas pipelines and separators froze, cutting delivery to generating plants as well as home heating systems. Because of the unusual cold, the delivery of more reliable sources of energy, such as natural gas, also failed.

Beisner concludes, Perhaps the key culprit is Texass regulation of the power industry that prevents it from generating enough profit to pay for constant upgrades and protections against severe cold  a problem that would exist regardless of the mix of power sources.

When big government punishes reliable forms of energy  gas and o il  and rewards green energy  which can and often fails to deliver the goods in times of crisis then we can expect more such crises.

Geologist and author Greg Wrightstone is a critic of the theory of catastrophic manmade climate change. Wrightstone said on my radio show, the renewables (i.e., wind and solar) should be called the unreliables. By relying on them, Texas gambled and lost.

Robert Hefner of Hefner.Energy wrote an op-ed on the recent tragedy: The first point we need to understand is that all forms of energy failed in Texasfrom wind to nuclear. But he adds that the failure rate of wind-generated energy was 93%, while the failure rate of natural gas during this exceptionally cold snap was 36%.

Some are blaming natural gas for failing during this crisis. Not so, says Hefner, noting that in reality natural gas saved thousands of lives during the tragedy. This is not something wed expect to hear Senator Schumer or AOC admit.

Hefner adds that the big problem is that they did not invest in infrastructure upkeep  because there was no financial incentive to do so. All the while, all the incentives went into the renewables, i.e., wind, solar, and the like.

He concludes: Can you expect your car to work during the harshest of conditions after neglecting it for over a decade? Texans are lucky that while ERCOT [Electricity Reliability Council of Texas] failed, the natural gas flowing to families huddled around their fireplaces did not.

The founders of America did not have a lot to say about the environment per se. After all, they founded our nation before the Industrial Revolution.

But George Washington noted in his famous letter to the 13 governors, The Circular to the States, June 8, 1783, that Providence (God) has given us this continent with all the various Soils and Climates of the World and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniences of life. Alas, later generations would see the despoiling of the beautiful environment and nature that Providence (God) has given us through air and water pollution.

But fighting air and water pollution is one thing  a fight in which America thankfully has made tremendous strides. But fighting the weather itself in the name of environmentalism is another.
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Kabul [Afghanistan], March 6 (ANI): Three people were killed in a blast in Helmand province on Saturday morning near the provincial police headquarters in Lashkargah city, reported TOLO News.

The blast resulted in the death of Sayed Mahmood Sadat, in charge of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) prosecutors' office in Helmand.

Sadat's family said that two of his security guards were also killed in the blast, reported TOLO News.

No one yet has claimed responsibility for the attack, including the Taliban.

More details are awaited.

According to TOLO News data, 270 civilians and security force members were killed and 173 more were wounded in various security incidents across the country in February.

It further stated that 166 security incidents, including magnetic IED blasts, roadside bomb blasts, targeted attacks and Taliban offensives, occurred in Afghanistan in February.

In January, TOLO News findings indicated that 271 people were killed, and 347 others were wounded in Afghanistan.

According to the data, most of the security incidents were due to magnetic IED blasts and targeted attacks in major cities of Afghanistan, including Kabul, Nangarhar, Herat, Kandahar and Faryab. (ANI)

KYODO NEWS - Mar 6, 2021 - 10:31 | All, World

NASA said Friday it is targeting no earlier than April 22 for another launch of a SpaceX ship that will this time carry Japan's Akihiko Hoshide and three other astronauts to the International Space Station.

It will be the third manned flight to the ISS by a Crew Dragon capsule, developed by U.S. company Space Exploration Technologies Corp. The previous flight, known as the Crew-1 mission, took place in November, carrying three NASA astronauts and Japan's Soichi Noguchi.

The upcoming Crew-2 mission, which will lift off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will be joined by Hoshide, 52, two NASA astronauts and an astronaut from the European Space Agency, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NASA had earlier said that the launch would be no earlier than April 20.
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Public grants to build rural broadband networks may not be sufficient to close the digital divide, new Cornell University research finds.

High operations and maintenance costs and low population density in some rural areas result in prohibitively high service feeseven for a subscriber-owned cooperative structured to prioritize member needs over profits, the analysis found.

Decades ago, cooperatives were key to the expansion of electric and telephone service to underserved rural areas, spurred by New Deal legislation providing low-interest government grants and loans. Public funding for rural broadband access should similarly consider its critical role supporting economic development, health care and education, said Todd Schmit, associate professor in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.

"The New Deal of broadband has to incorporate more than building the systems," Schmit said. "We have to think more comprehensively about the importance of getting equal access to these technologies."

Schmit is the co-author with Roberta Severson, an extension associate in Dyson, of "Exploring the Feasibility of Rural Broadband Cooperatives in the United States: The New New Deal?" The research was published Feb. 13 in Telecommunications Policy.

More than 90% of Americans had broadband access in 2015, according to the study, but the total in rural areas was below 70%. Federal programs have sought to help close that gap, including a $20.4 billion Federal Communications Commission initiative announced last year to subsidize network construction in underserved areas.

Schmit and Severson studied the feasibility of establishing a rural broadband cooperative to improve access in Franklin County in northern New York state, which received funding for a feasibility study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Development Program.

The researchers partnered with Slic Network Solutions, a local internet service provider, to develop estimates of market prices, the cost to build a fiber-to-the-home network, operations and maintenance costs, and the potential subscriber baseabout 1,600 residentsand model a cooperative that would break even over a 10-year cycle.

Federal and state grants and member investment would cover almost the entire estimated $8 million construction cost, so that wasn't a significant factor in the analysis, the researchers said.

But even with those subsidies, the study determined the co-op would need to charge $231 per month for its high-speed service option131% above market rates. At that price, it's unlikely 40% of year-round residents would opt for high-speed broadband as the model had assumed, casting further doubt on its feasibility.

The $231 fee included a surcharge to subsidize a lower-speed service option costing no more than $60a restriction the construction grants imposed to ensure affordability. Without that restriction, the high-speed price would drop to $175 and the low-speed climb to $105.

"In short," the authors wrote, "grants covering investment and capital construction alone do not solve the rural broadband problem, at least in our study area."

As an alternativethough not one available in Franklin CountySchmit and Severson examined the possibility of an existing rural electric or telecommunications co-op expanding into broadband. They would gain efficiencies from already operating infrastructure such as the poles that would carry fiber lines. In that scenario, the high-speed price improved to $144 a monthstill 44% above market rates.

"These systems are very costly to operate and maintain," Schmit said, "particularly in areas like we looked at that are very low density."

The feasibility improves with growth in a coverage area's density and "take rate," or percentage of potential subscribers signing up at different speeds, according to the analysis. But in Franklin County, the researchers determined a startup co-op would need 14 potential subscribers per mile to break even over 10 yearsmore than twice the study area's actual density.

To better serve such areas, Schmit and Severson said, policymakers should explore eliminating property taxes on broadband infrastructure and payments to rent space on poles owned by regulated utilities, which respectively accounted for 16% and 18% of the proposed co-op's annual expenses. Those measures reduced an expanding rural utility co-op's high-speed fee to 25% above market rates, a level members might be willing to pay, the authors said.

"Consideration of the public benefits of broadband access arguably needs to be added to the equation," they wrote. "The case was made for electricity and telephone services in the 1930s and similar arguments would seem to hold for this technology today."

More information: Todd M. Schmit et al, Exploring the feasibility of rural broadband cooperatives in the United States: The new New Deal?, Telecommunications Policy (2021). Todd M. Schmit et al, Exploring the feasibility of rural broadband cooperatives in the United States: The new New Deal?,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2021.102114
Its been a while since there was a bit of a hoolie in Sneem  but the laughter and chatter from Dan Murphys bar was just like old times.

Its the biggest crowd weve had in a year, said owner Sean OSullivan.

Theres a great buzz and chatter about the place  a big cloud has lifted, I suppose.

The local businessman made the facilities of the pub available as a recuperation area to monitor the newly vaccinated residents over the age of 70 in the Co Kerry locality, who received the Moderna jab last Saturday.

Today sees the remaining 100 doses being given to the medically vulnerable of any age in the locality and once again, Sean will be opening his doors and making sure the kettle is on for teas and coffees  since he cant serve any drink.

Im just delighted to help out and it means hope for everyone going forward this summer.

With doors and windows left open and social distancing in place, around eight people are in the pub at any given time  but the chance for a chat is eagerly taken and the atmosphere is jubiliant, said the villages retired GP, Dr Paddy Malone.

The vaccination was rolled out with military precision after 300 doses of Moderna arrived unexpectedly. Dr Malone assisted with the vaccination of 137 people on Saturday, alongside his wife, retired doctor Dr Diane Foord, under the direction of GP Dr Hernan Ganzo Alvarez and the medical team.

However it ended up being a bit like the loaves and fishes, he explained, because the 300 doses was based on the presumption that they were getting 10 per vial  but we were getting 11 and in one or two cases, even 12, he said.

He described the atmosphere are jubilant.

It was like the St Patricks Day were not having. Everybody was really happy, really positive. We were quite taken by it  it was quite emotional actually. You always want to do good in medicine but this felt more than doing good.

I was delighted to help out. The way I feel about it is that there is a war on and every man and every woman needs to play their part, said Dr Malone.

Amongst those who received the vaccine was Noel OSullivan (73) who as an organiser with the Sneem Mens Shed also helped out with traffic coming into the village for the vaccine.

It was a load off my mind, said Noel, explaining that he has Type 2 diabetes so is considered at higher risk from Covid.

The first lockdown was absolutely ideal because the weather was good but this time round, since Christmas its been a bit dreary. But now the vibe is absolutely great. The weather has just improved as well so its all happening together.

All the people here are absolutely delighted with themselves and we had a good chat, socially distanced.

Some were able to get their vaccines in their cars, if they were a bit less mobile than others, he added.

It really ran like a well-oiled machine and I think the whole country can learn a lesson from how we handled things here in Sneem, he said.

The residents are now hoping that they will be able to get the same number of vaccines for their top-up in four weeks time.
Will it be derby day blues for the Reds?

FOOTBALL: Tomorrow (Mar 7) sees one of the most passionate derbies in the English football calendar as Manchester United and City meet for the 185th time.

FootballPremier-League

By Ben Tirebuck

Saturday 6 March 2021, 11:30AM

Key men: Kevin de Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes. Photo: AFP.

The Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium sees hosts City in fine form on the back of a 21-game winning run in all competitions, including 15-straight victories in the league. They are 14 points clear at the league summit and look odds-on to secure their seventh league title.

West Ham made them work hard for their victory last Saturday (Feb 27) when goals from central defensive pairing Ruben Diaz and John Stones afforded them a narrow 2-1 win. Manager Pep Guardiola admitted City were not going to paint anything beautiful but they still found a way past a well-organised and enterprising Hammers team.

They also had to dig deep against Wolves in mid-week although were still able to run out 4-1 winners thanks to three late goals.

They are a well oiled machine that knows how to grind out results and it is difficult to predict who may be able to stop them. Still active in all competitions, they could well advance to achieve a historic quadruple trophy haul.

Cross-city neighbours United sit a place behind them in the table and know any distant hopes of catching their rivals are very slim. Lose this game and they all but disappear altogether.

The Reds experienced a frustrating game last Sunday when they drew 0-0 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, a game dominated by a controversial referee decision that denied them a stonewall penalty.

This was followed up on Wednesday evening with another goalless encounter against Crystal Palace where, once again, their struggles in front of goal were amplified.

Uniteds statistics away from home are actually very impressive: they are now unbeaten in 21 league matches away from Old Trafford, a sequence that includes 13 wins. However, they have never truly showed the belief and ruthless edge of potential champions, especially against the bigger teams. Indeed, their goal-shy attack against the "big six" has yielded only one positive strike - and that was in the 1-6 reverse against Tottenham in October.

Their talisman, Bruno Fernandes, has gone off the boil of late and the lack of an authoritative centre-forward has meant points dropped in games drawn that arguably should have been won.

Uruguayan stalwart Edinson Cavani has contributed well, adding some crucial strikes, yet a spate of ongoing niggling injuries have limited his involvement. Anthony Martial often carries the look of a man just not interested and Marcus Rashford has largely been deployed from the flanks where his threat is somewhat restricted.

City, on the other hand, have played out the majority of their season without a centre-forward yet have largely flourished, relying on a roving pack of talented midfielders to force their attacking intent. When he has been used in the out-and-out striker role Gabriel Jesus has performed admirably, illustrated with his two-late goals in the Wolves win.

The fact that players of the class of Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero have now returned from injury only suggests further trouble for opposing defences, starting with United tomorrow.

Will City prolong their incredible winning streak? Will United be able to maintain their own undefeated run away from home? One would hazard a guess that something has got to give.

Even with the continued absence of fans and the vociferous, unpredictable atmosphere they often create on derby day, the inevitable outcome seems to be another three points for the City machine as they continue their relentless match to the title.

Readers and friends have teased me over the years about my unbridled enthusiasm over income tax preparation.

Opinion

Readers and friends have teased me over the years about my unbridled enthusiasm over income tax preparation.

Ill confess that some of that enthusiasm has been pretend, but there is one thing I do love about tax prep that I think might help get you excited as well.

What I like is tax preparation has an end. So many things in our lives these days are never-ending, like Groundhog Day, over and over again. Its hard to find a project where you can say, "Thats done!"

On the other hand, when you sign and mail that tax return (yes, I know, you actually push "Send" on your computer or give your accountant the go-ahead to do the same), that tax return is finished. Yes, you must wait for your Notice of Assessment from CRA and they may ask for some more information, but at least your part of the job is now complete.

And our friends at the Canada Revenue Agency have made a lot of improvements this year to make filing easier. Today we will focus on those.

As a reminder, my last column on Feb. 19 gave you all the information you need about filing Work from Home expenses. If thats relevant for you, make that your starting point.

CRA has hired hundreds of additional call centre workers this year to, as they put it, "help Canadians through a tax year like no other." They have extended hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time five days a week (except holidays, which is when most of us find time to work on these things) and they now have a callback service so you dont need to stay on hold for long periods. They will call you back when its your turn at the front of the line, like the system the airlines now use.

The place to start is www.canada.ca. Click the Taxes button and youll find everything you need.

CRA encourages electronic filing, which 90 per cent of taxpayers used last year. This speeds your assessment and your refund, if youre expecting one.

Paper filing is still allowed and anyone who filed by paper last year will have received their tax package in the mail from CRA by now. However, the agency is warning it may take 10 to 12 weeks for an assessment of a paper return, which will obviously delay any refund.

Some low-income earners with consistent filing patterns have also received letters letting them know they can file by phone.

Your tax life gets much easier if you register for My Account, which some three million people did between March and September, according to CRA. The system works infinitely better than it did when first introduced a few years ago. It also now gives you access to "Autofill my return," "Express NoA" (notice of assessment) and email notifications when your filing status updates or you have mail from CRA.

The auto fill function requires NETFILE-certified software, but it will then populate your return with your personal information and your T-slips (including COVID benefits), RRSP and pension contribution receipts, tuition and most other items. CRA says it will also check your return for completeness before allowing filing. Pretty slick.

My Account also allows you to view the T-slips that CRA has on your file, to reduce omission mistakes when completing yourself. A quick check this morning of my own My Account showed I had 10 slips issued, with all the information available there online. If any are missing, I can get the information and print it. Also very slick.

Be sure to file by April 30, 2021, especially if you have money owing. This is true even if you cant pay the amount you owe. There is a penalty for not paying, but a bigger penalty for not filing on time.

Special for 2020 is the ability for some people to delay paying their outstanding balance until April 30, 2022, without interest charged. But you still have to file on time.

If your net income is $75,000 or less and you received money from one of the special government COVID-19 relief programs, you can defer payment of your outstanding amount for those 12 months.

I cant wait to hear all of your stories about how much fun you had with your taxes this year. With the river skating rinks and walking paths closed, what else will you do next weekend?

Dollars and Sense is meant as an introduction to this topic and should not in any way be construed as a replacement for personalized professional advice.

David Christianson, BA, CFP, R.F.P., TEP, CIM is recipient of the FP Canada Fellow (FCFP) Distinction, and repeatedly named a Top 50 Financial Advisor in Canada. He is a Portfolio Manager and Senior Vice President with Christianson Wealth Advisors at National Bank Financial Wealth Management, and author of the book Managing the Bull, A No-Nonsense Guide to Personal Finance.
A pro-life group has released its first list of Christian colleges and universities in the United States that have ties to Planned Parenthood.

On Wednesday, Students for Life of America announced in a press release the preliminary findings of its ongoing investigation into more than 700 Christian colleges and universities across the U.S., which found that as many as 100 have "quiet relationships" with Planned Parenthood that "fly under the radar.

The first list names 23 colleges that partner with the abortion giant in some form. Two schools that were on the initial list of 25 have since severed ties with the nation's largest abortion business.

Christian colleges found to have relationships with Planned Parenthood in Students for Life's first wave of research include: four Catholic institutions, five Lutheran schools, six universities affiliated with the United Methodist Church, two Methodist institutions, two colleges affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, one Methodist Episcopal university, one university affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one university affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, and a theological seminary affiliated with the Reformed Church in America.

Source:The Christian Post
More than half of all deaths in Ireland due to Covid-19 were among nursing home residents.

Up to 40 families are to take legal actions against numerous nursing homes across Ireland for negligence and breach of statutory duty they say led to the deaths of residents.

Solicitor firm PA Duffy confirmed to Independent.ie that it has been instructed in cases against public and private nursing homes.

Up to 15 nursing homes, both public and private, will see legal actions taken against them.

PA Duffy has also said it believes a commission of investigation will be needed to investigate the failures within nursing homes.

More than half of all deaths from Covid-19 in Ireland occurred in nursing homes.

Enda McGarrity of PA Duffy said the firm believes an inquiry by the Human Rights and Equality Commission is necessary.

Mr McGarrity said this investigation should also address the broader systemic failure of the Government to implement policies which would protect its most vulnerable citizens.

Our instructions are to issue wrongful death claims against various homes who, we say, have caused or contributed to the deaths of residents by way of negligence and breach of statutory duty, Mr McGarrity told Independent.ie.

These cases are at an early stage and many of the families are still grieving.

In addition, it is within the power of any minister to propose a commission of investigation into any matter considered to be of significant public concern. Over half the deaths from Covid-19 have been in nursing homes.

The matter is, therefore, of overwhelming public concern and we say that a commission will ultimately be required to properly investigate failures.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Violent clashes between groups of youths in Muirhevnamor which were shared on social media, have been widely condemned.

The violence erupted after a fight broke out among a large group of young people near Muirhevnamor Community Park on Friday last (26th). It was believed that racial insults were made against one group of young people.

Gardai confirmed they are investigating a public order incident that occurred in Muirhevnamor Park in Dundalk on Friday, 26th February.A spokesman said investigations are ongoing at this time.

Dundalk TD Ruairi O Murchu condemned the violence, and called for work to be done on an individual and community level in order to ensure that the scenes of violence that erupted, are not repeated.

A large number of youths were involved in a fight near the park in Muirhevnamor. It is understood the row started after young people of colour were racially abused while they walked in a group, said Deputy O Murchu.

He said the situation was made worse as it was captured on multiple mobile phones and was uploaded to social media sites and shared within moments of it taking place.

The incident was also strongly condemned by County Councillor, Kevin Meenan, who said he had been engaging with services, parents, community activists, schools and the Gardai over the last number of months in order to avoid incidents like this. He said they were aware of other incidents, on a smaller scale, in recent weeks.

Deputy O Murchu said: 'What happened on Friday evening last was disgraceful. But it could have been much worse.'

'There could have been serious injuries as everyone knows these things can get out of control really quickly.

'We have called for young people to desist, immediately, from this type of behaviour.'

He urged parents to be aware of where their children are, and what they are involving themselves in.

'Parents, and those with influence, have a huge role to play to ensure that young people are not involved in these types of incidents.'

The Louth TD added: 'People need to understand that taking part in incidents like these can, and do, lead to criminal charges which can compromise futures.

'We have been in touch with a number of people since this happened and we will redouble our efforts to ensure that the circumstances which led to this incident do not arise again.

'People have to remember that we are still in a very dangerous phase of the pandemic and should not be congregating in large groups.

'And there is no room for violence, no room for racism or calling people out in our community at any time'.
CALIFORNIA - California leaders announced their plan to give 40% of vaccine doses to the state's most vulnerable areas.

The doses will be spread out among 400 zip codes, with about 8 million people eligible for shots. Of the 400 zip codes, most will be in the Central Valley and in Los Angeles.

Once 2 million doses are given, the state will make it easier for counties to move through the reopening tiers.

The state said this is to vaccinate the most vulnerable people who reside in low-income communities.

The areas are considered the most vulnerable based on metrics that include: household income, education level, housing status, and access to transportation.

Kerri Schuette from the Shasta County Health & Human Services Agency said she is not sure if their county will be included or not, but said they will still follow the state recommendations and vaccinate those who are most vulnerable.

"No, it does not change anything about the tier system," Schuette said. "There are groups eligible now and groups that will be eligible later. It just makes sure that of those groups we are reaching out to all of them equally," she added.

Dr. Robert Bernstein of the Butte County Public Health Department said his department will be vaccinating those in low-income areas, explained the same elibility priorities as Shasta County.

Schuette added in Shasta County they are doing outreach to vulnerable populations to make sure they know when they are eligible.

State data shows that only about 17% of the Covid-19 vaccinations were administered in vulnerable communities that have disproportionately been affected by the pandemic.

California's Dr. Mark Ghaly said setting aside 40% of vaccine supply essentially means that hard-hit zip codes will be administering double what they are currently.

Kathleen Royanyne reports for the Associated Press. She said, "Once 2 million vaccine doses are given out in those neighborhoods, the state will make it easier for counties to move through tiers that dictate business and school reopenings.

With 1.6 million shots administered, That target is expected to be hit in the next week or two now that 1.6 million vaccinations have been administered.

Once the state gives out 4 million doses in those vulnerable neighborhoods, state officials told Royanyne they will revise metrics for reopening counties.

Right now, a county can move from the most restrictive purple tier to the lower red tier based on several metrics, including having seven or fewer new COVID cases per 100,000 people per day over a period of several weeks. After the state meets its goal of vaccinating more of the most vulnerable citizens, those metrics will shift to 10 new cases or less. This will allow businesses such as restaurants and gyms to reopen at a limited capacity.

Schools that want to access new state funding who are in the red tier will be required to provide in-person learning for students in transitional kindergarten through grade 6 and at least one grade each in middle and high school.

"More counties have already been moving into the red tier as caseloads, hospitalizations and deaths drop", said Royanyne. The states average 2.2% test positivity rate over seven days is a record low, she explained.
Despite the service shifting more resources toward the ARRW program last year, the missile failed its first flight test a few...
Syracuse, N.Y. -- A 33-year-old Cato woman has been fired as a healthcare worker at the Onondaga County Justice Center for giving a cell phone to an accused murderer, deputies confirmed to Syrause.com | The Post-Standard.

Shannon Roach, a nurse practitioner for Naphcare, was charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband, according to Onondaga County Sheriffs Office spokesman Sgt. Jon Seeber.

Roach is no longer allowed to help inmates at the jail and has been fired, Seeber said.

She was released on an appearance ticket, according to Seeber.

Roach gave the cell phone to James Everson, 30, who is currently charged with murder.

Everson is accused of acting with another man, Amir Bordies, 18, in a drive-by shooting early on July 13, 2019 that killed Jaymier Gillard, 18, near McKinley Park on the citys South Side.

Everson faces up to 25 years to life in prison, if convicted of murder. He could face additional prison time if convicted of illegal weapon possession.

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.
New Delhi:

The Reserve Bank of India had issued statement that it will issue new currency notes of Rs 50 and Rs 20 denominations. RBI had said that the new notes will have numerals in ascending size in the number panels and it will be without intaglio printing.

Now, images of new notes have been reportedly surfaced on social media sites. However, the authenticity of images are yet to be verified.

As per the pictures surfaced on social media sites, the new notes are paled turquoise in colour which is very different from the same denomination notes which are currently in circulation. The new notes are in the Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005 and will carry the signature of current RBI Governor Urjit Patel.

The Reserve Bank will shortly issue Rs 50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005, without inset letter in both the number panels, bearing signature of Dr Urjit R Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India, and the year of printing 2016 printed on the reverse of the banknote, said RBI in December.

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VICENZA, Italy  The U.S. military in Europe isn't expected to get the one-shot Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine anytime soon and doesn't yet have enough of the Moderna vaccine to inoculate lower priority groups, military health officials said this week.

The statements came after Navy officials in Japan said they soon would receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which recently received emergency U.S. approval.

The differences in vaccine availability between services and locations have left many people overseas uncertain about when they'll get their turn, even as the Defense Department prepares to open up vaccinations through the military community next month.

"We have not been notified that we will receive the new Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) COVID Vaccine at Army Medical Treatment Facilities in Europe," Regional Health Command Europe spokesman Gino Mattorano said in an emailed statement.

Navy and Air Force bases in Europe were also not on the receiving list, Mattorano said.

Since receiving their first doses of the Moderna vaccine in December, Army bases in Europe are mostly still inoculating health care workers, first responders, deploying troops, special operations personnel and top officials, all of whom are among the highest priority groups under the Defense Department's tiered vaccination plan.

"We haven't moved beyond (that), in most cases, because we haven't received enough vaccines to be able to do that yet," Mattorano said.

Some other military services in Europe are farther along. The Navy in Naples began offering vaccinations to all eligible adults in January, and its Sigonella base has since followed suit.

The Pentagon has declined to say how many doses are allocated to bases or discuss the number of vaccinated personnel in Europe.

Worldwide, DOD by Thursday had delivered 1,556,605 vaccine doses and administered 1,017,839 of them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That's a little over 65%, a lower administration rate than any U.S. state. Defense Department officials did not respond to emails asking for an explanation.

Roughly a third of military personnel who have been eligible so far have declined to be immunized, Army Lt. Gen. Robert Place, head of the Defense Health Agency, said last month.

A "significant number" of DOD locations will begin vaccinations in April for the general population, including civilians, Place said at a virtual town hall meeting Thursday.

It remains unclear whether that will include much of Europe, where people 65 and over and those with serious health conditions are still waiting for their turns at many bases.

About 41% of American adults in that age group, which accounts for 8 in 10 deaths attributed to COVID-19, have received at least one shot.

"It will be nice to know when civilians and dependents can get their vaccinations," a woman commented Thursday on U.S. Army Garrison Italy's Facebook page, after the garrison posted a photo of a military dentist getting his second Moderna shot.

The garrison responded that it has "no local control" over when vaccine supplies arrive. A garrison spokesman said they plan to discuss the issue at a town hall meeting.

Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the top U.S. health care facility in Europe, posted a similar message evidencing beneficiaries' frustration.

"Showing up to the vaccination site without an appointment to try and get a vaccine only puts yourself and the staff at risk and slows down the vaccination process for everyone," the hospital wrote on its Facebook page. "Please, we ask that you remain patient and wait for your appropriate tier group to receive your vaccine."

A number of U.S. bases, including the Army's Fort Leavenworth, Kan., Fort Bragg, N.C, and the Marine Corps' Camp Lejeune, N.C., have begun inoculating older and at-risk civilians.

Some troops and civilians in the U.S. may also be able to get the vaccine at pharmacies and other locations. But the European Union's vaccine rollout has been mired in delays, limited in scope and largely unavailable to U.S. personnel.

This article is written by Nancy Montgomery from Stars and Stripes and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.

Acting Minister of Energy Yuriy Vitrenko supports the development of an electronic platform for the purchase and sale of solid biofuels in Ukraine, contributing to a competitive and transparent market for such fuels.

"The mechanism for organizing the biofuel market in Ukraine should be the use of a single electronic platform on which all interested producers and consumers will trade in biofuels," the press service of the Ukrainian ministry reported, citing Vitrenko speaking at his meeting with Minister of Energy of Lithuania Dainius Kreivys.

According to the report, Ukraine and Lithuania see the development of biofuels as one of the promising areas of cooperation, noting the experience of Lithuania in the creation of the Baltpool biofuel exchange.

During the online meeting, the heads of the energy ministries, in particular, discussed the issues of the future synchronization of the Integrated Power System (IPS) of Ukraine with the power system of continental Europe.

New Delhi: The farmers protesting the Centre's three farm laws will block the 135-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway for five hours on Saturday to mark 100 days of the stir. The call to block the expressway is a part of the strategy to intensify the ongoing protest which had begun on November 26.

According to a statement issued by Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), thousands of farmers will block the expressway between 11 AM and 4 PM.

"March 6 will mark the 100th day of the farmers' protest on the borders of Delhi. On that day, there will be a 5-hour blockade on the KMP Expressway connecting various protest sites. The blockade will be between 11 AM and 4 PM and no toll will be collected at the toll plazas during this time," farmer leader Balvir Singh Rajewal said.

Those protesting at Singhu border will reach Kundli and block the toll plazas falling on the way while farmers from Ghazipur and Tikri borders will block Dasna and Bahadurgarh toll plaza, respectively. Those sitting on the Shahjahanpur border will block the road to Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway touching Gurugram-Manesar.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) requested the people to wave black flags at homes and offices to support the movement, and protest against the government.

The Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 2018. It provides a high-speed link between the northern and southern districts of Haryana. The road was built to decongest the roads of Delhi by reducing the number of trucks entering the national capital. It is a six-laned, with ten tolled entry and exit points, 52 underpasses and 23 overpasses.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping at the various borders of Delhi to protest against the three farm laws and have been demanding a repeal of the contentious laws and a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP).

Multiple rounds of talks have taken place between the government and the farm leaders, but so far it has failed to end the deadlock.
A crane is used to lift the vehicle Tiger Woods was driving in the crash (Ringo HW Chiu/AP)

Tiger Woods was unconscious in a mangled SUV after he crashed the vehicle in Southern California last week, according to a court document that also revealed a nearby resident and not a sheriffs deputy was first on the scene.

The witness, who lives near the accident scene in Rolling Hills Estates just outside Los Angeles, heard the crash and walked to the SUV, Los Angeles County sheriffs Deputy Johann Schloegl wrote in the affidavit.

The man told deputies Woods had lost consciousness and did not respond to his questions.

The first deputy, Carlos Gonzalez, arrived minutes later on the morning of February 23 and has said Woods appeared to be in shock but was conscious and able to answer basic questions. Woods suffered severe injuries to his right leg and cuts to his face.

Woods told deputies  both at the wreckage and later in hospital  that he did not know how the crash occurred and could not remember driving, according to the affidavit.

Expand Close Tiger Woods says he can not remember driving on the day in question (Richard Sellers/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Tiger Woods says he can not remember driving on the day in question (Richard Sellers/PA)

The document was filed on Tuesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court as part of a statement of probable cause requesting a search warrant be approved for the 2021 Genesis GV80 SUVs data recorder, known as a black box.

Deputy Schloegl requested data from February 22 and 23.

I believe the data will explain how/why the collision occurred, he wrote.

Deputy Schloegl previously told USA Today that he did not seek a search warrant for Woods blood samples, which could be screened for drugs and alcohol. In 2017, Woods checked himself into a clinic for help dealing with prescription drug medication after a DUI charge in his home state of Florida.

A judge approved the search warrant for the data recorder. Sheriffs representatives have declined to say what they have found on it.
The family of Moyses Arreguin, who was killed while trying to stop a robbery, will be nervously watching a teen convict's hearing.

Video Transcript

BRENDA REYES: I miss him every day, every day, every day. I want to see his face. I want to be able to hug him and just tell him how much I love him.

- Moyses Arreguin will forever be remembered as the good Samaritan who tried to protect his teenage next-door neighbor during a violent robbery in July, 2018. Arreguin ended up being shot. He died in the street outside his home with his wife by his side.

BRENDA REYES: We haven't forgotten about my brother. We're still there. We're still hurting.

- Brenda Reyes is Moyses' sister. She's worried about what's called a transfer hearing set for Monday morning.

BRENDA REYES: I guess I have a feeling that these kids are going to be released.

- Deputies arrested three people for Moyses' murder. 19-year-old Gilbert Gomez confessed to the crime, saying two teenage shooters, 15 and 16-year-olds at the time, set up the robbery. Gomez pled guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in state prison. A judge refused to certify the shooters as adults. Their fate continues to be in the hands of the juvenile justice system.

ANDY KAHN: You're entering into a very deep, dark "Twilight Zone" world when you're a victim and the perpetrators are essentially juvenile offenders.

- Andy Kahn with Crime Stoppers of Houston says he understands why the Arreguin family feels like the courts are more worried about criminals than those grieving. He explains the system doesn't demand accountability. It favors so-called rehabilitation.

ANDY KAHN: They can determine that this person remains in custody at one of the juvenile facilities until 19 and then let them go. They could actually certify this person as an adult and send them on to adult prison on the way. Or they can say, you've done enough, and we're letting you go. So there's a lot riding that's going to happen on Monday.

BRENDA REYES: They don't deserve to be outside. They need to be in prison. They need to stay there.
New Delhi: Retail consumers in India continued to buy up physical gold this week as prices retreated to a near one-year low, while lower rates also injected fresh activity in other hubs, especially Singapore.

Dealers charged up to $5 an ounce over official domestic prices, inclusive of 12.5 per cent import and 3 per cent sales levies, compared with last week's premium of $4.

"Demand has significantly improved in the past few days. Retail buyers are making purchases, especially for weddings," said Mangesh Devi, a jeweller based in Satara in the western state of Maharashtra.

On Friday (March 5), local gold futures fell to Rs. 44,217 per 10 grams, a trough since April 7.

Jewellers were also making healthy purchases in the first half of the week, but now a few of them have paused expecting further fall in prices, said a Mumbai-based dealer with a bullion importing bank. "Jewellers don't want to get stuck with high-cost inventory," the dealer said.

In Singapore, premiums of $1.60-$2 an ounce were charged, with strong demand arising from low local prices. "We've seen an increase in demand, in particular from retail clients, for both gold and silver, as prices have come down a bit," said Brian Lan, managing director at dealer GoldSilver Central, adding that wholesalers are also covering their short positions.

Chinese customers were charged premiums of about $6-$7 an ounce over benchmark spot gold prices, unchanged from last week as demand was stable, but not high, dealers said. In Hong Kong, dealers sold bullion at anywhere between a discount of $3 and a premium of $2 relative to the benchmark. Japanese dealers charged a premium of $0.50.

A sharp dip in domestic rates has triggered relatively strong investment demand, a trader at Tokyo-based retailer Tokuriki Honten said. "Individual investors are seeing current price level as a good buying opportunity," the trader added.

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Chinese Ambassador Officially Presents COVID-19 Vaccines to H.E. President Bio

2021/03/01

On March 1, 2021, H.E. Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang officially presented to H.E. President Julius Maada Bio the COVID-19 vaccines donated by the government of the Peoples Republic of China to the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone. Hon. Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mme. Nabeela F. Tunis, Hon. Minister of Defence and Interim National Coordinator of NaCOVERC Brig. (Rtd.) Kellie Conteh, Hon. Minister of Information and Communications Mr. Mohamed Swaray and other dignitaries graced the event.

Ambassador Hu intimated that this donation is meant to help Sierra Leone beef up its tenacious fight against the pandemic and fulfill H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinpings pledge of making Chinas COVID-19 vaccine a global public good. He emphasized that this is another vivid reflection of the strong friendship between China and Sierra Leone.

H.E. President Bio expressed his sincere gratitude, through Ambassador Hu, to H.E. President Xi Jinping as well as the Chinese government and people for this kind gesture. He said that a friend in need is a friend indeed, and that this donation is a great example of the high quality friendship between the two countries. H.E. President Bio noted that the vaccines would be used for the intended purpose.

Public data shows that as of February 20, 2021, over 43 million Sinopharm COVID-19 doses had been administrated worldwide, of which over 34 million were in China. The severe adverse reaction rate after vaccination is less than one in a million. Its effective rate was 79.34% in China's Phase III mid term trial and 86% in the trial in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
A West Sligo publican has expressed 'shock' with news last week that the government is considering new laws to extend pub opening hours.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee revealed proposals to permit pubs and nightclubs longer opening hours, including staggered and extended times.

However, Breda Sheridan, who owns Sheridan's Bar in Kilglass with her husband Micheal, has criticised the idea and says the rural publicans have been forgotten about.

In an email sent to Minister McEntee, as well as Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar and other TDs from the region, Mrs Sheridan said she was 'quite shocked' to hear of the proposals and 'had to check the date to see if it was an April Fools prank'.

"The extended opening hours, it's dangling a carrot," Mrs Sheridan told The Sligo Champion.

"But what's the point? No more than them reducing the VAT rate to the hospitality sector, a reduced VAT rate on zero sales is still zero, extended opening hours for businesses that can't open is the same thing.

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Whatsapp Micheal Sheridan pulling a pint when the premises was open last September

"We need certainty. I'm not an impractical person, I know it'll take time and for people to get vaccines but to come out with nonsense like that is what really infuriated us."

Sheridan's Bar, located in the small village of Kilglass near Enniscrone, has only been open for two weeks inside the last 12 months.

Mrs Sheridan says she and others in the trade have been left exasperated by the lack of certainty emanating from government.

"I'm a practical and level-headed person, I don't expect or want them to say 'ye can open on the 12th of April'," she continues.

"But last summer we had three different dates for reopening and then at the 11th hour they said no, the numbers are too high.

"I'd like them to talk to people on the ground, even within government, talk to TDs on the western seaboard or in middle and rural Ireland to get the feeling on the ground because they have these experts up there but they really haven't a clue about what it is like for Joe Normal in the West of Ireland."

The need for pubs to reopen as hubs in local communities has been raised on numerous occasions in the past year, where for many people in rural areas the local establishment is the only social outlet.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the public health situation, Breda says it is evident in the local community in Kilglass that there is a need for certainty on reopening to give people hope.

"Some of the neighbours around here that I meet when we go out for a walk, they tell us how much they miss us being open, how much they miss meeting up with friends and having a sing song and a chat in the pub. People are suffering."
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PHILADELPHIA, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jason Mitchell Real Estate, the Nations #1 Real Estate Team has officially opened its doors for business in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Led by Broker, Amy Arnone and Marketplace DP, Nicole Sommese. The Jason Mitchell Group will look to duplicate its efforts as it has throughout all markets they service.

By being the leader of B2B services, the JMG model is to support mortgage lenders and networks alike to service their clients who are in search of an agent. From buy side representation to listing support, the JMG brand has become synonymous with referral services.

"Our goal as a company is to support our partners by providing a superior process and a world class real estate experience to each of the clients we serve. By leveraging our technology, we seamlessly support our agents and provide them an opportunity to grow their business that is unmatched in the industry," says Jason Mitchell, President and CEO of Jason Mitchell Real Estate.

Now located in 17 states, The Jason Mitchell Group model has proven to be a unique niche for real estate business. Some of the national brands they service include, Rocket Homes/Rocket Mortgage, Zillow Group, Opendoor, New American Funding, Veterans United, Axos Bank, Cardinal Financial, Celebrity Home Loans , Realtor.com, and more.

To learn more about the Jason Mitchell Group visit thejasonmitchellgroup.com or email [email protected]

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SHANGHAI, March 5 (Xinhua) -- A Shanghai proton therapy center is expected to take the lead in providing treatment for Chinese children with cancer in about two years.

The center will be jointly established by the Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai Fosun Healthcare (Group) Co., Ltd. and the U.S.-based Mevion Medical Systems, Inc., under an agreement signed this week.

About 22,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in China. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatments.

Proton therapy is a new type of radiation therapy that uses high-energy beams to treat tumors. It can deliver cancer-killing power concentrated on tumors with minimal harm to surrounding healthy tissue, causing fewer side effects on brain and spine growth in children compared with traditional treatments, said Dong Kuiran, a senior oncologist at the children's hospital.

"There are many proton therapy centers under construction in China, but most will provide treatment for adults only. A lack of doctors is another obstacle," Dong said.

Many families travel abroad for proton therapy, at a cost of millions of yuan in many cases.

The partners in the Shanghai center also plan to establish a talent training base and promote Sino-U.S. research and development cooperation.
Ranchi/New Delhi, March 6 : The Jharkhand government on Saturday signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd at the stakeholders' meet on the draft Jharkhand Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2021 in New Delhi.

In coordination with the Department of Industries, Flipkart and its group companies will work towards infrastructure and industrial development, including social development. The MoU will help create a conducive environment for cooperation and investment for the unit.

FICCI will review its regional expertise, industry liaison, global networking, and industrial and various regional policies to help the state government work towards promoting cooperation, ease of doing business and increasing private sector participation.

It will also help the state government in necessary technical advice and investment related to key priority areas such as textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, micro, medium and small scale industries, and tourism.

In his keynote address, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren highlighted the importance of such events in providing valuable opportunities for interaction with businesses and for the exchange of perspectives between the government and the industry.

Explaining the urgency for a new policy, Soren said, "Covid-19 has created a crisis in industrial output and has adversely affected the value chains. The more I travel to the interior areas and the more I interact with the people there, I get the feeling that the industrial sector needs some help to overcome the strain caused by an extended and unplanned lockdown." Soren also noted that a sustained effort spread over a few years is required so that micro and small units can be pulled out of their marginal existence, while mega and large units are propelled onto the global platform.

The government of Jharkhand also signed an MoU with FICCI on the sidelines of the event.

Textile being a high priority sector for the government, a roundtable was also organised with the Apparel Export Promotion Council and the Garment Exporters and Manufacturers Association.

Besides Hemant Soren, the meet was attended Sukhdev Singh, Chief Secretary of Jharkhand; Rajeev Arun Ekka, Principal Secretary to CM; Pooja Singhal, Secretary, Industries; and Jitender Kumar Singh, Director, Industries, among others.
LEWIS TOLAND, a Denton resident, is a professor of English emeritus at the New Mexico Military Institute and a member of the West Texas Historical Association.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 23:39:41|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan joins a deliberation with fellow deputies from Hunan Province at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Saturday urged efforts to draw wisdom from history and take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a fundamental guideline to ensure the great cause of national rejuvenation advances from victory to victory.

Wang made the remarks while joining a deliberation with fellow deputies from Hunan Province at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the national legislature.

The century-old history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is a history of continuously adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, said Wang. "It is also a history of using the Party's innovative theories to guide China's national rejuvenation."

The 19th CPC National Congress established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guiding thinking of the CPC, Wang noted, adding that over the past three-plus years this adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context has been further enriched and developed.

The vice president noted that China has a long way to go towards fully building a modern socialist country, calling it a new "Long March."

The key, Wang said, is to find the direction and methods from Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to analyze and solve the problems.

He called for efforts to learn the Xi thought by heart, improve the political judgement, understanding and execution, and closely follow the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of thinking and actions. Enditem

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A Youth Organizer aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) Prince-Kamal Gumah has congratulated President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on the affirmation of their victory in December 7, 2020, presidential elections by the Supreme Court of Ghana.



Congratulation to the president and vice president for this victory. I pray and hope their good leadership will see Ghana where it supposed to be, he said



The Supreme Court on Thursday, 4 March 2021 upheld the results of last years presidential election, saying the petitioner failed to prove that the winner did not cross the constitutionally required threshold of more than 50 per cent of the votes cast.



The ruling means President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will continue in office as President until his second term is over.



Nana Akufo-Addo polled 51.3 per cent of the valid votes, according to figures from the Electoral Commission while the petitioner, who was the 2020 flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Mahama, polled 47 per cent.



Delivering the judgment, Chief Justice Anin-Yeboah said: the petition is dismissed as without merit.



Prince-Kamal Gumah who is eying a national position in the ruling party said he is impressed with the sterling performance of his partys Nana Addos legal team.







Source: Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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As India enters the second phase of nationwide inoculation against COVID-19, the Supreme Court of India will start hearing cases in a hybrid mode on an experimental basis beginning from March 15. All subordinate courts in Delhi shall also operate physically from March 15.

The top court has issued several directions and standard operating procedures on the apex court's functioning keeping COVID-19 pandemic and suggestions from the Bar associations in mind.

The lawyers will have an option to attend hearings physically or online under this mode. This will be subject to the capacity of any courtroom and no one will be allowed to enter the premises earlier than 10 minutes prior to beginning of the hearing.

"On an experimental basis, and as a pilot scheme, the final hearing or regular matters listed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays may be heard in the hybrid mode, as may be decided by the Honorable Bench, considering the number of parties in a manner as well as the limited capacity of the xourt rooms; all other matters, including those listed on Mondays and Fridays, shall continue to be heard through video/teleconferencing mode," a Supreme Court release stated.

It is mandatory for all people entering the Supreme Court premises to wear face masks, use hand sanitisers and maintain social distancing. The top court has also set up COVID-19 vaccination facilities for judges (sitting and retired) and their families.

Also read: Over 20,000 US organisations compromised through flaw in Microsoft's email software

Also read: Govt response to cryptocurrency will be 'calibrated'; open to experiment: Sitharaman
Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo delivers remarks after U.S. President-elect Joe Biden announced her as his Commerce secretary nominee at The Queen theater in Wilmington, Del., on Jan. 8, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Commerce Secretary Owns Stake in WeChat Parent Company as White House Reviews Trumps Ban

Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and her husband own a financial stake in WeChat parent company Tencent Holdings, even as the Commerce Department reviews a ban of the Chinese tech giant.

Raimondo and her husband Andrew Moffit own a stake in Tencent worth between $21,500 and $44,500, according to a financial disclosure filed Jan. 19 with the Office of Government Ethics (OGE). The recently confirmed commerce secretary promised to divest from other financial positions, citing potential conflicts of interest but didnt mention divesting the Tencent stake.

President Joe Bidens administration is conducting a broad review of the previous administrations outstanding executive orders related to China, including an August action that banned transactions with Tencent. Bidens Justice Department asked an appeals court to pause a case concerning the ban in February while it reviews the action, The Washington Post reported.

As the Biden administration has taken office, the Department of Commerce has begun a review of certain recently issued agency actions, including the secretarys prohibitions regarding the WeChat mobile application at issue in this appeal, the Justice Department said in a February court filing, according to the Post.

Federal ethics law prohibits government employees from participating in official matters where they have a financial stake, but Raimondos holdings in Tencent may be exempt from conflict of interest laws.

Raimondo and Moffit jointly own shares of two emerging markets exchange-traded funds (ETF), which are composed of several foreign stocks including Tencent. Altogether, the couples position in the two ETFs is worth between $365,000 and $750,000. The exact amount isnt provided in the OGE filing.

Tencent represents the biggest position in the emerging markets ETF managed by Vanguard and the second-biggest position in the ETF managed by BlackRock, both of which are owned by Raimondo and Moffit. Their total stake in Tencent could be worth as much as $44,490.

Prior to her confirmation as commerce secretary, Raimondo promised to divest from three health care funds managed by Fidelity, an energy ETF managed by Vanguard, and a pharmaceutical ETF managed by BlackRock, citing a potential conflict of interest in future dealings with any of the funds holdings.

Until I have completed these divestitures, I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter that to my knowledge has a direct and predictable effect on the financial interests of any holding, Raimondo stated in her Jan. 19 letter to Commerce Department ethics official David Maggi.

Raimondo made no mention in the letter of divesting from the emerging markets ETFs owned by her and her husband.

A government official may be determined to have a financial interest in particular matters affecting the underlying holdings of an ETF they own, according to the OGE.

However, it isnt clear if the emerging markets ETFs owned by Raimondo and Moffit would be considered a conflict of interest under the law, according to Project on Government Oversight general counsel Scott Amey. Diversified mutual funds, for example, often are exempt from conflict of interest law.

Unlike health care, energy, or pharmaceutical ETFs, emerging markets ETFs are diversified across several sectors. The funds Raimondo is invested in, and which contain Tencent, could be exempt from laws about conflicts of interest.

The best practice would be for Raimondo to consult with an ethics official to determine if her investment poses a conflict, and step aside if need be, Amey told the Daily Caller News Foundation.

The emerging markets ETFs owned by Raimondo and her husband also have positions in the state-controlled China Construction Bank Corp. and Bank of China.

Raimondo was sworn in as commerce secretary on March 3.

The Commerce Department has a simple but vital missionto spur good-paying jobs, empower entrepreneurs to innovate and grow, and help American workers and businesses compete, Raimondo said in a statement.

The Commerce Department didnt respond to a request for comment.

By Thomas Catenacci

From The Daily Caller News Foundation

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle

San Francisco school district officials announced Friday night a tentative deal to bring back the first group of students beginning April 12 after a year of distance learning that left many students and families struggling.

Under the plan, some students would return four full and one partial day while others would return two full days a week and spend three days in distance learning, depending on the level of demand for in-person learning at each school. The plan brings back preschool through fifth graders, special education students and other vulnerable groups. Families can also choose to remain in distance learning.
Gettyimagesbank



Voices from the North typically features the voices of North Korean refugees, but this week, we will hear from two people who are teaching North Korean refugee adolescents in a partnership between Freedom Speakers International and the U.S. Embassy of South Korea.  Ed.



By Kim Hyun-hui (Jenny)





Working with Freedom Speakers International (FSI) and the U.S. Embassy has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. As someone for whom English was not my first language, learning to speak English was a challenge for me, too. When I was learning English I received a lot of help from many people both in Korea and the United States and learned tips and tricks that helped me learn many words and phrases. I always told myself I wanted to give the same help to people who are studying English. Therefore, teaching the students in the Access Program was an honor for me.



At first, it was tough trying to teach a large class with students who have different levels and understanding of English due to their age differences. However, I was able to learn what each student needed help with. Moreover, it was extremely helpful having monthly meetings led by FSI co-founder Eunkoo Lee and receiving help from other teachers. FSI and the teachers tried to share as many resources as possible and give advice whenever I had questions or trouble with teaching the class!



There are many memories I have where I was immensely proud of my students. One of the memories is seeing students use English phrases and words I taught outside of class. During a Thanksgiving event, a student from a different school asked one of my students a question. When I asked what the question was, they told me, "He asked me what my name was, so I answered in English." Another memory was receiving positive feedback from the students. One student from my class told me since I already taught them the four seasons and how to answer what their favorite season is, they were able to answer right away when they were learning again in school. Hearing stories from the students, I am proud of how much they have learned. I am also incredibly happy that I am able to help them learn English!



Looking back on the first day of class to now, I can see that the students in my class have improved their English. As the program's semester continues, I hope to teach the students more tips and tricks to learning English in a more fun way!





Gettyimagesbank



By Brendan Kelly




Kevin Rowe Selected for Nations Top One Percent by the NADC Due to the incredible selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States are awarded membership in NADC.

Kevin Rowe, of Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, has been named on the 2021 list as a member of the Nations Top One Percent by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel. NADC is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. Its mission is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate.

Members are thoroughly vetted by a research team, selected by a blue ribbon panel of attorneys with podium status from independently neutral organizations, and approved by a judicial review board as exhibiting virtue in the practice of law. Due to the incredible selectivity of the appointment process, only the top one percent of attorneys in the United States are awarded membership in NADC. This elite class of advocates consists of the finest leaders of the legal profession from across the nation.

I am humbled and honored to once again be chosen for this award. To be included in the Nations Top One Percent of Attorneys is a proud achievement, said Kevin Rowe, Esq.

More About Lerner and Rowe

Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys is a powerhouse law firm in representing personal injury clients. Attorneys Glen Lerner and Kevin Rowe have grown their law firm into one of the largest personal injury firms in the country, with over 50 attorneys and nearly 400 support employees located in Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Nevada, California, Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, and Tennessee. The law firms continuous exalted levels of success can be attributed to the high levels of respect and dignity shown to victims and family members hurt in an accident.

For those injured outside one of the previously listed states, Lerner and Rowe has an established network of attorneys across the country, ready to help. The firm takes pride in nourishing these relationships as they know a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in obtaining fair compensation for the pain and suffering inflicted upon the victims of tortious conduct.

For more information about Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, please call 602-977-1900. To connect with the law firm socially, follow Lerner and Rowe on Twitter and Instagram, or like their Facebook page. Also, be sure to visit LernerAndRoweGivesBack.com to learn more about the many other community services that the lawyers and legal support team of Lerner and Rowe actively support.

About The National Association of Distinguished Counsel

The National Association of Distinguished Counsel is an organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of legal excellence. The mission of the NADC is to objectively recognize the attorneys who elevate the standards of the Bar and provide a benchmark for other lawyers to emulate. By virtue of the incredible selectivity of our research process, only the elite few are invited to join the ranks of the NADC. Specifically, less than 1% of practicing attorneys in the United States are members of the Nations Top Attorneys''. The recipients of this prestigious award have demonstrated the highest ideals of the legal profession. For more information, visit DistinguishedCounsel.org.

###


With our new operations in Des Plaines, Illinois is now operating 11 state-supported mass vaccination sites in Cook County in addition to the soon-to-launch United Center, and the network of more than 800 vaccination locations around the state all trained on one goal: vaccinating as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, said Governor JB Pritzker in a statement.
For all that being the daughter of an African immigrant means to me, I have disturbingly few cultural touchstones from my mothers homeland. Shes Nigerian, so I am well-aware of Nollywood, even if I havent watched a film. Ive smelled, and turned down, bowls of egusi soup. I regularly bash Marvel (including in Slate) for its inability to have its characters properly pronounce Lagos, the name of Nigerias biggest city and arguably the most populous in Africa. (Say it with me again: LAY-gus. Its really not hard!)

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But otherwise, Im American, born and raised. I love pizza and Ferris Buellers Day Off and music by sad white girls. None of these resonate with my mother as they do me, even if shes lived in the United States since 1980longer than she ever lived in Nigeria. All of which helps explain why my mother and I had very different feelings about Coming to America when I was growing up.

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Take the movies opening scenes, which are set in the fictional African state of Zamunda. We see little of the country outside of the palace that Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy, all enthusiasm and wide, buck-toothed smile) yearns to break free from. Instead, were introduced to the royal palace, where Akeem is trapped in a gilded cage, waited on hand and foot (not to mention his royal penis) by a trail of female servants scattering flower petals in his wake. Its all comic, even fantastical opulence, setting the stage for the riches-to-rags (and back), fish-out-of-water journey that is at the movies core. But to my mother, already, there was something more insidious to this central joke: The problem wasnt that these rich people are ridiculous, or that Akeem is a spoiled rich boy who doesnt understand how those American poors liveit is after all a universal truth that every nation and continent have their share of out-of-touch rich people. The problem is that part of the humor is supposed to derive from the fact that these rich people are Africanbecause perish the thought that an African could actually be well-off, especially compared with an American.

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And then comes that big dance sequence at the betrothal, where Akeem finally meets the bride that his family has arranged for him to marry. A parade of svelte, sandal-footed men and women march into the throne room, shaking their grass skirts and feather headdresses. Their clothes are barely there, and its always a surprise that we dont see anyones private parts flop out as they dance with a possessed intensity. Its a beautiful performance, but one that does little to dispel ideas that the countrys nonroyalsthe average peopleare anything more than primitives who roam the savannah in loincloths and face paint. (It may be worth noting that the outfits were by director John Landis wife, the accomplished, white costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis, while the dance was choreographed by Paula Abdul.)

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If my mom was in the room and we were watching this movie, and she had managed to make it this far, this was usually when she would tap out. I loved Coming to America as a kid, finding Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall so funny and the love story between Akeem and his American Queen, fast food heiress Lisa, so cute, but my mother resented it. It wasnt that she didnt get the jokes, like with Ferris Bueller; it was that, to her, this movie was blatantly offensive. The accents sound like theyre trying to be bad South Africans! she would jeer. And what are these outfits? Its supposed to be funny, Mom, wed argue. Chill out, man. But no, Mom would not chill out, manbecause with so little American media focused on Africa, for this to be the persistent representation not only didnt sit well. It infuriated her.

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I was negative-5 years old when Coming to America came out; in 1988, my mom had been here nearly a decade, and in New York, too, where the movie is set. We all kind of said, OK, this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek,  she recently told me, but what my friends and I found offensive was that people who didnt know better probably thought this was the real deal. Thirty-three years later, with the sequel about to come out, it seems less likely that anyone could mistake Zamunda for a realistic depiction of any African nation. After all, the Coming to America movies are no longer even the most prominent depiction of a fictional African nation. But at least Wakanda was positive, she continued. With the Eddie Murphy one, it was patronizing. So before rewatching the original for the first time in years, I had to wonder whether it would seem so defensible to me now, or whether it would come across as every bit as dated as a head full of Soul Glo Jheri curls.

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It chafes to watch Akeem be so blissfully ignorant, as if he were like Will Ferrells Buddy in Elf, fresh from the North Pole.

One reason for this is that Im now a lot more in touch with my own African roots. I still couldnt tell you a single Nigerian food that I like, and I know barely a word of my moms familys ancestral language, Igbo. But I have been to the country once, nearly 20 years ago now, and I have come to appreciate that experienceand my mothers having grown up theremuch more now that Im older. Africa is a hugely diverse place, impossible to stereotype; I couldnt tell you what Zamunda is meant to be inspired by, because it doesnt resemble any African nation I can think of. No, the African nation I can recall, Nigeria, is one where some wealthy people live in giant, gated mansions, while others do live in smaller, flatter homes. My aunt is an entrepreneur with tons of Chinese food restaurants. My younger cousins love Instagram and TikTok and high fashion and Tumblr and social justice Twitter. Traffic is terrible in Lagos. There are no elephants strolling about like the ones on Akeems estate. The languages and the accents vary wildly.

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That said, as the title suggests, Coming to America is most concerned not with Africa but with America, and this helps it hold up somewhat better than those early scenes might suggest. Not that some of these scenes dont also make me uncomfortable. My mom, unlike Akeem, was not a know-nothing blowing her money and trying to fit in by pretending to be working class. She came here to go to a top university, shop a whole lot, and make friends from all over the world. So as much as I love to see an African portrayed as wealthy and respected, it does also chafe to watch Akeem be so blissfully ignorant, as if he were like Will Ferrells Buddy in Elf, fresh from the North Pole. That is far from the case with most immigrants coming to this country, especially those as rich as Akeem.

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Who cares, though, I was tempted to tell myself. Its a comedy! Akeems ignorance is the joke and, for most of its run time, the movies real targetthe truly backward nation, the place where we see millions of Black people forced into povertyis the United States. And at the end of the day, it still frames an African nation as a place youd want to go back to, live in, enjoy the riches of. It beats mopping the floors at McDowells.

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But if Coming to Americas problems lie mostly in its depiction of Africa, its sequel exacerbates those flaws by setting the bulk of its action not in America but in Zamunda. And while we might have all grown more enlightened in the three decades since the original film was made, Zamunda, it turns out, hasnt changed at all. Though Akeem, at the end of the original film, succeeded in overthrowing Zamundas traditional system of arranged marriage in favor of finding a more equitable partnership with his American queen, that was apparently the last reform he (and Lisa) ever encouraged. The rest of the countrys ideals are as patriarchal (literally) as ever: Akeem must have a male heir, because in Zamunda, women arent even allowed to run businesses, let alone nations.

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The movie is of course setting this up as just another stodgy tradition for Akeem to overcome (however belatedly), but the premise still plays into stereotypes about Africa being behind the times, and the movie doesnt get much more thoughtful from there. As the dad of three daughters, Akeem seems to think hes out of luck, but we are soon informed that, during the trip to America depicted in the original film, Akeem was drugged by a woman (played by Leslie Jones) who he and Semmi (Arsenio Hall) invited back with them from the bara woman who then proceeded to have sex with the prince and become pregnant with his son. That this scene depicts a pretty clear-cut date rape (Akeem doesnt remember any of this, except that he encountered a boar) while playing it for laughs is one of the movies first and most harrowing choices. Still, as regrettable as this nonconsensual retcon may be, it is at least not an indictment of Africans writ large.

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But the trip to America is brief, and Akeem and co. quickly return to Zamunda, the princes newfound son, Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler), in tow. The reason for the haste is that Akeem almost literally has a gun to his head, and the man holding the gun is General Izzi (Wesley Snipes), another of the movies more questionable creations. The backstory is that Izzi has threatened to make war with Zamunda if Akeem does not wed a son to the generals daughter and forge a peace. But as much as Snipes appears to be enjoying the role, his character is a depressingly familiar figure from Western media and headlines: Hes a murderous warlord, one who outfits child soldiers with guns almost too large for them to carry. One of the lone flourishes is that he trains them using the arcade version of Dance Dance Revolution, but the underlying subject is about as funny as what happens to Akeem on that night he cant remember.

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Izzis nation, meanwhile, is so self-consciously underbaked (its name is Nextdoria) that it has no other traits for me to discuss, and the movies treatment of Zamunda isnt much better. Now that we have to spend the next 70 minutes of the movie properly hanging out in the country, there is some responsibility to actually give it character, but instead, the joke is that the country Akeem loves so much is as generic as every other Western take on Africa. This, too, seems to be self-conscious: The movie underlines it through repeated references to The Lion King, from the movies opening shot, which sweeps over a herd of antelope in an echo of the Disney classic, to multiple characters being called Mufasa. Indeed, those arent even the only references to lions. In one of the trials Lavelle must undertake to become prince, he must pluck the whiskers from one of the beastsbecause apparently the royals are under constant threat from jungle creatures? In this context, even the scenes that attempt to subvert African stereotypes only do so while reiterating them in the process. Lavelles final trial, he is told, is that he must undergo a ceremonial circumcision, via machetea possible grotesque reference to the Western reputation of some African nations as places with abundant female genital mutilation. Its ultimately a bait-and-switch: It turns out to be a sort of practical joke, and Lavelles royal foreskin is safe. (A potato is ceremonially sliced instead.) But if the movie occasionally weaponizes American viewers own misconceptions about Africa against them, it doesnt offer anything with which to replace them.

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This is all not to say that the movie is without any merit. With Black Panthers costume designer Ruth Carter on hand this time to craft the costumes, at least scenes like this movies dance performance (starring the ever-watchable Teyana Taylor) are marvelous to look at. The African aristocrats are dressed beautifully, with robes and gowns that lend credence to their commanding presences. But these trappings can only do so much to dress up the lackadaisical Africana underneath.

In 2021, is it too much to ask a movie based in Africa to pay some attention to its setting? The movie dutifully repeats its 1980s predecessor beat for beat, which is a whole other issue, but for as much time as it spends on the African continent, we might have hoped that this was one domain where it could have brought some fresh ideas. Instead, this time, Ill be complaining to my mom about the movie before she can beat me to it.
One suspect has been arrested and police continue to search for another on charges of murder in connection with the shooting of 25-year-old Manuel Duarte in Brockton last year, authorities said Saturday.

Duarte was found shot in the head and body on Oct. 13 near 94 Belmont Ave. in Brockton. He was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Medical Center, according to the office of Plymouth District Attorney Timothy Cruz.

Following an ongoing investigation, Massachusetts State Police troopers assigned to the district attorneys office on Friday obtained arrest warrants charging 29-year-old Takari Elliot and 32-year-old Marvin Veiga with murder, Cruzs office said in a statement.

Elliot was located in Brockton on Friday and was arrested, the statement said.

Authorities continue to search for Veiga, who is considered armed and dangerous, according to the district attorneys office. Veiga has tattoos on his face and neck and is believed to be traveling in a newer-model silver SUV with an out-of-state license plate, the statement said.

Anyone with information about Veiga is asked to call Massachusetts State Police at 508-894-2600 or Brockton police at 508-941-0200.

ONE UNDER ARREST, MASSACHUSETTS STATE POLICE SEARCHING FOR SECOND MAN WANTED IN CONNECTION WITH 2020 BROCKTON MURDER pic.twitter.com/QAjUyOsZpo  DA Tim Cruz (@PlymouthCtyDAO) March 6, 2021

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The plot of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority in Taiwan to destabilize Hong Kong and seek "Taiwan independence" is evil in nature and doomed to fail, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said Friday.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks in response to a query on DPP's recent comments about a draft decision involving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The draft decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR was submitted Friday to the fourth annual session of the 13th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for deliberation.

Zhu noted that improving the electoral system of Hong Kong aims to fully and faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" and provide a sound institutional guarantee for the full implementation of the "patriots administering Hong Kong" principle.

She also slammed the ill intention behind the DPP's repeated meddling with Hong Kong affairs.








During last Monday's meeting of Wicklow Municipal District the elected members were furnished with written replies by District Engineer Kevin Scanlon to questions raised at the previous meeting held in January.

The ball alley at Crinion Park was damaged late last year by strong winds. Stormy weather caused the protective railings above the ball alley to collapse, along with some vegetation and rubble, leaving the ball alley completely unplayable.

Wicklow Municipal District has met with various people involved in the planned works. An engineer is being appointed and will propose what works will be carried out. Depending on the scale of the works it may require some external heritage funding which is now open.

A contractor has visited and assessed the traffic lights by the Grand Hotel. A pedestrian button was stuck and has been repaired. The sequence was also changed and will continue to be monitored.

There is a small budget for additional bins which is also available.

Mr Scanlon said: 'There is a lot more people using the street bins for household rubbish during the pandemic. This is not what street bins are for. We will assess some of the busy pedestrian routes and will place bins in four or five locations. There are currently 71 bins and 20 dog bins around the town. We will also assess other locations where bins are not being used with a view to removing or relocating these.'

Expand Close The traffic light sequence has been altered at the Grand Hotel junction / Facebook

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Whatsapp The traffic light sequence has been altered at the Grand Hotel junction

Work has also been carried out at Rathnew Cemetery.

'There are more than 10 bins around the graveyard at the ends of most footpaths. Stephen collects these on a regular basis. I've no plans on putting more bins here but I'll talk to Stephen about possibly moving some if it helps,' added Mr Scanlon. Regarding the unfinished footpath at Lidl, the builder of a nearby estate has been contacted and has assured the district that security will be removed to allow the path be used. There may be some future works for Wicklow County Council to do to connect these paths together which will be looked into later in the year.

The traffic lights near St Joseph's NS in Glenealy are broken. An electrician inspected the lights a few weeks ago and it appears the broken parts aren't replaceable. A solar powered alternative is being looked into.

The gritting crews work on the regional roads in the district. No local roads or estates are included in these runs. There are way too many local roads and estates to send the gritter into these.

However, the Wicklow District has placed salt and grit if estates provide a plastic container to store it.

Jetting company are inspecting and clearing drains in the coming days for footpath and drainage works at Ballinalea.

A machine is also being looked at for cleaning the moss and growth on paths. This will be followed up after lockdown.
Numerous Standard Bank customers have complained about duplicate transactions going off on their bank accounts in recent days.

Customers reported the issues on social media and Standard Banks Downdetector page, with payments from as far back as the past weekend appearing to have been affected.

Downdetector showed an increase in reports at around 10:00 PM on Wednesday evening, before dropping down for the night and increasing sharply at around 7:00 AM on Thursday.

Double payments went off on my account. Now stating I owe money on my account, one user said.

These double payments just got me all messed up. Honestly, I avoid being in the negatives and this is really not cool, another stated.

Same with me, my account shows I owe R75,000. What is going on Standard Bank? a third customer replied.

Multiple reports could also be seen on Twitter, with one user asking what would happen to the dishonour fees she was being charged for rejected transactions due to insufficient funds.

Several customers complained that they did not have enough money left in their accounts to make payments.

Imagine declining at the fuel station, I kept telling the guy to try again only to find I have no money in my account, one said.

Now my account is on negative and I can even buy food for my family, another stated.

Standard Bank aware of the problem

Standard Bank confirmed it was aware of the issue in a statement on its social media accounts and a pop-up notification on its mobile app.

We are aware that recent credit and debit card transactions have been deducted more than once, the bank said.

We are addressing urgently and all affected transactions will be reversed as soon as possible, it added.

Below are the app pop-up and tweet from Standard Bank.

We are aware that recent credit and debit card transactions have been deducted more than once. We are addressing urgently and all affected transactions will be reversed as soon as possible. We apologise for the inconvenience.  StandardBankZA (@StandardBankZA) March 4, 2021

Phone lines struggling

A number of other customers also said they were unable to reach the bank via its call centre.

One user complained about Standard Bank initially only sending out a notice on social media regarding the issue.

Please send out SMS/Emails to your customers as well to notify them. Not everyone is on social media. Your phone lines are jammed and holding for 20 minutes to eventually just hang-up costs money, she tweeted.

MyBroadband asked Standard Bank for more information regarding the reports.

The bank this time said that only certain transactions on cheque card purchases had been deducted more than once.

We are aware of the issue and are working tirelessly to rectify the matter, the bank said.

It added that impacted transactions and any associated fees would be reversed as soon as possible.

The image below shows the increase in reports on Downdetector on Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Update  Thursday 13:00

Standard Bank has told MyBroadband it has reversed the transactions that were debited more than once and is in the process of reversing any associated fees.

A small percentage of cheque card Point of Sale and e-commerce transactions were impacted, Standard Bank said.

For the frustration caused, we sincerely apologise, the bank added.
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As a child attending a private evangelical elementary school and a non-denominational Bible church, I memorized hundreds of Bible verses. I was trained to view every issue  science, literature, history, definitely politics  through a biblical worldview.

I do not ever recall being told to memorize any Bible verses about immigrants. But with recent developments in immigration reform under the Biden administration, many more refugees will be arriving in America in the coming years. They will need the care and support from local churches. And we will need to teach our children what the Bible has to say about them.

Most Christians can produce some generic biblical reasons to be compassionate, but many share the assessment of a prominent evangelical leader that immigration is not a Bible issue. I can understand why that would be: For most of my life, I had never heard a sermon about immigrants.

I was not alone. A LifeWay Research poll found that just one-fifth of self-described evangelicals recalled hearing a message about immigration at church. Just 12% said that their views on the arrival of immigrants were primarily informed by the Bible  a particularly underwhelming figure when you consider that the Bible is almost always the right answer for evangelical survey respondents, regardless of the question.

The Bible actually has a lot to say about immigration. Just in the Old Testament, there are 92 references to the Hebrew noun ger, which I found translated variously as alien, foreigner, stranger, sojourner or (the English translation that Tim Keller argues best fits the Hebrew term) immigrant. As evangelical scholars like Daniel Carroll explain, nearly every major character in the Bible was a migrant of some sort, from Abraham to Ruth to Daniel to Jesus himself.

Hospitality, in the Greek of the New Testament, does not mean having friends over for a fancy meal, but rather is philoxenia, literally the love of strangers. While today, we associate the term stranger with danger, the Bible actually suggested strangers could be angels (Hebrews 13:2).

Now, when I read the Bible, its hard not to see migration as what missiologist Sam George calls a mega-theme of the Bible.

We should make immigraiton a topic of biblical teachings because, frankly, white evangelicals like me tend to have more negative views of immigrants than most Americans, when our commitment to the authority of Scripture should logically make us the most pro-immigrant religious demographic. The problem is not our commitment to Scripture  its that, on this particular topic, many evangelicals do not seem to know what the Scriptures say.

This is why the Evangelical Immigration Table launched a 40-day Scripture reading guide known as the I Was a Stranger Challenge, drawing its title from Jesus words in Matthew 25:35. Each Bible verse is also available as a shareable graphic. Were asking evangelicals to post one passage daily for 40 consecutive days.

My evangelical childhood wasnt perfect, but the evangelical subculture that formed me got a lot right, including that the Bible can be a lamp for our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105)  including illuminating how we welcome and advocate with our immigrant neighbors.
Under Gov. Greg Abbott's order, universities are able to choose whether they will retain and enforce mask-wearing and other COVID-19 safety measures.

Video Transcript

MELANIE LAWSON: Good evening, everybody. I'm Melanie Lawson along with my colleague Ted Oberg. We are so glad you are joining us this evening. Welcome to tonight's Town Hall Action 13, Re-opening Texas. It is a really sad coincidence, but it has been exactly one year ago that the first Texan was diagnosed with the coronavirus. Little did we know what was to come next.

And for most of the past year, our state has been closed or restricted in so many arenas. Businesses, schools sports and entertainment venues, even houses of worship. We've had more than 2.3 million Texans get the virus, and we've lost nearly 44,000 of our neighbors and loved ones to COVID, 5,200 of those right here in Harris County. We're also finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel, some 13%, or nearly 4 million in our state have been vaccinated, and there are several super sites in Texas, including here in Houston, that are giving out 6,000 shots a day. That's a great bit of news.

So that's the backdrop for the surprise announcement by Governor Abbott on Tuesday that he was fully reopening the state starting next Wednesday. First, we want to hear the governor's statement followed by an immediate reaction from the president and Dr. Fauci.

GREG ABBOTT: Effective next Wednesday, all businesses of any type are allowed to open 100%. Also, I am ending the statewide mask mandate.

JOE BIDEN: And the last thing-- the last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime, everything's fine, take off your mask. Forget it.

ANTHONY FAUCI: I don't know why they're doing, it but it certainly, from a public health standpoint, is ill-advised.

MELANIE LAWSON: Well, we're going to jump into our conversation right now. But first I do want to introduce you to our panel. Joining us tonight, Mayor Sylvester Turner, mayor of the city of Houston, State Senator Paul Bettencourt, County Judge JP George of Fort Bend County. County Judge Mark Keough of Montgomery County, Dr. Joseph Varon, United Memorial Medical Center chief medical officer there, Dr. Emily Williams Knight with a Texas Restaurant Association, she is the CEO. Scott McClellan, who is president of HEB, and Dr. Timothy Sloan, senior pastor of the Luke Church.

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And I want to welcome all of you all here tonight. We appreciate you so much. We should mention we've got a lot of important guests. Some may be able to stay the entire hour, some may have to sneak out a bit early. So we will give you permission to do so, and we appreciate you certainly so much. Now mayor, I want to begin with you.

You know the numbers for Houston and the surrounding area. You know we are close to 9% positivity, and you've made it pretty clear that we should continue wearing masks for a while longer and gradually reopen. But did the governor essentially take away your authority to maintain those kinds of things, and what is your next step?

SYLVESTER TURNER: Well, the authority was taken away from local government back towards the end of April of last year. The reality is that the positivity rate in the city of Houston is right around 11.8%. We still have like today, I am reporting 893 people who have contracted the virus, and 11 people who have died as of today. I can't recall the last time when I reported there were not any cases of people getting the virus and people dying.

This virus is still prevalent. We are the only city at this point where all five of the strains are existing. In the city of Houston, all five of them. So it is far too soon to just open up everything 100%, and then on top of that to say you don't have to wear the mask.

MELANIE LAWSON: So what do you do?

SYLVESTER TURNER: Well, essentially you still encourage people to go wear their masks. For city facilities, for example, and venues, you will still be required to wear your mask. For the roughly 22,000 city employees, you will still be mandated to wear your mask. I certainly appreciate many of the businesses in the Houston community and across the state who are saying to their employees that you will wear your mask, and certainly encouraging their patrons, their customers, to do to do that as well.

And then you just have to continue to listen to the doctors, and to the science, to the medical professionals, and do everything you can to get tested and to get this vaccine as quickly as you can.

MELANIE LAWSON: And what do you say, mayor, to a lot of Houstonians out there who are pleased by this decision, feeling as though at least it turns around the economy for them.

SYLVESTER TURNER: Well, there are some who are and then there are many others who are not. The reality is that yes, we've been at this, dealing with this virus for almost one year. It was a year ago tomorrow when we made the announcement with regards to some of our conventions and conferences that would no longer be meeting.

So it's been a long, protracted period of time. But what I say to people is that it's important to be patient. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. There are three vaccines that are now available. And so we are moving as quickly as possible to get those these vaccines and people's arms as quickly as possible.

But people are still dying because of this virus, and people are still getting this, contracting this virus. And you can still spread it to a lot of people. And you could be asymptomatic. Let me just close with this.

I can only imagine next week, Thursday, Friday, Saturday clubs and bars are going to be jam packed, and they are not going to be wearing their masks, and they're going to leave those establishments, and they're going to someone's home, be around someone's parents, or grandparents, family members and friends, and they will not have gotten the vaccine.

Roughly 90% of Texans have not been fully vaccinated in the state of Texas. So you know, we may be tired of the virus, OK? But the virus, as someone has said, the virus is certainly not tired of us. If you give it an opportunity to spread, it will spread.

People will get it. And people will die. And many people will die and it would not have had to be the case. The crisis and what we are dealing with is foreseeable and preventable. And it was simply too early to say 100% and no masks required. Too soon, too early, and it is life threatening.

MELANIE LAWSON: I turned over to Ted now.

TED OBGERG: Judge Keough, in Montgomery County, you're neighbors with the mayor the viruses is obviously no stranger to Montgomery County, either, where recently we ran a story that so many people were concerned about it and getting their vaccines that it caused traffic issues the vaccination site had to be relocated.

But your feeling on the governor's decision is obviously different than Mayor Turners. Why do you think this will help, and why is it the right time to do it now?

MARK KEOUGH: Well, the governor came out with the whole issue of personal responsibility. And he talked about that for a little bit about how he's leaving it up to the people to make the decision. We know here in Montgomery County, we've done that from the very beginning. Two weeks into our stay at home order, I saw that the numbers as they were coming out, were not even in the same universe as what we were told they were going to be.

And so as I began to watch that, we came off of our stay at home order, but we continue to press for people to follow CDC guidelines, to wear masks when they would go into crowds, and to constantly be practicing personal hygiene, to social distance as needed.

If they were sick, stay home. And we left it up to the people. And the fact of the matter is, that the numbers in Montgomery County are pretty strong as it relates to infections, but recoveries. I'm looking at, and constantly looking at, what is the recovery rate?

Recovery rate continues to be whether we're open, whether we're closed, whether we're partially open, whether we have a mask mandate, whether we don't have a mask mandate, recovery rate is 99.5% and it never changes. It's amazing. I've watched it all year long.

And it just doesn't change. So from that perspective, people are COVID weary. Businesses are weary. I think the governor made a wise decision. And I think it's for the people to govern themselves as it relates to masks, or whatever.

TED OBGERG: If I could-- if I could just push back for just a second. Some of this is the moral message that government leaders present, right? We understand that enforcement doesn't-- and I think a lot of us will have this discussion tonight, the enforcement of this is not severe.

Few people if any have been arrested or detained for not wearing a mask. But does it send the wrong message when the highest leaders in our state say it's OK not to wear a mask if you don't feel like it. There's no health expert that says that.

MARK KEOUGH: Well, the fact of the matter is that when you say talk about a moral message, what's moral about enforcing something that is not even legally allowed to take place? The governor-- he came out early on, said you can't arrest, you can't detain.

And then he turned right around and then came out with a mask mandate, where first was a warning, second was a fine. And the fact of the matter is that's why the sheriffs all over Texas said no, we can't do that. We can't arrest.

We can't detain. I mean, the fact of the matter is that people, at least in Montgomery County, I go all over the place. Everywhere I go, whether it's HEB, Scott, whether it's whether it's in the big box stores, people all over the place are wearing masks.

They've been listening. And they have been using good hygiene. And they've been social distancing. And I mean, I see this all over the place, and the numbers are strong.

TED OBGERG: Mel?

MELANIE LAWSON: I was going to ask the County Judge George the same thing. We've got spring break coming up, and we all remember what happened last year after spring break. We saw surges, also after most of the major holidays where people were allowed to gather and spend time.

Do you have a plan for that? Are you thinking already about what you're going to do? Fort Bend is one of the largest and most diverse counties, and growing faster than almost any other county in the country. How do you get the message out to people that it's not all over? I don't believe you've got your mic on. Judge George--

KP GEORGE: Thank you. Thank you for that question. I appreciate it. And I'm thankful I am on this panel and Fort Bend County is where we are today, a year ago, the first case in the state of Texas was reported.

And we came a long way. We came a long way. And in that process, I tell you, I'm going to be very honest with you. One of the biggest problem was not coronavirus. The biggest problem, for me, was the politics attached to it.

And I remember this in May, when governor opened up the state, and my HHS director said this is a wrong move, and it happened after Memorial Day weekend. We had-- June 14 we had 2,402 cases. And four to six weeks later, it was 8,000.

So we just-- we could talk all day about this. I don't believe in it, or this, or that. And I am very concerned about what happened a couple of days ago. And I honestly believe government shouldn't have done this, should have waited a little bit.

And so, we already started convening what to do. And so we realized-- I'm advised, I cannot ask people to wear a mask even when they are coming to county facilities. That's what I've been told.

So if county employees need to wear masks, but we are going to send the message that we strongly, strongly, encourage wearing masks, and the masks wearing work. And I'm thinking last two, three months, there was no problem about people wearing masks.

And I agree with many people are saying here, you know, most of the places people are using masks. But the last two days, after this message, I tell you, my voicemail is full of hate messages. And I'm getting emails left and right who don't even think about this and that, and all that stuff.

And I'm so disappointed about this decision. But I know that I believe-- I believe in our state. I believe in our country. I believe in my county. We will prevail. And so we are working to send out more public announcement messages so that at this point, I'm putting my trust in my people.

MELANIE LAWSON: And what kind of hate mail are you getting? What are people saying?

KP GEORGE: So there are some messages saying that you heard that right, so don't even think about changing anything. And you know, this is-- then it goes on, you know, a number of them. And so it is sad. And I honestly believe it was kind of dying out.

Governor opened a whole new can of worms. And that's what it looked like. I'm so sad. I'm very disappointed.

MELANIE LAWSON: Senator Bettencourt, I want to bring you in right now. You're a Republican, you've just heard the Judge George say this was a political decision. And we know early on there were battles over masks that sort of fell along party lines. What are you hearing from some of your constituents?

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Melanie, that's a good question. Because the real question is, where do we go forward from here, because this order takes effect next week. On my Facebook post, and everybody can see it at PaulBettencourt.com, the reactions are actually 18 to one positive. The comments are 62% positive, 20% negative. And the other undecided.

And really depends on what your view of this is. Because really what Governor have its order is a step to normalcy in the state. And just quoting some figures from his press conference, you said almost 2.5 million people that are lab confirmed to have now recovered. The CDC says the real number would be actually four to five times higher. So he's estimating through his two medical experts that he obviously worked with an, over 10 million Texans have actually recovered from it.

So you combine that with where we are vaccinations, and you've got over half of Texans that can beat the disease. And that's really what his order is about. This is about personal responsibility. I don't expect the downtown businesses to be loaded with tens of thousands of people in the morning.

I don't expect the school systems to be changing their position immediately. But I think individually, business owners will make the decision for their employees and their customers what to do. And on behalf-- I can tell you in the Texas Senate, we are going to continue to be testing, at least I believe we are, testing all the members for COVID, all the staff.

And that's what we've been doing through this crisis since the Legislature met to make sure that we can take our mask off on the floor, because we're testing everyone. And I think that's going to continue. So we just have to make the right decisions, do personal responsibility, and take the right steps.

TED OBGERG: But Senator-- and I know you well enough that I hope you know me well enough that this won't come off as mean. Don't you see the double standard in that? For me to come see you on the floor of the Texas Senate, I have to have a negative COVID test-- or to get into the governor's office, I have to have a negative COVID test. And yet for the rest of Texans, we don't No testing, no mask required. Isn't that a double standard?

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Well first off, Ted, we're doing over 100,000 tests a day. And our vaccination levels are rapidly increasing. And we're expecting about seven million by next week. So part of this is look to the future of where Texas needs to go as an economic society, as well as a cultural society.

And part of that makes that decision very obvious, because we do need to open up Texas. But again, this order is very nuanced. OK, it's being thrown around like--

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

TED OBGERG: It a double standard or not?

PAUL BETTENCOURT: No, it's not if. He's encouraging people to take it-- to wear masks. He's also said, KP George, if the hospitalization rate goes up to 15%, he can take action. So this is not-- not just a giant red meat, that you're picking up at a steakhouse. It's far more nuanced than that, so read the order. And that's it PaulBettencourt.com, too.

MELANIE LAWSON: All right.

TED OBGERG: Can I ask--

MELANIE LAWSON: Go ahead.

TED OBGERG: I'm sorry. I think we've talked a little bit about the fact that now businesses can all choose for themselves. And Mr. McClelland, you have stores in the vast majority of Texas. How do you tell your employees how to manage this? And what will you tell your customers about how to handle this?

SCOTT MCCLELLAND: Sure. Well no doubt whether it was a mask mandate, it certainly set an expectation for customers around what they were supposed to do. And it also provided a backdrop for the ability of cities and counties to act. So without that, obviously that the enforcement of it falls down onto store level. At HEB, really nothing will change in terms of how we're looking to manage this going forward.

We have always had a high expectation that customers-- have expected our customers to wear masks. We require our employees and are vendors to wear masks when they're in the store. And I think at this point, what we're having to rely on is the goodwill of Texans to look out for each other and be willing to do it.

Or this could get very difficult is if you find that there is mass noncompliance, as people come into stores, and people no longer feel safe. We will continue to offer customers masks who don't have them as they come into the store. Our expectation falls along those lines. But it does put all retailers, not just HEB, in a challenging position.

MELANIE LAWSON: But as I understand it, Mr. McClelland, you've had some belligerent incidents in some of your stories that were masks. First of all, how many? Because I think I was shocked when you told me the number. But secondly, what do you do now when somebody wants to get into a fist fight about whether or not to wear a mask?

SCOTT MCCLELLAND: Yeah, that's a good question, Melanie. So over the course of the last in at our Houston division, which is 100 stores, we've had 2,000 incidents where we've either had to involve security or store management to take care of them, because a customer either refused to wear a mask, or another customer confronted and begin to get physical with the customer who refused to wear a mask.

And so there was a fine line that one has to walk in between making sure people are safe from COVID, but also making sure that you look out for the physical safety of other customers and our employees work at a store. And this is one of the challenges.

There has not been, Melanie a more challenging issue since this COVID-19 began a year ago than dealing with masks. We dealt with it last March, last April. And now here would come around and we're dealing with it again.

MELANIE LAWSON: So what are you telling your customers now? And I have to mention, that we asked for questions. And I got this big stack. In fact, this is only a portion of it. But one question came up several times.

And I want to put that towards you particularly. It says, ask Mr. McClelland why HEB is not enforcing mask mandates for customers? Another person says since businesses can decide, why is it he's going to allow some shoppers not to wear masks? What's the answer.

SCOTT MCCLELLAND: Yeah, absolutely. So just as we have prior to the mask mandate changing, our expectation has been customers will wear masks. If you don't wear a mask in the store, will ask you to put one on if you say you don't have one we will offer to give you one.

But if a customer begins to get belligerent and potentially violent, at that point in time, because I can't risk the safety of the employees in the store, they will stand down.

MELANIE LAWSON: Thank you, Ted?

SCOTT MCCLELLAND: Well, is that unfair. I mean, I want to get to-- all politics is personal. And to you as well, Doctor Knight, we are now putting the onus on younger Texans without as much authority to really enforce what is the will of a business owner. And Mr. McClelland, is that an unfair burden for your folks, for your team?

SCOTT MCCLELLAND: Yeah, Ted. I think that's a fair question, because we don't have the backstop of the police to be able to come in and help us at this point in time, because there are no repercussions for doing it. So you're asking a 19-year-old, or a 70-year-old, or someone in between to act in that capacity.

What we're really relying on, frankly, is the goodwill of the people to do what is needed, unfortunately. Because this is such a polarized issue within the state. People fall on both sides. We do know this.

The CDC says it's wise to wear two masks, and now in the state we have a situation where we say, well, if you don't want to wear a mask, you don't have to. The reality is there are two things that can help a lot, get a vaccine as soon as you can, and wear a mask.

There is a light on the horizon, as the mayor said. At some point in time, we will get through this. But it's going to take the collective effort of all Texans working together, looking out for each other.

TED OBGERG: And Doctor Knight, can I ask you that question as well? The onus now comes to hosts, and hostesses, and bartenders, and servers. And I wonder if that is a fair burden for your members to now bear?

- Yeah, first I'm going to just really echo what Scott said, which is this is a partnership and it has been from the start for us. And so if you think about an industry that has sort of taken it on the chin since the day it started, while running at reduced capacity, trying to feed people. I think this last storm, we had we saw the role restaurants play in making sure Texans are cared for.

And so for us, I think we did two things. And I think I have some good news for everyone. We immediately polled our members. The announcement came out. We knew we needed to-- we thought we thought what the answer was, right?

Where this mask conversation was going to go. I'm with Scott, it's fatiguing. It's amazing. I spent 48 hours talking about masks. But it came back almost 74% of our members said we will keep our employees in masks. Right? It was very important to them.

I think something we did early on, and we just released it again tonight to all of our restaurant members across the state, is we created a restaurant promise. And that's guidelines that we recommend restaurants follow to keep people, their customers, and employees safe. And there's two sides of that. There's a commitment that the restaurant has, and there's our commitment that you have as a customer when you walk in and you make a promise that restaurant that you'll abide by.

So releasing that again today, I'm so proud of our members. And I ask citizens, and the mayor has been a great supporter to our industry from the start is look for the Texas restaurant promise.

That means that particular institution is making sure that their employees are masks, and the suggestion is that you keep your mask on until you sit down. There is no way to get through this if we cannot work together, absolutely no way. And that's really the goal of the promise of what we've wanted for our industry all along. And frankly, the really good partnerships of so many of the folks here that I only met when the crisis started.

TED OBGERG: Can you help me figure out, Dr. Knight, the move from 75% occupancy for a restaurant or bar to 100%, will that saved some businesses? Are there enough businesses that have suffered and had to turn people away at 75% in today's environment, that this truly will save some Texas businesses?

- You can't look at capacity in isolation. What's going to save these businesses is the federal relief that's coming down, a second bill that's targeted. $25 billion just to restaurants, that's going to be a significant we need to get it over the line. And vaccines.

We are definitely seeing, as we have I think 200,000 get vaccinated yesterday. We are working really hard to make sure that our restaurant workers, especially now, are in that next round. But we are seeing, as people are starting to get vaccinated, they are coming out. Our weather is improving. Our patios or bustling, and we're making that turn. So it's not just capacity. It's definitely all these pieces coming together, finally, for restaurants.

MELANIE LAWSON: I want to ask the mayor another question if I could. Mayor, I know that you disagree with what the governor did. But is it as much about the timing as anything else, or do you just feel as though, at this point, he's tied your hands in the hands of so many other mayors and county judges?

SYLVESTER TURNER: Well, there is no question that our hands have been tied, and they've been tied for quite some time. But the reality is that over 500,000 people have lost their lives to this virus across the United States. Nearly 45,000 Texans have lost their lives. Nearly 2,000 Houstonians have lost their lives.

The positivity rate is still too high. And it is about the timing. What President Biden has said that by the end of May, anybody who wants a vaccine in the state of Texas, and in the United States, can get a vaccine. So what is the problem with having people maintaining the mass order for a couple of more months at least, and waiting until those vaccines are made readily available?

The other point that I would say to you, and I know people have been talking about personal responsibility, well look, we tell people not to speed, but yet we have cops out there to give them a ticket because we know that a lot of people are going to speed. You know? And so when we are talking about a situation where we know that until people are fully vaccinated, the one protection that can help save lives is the wearing of these masks.

Until you get fully vaccinated, this is your protection. It protects you and it protects others. And 40% of the people that are walking around here do not have symptoms. They are no signs. But they can spread it.

And then when people get this virus, and they don't have access to adequate, affordable health care, then look at the people who are disproportionately impacted. And the reality is, more people are going to get this virus and more people are going to die. And that would not be the case.

And then lastly, what I will say, for many of us OK, you're not going to come to city Hall without being screened. And then without in many cases haven't been tested. You're not going to go to the state capitol without being tested. You're not.

You're not going to be walking around legislators, and senators, and the governor, and the mayors with at least your mask on, or being tested, or being vaccinated. But the vast majority of people across the state of Texas, in the city of Houston, they're going to be going to restaurants, they're going to be going to bars and clubs.

They're going to be in close proximity with one another. They will not have been fully vaccinated. They're not going to have the mask on. This virus is going to attach to them, and they are going to carry this virus to other people, family members, and friends. It doesn't have to be this case. Finally, I will say.

MELANIE LAWSON: Yeah, go ahead. Make your final point.

SYLVESTER TURNER: If the governor wanted to open up the state 100%, OK. We already at 75%, open up to 100%. But maintain the requirement for people to wear their mask! Maintain that requirement. What he has done is going to create, chaos, confusion and conflict. At HEBs, in your Krogers, in other businesses, in restaurants. It creates chaos, conflict, and confusion.

MELANIE LAWSON: Although Ted had a chance to interview one live today on the air, and he said he will continue to wear his mask and he expects that many Texans will. But COVID is really a two-headed monster in a real way. Obviously, the health crisis.

But it's also had a horrific impact on the economy, mayor, at this point. How do you balance the two, and is there some silver lining here in that many restaurants, and stores, and businesses will now be able to reopen?

SYLVESTER TURNER: And it is a delicate balance. And I want businesses to remain open. And we've worked very closely with the Texas Restaurant Association, both at the state level and at the city level. We never shut down the construction industry, when it comes to residential or commercial construction.

It has always stayed open. Essential businesses have always stayed open. It is important for there to be a delicate balance. And quite frankly, all of this national confusion that's coming out of Texas across the country doesn't help businesses, either. It doesn't help our image.

It doesn't help businesses. OK? And so I want businesses to stay open. I don't want one business, I don't want a small business to close its doors. I don't want one restaurant to close its doors.

There's a way to strike a healthy balance without going all the way. And again, and what I would say to the governor, if you want to open the state of Texas up 100%, OK, fine. I'll go with you on that.

But maintain the mass order. Just maintain that. Now that we know there are three vaccines, probably others that will be coming. And by the end of May, there'll be enough vaccines across the country for everybody to get a vaccine if they want.

TED OBGERG: Dr. Varon, can I ask you about the science of this? You are very personally put hands on so many of these patients and our neighbors who are suffering.

JOSEPH VARON: Well, I mean-- go ahead.

TED OBGERG: No, go ahead.

JOSEPH VARON: I'm actually-- I keep on listening to all of you guys, and now I know why I'm not a politician. But one thing that I will tell you, I mean, I'm going to call him Dr. Turner, because he really has become a doctor, Mayor Turner, really he is right. There are so many things that we know about the virus, but also so many things that we don't know.

The science is very clear. If I wear my mask, I protect you more than protecting myself. If I wear a mask and you are not using a mask, I still have a huge chance of getting the illness. That's why I feel so confused by this, or because you just need one person that doesn't listen, and let's say walks into HEB, and starts coughing and spreads a nasty illness. Now the other thing that's important from a science standpoint is we have three vaccines.

I see the happiness of Mayor Turner, because we're going to get them here. But the fact is we don't know if those three vaccines are going to cover some of these variants. You know, the California variant and the New York variant are actually pretty contagious. They are getting a little bit out of hand, and we don't know if they are going to cover them.

So how can I tell people you may or may not want to use your mask, when I don't know if I can actually even protect. I think we all have a-- you guys were talking about more. I think it's a social responsibility.

And it's a social responsibility that we all have to have. If I was to talk to the governor, I would tell him please, you want to open. I understand the economy, but as a doctor, as a scientist, I beg you to ask everybody to please wear a mask.

Because you just need one person not to wear a mask and going to a place where all of us may be wearing the mask, and you are going to get in trouble. I mean, I definitely agree with what Scott was saying. I mean, he's going to be offering mask and stuff like that. I mean, something like no shoes, no shirt, no service. I think we need to do the same, no mask, no service, end of service.

TED OBGERG: Take me inside your inbox, or your Facebook feed, how many health experts in the last two days have told you they support what Texas Governor Abbott did?

JOSEPH VARON: Not a single one. And I mean, and you have no idea the number of WhatsApp messages, or Facebook messages. Everybody telling me what's wrong with the mayor-- not with the mayor, I'm sorry, what's wrong with the governor.

And I don't understand the governor. I respect the fact that we want to boost the economy, open up, that's awesome. But let's do it-- you know, let's compromise. Let's meet somewhere in between.

Just like Mayor Turner was saying a few minutes ago, the fact that we're going to have the three vaccines. The fact that we're going to kind of rapidly expedite how we give them to people, that's actually very encouraging. We just have to wait a few more months.

I mean, we've already waited a year. What are three or four additional months? Once we get to have positivity rates of less than 3%, once we have more than 50% of the population vaccinated, I am going to feel much more comfortable with the unknown that we don't know if these COVID variants are covered. And if they are not covered, then we're going to have to keep our little mask for a much longer period of time.

MELANIE LAWSON: How are the folks, Dr. Varon, in the ICU, and many of the workers that you see every single day, how are they feeling about that?

JOSEPH VARON: Oh my gosh. I mean, you have no idea. I mean, they say words that I cannot say on TV. But I'm serious, they are very upset. And again, I understand both sides. As you know, during this pandemic, I have remained apolitical.

But the fact is that this illness is a political monster. And people feel frustrated. I feel frustrated because I have work today 350 continuous days. And out of the blue, when I'm already seeing that light at the end of the tunnel, I hear that we are opening the state in a way that I think is going to give me more patients, I feel disappointed.

MELANIE LAWSON: Is your biggest concern the fact that people won't be wearing masks, or the fact that businesses will be 100% open. What is it that concerns you the most?

JOSEPH VARON: My biggest concern is that people are not going to wear masks. That's my biggest concern. Like I said, you know, for masks to work, both people have to have a mask. If not, you still have a chance of getting in trouble.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

TED OBGERG: I know we're going to lose you in just a second. I just wanted to ask you, from your point of view what would the danger have been in waiting? We've heard the mayor suggest, why not wait a couple of months? Dr. Varon said why not wait a couple of months? Judge George, why not wait a little bit? To your mind, Judge Keough, what would be the danger in waiting?

MELANIE LAWSON: Your mic is muted. Judge, your mic is muted. There you go.

MARK KEOUGH: Whether he did it-- whether he did it right now, whether he did it next week, apparently there's something magical about next Wednesday. I'm not sure what that is that up until Wednesday, we still are required to follow these things. I just think it should have been done a long time ago.

And the fact of the matter is, by virtue of the fact that you can't arrest or detain these draconian ideas that we're going to give a warning, and then we're going to give a fine. They don't mean anything. Because unless you can arrest, unless you can detain, of which you can't do, you're not going to be able to get these things.

And so in Montgomery County, and as well as a number of other counties, the sheriffs just said no. We're not going to do this. And the fact of the matter is the people are still self-regulating. I've been pushing self-regulation from the very beginning.

And we can say all that we want about how we just must make people do this. Listen, you have a city whether it's a 150,000, whether it's 3 and 1/2 million people, how in the world are you going to enforce this? You get everybody in their brother complaining, and whining, and fighting with sheriffs and whatnot. And there are some that just aren't going to do it, no matter what you do.

TED OBGERG: But part of enforcement, judge, is just saying you've got to do it. I mean, some of that is--

MARK KEOUGH: The fact of the matter is that if you're going to have a restriction, and order in place, then you're going to have to maintain that through some type of repercussions. And when you take those away, which the governor did, there are no repercussions.

And so from the very beginning-- early on, we just decided that we're going to allow personal responsibility. And the fact of the matter is is that the people have been exercising that responsibility. I go to HEB. I shop there. I go to the big box stores.

I see people everywhere and wearing masks. There are some that don't wear masks. I can tell you this, the states that have the strongest restrictions and are the toughest when it comes to these draconian measures have got the highest rates of COVID, they've got the highest rates of--

TED OBGERG: That's just not-- you and I both know New York and California have far lower positivity rates than Texas does. And so I think-- I understand there is some debate about the effect of masks. But the fact, is states that have tougher rules, including New York and California, the two largest states in the nation in front of us, have far lower positive rates, in the single digits, under 5%.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

MARK KEOUGH: No, I appreciate what you're saying. The fact of the matter is that's ultimately not the case. And it hasn't been the case, in here just now, as we are seeing, our numbers are dropping. It's not because we've been restrictive. We are no more restrictive today than we were six or eight months ago.

And the fact of the matter, is 99.5% recovery. No matter what we do. Listen, no matter what we do. Whether we partially close, whether we partially open, whether we were masks, whether we don't wear masks, is anybody paying attention to the recovery rate?

All we keep hearing about is the increase in the infections, and nobody is talking about the recovery rate. It remains the same. How do you explain that? And so I've been operating in our county, have been pushing in our county, the same things all along, personal responsibility. And that's where we're at today.

We were there last March, April, May, June. Every month of the year, we've been in the same place. So I continue to support personal responsibility, as opposed to more laws and regulations.

MELANIE LAWSON: I'm going to bring in now the most patient man in our virtual room, and that is Dr. Timothy Sloan, who is a pastor. Dr. Sloan, tell me a little bit about your church. I know that you shut things down early in the year when some of the other churches did, and went online. But you tried to go back, is that right?

TIMOTHY SLOAN: We did. Somewhere around August or September. I think you know like many other communities of faith, we were hopeful that there was going to be an opportunity for us to start moving back into worship. So we tried a staggered approach.

We attempted to bring people in by invite only in large groups based upon the ministry commitment. And we were bringing them in, and it was going well. We were doing it twice a month. But when we saw the numbers, the data begin to trend up again towards November, we made the responsible decision to limit again our attendance, to go back to a fully virtual worship experience.

I think our congregation and so many communities of faith have responded well to that decision, Because they recognize the importance of, the responsibility of, the leaders of the faith communities protecting them. Now for us, in the African-American community, in Black church tradition, there's so much trust and confidence placed on our houses of worship, our leaders and our faith community, that they believe if we've decided that we're not going to come in, then it's the responsible thing to do.

So nobody's gotten upset. We're all a little weary. But we also recognize that that this is disappointing in this moment, because we've got to continue to make sure that we're as vigilant as possible so that we can return to some normalcy at some period, at some period. So here we are getting ready to come up on one of the most important times.

I know, for us, in our faith tradition, just one month away from celebrating Easter. And we're all anxious to get back, but we also recognize we're not out of the woods yet. And we still have to maintain some responsibility to not only masking, but also maintaining our social distance. However long that takes, whatever it's going to take, the important thing is that we're protecting the most vulnerable in our community.

MELANIE LAWSON: Well, I know that you wrote a letter to Dr. Fauci, and asked him if he would speak with your congregation for a few minutes, and he agreed and came and spoke to them for about 15 minutes. But what is your-- what are your congregants, what are your members saying? Are they chomping at the bit to come back? Do they do they feel as though now that the governor has said they don't need to wear masks, or that things have lightened up some, that they should be able to come back?

TIMOTHY SLOAN: Well several months ago, we did a survey, in the latter part of 2020 to figure out where the mindsets were towards people who wanted to come back. And we found out we're probably split. Half and half, not exactly people are saying we want to rush back in, but saying that they were OK with us beginning to move back towards coming back in.

But you still got a large portion of those individuals who are saying I'm not ready. Now here's the thing, for us, we're fighting also changing the mindsets of individuals just towards the vaccine. For communities of color, right now we're working hard just to get people's mindset to get off of the trauma that we've experienced in the Black community, and say, OK we'll accept the vaccine.

And we've made a lot of progress. Dr. Fauci's conversation with our community of faith, and with so many others, made a lot of progress. So now to get to this point, I think I and many of my colleagues across the city and the nation are concerned that movements like this, and this type of mandate, creates this false sense of hope and optimism.

So I think for us, we've got a personal responsibility. And as for us, we're not going to return. And we're also going to make sure that we keep our mask on. We're going to make sure that we continue to preach that same responsibility. So I think it's important for houses of worship to realize that we're not out of the woods yet, but we still got a responsibility until we can get back to some normalcy.

MELANIE LAWSON: So when will you come back?

TIMOTHY SLOAN: The million dollar question. We're going to go back when it's safe. And I don't see that right now. I don't see the numbers. I'm not a medical doctor I'm not-- you know, I don't know a lot about all the different variants. But what I do know it's enough to trust science, and to trust the data, and those individuals.

We trust our mayor. We trust our government, local government officials. And so we're going to make sure that we're following what they're telling us to do. And when that time comes, and we see significant movement, then we'll begin looking to do that.

Now, I do think that there are some cultural differences in communities of faith towards the decision whether to come back in, or not come back in. And we realize that that the virus is impacting communities of color so disproportionately, so we're behind the eight ball on this thing fighting.

Because we're trying to protect individuals who don't even have the adequate access to much of the vaccine. So we're just trying to make sure now that we're getting them in a proper place to even protect themselves.

MELANIE LAWSON: Ted?

TED OBGERG: Dr. Sloan, I want to ask one other question briefly. You talked about this false sense of hope. And I wonder what will create a real sense of hope for both of you, as you make this decision, and for your parishioners who so desperately want to be back in a church, I'm sure, on Easter Sunday. What will create that true sense of hope?

TIMOTHY SLOAN: Well for us, I think it's seeing the numbers trend in a downward direction. And that's one of the things that we've talked about from the day that we announced over a year ago that we were going to a totally virtual worship experience that we said, we will not return until we see that the numbers are trending in a way in which we feel as though we can be responsible enough to bring individuals back into the worship experience.

So that is what we're really looking at. We're strictly looking at the data. We're looking at the numbers, and we're listening to the voices that we trust in our community and nationally. That includes Doctor Fauci.

TED OBGERG: Thank you.

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Melanie and Ted, can we--

TED OBGERG: Go ahead.

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Can we talk about some real numbers, then? Because let's talk about what's really happening. OK. I've got them right here. State data. At the end of December, there were almost 27,000 new cases. Just on the third of March, there's 4,781 cases. That's Texas.

Oh, let's check California. January 9 they had 52,000 cases more. March 4, only 3,500. Let's check New York. 16,943 cases on January 9, new cases on March 4, they're lagging a little bit behind they've got 7,593 new cases.

Harris County, January 15, 5,614, cases March 3, down to 1,230. State positivity rate below 9%, Harris County positivity rate below 6.2%. Dr. Sloan, with all due respect, these are the real numbers. This is hope, this is progress.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

These are the real numbers.

TED OBGERG: I don't dispute that those are the real numbers. I think the question is do we get them do we give a medal at the end of the marathon, or 20 miles in? And I wonder for you, if I could, Senator Bettencourt, why does that give you the hope?

Why does that decrease give you the hope to say, OK, now is the time to do this, to take our foot off the gas, instead of waiting till the numbers show even more improvement, to get down below the 3% that Dr. Varon talked about?

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Because these numbers are substantial improvement. California's numbers are over 90% improvement. Our numbers are over 80 some odd percent improvement. This is what's really happening.

So when I hear Dr. Sloan say there's not any-- we're worried about hope, specifically there's a loss of hope, we've got real numbers that show as the governor said, that we are going to beat this virus. And look, we're going to have to deal with this virus.

And the doctor knows, for a very long time the Spanish flu left us, the Hong Kong flu and others that we see as influenza A and B on the Weather Channel site. This is going to be-- this going to be what literally influenza C.

So I'm just saying that there is real, solid numbers. Not just the vaccination rate and the number of vaccinations going up, but the new case data is plummeting in major states. And importantly at this point in time, as our vaccination curve goes up, and our new caseload has dropped, that's the hope that exists because of the facts of the numbers. But that's what--

SYLVESTER TURNER: Wait a minute, but wait a minute. That goes contrary to how this virus operates.

PAUL BETTENCOURT: It's not contrarian, man. Here's the numbers.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

Let's look at the numbers, now.

MELANIE LAWSON: Senator, let the mayor answer.

SYLVESTER TURNER: I'm quite familiar with the numbers. I see the numbers--

PAUL BETTENCOURT: You should agree with me and have hope--

SYLVESTER TURNER: Are you going to let me finish?

PAUL BETTENCOURT: You didn't let me finish at the property tax hearing, why should I let you finish now?

TED OBGERG: Yes, I will. I

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Go ahead, mayor.

SYLVESTER TURNER: At the end-- at the end of April, the numbers were all trending in the right direction. The governor opened up the state in May, and June, July, and August were horrible. At the end of October, the numbers were trending in the right direction. The governor opened up the state of Texas, and November, December, January were horrible.

Now, the state-- the numbers are trending in the right direction. But the way this virus operates, when you open up too soon, when you remove those checks, that hold this virus in check, then the virus attaches and it and it increases.

So you just can't look at where the numbers are today. When you dropped your guard, when you loosen up everything, when you take off the mask, the virus reminds you I never left. I am still here. And so now you have to look at where the numbers will be come March, April, May, as we move forward. I know the numbers. But you're ignoring how the virus operates.

MELANIE LAWSON: Dr. Varon, can you jump in on that? Dr. Varon, your mic if off.

JOSEPH VARON: I mean, I hear this every day. I mean, this is-- I understand-- actually, I understand all of you. I understand Senator Bettencourt, the question about it. I mean, yes, the numbers are looking better.

There is no question that for me, to round on 20 patients is better than running on 88 patients like I was. But just like the mayor said, you know, June, July, and August, I signed the most number of deaths certificates that I have signed in my entire life.

I mean, the same happened after Thanksgiving. I mean, I am-- I am tired. And history tends to repeat itself. History tends to repeat itself. So why don't we learn from our mistakes? And let's keep on waiting until things continue to go-- or let's get, like I said, why don't we just like go halfway.

Open the state as much as you want, just have your mask. Everybody happy. And then we'll have to these town hall meetings.

KP GEORGE: Can I say something? Can I say something?

MELANIE LAWSON: Sure.

KP GEORGE: Yeah. I just wanted to say, you know, we are actually maybe deviating from what we started talking about, in my opinion. The timing of the announcement is what we started with. You last Tuesday?

Maybe 20% of my residents are worried about how I am going to fix my house, not worried about whether I should wear a mask or not. I tell you that, we are in the middle of one of the worst snowstorm we had. You know, we were-- personally affected by-- my house is all damaged.

Our citizens, many part of Fort Wayne County, even today, we are distributing water. And that's what people are worried about, not worried about wearing a mask. So I believe in personal responsibility.

I believe in all this thing we all are talking about. I just wanted to specifically say this the timing, the timing of this announcement is the problem. I will call it what it is, . I wish governor had that press conference saying that this is how I'm going to fix what happened last two weeks ago. If he answers that, I have all the respect in the world.

MELANIE LAWSON: Is that why you called it political a few minutes ago?

- Melanie, can I jump in?

MELANIE LAWSON: Sure, Doctor Knight.

- Yeah, I think you know, I would just say as the business representative now on this, we spent 54 minutes talking about whether or not the governor's timing was right. We need to be coming together to help get our Texan, our citizens through this, our business owners.

We need to now think about, which is what we've been doing in the association, is how are we going to arrive to next Wednesday and make sure that our workers stay safe, our guests stay safe, that they are really aware. Right?

Information is everything right. Now I forgot-- I think it might have been Dr. Varon said people are confused, right? I think as leaders, we have a responsibility now to stop the rhetoric on whether this was right or wrong. This is coming, and I think we need to really focus on what we're going to do in our businesses, and our industries, and in our communities to really get through this next point. I really think that's where the conversation needs to be, not second guessing the governor's decision.

PAUL BETTENCOURT: If I can add, you're right about that, because you have 74% of your group says they're going to keep people in masks.

- Absolutely.

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Wonderful. OK, we've got downtown businesses and major buildings that are not going to open, by their decision. Wonderful. We've got school districts that are going to make their decision. By the way, 56% of the kids in Texas are in classroom, now and 44% are not.

We're making good decisions as a society. And this order, again, is very-- it's nuanced whether people want to recognize or not. Because he's actually saying stay in a mask, and he's repeating it on television.

Ted, you heard it. So he's leaving with that. And so let businesses, let schools, let everybody make the decision that's best for them. And we can move forward with this. But look, I'm going to tell you right now, Biden's comment about people being Neanderthal, that's not helpful.

SYLVESTER TURNER: Oh, please. Oh, come on.

PAUL BETTENCOURT: Say because that's not helpful, mayor. And also to have the threat meter in Harris County on full red for the year, it's not helpful. But Neanderthal is not the way for the president.

TED OBGERG: Senator, let me put a pin in it for a second.

[INTERPOSING VOICES]

We have three minutes left. And I think Dr. Knight posed a good question. This is coming in five days. And if I could, I'm curious, what is-- to any of you. What is it you need right now to be successful, given the fact that this is going to happen?

MELANIE LAWSON: And Dr. Knight, you should probably start. Do you feel as though your folks are ready to go?

- Yeah, I think we have lead time. I don't know if we'll ever be ready to go. I've been asked so many times about the mask from everywhere, we're a public facing industry, we always have been. And we have confrontation with customers on a daily basis.

Our hope is-- and this is really where I would ask Mayor Turner, really, he's been a great partner. He invited people, get our food, take it home right in the middle of the pandemic. And we really are operating. Now we need to link together and say just exactly that.

Look for the Texas promise. Right? That promise says our staff are in masks, and we encourage you to wear one as well. Look for that sign on the door. And that's how we'll make sure that we do our part as an industry, by linking with our community leaders.

That's going to be the best way to get through this. And frankly, our citizens need that right now. You know, many of them are scared, too. There's a lot of unknown up and down. And so I think if we can come together as one voice, we're going to make a huge impact. It doesn't matter what side of the aisle you're on.

MELANIE LAWSON: Dr. Varon, I wonder if you can just say something.

JOSEPH VARON: It's fairly straightforward. From my standpoint, I agree with Emily. I mean, simple little things. If we can get, for example, all the employees to be tested, that would be good. And then if we can get the customers to please come with a mask, everybody will be happy.

And then everybody will have what they want, and we won't have to be calling each other names, and suffer. And then we don't have to have these town hall meetings, which actually I don't mind. But you know, again, we're all passionate about. This illness has really gotten out to be out of control. So let's just work in getting people well. That's what we need to do.

MELANIE LAWSON: And we just have a few seconds, quite literally. Judge George, would you like to say something quick?

KP GEORGE: Absolutely. And you know, we are decided to already. We are going to be sending out a lot of public announcements. And you know, this is what it is. But only thing I was saying, I wish it was a little bit easier. That's all I say.

And we are going to deal with it. There is no question about it. And I believe in Fort Bend County residents. And we will be sending out, and I will be personally putting out notes on social media. And I'm going to do everything possible.

Because at the end of the day, I'm elected to serve 850,000 of my residents, and I will do my best. And I will do that. There is no question.

MELANIE LAWSON: All right, mayor?

MARK KEOUGH: What the governor has done is he has turned the entrepreneur loose. He's turned him loose to be creative, to increase his business. You cannot have a healthy community without a healthy economy, period.

And with 99.5% recovery, no matter what we do, stop the fear, turn people loose. Let's let Wednesday come. And if and all the safeguards are in there if anybody wants to exercise those.

MELANIE LAWSON: All right, senator?

PAUL BETTENCOURT: I just want Texans to make the best decision they can, because this order gives them the decisions, whether they're a business, whether they're at their church, or their place of worship. Whether they're at school, whether they're just staying at their home, they can make the best decision they can.

And I think Texans will beat the virus. And I believe in Texans, and I believe in Texas. And we're going to beat this thing.

MELANIE LAWSON: Mayor? And we are at 8 o'clock, so you get a quick response.

SYLVESTER TURNER: I certainly want people to get tested. And I want people to get the vaccine. I want businesses to thrive. And I want people to stay alive. And I want to remember the 2,000 Houstonians who have died, the 44,000 Texans who have died, and the 500,000 and their family members who have been affected their lives have been permanently changed.

MELANIE LAWSON: All right, pastor? We're going to let you wrap it up.

TIMOTHY SLOAN: Yeah, well I appreciate it. I would say that you know, our hope is that people will continue to be responsible. And I would like to also say nobody is more familiar with hope than I am and the church. And one thing we do know about hope it is also very responsible. So I hope that people will continue to be as responsible as possible. Mask up so that we can one day get back to some normalcy.

MELANIE LAWSON: Ted?

TED OBGERG: Mel, thank you. And I don't think I would speak after the pastor, Dr. Sloan. I think we all need help. I think Easter is the season of hope, and I think we're all looking for that. And so thank you all for joining us and thank you for having me along.

MELANIE LAWSON: Absolutely. And we do want to thank everybody for joining us this evening for a very illuminating often lively conversation that will no doubt continue in your homes, and in your places of business for some time to come. We do appreciate your being with us, and have a great evening, everybody.
India expects to start full-scale operations at Iran's Chabahar general cargo port it has built by the end of May, said Union ports and shipping minister Mansukh Mandaviya, in a boost for regional trade.

The country has been developing a part of the port on Iran's south-eastern coast along the Gulf of Oman as a way to transport goods to Iran, but also Afghanistan and central Asian countries, and avoiding rival Pakistan.

But US sanctions on Iran slowed down the port's development and Indian officials are now counting on a thaw in relations between Washington and Tehran under President Joe Biden to move forward with near $500 million of investments.

"I am expecting to visit Iran in April or May for the inauguration of full operations," Mandaviya told Reuters.

Also read: 'Misleading, incorrect': Govt rebuts report calling India 'partially free'
The Queen will praise the fortitude of the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic this evening, just hours before Meghan's bombshell interview is aired.

In a rare personal message as part of a Commonwealth Day television special, the monarch  supported by five senior Royals  will pay tribute to the way communities and countries united to support each other.

Footage of her walking last week down an avenue of Commonwealth flags in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, where Harry and Meghan's wedding reception was held, will also feature.

Queen Elizabeth II walks past Commonwealth flags in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle , to mark Commonwealth Day, March 5, 2021

Dressed in a delphinium blue dress and jacket, she wore her sapphire chrysanthemum brooch in a touching gesture to Prince Philip, who is still in hospital recovering from heart surgery. She wore it in their honeymoon photographs and again for their commemorative wedding anniversary portrait last November.

Prince Charles, filmed giving an address in Westminster Abbey, will also applaud the 'extraordinary determination, courage and creativity' of people in the face of 'heart-breaking suffering', while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praise healthcare workers from around the world.

While the Royals' appearance in the BBC programme, airing at 5pm today, was planned some time ago, its timing just hours before Meghan and Harry's interview with Oprah Winfrey goes out in North America is undeniably awkward.

Prince of Wales during his engagement which will appear in the Commonwealth Day programme on Sunday. March 6, 2021

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during there virtual engagement which will appear in the Commonwealth Day programme on Sunday. March 6, 2021

The Family's broadcast was suggested by the Royal Commonwealth Society and Westminster Abbey in early January because they recognised this year's Commonwealth Day Service would be cancelled due to lockdown.

The Queen then agreed to narrate her annual Commonwealth message, usually printed in the service programme.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, talking to Clare Balding about children's literacy, were filmed in Westminster Abbey, while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, were filmed on video calls talking to medical and charity staff from South Africa, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Australia and Malawi. Harry and Meghan, who handed back their roles as Commonwealth ambassadors, do not feature.

Countess of Wessex during her virtual engagement which will appear in the Commonwealth Day programme on Sunday. March 6, 2021

In an extract from the programme, A Celebration for Commonwealth Day, Kate and William chat in a video call with Dr Zolelwa Sifumba, an advocate for the rights of health workers in South Africa.

The Duchess tells the medic: 'Here in the UK there's been masses of public recognition of the amazing work the front line are doing and it's sad, almost, that it's taken the pandemic for the public to really back and support all those working on the front line.' The Duke of Cambridge has also been making weekly phone calls to NHS staff up and down the country to thank them for their work.

It was at the Commonwealth Day service last year when the Sussexes were last seen with their family.
Gardai believe an arrested man was on his way to a protest in Cork today.

Ian Fitzpatrick, 44, whose address was given as 40 Collins Drive, Finglas, Dublin 11 and Sylvia Smith, 44, whose address was given as 22 The Grove, Melrose, Swords, Dublin, were travelling in the same vehicle. they were arrested by gardai and appeared before a special Naas District Court sitting this evening.

Read more County Kildare news

They face allegations of breaking the five kilometre travel restriction and failing to comply with the direction of a garda.

Gda John David Lynch gave evidence of arresting Mr Fitzpatrick at the Curragh at 11.33am.

He said that when stopped earlier the defendant turned back but then left the motorway and took an alternative southwards route.

Gda Lynch said when he stopped the defendant, he indicated he was going to Kilkenny but he had missed that exit.

He also alleged the defendant initially gave a false name and when stopped the second time he said he was looking for something to eat.

Sgt Brian Jacob opposed a bail application by defending solicitor Tim Kennelly, saying that Mr Fitzpatrick was 42 kms from his address. Mr Kennelly described the defendants as friends.

Gda Danielle Farragher said she arrested Ms Smyth and conveyed her to Newbridge garda station.

Gda Farragher said that she came across the defendant 25 to 30 minutes following the first encounter, which was at a checkpoint at motorway junction 13 southbound.

Judge Desmond Zaidan granted bail of 300 euros in each case and adjourned the case until May 6.
MOUNT PLEASANT  One of South Carolina's largest and fastest-growing municipalities has had its fill of apartments and condominiums and is about to ban such developments for the next two years.

It would be the town's third moratorium targeting multi-family construction. The first was approved in 2017.

The latest moratorium comes despite the fact that Mount Pleasant already has a building permit rationing system that would only allow 10 more units to be built during the next three years  that's 10 apartments or condos, not 10 buildings.

Essentially, its just another protective measure in place as a growth management tool," said Michele Reed, Mount Pleasant's planning director.

The town's permit limits started in 2019 and apply to all types of residential construction, but the quotas for multi-family buildings were particularly strict and the available building permits have been all but exhausted. Most went to developments approved before the first moratorium was in place.

People all over the country are fleeing wherever they are living and coming here," said Councilman Jake Rambo, whose motion to approve the latest moratorium received initial approval Feb. 9 on an 8-1 vote.

Final approval is expected when Town Council next meets March 9. Rambo said the moratorium will give the town time to rewrite its zoning code following the recent adoption of a new comprehensive plan.

If we could go back in time and re-do how Mount Pleasant is laid out, there are way too many residential lots in Mount Pleasant," Rambo said. "Its way too residentially focused."

Councilwoman Kathy Landing cast the lone vote against the latest moratorium in February, questioning if it were necessary, but she plans to join the majority when it comes up for final approval.

Landing said she favors free-market approaches but that "building more apartments until we reach saturation so that prices begin to come down will not work here because Mount Pleasant is running out of locations" too quickly to keep up with demand.

"Since 'workforce housing' is an exception within the written moratorium, and I recognize that we really need this here in Mount Pleasant, I am planning to vote for the moratorium at the second reading next week," Landing said.

The population of the suburban town across the Cooper River from the Charleston peninsula has tripled since 1990, from 30,108 residents to about 90,000. Fifty years ago the town had a population of less than 7,000.

Most residents, or about two-thirds, live in single-family homes. And those homes are expensive by South Carolina standards. In January, the average home sold in the southern part of town cost $787,186, while those in the north end of town averaged $673,686, according to the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors.

Condominiums in the town were selling in January for, on average, $300,000 to $350,000.

The moratorium on multi-family homes would keep new condominiums and apartments from being built, with some exceptions. The exceptions are:

Senior housing, restricted to those at least 55 years old.

Rebuilding existing multi-family units.

Buildings that already have vested rights with the town.

Affordable housing, restricted by income.

The affordable housing exemption could allow for some new condominiums or apartments if they are restricted to buyers or tenants with incomes near the mid-point for the area, and affordable for people with such incomes. Single people earning up to $68,040, or a family of four earning as much as $97,200 could qualify for such housing  if it were built  but the prices would have to be low enough to result in monthly costs that consume no more than 30 percent of income.

For example, a townhouse development underway in the north end of town, Gregorie Ferry Towns, is a 36-unit affordable housing development where townhouses are listed for $269,900 to $285,000. To count as affordable housing, the condos are being sold to people meeting income limits and have 75-year deed restrictions to keep them affordable.

Townhouses, a type of single-family attached housing, aren't covered by the multi-family moratorium.

A condominium development could avoid both the moratorium and the limits on building permits if it counted as affordable or senior housing. Apartments could, too, but only by charging below-market rents and having income or age restrictions on tenants.
NEW ORLEANS, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Fastly, Inc. (NYSE: FSLY).

On August 5, 2020, the Company CEO Joshua Bixby revealed for the first time during its Q2 2020 earnings call that ByteDance, the operator of TikTok, which was under intense scrutiny by U.S. government officials for potential security risks, was its largest customer in the quarter and also suggested that it was a significant customer in Q1 as well, stating that "over the last six months, [TikTok] represents just about 12% of revenue, trailing 6 months ending June 30."

Thereafter, the Company and certain of its executives were sued in a securities class action lawsuit charging them with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period in violation of federal securities laws, which remains ongoing.

KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Fastly's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to Fastly's shareholders or otherwise violated state or federal laws.

If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Fastly shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn ([email protected]), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-fsly/ to learn more.

About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients  including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors  in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.

To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.

Contact:

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Lewis Kahn, Managing Partner

[email protected]

1-877-515-1850

1100 Poydras St., Suite 3200

New Orleans, LA 70163

SOURCE Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ksfcounsel.com


The Kardashians are set to expand their business empire by setting up a greeting card company.

The family have filed trademark documents to secure the rights to a name for their potential new venture 'Kardashian Kards', according to TMZ.

According to the documents, they are planning on using their famous name to sell greeting cards, calendars, decals, photo albums and postcards.

New venture: The Kardashians are set to expand their business empire by setting up a greeting card business

The business could even expand into stationery too with scrapbooks, paper, notebooks, stickers, erasers, bookmarks and gift wrapping.

Kim, 40, already owns several businesses including KKW Beauty and SKIMS, while Kourtney, 41, owns the brand Poosh.

Khloe, 36, also owns the clothing brand Good American while Kylie has her own business Kylie Cosmetics & Kylie Skin.

The news of the family's new venture comes after Kim filed for divorce from Kanye last month, after almost seven years of marriage.

Plans: The family have filed trademark documents to secure the rights to a name for their potential new venture 'Kardashian Kards', according to TMZ

It was reported that Kim was set to remain living at their $60M Hidden Hills estate, as they prepare to divide assets.

A source told ET: 'Kanye has hope that they will reconcile, but he is not expecting that in the immediate future,' with the insider sharing that though Kim still has love for him 'she is happy to see that chapter close.'

Sources said after Kim filed, Kanye was 'not doing well,' and was trying to keep himself distracted with work, after he had publicly gushed over Kim throughout the years calling her his 'dream girl.'

Split: It comes after Kim filed for divorce from Kanye last month, after almost seven years of marriage (pictured in 2019)

Kim has requested joint physical and legal custody over their four children North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, three and Psalm, one.

The former pair have a combined $2.1B in assets but signed a prenup ahead of marriage, additionally both owning and operating their respective businesses including Yeezy, SKIMS and KKW Beauty, which makes splitting finances easier.

Ahead of the legal split, they had been leading separate lives for months with little communication after their dynamic reportedly became 'downright toxic'.

Kanye has opted to live on his Wyoming ranch while Kim is staying with their children in Los Angeles.
A 33-year-old man has been charged with murdering his partners younger sister, in what was allegedly set up to appear as a suicide attempt.

Jonathan James Creswell of Briar Hill Gardens, Greysteel, appeared before a special sitting of Dungannon Magistrates Court on Saturday, March 6, by video-link from police custody.

He is accused of murdering Katie Simpson - who would have been 22 tomorrow  following an alleged incident on August 3 last year.

She died in the Intensive Care Unit of Altnagelvin Hospital on August 9, having never regained consciousness.

Formerly from Armagh, Miss Simpson was admitted just under a week earlier following an incident at a house in Gortnessy Meadows, Dungiven. At the time, the property was the home of Mr Creswell and his partner Christina, who is Katies older sister.

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A detective sergeant told the court he believed he could connect the accused to the charge.

He explained an ambulance responded to a report of an alleged suicide attempt, having been called by Mr Creswell.

He claimed to have rescued her and placed her into her own car then driven out to meet the ambulance.

However medical staff were concerned as there were no obvious ligature marks, although there were unaccounted for injuries about her body.

Only her upper body was clothed, and her laptop and phone were missing.

While the cause of death was attributed to pneumonia it was initially believed this was a result of the alleged suicide attempt.

Evidence indicated the victim had hidden the fact she had started seeing a boyfriend.

The detective said: It is our belief the defendant discovered this relationship. The day before the incident Katie had been showjumping in Lurgan. She was not permitted to drive her own car back home afterwards and was instructed to travel with the defendant who ordered another person to drive her car.

He said police believed the accused had been controlling Katie since she around the age of nine, having met her after beginning a relationship with her sister.

When arrested, Mr Creswell claimed to have been in a sexual relationship with the victim for about four years. He claimed that after the showjumping he drove to Lifford on Katies insistence to have sex at a place she liked. However there were too many people there so they drove to another area and had sex.

He then claims they went home and he spent the night in her bedroom, again having sex, while his partner slept in the room next door with their two children.

Mr Creswell accepted having Miss Simpsons phone and when she was being placed in the ambulance, switched it to flight-mode to cut the network connection. He then dumped it in a field, and admitted this was a foolish mistake.

The detective sergeant remarked: The messages recovered clearly indicate Katie was in immense fear of this man. He was constantly checking her phone and insisting on knowing the unlocking codes.

A defence barrister requested bail to be granted pointing out his client had answered all questions put to him.

He said Mr Creswells family and friends had come together and offered a collective cash surety and his partner could surrender his passport.

However District Judge Steven Keown threw out the application ruling the risks presented were too great to allow the accused to be released.





Chiraag Bains (l) has been appointed as Special Assistant to President Joe Biden for Criminal Justice and Pronita Gupta has been named Special Assistant to the president for Labor and Workers. (Twitter photos)
Image created by the Fredricks Lab's Susan Strenk and Tina Fiedler in the Fred Hutch Cellular Imaging shared resource with the assistance of electron microscopy specialists Steve MacFarlane and Bobbie Schneider.

An electron microscope image of Megasphaera hutchinsoni, recently given its official name by researchers at Fred Hutch and their colleagues in Pittsburgh and Boston. The bacterium is associated with bacterial vaginosis, and women who have it are at greater risk of acquiring HIV. The scientists named it after Fred Hutch, where it was isolated, and in honor of the centers HIV research.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has three Nobel Prizes hanging in its Seattle lobby and a worldwide reputation for the quality of its science. But one honor has remained elusive, until now: a creature named after it.

Researchers at Fred Hutch and the University of Washington, with colleagues in Pittsburgh and Boston, named the bacterium Megasphaera hutchinsoni in honor of the place where researchers first isolated it and in recognition of the Hutchs longstanding expertise in HIV research. The bacterium can be found in some women with bacterial vaginosis, or BV, and it is known to boost the risk of contracting HIV.

Drs. Sujatha Srinivasan and David Fredricks are experts in the vaginal microbiome who led the Fred Hutch portion of the collaboration that described and officially named the organism and two related bacteria in a publication this week. We sat down with them to talk about M. hutchinsoni (huhtch-ihn-SOH'-nee), how bacteria are named, and what they want people to know about BV.

A bacteriums backstory

The origins of the M. hutchinsoni bacterium lay with the birth of the National Institutes of Healths Human Microbiome Project in 2007. This ambitious project brought together researchers around the world to better understand the communities of bacteria that call our bodies home: the human microbiome.

Bacteria live all over the insides and outsides of the human body, from the skin to the gut to the genitals. Many of these bugs are unassuming passengers that dont  as far as we can tell  affect us one way or another. Some are helpful: The right intestinal bacteria, for example, can improve immune response and decrease cancer risk. And a few of these bugs can cause disease, like those involved in BV.
Ukraine is deeply interested in developing trade and investment cooperation with the United States.

We would like to further develop cooperation in the fields of agriculture, nuclear and renewable energy, as well as in the aerospace sector. We strive to dramatically increase the volume of bilateral trade and attract American investors and technology to Ukraine, Deputy Head of the President Office Yulia Svyrydenko said during an online discussion with American and European politicians and experts, organized by the Atlantic Council, Ukrinform reports citing the Presidents press service.

According to her, it is extremely important for Ukraine that the United States join the negotiation process on Donbas in the Normandy and Minsk formats to make them as efficient as possible. At the same time, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President stressed that the United States, the European Union and Ukraine should coordinate their actions.

Svyrydenko noted that it was also important for the Ukrainian side to receive a clear signal from the United States regarding Ukraine's membership in NATO: We seek to strengthen military cooperation between the United States and Ukraine to further increase the cost of any new military aggression. We must oppose all aspects of hybrid warfare together. These include cyber threats, information attacks and systemic propaganda.

As the President Office representative noted, Ukraine will be grateful if the United States considers introducing a new comprehensive sanctions regime until the war in Ukraine ends. According to her, these sanctions should remain in effect until Ukraines control is fully restored over eastern Ukraine and Crimea.

Yulia Svyrydenko stressed that Ukraine appreciated the strong bipartisan position of the American authorities on the Nord Stream 2 project.

"This project remains a big threat to Ukraine's national security. And when we discuss expectations from the new U.S. administration, the shutdown of this pipeline is absolutely critical for us. The project could seriously damage the Ukrainian economy and threaten energy security in Europe. We appreciate the strong U.S. opposition to this Russian geopolitical energy project," she said.

The discussion was attended by First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk, Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives and Co-Chair of the Ukraine Caucus in the Congress Marcy Kaptur, Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, President and CEO of the U.S.-Russia Foundation Celeste Wallander, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine in 2003-2006 John Herbst. The discussion was moderated by former Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Carl Bildt.

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The Hamilton County Health Department has added a total of 2,300 new first dose and 2,670 new second dose Pfizer appointments to the schedule. Hamilton County aligns with the State of Tennessees Vaccination Plan and expands COVID-19 eligibility to Phase 1C effective Monday, March 8.

New First Dose Appointments :



 March 9 and 10 at Enterprise South Nature Park Upcoming Phase Eligibility qualifies (1a1, 1a2, 1b, 1c and adults 65+)



New Second Dose Appointments:



 March 13, 15 and 16 at CARTA Bus Barn



People in the eligible phases are encouraged to visitvaccine.hamiltontn.gov and make their appointment online. Those who do not have access to the internet can call the appointment call center for assistance:



 First dose appointments: 423-209-5398



 Second dose appointments: 423-209-5399

A Spanish vaccine webpage and Spanish appointment call center are available for residents who speak Spanish.



 Spanish appointment line: 423-209-5384



 Spanish vaccine webpage: health.hamiltontn.org/enus/ allservices/coronavirus( covid19)/vaccine/ vacunacioncontracovid19.aspx

All three call center lines are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Due to high call volume, callers may experience a busy signal and need to hang up and call back.



General COVID-19 questions may be directed to the Health Departments hotline at 423-209-8383. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bilingual representatives are available.



Current Phases/Eligibility



COVID-19 vaccine appointments are for people who live or work in Hamilton County and meet current eligibility according to the Tennessee Department of HealthsVaccination Plan. A list of documents an individual may bring to the vaccination site to demonstrate Hamilton County residency or Hamilton County work status are available on the Health DepartmentsFAQ page in English and on theSpanish Vaccine page in Spanish. No documentation is required to demonstrate Phase 1C status.



Age Group Bracket :



 65 years or older, must be a Hamilton County resident

 No specific medical conditions are required

Phase 1a1 includes:



 Hospital/Free-Standing Emergency Department Staff with Direct Patient Exposure and/or Exposure to Potentially-Infectious Materials

 Home health care staff

 COVID-19 mass testing site staff

 Student health providers

 Staff & Residents of Long Term Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Centers, Homes for the Aged, DIDD Residential Centers, Group Homes)

 First Responders with Direct Public Exposure including Jailers

 Individuals >18 years who cannot live independently due to serious chronic medical condition or intellectual or developmental disabilities

Phase 1a2 includes:



Other Health Care Workers with Direct Patient Exposure

 Primary care providers and staff



 Outpatient specialty providers and staff working with acute patients

 Pharmacists and staff

 Patient transport

 Outpatient therapists

 Urgent visit center providers and staff

 Environmental services

 Oral health providers

 Behavioral health providers

 Outpatient laboratory staff working with COVID-19 specimens

 Funeral/mortuary workers with direct decedent contact

Phase 1B includes:



Childcare, pre-school, and kindergarten through twelfth grade teachers

School staff

School bus drivers

Other first responders (including dispatch, administrative personnel and other emergency communications personnel not included in Phase 1a1)

Airfield operations personnel employed by primary commercial and cargo service airports

Effective Monday, March 8, COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will include Phase 1C:



Caregivers (or household residents) of medically fragile children <16 years old (such as technologically dependent individuals, immunocompromised individuals, individuals with diabetes requiring medication, individuals with complex congenital or life-threatening cardiac conditions requiring ongoing medical management, individuals qualifying for a Katie Beckett waiver)

Chronic renal disease

COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis, moderate-severe asthma

Diabetics who take medication for their condition

Obesity (BMI >30)

Heart failure, CAD, cardiomyopathies, hypertension

Sickle cell (not including sickle cell trait) or thalassemia

Cerebrovascular disease or stroke

Dementia

Liver disease

Immunocompromised or weak immune system (receiving chemotherapy, taking daily oral steroid or other immunosuppressant medication, living with HIV/AIDS, history of organ, blood or bone marrow transplant)

Technologically dependent (such as individuals who are ventilator dependent, oxygen-dependent, with tracheostomy, chronically wheelchair-bound, require tube feedings, parenteral nutrition, or dialysis)

Pregnancy (NOTE: The CDC and World Health Organization have advised that pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have not been studied in pregnant women, and women who are pregnant are encouraged to discuss this decision with their medical provider.)

Important Information to Know Prior to Appointment



 Do not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.

 Wear appropriate clothing to get a shot in upper arm

 Bring proof of Hamilton County residency (if applicable)

 Bring proof of Hamilton County employment (if applicable)

 Bring proof of age (if applicable)

 Bring COVID-19 Vaccine Encounter form (if possible; form available for download on registration page)

 Be prepared to wait 20 minutes after shot

 Be prepared for the entire process to take an hour or more

Vaccination Record Card



When patients receive their first dose with the Health Department, they will receive a Vaccination Record Card with the following important information.



 The vaccine manufacturer (either Moderna or Pfizer)



 The date the first dose of vaccine was given

 The date the second vaccine dose is due. This date is not an appointment. Patient must schedule a second dose appointment.

Additional Resources



 Stay up-to-date on new vaccine appointment information. Follow the health department via their email newsletter and social media accounts, available at this link:health.hamiltontn.org/ AllServices/Coronavirus(COVID- 19)/ConnectWithUs.aspx .



 Transportation is available to the vaccination site. Call 423-209-8383 to schedule a ride.

 Visit the Health Departments new vaccine FAQ page, updated regularly: health.hamiltontn.org/en-us/ allservices/coronavirus(covid- 19)/frequentlyaskedquestions( faq).aspx





The aunt of Carlsbad woman accused in a failed murder-for-hire plot testified in a Vista courtroom Monday that her niece had once asked if she knew someone who would scare or kill her estranged husband.

The alleged conversation, perhaps a year or so before the nieces husband was shot by a sniper, began when the niece, Diana Lovejoy, told her aunt how frightened she was of her husband, and that she suspected he was abusing their son.

She said Aunt Diana, do you know anyone who could do that, either scare him or kill him? Diana Clark said.

Clarks testimony came on the second day of a preliminary hearing for Lovejoy and her gun instructor, Weldon McDavid. At the end of the hearing, Superior Court Judge Robert Kearney found that enough evidence existed to order the pair to face trial.

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They have pleaded not guilty to conspiracy and attempted murder in the attack on Lovejoys husband, which took place about 11 p.m. on Sept. 1 along a dark dirt road in Carlsbad. A suspicious call from a burner phone had lured the victim, Greg Mulvihill, to the area.

Attorneys for both defendants said there is no evidence of any agreement to kill Mulvihill.

Lovejoy and Mulvihill were in the middle of a contentious divorce and bitter custody battle. She met McDavid weeks before the shooting, while learning how to shoot a gun at a local gun range. He installed a security system in her home.

Police arrested the pair about a week after the shooting, after cell phone records and video surveillance led Carlsbad police first to Lovejoy, then to McDavid. Each remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail.

Related

Hearing starts for woman, gun instructor accused of attempted murder

In court Monday, an emotional Clark took the stand and recounted the alleged conversation with Lovejoy, an exchange she said had left her shocked and taken aback.

And beyond the moral and ethical concerns, Clark said, I told her it was a remarkably dumb idea. She would never be able to get away with it.

Clarks testimony was unexpected; investigators first learned just last week of Lovejoys alleged conversation with Clark. It is unclear how they heard about it, and Clark initially denied that Lovejoy had mentioned wanting someone to scare or hurt husband.

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But moments before court started Monday morning  and moments after denying the conversation had happened  Clark spoke to the prosecutor and admitted she had not been truthful.

I couldnt open my throat to say those words, Clark said of the initial denial.

Also on Monday, Carlsbad police Detective Scott Stallman testified that while Lovejoy had initially denied any physical relationship with McDavid, she later told him theyd had sexual relations a couple of times.

Before testimony started on Monday, both defense attorneys challenged the legality of their clients statements to police after they were read their Miranda rights, and asked the statements be tossed out. Kearney denied the request.

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teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT




Did Elon Musk die? No, he most certainly did not, but a trending topic and hashtag on Twitter called #RIPElon is still living out its days that suggests the Tesla CEO already parted ways with his life here on Earth. The reason for the speculations of his death was because of a Tesla accident on a testing center that has some Lithium-Ion Batteries exploding on him.

Several fake news media and other unreliable sources have already reported on the CEO's death, saying that he was rushed to the hospital and has died in the process of reviving the gravely injured Elon Musk. The world of Twitter has already rushed into the hoax, especially as there was radio silence on Elon Musk's end, and users have been paying condolences to the CEO.

#RIPElon contained several respectful posts, surprised reactions, and a massive collection of memes that is dedicated to Elon Musk in the wake of his death hoax, but fortunately, the CEO is alive thanks to a recent tweet. There were several theories to the death of Elon Musk, and one big foundation is a deleted tweet by his current wife, Grimes (@Grimezsz).

#RIPelon managed to take a screenshot of this before she deleted it. people were harassing and making fun of her in the replies so she took it down. why are some people so heartless? pic.twitter.com/qKV60gwbxj  Undertale (@realdonaldshlup) March 5, 2021

Read Also: Hitachi Zosen Solid-State Battery Debuts in Japan- Answer for Battery-Powered Spacecraft?

Elon Musk is Alive Thanks to a Recent Tweet Reaction

Elon Musk is alive, but he is not happy to see the trending topic about him on Twitter when he got back to the platform as the rumors of his death already spread like wildfire and initially suggested his early transition. However, all that the public got from the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was an emoji that shows his reaction regarding the case of his death and its hoax.

  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2021

Indeed, seeing people mourn, mock, and remember a certain person on social media could leave one speechless. It was enough for people to see the emoji reaction tweet of Elon Musk to confirm the bad news away. The concern of Elon Musk's fans and supporters poured out on the tweet, which was happy to see that he is alive and well.

Twitter Rumors Elon Musk Death Hoax

Elon Musk's death hoax all came together, particularly because of the recent news from unreliable sources, regarding the explosion and accident on a Tesla plant that contains Lithium-Ion batteries. Moreover, the screen captured tweet of Elon Musk's wife, Grimes, has further confirmed the death hoax of the CEO, strengthening the theory.

#RIPelon devastating news. Not gonna be active today this is a big hit to the scientific community. pic.twitter.com/pfZVa16bEO  GUY (@googpilled) March 5, 2021

In the wake of Elon Musk's emoji tweet, people are joyed that the CEO is alive and the majority of the social media platform were led into thinking that one of the most popular "meme lord" and tech mogul already departed. Social media is a powerful tool to disseminate information and it proved itself as one, particularly with the death hoax of Elon Musk.

Related Article: Elon Musk Dogecoin Under Investigation by SEC Over Tweets and Promotion of the Cryptocurrency!

This article is owned by Tech Times





Written by Isaiah Alonzo

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Senator Pat Casey is calling for the consultancy period into the Visitor Experience and Management Masterplan for Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains National Park to be stalled because it currently isn't fit for purpose.

Public consultation runs until March 12 and is mostly being facilitated through the Wicklow.ie Council Consultation website, with a series of Zoom virtual drop-in sessions with the consultant team.

Senator Casey operates the Glendalough Hotel and has been contacted by over 50 members of the local community who were dissatisfied with how the drop-in sessions worked.

He feels the consultancy period should be halted until public meetings can take place again to ensure the local community has as much input into the plans as possible.

Senator Casey said: 'I am aware of the critical importance of the consultancy period for both the masterplan and for the local community.

'We are now one week into the consultancy period and I have serious reservations over how successful it is. A 15 minute Zoom meeting attended by 10 other people is not satisfactory in giving a proper overview of the projects objectives. At this point the best thing to do is to stall the process until we as a community can meet in public.

'It is so important for the communities for Glendalough and Laragh and consultancy can't be carried out the way it is currently taking place. I would again express my view that this process should be stalled until we can all physically meet with the full input of the local community.'

Senator Casey was contacted by numerous people who initially believed the Zoom drop-in sessions were individual sessions rather than group ones.

He said 'people were booking their own 15 minute slot, only to log on and find there were another eight to ten people present. You are asked what your issues are.

'No one is giving an overview of the plan or going into any detail. I don't understand why there is such a rush when the country won't be open again to international visitors until 2022.

Senator Casey has written to Failte Ireland, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Wicklow County Council asking that the process be stalled until the current COVID restrictions are lifted.

He said, 'This is being driven by state bodies with no community involvement and very little public engagement. Everyone understands the importance of the masterplan for both visitors and the local community but the process just isn't good enough for something that is so important to the future of Glendalough and Laragh.'
Sign Up for Tuesday's Public Hearing on US 60 Work

By West Kentucky Star Staff

KEVIL - There is still time to sign up for Tuesday's virtual public hearing on the reconstruction of U.S. Highway 60 near Kevil in Ballard County.As of Friday, 33 people had signed up to participate in the online meeting scheduled for 6 pm.KYTC Chief Engineer Kyle Poat said the public will be able to review alternatives studied and provide comments. Transportation Cabinet representatives and consultants will be available to answer questions.To make a public statement at the hearing, register by calling (502) 892-6044 or email US60Ballard@qk4.com. Those registering will receive an email with meeting information. Public comments during the meeting will be limited to 3 minutes each.Information presented in the meeting will remain available for review online for at least 15 days following the date of the last in-person hearing session. The same information will be presented at both virtual and in-person sessions.After the meeting, comments can still be submitted online or by mail through March 31.Interested residents have the option of requesting an appointment for an in-person hearing, to be scheduled at a later date. You can find more information at the project website by clicking the link below.On the Net:
Press Release

March 6, 2021 Unfazed by court's denial of demurrer and bail bids, De Lima more determined to prove her innocence Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has shared that she has grown more determined to prove her innocence from all the trumped-up drug charges filed against her, following the court's denial of her motion to post bail and junk one of her two remaining bogus drug cases. In a two-page order last March 5, Judge Liezel Aquiatan of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 205 ruled that the court stands with its Omnibus Order that De Lima must present her evidence to prove her innocence of the crime charged. "As I said: It's still a long haul for me. Prolonged persecution. Delayed justice. Delayed vindication. But I shall not stop fighting for truth and freedom because I want not just to be released from this most unjust detention, but to be unequivocally and categorically declared innocent," De Lima stressed. "I just pray for the Lord to keep me healthy, sane and whole to survive this travesty of justice and, in due time, witness my oppressors' reckoning and attain my vindication within my lifetime. I must finish the race..." she added. De Lima attended the hearing on Criminal Case No. 17-165 before the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 last March 5 wherein her legal counsel, Atty. Rolly Peoro, confirmed the court's junking of her Motion for Reconsideration which they filed last Feb. 22. "Dineny na po yung ating Motion for Reconsideration ngayong araw, kakatanggap lang natin. Mula sa ating 70-page na Motion for Reconsideration at 100 plus [pages] na Demurrer [to Evidence], binigyan tayo ng 2-pager na [ruling] for our Motion for Reconsideration," Peoro said. "Kung babasahin natin yung naratibo ng Order, parang yung Prosecution lang talaga ang naglabas ng ebidensya at wala tayong inilabas dun sa mga cross-examinations... Marami pa tayong mga points na ni-raise na hindi naisama. Na sabi natin kung naisama lang yun, ang ilalaman ng lahat ng mga testigo ng mga testigo ay inosente si Senator Leila de Lima," he added. In her 70-page Motion for Reconsideration, De Lima raised the issue of Judge Aquiatan's "cherry picking" because it devoted 20 pages of the 35-page Omnibus Order "summarizing the Prosecution's narrative without ever addressing or citing the information elicited during the witness' testimonies that contradicted such narrative." The Prosecution, for their part, asked the court to deny De Lima's Motion for Reconsideration, alleging, among others, that her motion is a mere reiteration of the arguments in her Demurrer to Evidence and that the elements of the alleged conspiracy were duly established by concise and direct testimonies of the Prosecution's witnesses. In her Reply to the Comment/Opposition of the Prosecution filed last March 4, De Lima stressed that the Motion for Reconsideration brings new arguments and clearly points out the egregious errors in the Omnibus Order of the Honorable Court. "Had the Prosecution exerted real effort to read the Motion for Reconsideration, the Prosecution would easily know that the said motion raised new critical insights on how the Honorable Court missed out and overlooked important details in its Omnibus Order," the document read. "In the Motion for Reconsideration, Accused De Lima laid down all the arguments to justify the reversal of the denial of the Demurrer. First of all, it painstakingly pointed out the egregious omission of exculpatory facts and the other patent, reversible errors committed by the Honorable Court," the document further stated. De Lima likewise said that the Prosecution failed to prove the charge of conspiracy as the testimonies of its witnesses prove otherwise and even bolster her innocence. The hearing was reset to March 26 and April 16. Peoro also shared one of the Prosecution's manifestation in Court not to include Ronnie Dayan, De Lima's co-accused, as witness. "Tinututulan nila [DOJ] or sinasabi nila na hindi nakalista yung isang akusado, si Ronnie Dayan, bilang isang testigo. Si Ronnie Dayan kasi ang unang nakasalang na testigo, para sa kanya bilang akusado. At sinabi natin sa korte na karapatan yun ng akusado at hindi pwedeng pigilan nino man kung gugustuhin ng isang akusado na umupo para ilatag ang kanyang kwento. Ang sabi naman ng Korte ay oo. Wala tayong karapatan para pigilan si Ronnie Dayan kung gusto niyang magsalita para sa kanyang sarili," he said. The same court granted De Lima's Demurrer to Evidence, which is tantamount to her acquittal, in one of her trumped-up drug cases.



The business that oversees the work of childrens writer Dr. Seuss will stop publishing six of his books. In a statement Dr. Seuss Enterprises gave this reason: These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong.

Canceling publication of these books, the statement said, is part of a bigger plan to make sure all of Dr. Seuss Enterprises books and products represent and support all communities and families.

One of the books being withdrawn is And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. In it, an Asian person is drawn wearing a pointed hat, holding chopsticks and eating from a bowl. In the book If I Ran the Zoo a drawing has two bare-footed African men wearing what appear to be grass skirts with their hair tied above their heads.

The other books that will no longer be published are McElligots Pool, On Beyond Zebra!, Scrambled Eggs Super!, and The Cats Quizzer. The company said it reached the decision last year after working with a group of experts.



Dr. Seuss is the pen name of Theodore Seuss Geisel. He was a writer of books for children who died in 1991. However, Dr. Seuss remains very popular. The company that oversees sales of his books earned an estimated $33 million in 2020. That is up from $9.5 million five years ago. In 2020, Forbes magazine listed Dr. Seuss as its second highest-earning person who is no longer alive. The late popular music star Michael Jackson is the first.

Forbes also reported that a day after the announcement of the cancellation, nine of the top 10 books on Amazons best-selling charts were by Dr. Seuss. None was one of the six now-canceled books.

The National Education Association in the United States started Read Across America Day in 1998 on Geisels birthday. However, for the past several years, it has distanced itself from Seuss and has supported other childrens books instead.

The move to stop publication of the books quickly caused reactions on social media. Some called it another example of cancel culture. While others approved of the decision.

Rebekah Fitzsimmons is an assistant teaching professor at Carnegie Mellon University. She tweeted this statement: The books we share with our children matter. Books shape their world view and tell them how to relate to the people, places, and ideas around them. As grown-ups, we have to examine the worldview we are creating for our children, including carefully re-examining our favorites.

Other popular childrens series have been criticized in recent years for being offensive to some people.

In the 2007 book, Should We Burn Babar? the author and educator Herbert R. Kohl wrote that the Babar the Elephant books celebrated colonialism.

He said this because the elephant Babar leaves the forest and later returns to civilize his fellow animals. One of the books, Babars Travels, was removed from the shelves of a British library in 2012 because of the way it shows Africans.

Others have criticized the Curious George books because the story begins with a white man bringing the monkey George out of Africa.

The writer Laura Ingalls Wilder has been criticized for how she wrote about Native Americans in her Little House on the Prairie books. Her books have been criticized so often that the American Library Association removed Wilders name in 2018 from a prize it gives out each year. The association still gives out the Geisel Award. This is a book prize for beginning readers published in the English language.

Im Anna Matteo.

Mark Pratt reported this story for the Associated Press from Boston with contributions from Hillel Italie in New York. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

portray v. to describe in a particular way

pen name n. a name used by a writer instead of the writers real name

relate v. to understand or have sympathy for someone or something
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Riyadh, March 6 : The Saudi-led coalition involved in the war in Yemen foiled a drone attack by Houthi militia toward the Kingdom, a top official said.

Turki Al Maliki, the coalition spokesman, said a bomb-laden drone launched toward Khamis Mushait city in southwestern Saudi Arabia was intercepted on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

He said the coalition destroyed four drones that targeted civilians and civilian sites.

Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence said that a child and a man were injured by the drone debris.

It also caused damages to some houses.

This month, the coalition will complete its sixth year of war in Yemen against the Houthi militia in support of the government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.


Greenland has become a point of interest for several countries, including the United States and China.

This interest comes at a time when Greenlands government faces difficult decisions about the islands future. Those decisions include whether to approve large mining projects.

Greenland and rare earth metals

Greenland has large amounts of resources known as rare earth metals. These metals are used to create equipment for electric vehicles, combat aircraft, weapons systems and many kinds of electronics.

Greenland has what the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) calls the worlds biggest undeveloped deposits of rare earth metals. Deposit is a term that means an amount of a resource, like a mineral, that exists in the ground.

Most of Greenland, the worlds largest island, is north of the Arctic Circle. But the islands ice covering and glaciers are shrinking. As a result, two Australia-based mining companies are racing for approval to dig. One of the companies is seeking financing in the United States. The other company is owned in part by a Chinese state-supported company.

Each Greenland mine would cost about $500 million to develop, the companies say. Both plan to send mined material away for final processing. This processing often takes place in China.

The two possible mines in Greenland are less than 16 kilometers from each other. They are at the southern end of the island, near a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Islanders debate

The debate over the possible mines has created a political crisis. In April, a general election will be held on the island of 56,000 people.

Many Greenlanders are concerned about pollution. But they believe mining is important for developing their economy. In a 2013 public opinion study, just over half said they want raw materials to become the countrys main source of money.

The country may support either project, both projects, or neither project. But for those Greenlanders open to mining, the two possibilities come down to a choice between one mine that would not produce radioactive material and another that would.

The first mine project would not involve nuclear material. It has won early environmental approval, but it needs investment and a processing plan.

The second project has already spent more than $100 million preparing to mine. It has proven processing technology through its Chinese partner. And it won early political support from Greenlands government. But its plans include exporting uranium, a nuclear fuel. It recently ran into strong opposition from residents of the nearby town of Narsaq among others.

Mariane Paviasen is an opposition lawmaker from Narsaq. She said she opposed the mining project because it presents a threat to the environment.

As indigenous people we have lived in harmony with nature for many, many years, Paviasen said. We use these lands to hunt and fish.

An important resource

Greenlands decision comes at a time when some Western countries are considering ways to break free of China in the production of an important resource.

Rare earth metals have many uses, and last year China produced about 90 percent of them, said Toronto-based Adamas Intelligence.

The only rare earth mine now operating in the United States is Mountain Pass in California. It is partly owned by a Chinese state-backed company that sends material mined in the United States to China for processing.

As U.S.-China tensions increase, President Joe Bidens administration said last month it will reconsider important U.S. supplies, including rare earths.

Greenland, a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, has a gross domestic product of around $3 billion. Its government wants to gain from foreign investments.

Greenlands government did not answer Reuters' requests for comment for this story. Last month, the Acting Minister of Resources, Vittus Qujaukitsoq, said that if Greenlanders suddenly decide they do not want the second project, well make a fool of investors. The credibility of the whole country is at stake.

I'm Ashley Thompson. And Im John Russell.

Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Eric Onstad reported on this story for Reuters. John Russell adapted it for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. edited it. _____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

glacier  n. a very large area of ice that moves slowly down a slope or valley or over a wide area of land

radioactive  adj. having or producing a powerful and dangerous form of energy (called radiation)

indigenous  adj. native; from a place

harmony  n. a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things

make a fool of  expression to deceive or trick someone so that they appear to be foolish

credibility  n. the quality of being believed or accepted as true, real, or honest
AN ANTI-lockdown demonstration was staged without serious incident in Cork as Gardai mounted a major security operation in the city centre.

More than 700 people attended the event on St Patrick's Street which was organised by the Cork People's Convention (CPC).

Demonstrators carried placards warning: 'Tell the Truth and Shame the Devil', 'End the Lockdown', 'Freedom' and 'Rally for Truth.'

The event took place amid heavy security as Gardai were determined to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes that marred an unconnected demonstration in Dublin last weekend and which left three Gardai injured and dozens arrested.

Expand Close Gardai stop and search people before a demonstration against lockdown restrictions organised by the Peoples Convention in Cork city centre (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gardai stop and search people before a demonstration against lockdown restrictions organised by the Peoples Convention in Cork city centre (Niall Carson/PA)

Gardai warned that the Cork demonstration - described by the CPC as "a peaceful assembly" and planned long before the Dublin event - was not exempt from current Covid-19 restrictions and those who attended in breach of Level Five controls risked being fined.

All traffic into Cork city was checked at an outer cordon for compliance to the 5km Level Five travel restriction - while a special security operation was mounted around St Patrick's Street and the city centre.

Additional Garda resources were drafted into the city for the security operation from other Cork divisions.

Special Garda public order units were on standby near the city centre but were ultimately not required.

Gardai also video-taped the entire demonstration while the Garda helicopter hovered overhead.

One arrest at lunchtime in Cork city centre - an individual caught with a canister of flammable liquid - was later determined to be totally unconnected to the demonstration and involved a street artist whose routine involved flaming torches.

CPC refused all requests for the demonstration to be cancelled, insisting it was a peaceful assembly and fully in accordance with Constitutional provisions.

CPC organisers warned that anyone intent on causing trouble was not welcome at the event - and urged respect for the Gardai and the city centre.

Spokesperson Diarmuid O'Cadhla said they had been threatened with arrest and fines with numerous supporters prevented from attending because of Garda checkpoints on the outskirts of the city.

Organisers admitted the crowd was far bigger than initial predictions.

He quoted John Lennon, to cheers from the large attendance, and said: "All I want to hear in the truth."

"We are gathered here for a peaceful assembly and I would impress upon everybody today to respect that. We are here to express ourselves on a major issue in Ireland today in a peaceful, respectful and civilised manner."

Another speaker, Paddy Bulman, said people were sick of corruption and authoritarianism in Ireland as well as the erosion of their freedoms.

"They are telling you they are afraid you will spread the virus - but what they are really afraid of is that you will spread the truth," he said.

Another speaker, Peter O'Donoghue, said the lockdown had caused immeasurable harm to people's lives, the social fabric of Ireland, the elderly and the economy.

Throughout the 45 minute event there were loud cheers of 'freedom' and 'truth' while the Government were repeatedly slated as 'traitors.'

As a precautionary measure, all city centre businesses dealing with takeaway alcohol suspended such sales for the duration of the demonstration.

One city centre premises, Dunnes Stores, erected protective timber hoardings over their shop windows.

The demonstration took place despite appeals from Cork business, political and cultural/charity leaders for it to be cancelled.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney used social media to appeal to Cork residents not to attend the event.

Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Joe Kavanagh warned there were genuine concerns the rally could prove "a (virus) super spreader event."

Charity campaigner and Cork Penny Dinners operator, Caitriona Twomey, said people needed to put public health first and pleaded for the rally not to take place.

"This was not the time to be doing this. We all know what our rights are but it is not the time (for this event)."

Cork Business Association (CBA) President Eoin O'Sullivan said it was in everyone's interest for people to "stay the course" and help defeat the virus.

"We now have light at the end of the tunnel here that we are all working towards (with vaccines and business reopening)."

"We have worked so hard to get there along with the Government. Events like the anti-lockdown protest can delay that. People have closed their businesses down to protect public safety - have made so many sacrifices to protect public safety."

"Our concerns as an organisation is that we have worked so hard to minimise the spread of Covid-19 - many people have put their livelihoods on hold and have closed their businesses."

"I know people may be very frustrated but we need to stay the course to get out of lockdown sooner. A large number of people gathering (in a city or town) is a large risk of spreading Covid-19 which could result in a spike in cases and could then result in an extended lockdown which we really want to avoid."
30 arrested, 1 child rescued in Texas Operation Cupid human trafficking sting

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Authorities in Texas have arrested at least 30 people intending to buy sex and rescued a child over three days as part of an undercover human trafficking investigation called Operation Cupid in Fort Bend County.

Over three days, Operation Cupid aimed to combat human trafficking in Fort Bend County by identifying and arresting those intending to buy sex, Assistant District Attorney Craig Priesmeyer told reporters this week, according to Fort Bend Herald.

Commonly known as johns, they create the demand for human trafficking and contribute to the pervasive problem the community faces from these crimes. We are focused on saving victims by following basic economics; removing the demand will reduce the supply, Priesmeyer explained.

It was a joint operation by the Fort Bend County District Attorneys Office, the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance and partnering agencies.

Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton was quoted as saying that the rescue of even one person highlights the significance of such operations. The success of this operation shows that we have much more work to do if we are to eradicate trafficking from Fort Bend County.

KLTV quoted Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan as saying, Perpetrators should know, Fort Bend County is no longer a place where you can come easily to commit these crimes, were out there now, were looking for you, and we will arrest you.

According to a statement sent to The Christian Post by the Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons office Friday, in a separate operation, a 21-year-old Palestinian man, Rusty Bryant, was arrested in Anderson County and charged with three counts for possessing child pornography. He also allegedly uploaded child pornography to a social media account.

The Human Trafficking Unit also made several arrests last week, the statement said. In Williamson County, it cited one such arrest, 22-year-old Darian Terrell Simpson, who was arrested for sexually assaulting and engaging sexually with a child.

In Arizona last month, police arrested 37 people accused of child sex crimes and large-scale human trafficking as part of a multi-agency undercover mission called Operation Broken Hearts.

In the 2020 report on U.S. government efforts to combat trafficking in persons, the State Department warned about the increasing number of people vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers due to the instability, isolation, and lack of access to critical services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The effects of COVID-19, as with other catastrophic events, are disproportionately impacting communities suffering from systemic or generational inequality  the same communities traffickers often prey upon, the report said.

The FBI also revealed recently that its caseload for trafficking-related crimes, for both sex and labor, had increased significantly in the past several years. In 2020, the agency started 664 human trafficking investigations across the country, arresting 473 people.

Though the populist tide seems to have ebbed, it will rise again, and soon. The problem that ignited populist sentiment in the first place, whether on the left or the right, remains: the countrys economic and financial system has failed much of the population and is rigged to the benefit of a government-business elite. Resistance to this inequity elevated Trump and pulled the Democratic Party to the left and will continue to roil American politics until things change.

The economys rigging has developed gradually over time and often from the best of intentions. When politicians, corporate executives, pundits, journalists, academics and activists alike propose ways to make society more just or efficient or globally competitive, they invariably call for some kind of government-corporate cooperation. Such calls always seem to offer an answer for the public good, but in practice these arrangements inevitably drift into a self-serving collusion among those charged to cooperate.

Economic and financial history over the past few decades offers ample evidence of this building trend. An especially stark illustration emerged during the 2008-09 financial crisis. Prior to that trouble, Washington had enlisted the cooperation of most major financial institutions in broadening home ownership among less affluent Americans. Desirable as such a goal is, it required the risky practice of lending mortgage money to people with a questionable ability to repay it. To help cooperating institutions, regulators allowed banks to shed that risk through questionable financial devices, such as credit default swaps and the securitization of bundles of these risky loans. In 2007, when these sub-prime borrowers began to fail on their mortgage obligations and this house of cards began to collapse, Washington sprang into action, to save, it claimed, the financial system, but as it turned out, also to protect its corporate partners.

The fate of Bear Stearns is instructive. When this New York-based global investment bank first showed signs of having trouble in 2008, Washington could easily have arranged an emergency loan to protect those who depended on Bears ability to meet its obligations. Though Washington had arranged such rescues before, this time it refused. It surely was no coincidence that this broker-dealer had always been a disruptive and uncooperative agent in financial markets. Notable is how Bear Stearns some years earlier had refused to join a Federal Reserve effort to arrange such emergency loans for the failing investment firm, Long-Term Capital Management, whose top executives, not coincidentally, had exceptionally good Wall Street, Washington, and academic connections. Instead, Washington forced Bear to sell itself at a bargain price to J.P. Morgan, a firm notably cooperative with Washington.

For the companies that had cooperated with the government agenda, Washington only offered help. Congress passed the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) to channel some $430 billion in tax money to aid Citibank, Chase, and other, less obstreperous banks who could boast of their cooperation with Washingtons earlier mortgage lending push. TARP also assisted Goldman Sachs, so renowned for its links to Washington that Wall Street wags refer to it as Government Sachs. Because TARP funds could only go to banks, and because Goldman at the time lacked a commercial banking license, the authorities rushed a license through for it. But when it came to Lehman Brothers, a firm that despite its long pedigree was well outside the collusive establishment, Washington allowed it to go bankrupt. Then the government, in a remarkably novel move, effectively nationalized the insurer AIG. This firm, too, had a less-than-cooperative reputation. The takeover also allowed Washington to settle AIGs outstanding credit default swap dispute with Goldman Sachs in Goldmans favor.

Washington could have approached this crisis in a less chaotic, more systematic way. It actually had a model from the savings and loan crisis of the 1990s. But an orderly, equitable approach would have made it impossible for the authorities to protect its partners, as it clearly did. And this embarrassment from the 2008-09 financial crisis is only one illustration of how the rigged system works. Evidence abounds in earlier years in relations between Washington and Big Tech and the auto industry and oil, and other major corporate groups as well.

The systems practices remain in place. For all Trumps promises to drain the swamp, he failed to dismantle the rigging. On the left, there is a scrap of hope that Biden will attack these structures along lines laid out for him by Bernie Sanders. But that is hardly likely from a man who has spent his entire adult life embedded in the system. Without any real effort to address the inequities of this rigged system, an angry, messy politics will persist and very well become messier over time.

Image: Horace Taylor
Chennai, March 6 : The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam(DMK) and its leader MK Stalin have been on a high with the possibility of support from the state's Muslim vote bank in the upcoming assembly polls. The DMK's alliance with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML)and Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam(MMK) ,the two major Muslim political parties, has made them optimistic.

But the announcement by Asaddudin Owaisi that his party, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AiMIM) will contest elections on 25 seats may turn out to be a concern for the DMK.

The AIMIM had contested elections to Tamil Nadu assembly in 2016 and had garnered 10,000 votes from the Vanniyambadi constituency.

IUML national president Khader Mohideen told IANS: "Owaisi will not make much of a difference. His brand of divisive politics will not work in either Tamil Nadu or Kerala." Political observers believe Owaisi and his brand of politics works among the Urdu-speaking Muslims of Tamil Nadu who are more in number in Northern Tamil Nadu.

MMK leader Jawaharullah, while speaking to IANS, said: "I don't think that Owaisi and his brand of politics have any role to play in Tamil Nadu. He may get some votes which could split the Muslim votes thus helping the AIADMK-BJP combine and we are educating Muslims about this menace." However a section of the DMK leadership feels that the AIMIM may eat into the Muslim votes of the alliance.

Said DMK General secretary Duraimurugan,"Owaisi and his politics will not be a major threat to the secular political alliance of DMK. The Muslim politics of Tamil Nadu is different and that politics is supporting us and we don't feel any heat over the arrival of Asadudin Owaisi and his party in Tamil Nadu." Added Elias Syed Mohammed Khan, state office-bearer of the AIMIM: "The DMK is terrified at our entry. We are for protecting the interests of the community and to speak on behalf of the community. We don't have any other interests and in this election, we will make a major difference." With elections a month away, political parties have started working on the permutations and combinations that would garner votes.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text


OROVILLE, Calif. - Music playing, people gathering and business flowing.

One thing is for sure, locals, business owners and employees are happy to have First Fridays back.

"We're going to be doing jerk chicken and rice, Emanuel Mullenbach, owner of The Galley Kitchen and Gifts, said beaming.

That's what's on the menu for this year's first First Friday.

Like many business owners, Mullenbach is relieved to have more people walking through his door.

He continued, It's always good for downtown Orovillethe First Fridays. It brings a lot of people down and it's a fun time."

The theme, "Around the World, gives those attending a chance to taste and sip what's available locally.

Employees across downtown have been preparing all day for the event, hanging up signs and balloons, trying to draw customers in.

It's been a whole year since the last First Friday in downtown and everyone is looking forward to some sense of normalcy.

Haley Stokes, an employee at Gallery Interiors, said, "It's a good way to get everybody back downtown and out and about again at a distance still. It's going to be a little different and we get that but we are taking all the measures that we can to ensure everybody's safety but it's still really exciting."

A few changes are in place, like handing out masks at check-in, providing hand sanitizer and limiting the number of tickets sold.

President of the Oroville Downtown Business Association, Robin Zanon, said she hopes that with these changes, locals can still enjoy the experience.

"Our hopes are that people enjoy themselves but also keep a distance and spread out and that they have fun. Again, it feels a little bit more back to normal-ish and I'm excited to have them return. I miss these evenings, she said happily.

The historic downtown district hosts First Fridays every first Friday of the month.
Mumbai, March 6 : The documentary "Vande Bharat IX 1344: Hope To Survival" gives an account of the tragic plane crash that took place in August 2020 at the Kozhikode International Airport.

While Sushma Sathe, wife of Captain Deepak Sathe who lost his life trying to minimise the crash impact, watched the entire documentary, she says the process of going through the footages was painful.

"After a point, my children could not watch it, it is about their father, who is their hero. It was tough for me, too, to revisit that memory all over again, and right now even when I am recalling it..." she trails off, breaking into tears.

Sathe looks back at the fateful day with a heavy heart. "It was just another normal day when my husband made a call on his way to airport before the boarding and I knew he was with the Kozhikode-Dubai-Kozhikode flight to bring back Indians stuck in Dubai due to the pandemic. It is his duty. For 21 years in Indian Air Force, followed by several rescue operations in commercial flying, he was an experienced operator over 36 years," She told IANS.

"Every time when he'd go on a rescue operation under tough situations as natural calamities, although I carried a sense of worry in my heart, I saw he came back with flying colours. So when we were chatting on call before he boarded the rescue flight, he said to me, 'I am going and once I land I will give you a call'. What I did not know was it was the last time we were talking and that next call did not come," she added.

Asked about how the news broke to her, Sushma recalled: "I came back from my evening walk and was about to take a shower when my phone rang. I thought it was him but it was my sister-in-law. She asked if I was watching TV and I said 'no, but why?' Then I was asked if my husband was on duty today and I said 'yes, it is Kozhikode-Dubai-Kozhikode'." "By then, I sensed something was not right. Anxiously, I asked her, 'why?' and the moment she heard it was that Dubai flight her reaction was, 'Oh no!'. That very moment something just shifted within me. I started repeatedly asking, 'why did you say oh, no?' (I told her) Nothing had happened to him, he would call me, he would be back. My sister-in-law said, 'yes but please sit down and put on the TV'. I put on the TV and I was trembling, and then I was numb," she recalled.

She added: "In that rescue operation we managed to save 171 lives and unfortunately 19 lost their lives. My husband Captain Deepak Sathe was one of them. I know that those who returned home safely felt blessed and in their eyes my husband, who was flying the plane under difficult weather, is a hero. But I so wish he returned to us, to me and my two boys. We lost him, and though I am very proud of my husband, I wish he returned because we lost our hero." The documentary shows how Air India Flight IX1344 was on mission Vande Bharat, to bring back Indian citizens from Dubai to Kozhikode. The plane, a Boeing 737, slid right off the rain-slicked runway, tumbled down a hillside and split in half.

Officials said 19 people were killed and more than 150 were injured, among 190 passengers on board. Captain Sathe, who was the pilot-in-command, and his co-pilot Akhilesh Kumar were among those who lost their lives.

Captain Deepak Sathe belonged to Indian Air Force, and joined Air India in 2005 as a commercial pilot. He was part of several rescue operations including the Bhuj earthquake.

Sathe recalled: "Post Bhuj, the rescue operation was tough. My husband was staying there on duty and since it was not a family centre I was staying in Bangalore with my boys. A few years later when we shifted to a new house in Bangalore, a couple wanted to meet me at our place. They came with a box of laddoos and shared what happened to them. They were among the victims of the earthquake and had lost everything, and both of them were badly injured, their legs amputated." She continued: "They had two children who, the lady said, at the time were four and two. She told me, 'your husband made sure that we got a good doctor, sent us to Pune, coordinated with the right people and we got our prosthetic legs. Now, our children are going to school and we are doing fine. This is the second life we are living, your husband made it possible'." Sathe wants her sons to imbibe such values. "That is all that I want from my children and every youngster out there. Do not give up under crisis, take the right action." "At times, it is not money but compassion that saves human life. Nothing, really nothing, is bigger than saving a life. Having said that, I so wish, the most compassionate man I ever knew could return because only I know what I have lost," she signed off.

The documentary "Vande Bharat IX 1344: Hope To Survival" streams on Discovery+ (Arundhuti Banerjee can be contacted at arundhuti.b@ians.in)
(Newser)  The death toll has risen to at least 20 after a vehicle packed with explosives rammed into a popular restaurant in Somalia's capital on Friday night, with 30 wounded. The Somali National News Agency cited the Aamin ambulance service for the death toll. The Luul Yamani restaurant also was attacked last year. Some houses near the restaurant collapsed after the dinnertime blast at around 8pm local time, and authorities said that caused a number of deaths, per the AP. "Plumes of white smoke covered the city after the enormous explosion, followed by gunfire," a witness said, per CNN.

story continues below

A rescue mission is said to be underway to recover people trapped in the rubble. A police spokesman blamed the attack on the local al-Shabab extremist group, which is linked to al-Qaeda and often targets Mogadishu with bombings. The militant group claimed responsibility via a statement on its affiliate websites. Security in Mogadishu has been especially heavy, with thousands of government forces deployed in anticipation of a planned demonstration on Saturday by an alliance of opposition leaders over the country's delayed national election. The demonstration was later postponed.

(Read more Somalia stories.)
Medical Specialist

Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control

Minnesota Department of Health

Nicholas Lehnertz, MD, contributed to the toolkits case studies on COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities and meat processing plants in Minnesota. These case studies demonstrate the value of whole genome sequencing for understanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns.

Dr. Lehnertz is a Medical Specialist in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control at the Minnesota State Department of Health. His current interests are using epidemiology and genomic sequencing to understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns, clinical characteristics of pre-symptomatic infection in residents of long-term care facilities, and reinfections with SARS-CoV-2. He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota, his resident training at the University of Vermont and Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, and his public health training at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mainly clear. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Potato producer Central Plains Group Ukraine (CPG) intends to build a waste-free potato processing plant in Hlyniany (Lviv region) with a capacity of 40,000-50,000 tonnes per year.

This is stated in a posting on the website of the Lviv Regional State Administration.

"We grow potatoes and cooperate with the Frito-Lay company, which produces chips. Now every sixth pack of chips of this company is made from our potatoes, and in general, this is every tenth pack in Ukraine. Ambitious plans are that every fourth pack in Ukraine was from our potatoes," member of the Board of Directors and a representative of the Finnish Investment Fund Oleh Drin said.

According to the administration, investors from CPG Ukraine and Governor Maksym Kozytsky discussed the working aspects of the project, in particular the permits for the construction of a potato processing plant. CPG also discussed the possibility of repairing the Zastavne-Hlyniany road in 2021 with the regional administration.

The administration said that the company, founded by a group of farmers from the U.K. and Finland, plans to invest about $7 million in a project for waste-free processing of potatoes (including starch) and create about 50 jobs.

"For the profitable operation of the plant there is a great need for raw materials. We plan to establish cooperation with local farmers and build an effective process for growing and supplying raw materials to the plant. We plan to cooperate with USAID on the development of farming and in the future to establish a process for purchasing potatoes from farmers," Drin said.

According to the administration, CPG in 2020 grew 15,000 tonnes of potatoes in Kamianka-Buzka and Sambir districts of Lviv region on a total area of 700 hectares.

Last year, the company put into operation the first stage of potato storage facility with a capacity of 11,000 tonnes with refrigeration equipment. This year, CPG plans to build a second stage of the potato storage facility with a similar capacity.
A Greene County man has been arrested in connection with a February killing in Florence.

Florence police said Roydricker Lamar Bullock, 36, was arrested Friday and charged with the murder of Patrice Denice Lott. The United States Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force assisted in locating and arresting Bullock at his residence in Greene County.

Bullock will be transferred to the Lauderdale County Detention Center, where he will be held on a $150,000 bond, police said.

Lotts body was discovered on Feb. 14 when police responded to a medical assistance call in the 800 block of North Royal Avenue. Lott, 48, was discovered at the residence by family members who said they hadnt spoken to her in two days.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  The second batch of doses from AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine via the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility will arrive on Sunday evening, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. announced on Saturday.

Galvez said during a ceremony marking the vaccination of medical frontliners at the Ospital ng Paranaque that the remaining 38,400 doses from the British drugmaker will finally be delivered, three days after the arrival of the first batch.

"I would like to also tell the public na iyong 38,400 po na kulang ay darating po bukas (the remaining 38,400 doses will arrive tomorrow) more or less 7pm," Galvez said.

He added that the remaining doses, which were supposed to be part of the first batch, will arrive on a commercial flight.

"'Yung pangako po ng COVAX na 'yung buong 525,600 ay darating na po, dahil naantala lang kasi commercial plane po ang kanyang ginamit. So buo na po iyon," Galvez said.

[Translation: The promised 525,600 by COVAX will finally arrive, and was just delayed because they used a commercial plane. So that will be completed.]

The Philippines received 487,200 AstraZeneca doses on Thursday, less than the 525,600 doses that the government expected to receive.

RELATED: PH receives nearly half a million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines

Paranaque city health officer Dra. Olga Virtucio was first to receive the AstraZeneca shot on the first day of its rollout, also making her the first healthcare worker in the country to get a dose from the British drugmaker. Over 200 doses were allocated to Ospital ng Paranaque during the vaccine drive.

In another inoculation drive at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said authorities have started delivering the AstraZeneca vaccines to hospitals Friday night. Cardinal Santos received 500 doses, while the list of other recipients has not been disclosed.

Duque said it will take four to five days to completely deploy the AstraZeneca shots.

Our vaccines are far from complete. They are far from enough, Duque said, noting that the vaccines the country has so far are only around 30% of what is needed to inoculate more than 1.7 million health care workers alone.

The health chief, who said he may be vaccinated mid-March to give way to health workers, urged frontliners to take whatevers available, assuring them of the vaccines safety and efficacy. He added that health standards should continue to be followed since the vaccines are far from getting into the arms of the general public.

Earlier, 600,000 doses of vaccines donated by the Chinese government were the first to be rolled out, marking the much-awaited inoculation of health workers.

Galvez said over 300,000 doses from China's Sinovac vaccine were already deployed in over 100 hospitals, almost a week after the donation arrived in the country. He added that around 1.6 million doses purchased from Sinovac Biotech will likely be shipped within the month.

The Philippines is also set to receive 4.5 million more doses of AstraZeneca vaccines until May and 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines  possibly more  through the COVAX initiative.
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Gandhinagar, March 6 : Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani told the assembly on Saturday that the state government will ensure piped water in every household in Gujarat including those in the slums and shanties by 2022.

Rupani said this while responding to a question on providing water connectivity to the tribal areas under the 'SwaJaldhara' and 'Sector Reform' schemes, asked by Congress legislator from Khedbrahma constituency, Ashwin Kotwal.

"While Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 'Nal Se Jal' scheme from the Red Fort and is committed to its completion by 2024, the Gujarat government has decided to complete this scheme in the state by 2022 itself. This scheme will be made available to each and every household in the state, including those in the slums and shanties.

"Due to the salinated water in the Saurashtra region problems like kidney stone, chlorinated water in North Gujarat with problems like elephantiasis and yellowing of teeth were faced by people constantly. Our government is making constant efforts towards providing the entire state with 100 per cent filtered water," added Rupani.

Rupani said 82 per cent of the state has already been covered under the scheme. "The rest of the 17 per cent mostly consist of hilly terrain, where through 'Lift Irrigation', work is ongoing to complete the network, which we target to complete in the next 17 months," said Rupani.

'Nal Se Jal' is the Narendra Modi government's ambitious programme for tap water supply to every house in the country by 2024.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

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What's happening?

It is not just the pandemic that has been disastrous for certain industries.

Others have suffered for far more mundane reasons  they have run out of stock.

That's a problem in any circumstance, but particularly for semiconductors and microprocessor chips, where there is a huge demand. It appears that the effect of the long talked about 'internet of things', in which our fridges will be plotting with one another, has finally arrived.

Flying: Prices in this sector have already risen courtesy of the tech recovery last year

Actually, it is not so much those verbose automatons, but rather cars and other high-tech items, all of which increasingly need greater capacity and thus more magic processing chips with everything.

Why Does It Matter?

At a time when the world is trying to manage its way out of the economic coronary of last year, the last thing industry needs is further production hold-ups.

Rising demand and squeezed supplies were bad enough, but add a trade war with China and the meteorological disasters in the southern US (home of some of the largest chip makers), and the much-needed supply lines have been interrupted.

What Should I Do?

Prices in this sector have already risen courtesy of the tech recovery last year, and although there have been short-term manufacturing issues, the supply shortage and increased demand have a far longer tail.

Production will eventually catch up, but for the time being there is certainly a shortfall. This will mean not just more demand but also further takeover activity.

Any Suggestions?

In the UK we do not have a huge number of quoted companies. But CML Microsystems has expanded successfully and produces 'mixed-signal, Radio Frequency and Microwave semiconductors for global communications markets'.

The shares have recovered but are off previous highs. However, for a less risky approach to the sector look for a broad passive fund. There are a range of alternatives but the iShares PHLX Semiconductor ETF would give much broader coverage.

This is easily the largest semiconductor-focused ETF and one of the most extensively diversified. It invests in companies engaged in the design, distribution, manufacture and sale of semiconductors.

The fund skews heavily towards large-cap stocks and gives larger allocations to companies with greater semiconductor industry exposure.

Justin Urquhart Stewart co-founded fund manager 7IM and is chairman of investment platform Regionally.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. military said Friday it has identified the remains of an army chaplain who was lauded by fellow soldiers for his selfless example in the Korean War, received the Medal of Honor and is being considered for sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church.

Rev. Emil Kapaun, of Pilsen, Kansas, died of pneumonia on May 23, 1951, as a prisoner of war during the Korean War. An army chaplain in World War II and the Korean conflict, he was captured on Nov. 2, 1950, near Unsan, North Korea, as he helped wounded troops surrounded by Chinese forces.

Kapaun, who served in the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, tended to the sick and wounded among the POWs, carrying men who had faltered on a forced march, according to his fellow soldiers. His indomitable spirit served as a rallying point for the other men in captivity, Bob Wood, a fellow prisoner of war, told NBC News in a 2013 report.

He was the finest man I ever knew, Wood said.

Mike Dowe, another former prisoner of war, said that Kapaun saved men who otherwise would have perished in captivity from cold and hunger. A good number of those that survived, Id say at least half of them, really owe their lives to Father Kapaun, me included, Dowe told NBC News.

Kapaun was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously in 2013, following a decades-long campaign by Korean War veterans from his unit.

According to the Medal of Honor citation, Kapaun calmly walked through withering enemy fire and hand-to-hand combat to provide medical help, words of comfort or prayers.

At the Medal of Honor ceremony in 2013, President Barack Obama called the chaplain an American soldier who didnt fire a gun, but who wielded the mightiest weapon of all, a love for his brothers so pure that he was willing to die so that they might live.

In 1993, Pope John Paul II declared Kapaun a Servant of God, the first step toward sainthood.

Kapaun celebrated a final Easter Mass for the POWs in late March 1951 and shortly afterward was taken to the "sick house," an old pagoda where he died at age 35, according to the Pentagon.

Story continues

Before he was taken away and placed in isolation by his captors, Kapaun told Dowe: Dont cry for me. Im going to where Id always wanted to go, when I get there, Ill say a prayer for each of you, according to Dowe.

Kapauns remains were identified on Tuesday, the Pentagons Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said.

His heroism and resilient spirit epitomized our Army values of personal courage and selfless service," said acting Secretary of the Army John Whitley.
Citing concerns for the safety of LGBTTQ+ Anglicans and others in Manitoba, Geoff Woodcroft, the Bishop of Ruperts Land, has written a letter of concern to Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the global Anglican Communion.

ANDREW RYAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Citing concerns for the safety of LGBTTQ+ Anglicans and others in Manitoba, Geoff Woodcroft, the Bishop of Ruperts Land, has written a letter of concern to Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the global Anglican Communion.

Citing concerns for the safety of LGBTTQ+ Anglicans and others in Manitoba, Geoff Woodcroft, the Bishop of Ruperts Land, has written a letter of concern to Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the global Anglican Communion.

The letter from Woodcroft, sent Thursday, was in response to one issued Feb. 26 by the Anglican Archbishop and Primate of All Nigeria Henry C. Ndukuba, in which he criticized Anglican bishops in the U.S. and Canada for the "toleration of same-sex persons within their fold."

In the letter, Ndukuba accuses them of allowing "the deadly 'virus' of homosexuality" to infiltrate the Anglican Church and LGBTTQ+ members should be "urgently and radically expunged."

Woodcroft called on the Archbishop of Canterbury to publicly respond, noting there is "continuing discernment regarding sexual expression within the Anglican Communion."

In an interview, Woodcroft said he was first alerted to the Archbishop of Nigeria's message Monday by clergy in the diocese who had viewed it on social media.

"I knew I couldnt let this go," he said. "If I didnt respond, I am basically saying we should close the church if we cant stand up for the dignity of every human being."

After consulting with Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and other members of the Diocese of Ruperts Land, Woodcroft sent his letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury  one of a number of Canadian Bishops to do so, he said, including the Bishop of the Diocese of Brandon.

Ndukuba's message can have terrible consequences for Anglican and other LGBTTQ+ people in Manitoba and around the world due to social media, Woodcroft said.

"Its a violent statement," he said, adding, "Words spoken in a different part of the world can have ripple effects... it can pave the way for others to enact violence against LGBTTQ+ people in Manitoba, who may fear for their safety, along with those who care for them, pray with them and walk with them."

Do you appreciate the extensive faith coverage by the Free Press? Become a supporter of the Religion in the News project! Your contribution of $10, $25 or more can help us keep offering trusted coverage of faith in Manitoba. Become a supporter Click here to learn more about the project.

Along with condemning the letter from Nigeria, Woodcroft said he wanted to indicate Christianity is "meaningless if we arent willing to be like Jesus and move in the circles he moved in, healing, reconciling and challenging unjust structures. If we dont do those things, people looking for God will not pay any attention to us."

On Friday, the Archbishop of Canterbury responded, releasing a statement criticizing the letter from the Archbishop of Nigeria.

"I completely disagree with and condemn this language," he stated, noting the worldwide Anglican Church is on record as condemning homophobic actions or words.

"It is unacceptable," he said. "It dehumanizes those human beings of whom the statement speaks.

"The mission of the church is the same in every culture and country: to demonstrate, through its actions and words, that Gods offer of unconditional love to every human being through Jesus Christ calls us to holiness and hope."

faith@freepress.mb.ca
There was bipartisan condemnation after two news stories late Thursday revealed that Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration altered a report about COVID-19 in New York nursing homes and removed a higher death toll  a total that wouldn't be publicized for nearly seven months.

The New York Times and Wall Street Journal published new details about efforts to conceal the true number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. Both stories indicate that top aides to Cuomo, including Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa and SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras, were involved in changing the state Department of Health's report that was released in July.

The report concluded COVID-19 was brought into nursing homes by staff. It also stated that a March 25 advisory, which told nursing homes they could not deny admission to residents solely on the basis of a COVID diagnosis, was not a driver of cases in the facilities.

While the report has been scrutinized, the Cuomo administration has also faced criticism for its failure to disclose the true number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. For months, the state Department of Health published the total number of confirmed and presumed deaths that occurred in nursing homes. Residents who were transferred to hospitals before they died weren't included in the tally.
New Delhi, March 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed on the importance of enhancing indigenisation in the national security system and also in the doctrines, procedures and customs practiced in the armed forces.

The Prime Minister was addressing the valedictory session of the Combined Commanders' Conference organised by the Ministry of Defence at Kevadia in Gujarat, where he was briefed by Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat about the discussions that were held in this year's conference.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the structure and agenda of the conference. He particularly appreciated the inclusion of Junior Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Officers in this year's conference.

Speaking to the highest civilian and military leadership of the national defence system, Modi conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication shown by the armed forces over the past year, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenging situation on the northern borders.

"The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of enhancing indigenisation in the national security system, not just in sourcing equipment and weapons, but also in the doctrines, procedures and customs practiced in the armed forces," the Prime Minister's Office said.

He emphasised the need to optimise manpower planning in both military and civilian parts of the national security architecture.

The Prime Minister also called for a holistic approach, focused on breaking down civil-military silos and on expediting the speed of decision making.

He advised the services to rid themselves of the legacy systems and practices that have outlived their utility and relevance.

Taking note of the rapidly changing technological landscape, the Prime Minister highlighted the need to develop the Indian military into a 'future force'.

He pointed out that the country would be celebrating 75 years of its Independence next year, and called upon the armed forces to use the occasion to undertake activities and initiatives that would inspire the youth of the country.

"Every Indian is very proud of our armed forces. Their courage is remarkable. Urged the armed forces to think about various reforms that would make the forces even stronger. Also discussed ways to integrate brave veterans in the celebrations to mark 75 years of Independence," Modi later tweeted.

"The Combined Commanders' Conference at Kevadia was a fruitful one. There were extensive deliberations on various strategic subjects. Highlighted the need for making India Aatmanirbhar in the defence sector and reiterated the Government's support for it," the Prime Minister said in another tweet.
The content of consent teaching in Australia, when and how it is done, teacher training and what students actually learn appears, at best, inconsistent. Associate Professor Christopher Fisher, of the Australian Research Centre for Sex Health and Society at La Trobe University, has insight into how well the nations school consent programs are performing via his role as lead researcher on the National Survey of Secondary Students and Sexual Health in Australia. This survey has been carried out every five years since 1992. The latest data, from 2018, shows almost one-third of students (28 per cent) report they have had unwanted sex. Reasons for this happening include issues of consent, whether it was sexual assault or rape, or that I said no but they kept going ... we see some of that in the data. There is also ambivalence, people in relationships who say they werent really in the mood but wanted to please their partners, he says.

Former ministerial press secretary Brittany Higgins started a national conversation about sexual assault with revelations of her experience in Parliament House. Seven per cent of students said the last time they had sex, it was unwanted but Fisher says for most students, some kind of consent conversation seems to be happening  but not for every young person. Only a third of students said the sex education they got now is really relevant to my life. Young women are three times more likely to have had unwanted sex than young men, and trans and gender-diverse people 3 times. We need to be thinking about what, particularly in the heterosexual context, is the role of young men in this situation ... how do we talk to young men about this, how do we talk to boys about this? he says. That conversation isnt [able to be had properly] just from a two-week sex education unit in secondary school. The survey and other research suggests Australian students are mostly receiving 10 to 20 hours of sexuality and relationships education in either years 7 and 8 or 9 and 10. States deliver it in their own ways and it is mainly done by health and physical education teachers. There is some leeway for schools to deliver it in ways they feel suitable to their communitys standards.

Depending on the state, independent schools are not always held to national guidelines  and upwards of 50 per cent of our kids are going to non-government schools, says Fisher. Sex education teaching is opaque, a patchwork and not consistent across the country, and some teachers report having so little training they have to figure it out on their own, he says. Sex education teaching is opaque, a patchwork and not consistent ... some teachers report having to figure it out on their own. Dr Heather Nancarrow, CEO of Australias National Research Organisation for Womens Safety (ANROWS), says most Australians have a good understanding of consent but there is a disturbing proportion who have poor attitudes: And there are number of points we could make here under the heading disregarding the need to gain consent. Teaching it is difficult when every jurisdiction defines [consent] differently and there is not a consistent definition in law.

Victorias Respectful Relationships Education program, developed as a primary prevention tool by experts including long-term gender and sexuality researcher Associate Professor Deb Ollis, of Deakin University, and Professor Helen Cahill at Melbourne University, is regarded as one of the best in Australia and respected internationally. Under it, schools review their culture to ensure it fosters equality and respect throughout teaching and school community life. The program was trialled in 2014-15 and was found after evaluation by Our Watch to have a positive effect on students knowledge and attitudes towards inter-personal relationships, consent and respect. It was mandated to be rolled out in all government schools after the 2015 Royal Commission into Family Violence and offered to non-government schools. Most of the 2542 state schools have adopted it (the rest will have taken it up by March 31). As of last year, 227 of 498 Catholic schools and 56 independent schools had taken it on. The program, which Education Minister James Merlino has suggested be adopted nationally, includes material that spans prep to year 12. It is taught developmentally and sequentially, says Dr Ollis. Consent comes up across a number of the activities; some really specific ones looking at relationships, kids identifying what consent and free agreement is, compared with what we understand consent isnt. Many case studies are provided and children must identify what consent means, including that somebody cant consent if drunk, asleep or under age. Legal issues around consent are included as well as gender and power issues. Dr Ollis said she drew from best-practice sexuality education and developed the program over many years.

Levels one and two cover issues such as respect my space, respect my body and are taught to children in grades one and two. Levels three and four examine issues such as rights and responsibilities, seeking safety, seeking help, respect in action and asking for help in situations of gender-based violence. These building blocks in the early years mean by the time students get into secondary school and are looking at issues such as sexual consent, they have the foundations, says Dr Ollis. The impact of Victorias RRE program is currently being evaluated by academics and consultants. The program is designed to address the drivers of gender-based violence. Statistics in the regular National Community Attitudes to Violence Against Women survey show dangerous attitudes persist. The latest study found nearly one-third (28 per cent) of people believe when a man is very sexually aroused, he may not even realise that the woman doesnt want to have sex. More than one in five (23 per cent) of respondents think women find it flattering to be persistently pursued even if they are not interested and more than one-third (33 per cent) said that rape results from men not being able to control their need for sex. One challenge faced by teachers is the need to tackle the idea that absence of overt resistance is consent, says Michael Flood, Associate Professor at the Queensland University of Technology, whose work is focused on gender, sexuality and violence.

This negative standard or norm dictates a man should stop only when faced with overt resistance from the woman he is with, rather than actively seeking consent throughout. In workshops I have run with teenage boys, I have asked, How can you make sure that you are not pressuring the girl youre with into sex? How can you make it as likely as possible that you are not raping her? I encourage them to move beyond problematic indicators of consent (the absence of resistance, body language, reputation, previous or current sexual activity, etc.), to the explicit negotiation of consent, says Flood. Young men are taught to see girls and women only as sexual objects, bodies to win and conquer and some simply do not care whether or not the girl is consenting. Flood says it is not true that sexual assault often occurs because of harmless mis-communication with young men mistakenly believing that the girl was consenting.

The research finds that men accurately understand womens sexual refusals, including ones communicated in subtle ways, he says. Focusing on consent alone, especially simplistic no means no messages, is not enough because this could cause pressure for consent [as a] tick-box, cover-your-back kind of consent not based on real regard for the other person. Wider issues such as sexism and male entitlement, privileging of male sexual desires and needs over womens should be addressed in teaching of sexuality. Research finds that men accurately understand womens sexual refusals, including ones communicated in subtle ways. Associate Professor Michael Flood [Sexuality and relationships education] must address gender and power. Research finds this is extremely important in sexuality education, programs with content on gender and power were more effective than programs without these, he says. Speaking at the National Press Club last week, Australian of the Year and child sexual assault survivor Grace Tame also called for a uniform national standard of sexual consent to be taught across Australia. She has said she has no recollection of learning the word consent at school.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video At present though, each state and territory defines consent differently in criminal codes. It is generally understood to be free and voluntary agreement, says RMIT Associate Professor Nicola Henry, who has researched sexual violence for 20 years. She believes better education will go some way to prevent some sexual assaults. We need education that teaches about an affirmative or positive model of consent. Essentially, it goes a step beyond ordinary consent, she says. It requires both parties to take active steps to find out if the other person is consenting ... Affirmative consent is based on the idea that consent cannot be inferred if the other person does not say or do anything to express their willingness to engage in the sexual act. Some state and territory laws include this but others do not. In Tasmania, for instance, the accused person must have taken reasonable steps in the circumstances to find out if the other person was consenting.

Henry agrees consent should be taught from a young age and continue into primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as to ensure the community more broadly is educated about consent. Teaching must note that a person is not consenting if they say or do nothing, and that consent to have sex on one occasion does not mean the person is consenting to subsequent encounters. If society places greater value on respect instead of sexual prowess, we should start to make some progress. Associate Professor Nicola Henry Consent to one sexual act does not mean consent to others. For instance, if a person is consenting to foreplay, it does not mean the person is also consenting to intercourse, says Henry. Consent can be withdrawn at any time. For instance, lets say two people are in the middle of a sexual act and one of them falls asleep or if they say they want to stop, or if suddenly its clear they dont want to continue for any reason, then the other person must then stop immediately.

But while consent education in schools is an important part of prevention, Henry says it is not a cure-all. We also need to teach people [generally] about respect and respectful relationships ... if society places greater value on respect instead of sexual prowess, we should start to make some progress, she says. Katrina Marson, a Churchill Fellow who has researched sexuality education internationally, says done well, it is proven to be a protective factor.More holistic education, that includes consent, starts in early education and is delivered more frequently, will help reduce sexual violence. Consent is all-encompassing, it doesnt just mean sexual activity. You might not want to hug someone, or touch someone at that moment. Saxon Mullins Young people have a right to access information about their bodies that is going to assist them as they go into their sexually active lives when they are older. The idea we can just wait until they hit the age of consent and suddenly teach this to them and theyll be equipped with what they need is not borne out and is really dangerous, she says. Saxon Mullins also believes more education about  and clearer legal definitions of  consent may protect other young women. While we are doing better as a society to communicate ideas around consent to young people, Mullins says school education about it must start when children are much younger than year 7.

People worry when someone says that we need to teach kids in year 4 about sex: thats not what it means. Consent is all-encompassing, it doesnt just mean sexual activity. You might not want to hug someone or touch someone at that moment, she says. Loading That builds an understanding that you dont have to do things someone doesnt want to do or is uncomfortable with, and understanding boundaries. When they do reach that age [to discuss sexual consent], you can talk about this in a sexual context. Then, consent education is about understanding the need that an enthusiastic yes is the only thing thats acceptable, she says. If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
Amit Malviya slams Delhi CM over oxygen crisis, says Kejriwal should learn from CMs of Assam, MP, UP

West Bengal elections 2021: Amit Malviya slams TMC ahead of BJP's candidate list

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Kolkata, Mar 06: Ahead of BJP's candidate list for the upcoming assembly polls, party's West Bengal co-in-charge Amit Malviya on Saturday slammed the Trinamool Congress saying that Mamata Banerjee's TMC rushed to name contenders as they were unsure about their prospects.

Taking to Twitter, Malviya stated that the BJP will field the candidates "who will embody the aspirations of people and work for Sonar Bangla."

"Parties, unsure about their prospects, not facing a problem of plenty, rush to name candidates, many of who have nothing to do with public service. The BJP, as and when it releases its list will field candidates who will embody the aspirations of people and work for Sonar Bangla (sic)," he tweeted.

On Friday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released the list of TMC candidates for the upcoming assembly polls for 291 seats with emphasis on youths, minority, women and backward communities.

West Bengal Election 2021: Former TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi joins BJP, says 'Golden moment'

Three candidates of the Bimal Gurung faction of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), an ally of the TMC, will be contesting from the remaining three seats in Darjeeling.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

"This time we have stressed on more youths and women candidates. Around 23-24 sitting MLAS have been dropped and there are names of about 50 women, 42 Muslims, 79 SC and 17 ST candidates in the list," CM Banerjee said while announcing the names of the candidates in a press conference.

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Story first published: Saturday, March 6, 2021, 15:19 [IST]
Firm action is being demanded to resolve the issues at The Orchard estate in the centre of Dunleer.

Cllr Hugh Conlon says he is bringing the issue to council again this week after residents expressed their frustration at the ongoing delays in completing the development.

At one of the last council meetings, engineers said that it was 'hard to track down the developer' and he would have to see if its possible to borrow money from the operations section to pay for works.

'The taking in charge is not progressing fast enough. With the building bond in place there shouldn't be a problem. I can safely say that the finishing standards on this estate are the worst I've seen in decades,' Cllr Hugh Conlon stated.

He said there was nothing done since May 2020 in relation to the estate.

He wants the estate taken in charge so that works can be done.

'There is a crater in the middle of the road half way up the hill into the Estate. The entire road needs planing and resurfacing. The boundary wall treatment with the adjoining Market House wall with a bare block wall unrendered or plastered and uncapped is an insult to the Listed Building and an insult to the people who paid good money for their houses and apartments,' he said.

'The boundaries on the north end of the site are also deplorable and the boundary wall with Beechwood Park also needs to be plastered,' he added.
Two Ector County ISD students are garnering state-wide attention for their art, which is going to be on display at the Texas Capitol this month.

Odessa Collegiate Academy senior Makayla Stanley and Permian High School freshman Arely Erivas entered the Youth Art Month (YAM) contest through the Texas Art Education Association, and their work was selected for display in Austin. TAEA sponsored this contest in conjunction with National Youth Art Month in March.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla has cancelled a planned visit to Israel as it emerged he had not been fully vaccinated against COVID because he 'didn't want to jump the line' - in a blow to his 'friend' Benjamin Netanyahu as he fights for re-election.

Bourla, 59, and some of his staff have received their first doses but are yet to receive their second, while others in his team have got both doses but have not completed the mandatory seven-day wait afterwards to develop an immune response.

Pfizer announced Thursday the visit had been postponed, after reports emerged that Bourla had not been fully vaccinated. It is unclear if the decision followed pressure from Israeli officials. Dailymail.com has contacted Pfizer for comment.

Pfizer told Channel 12 News, which broke the story: 'We continue to be interested in visiting Israel and meeting with decision-makers, health officials and professionals that are taking part in the successful vaccine drive in Israel.'

Albert Bourla and some of his staff have received their first doses but are yet to receive their second

Bourla vowed in December that he would not 'jump the line' to get the vaccine, despite being the head of the company making the drug in partnership with German company BioNTech.

He was due to arrive in Israel on March 8, just 15 days before the March 23 election, which will sees Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu up against Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid party.

Netanyahu has repeatedly touted his personal rapport with Bourla as a reason why Israel has managed to secure 10million doses of the Pfizer vaccine as part of its world-leading immunization programme.

Bourla's decision to delay the trip will come as a blow to Netanyahu as he seeks to trumpet the jab programme as a reason to re-elect his Likud party.

The Israeli Health Ministry said Thursday that 4,896,113 citizens had received a first vaccine dose, of whom 3,642,338 have also received a second.

There has earlier been speculation that Bourla had delayed his trip to avoid appearing to influence the election.

Pfizer said the trip could go ahead in late spring, 'when COVID restrictions are lifted or improve, and allow better visiting conditions,' the Times of Israel reported.

The trip was set to coincide with the completion of the delivery of 10m vaccine doses and could have also included discussions about Pfizer building a factory in Israel.

Opponents of Netanyahu had branded the proposed visit 'election propaganda' and demanded it be called off.

He was due to arrive in Israel on March 8, just 15 days before the March 23 election, which will sees Benjamin Netanyahu (pic) up against Yair Lapid, head of the centrist Yesh Atid party

A health worker administers a dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine on a man at the Clalit Health Services in the Palestinian neighbourhood of Beit Hanina, in the Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem

The controversial politician, who is on trial for corruption and accused by critics of mismanaging the pandemic, has made the vaccine front and centre of his campaign speeches, social media posts and interviews.

But with opinion polls predicting no clear winner in the March 23 ballot and challengers on Netanyahu's right poised to siphon some of his traditional supporters, it is not clear if his strategy will pay off.

'We are the only ones who can succeed (in emerging from the pandemic) because I brought millions of vaccine doses,' Netanyahu said in an interview with Israel's Channel 13 TV last week.

'Thirty world leaders called me. They told me, 'we tip our hat to the way you ran things, with the health care services,'' he said.

More than half the Israeli population have been given a first dose of the Pfizer /BioNTech vaccine, and nearly 40% have received both shots, far more than in any other country in the world.

Meanwhile, the US has administered 82.5m doses since the vaccine rollout began on December 14. More than half of seniors 65 or older have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, White House officials announced Friday.

Attendees show off their 'green passes' (proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 coronavirus disease) as they arrive at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv on Friday for a Covid-safe trial event

Netanyahu has said the Israeli economy should be back to full swing by April 5.

But the country's longest-serving leader is under growing pressure. In addition to his indictment at home on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, all of which he denies, the International Criminal Court has announced an investigation into war crimes in the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories during his tenure.

And opponents, saying any Israeli leader would have scrambled to secure vaccines, note that the government had to impose three national lockdowns to try to stem spiking infection rates, and that some 6,000 people died of the virus.

Israeli voters have also been feeling the economic strain: official figures showed unemployment at 18% in January.

Ayala Hasson, a Channel 13 news anchor, said Netanyahu's focus on vaccinations stemmed partly from watching his ally Donald Trump's defeat in the U.S. presidential election.

'Netanyahu looked very carefully at what happened in the United States and he saw that Trump lost his presidency because of the COVID issue,' Hasson told Reuters. 'So he thinks it's going to help him, this matter (of vaccines).'

But she said Netanyahu's theme resonated mainly among those who already support him, and 'the majority of voters are already decided.'

The 'green pass concert' in Tel Aviv Friday, which the Israeli authorities hope will be a pilot to show how similar events can be carried out in a Covid safe manner

Netanyahu's vaccination push drew praise among Israelis interviewed on a Tel Aviv street, but some said it wasn't enough to persuade them to vote for 'Bibi', who has been in power continuously since 2009.

'I think it's time for a change in Israel and we need someone new, despite the great job he did with the vaccinations,' said Itay Levy, 21, a software engineer.

Stephen Segal, 32, who owns a coffee business, said there were more important aspects of the coronavirus crisis.

'Did (Netanyahu) handle the economy well? Did he handle the number of infections? I struggled personally during the pandemic - a lot of other people did - and so this is really what's going to determine my vote,' he said.

Many secular Israelis accuse Netanyahu of ignoring lockdown violations within the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community - whose political leaders are key partners in his governing coalition - while enforcing restrictions elsewhere.

Israel's vaccine supplies were ensured, Netanyahu said, through numerous phone calls he made to Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, and an offer to provide the company with real-world data.

His 'proven leadership' would ensure additional vaccine supplies, he says.

But on a popular morning drive-time show on Israel's Kan public radio this week, the familiar sound bite drew only exasperation.

'I'm bringing vaccines for all Israeli citizens,' Netanyahu began.

Pfizer told Dailymail.com: 'We remain interested in meeting the scientific leaders and other important stakeholders who were vital to the successful COVID-19 vaccination program in Israel.

'Any company visit will likely occur once travel conditions improve and COVID-19-related restrictions are eased.'
The Duchess of Sussex was last night criticised by a lawyer fighting for justice for murdered Jamal Khashoggi over her decision to wear diamond earrings given to her by the man accused of ordering the brutal killing.

Michael Eisner, who heads a human rights group founded by Mr Khashoggi three months before his death, said the stunning chandelier earrings were 'bought with blood money' by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He said he was 'baffled' that the Duchess did not know the Prince, known as MBS, was linked to the murder when she wore the earrings at a State dinner, or his appalling human rights record.

The Duchess of Sussex attends Prince Charles, Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Party

'Those earrings were bought with blood money and given to her by a murderer,' said Mr Eisner, chief operating officer of Democracy for the Arab World Now (Dawn). 'She has no business wearing them.'

The Chopard earrings were presented to the Queen by the Crown Prince as an official gift for Meghan on her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

The Duchess wore them on the first night of a visit with her husband to Fiji on October 23, 2018  three weeks after Mr Khashoggi was killed and dismembered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and when there were prominent media reports linking MBS to the shocking assassination.

The Duchess's lawyers last week insisted that at the time of the dinner she was unaware of speculation that MBS was involved in Mr Khashoggi's murder. However, well-placed sources last night claimed the Duchess ignored advice from aides not to wear the jewellery.

FIRST OUTING: The Duchess wears the earrings in Fiji

BRUTAL DEATH: Journalist Jamal Khashoggi

How come the campaigning duchess didn't know saudi ruler was murder suspect? Fearless dissident Jamal Khashoggi was last seen alive entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on the afternoon of October 2, 2018. Within two hours he was killed by a Saudi hit squad, who dismembered his body using a bone saw. Mr Khashoggi was an outspoken critic of the Saudi regime and suspicion quickly grew that the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, was involved. On October 18, The Times reported how a close circle of officials and security officers around MBS were the focus of the murder probe. A day later, The Sun told how one of MBS's bodyguards was suspected of the brutal killing. Later that day Sir John Sawers, the former head of MI6, told the BBC's World at One radio programme that 'all the evidence points to [the killing] being ordered and carried out by people close to Mohammed bin Salman'. Sir John's damning comments were reported widely. The Duchess of Sussex wore the earrings given to her as a wedding gift by MBS to a state dinner in Fiji on October 23. Ten days later, on November 2, the BBC's respected security correspondent Frank Gardner wrote an article on the BBC News website entitled: 'Khashoggi murder: Is Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed finished?' He wrote: 'Official Saudi denials that he himself had anything to do with the murder  in a plot hatched from right within his inner circle have been met with profound scepticism.' On November 14, the Duchess wore the earrings again at Prince Charles's 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palace. Advertisement

At the time, the Kensington Palace press office told the media that the earrings had been 'borrowed' but did not say from whom. While the Royal Family's guidelines regarding the acceptance and ownership of gifts were adhered to, The Mail on Sunday has learned that Palace aides were frustrated that the earrings were worn.

'Nowhere in the gift policy does it say you have to wear them,' one source said.

It is understood the diamond earrings were presented by MBS as a wedding gift for Meghan during his three-day State visit to Britain in March 2018. Court Circular records show he had lunch with the Queen and Prince Andrew at Buckingham Palace on March 7, 2018. There is no suggestion he gave the earrings to the Duchess in person, or indeed has even met her.

It is understood the earrings were logged on an official register of gifts and that Meghan was informed about them in July 2018. They were then selected as part of the jewellery collection to accompany the Duke and Duchess on a 16-day tour of Fiji, Tonga, Australia and New Zealand.

Every detail on such tours is meticulously planned months in advance, including the clothes and jewellery to be worn at each event. The couple were accompanied on the Fiji and Tonga leg of their tour by the hugely experienced Sir David Manning, a former British ambassador to the US and Tony Blair's former foreign policy adviser.

On October 18  five days before Meghan wore the earrings  The Times newspaper reported how a close circle of officials and security officers around MBS had emerged as the focus of the investigation into what had happened to Mr Khashoggi.

Lawyers for Meghan last week told The Times that although she may have said they were borrowed, every relevant member of staff knew who they were from. They added that she was unaware of the rumours at the time that the Crown Prince was involved in the murder.

Lauren Kiehna, author of royal jewellery blog The Court Jeweller, said: 'What was unusual was the statement the jewels were 'borrowed' without explaining who owned them. When jewels are borrowed from the Queen, the Palace generally says so.'

The Duchess wore the earrings for a second time on November 14, 2018  to Prince Charles's 70th birthday party at Buckingham Palace. This prompted an aide to confront Harry about the earrings, according to The Times. The Prince was reported to have looked 'shocked' that people knew where the earrings came from.

Mr Khashoggi, who wrote for the Washington Post, was killed and dismembered by a Saudi hit squad inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. His body has never been recovered. An explosive CIA report released by US President Joe Biden nine days ago claimed MBS approved Mr Khashoggi's murder.

The Crown Prince, who is Saudi Arabia's Deputy Prime Minister and day-to-day ruler, has said he bears responsibility for the murder 'because it happened under my watch', but has denied prior knowledge of the execution.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

The Dawn human rights group and Hatice Cengiz, Mr Khashoggi's fiancee, last year filed a lawsuit against MBS and 20 alleged co-conspirators in a US court.

Mr Eisner, a former lawyer at the US State Department, said it was important for Royals to keep up to date with major world events. 'She [Meghan] should inform herself as a member of the Royal Family of current events and politics and what's going on.'

He added that he was particularly surprised that Meghan did not know about MBS's alleged involvement given that she was photographed two years earlier alongside Loujain al-Hathloul  a Saudi human rights activist who campaigned for women's rights to drive in her home country  at a summit in Canada.

'It's baffling that she would not know the circumstances surrounding Khashoggi's murder and understand that MBS had blood on his hands,' he said.

'Loujain al-Hathloul's case is extremely prominent but if she knows about that, I would be very surprised that she wouldn't follow other events in Saudi Arabia  the biggest event in the last decade  and know of MBS's involvement in that murder.'

He suggested that the Duchess should donate the earrings to human rights victims, although such a decision would need to be approved by the Palace.

According to Royal biographers Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand, Meghan turned down a free stay at London's five-star Dorchester hotel, which is owned by the Sultan of Brunei, before she married Harry amid concerns over the treatment of LGBT people in the country.

Meanwhile, in an extraordinary twist, it emerged yesterday that Mr Khashoggi was the cousin of Dodi Fayed, who was in a relationship with Princess Diana, the Duke of Sussex's mother, at the time of her death in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Mr Fayed's mother Samira Khashoggi was Jamal Khashoggi's aunt.

Meghan STILL has the tainted diamond earrings from the Saudi Crown Prince in her collection

Duchess of Sussex still has responsibility for the controversial diamond earrings

Meghan was gifted the jewels by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman

The Saudi royal family has regularly given jewellery to their British counterparts

By Jo Macfarlane for The Mail On Sunday

The controversial diamond earrings gifted to the Duchess of Sussex by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman remain her responsibility, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Gifts from foreign heads of state are officially considered Crown property, according to Royal protocol, which may explain why reporters accompanying Harry and Meghan on their 2018 tour to Fiji were told they had been 'borrowed'.

But wedding gifts given to senior Royals are not loaned out in a conventional sense from a central collection. Instead, the recipient has responsibility for them and can keep them before they are returned to the Crown after their death.

Meghan Duchess of Sussex attends a reception and dinner hosted by the President of Fiji at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva, Fiji, October 2018

Female members of the Royal Family are regularly loaned priceless jewellery by the Queen.

For example, Princess Beatrice, for her marriage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020, was lent Queen Mary's diamond fringe tiara  the headpiece the Queen wore on her wedding day to Prince Philip in 1947. The Queen also lent another of Queen Mary's tiaras to the Duchess of Sussex on her wedding day.

There are strict guidelines around accepting gifts as a member of the Royal Household. The official policy, in place since 2003, makes clear that Royals should think carefully about the reason for the gift and not accept it if it could be seen to put them under obligation to the donor, or if the donor expects something in return. This might include clothing which, if worn, could commercially benefit an individual.

Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry attend a reception and dinner hosted by the President of Fiji, October 2018

Members of the family can only receive personal gifts, which they can keep, if they meet strict conditions. They must be given by people known privately to the member of the Royal Household and not in connection with any public duty; or they must be worth less than 150 and come from bodies or individuals with whom the member of the Royal Household has an established relationship. Otherwise they are classed as 'official' gifts, which are not the personal property of individual Royals.

The Saudi royal family has regularly given jewellery to their British counterparts. Royal jewellery expert Lauren Kiehna said Princess Diana received a suite of diamond and sapphire jewels from Crown Prince Fahd as a wedding present in 1981, and the Duchess of Cornwall received three suites of jewellery during her official visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2006.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not respond to requests for comment.

How Meghan's fearless Saudi activist friend who campaigned for women's rights was jailed by the regime as Duchess sported earrings from the Crown Prince

Meghan met activist Loujain Al-Hathloul, 31, at summit in Canada, October 2016

Ms Al-Hathloul was detained in 2018 and sentenced to over five years in prison

Last month she was granted probation by a judge in Riyadh and allowed home

By Mark Hookham for Mail On Sunday

The Duchess of Sussex has paid close attention to human rights outrages in Saudi Arabia in the past, befriending a fearless campaigner who fought for Saudi women to be allowed to drive.

Meghan met activist Loujain Al-Hathloul, 31, at the One Young World humanitarian summit in Canada in October 2016.

Vanity Fair published a picture of the pair standing in front of a dramatic lake in Ottawa, alongside former Irish president Mary Robinson and Pakistani poet Fatima Bhutto.

Vanity Fair published a picture of the pair standing in front of a dramatic lake in Ottawa, alongside former Irish president Mary Robinson (centre) and Pakistani poet Fatima Bhutto (second) and Loujain al-Hathloul (right)

Within months of the picture being taken by acclaimed American photographer Jason Schmitt, Meghan was revealed to be dating Prince Harry.

But life for Ms Al-Hathloul took a very different turn.

She and other activists were detained in 2018 on charges including contact with groups hostile to Saudi Arabia and last December she was sentenced to more than five years in prison.

Loujain al-Hathloul. She and other activists were detained in 2018 on charges including contact with groups hostile to Saudi Arabia

Saudi activist Loujain al-Hathloul is pictured on her way to the state security court in the Saudi capital Riyadh on March 2, 2021

Last month she was granted probation by a judge in Riyadh and allowed home to her family, subject to a travel ban, and a suspended sentence if she breaks the terms of her release.

The 2016 One Young World summit gathered 1,300 young campaigners from 196 countries.

Writing at the time on her lifestyle blog The Tig, Meghan said: One Young World invites young adults from all over the world who are actively working to transform the socio-political landscape by being the greater good.

Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain has fronted a video campaign to urge British Bangladeshis to get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Great British Bake Off winner, Asma Khan from the Netflix series Chef's Table and MasterChef's Dr Saliha Mahmood have joined the NHS in a bid to tackle hesitancy surrounding the jab.

The trio of cooking show favourites shared the message as part of an international vaccination campaign backed by the United Nations.

Nadiya was joined by Asma Khan from the Netflix series Chef's Table and MasterChef's Dr Saliha Mahmood have joined the NHS in a bid to tackle hesitancy surrounding the jab

In the video message, Nadiya says: 'Education is empowering. By educating ourselves around vaccination it allows us to encourage our family members, loved ones and communities to get the vaccine.'

According to NHS data, 76,106 people of Bangladeshi ethnicity have received a first dose of the vaccine in England.

Last month Adil Ray, Beverley Knight, Romesh Ranganathan and Denise Lewis appeared in a video calling on members of ethnic minority groups to get vaccinated, which aired simultaneously across channels including ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and STV.

More than 20 million people in the UK have had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

This includes nine out of 10 people aged 65 and over, but the NHS is aiming to encourage as many people from black, Asian and ethnic minority groups to take up the offer.

Dr Mahmood, who is an NHS doctor and won MasterChef in 2017, said: 'It is imperative we talk the language of these communities. As an NHS doctor but also as a woman and mother from this community, I hope to use this platform to spread a positive message around vaccination as far as possible.'

Chef Khan, owner of the Darjeeling Express restaurant in London, said: 'Food is at the heart of our communities and our families, and the quicker we get vaccinated the quicker we will be able to enjoy meals together with our loved ones.'

The NHS had offered all those in the first four priority groups a vaccine by the middle of February and are now working through the remaining groups.

According to NHS data, 76,106 people of Bangladeshi ethnicity have received a first dose of the vaccine in England

In the video message, Nadiya says: 'Education is empowering. By educating ourselves around vaccination it allows us to encourage our family members, loved ones and communities to get the vaccine.'

Dr Nikki Kanani, national director for primary care at NHS England and practising GP, said: 'We need to continue to build confidence in the vaccine amongst certain communities, and we are working hard to improve uptake, delivering vaccines at faith and community centres and providing information in multiple languages.

'I am so grateful for the support brought by Nadiya, Asma and Saliha, who can help us to reassure people that the vaccine is safe, effective and our best way out of the pandemic.'

Minister for Covid-19 vaccine deployment Nadhim Zahawi said: 'Vaccines are a medical marvel and have saved countless lives around the world from a number of terrible diseases.

'It's fantastic to see some of TV's top chefs underlining the importance of getting vaccinated for Covid-19 and we are hugely grateful for their support.

'The Government is working hard with the NHS to boost vaccine uptake across a range of communities, and will continue to work with directors of public health, charities and faith leaders to provide advice and public health information to as many individuals as possible.'

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She spent her days working on a model designed to help optimize cholera vaccine distribution but, over the course of a few evenings, turned her attention to the recently declared COVID-19 pandemic. Matrajt assembed a simple model that showed how much reducing contact  or distancing  by different groups could theoretically change the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus.

Matrajt, a mathematical modeler in the Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Epidemiology, or BBE, Program in the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, had been working remotely since the Hutch activated its mandatory remote work policy on March 4.

I was seeing people in my social media discussing, Is it useful? Is it not useful? she said. Some were saying, People are exaggerating, [SARS-CoV-2] is just like the flu.

Dr. Laura Matrajt didnt expect to make much noise on Twitter. She just wanted to clarify a term shed seen sowing confusion on social media.

While models can point to key variables that could slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, modelers caution against expecting them to predict the exact numbers of cases of COVID-19.

It was the first inkling Matrajt had that mathematical modelers like herself might experience this pandemic a little differently.

I was not expecting people to be so interested in this, she said.

First, Matrajt posted her graph on Facebook, and then, on the recommendation of a friend, on Twitter . It took off.

I just wanted to put it on Facebook so that people understood their particular actions would have a consequence, she said. This was the early days of the pandemic, before many had accepted that social distancing could help slow the new virus spread.

The point of her graph was not to project specific numbers, but to show the differences among the various scenarios.

She modeled what could happen if no one distanced, if only adults over 60 distanced, if adults over 60 distanced with children, if all adults distanced, or if everyone took steps to reduce contact with others.

I was thinking ahead  almost trying to be a fortune teller of what's coming: looking around, seeing what's happening in other places, what evidence are [the government] going to need from the modelers, to support relaxing restrictions or instituting a mask mandate, said Etzioni, who leads the biostatistics core for the National Cancer Institute-funded multicenter Northwest Prostate Cancer Specialized Program of Research Excellence , or SPORE.

Hutch biostatistician Dr. Ruth Etzioni , who has developed models to evaluate diagnostic tests for breast and prostate cancer, worked as a bridge between the Institute for Disease Modeling at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Washington state Department of Health.

I recall very early on hearing some people state that a vast majority of infection was from symptomatic people. Based on the wide cryptic spread of the virus, I was like, No, there's no way. To a modeler it's extremely obvious, Schiffer said. Once we heard about the Biogen conference and choir practice outbreak in Skagit County, many of us had discussions where we thought, OK, thats the epidemiology. Its aerosol.

An intuitive understanding of these kinds of dynamics, honed from years of experience, sometimes gave modelers insights that bordered on premonitions.

I didnt even have to look at the model to know it was a bad model, she said, noting that its mathematically impossible for a single day to make that much of a difference. It tells me they didnt understand the mathematics of transmission dynamics.

Matrajt saw one model that predicted that changing when to implement social distancing measures by even a single day could change the number of deaths from COVID-19 by 50%.

Some of us thought, Were done. We just dont want to see another disease. And then came coronavirus, she said. Everybody in the world suddenly felt that they know how to model infectious diseases and everybody jumped on it.

We had learned a lot along the way, Halloran said, but many modelers toiling to encapsulate human suffering in mathematical equations were feeling burnt out.

As the head of an NIH-funded pandemic modeling working group, Halloran also worked on the potential threat of bird flu, only to see it suddenly superseded by H1N1 swine flu, which swept the world in 2009. Presaging the novel coronavirus pandemic, H1N1 modelers quickly switched from modeling how to contain the pandemic flu to modeling how to mitigate its damage.

Dr. Elizabeth Halloran , who heads the Hutchs BBE Program, directs the Center for Inference & Dynamics of Infectious Diseases , and founded and directs the Summer Institute for Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Disease at the University of Washington, has been modeling infectious diseases since the 1980s, when she studied malaria. After 9/11, she was invited by the U.S. government and the National Institutes of Health to join modeling groups that sought to help officials prepare for the potential use of smallpox and other bioterrorist threats. This isnt the first pandemic shes seen that arose unexpectedly while governments and researchers focused on other risks.

Early in the pandemic, when so little was known about the new virus, but people were hungry for information about how diseases spread, Mukherjee contacted Schiffer to discuss work hed done to model how viral dose influenced the chances of transmitting human herpesvirus 6 , or HHV-6, a virus very few people have heard of.

Dr. Josh Schiffer , a Hutch infectious disease specialist who develops models of viral dynamics in infected people, reckons that prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, hed spoken to news media just once. Now, hes spoken to Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee for a story in the New Yorker and actor and TV personality Joel McHale for an interview series, Joel Asks Fred Hutch . Reporters call him to comment on the preprints of papers he plans to submit for review.

Evolving pandemic, evolving questions

As pandemic stretched on, newbie modelers dropped out, leaving experienced modelers applying their knowledge in an environment of evolving information and evolving questions.

As a member of the World Health Organizations epidemic response R&D Blueprint, Halloran was briefed on the emerging coronavirus on January 9, 2020. Officials wanted to know where the virus could spread. Halloran immediately reached out to Dr. Alessandro Vespignani, a collaborator at Northeastern University, to use their modeling tool, the Global Epidemic and Modeling project, or GLEAM, to project where in the world the virus could be headed as it spread from China. The team began the work before the virus received its official name, SARS-CoV-2, and submitted their first paper, which appeared in the journal Science, in late January 2020.

Schiffer knew that the same question hed addressed with HHV-6  how much virus it takes to infect a new host  would be an even more important issue with SARS-CoV-2. So he, Dr. Ashish Goyal, a postdoctoral research associate in his lab, and Dr. Bryan Mayer, a BBE staff scientist with whom Schiffer had worked on HHV-6, drew on what data they could to create a similar model for the novel coronavirus.

Matrajt models how to optimize vaccine distribution  not a top priority when none exist. She initially thought her scientific involvement with SARS-CoV-2 would end with the paper that resulted from her tweet. But as vaccine developers did their best to outrace the pandemic, and candidates moved into trials at record speed, Matrajt realized she had more expertise to offer.

Shes published work in the journal Science Advances that addresses under what conditions coronavirus vaccines should be targeted at those most at risk of disease, or those most likely to spread the infection. Matrajt is currently investigating the conditions under which strategically deployed single-dose vaccines could help policy makers, faced with vaccine shortages, optimize vaccine allocation.

One of the biggest challenges to modeling the coronavirus at the beginning was the dearth of information about the unknown virus. A lot of the information that scientists studying the flu, for example, have been able to glean from past outbreaks was entirely missing.

We knew it was a coronavirus, but we didn't know how infectious is it? Whats the natural history you have to put in your models?  We had to work with a lot of uncertainty because we didn't know anything about the disease in January 2020, really, Halloran said.

In the earliest days of the pandemic, it wasnt even clear whether the novel coronavirus spread by jumping from human to human, as opposed to jumping to humans from its animal hosts  let alone whether contaminated objects or coughed-up mucus droplets were primary virus carriers. It would be nearly impossible for a virus that couldnt spread between humans to spread around the world, so scientists trying to model a potentially global pandemic added the presumption of human transmission to their initial models. They also presumed that all transmission originated from symptomatic infections. Now, said Matrajt, it appears that roughly 40% of infections may be asymptomatic.

Over time, as SARS-CoV-2 became one of the worlds most-studied viruses, scientists had to contend with a different problem: reams of data, some of it of dubious quality.

The availability of good data has been very hard to predict, said Schiffer.

Prior to the pandemic, his models drew on data produced by scientists with whom he had a longstanding relationship, whose scientific standards he trusted.

Now we are emailing people we don't know across the globe and asking for data  and getting every possible type of response you could imagine, Schiffer said.

Even as the data that modelers could draw on changed daily, so did the world they were trying to model. Halloran and Vespignanis first model of SARS-CoV-2 spread used transportation data to project where the virus would travel.

But by the time it got reviewed, then came all the travel restrictions. And so then we had to change the focus of the original paper  it was already outdated, she said. They published the work in the journal Science in April 2020.

The scientific questions Halloran explored evolved with the pandemic. She and Vespignani published several studies addressing new COVID questions. They used mobility data to examine the impact of testing, contact tracing, and quarantine on the second wave of COVID-19, work that appeared in the journal Nature Human Behavior. With collaborators at the University of Florida, the team published a study in the journal Vaccine that examined the use of ensemble forecasting, a modeling strategy that uses a set of forecasts to explore a range of possible outcomes, in the design of vaccine efficacy trials.

She, Vespignani and several other colleagues also used the GLEAM model to estimate the establishment of local transmission and cryptic phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in the U.S. and Europe, and are currently looking at different targeted vaccination strategies on a global scale. Halloran also lent her expertise in the design of vaccine trials to development of the protocol for the WHO Solidarity Vaccines Trial.

Schiffer also had to grapple with the pandemics slippery nature. He was working to figure out which variables would contribute the most to COVID-19 cases and deaths and his teams models pointed to speed of vaccination and lockdown as the main ways society could reduce these.

Then, of course, the news about the new variant popped up. And so we've had to re-equilibrate that whole paper, he said.

The questions his team tackled also changed over the course of the pandemic, Schiffer said, ranging from why superspreader events were occurring to the effect masks and vaccines might have on case counts.

It's been a very strange process to react to the news cycle, he said.

Models arent a crystal ball

Many people anxiously watching the pandemic unfold expected more forecasting accuracy than the models could provide, said Etzioni. Schiffer agreed.

Philosophically I am not in favor of using models to project what's going to happen next, he said.

There are too many unknown variables to project a specific number of deaths within a specific time period.

Our approach has been more to say, What are the variables that will determine how many cases and deaths there will be? so we can go to the Department of Health and say, Listen, these are the two things that matter, said Schiffer, who prefers to describe his models as hypothesis generating rather than hypothesis validating.

But, said Etzioni, that doesnt mean models cant be helpful. Early in the pandemic, many in the public struggled to understand the implications for society if the number of infected continued growing exponentially. But models could help people understand, she said.

In a way, it didn't really matter what number the model gave to predicting how big the problem was going to be, as long as it was a big number, Etzioni said. The models were saying different things, but they were all saying it was going to be bad.

In this way, models can help support policy decisions, or confirm what we know but dont want to admit, such as that if numbers of novel coronavirus cases are climbing, we need to implement stricter social-distancing measures, she said.

At one point, Etzioni asked modelers at the IDM to do a retrospective model, comparing the numbers of infected people in Washington state to how many there might have been if lockdown measures had never been implemented.

It really was striking, that we were was about at half of where we would have been in terms of the prevalence, she said. The IDM model helped confirm that the difficult, unpopular restrictions had worked as intended.

Models are also often better at addressing qualitative questions, such as whether to social distance now or later, than quantitative questions, such as how many will become infected, Etzioni added.

Understanding the assumptions included in each model is key to interpreting it, the researchers said.

Modelers should be upfront about what theyve assumed as they created their model, and how sensitive it is to those assumptions, Etzioni argued.

We all have to tell the public the one thing that they should know that we are assuming, but that we can't really verify, she said.

Halloran noted how much different assumptions can change the outcome of models. Take vaccines, for example. A model that assumes that vaccines prevent infection, and therefore transmission, will give dramatically different results from one that assumes that a vaccine allows breakthrough infections in vaccinated people who may then transmit the virus.

The further you get out from the day the simulation starts, the greater the variability, Schiffer said.

Its a little like weather forecasting: predictions for tomorrows weather are much more accurate than predictions for next week. This is in part because, Schiffer noted, pandemic modelers dont have answers to many of the parameters controlling that variability, such as how new viral variants will affect vaccine efficacy, or whether people will adhere to yet another lockdown.

People expect big mathematical models to predict exactly what's going to happen, as if we had a crystal ball, Matrajt said. Thats just not possible. It would be much better if everyone, including the modelers, were a little bit more open about the limitations.
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Editor's note: Richard E. Besser, a physician, is president and chief executive of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in Princeton, N.J. He was the former acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from January to July 2009. Follow him on Twitter @DrRichBesser. The views expressed in this commentary belong to the author. View more opinion at CNN.

(CNN)  Six months after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and a swath of the Gulf Coast, the House of Representatives Select Bipartisan Committee issued a report to assess the preparation and response to that historic storm, which killed more than 1,800 people.

"Four and a half years after 9/11, America is still not ready for prime time," it bluntly stated. "Government failed because it did not learn from past experiences, or because lessons thought to be learned were somehow not implemented."

That report and others like it called for dramatic changes in how the United States prepares for and responds to national emergencies. It recognized that our nation's failures during this crisis required deeper examination. "There was little question that Katrina had sparked renewed debate about race, class, and institutional approaches to vulnerable population groups in the United States," the report said.

But little has changed in the last 15 years. The pandemic has disproportionately affected Black and brown Americans, who are more likely than White people to be infected, hospitalized and killed as a result of Covid-19. We must identify and address the underlying causes that allow public health emergencies to impact some people more than others simply because of the color of their skin, what they earn and where they live. Dismantling structural racism must become America's ultimate public health intervention.

Although we are still in the throes of the pandemic, post-mortems are already being written. However, the thoughtful and insightful reports that have assessed America's failures and offered prescriptions for change -- including one I contributed to and one that the foundation I lead helped fund -- still fall short of adequately addressing the historic and ongoing neglect that continues to harm communities of color.

As the Biden administration and the 117th Congress set their sights on fixing what has gone wrong with the US response to Covid-19, health equity must be the central focus. We have a chance to get this right if we recognize that public health preparedness requires changes that go far beyond our existing health care system and address our society's fundamental failures.

America's social safety net has gaping holes. The wealthiest nation in the history of the world continues to deny millions of its people the means and ability to live the healthiest lives possible. A more equitable approach must begin with some core needs:

Universal health insurance. In the first half of 2020, 30 million people in the US had no health insurance, according to an estimate from the National Health Interview Survey. Pandemic-related job losses have exacerbated this.

Paid sick and family leave, and affordable childcare. Millions of workers with high risk jobs have been forced to continue going to work, even if they become ill or are exposed to someone who is because they have no paid time off. Childcare -- if available -- is often out of reach financially.

Increased nutrition assistance. More than 35 million people already lived in food-insecure households in 2019, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Between March and September 2020, an additional six million people joined the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP), reflecting increased levels of food insecurity fueled by job loss and wage reductions. Permanent increases in SNAP benefits could improve children's health, reduce poverty, lower food insecurity and help jumpstart the economy.

A living wage. Congress has not approved an increase in the federal minimum wage since 2007, a failure that is particularly galling considering the rise in wage inequality in the US over the past 40 years.

Affordable housing. Quality, stable housing has a strong connection to health. The US housing crisis showed up loud and clear during this pandemic, particularly for people of color who tend to spend a greater share of their income on housing. Federal policies must be enacted so that housing becomes a fundamental right.

School funding. Children of color have been hit hardest by learning loss resulting from pandemic-related school shutdowns, and too many schools in underserved communities are at an inherent disadvantage when it comes to having the resources and equipment to reopen safely. These inequities will further widen educational disparities.

One could predict, even a year ago, how the structural vulnerabilities and frayed social safety net would hurt us as Covid-19 began to spread. It was clear that communities of color, people in nursing homes and jails, and frontline workers would suffer most. The script played out just as we knew it would, and the US life expectancy numbers released last month provide sobering and succinct clarity: Black Americans lost 2.7 years, Latinos 1.9 years and Whites 0.8 years.

A lesson I learned both as acting director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the early days of the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, and before that as head of the agency's Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response work (a position I began just a few hours before Hurricane Katrina came ashore) is that our elected officials have a brief and limited window of time to enact policies to address such structural deficiencies. They rally to support pressing needs during a public health emergency and its aftermath, then turn their attention elsewhere.

We see this play out starkly with respect to public health funding in the US -- to wit, the CDC's budget for public health preparedness and response programs has been cut in half over the past decade, even as our needs have grown. We've seen a similar erosion at the state and local level, with funding cut by nearly one-third since 2003.

When the lessons of the previous crisis are left behind, neglected systems remain our status quo. We tend to focus on the immediate and visible deficits but rarely stop to thoughtfully consider what it would take to make sure that everyone in America has the means and ability to weather the next storm, whether it be a hurricane or a pandemic.

We've reached a cautiously optimistic point in the Covid-19 crisis. Caseloads and deaths are trending downward across the US, more Americans are being vaccinated and schools are beginning to reopen. If we continue to follow public health guidance in the days ahead and Congress comes through with additional relief, we can feel hopeful that this is the beginning of the end of this pandemic. But as good as that sounds, we cannot rest until we are ready for the next public health crisis.

The outrage from the injustices of Hurricane Katrina was not enough to drive real change in America. A question from that House Select Bipartisan Committee Report haunts us, even today: "With Katrina, we have had the catastrophe, and we are racing inexorably toward the next. Americans want to know: what have we learned?"

We have seen this pandemic's devastation. The question is, what will we do so that this never happens again?

This story was first published on CNN.com 'Here's what we need to do to prevent another pandemic from devastating the vulnerable'
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In a bid to promote passenger safety in cars, the Indian government has announced the mandatory provision of dual airbags (front row) in all cars manufactured and sold in India.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made the announcement of the latest rule in a gazette notification. As per the rule, all the new passenger cars in India will have to come with dual front airbags as standard fitment. The rule will be applicable for all cars manufactured in the Indian market starting from April 1, 2021. At the same time, the deadline is August 31, 2021, for the existing vehicles.

(Also read | Carmakers should absorb cost increase on mandatory dual front airbag rule: FADA)

"It has been mandated that the vehicles manufactured on and after the 1st Day of April, 2021, in the case of new models, and 31st day of August, 2021, in the case of existing models, shall be fitted with airbag for the person occupying the front seat, other than the driver," tweeted The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Jamesville, N.Y.  A 17-year-old shot and killed Thursday by police in Jamesville has been identified as Judson Albahm.

Judsons identity was confirmed to Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard by two law enforcement sources and his name was used in 911 center dispatches to police.

The call leading to his death began at 4372 Apulia Road, a residence owned by the Albahm family, according to public property records.

Judson was pronounced dead at the scene along Apulia Road on Thursday afternoon after being shot at by multiple officers. Judson pulled out what police believed to be a handgun and pointed it at the officers, state police and the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office said in statements.

The incident began around 12:30 p.m. Thursday when the teens mother talked to a 911 dispatcher, who relayed the information to responding police officers.

Shes saying her son Judson Albahm, a 17-year-old male is driving a Ford Fusion, color white, the dispatcher said. He just left two minutes ago, after hitting the callers vehicle.

Later, the dispatcher also warned officers that Judson, by name, had a history of emotional disturbance and of being armed.

During the call, the dispatcher told police that Judson owned an airsoft gun and had threatened suicide by cop in the past.

Read More: Dispatcher warned of Jamesville teens airgun and suicide by cop before fatal shooting by police

An airsoft gun, also called an airgun or a pellet gun, does not fire bullets. It is used in simulated shooting sports. It often mimics the size and shape of a real gun. The exact make and model of Judsons airsoft gun has not been released by police.

Law enforcement agencies have not publicly identified the teen. Police have said only that he was armed with what appeared to be a handgun.

Police were called to the Jamesville residence on Apulia Road, just south of Coye Road, at 12:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon. A St. Josephs Comprehensive Psychiatric Mobile Crisis Outreach Team was on the scene when police arrived, sheriffs spokesman Sgt. Jon Seeber said in a news release Thursday night.

The teen refused to comply with police commands and he ran from officers with what appeared to be a handgun, police said.

As officers closed in on the teen, he raised what was believed to be a weapon, causing the officers to open fire and kill the teenager, police said.

The officers involved in the shooting have not yet been identified.

Judson was a student in the Jamesville-DeWitt School District, according to an email sent to parents by superintendent Peter Smith.

The district released the following statement Friday night:

Dear J-D families,

The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District school community is heartbroken over the news of the Thursday, March 4, death of one of our former students.

Our thoughts and sincerest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Judson Albahm. Our counseling team has identified and reached out to those students and staff members who knew Judson and are lending support where needed as our school community copes with this tragedy.

Your children may be aware of this news since it is an active police investigation being discussed in the media and community. There are a number of resources online to help you talk with your children about grief and death, including National Association of School Psychologists: Addressing Grief. Locally, Hope for the Bereaved has a wealth of information to help families and individuals dealing with grief and loss.

Our counseling team will continue to check in on those in need of support, and I encourage you to reach out to your childs school counselor if you need help talking with your child. It is times like this that the true meaning of the phrase together, we are J-D is shown as our community supports and cares for one another. Please reach out if you need help as we work towards healing as a community.

---

Staff writer James McClendon covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? Reach him at 914-204-2815 or jmcclendon@syracuse.com.
NASA astronauts Kate Rubins and Victor Glover concluded their spacewalk at 1:16 p.m. EST, after 7 hours and 4 minutes.

In the third spacewalk of the year outside the International Space Station, the two NASA astronauts began work to install modification kits required for upcoming solar array upgrades.

The duo worked near the farthest set of existing solar arrays on the station's left (port) side, known as P6. Glover built a bracket structure and worked with Rubins to attach the bracket and support struts to the mast canister, the base, of one of the P6 solar arrays, known as 2B. One of the bolts did not fully engage on the first attempt, so Rubins used a power drill to back it out and reseat it, then used a ratchet wrench to tighten the bolt, reaching a safe configuration. The bolt likely will need to be secured further before installing one of the new solar arrays that will be delivered to the space station later this year aboard SpaceX's 22nd commercial resupply services mission.

Rubins and Glover then moved to begin identical assembly work for the bracket for the second of the P6 solar array pair, known as 4B. They completed the construction of upper support hardware and secured it to the space station's exterior structure until work can be completed on the next spacewalk on Friday, March 5.

To ensure a sufficient power supply is maintained for NASA's exploration technology demonstrations for Artemis and beyond as well as utilization and commercialization, NASA is augmenting six of the eight existing power channels of the space station with new solar arrays. The new solar arrays, a larger version of the Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) technology, will be positioned in front of six of the current arrays, ultimately increasing the station's total available power from 160 kilowatts to up to 215 kilowatts. The current solar arrays are functioning well but have begun to show signs of degradation, as expected, as they were designed for a 15-year service life.

This was the third career spacewalk for both Rubins and Glover. Rubins has now spent a total of 19 hours and 50 minutes spacewalking. Glover now has spent a total of 19 hours and 20 minutes spacewalking.

Space station crew members have conducted 235 spacewalks in support of assembly and maintenance of the orbiting laboratory. Spacewalkers have now spent a total of 61 days, 14 hours, and 11 minutes working outside the station.

During the spacewalk March 5, Rubins and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Soichi Noguchi will venture outside the orbiting outpost to complete the installation of the 4B array modification kit and are expected to tackle additional work, including the venting of ammonia from the Early Ammonia System.

On-Orbit Status Report

USOS Extravehicular Activity (EVA) #71 - ISS Roll Out Solar Array (IROSA) Prep: Today, EV1 Kate Rubins and EV2 Victor Glover performed a 7 hour 4 minute EVA and completed the following tasks in support of the IROSA Prep EVA:

Build the 2B Upper Bracket

Install the 2B Center Pad to Mast Canister

Install the 2B Left Struts

Install 2B Right Struts, MLIs, and Clamps

Build the 4B Upper Bracket

The EV Crew was unable to fully tighten the bolts on the 2B structure during the EVA. Ground teams determined that the 2B structure did not require a tie down, but the site will need to be revisited during a following EVA to complete the bolt tightening. Due to the overrun of the 2B installation operations, the installation of the 4B Center Pad to Mast Canister and the 4B Right Lower Strut were not completed and will need to be completed during a following EVA.

Payloads

Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) Fluids and Combustion Facility: The crew set the CIR Valve Timers on the front of the Optics Bench. The CIR includes an optics bench, combustion chamber, fuel and oxidizer control, and five different cameras for performing combustion investigations in microgravity.

Micro-16: The crew performed Micro-16 sample loading and video imaging using the BioServe Microscope. Loss of muscle mass and strength present a major challenge for astronauts on future long space voyages. Determining Muscle Strength in Space-flown Caenorhabditis elegans (Micro-16) uses this tiny worm to test whether decreased expression of muscle proteins is associated with decreased strength. The research team developed a new device to measure muscle strength in multiple generations of space-reared C. elegans worms and compare that strength to postflight muscle gene expression analyses.

Packed Bed Reactor Experiment (PBRE): The crew inspected the MSG Work Volume for any water release from the PBRE Vent Hose. The PBRE studies the behavior of gases and liquids when they flow simultaneously through a column filled with fixed porous media. The porous media or "packing" can be made of different shapes and materials and are used widely in chemical engineering as a means to enhance the contact between two immiscible fluid phases (e.g., liquid-gas, water-oil, etc.). Packed columns can serve as reactors, scrubbers, strippers, etc. in systems where efficient interphase contact is desired, both on Earth and in space.

Systems

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: On Saturday, the crew performed several activities in preparation for the ISS Roll Out Solar Array (IROSA) EVA. The crew performed tool configurations, tool audits, and equipment lock preparations. The crew also reviewed the EVA procedures and participated in a conference with the ground.

Cygnus Cargo Operations: Both today and Saturday, the crew completed cargo transfer operations between the ISS and the Cygnus Northrup Grumman (NG)-15 vehicle.

Safety Video Survey: Today the crew completed a video of the ISS interior volume to allow ground teams to assess current vehicle configuration as well as identify any areas of concern related to ventilation blockage, flammability hazards, emergency egress paths, access to fire ports and safety equipment. This survey is performed approximately every six months.

Completed Task List Activities:

None

This Weekend's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

IROSA Prep EVA Commanding and Support

Nominal Ground Commanding

Look Ahead Plan

Monday, March 1 (GMT 060)

Payloads:

ICF USB remove (NASA)

RTPCG2 card print (NASA)

SABL-3 tray insert (NASA)

AC Touch (NASA)

HRF VEG POMS QSTN (NASA)

EKAM Node2 setup and act (Joint)

EPM ESEM4 switch on (ESA)

Systems:

EVA Debrief Conference

EVA Procedure & DOUG Review

ROBO Procedure Conference

EVA QD Training Review

OGS H2 Sensor R&R

Tuesday, March 2 (GMT 061)

Payloads:

BioAnalyzer setup and stow (CSA)

Ribosome Proofing CBEF Humidifier Install (JAXA)

AWP HRF2 setup and data d/l (NASA)

RTPCG2 Plate loading (NASA)

PBRE Water Inspect (NASA)

AHOSS hardware setup (NASA)

BPA cable install (NASA)

SERFE sample process (NASA)

AC Photo (NASA)

Systems:

Dragon Tablet Sync

Cygnus Cargo Ops

EVA Procedure Review & Conference

EVA Tool Configuration

EMU Resize

EMU H2O Recharge

Wednesday, March 3 (GMT 062)

Payloads:

DOSIS DOSTEL-1 Install

Facet Cell installation into SCOF

BPA Install & Hose Route

Spaceborne Computer-2 Installation

Systems:

EVA Ammonia OBT

EVA Procedure Conference

EVA Cuff Print

EVA Tool Configuration

WHC Piping R&R

IMV Flow Measure

This Weekend's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

End of GoPro SM-AGAT-U55 charging and stowage

Relocate PBAs for upcoming EVA

Extravehicular Activity Pistol Grip Tool Battery Installation

Crew Dragon Hatch Seal Cleaning

PELLE. Download & placement before US EVA

Equipment Lock (E-LK) Preparation

Micro-16 MELFI Media Retrieve

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Configuring

Photo TV Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Camera Turnaround

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Audit

Microscope Reposition Preparation

Combustion Integrated Rack Valve Timer Set

PBRE/MSG Water Release Inspection/Cleanup

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Review

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Conference

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis

Micro-16 Experiment Setup

Micro-16 Initiation and Loading Operations

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) iPad Preparation

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2

Micro-16 Microscopy Operations

Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations

Urine Transfer System Offload EDV Swap

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record

ISS HAM Kenwood Radio Power Down in Columbus

ISS HAM Radio Power Down in Service Module

Micro-16 MELFI Culture Return Bag Insertion

Microscope Reposition Post Ops

Micro-16 SABL USB Drive Install

Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill Part 3

USOS EVA Comm Config

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) In-Suit Light Exercise (ISLE) Preparation

Micro-16 SABL USB Drive Remove

Monitoring shutter closure on SM windows 6, 8, 9, 12, 13 and 14

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Purge

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) In-Suit Light Exercise (ISLE) Prebreathe

Crewlock Depress

Crewlock Egress

IROSA Prep EVA Operations

ISS SAFETY VIDEO

Experiment Ops Video Recording

EVA Crew Lock Ingress

Crewlock Pre Repress

Crewlock Repress

Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) Post-EVA Activities (IN WORK)

Comm reconfig for nominal ops after USOS EVA (IN WORK)



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Two astronauts are gearing up for another spacewalk scheduled this Friday to continue maintenance on the outside of the International Space Station.

The rest of the Expedition 64 crew set up advanced research hardware and also entered BEAM for cargo activities.

NASA astronaut Kate Rubins is readying tools and reviewing procedures for Friday's spacewalk to continue installing solar array modification kits begun during Sunday's spacewalk. She was joined by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Soichi Noguchi on Tuesday as he assisted with spacesuit preparations. Flight Engineer Victor Glover partnered with Noguchi for the spacesuit work and collected water samples from the suits for microbial analysis.

Rubins and Noguchi will set their U.S. spacesuits to battery power inside the U.S. Quest airlock around 7 a.m. EST signifying the start of their spacewalk. NASA TV will begin its live coverage of the planned six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk at 5:30 a.m.

NASA Flight Engineer Shannon Walker checked out radiation and biological gear today. She first deployed an experimental radiation detector to validate its use on future Orion spacecraft carrying crews to the Moon. Next, Walker powered up the Bio-Analyzer for upcoming cellular and molecular analysis work aboard the orbiting lab.

Walker also joined Flight Engineer Michael Hopkins opening up the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, or BEAM, for cargo work. The duo stowed hardware and replaced a wireless sensors inside the commercial module.

Commander Sergey Ryzhikov and Flight Engineer Sergey Kud-Sverchkov focused on Russian science experiments in the station's Russian segment. Ryzhikov wore a portable electrocardiogram that will record his electrical heart signals for 24 hours. Kud-Sverchkov serviced biology gear that enables investigations of cell cultures exposed to microgravity.

On-Orbit Status Report

Payloads

Actiwatch Plus: A crewmember connected Actiwatch units to the Human Research Facility (HRF)-2 rack to allow ground teams to downlink data. The Actiwatch is a waterproof, nonintrusive, sleep-wake activity monitor worn on the wrist of a crewmember. The device contains a miniature uniaxial accelerometer that produces a signal as the subject moves. The data are stored in nonvolatile memory within the Actiwatch until they are downloaded for analysis.

Artemis Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor (HERA) on Space Station (A-HoSS): The Artemis HERA hardware was setup and activated. A-HoSS demonstrates software to refine data analysis and operational products for future exploration missions. It modifies the HERA, built to operate as the primary radiation detection system for Orion and certified for flight on Artemis 2, to operate on the space station. The investigation provides an opportunity to evaluate this hardware in the space radiation environment prior to the Artemis 2 flight.

Bio-Analyzer: The crew performed a powerup and checkout of the Bio-Analyzer unit. Bio-Analyzer is a Canadian Space Agency (CSA) onboard instrument that serves as a platform for scientific experiments on the ISS. The instrument performs on-orbit quantification of biological molecules and cellular composition in samples collected and prepared aboard the ISS.

Real-Time Protein Crystal Growth-2 (RTPCG-2): The crew loaded protein crystallography plates with protein solutions, mixed in the custom salt solutions, sealed each plate and transferred them into Space Automated Bioproduct Laboratory (SABL)-3 for incubation. RTPCG-2 demonstrates new methods for producing high-quality protein crystals in microgravity. Previous work has shown that microgravity produces high-quality protein crystals that can be analyzed to identify possible targets for drugs to treat disease. RTPCG-2 produces high-quality protein crystals for up to eight proteins for detailed analysis back on Earth.

Ribosome Profiling: The crew refilled water into the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Humidifier Water Tank in support of the Ribosome Profiling experiment. Since life on Earth emerged about 4 billion years ago, living species have evolutionally adjusted to Earth's gravity. However, how cells utilize gravity for their gene expression has remained largely unknown. The Genome-wide Survey of Translational Control in Microgravity (Ribosome Profiling) investigation aims to provide insight into how gravity impacts gene expression, with a special focus on translation regulation utilizing a state-of-art technique called "ribosome profiling".

Spacesuit Evaporation Rejection Flight Experiment (SERFE): The crew collected a water sample from the SERFE hardware and performed a microbial analysis. SERFE demonstrates a new technology to remove heat from spacesuits and maintain appropriate temperatures for crew members and equipment during space walks. The technology uses evaporation of water for cooling. The investigation determines whether microgravity affects performance and evaluates the technology's effect on contamination and corrosion of spacesuit material.

Systems

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: The crew completed several activities in preparation for the ISS Upgrades III EVA. The crew performed Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) resize for EMU 3009, re-filled both EMU water tanks, and configured tools for the EVA. Additionally, the crew reviewed procedures for the ISS Upgrades III EVA and participated in a conference with the ground. The ISS Upgrades III EVA (United States On-orbit Segment EVA 72) is scheduled for Friday, March 5th.

Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) Ingress: The crew cleared stowage in Node 3 aft in order to open the hatch and ingress BEAM. The crew then performed a Remove & Replace (R&R) of the Wireless Temperature System (WTS) Transceiver with a spare in effort to recover communication between all four sets of the WTS sensors and the BEAM laptop. Next, the crew performed hardware stowage operations and retrieved a spare Wireless Video System External Transceiver Assembly (WETA) which is planned to be used for an R&R during the ISS Upgrades III EVA. Once operations were complete, the crew egressed BEAM, re-installed the BEAM hatch, and closed the Node 3 aft hatch.

Completed Task List Activities:

CSA-CP Probe Inspection

Today's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

ISS ZCAM Filming Operations (ABORTED)

Thermal Amine Vent

Look Ahead Plan

Wednesday, March 3 (GMT 062)

Payloads:

AstroPi SD card Swap (ESA)

DOSIS Dostel-1 install (ESA)

FACET Cell Install to SCOF and cable connect (JAXA)

Spaceborne Computer Install (NASA)

AC Touch (NASA)

BPA power cable routing (NASA)

LSG WV stow (NASA)

TangoLab T/S (NASA)

ISS HAM (NASA)

Systems:

EVA Ammonia & ECWS OBT

EVA Procedure Conference

EVA Tool Configuration

EVA Cuff Print

WHC Piping R&R

EDV Swap

IMV Flow Measure

Thursday, March 4 (GMT 063)

Payloads:

Hunch tape Lap Ops (NASA)

Mochii Power vac check (NASA)

HRF-1 sply Inventory (NASA)

SERFE Analysis and Cold stowage insert (NASA)

Food Acceptability (NASA)

EarthKam Node 2 lens change (NASA)

BPA Power cable install (NASA)

LSR H2O QD unpack and stow (ESA)

PBRE water inspect (NASA)

Systems:

EVA Procedure Review & Conference

EVA Tool Configuration & Audit

EVA Equipment Lock Preparations

PPSB Fuse Removals

Friday, March 5 (GMT 064)

Payloads:

HRF-1 Rack handle R&R (NASA)

Food Acceptability (NASA)

AC-Touch (NASA)

PBRE water check (NASA)

Systems:

ISS Upgrades III EVA

ECLS PEPS Inspection

JSL Node 3 Cable Route PLC

Crew-1 Wi-Fi Test PLC

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Verification of anti-virus scan results on Auxiliary Computer System () laptops

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Tool Configuring

Terminate recharge of SM-AGAT-U55 power bank and stow GoPro cameras, SM-GLS-U02 and SM-AGAT-U55

Aremis-Hybrid Electronic Radiation Assessor on Space Station (A-HoSS) Space Station Computer (SSC) Setup

ISS HAM Antenna Cable Change 1 & Change 2

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis

Preparing for Troubleshooting FGB Power Supply System and  devices

PBRE/MSG Water Release Inspection/Cleanup

Vacuum cleaning FGB Pressurized Adapter

Crew Dragon Tablet Sync

Bio-Analyzer Hardware Connection And Power On

Pistol Grip Tool (PGT) Battery Charge Termination

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Profile of Mood States (POMS) Questionnaire

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Recharge

Micro-16 SABL USB Drive Install

Ribosome Profiling Humidifier Refilling and Installation

Actiwatch Plus HRF Rack 2 Setup & Stow

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Conference

SERFE Water Sampling for In-flight Flight Analysis and MCD Processing

24-hour ECG Recording (start)

ARED Platform Partial Fold for BEAM Ops

CASKAD Operations

Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) Hardware Stowage Ops

Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM) Wireless Temp Sys (WTS) Transceiver Replacement

ISS N2 repress from Progress 445 (DC1)  section 1

Cleaning 1, 2 dust filters and 1, 2, fan screens in MRM2

High Definition EMU Camera Assembly Terminate

Antimicrobial Coatings Documentation Photos

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) - JEM

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Resize

1, 2 dust filter replacement and 1, 2 fan screen cleaning in DC1

Real-time Protein Crystal Growth Screening Plate Load S/N B1, Row A

INTERACTION-2. Experiment Ops

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Review

Real-time Protein Crystal Growth Screening Plate Load S/N B2, Row A

ARED Platform Unfold Back to Nominal Position

Terminate SM-GLS-U02 (2) power bank charging for GoPro

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Brisbane  The mass murder of 15 people in a Brisbane night club early yesterday had been carefully planned weeks in advance, senior police said last night.

Ambulance officers transport a victim of the Whiskey Au Go Go fire, March 8, 1973 Credit:Staff photographer

First published in The Age on March 9, 1973

Ten men and five women died when two fire bombs exploded in the foyer of the Whisky Au-Go-Go just after 2 a.m.

Police found huge quantities of grease.

It was smeared on the stairs of the fire escape at the back of the club.

The door of the fire escape was also greased.

Police believe the bomber wanted to kill as many people as possible. He had put grease on the stairs in case some people got out of the club.
A 33-year-old man accused of decapitating his mother at her Louth home has been deemed fit to stand trial by a judge at the Central Criminal Court.

Mr Justice Michael White said on Friday that he was satisfied that the Polish man could find his way around navigating a plea, follow the evidence and make a proper defence after two consultant psychiatrists had disagreed on whether the defendant was fit to stand trial.

Referring to the defendant, the judge said he was "highly sceptical" that he had planned his mother's death two years in advance or was "faking a psychiatric illness".

Tomasz Krzysztof Piotrowski, originally from Poland but with an address at Cherrybrook, Ardee, Co Louth, is charged with murdering his mother Elzbieta Piotrowska (57) on January 8, 2019 at her home in Clonmore, Ardee.

Ms Piotrowska's decapitated body was found in her home that morning. She had suffered a significant number of stab wounds and an axe and stanley knives were found close to her body.

Mr Piotrowski, of Cherrybrook, Ardee was arrested on the same day and was subsequently deemed unfit to be tried having been assessed by psychiatrists at the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) in Dundrum, Dublin.

Last December, Dominic McGinn SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions told Mr Justice White that Dr Mary Davoren had decided that Mr Piotrowski was now fit to stand trial. He said this came about following a consultation in November during which Mr Piotrowski accepted that he had lied to psychiatrists in order to get a diagnosis of schizophrenia and a lesser sentence.

In her evidence, Dr Davoren said she was satisfied that the accused was able to describe the various plea options available to him and had a good understanding of them. The doctor said Mr Piotrowski had told her that he had considered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity but said he did not want to spend a long time in the CMH and was instead considering a plea of diminished responsibility. In her view, Dr Davoren said this was a careful approach taken by the accused and demonstrated that he had not chosen a plea impulsively. Furthermore, the witness said that the accused had maintained good concentration and attention during their three interviews with no sign of any thought disorder. In her opinion, she said the accused met the criteria for fitness to stand trial.

However, consultant psychiatrist at the CMH Dr Conor O'Neill disagreed. He told counsel for Mr Piotrowski, Roisin Lacey SC, that he believed Mr Piotrowski was still suffering from delusional beliefs, that his symptoms are most likely the result of paranoid schizophrenia and that he was not fit to plead at his trial. He said the accused had an extensive history of multiple substance misuse, particularly cannabis and cocaine, and had tested positive when he was admitted to Cloverhill Prison in January 2019.

Dr O'Neill said the accused man continued to hold a range of delusional beliefs including that the deceased is not his real mother but a witch who used black magic to harm him. He addressed a suggestion that the psychotic symptoms could have been the result of drug use by saying that the symptoms persisted when Mr Piotrowski was treated for lengthy periods in different hospitals, including the CMH, where he did not have access to illegal drugs.

In cross-examination, Dr O'Neill agreed with Mr McGinn that the accused recognised that a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity would not be in his interest as it would delay his return to Poland, which the accused was anxious to avoid.

The doctor said he assessed Mr Piotrowski in September last year as being unfit to plead and having seen him several times since then and having viewed reports by other psychiatrists, his opinion had not changed. He said that while Mr Piotrowski had recently denied being mentally unwell he continued to describe beliefs that are delusional. In his opinion, Dr O'Neill said the accused was actively psychotic, did not have the capacity to instruct counsel and was not fit to be tried.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Mr Justice White said this was a "complex" case and an issue had arisen concerning the accused's fitness to be tried under the Criminal Law Insanity Act 2006. There was a "strong prima facie case" that Mr Piotrowski had caused the death of his mother, said the judge, stressing that the court was "highly sceptical" that the defendant had been planning her death two years in advance or was "faking a psychiatric illness". Undoubtedly, the accused's mental health had improved and stabilised during his stay in the CMH but he had never resiled from his delusional beliefs about his mother even in his improved and stabilised state, said the judge.

Mr Justice White said that the man's consistent diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia seemed "very sound" to the court but this was ultimately a matter for the jury. He said that while it may be difficult he was satisfied that the accused could find his way around navigating a plea, follow the evidence and make a proper defence. "This can be kept under review by the trial judge and can be revisited if necessary," he added.

The defendant was remanded in custody to March 11, when his case is listed for mention.
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Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Chennai, March 6 : The BJP and Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) leadership are raising allegations and counter allegations over the desecration of the statue of Periyar EV Ramaswamy in front of Sirkazhi DSP office, which was found smeared with saffron and ash on its forehead, on Saturday morning.

"The BJP and RSS combine is responsible for the desecration of the statue of EVR Periyar and we will not take this by lying low. Will give a fitting response to them," Myladuthurai unit president of DK, MR Maniyan told IANS.

Erode Venkita Ramaswamy Nairkar Periyar or EVR Periyar was a leading light in the rationalist movement of Tamil Nadu and had come out against all Brahminical rituals.

The smearing of saffron and ash on his statue is considered a very big offence by his followers and sympathisers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership has, however, distanced itself from the issue. BJP leader Velmurugan, who is in-charge of Myladuthurai and Sirkazhi areas, told IANS: "The BJP has no need to desecrate the statue of EVR and anyone who has done this has cheap intentions which the BJP will never do." "We are a political party with nationalist beliefs and if we are opposing an ideology, we will do it in the open as we always do. There is no need to smear the statue of a person with saffron and ash to stamp our ideology. These are all gimmicks during election time to which we don't subscribe." Police have not taken any chances and are on alert in the state.

DSP of Sirkazhi, S. Mahendraraj told IANS: "The situation is under control and there is no issue at present. Police is on alert and we will find out the real culprits behind this." In Tamil Nadu, the Dravidar Kazhagam is a social movement founded by EVR Periyar and he has a cult status among his followers. The police and home department do not want any major issues cropping up following the smearing of saffron and ash on the forehead of his statue.
President Joe Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, on March 5, 2021. (Al Drago-Pool/Getty Images)

Biden Extends National Emergency With Respect to Iran

President Joe Biden on Friday extended the national emergency with respect to Iran for another year, according to a White House notice.

In a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate President Kamala Harris, Biden said he is extending the national emergency with respect to Iran beyond March 15. The original emergency declaration in Executive Order 12957 was made by President Bill Clinton on March 15, 1995.

The actions and policies of the Government of Iran continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States, Biden wrote. For these reasons, I have determined that it is necessary to continue the national emergency declared in Executive Order 12957 with respect to Iran and to maintain in force comprehensive sanctions against Iran to respond to this threat.

Bidens notice to continue the national emergency effectively cancels its termination, which would have taken place on the anniversary of its declaration, per Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act.

Clinton on March 15, 1995, declared a national emergency to deal with actions and policies from Iran that posed the unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy. Executive Order 12957 (pdf) prohibited U.S. investment in petroleum resources in Iran, including Iranian oil companies or petroleum deposits.

The notice makes clear that it is separate from another emergency renewal with respect to Iran that President Donald Trump extended in November 2020. That extension pertained to an emergency that was declared on Nov. 14, 1979, by Executive Order 12170, by President Jimmy Carter.

That emergency declaration was related to the 1979 hostage crisis in Tehran, when Iranian militants stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took more than 50 Americans hostage for over 14 months amid a diplomatic standoff between the two countries. The executive order Carter signed ordered the freezing of Iranian government assets held within the United States.

Bidens move comes after the United States in late February launched airstrikes in Syria targeting sites linked to Shiite militia groups backed by the Iranian regime.

The Pentagon announced that the strikes were in response to recent attacks against American and coalition targets in Iraq. The Biden administration said the Shiite militia groups were believed to be involved in the attacks.

Iran denied being behind the attacks in Iraq.

On March 3, at least 10 rockets were fired at an Iraqi base housing U.S. and other coalition troops in western Iraq. A U.S. contractor died during the attack after having suffered a cardiac episode while sheltering, Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said. Kirby said United States cant attribute responsibility for the attack yet, and no one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Bay Area residents make up just 2% of the roughly 10 million people living in ZIP codes slated to receive additional coronavirus vaccines under a new state plan announced this week, even though the nine-county region accounts for 20% of the states population, according to a Chronicle review of data.

The new strategy will allocate 40% of the states vaccine supply to 446 of the lowest-income ZIP codes in California beginning next week. It seeks to make vaccine distribution more equitable across all income levels.

The infection rate for households making less than $40,000 a year is double that of households with an income of $120,000 or more, according to Gov. Gavin Newsoms office. Meanwhile, the wealthiest people in California are being vaccinated at nearly twice the rate of the states most vulnerable residents.

Officials said the plan will not mean other ZIP codes will receive less vaccine than they previously got, but could lead to those areas receiving a smaller increase than they otherwise would have.

The 10 million population figure differs from the 8 million people the state said would benefit from the plan because The Chronicle looked at the entire population in each ZIP code, while the California Department of Public Health only included people 16 years old and up because that is who is eligible for vaccines right now.

Most Bay Area counties  Santa Clara, San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma and Napa  have no ZIP codes included in the states vaccine equity effort, despite being home to low-income neighborhoods that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

The reason the Bay Area has been largely bypassed by Newsoms plan is due, in part, to the fact that most ZIP codes lowest on the states Healthy Places Index  which pulls together dozens of economic and social measures into a single score  are in rural areas, and Central and Southern California. The state is using the index to pinpoint areas it considers most in need of vaccines.

More than 90% of the residents in Merced County, for example, live in ZIP codes targeted by the state proposal due to their low score on the Healthy Places Index. Half of San Bernardino County residents are in ZIP codes being prioritized for inoculation.

Meanwhile, just 4% of San Francisco residents, 3% of Contra Costa County residents and 7% of Alameda County residents are in the affected ZIP codes, The Chronicles review of public health, census and Department of Finance data found.

The states formula for determining the 446 ZIP codes leaves out many largely low-income regions of the Bay Area, including Southeast San Francisco, West Oakland and East San Jose. Local health departments, community clinics and advocacy groups have worked for months to target residents in these areas for vaccinations, as they are among the hardest hit groups where the virus is most prevalent.

Its a disappointment, said Jessica Paz-Cedillos, executive director of the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Her organization is one of five agencies in the Si Se Puede Collective, which advocates to have East San Jose prioritized in pandemic response policies.

Here in East San Jose, where the Si Se Puede Collective does the work, this has been (an area) thats been hard hit, she said. The communities impacted are predominantly Latino, working class, immigrants.

Some health care providers that are vaccinating residents in the poorest and hardest-hit communities of the Bay Area said they didnt know if the policy change will mean more vaccines coming their way.

We havent heard anything yet but Im hopeful it will allow us to do more vaccinations, said Dr. Michael Stacey, chief medical officer of LifeLong Medical Care, which operates several vaccination sites in Oakland, San Pablo and Richmond. LifeLong has had to decrease the number of appointments at its San Pablo and Richmond vaccination clinics because they havent gotten enough vaccine.

In remarks on Friday, Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly said: We of course are working to ensure all counties, with the supply of vaccine they receive, target those most hardest-hit in their counties.

Joaquin Palomino and Catherine Ho are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jpalomino@sfchronicle.com, cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JoaquinPalomino, @Cat_Ho
Consumer goods major Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), and made the highest number of offers at six each including pre-placement offers (PPOs) during the second cluster of final placements at the Indian Institute of (IIM) Ahmedabad.

Following HUL, Samsung and CK Birla was Lenovo which made five offers in cluster 2 of placements for the PGP class of 2021.

Unlike many other B-schools, follows a cluster system of final placements process where sectors are invited in cohorts at regular intervals. The second cluster comprised six cohorts including Advertising & Media, Consumer Goods, Consumer Services, Consumer Electronics, General & Leadership and Retail B2B & B2C companies.

New recruiters at in cluster 2 included Bharti Enterprise and Five Holdings on Friday.

The Consumer Goods, Consumer Services and Consumer Electronics cohorts included regular recruiters like Asian Paints, CavinKare, HUL, Indigo, ITC, Lenovo, Nestle, Reckitt Benckiser, Samsung Electronics, Tata Sky and Wipro Consumer Care.

In the General and Leadership cohort, regular recruiters such as the CK Birla Group, Reliance Industries Limited and RPG Group made the offers. In the Retail B2B & B2C cohort firms like eShakti, Grofers India Private Limited and Flipkart were among others. A variety of roles were offered across geographies including UAE during Cluster 2, IIM-A stated.

Earlier, The first cluster of the final placement process comprised four cohorts  investment banking & markets, management consulting, advisory consulting and private equity, venture capital & asset management, with BCG and McKinsey making top offers of 32 and 30.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic related restrictions and social distancing norms, IIM-A is conducting the entire placement process virtually this year. Recruiters and students will be participating in the process virtually. The third cluster will be held on March 8, 2021.

Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
Laredo police officers put a smile in seniors faces by delivering food and other necessities right to their front doors.

Police said they wanted to reach out to the most vulnerable in the community facing insurmountable economic challenges and food insecurities.
The Muslim Council of Elders issues a statement regarding Pope Francis landmark visit to Iraq saying it is a message of solidarity with victims of violence in the region and around the world

Vatican News

The statement reads, Pope Francis visit to Iraq serves as a great opportunity to promote peace and is a message of solidarity with victims of violence in the region and around the world. After years of destruction and war, we believe that the historic visit will help heal the wounds of the Iraqi people, while offering hope for a brighter future for Iraq and the region, one which will be filled with tolerance and coexistence.

The Councils statement continues with, Pope Francis insistence on conducting the visit, despite the many challenges, is a reflection of his complete faith in human fraternity as well as his willingness to uphold equality in the face of hatred, sectarianism and conflict.

The statement concludes saying, Pope Francis continued efforts in promoting peace are consistent with the Muslim Council Elders vision and goals of spreading peace, coexistence and communal respect while countering hate and extremism.

The Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Dr. Sultan Al Remeithi says, Pope Francis various visits in the Muslim world have only served to strengthen dialogue and friendship between East and West. The same could be said of the of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed El-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, who has tirelessly travelled the globe for the same noble purpose. Both these great men and religious symbols would go on to meet in the United Arab Emirates in February 2019 to sign the Human Fraternity Document.
According to David Yoel, AATI CEO "America is increasingly managed by artificial intelligence (AI) and served by unmanned aircraft. The AiRanger BVLOS UAS operates at medium altitudes carrying advanced sensors and AI. We are transforming the way that the nation's 500,000 miles of midstream pipelines are patrolled, providing a fundamentally new and unique capability that changes the way we manage health, safety and the environment, respond to disasters, optimize operations and leverage human capital."

On display was the AATI-developed Detect and Avoid (DAA) system that enables AiRanger to fly safely in civil airspace alongside manned aircraft. The DAA system consists of dual airborne RADAR, ADS-B, tail and wing cameras mounted on the UAS. The system's collision-avoidance radar provides an essential safety feature for integrating unmanned aircraft into civil airspace. The DAA system included an integrated Sagetech MXS ADS-B In/Out Transponder and ACAS-based DAA components.

"Our AiRanger platform, equipped with state-of-the-art cooperative and non-cooperative DAA sensing technologies, has the ability to provide a technological leap in safe operation of unmanned aircraft in Class G airspace in the NAS. Through collaboration with modeling and simulation experts at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, we are scientifically and methodically quantifying and mitigating collision risks," said Ali Etebari, PhD, VP and GM in charge of the AiRanger.

As part of the demonstration, American Aerospace Technology Inc's AiRanger exhibited its ability to provide a wide variety of commercial and public services using onboard sensors. Services include inspections of hundreds of miles of rail, energy pipeline, powerline, windmill, and canal infrastructure, agriculture monitoring and topological surveys, as well as wildfire and flood monitoring, and maritime surveillance.

"The flight demonstration conducted by AATI highlights how unmanned aircraft can be used to detect pipeline leaks early, reducing the likelihood of environmental damage," said Kurt Swieringa, NASA SIO technical manager. "This activity was a collaboration between NASA and AATI to make strides toward safe routine operations of UAS in the national airspace system."

For the demo, the AiRanger departed from the Kern County Buttonwillow Airport (L62) near Bakersfield, CA, and flew a pre-determined pipeline route from the Shafter, CA area heading westbound at 2,000 foot altitude. According to AATI, data collected during the flight will be used to evaluate detect and avoid (DAA) and command and control (C2) technologies in support of future standards development and FAA certification guidelines. AATI's partner for certification includes End State Solutions.

Charlton Evans, CEO of End State Solutions, "This demonstration will support key milestones in certification of UAS that don't fall under Part 107 rules and require more rigorous certification processes so they can safely and seamlessly integrate into the National Airspace just like manned aircraft. This operation should inform standards about acceptable levels of safety. NASA's support in promoting safe integration of UAS has served as a real catalyst for the industry."

Complex coordination with the FAA, the Federal Communications Commission and local authorities was required for the flight to occur. The airspace authorization was established through the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in cooperation with the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII).

The AiRanger is a rail-launch takeoff and skid landing aircraft design powered by an 8 horsepower engine. Carrying AATI's InstiMaps Automated Threat Detection sensor solution, AiRanger completed its first operational proof of concept and effectiveness trials in November of 2020. The aircraft has a range of 75 nautical miles, top speed of 100 knots and can carry payloads of up to 65 pounds, including fuel and sensors.

Press Contact:

Nathan Ernst

610 225 2604

https://www.americanaerospace.com

SOURCE American Aerospace Technologies
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A quest to get nursing students out of the classroom and into communities in need has led to a partnership that could deliver hundreds of COVID-19 vaccinations to South Side residents.

University of the Incarnate Words nursing and osteopathic medicine schools, in partnership with Southside Independent School District, the city of San Antonio and La Mision Family Health Care, are putting together a one-day vaccination event that they hope will lead to a series of events over the summer.

The school district is opening up two gyms at Southside High school to use as a vaccination site for the one-day event, scheduled for April 10, a Saturday.

The goal is to vaccinate 500 qualifying area residents free of charge, while also providing them information about other health opportunities. About 50 UIW students, along with staff from UIW and partnering organizations, will be handling the inoculations.

This is going to be a massive undertaking, Southside spokesperson Randy Escamilla said. We know that the level of COVID in ZIP code 78221, where we are located, is among the highest in Bexar County.

The next steps are securing the vaccine allotment and getting people to sign up, said Linda Hook, UIW associate professor of nursing.

Hook was given the green light to apply for the first 500 doses, but because these must be administered within a week of receiving them, she cant apply too far in advance.

I cant order weeks ahead, Hook explained. We have to order a week before and hope it gets here for the event. If it doesnt, well have to give them a voucher and give them the updated date.

As a proactive measure, and to make sure they have enough interest solely from area residents, the plan is to sign people up during a March 16 food distribution event at the school district being held in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank.

Nursing students will be tasked with walking along the lines of cars at the event and signing up those who are interested. Then theyll follow up by calling to confirm appointments in the following weeks.

Its really hard to make sure that you are targeting the people who are in need, Hook said. I think going to that food line is our first start to find them  I hope they sign up.

Escamilla and Hook are optimistic about being able to reach the 500 mark at the March 16 event, noting that many of those who attend the food distributions at the district tend to be older people or people with preexisting conditions that may qualify them to be get the vaccine now.

If this works, then it becomes a model of what we can do to get people vaccinated there, Hook added.

Hook added that the plan is go beyond inoculating people by providing information on a variety of health needs and opportunities for the area residents.

We are trying to make it as the COVID vaccine as the first step, Hook said. But also about how important other community agencies are for community health.

The goal is to use the April event as a launching pad to begin weekly vaccination and health events between June and August.

This is all a trial run; and if it goes smoothly, we plan on vaccinating at least 1,000 people every week during the summer, Escamilla said.

This community looks to the school district for many resources, Escamilla said. We are all they have, in many ways. So, I think we have a responsibility to do what we can to help them.

danya.perez@express-news.net
WASHINGTON - A federal judge chided the self-identified "QAnon Shaman," who was part of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, for appearing in a "60 Minutes Plus" interview without permission.

During a detention hearing Friday, Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia questioned whether Jacob Chansley appeared in the interview that aired Thursday without the required clearance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the detention facility or the judge. The judge also questioned whether Chansley's attorney, Albert Watkins, was deceitful in skirting proper authorization to appear on the show.

In what was billed as Chansley's first interview since his arrest, he said that his actions were "not an attack on this country" and that he does not regret being loyal to former president Donald Trump. Chansley became one of the most distinct individuals arrested in the riot, photographed flexing near the vice president's chair in the Senate while shirtless and wearing a headdress and face paint.

Watkins said he did make "independent arrangements" with "60 Minutes Plus" but denied conducting "subterfuge." He said he assumed his client would be allowed to be captured on camera from his office.

A decision about Chansley's detention is still pending.

Chansley has been behind bars since he was arrested in his hometown of Phoenix on Jan 9.

In February, a judge ordered Chansley moved to a jail in Virginia that serves organic food after he claimed that nonorganic food was against his religion.

Chansley has been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building among other federal felony charges. He is among more than 300 charged in the Capitol riots that resulted in five deaths.

In a previous interview with The Washington Post, he said he danced, sang and prayed in the Capitol, drumming on the floor with his pole to "reclaim our nation."

He also said he left a note for Vice President Mike Pence that said "It's only a matter of time, justice is coming."

On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall argued that Chansley is a danger to the community and should therefore remain jailed until trial. She said there was "ample evidence" that Chansley was carrying a spear while facing off with an officer inside the Senate chambers. She pointed to Chansley's "60 Minutes Plus" interview as evidence of his still-standing belief "that the current government is not a legitimate government and that the 2020 presidential election was stolen."

She argued that Chansley would not be capable of following conditions of release.

Watkins, meanwhile, painted his client as a nonviolent man misled and let down by Trump, who he greatly admired. He highlighted Chansley's lack of criminal history and said his client simply walked into the Capitol after police let him in. The judge and prosecutor pushed back.

"I am not belittling my client . . . but my client was wearing horns," he said. "He had tattoos around his nipples. He wasn't leading anywhere. He was a follower."

Watkins also said that Chansley believes in ahimsa, a form of nonviolence toward living things, and denied that the flagpole he carried was a spear.

Chansley apologized last month for storming the Capitol, saying he regrets entering the building and that Trump "let a lot of peaceful people down."

Chansley publicly requested - but did not receive - a pardon from Trump, which he expressed disappointment with in the 60 Minutes Plus interview. At one point, Chansley had offered to testify against Trump during his impeachment trial.

On Friday, Watkins cast the absence of a pardon as a turning point for Chansley.

"My client went from that point to expressing deep disappointment in the former president," he said.
Stacker looked at Niche's 2021 list of the best value colleges in America. This ranking includes only public, four-year colleges and weighs the cost of tuition with each schools acceptance rate, quality of professors, diversity, and the median earnings for alumni six years after graduation.
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The UK today recorded another 6,040 new coronavirus cases marking a 19 per cent drop in positive tests week-on-week.

Today's death toll of 158 marks a drop of 45 per cent on the 290 deaths recorded last Saturday - acting as further proof of Britain's successful vaccine roll-out. The deaths total across the UK has now reached 124,419.

It comes as Portugal and the Spanish islands have followed Cyprus in welcoming British holidaymakers from the middle of May, as long as they have a negative test.

And as the rate of infection continued to slow in the UK, Britons flocked to the nation's parks for walks, with crowds filling Greenwich Park in London this afternoon.

Government data up to March 5 shows that of the 22,887,118 jabs given in the UK so far, 21,796,278 were first doses - a rise of 437,463 on the previous day - and 1,090,840 were second doses, an increase of 56,772.

In other coronavirus news today:

Portugal and the Spanish islands have followed Cyprus in welcoming British holidaymakers from the middle of May, with Spain saying it hopes to allow British tourists to visit the Canary and Balearic Islands;

Kate Middleton has hailed the 'amazing work' of key workers and frontline NHS staff throughout the coronavirus crises as the Royal Family celebrated Commonwealth Day;

Head of the Covid-19 Genomics UK scientific body Professor Sharon Peacock said tweaking vaccines will allow Britain to 'stay ahead' of Covid-19 as she said she was 'optimistic' about the 'roadmap' out of lockdown;

More than 20 prisoners died in a fortnight after contracting coronavirus, as provisional data from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) showed the deaths of 24 inmates for the two-week period to March 1 were Covid-related;

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union at Liverpool Law Courts and Snaresbrook Crown Court in London backed industrial action over coronavirus safety concerns.

Yesterday, official statistics recorded 236 fatalities  down by a third week-on-week, with the Health Secretary boasting the decline was becoming 'faster and faster'.

Mr Hancock claimed the figures offered proof that the once 'unbreakable' link between cases inevitably turning into deaths was 'now breaking'.

He told a Downing Street press conference on Friday: 'The vaccine is protecting the NHS, saving lives right across the country. The country's plan is working.'

Two-fifths of adults have now had the vaccination - with one million people receiving both their first and second doses.

The Health Secretary's comments came after an array of official data revealed Covid cases are falling rapidly, fuelling calls for No10 to relax lockdown measures sooner.

Under current plans heavily criticised by anti-lockdown Tory MPs, England will have some lockdown restrictions in place until at least June 21.

Recent Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show England's outbreak shrank by a third in the week to February 26, with 248,000 people infected  the equivalent of one in every 220 people.

People headed out for a walk in Greenwich Park, South East London today, as cold weather hit the capital

People sit on Clapham Common in south London today during England's third national lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. Forecasters revealed the chill will ease from Monday

People drink wine and other beverages on Clapham Common in south London today. Temperatures of -2C were due in England with nights getting colder than the 3C lows in Reykjavik, Iceland

Under current plans heavily criticised by anti-lockdown Tory MPs, England will have some lockdown restrictions in place until at least June 21. Pictured, Boris Johnson

Britain's Covid infection figures yesterday dropped by 30 per cent week-on-week to 5,947 in the latest sign the UK is finally bringing the virus under control.

Matt Hancock yesterday boasted about more evidence showing the vaccines are helping to drive down hospital admissions and deaths, with both measures dropping quicker than cases

And a symptom-tracking study revealed the number of people getting infected each day has started to drop again after levelling off in February.

Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiologist behind the research, revealed he hoped lockdown could be eased 'earlier'.

Even Number 10's normally-cautious advisers are optimistic about Britain's prospects, with SAGE member Professor Andrew Hayward admitting he believed the country had already 'been through the worst' of the pandemic.

However, the Government's advisory panel yesterday claimed that the R rate has crept up for the first time since January.

Modellers predicted the rate was between 0.7 and 0.9 but remained below one, meaning the outbreak is still shrinking. Last week it was estimated to be as low as 0.6.

The Office for National Statistics estimated that 248,000 people across England are infected with the coronavirus, down from 370,000 in its estimate last Friday

The number of people developing Covid symptoms each day, as estimated by the Covid Symptom Study, plateaued in February but has started to drop again in March

Gavin Williamson hints school summer holidays could be shortened PERMANENTLY Gavin Williamson today hinted that summer holidays could be shortened permanently as part of a move to a five-term year. The Education Secretary said the government is looking at doing things in a 'different way' as it scrambles to help children catch up after the coronavirus lockdowns. However, headteachers cautioned against a 'knee jerk' introduction of a five-term system, which could potentially mean children having just four weeks off in the summer rather than around six. The suggestion of a much deeper overhaul comes days before pupils are finally due to return to classrooms in England on Monday. There have been warnings that it could take a decade to heal the damage done to the prospects of youngsters - with the most vulnerable suffering the worst. Asked in an interview with the i newspaper whether England's current six-week summer holiday was too long, Mr Williamson said: 'I think we should never be nervous about looking at new routes and different ways of doing things.' Advertisement

But one SAGE epidemiologist has insisted the era of caring about the R rate was 'coming to an end' because the figure is no longer at the heart of No10's Covid strategy.

Professor John Edmunds, from the London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said a rise in cases 'may be tolerated as long as it doesn't put undue pressure on hospital services'.

Almost 21.4million vulnerable Britons have already been vaccinated, with the mammoth NHS operation continuing to run smoothly.

Any hiccups in the inoculation drive - which will save countless lives - could threaten lockdown-easing plans.

SAGE experts predicted the R rate remained below one in every region of England except Yorkshire and the Humber where it was predicted to be between 0.7 and 1, suggesting cases may no longer be falling there.

Other studies have also indicated the Covid outbreak may no longer be shrinking in the region.

But Department of Health data still shows infections are dropping there week-on-week.

The R rate was lowest in London, the East of England, the South East and the South West (0.6 to 0.8). In the North West and the Midlands it was between 0.7 and 0.9, they added.

Professor Spector said: 'After reporting a flattening last week, possibly related to the cold snap, and with worries of new variants, we are pleased to see numbers falling again.

'It's even more encouraging when we look at the bigger picture. Cases in hospital and deaths continue to fall, and vaccinations rise, putting us in a good position.

'However, we still need to keep numbers low and avoid further waves of infections.

'Our app shows people are still getting infected within two weeks after vaccination when they have zero protection.

'With schools opening, we still need to be sensible to keep the good news flowing as we slowly return to normal life and hopefully ease lockdown earlier.'

Public Health England data show that coronavirus positive test rates fell in all but two areas of the country in the week ending February 28  Hull in Yorkshire and Wokingham in Berkshire (shown in yellow)

It comes as Rita Marques, Portugals tourism minister, hoped the country would soon allow restriction-free travel for those who have been vaccinated or test negative.

Travel experts believe that Greece and Turkey will also announce that they want Britons to return. However, a spokesman for the French government said no decision had been made.

Cyprus previously announced it would accept British tourists from May 1 if they have had both vaccine shots.

Deputy tourism minister Savvas Perdios said these individuals can visit Cyprus without a negative test or needing to quarantine. However, the UK Government said that the roadmap states that international travel will not be allowed before May 17.

It comes after Cyprus announced it would accept British tourists from May 1 if they have had both vaccine shots. Akamas Peninsula National Park is seen above in Cyprus

Portugal is currently on the UKs red list, with arrivals banned from entry, unless they are UK residents or Irish nationals who must quarantine in a hotel. Travel industry expert Paul Charles, of the PC Agency, said that as more countries unveil their opening plans, bookings will increase as confidence returns.

And airlines are developing a Travel Pass app, which can include a travellers vaccine or Covid-19 test result status, through industry body IATA.

Last night government sources insisted that the roadmap dates would not be brought forward and one said: The holiday debate is yet to be had but expectations need to be reined in.
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During the Covid-19 pandemic, many have been inspired not just to expand their culinary horizons but to reevaluate their relationship to food. Which dishes comfort us, or help us connect with others? How do certain ingredients cross the globe to get onto our shelves, especially as so many of us remain grounded? The authors of these new narrative nonfiction titlesmemoirs, essay collections, reportagehelp readers to achieve a richer understanding of food.

Eat, memory

Culinary memoirs remain a staple of the expansive food nonfiction genre. One such forthcoming title is Sobremesa (Scribe, May) by Josephine Caminos Oria, founder of La Dorita Cooks, a line of dulce de leche products. The book details her trip to Argentina to reconnect with her familys past and their heirloom recipes, and the cross-cultural, cross-national love story and career transformation the journey leads to.

Another memoir, Whats Good? (Abrams, June), comes from Peter Hoffman, of pioneering farm-to-table New York City restaurant Savoy. Here, Hoffman explores his upbringing, professional education, and career as a chef and entrepreneur, as well as the cultural, historical, and botanical backstories of the foods he uses in his restaurants.

A more collaborative reflection can be found in Mango and Peppercorns, which Chronicle will release in March. It brings together three authorsTung Nguyen and Katherine Manning, cofounders of Hy Vong, a Vietnamese restaurant in Miami, and Lyn Nguyen, Tungs daughterto tell a story of a serendipitous friendship, a beloved restaurant, and food from a community in exile.

Cristina Garces, senior editor at Chronicle, describes the book, which was written with Elisa Ung, as a story about immigration, asylum, social justice, female empowerment. She adds, Food and memoir are tied inextricably together. Weve been really pushing the boundaries of our food list to include books that focus on really topical things.

Just the facts, maam

Other books rely on reportage to bring surprising food stories to light.

James Beard Awardwinning journalist Jocelyn C. Zuckerman leans on her investigative chops in Planet Palm (New Press, June), which cracks open the connections between palm oil, late-stage capitalism, and climate disaster. PW called the book a sharp expose.

Zuckerman says Planet Palm blends history, science, politics, and food to explicate the human and environmental impacts of this poorly understood plant. She adds, Like salt and sugar and gold and cotton, this commodity has shifted the landscape of the world. There are stark labor issues tied to the industrythe poisoning of bodies, womens issues, forced labor, and child labor. The industry paints a pretty picture in contrast to the reality on the ground.

Another title shedding light on familiar ingredients is The Secret History of Food (Ecco, Sept.) by food and culture writer Matt Siegel, which draws on atypical sourcesamong them medieval food-related manuscripts, ancient Chinese scrolls, and obscure culinary journalsto tell lesser-known stories of common American food items, including honey, hot peppers, and apple pie. A chapter on ice cream, first published in the Atlantic in 2017, asserts that the sweet treat improved American soldier moraleand helped to defeat the Nazis.

Poetic license

At the edges of this genre are more literary titles that defy easy categorization.

In Processed Meats (Torrey House, Mar.), a collection of essays, Nicole Walker draws on her life and family history to uncover connections between community, hardship, and food. Among her subjects are a recent socially distanced cookout and her Mormon ancestors End of Days food preparations.

In The Book of Difficult Fruit (FSG, Apr.), Kate Lebo weaves her personal experiences together with recipes as she reflects on unusual fruits, such as elderberry, sugarcane, or durian, and discusses their origins, history, and uses. PWs starred review called The Book of Difficult Fruit unusual and piquant, and recommends it for readers hungry for something a little different.

The difficult fruits spotlighted in the book, Lebo says, became metaphors for different experiences in my life in particular, or in history or other peoples lives. Given the literary quality of the book, the recipes require a different relationship with the reader, she adds. Serving as illustrations of the essays, they allow the reader to enter the text and enact it.

Return to the main feature.
A former Iranian sea captain who risked his life and 12 other asylum seekers by steering them across the Channel has been jailed for four and a half years.

Skipper Fariboz Rakei took a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) across the Channel, one of the busiest waterways in the world, before they were intercepted by a Border Forder coastal patrol vessel on September 7 last year.

The court heard how the four-metre-long RHIB Rakei was piloting is designed to carry a maximum of eight people but was packed to the gunwales with 13 onboard, including a seven-year-old boy.

Rakei denied all charges but was found guilty by the jury in less than an hour, following a three-day trial

Once they had been intercepted, the Border Force vessel took the asylum seekers on board and transferred them to Dover, Kent.

Rakei denied a charge of assisting unlawful immigration into the UK when he appeared at Canterbury Crown Court on Thursday. However, he was found guilty by the jury in less than an hour, following a three-day trial.

The jury heard how Rakei had previously entered the UK via a small boat in June 2019. He was then removed from the UK to Germany in November of 2019.

In his defence, Rakei told the court he had maritime experience from his time serving in the Iranian military and he had been put under duress to steer the vessel by the organised crime group who arranged the crossing.

Rakei is the 10th person to be jailed for this offence since the start of this year, but he received the longest sentence handed out to date.

The Minister for Immigration Compliance and Justice Chris Philp said: 'We are working day and night with our French counterparts, including through improved intelligence sharing and increased patrols in northern France, to stop these crossings.

'As this case shows, we are also going after the people involved in facilitating this criminal trade.

'People smugglers are endangering life.

'These crossings are not only illegal but also unnecessary, as France is a safe country with a well-functioning asylum system.

Once they had been intercepted, the Border Force vessel took the asylum seekers on board and transferred them to Dover, Kent

'Furthermore, we are changing our asylum system to make it fair to those who play by the rules, but firm on those who seek to abuse them.'

Clandestine Channel Threat Commander Dan O'Mahoney said: 'Steering a vessel like this, for any duration of its journey across the Channel, is a criminal offence that puts lives in danger.

'It is all the worse when one of those lives is only seven years old.

'These crossings are only possible if someone is willing to pilot the vessel and we want to deter people from taking the helm.

'That is why we will continue to pursue those who do so and ensure their reckless actions have serious consequences.'

The Home Office has scaled up the use of criminal offences against migrants who are seen at the helm of dinghies and small boats.

On January 22 this year, Iranian asylum seeker Fouad Kakei was jailed for two years.

He twice tried to ferry a total of 36 fellow migrants across the Channel in overloaded dinghies

The 30-year-old steered the inflatable boats from France to the UK coast - first with 27 people, then after that bid failed, with another 11 passengers.

On February 18, a Kuwaiti man who steered an overcrowded boat across the Channel with 11 other migrants on board was jailed for three years and nine months.

Mahmoud Al Anzi, 24, had denied a charge of assisting unlawful immigration to the UK during his trial at Canterbury Crown Court.

A Home Office source said tougher sentences would be intended to 'send a clear message' that the law would treat smugglers on a par with those suspected of serious violent crimes.

More than 500 migrants have arrived in Britain across the Channel since the start of 2021  nearly double the rate seen in the same period last year.
Randy Hunt, president of Historic Denton, contributed research to this article.

ANNETTA RAMSAY, Ph.D., has lived and worked in Denton for many years.
She recently jetted into the French capital after a flying visit to Milan, Italy.

And Bella Hadid was sure to catch the eye in an edgy brown jacket and trousers set while stepping out in Paris on Saturday.

The brunette beauty, 24, also ensured to showcase her model figure as she flashed a glimpse of her toned midriff in a cream crop top.

Fashion: Bella Hadid was sure to catch the eye in an edgy brown jacket and trousers set while stepping out in Paris on Saturday

Bella looked relaxed as she headed out in her wide-leg trousers and jacket duo which boasted statement white stitching on the front and by the pockets.

She paired the ensemble with a small t-shirt and trainers, perfect for exploring the city in comfort amid fashion week.

Not forgetting her accessories, Bella donned a hat and selection of colourful necklaces as well as some quirky sunglasses.

Accessories: The model, 24, rocked a patterned hat and selection of stylish necklaces

The model also added a brown face mask to her coordinated look to ensure she stayed safe and followed all guidelines during the Covid pandemic.

It has been a busy week for Bella with her flying to Paris following a quick stop in Milan last Sunday.

She also appeared in Versace's virtual fashion show on Friday, dazzling on the runway alongside her sister Gigi.

And Bella also turned up the glamour factor in a surreal new ad for Versace that she posted on Instagram in parts this week.

Hard at work: Bella is in the French capital for work with Fashion Week currently in full swing

Off she goes: The beauty wore her brunette locks down and added a pair of trendy sunglasses

Model: Bella donned a brown face mask to complete her ensemble

The 24-year-old superstar brought back the 1970s in a look that included long sleek straight hair and a bandanna round her head.

She slid into a glittering sleeveless mini-dress that was redolent of the period and shimmered gold and silver under the lights.

The sizzling sensation rounded out the 1970s feel of the ensemble by managing to balance on a sky-high pair of platforms.

Work it: It has been a busy week for Bella, with her appearing in a digital fashion show for Versace and also sharing their new ad (pictured in the clip) on Instagram in parts

Bella recently gushed that she was thrilled to be back in Paris for a 'business trip,' after travelling to the city for Fashion Week.

She penned the caption: 'One year ago. Feeling Lucky to be back for work. She always shines for me.'

Though she may be busy now, the fashion star admitted lockdown took a toll on her, telling Elle: 'After a few years of being a workaholicnot being home for more than five daysI found spending three months at home [intense].'
A North Cork garda has been commended by a judge for his police work after he stopped a speeding motorist near Mitchelstown only to discover that the young man had almost 40,000 worth of drugs in a binliner and almost another 20,000 strapped to his underpants.

Garda Peter O'Loughlin of the North Cork Traffic Corps was praised by Judge Sean O Donnabhain for his vigilance when he stopped Adeyinka Olamilekad Jarckel (22) of Hare Lawn Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 for speeding at Kilshanny, Mitchelstown on the M8 and uncovered the drugs.

Garda O'Loughlin told Cork Circuit Criminal Court how he was operating a speed check on the M8 on December 10th when Jarckel drove in excess of the 120kph speed limit so he stopped him and noticed a smell of cannabis in the car.

He carried out a search of the car and found a black bin-liner bag containing three plastic wraps of cannabis herb with a street value of over 39,000 so he arrested Jarckel and in a follow up search at Fermoy Garda Station, gardai found 17,000 worth of cocaine strapped to his underpants.

When questioned, Jarckel said that a man in a red van had put the cannabis in the car and he told investigators that he was minding the cocaine for a second man and characterised himself simply as a delivery man who was bringing the drugs to Cork.

Cross-examining Garda O'Loughlin, defence counsel, Alice Fawsitt SC asked him if he agreed with this assessment of Jarckel and Garda O'Loughlin replied: "I did not think he was the main man but he was a bit more than the delivery driver."

Ms Fawsitt said Jarckel had been a user of drugs himself and he had been working in a factory in Maynooth in Co Kildare but had agreed to deliver the drugs to Cork in order to make some money for Christmas 2019.

She said he came from a hardworking family who moved to Ireland 25 years ago and he was born in Ireland, had no previous convictions and had never come to the attention of the gardai prior to this while a report from the Probation Service suggested he was at a low risk of re-offending.

Ms Fawsitt said Jarckel was now at a critical juncture in his life and she said this was the one opportunity he had to turn his life around if he was given a chance and she urged Judge O Donnabhain not to impose a custodial sentence, arguing that jail would be very hard on him.

However Judge O Donnabhain pointed out that the Court of Appeal had ruled that any drug seizure over 50,000 was to be viewed as a significant amount that merited a custodial sentence and the drugs in this case had a total value of over 56,000 which was substantial.

Judge O Donnabhain acknowledged that Jarckel was not previously known to gardai or under observation or surveillance for suspected drugs activity and had it not been for the speeding on the M8 and the vigilance of Garda O'Loughlin he might not have been caught.

"He was stopped for speeding but in the course of being questioned by the guard, a certain odour was detected from the car and a search was carried out.

"There was a combination of drugs worth over 50,000 found in the car," he said.

"He was conveying illicit drugs from Dublin to Cork. That is the extent of his involvement. He allowed himself to do that to make money and his attitude to taking drugs is honestly set out in the report by the Probation Service.

"The Probation Service feel he has a distance to go in terms of achieving a cessation in the use of cannabis and living a drug-free lifestyle, having had a distinct lack of awareness up to the time he went into custody but they think now he has a better appreciation of matters."

Judge O Donnabhain said he had listened carefully to Ms Fawsitt's submissions on behalf of her client but unfortunately for Jarckel he did not agree with her and he believed that he had to impose a custodial sentence to register the court's view of the severity of the offence.

He sentenced Jarckel to three years in jail, backdated to November 23rd last when he first went into custody after pleading guilty to the charges and he suspended the final 18 months, leaving Jarckel with an 18 month sentence to serve.
Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson has accused Brussels of endangering global efforts to combat the covid-19 pandemic, as France signalled it could follow Italy and block AstraZeneca vaccines leaving the EU.

Downing Street suggested the European Commission had reneged on previous assurances it had made, after it approved Italys request to stop 250,000 jabs destined for Australia from leaving the country.

A frustrated and disappointed Australia has also demanded a review of the decision, and has sought assurances from Brussels that future vaccine shipments will go ahead.

The blockade is the first time that EU-wide export controls, which require manufacturers to seek permission from the national authorities and Commission to export vaccines outside the bloc, have been used.

It has already led France to threaten similar action, as member states seek to catch up with other nations which have surged ahead in their vaccination programmes.

Defending the move on Friday the Commissions chief spokesman said that it was necessary to send a message to AstraZeneca over its failure to hit its contractual targets with the bloc.

He added: The EU continues to be a leading provider of vaccines around the world. During the period from 30 January to 1 March, 174 requests for exports requested in the context of the Regulation have been approved by the Member States.

However, hitting out at the move, the Prime Ministers spokesman told reporters that the Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had assured Mr Johnson just weeks ago that the new export controls would not be used in this way.

The PM spoke to President von der Leyen earlier this year, and she confirmed that the focus of their mechanism was on transparency and not intended to restrict exports by companies where they are fulfilling contractual responsibilities, he added.

We would expect the EU to continue to stand by its commitments. The global recovery from covid relies on international collaboration. We are all dependent on global supply chains and putting in place restrictions endangers global efforts to fight the virus.

Story continues

Separately, a Government spokesman also dismissed claims from Brussels that the UK is effectively operating its own export ban on vaccines, describing the suggestion as completely false.

The UK champions the multinational effort to create and deliver effective vaccines across borders, they continued.

We have not put restrictions on exports of Covid-19 vaccines, or any medicines that have been manufactured and are intended for markets abroad.

While Australia said the move would not affect its inoculation programme, the countrys finance minister Simon Birmingham told Sky News Australia: The world is in uncharted territory at present. It's unsurprising that some countries would tear up the rule book. We are obviously disappointed and frustrated by this decision.

Canada, Japan and South Korea have also raised their concerns over the EU export transparency mechanism, while the World Health Organisation claimed it was part of a worrying trend that risked derailing global supply chains.

Despite the backlash, Olivier Veran, the French health minister, said that his country could also block shipments of Covid vaccines to non-EU countries and was in discussions on the matter with European counterparts.

I understand [the Italian position]. We could do the same thing, he told French broadcaster BFM TV. Well see. The more doses France has, the happier I will be as health minister.

AstraZeneca has been embroiled in a rumbling row over supply shortfalls with the EU since January. Brussels says it is in breach of contractual obligations, which AstraZeneca denies.

The British-Swedish pharmaceutical company cut its supplies to the EU in the first quarter to 40 million doses from 90 million foreseen in the contract, and later said it would cut deliveries by another 50 percent in the second quarter.

Amid escalating tensions between the company and the EU, a number of political leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, made unsubstantiated claims about its effectiveness in people aged over 65, which has been blamed for fuelling low uptake across Europe.

However, European leaders now increasingly see the Oxford jab as pivotal in their efforts to kickstart the EUs vaccination programme, which lags far behind the UK, US and Israel.
The UK plans to cut aid to some of the worlds most conflict-ridden countries by up to two thirds, according to a report (Stefan Wermuth/PA)

The UK plans to cut aid to some of the worlds most conflict-ridden countries by up to two thirds, according to a leaked document.

Aid to Syria would be cut by 67%, aid to Libya by 63%, Somalia by 60% and South Sudan by 59%, according to the Foreign Office report obtained by the openDemocracy website.

Labour said the reported cuts would cause devastation to some of the worlds most vulnerable people.

Callous cuts like this signal a retreat from the world stage and will make us all less safe. This is not Global Britain Preet Kaur Gill

Preet Kaur Gill, shadow secretary for international development, said: This is a devastating reminder of the real world impact the Governments politically motivated decision to abandon its manifesto commitment on aid will have on the worlds most vulnerable people.

Cuts in support to countries in the midst of multiple humanitarian crises would cause devastation; leading to some of the worlds most vulnerable people to starve, stretched healthcare systems to collapse and access to clean water stripped away.

Make no mistake, people will die.

Callous cuts like this signal a retreat from the world stage and will make us all less safe. This is not Global Britain.

A Government spokesperson said further decisions on individual aid programmes were still to be made.

The seismic impact of the pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including temporarily reducing the overall amount we spend on aid, the spokesperson said.

We remain a world-leading aid donor and we will spend more than 10 billion this year to fight poverty, tackle climate change and improve global health.

The economic damage done by the pandemic has led the Government to shelve its manifesto commitment to spend 0.7% of national income on overseas aid, cutting that to 0.5%.

We remain a world-leading aid donor Government spokesperson

The documents obtained by openDemocracy suggest the total bilateral humanitarian aid programme will be cut from 1.5 billion to 900 million, The Times reported.

The leak comes as more than a hundred UK charities condemned the Governments decision to cut aid to Yemen.

The UK has pledged at least 87 million in aid, down from a promise of 160 million in 2020 and 200 million in 2019.
The nations oldest collegiate debate and political union voted to strip U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of its highest honor for his role in trying to overturn the November presidential election.

Princeton Universitys American Whig-Cliosophic Society voted to rescind the James Madison Award for Distinguished Public Service awarded to Cruz, a member of the Class of 1992.

It was the first time that the society voted to take back the award, according to the Daily Princetonian, which first reported the decision.

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The final decision on whether to revoke the award rests with the societys board of trustees, the newspaper said.

The Texas Republican was one of a long list of distinguished men and women who have won the award since it was established in 1960. Other included U.S. Chief Justice Earl Warren, Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, and Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor. In 2020, Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., a 1986 graduate of Princeton, became the first African-American recipient of the award.

Cruz spokeswoman Erin Perrine declined comment.

In December, Cruz offered to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court a lawsuit brought by Texas and 17 other GOP-run states to throw out millions of ballots in four battleground states that Joe Biden carried. The suit was backed by a majority of House Republicans, including Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-2nd Dist.

The court dismissed the lawsuit without hearing arguments.

Then on Jan. 6, Cruz helped lead the effort in the U.S. Senate to throw out state-certified electoral votes that went for Biden. That effort also failed, but not before supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in an attempt to block the count. Five people died, including a Capitol Police officer from New Jersey.

The House later impeached Trump on charges of inciting the insurrection. The Senate acquitted him.

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

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.
While China turns to local brands of EV over Tesla, Indonesias natural resources show great potential for its battery manufacturing industry. Asia is starting to look like it may overtake the U.S. and Europe in the electric vehicle market as the effects of the global pandemic are steadily improving.

Consumer research carried out by CNBC suggests that Chinese consumers are primarily concerned about price and driving range when considering EVs. In 2020, despite the fall in demand in the auto market, sales by local EV manufacturers, such as Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto, remained stable and their share prices soared.

While Tesla remains the market leader, innovative Chinese start-ups could soon threaten this position. Nios basic EV options are significantly cheaper than its American counterpart, although several additional features are available at a cost.

China is one of the fastest-growing EV markets, with uptake expected to reach 11-14 percent by 2022, just behind Europes 12-15 percent projections. At present, China is the largest EV market in the world, selling around 1.2 million EVs in 2019. Thanks to the countrys quick response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as its economic recovery, Chinas EV market is expected to rise quicker than that of the U.S. in the coming years.

Government subsidies of $3600 for the purchase of EVs until 2022 presents a strong incentive for consumers to make the switch from traditionally fuelled cars. In addition, EVs have, until now, been exempt from purchase tax. While the market has dipped in response to the global pandemic, it is expected to pick up steadily as the economy continues to improve.

Meanwhile, eyes are on Indonesia for its battery production potential. The countrys natural resources, including nickel, copper, bauxite, and nickel ore, making it perfect for vital EV components.

Indonesia plans to be a key part of the EV supply chain through the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. It currently holds around one-quarter of the worlds nickel reserves, which is key for battery production.

Related Video: Four of the Coolest Fictional Power Sources

However, the country must invest beyond manufacturing if it wants to establish itself as a major EV component producer in Asia. Tech, talent and renewable energy are just some of the areas that need to be developed hand-in-hand with manufacturing.

The Indonesian government plans to increase investment in EV batteries by $35 billion by 2033. In addition, China and other regional powers are investing in Indonesias mining and manufacturing sectors to advance the research and development of these energy sources.

In Japan, sales of Tesla remain strong following price cuts of 24 percent last month to $46,700 for its long-range Model 3 car in February. Many are making the switch in response to the governments ambitious aim to ban the sale of gas-engine cars by the mid-2030s.

In addition, Japan is now able to import Teslas from Shanghai instead of the U.S. increasing the availability of the car in the region.

However, despite Teslas CEO Elon Musk saying Japans market was one of the most important, much of the Japanese population has still not heard of the car, in comparison to more well-known local auto manufacturers such as Nissan.

While Europe remains ahead of the curve in the EV market, thanks to favorable policy encouraging EV sales, Asia is steadily catching up. China presents a core market base for EVs and uptake in countries such as Japan and India is also increasing.

As governments around Asia begin to phase out the sale of gasoline vehicles and introduce policies to encourage EV sales, such as subsidies and tax breaks, the Asian EV market is likely to boom. While the U.S. continues to battle with a burdened economy and poor demand in response to the global pandemic, Asia is beginning to bounce back, making it a core auto market.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 5)  The Department of Health said it has detected more cases of the COVID-19 variants first discovered in the United Kingdom and South Africa.

Health Secretary Francsico Duque III revealed during a briefing in Davao City on Friday that the DOH has discovered 52 additional cases of the B.1.351 variant, or the South Africa variant, and another 31 cases of the B.1.1.7 variant or the UK variant.

These bring total count of the South Africa variant to 58, and 118 for the UK variant.

In a statement, the department said samples came from Metro Manila, Central Visayas, and returning overseas Filipinos.

Of the South Africa variant cases, 41 are from the capital region, while 11 are still being verified if they are local cases or returning Filipinos, the Health department said. One patient has already recovered while 51 are still active cases, it added.

For the UK variant, 28 of the new cases are from Metro Manila, while three cases are still being verified. Latest detections are all active, the DOH said.

Duque said the technical working group on COVID-19 variants will meet with local chief executives of Metro Manila on Friday afternoon to discuss the increasing cases of the South Africa variant.

Earlier, the department said it is closely monitoring fast containment of the B.1.351 variant, which is considered to be more transmissible and appears to make some vaccines, like AstraZeneca, less effective.

The department also announced 42 more cases with mutations of potential clinical significance from the 9th batch of 350 samples sequenced by the Philippine Genome Center. These were found to have the N501Y and E484K mutations, it said.

These additional infections bring the tally to 76.

Of these cases, 34 are from Central Visayas, six from Metro Manila, and two still being verified. All were tagged as active cases, except for 22 patients from the Visayas who recovered.

The DOH and its concerned Centers for Health Development is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Local Government Units in NCR and Region 7 to institute measures to contain further transmission of these variants and mutations, the agency said.
Attack on woman

The house of a woman farmer near Castletownbere was broken into by eight masked men, the Echo reported on Saturday, March 5, 1921.

She was robbed of 35 and dragged into the yard where her hair was cut with wool shears. The motive appears to be that she visited the police barracks recently and was suspected of imparting information.

Also, the death was announced of The OSullivan Beare, who was prominent in the commercial life of the city and chaired the Board of Directors of the Cork & Macroom Railway.

Around the Country

New curfew conditions in Dublin saw the streets as busy as ever last night at 8.30pm but deserted by 9pm. Auxiliaries were active in heavy numbers on College Green and Grafton and OConnell streets and armoured cars bearing powerful search lights were out from 7pm. Shots were fired and there were 18 arrests.

The chief clerk at Mountjoy Prison was held up on his way from the bank and robbed of a bag containing the wages of the prison employees.

Constable James Beasant was shot dead in a public house in Cashel last night and a girl named Josie Cantrel was seriously wounded. A policeman was also shot dead in Ballyduff, Co. Waterford.

Frank Eliot, of Roscommon, an ex-soldier and labourer, was taken from his home by two men armed with revolvers and marched away. He was later found shot dead on the public road at Curry.

In his pocket was a piece of paper with the words Spies Beware.

Also, Frank Hoolihan died in Dungarvan, aged 105. He was still walking the streets up to a few years ago but fell away rapidly when compelled to take to his bed.

Douglas Arms Find

Christie Sullivan and Michael Buckley were charged at Court Martial with being in possession of two revolvers and 3,000 rounds of ammunition at the lodge of Vernon Mount. Their solicitor, Joseph McCarthy, argued they had not been positively identified and had merely run away when they saw soldiers approaching.

The men were found not guilty and discharged.

At the Police Court

Magistrates Kilbride and Callan heard 37 breaches of curfew from the past week and imposed fines ranging from 1s. to 10s. plus costs.

Daniel Desmond, of Knapps Square, was charged by Sergeant Holland with the larceny of a hundredweight (cwt.) of coal valued at 2, the property of Cork Electric Tramways and Light Company. His solicitor, W.F. OConnor, said Desmond would be pleading guilty and that his people were very respectable. He was out of employment, the coal was lying unprotected on the quay and he opportunistically took some. The court noted he had three previous larceny charges and he received a six-week jail sentence.

Cork Distress Fund

A donation of 1,000 was received by Mr H.A. Pelly, manager of the Hibernian Bank and treasurer of the Cork Distress Fund, from the American Committee for Relief in Ireland.

Five of the committee were in Cork to study humanitarian relief needs.

O.B. Wilbur and William Price were now on their way to make a motor tour through Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary for the same purpose.

The deputy Lord Mayor, Barry Egan, sent a cablegram of acknowledgment to the U.S.

Donal OCallaghan at the famous Liberty Bell in Philadelphia in April 1921.

Donal Denied

In the U.S, the City Council of Macon, Georgia, had recently prohibited Lord Mayor Donal OCallaghan from speaking to the local branch of the American Legion of Veterans of the World War. Now a similar resolution had been passed in Charleston, South Carolina, declaring that a movement is a-foot to create anti-British sentiment.

Labour Commission

The report of a Labour Commission in London expressed fears that Government policy in Ireland was resulting in the demoralisation of young men serving in the Crown Forces.

It also examined a belief that masks were being issued to Crown forces in Ireland.

Sir Hamar Greenwood, Chief Secretary for Ireland, had already asserted that goggles were indeed issued to the Royal Engineers infantry and other dismounted units for practicing night work by day.

The Commission believed the goggles were essentially serving as masks and proving a useful disguise to men engaged on errands of pillage and murder. It was useless for the Chief Secretary to bluster.
A U.S. agency investigating Facebook for racial bias in hiring and promotions has designated the probe as 'systemic,' suspecting that company policies may be contributing to widespread discrimination at the social media site.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission began the probe last year after attorneys for three black job applicants and a manager filed complaints that the company discriminated against them.

Oscar Veneszee Jr., pictured, was hired by the company in 2017

The EEOC has not brought allegations against Facebook. Its investigation, which may last months more, may not result in findings of wrongdoing.

Oscar Veneszee Jr., who was hired by the company in 2017 to recruit other retired soldiers, filed the complaint after his objections to Facebook managers over treatment of black applicants went unheard, the Los Angeles Times reported in July.

Veneszee, a decorated 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, filed his complaint as a class action to include other black people who have allegedly experienced discrimination at Facebook, according to the outlet.

'The only way to get contributions from black experience is to have more black employees at the company,' Veneszee told the LA Times last year.

'I think the desire is there, but I don't think there's an understanding of what's required to transition to a company that's more open, to being diverse, bold.'

Veneszee, left, filed the complaint after his objections to Facebook managers over treatment of black applicants went unheard

Veneszee, a decorated 23-year U.S. Navy veteran, filed his complaint as a class action to include other black people who have allegedly experienced discrimination at Facebook

In his complaint, Veneszee alleged he was denied promotions and met with hostility and discrimination despite positive feedback from managers

Only 3.9% of Facebook's workforce is black, according to Facebook's 2020 diversity report

Facebook has previously been accused of discrimination at the social media site many times. Pictured: CEO and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg

In his complaint, Veneszee alleged he was denied promotions and met with hostility and discrimination despite positive feedback from managers, the outlet reported.

Veneszee claims he was forced to apologize to a white recruiter after he questioned why a plan for interns only included one of more than 100 historically black colleges and universities in the nation.

Facebook employees told Veneszee that his question made the other recruiter cry, and he was repeatedly told to use the right 'tone.'

'Me asking about HBCU shouldn't make you feel attacked, it shouldn't offend you if we're talking about diversity,' Veneszee told the LA Times.

The EEOC typically resolves disputes through mediation or allowing complainants to sue employers.

But agency officials designate a few cases 'systemic,' enabling investigators to rope in specialists to analyze company data and potentially bring a broader lawsuit representing entire classes of workers.

Veneszee Jr. and two applicants denied jobs brought a charge last July to the EEOC, and a third rejected applicant joined the case in December.

They have alleged Facebook discriminates against black candidates and employees by relying on subjective evaluations and promoting problematic racial stereotypes.

Veneszee, second from right, is pictured with former President Barack Obama. He claims he was forced to apologize to a white recruiter

Veneszee, center, is pictured with former President Barack Obama. He claims he was forced to apologize to a white recruiter

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone declined to comment on the status of the probe or specific allegations but said that 'it is essential to provide all employees with a respectful and safe working environment.'

'We take any allegations of discrimination seriously and investigate every case,' he said.

The EEOC brought in systemic investigators last August and received detailed briefing papers from both sides over the last four months, said Peter Romer-Friedman - an attorney representing Veneszee and the job candidates.

Employment law firms Mehri & Skalet and Katz Marshall & Banks also are helping the workers.

The EEOC's Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Washington offices are involved, attorneys from the firms said.

Facebook's counsel, Covington & Burling, did not respond to a request for comment.

Increasing racial and gender diversity has been a persistent challenge for the nation's largest tech companies, which at times have blamed a shortage of qualified candidates from underrepresented groups.

But tech workers have grown emboldened to publicly challenge that notion and allege in formal complaints that biased employment practices cause disparities.

In 2018, a former manager at Facebook, Mark Luckie, wrote that the company 'is failing its black employees and its black users'

Mark S. Luckie has led media partnerships for some of the influential social platforms in the world, including Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit

Romer-Friedman said he and his colleagues told the EEOC in a submission last month that one such Facebook policy is awarding employees bonuses of up to $5,000 when a candidate they refer is hired.

Referred candidates tend to reflect the makeup of existing employees, disadvantaging black professionals, Romer-Friedman said.

David Lopez, a former EEOC general counsel now teaching at Rutgers University, said that systemic investigations are significant because of the additional resources involved.

When they result in allegations of wrongdoing, multimillion-dollar settlements sometimes follow, he said, citing recent cases against Dollar General and Walmart.

In the year ended last Sept. 30, 13 of the 93 EEOC merit lawsuits were systemic, according to agency data.

Last December, the Justice Department accused Facebook of discriminating against U.S. workers broadly, saying it gave hiring preference to temporary workers such as H-1B visa holders.

In 2018, a former manager at Facebook, Mark Luckie, wrote that the company 'is failing its black employees and its black users.'

'Black people are finding that their attempts to create 'safe spaces' on Facebook for conversation among themselves are being derailed by the platform itself. Non-black people are reporting what are meant to be positive efforts as hate speech, despite them often not violating Facebook's terms of service,' Luckie wrote.

He added: 'In some buildings, there are more 'Black Lives Matter' posters than there are actual black people. Facebook can't claim that it is connecting communities if those communities aren't represented proportionately in its staffing.'

Only 3.9% of Facebook's workforce is black, according to Facebook's 2020 diversity report, though that number is up from 2% in 2014.

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it was suing Facebook for allegedly violating the Fair Housing Act, claiming that the company unlawfully discriminated against people based on race, religion, familial status, disability and other characteristics.

HUD claimed Facebook violates the 1968 Fair House Act by 'encouraging, enabling and causing housing discrimination' when companies that use the platform target certain groups in housing advertisements, NPR reported.

Facebook allegedly allowed advertisers the ability to exclude people classified as 'non-American-born,' 'non-Christian' or 'interested in Hispanic culture,' the outlet reported.

That same year, Facebook settled five civil rights lawsuits and agreed to create a special ads portal to prevent discrimination in advertisements for employment, housing and credit, ProPublica reported.

At the time, Northeastern University professor Alan Mislove told the outlet that one reason for persistent bias even after the portal was created is that Facebook algorithms seemingly relies on proxy characteristics correlated with age or gender.

Facebook also is not the only tech giant that has faced criticism for alleged widespread discrimination.

AI researcher Margaret Mitchell announced that she had been fired from Google on her Twitter in February

Mitchell's colleague Timnit Gebru was fired from the tech company in December

Mitchell, who was a member of the company's 'ethical AI' team, simply tweeted 'I'm fired.'

Google announced it is changing its research and diversity policies, as well as employee exits

In recent years, tech giants have worked to create teams such as 'ethical AI' groups to prevent similar problems from happening.

Google fired a second member of its 'ethical AI' team in February after an investigation into why she allegedly downloaded thousands of internal documents and shared them with people outside of the company.

AI researcher Margaret Mitchell announced the news on her Twitter, simply writing: 'I'm fired.'

Google had investigated Mitchell after she reportedly used automated scripts to look through her messages to find examples of discriminatory treatment of Timnit Gebru - another former employee who was fired last year, Axios reported.

The company announced last month that it is changing its research and diversity policies, as well as employee exits from the company, after completing its investigation into the firing of Gebru, Axios reported.

The tech giant intends to tie the pay of certain executives to diversity and inclusivity goals, streamline its process for publishing research and enact new processes for handling the exits of potentially sensitive employees.

In December, a Google recruiter April Christina Curley announced in a Twitter thread that she had been fired after trying to hire more people from historically black colleges.

Google last month agreed to spend $3.8million to settle U.S. government allegations that it underpaid women and unfairly passed over women and Asians for job openings.

A young poet who was praised for her insightful poem about race in the United States at President Joe Bidens inauguration said the security guard of her building questioned if she lived there.

Amanda Gorman (22) said on Friday that a security guard tailed her as she tried to enter her own building and he called her suspicious.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote: A security guard tailed me on my walk home tonight. He demanded if I lived there because you look suspicious.

"I showed my keys & buzzed myself into my building. He left, no apology. This is the reality of black girls: One day youre called an icon, the next day, a threat.

A few hours later the poet quote-tweeted her comment, saying that she is in fact a threat.

Read More

"In a sense, he was right. I AM A THREAT: a threat to injustice, to inequality, to ignorance, she wrote.

"Anyone who speaks the truth and walks with hope is an obvious and fatal danger to the powers that be.

At 22, the US National Youth Poet Laureate is the youngest poet to read at an inauguration ceremony.

In her poem, it appears she has her eyes on the White House as she said: We, the successors of a country and a time,

Where a skinny black girl,

Descended from slaves and raised by a single mother,

Can dream of becoming president,

Only to find herself reciting for one.

In a sense, he was right. I AM A THREAT: a threat to injustice, to inequality, to ignorance. Anyone who speaks the truth and walks with hope is an obvious and fatal danger to the powers that be. https://t.co/hY9miR0b6J  Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) March 6, 2021

Born in Los Angeles, she graduated cum laude from Harvard University, where she studied sociology.

The first poet to read at an inauguration was Robert Frost, who was invited by John F Kennedy to recite a poem at his ceremony in 1961.

Gormans other predecessors include Maya Angelou and Elizabeth Alexander.

The young poet was asked to read at the inaugeration by the first lady.

Dr Jill Biden spotted Gormans star power when she saw her read at the Library of Congress.

She was so impressed that she invited her to read at the ceremony.

Gorman has read at official occasions before  including a July 4 celebration when she was backed by the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Read More




A retired Met Police chief died inside his car which he set on fire outside his 1million mansion, reports suggest.

The victim has been named locally as Edwin Williams, a former-Met Police Detective Superintendent in his 70s.

Mr Williams, who lived alone, had several legal disputes with neighbours and other villagers in Cavendish near Sudbury, Suffolk.

He had repeatedly complained about the noise of the bells at a nearby church, claimed locals - who described him as 'not a very popular man'.

Mr Williams is understood to have driven his car to the front of a neighbour's house before setting it alight himself, while he was still inside.

The blaze was so hot, no one 'could get near' it and onlookers did not know there was a man in the car until firefighters found Mr Williams' body in the driver's seat.

Edwin Williams, a retired Met Police chief, died inside his car which he set on fire outside his 1million mansion, reports suggest

Mr Williams and his wife Jean had moved in 2004 to their Grade Two-listed home overlooking the village green, but he lived alone after they split up several years ago.

Firefighters were at the scene of today's blaze within minutes and doused the flames - before discovering the body of Mr Williams.

It is thought that he started the fire after driving his car to the front of a next door neighbour's house.

He parked it beside their two cars which were badly damaged in the fire.

Police closed the road for several hours until Mr Williams' car was taken away.

Officers are not thought to be treating the death of Mr Williams as suspicious and believe that nobody else was involved.

A villager said: 'He was always falling out with people and was not a very popular man.

Firefighters were at the scene (pictured) of today's blaze within minutes and doused the flames - before discovering the body of Mr Williams in the driver's seat

'He had various legal disputes with different neighbours over the years. He would complain about things like problems with drains and guttering causing damp in his house.

'I think in the past, he had some sort of restraining order put on him to stop him harassing one neighbour.

'But his biggest issue was with the church bells. Most people in the village love the sound of the bells, but he would repeatedly moan about them.

'He tried to get a petition started about the bells and would go and hammer on the doors of the church warden and the vicar to complain about them.

'He normally parks on his own driveway at the side of his house behind a set of gates, but it seems he started the fire after parking deliberately beside his neighbour's cars.

'His neighbours are lovely people and did not deserve this aggravation.'

It is thought that he started the fire after driving his car to the front of a next door neighbour's house. He parked it beside their two cars which were badly damaged in the fire (pictured)

Another villager said: 'I heard the most enormous bang first thing in the morning and looked out to see this car on fire with flames shooting in the air.

'There was absolutely nothing that anyone could do. Nobody could get near and people only realised that there was a body in the car when the firefighters arrived and dealt with the fire.

'He must have had something in the car to cause such a fierce fire and a big explosion.'

Mr Williams wrote an open letter in October 2017, saying he had been 'reduced to a frazzle' by the noise of the church bells ringing at nearby 14th century St Mary the Virgin's church in Cavendish.

They had rung for three hours to commemorate a soldier who died in World War One.

He wrote: 'Living near the church, I do not expect freedom from bells ringing.

'However, when a three-hour session blights my comfort and amenity, I intend to complain loudly and in the strongest possible terms.

'I personally lost eight uncles during the Second World War, and doubt very much that I would be allowed a three-hour bell ringing session to celebrate their sacrifice.

'In my opinion, this is just an excuse for additional bell ringing practice and amounts to selfish and inconsiderate conduct.'

Other villagers dismissed his complaints at the time, saying they enjoyed listening to the bells and had no problem with them.

A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: 'Police can confirm that a man has died following a car fire in Cavendish.

'Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Police were called at just after 7.30am today to reports of a vehicle alight on The Green in the village.

'The driver of the grey Hyundai IX35 estate car, a man in his 70s, sadly died at the scene. The man's next of kin have been notified.

'Two other cars, parked nearby, were damaged as a result of the fire.'

Police have appealed for information from any witnesses, or anyone driving in the area at around 7.30am who had a dashcam in their vehicle.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details
Crude bomb blast: Six BJP workers injured in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Kolkata, Mar 06: As many as six BJP workers were seriously injured in an alleged crude bomb blast in Rampur village of South 24 Parganas district late Friday night.

According to reports, the injured were brought to Canning Subdivision Hospital for treatment. The injured BJP workers alleged that the bomb was hurled at them by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers when they were returning from a wedding.

Its Mamata Banerjee vs Suvendu Adhikari in West Bengal; PM Modi likely to take a call

The police have started an investigation into the incident. Also, it can be seen that such incidents of political violence have been regularly making headlines in poll-bound West Bengal.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's former aide Suvendu Adhikari will be fighting polls against her from the Nandigram seat. Speaking at a public gathering, the former TMC loyalist had earlier stated that he will defeat the CM Mamata by "at least 50,000 votes" if fielded from the Nandigram constituency.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

The election in West Bengal will be held in 8 phases, starting from March 27. The state will witness a tough contest between TMC and the BJP. The counting of votes and results will be declared on May 2, Sunday.
(@FahadShabbir)

Albania has given an international consortium the greenlight to build an airport on the Adriatic sea. a project that environmentalists say poses a major threat to a coastal conversation area

Tirana (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :Albania has given an international consortium the greenlight to build an airport on the Adriatic sea. a project that environmentalists say poses a major threat to a coastal conversation area.

The more than 100-million-euro airport near the southwest city of Vlora will be built by Mabco Construction, which will also manage the site for 35 years, according to the Albanian Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy.

"Airports bring jobs and development," Prime Minister Edi Rama said at the announcement, hailing the project's economic potential.

The government hopes the country's second international airport will increase tourism along a coastline that has become an increasingly popular holiday destination in recent years, before the coronavirus pandemic hit the sector.

But environmental NGOs say the project poses a grave risk to protected wetlands and a lagoon on the Adriatic that are home to numerous endangered birds.

Dozens of national and international environmental organisations have previously warned the project would "irreversibly damage" the ecosystem of the Vjose-Narte protected zone, which spans more than 19,000 hectares.

The construction and management consortium consists mainly of the Swiss-based Mabetex company -- run by Kosovo businessman and former minister Behgjet Pacoll -- and the Turkey-based YDA group.

Albania's Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku hailed their "great" results with six other airports around the world.
Man, 26, died after being shot in neck on Friday, according to medical officials

The United Nations has been urged to hear the 'desperate pleas' of Myanmar's pro-democracy protestors at a meeting of the Security Council on Friday.

Despite an increasingly brutal crackdown by the military authorities that has seen more than 50 people killed, protesters took to the streets again in towns around the country to denounce the February 1 coup.

In Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, hundreds of engineers took to the streets crying 'free our leader' in reference to ousted State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained by the military since the first night of the takeover.

A 26-year-old male anti-coup protestor helping at barriers set up in the city to slow security forces died after being shot in the neck on Friday, according to medical officials.

The Security Council took up the escalating crisis and heard from the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, who warned against any moves to grant legitimacy to the junta.

It follows the deadliest day of the crackdown so far on Wednesday, when the United Nations said at least 38 people were killed as graphic images showed security forces firing into crowds and bloodied bodies dragged away.

Police fired tear gas at demonstrators in the southern city of Dawei while protesters in the commercial capital Yangon were defiant despite the danger. Protester Didi, 27, said: 'Scared, yeah, I'm very scared to stay on the frontline. But we believe in our comrades and we promise to protect each other if someone is injured.'

Engineers and students take part in a demonstration against the military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, on March 5

Anti-coup protestors run as one of them discharges a fire extinguisher to counter the impact of tear gas fired by riot policemen in Yangon, Myanmar, on Wednesday

Myanmar military and riot police are seen advancing towards protestors with weapons during the demonstration against the military coup on Friday

The Security Council heard from the UN special envoy on Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener (pictured above), who warned against any moves to grant legitimacy to the junta

Burgener told the closed-door session: 'Your unity is needed more than ever on Myanmar. The repression must stop.'

The UN envoy said that she is receiving some 2,000 messages a day from Myanmar urging international action.

She said: 'The hope they have placed in the United Nations and its membership is waning and I have heard directly the desperate pleas - from mothers, students and the elderly.'

But diplomats said it was unlikely that the Security Council would approve any international measures against the junta such as a proposed global arms embargo.

The session called by Britain ended without any statement, although diplomats said consultations would take place next week on a proposed text.

British Ambassador Barbara Woodward said after the meeting: 'We'll be exploring further national sanctions and stand ready to consider possible measures under the UN Charter should the situation deteriorate further.

'Any further measures would require agreement from all Council members.'

She was alluding to objections by several Council members including Russia, India, Vietnam and especially veto-wielding China, historically the main partner of Myanmar's military.

China's ambassador, Zhang Jun, said his country wanted to be a 'friendly neighbour'. He told reporters: 'We don't want to see instability, even chaos in Myanmar.

'The messages and measures of the international community should be conducive for the parties in Myanmar to bridge differences and resolve problems, and avoid escalating tensions or further complicating the situation.'

Military cars and police cars are seen driving towards anti-coup protestors during a demonstration on March 5

Soldiers are seen on the street during the demonstration. Myanmar's military detained State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1 and declared a state of emergency

Police officers are seen arresting a protestor during a demonstration on March 5. In Myanmar's north, a number of people have crossed the border into India in a bid to escape the crackdown

Myanmar military and riot police are seen advancing towards the protestors with weapons during the demonstration against the military coup

Myanmar military trucks drive towards the protestors during the demonstration against the military coup on March 5

In Myanmar's north, a number of people have crossed the border into India in a bid to escape the crackdown.

Indian police said nine people had crossed the 1,600-kilometre (1,000-mile) frontier - three of whom were police officers who had refused to take part in putting down protests.

The junta has sought to stop news of the crackdown getting out, choking the internet and banning Facebook, the most popular social media platform in the country.

Friday also saw many parts of the country hit by power cuts for several hours, though it was not clear that this was a deliberate measure in a country where infrastructure is sometimes unreliable.

Government agencies attributed the outage to a 'system breakdown'.

Footage earlier revealed the terrifying moment a solider took a potshot at a person in their apartment who was filming as the army went past.

The short clip shows a couple looking out of their apartment window before a soldier in uniform walks towards them, raises a shotgun and blasts their window, forcing them to duck down to avoid being hit.

Terrifying video reveals the moment that a solider in Myanmar took a potshot at two civilians who happened to be filming soldiers walking past their apartment (bottom right)

Myanmar's armed forces and police officers have been steadily escalating their use of violence against protesters, before unleashing a bloody crackdown this week

Despite being targeted with live ammunition, tear gas, rubber bullets, and slingshots, tens of thousands of demonstrators have turned out for daily protests across the country

Protesters wearing basic safety gear and carrying home-made riot shields take part in a demonstration in Yangon, which police later used tear gas and rubber bullets to break up

The total death toll since the February 1 coup now stands at more than 50.

A clip from Mandalay captured a police officer escorted by soldiers carrying what appeared to be a protester's limp body off the streets on Friday, though the footage has not been independently verified.

Meanwhile officers in the largest city of Yangon opened fire with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse thousands of activists who were joined on Friday by around 100 doctors wearing white coats.

Military-backed parties had been hammered at the election with Aung San Suu Kyi's party receiving some 80 per cent of the votes - a result that generals have claimed was fraudulent, without providing evidence.

They have announced a year-long emergency rule, pledging that fresh elections will eventually be held and the winner honoured, though few who lived through five decades of junta rule believe that will come to pass.

Near-daily protests have been taking place in the country since the coup as tens of thousands of people unite demand the return of democracy, despite increasing levels of violence.

After weeks of tense standoffs, police unleashed a bloodbath on Wednesday when officers in cities around the country opened fire on marchers largely without warning, leaving at least 38 dead.

It marked the single deadliest day since the coup, and raised fears that violence would intensify further.

On Thursday, the military saw fit to buzz the city of Mandalay with low-flying fighter jets in an attempt to intimidate marchers - who turned out none-the-less.

Faced with orders to open fire on their countrymen, it seems some officers decided to abandon their posts instead.

In India's Serchhip district, official Kumar Abhishek said eight people, including a woman and a child, had crossed the border and were being taken care of.

He said: 'We are anticipating that some more may come.'

Authorities were making preparations to house between 30-40 people, he said.

A federal Indian security official said that police crossing over had said they did not wish to carry out orders from the military to quell the protests.

'They alleged that there are human rights violations and they were asked to shoot at civilians,' the official said, also requesting anonymity.

Anti-coup protesters maintain their position behind a barricade despite smoke from tear gas in San Chaung township in Yangon

The daughter of Zwee Htet Soe, a protester who died during a demonstration against the military coup on March 3, cries during her father's funeral in Yangon

Muslim men pray next to the body of Aung Myint Myat, 19, who was shot dead during the anti-coup protest, in Salin township, Magway region, Myanmar

A woman prays over the body of Aung Myint Myat, 19, who was shot dead by police during anti-coup demonstrations earlier this week

People raise defiant three-finger salutes during the funeral of a slain protester on Friday

More than 50 activists have now been killed opposing a coup which saw military leaders seize control of Myanmar's government on February 1

The influx of such refuge-seekers, particularly police, puts India in a quandary because of New Delhi's close ties with the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw.

Over the last two years the Tatmadaw has mounted operations at India's request to flush out insurgents along the northeastern border. India, on its part, gifted Myanmar its first submarine last year.

'It's a little difficult situation for India because diplomatic balance is crucial,' the official said.

The violence came as the junta lost a tug of war over leadership of its UN mission in New York and the United States unveiled new sanctions targeting military conglomerates after the deaths of dozens of civilian protesters.

Activists demanding the restoration of the elected government of veteran democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi held more demonstrations in several towns and cities on Friday, with a crowd of thousands marching peacefully through the second city of Mandalay.

'The stone age is over, we're not scared because you threaten us,' the crowd chanted.

A crowd also gathered in the town of Pathein, to the west of Yangon, a witness said.

On Thursday, police broke up rallies with tear gas and gunfire in several cities but their crackdown was more restrained than on Wednesday, when the United Nations said 38 people were killed in the bloodiest day of protests.

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet demanded the security forces halt what she called their 'vicious crackdown on peaceful protesters.' Bachelet said more than 1,700 people had been arrested, including 29 journalists.

Singapore has been the most outspoken of Myanmar's neighbours and its foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, said it was a 'national shame' for armed forces to use weapons against their people.

Anti-coup protesters wearing protective gear take positions as police gather in Yangon

Medical personnel and students take part in a demonstration against the coup in Yangon

Anti-coup protesters wearing helmets and masks take positions as police gather in Yangon

Armed police stand guard on a major street to prevent anti-coup demonstration in Yangon

He called on the military to seek a peaceful solution but acknowledged external pressure would have only a limited impact on the situation.

A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.

Adding to a sense of unease, electricity supplies were cut in many parts of the country on Friday. A utility official later said it was due to a system failure.

A clash over who represents Myanmar at the United Nations in New York was averted - for now - after the junta's replacement quit and the Myanmar UN mission confirmed that Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun remained in the job.

The junta fired Kyaw Moe Tun on Saturday after he urged countries at the UN General Assembly to use 'any means necessary' to reverse the Feb. 1 coup.

In Washington, it was unclear whether Myanmar's embassy was still representing the junta, after it issued a statement decrying the deaths of civilian protesters and called on authorities to 'fully exercise utmost restraint'.

One diplomat in the embassy resigned and at least three said in social media posts they were joining the civil disobedience movement of strikes against the military.

At least 19 Myanmar police officers have crossed into India fearing persecution for disobeying orders, an Indian police official said on Thursday.

Myanmar activists are calling for the release of Suu Kyi, 75, who was detained on the morning of the coup, and recognition of her November 8 election victory. They also reject the junta's promise to hold new elections at an unspecified date.

Anti-coup protesters take cover behind makeshift shields as armed riot policemen gather in Mandalay, Myanmar, on Friday

A protester holds a sign with an image of leader Aung San Suu Kyi as they prepare to face off against security forces during a demonstration against the military coup in Yangon

Anti-coup protesters take positions behind a makeshift barricade as armed riot policemen gather in Yangon

Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) party won the election in a landslide but the military has refused to accept the result citing fraud. The election commission said the vote was fair.

Sources said that Myanmar's military rulers attempted to move about $1 billion held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York days after seizing power. U.S. officials froze those funds indefinitely, they said.

The US Commerce Department designated trading curbs on Myanmar's defence and interior ministries and two military conglomerates that control swathes of the economy, with interests ranging from beer to real estate.

But the measures are expected to have limited impact as the entities are not major importers.

The UN human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, urged the Security Council - which meets to discuss the situation later on Friday - to impose a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions on the junta.

The United States has told China, which has declined to condemn the coup, that it expects it to play a constructive role. China has said stability is a top priority in its strategic neighbour.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 15:46:15|Editor: Xiang Bo

Video Player Close

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday afternoon visited national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors attending a joint group meeting at the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joined them in the discussion and heard their comments and suggestions. Enditem
Wexford Library is hosting a series of online free baby sign language classes throughout the month of March.

Taking place virtually, over Zoom, the classes will be presented by Claire Glynn of Clever Little Handies and are for parents with babies from newborn up.

It is nursery rhymes, songs and poems with ISL signs that pertain to the day to day with a baby,' explained Claire. 'The lockdowns have been difficult for everyone but particularly difficult for new parents, they face new anxieties and unknowns.

'At least in this online environment they can share those anxieties and hopefully form connections with other parents in their area.'

The classes are free for participants but places are limited so booking is essential.

The Wexford Library classes take place on March 8, 15 and 22 at 9.30 a.m. To book email: wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie

The Gorey Library classes take place on March 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 11.30 a.m. To book email: goreylib@wexfordcoco.ie

The Enniscorth Library classes take place on March 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10.30 a.m. To book email: enniscorthylib@wexfordcoco.ie

The Bunclody Library classes take place on March 2, 9, 16 and 23 at 9.30 a.m. To book email: bunclodylib@wexfordcoco.ie
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday said that Israels military is updating its operational plans for a potential future strike on the Islamic Republics nuclear sites.

Gantzs comments come as the Biden administration considers its options for resuming negotiations on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. Israeli officials, chief among them Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have opposed the deal, calling it insufficient for preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon in the long term.

If the world stops them before, its very much good. But if not, we must stand independently and we must defend ourselves by ourselves, Gantz told Fox News in an interview Thursday.

It is not the first time a member of Netanyahus government has signaled Israels preparedness to strike Iran unilaterally. Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi revealed in January that he had instructed the military to come up with new operational plans to knock out Iran's nuclear sites.

Israeli officials previously floated the idea during the Obama administration as the United States pursued talks with the Islamic Republic. US officials reportedly interpreted the warning as a scare tactic, as the limitations of Israels air force would make such a move extremely risky, given the significant distance to the targets and Irans array of air defenses.

It would be a massive preparatory effort to ensure they can even get to the target. It would be casualty-producing, a former senior US official directly familiar with the matter told Al-Monitor late last year.

You would require so many American military assets that you might as well just call it our operation. And there would be no guarantee of success, the former official said.

The Donald Trump administration unilaterally abandoned the JCPOA in 2018. Iran eventually responded by publicly violating the agreement, increasing its uranium enrichment beyond limits allowed by the deal.

During his final days in office, Trump asked his top advisers about options for a US attack on Irans nuclear sites. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were reportedly among the officials who opposed the option of striking Iran.

The Islamic Republic has expanded its drone, cruise and ballistic missile capabilities in recent years. US and Israeli officials grew increasingly concerned during the Trump administration that Tehran was passing the technology to proxy militias in Iraq, Syria and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, putting the weapons within striking range of Saudi Arabia, Israel and other US partners in the region.

The United States has provided support for Israels air campaign against suspected Iran-linked targets in Syria since 2018. Meanwhile, Israel is seeking to extend the range of its air force with new refueling tankers from the United States.

Iranian leaders have publicly refused to discuss the countrys ballistic missile program and regional influence campaign as part of proposed talks over a return to the JCPOA.

The Biden administration has said Irans conventional strike capabilities should be included in follow-on talks once the nuclear issue is tackled.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Friday said he will convey to Western officials his government's "plan of action" for potential next steps in establishing negotiations.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Vaccine Task Force has recommended compensation for citizens who suffer side effects ...





The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Vaccine Task Force has recommended compensation for citizens who suffer side effects or injury from the COVID-19 vaccination.

Prof. Stanley Okolo, Director-General of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), made the announcement on Saturday in Abuja.

He spoke at the 5th Regional Steering Committee meeting of the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement (REDISSE) project.

The recommendation was part of the resolutions the task force presented to the ECOWAS Ministerial Coordinating Committee to encourage citizens to receive the vaccine.

The DG said member countries, whether in Africa, West Africa, Europe or Asia, must think about the supplementary or residual indemnity.

That is one of the issues being taken up by COVAX, the body set up by the WHO and GAVI, to look at how they indemnify some of the companies regarding the vaccines they supplied.

He disclosed that the Ministerial Committee agreed that member countries should watch out for any significant side effects or injury.
Piers Morgan has angrily lashed out at Suits star Patrick J Adams for his defence of Meghan Markle.

In a lengthy Twitter thread on Friday (5 March), Adams spoke out against the allegations of bullying Markle has faced, calling her an enthusiastic, kind, cooperative, giving, joyful and supportive person.

He accused the royal family of being obscene for promoting and amplifying accusations of bullying against a woman who herself was basically forced to [flee] the UK in order [to] protect her family and her own mental health.

Morgan, a harsh critic of Markles, responded to Adamss comments, writing: Actually, whats OBSCENE is your friend trashing her husbands family on global TV as the Queens 99-yr-old husband lies in hospital.

Read more: Lorraine Kelly shocks viewers with Prince Andrew comment following Meghan interview

The Good Morning Britain co-host added: How dare you attack our royal family like this, you jumped-up little twerp.

Morgan ended his tirade by writing: Meghan Markles showbiz mates who flew over and grovelled up to the Royals at her wedding now publicly trashing the Monarchy - and suggesting it be abolished. Disgusting.

Follow Meghan and Harry news live: Latest updates as Oprah interview to air

Adams starred alongside Markle as Mike Ross on the legal drama Suits. His character was a love interest to Markles Rachel Zane.

Patrick J Adams starred alongside Meghan Markle in Suits (Getty Images)

His defence of Markle follows news that Buckingham Palace was launching a probe into allegations made against the duchess by former members of staff.

Read more: Piers Morgan torn apart for hateful takedown of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on Good Morning Britain

Of the allegation, Meghans spokesperson said in a statement the duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.

The allegation arrived shortly after news broke that Markle would be interviewed alongside Prince Harry by Oprah Winfrey, which will be broadcast on Sunday (7 March) in the US and in the UK the following evening (8 March).

Piers Morgan angrily responded to Patrick J Adams defence of Meghan Markle (Twitter)

In his defence of Markle, Adams said he was sickened by the endless racist, slanderous, click-baiting vitriol spewed in her direction from all manner of media across the UK and the world.

The actor described this newest chapter as what he views as just another stunning example of the shamelessness of an institution that has outlived its relevance, is way overdrawn on credibility and apparently bankrupt of decency.

Adams ended his thread with the following words: Find someone else to admonish, berate and torment. My friend Meghan is way out of your league.

Harry and Meghans interview with Oprah Winfrey will be broadcast in the UK on Monday (9 March) (CBS )

A Palace representative declined to comment when approached byThe Independent.
Legacy Elementary School students dressed up as essential workers on Friday to thank them for all their hard work during the coronavirus pandemic.

Firefighters, police officers, and of course, teachers were all there to see the parade.

Students in all grade levels made signs saying "thank you" to show their support.

We spoke with one student about why she wanted to dress up like a teacher for the parade.

"The teachers very help us a lot within school, and it's because they never shut down like other people because if you...it shut down, I couldn't be it," said Chloe Hale, elementary school student.

The students walked from the playground to the front entrance of the school as they showed off their signs and chanted "thank you" to the attendees.
Ivory Coast voters cast ballots Saturday in a parliamentary election that is a key test of stability four months after a presidential vote marked by deadly violence.

Grappling with a deep political crisis, President Alassane Ouattara has offered an olive branch to his former rival, Laurent Gbagbo, whose party has now lifted a decade-long boycott of elections.

More than 1,500 candidates are vying for the votes of roughly seven million people in a contest for the 255-seat National Assembly in the world's top cocoa grower, a former haven of peace and prosperity in troubled West Africa.

A masked Ouattara voted in the plush Cocody neighbourhood of Abidjan, Ivory Coast's main city and economic hub.

"I hope that the unfortunate events of the presidential elections of 2010 and 2020 are past us," he said, referring to poll-linked violence that claimed thousands of lives.

Micheline Irielou, a 43-year-old who lives in Abidjan's central Plateau district where all government offices are located, called for change.

"We're tired. We don't have much to eat. In my neighbourhood we don't have water and that's why I came to vote. So that it changes," she said.

In contrast to the bloodshed that marked the October 31 presidential poll, campaigning has been as peaceful as it has been enthusiastic.

All the candidates have pledged support for peaceful elections and signed up to a code of conduct.

"The prospect (of a high turnout) favours peaceful elections," said Adama Bictogo, a candidate for the constituency of Agboville, near Abidjan.

In the last legislative vote in December 2016, Ouattara's RHDP party teamed up with the centre-right Ivory Coast Democratic Party (PDCI), winning an absolute majority with 167 seats.

But last year's crisis has shattered that deal.

- New alliances -

In an unprecedented move, the PDCI has forged an election alliance with the centre-left coalition Together for Democracy and Solidarity (EDS), whose driving force is Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front (FPI).

Story continues

Their declared aim is to prevent Ouattara and his party from "consolidating absolute power".

As a result, some commentators believe it could be the most open election in years, with the prospect that independents could hold the balance of power.

The October 31 presidential vote was marred by violence that claimed 87 lives and left hundreds of wounded.

Clashes had erupted over Ouattara's bid for a third term -- a plan that critics said sidestepped constitutional limits.

The 79-year-old was returned to power in a landslide thanks to an opposition boycott, but the country was mired in crisis.

Ouattara reached out to Gbagbo, whom he forced out in April 2011 after a post-election civil war that claimed several thousand lives and left the country deeply split.

After his ouster, Gbagbo, 75, was flown to the International Criminal Court in The Hague to face war crimes charges arising from that conflict.

He was acquitted in January 2019 and is now living in Brussels pending the outcome of an appeal.

- 'Calm and peaceful' -

Ouattara, in his declared vow to seal "national reconciliation," has issued Gbagbo with two passports, one of them a diplomatic pass.

Gbagbo previously said he hoped to return in December but his supporters now say it will be in mid-March, and have set up a committee to prepare a spectacular welcome.

Gbagbo's son Michel, a candidate in Saturday's election, voted in Abidjan and expressed the hope that "everything will pass off calmly and peacefully".

He asked his supporters "not to react to any provocation".

In Yopougon, a sprawling working class area of Abidjan that is home to nearly 500,000 voters, N'Dri Tanoh, who is in her seventies, said she was "happy that I did my civic duty".

"I want the vote to be calm and peaceful," she added.

ck-stb/ach/txw
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
Goya Foods Chief Executive Officer Robert Unanue spoke against the Leftist cancel culture's attempts to remove God from America during the Conservative Political Action Conference 2021 at Orlando, Florida last March 1.

Unanue spoke about the Leftist's cancel culture, presenting it in the form of a "Kangaroo court" he called the "Cancel Court." In this court, the Leftists are plaintiffs, while those standing up for God and America were defendants.

"The plaintiff seek to boycott, close, and destroy Goya foods and its 4000 plus direct employees, as well as, tens of thousands of indirect jobs and companies; seek to close and shutdown the US economy; seek to close all churches seek to close all schools; seek to weaponize a worldwide pandemic during the election year; seek to destroy the Trump family and all those who support life, liberty, and prosperity, as well as, the right to worship, work, love, and build; seek to kill our spirit; seek to destroy our reason to get up in the morning for God, family, and work; seek to cancel God."

"The Pledge of Allegiance that we're hearing everyday today of the United States of America said that 'we are one nation under God, indivisible but we can not be a nation that is indivisible unless we are under God'," he stressed.

"If we seek to cancel God, then we will never be one nation. Still the greatest nation on the face of the earth, America--CPAC you, the jury, must decide if we love, build, and unite or hate, destroy, and divide."

At the start of his speech, Unanue proclaimed former President Donald Trump as the current president of the United States out of his belief that "a majority of Americans voted" for him. He praised Trump for being a president who "revitalized" America's economy, who brought "jobs back to America, and who "defended life and liberty."

Unanue then narrated his experience last year when he was at the White House donating food that will serve as "nourishment" to people in America and globally "during the pandemic." He said he was "canceled" for blessing the President and the recipients of his donation by those advocating the cancel culture such that these people pushed to boycott Goya, which he partly owned.

Unanue particularly mentioned Texas Senator Julian Castro as lead of the plaintiffs during his speech. Castro, who retweeted on July 10, 2020 The Hill's post on Unanue speaking in the White House blessing and praising Trump for being a "builder," pushed followers to "think twice before buying" Goya products.

In a short interview for the American Thought Leaders Podcast during the Conference, Unanue was asked regarding his experience in line with the Conservative Political Action Conference 2021 theme "America Uncanceled" and shared his experience on it.

Unanue expressed his appreciation being in the Conservative Political Action Conference 2021 where there are many "like-minded people who believe in God." He repeated the context of what he said during his speech by sharing his "very horrific" while he was at the White House on July 9, 2020 "to give away two million pounds of food because" Goya "was up and running courageously" despite the pandemic. It was horrific because he "used the word 'blessed'," particularly blessed "to have a president" like Trump and because Goya is open and "able to give back to the country," that was "met with so much fervor-- negativity, canceling."

He said the experience helped him realize that "what we're doing is canceling God. They want to--the cancel culture--wants take God out of everything." By saying everything, he meant to "redefining the family" the "indoctrination" children get a lot of these days aside being able to have the reason to get up in the morning to work.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 21:51:17|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Saturday China must strive to build a high-quality and balanced basic public education service system.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when he joined national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors in a joint group meeting.

Xi emphasized the socialist orientation in running schools, the non-profit nature of education and developing education that people are satisfied with.

Education is essential to the country and the Party, Xi stressed.

To build a high-quality education system, the reform of the evaluation system should be in the lead, so as to push forward reforms in other aspects of education, said Xi.

He also called for efforts to train more talents who can contribute to the country's high-quality development and high-level self-reliance.

Teachers are the central pillar of education, and strengthening the professional ethics of teachers must be our top priority, Xi said.

He also demanded more support for teachers in rural areas. Enditem
Colombia's public prosecutor said on Friday he would ask a judge to halt an investigation into former president Alvaro Uribe regarding alleged witness tampering and fraud.

Conservative Uribe, 68, is considered Colombia's most influential politician and is the mentor of current President Ivan Duque.

He served as president from 2002 to 2010 and was known for his tough stance on fighting the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas.

He also strongly opposed his successor Juan Manuel Santos's historic 2016 peace accord with FARC that ended a half century of armed conflict by the Marxist rebels.

The investigation surrounds a complaint filed by Uribe in 2012 against leftist senator Ivan Cepeda, whom he accused of hatching a plot to falsely link him to right-wing paramilitary groups.

But the Supreme Court decided against investigating Cepeda and in 2018 instead opened a witness tampering probe against Uribe.

"The case prosecutor has established that some of the behaviors" Uribe is accused of "are not crimes and others that are, cannot be attributed to him as author or participant," said the public prosecutor's office in a statement.

Prosecutor Gabriel Jaimes has requested a hearing to present his case to drop the investigation, which a judge may either grant or deny.

"Thank God for this positive step. Thank you to so many people for your prayers and solidarity," Uribe wrote on Twitter.

Uribe was placed under house arrest by the Supreme Court in August when serving as a senator, but he resigned and two months later was released by a lower court.

As a senator, Uribe's case would have been investigated by the Supreme Court, but his resignation meant the case passed into the jurisdiction of a lower court.

He was thus investigated by pubic prosecutor Francisco Barbosa, a former ally of his protege Duque.

Cepeda has accused investigators of lacking impartiality.
Having made an incendiary film about toxic masculinity in Promising Young Woman, British director Emerald Fennell seems stunned to hear how often sexual assault has been in the news in Australia this week.

Its unbelievably frightening how prevalent this is and how far we still have to go with this stuff, she says. And its completely and utterly mad to still focus on the victims of the crime rather than the perpetrators.

Theres no other crime where we foist the responsibility onto the victim: Emerald Fennell, writer-director of Promising Young Woman. Credit:AP

Fennell is upset to learn that Prime Minister Scott Morrison has stood by Attorney-General Christian Porter after his vehement denial of an historical sexual assault (just taking someones word for it ... is truly callous) and that the countrys top military officer, General Angus Campbell, told new recruits not to make themselves prey to sexual predators by being out alone and attractive after midnight.

Theres a serious endemic lack of empathy when it comes to women particularly but victims in general, she says. Thats the only way I could possibly begin to explain why you would suggest that a woman be less attractive.


The skeletons of three Catholic nuns working as nurses murdered by Soviet soldiers at the end of the Second World War have been discovered.

The Red Army invaded Poland when the Nazis withdrew their soldiers in 1944.

Their forces attempted to seize control by subduing militia as well as religious figures by looting and destroying churches.

Records discovered from 1945 showed Soviet soldiers killed seven nuns in the order of St. Catherine of Alexandria who were serving as nurses at Marian Hospital in Olsztyn.

The nuns were murdered in 1945 as they worked as nurses at the Marian Hospital in Poland

A project by the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland was launched to discover their remains and Polish archaeologists announced they found the remains of Sister Charytyna (Jadwiga Fahl) in Gdansk last summer.

In October they found Sister Generosa (Maria Bolz), Sister Krzysztofora (Marta Klomfass) and Sister Liberia (Maria Domnik) in Orneta.

And now the bodies of the last missing trio, Sister Rolanda (Maria Abraham), Sister Gunhilda (Dorota Steffen) and Sister Bona (Anna Pestka) have been found too.

Experts also unearthed crucifixes, religious clothing and rosaries from around the remains, according to Live Science.

Polish archaeologists get to work as they carefully chip away at the earth in their grave

The first four nuns were unearthed before the project moved on to find the final three

Historical records showed the seven nuns were killed by Soviet soldiers in 1945

A statement by the Institute of National Remembrance in Poland (IPN) said: The purpose of the study was the finding of the remains of the Catherine Sisters who fell victim to the soldiers of the Red Army in 1945.

They all served the sick at the Marian Hospital (St Mary's Hospital) in Olsztyn.

They worked as nurses, looking for help for the sick, and the deceased by organizing burials in a nearby cemetery.

Where they served, they died there as well - defending themselves against the disgrace of the Red Army soldiers who entered Olsztyn in the winter of 1945.

The bodies were discovered with a wide range of religious artefacts, including rosary beads

Religious members of the community were invited to watch the unearthing

The remains were noted and then transported to be further researched by experts

The works in Orneta were also the last stage of the search for the remains of the Sisters, for whom the church side is carrying out the beatification process at the same time. Earlier searches were carried out in Gdansk and Olsztyn.

On the basis of historical data, anthropomorphic features and found objects, the remains of three women were selected for exhumation, with the probability that they are the wanted Sisters.

The whereabouts of the remains of the seven nus were unknown before the projected got under way

In the remains of the collected remains, religious medals, crucifixes, elements of religious clothing and religious rosaries were found.

The skeletons have been taken to the Forensic Medicine Institute in Gdansk.

Historical records show Sister Generosa was locked in the hospitals attic.

While the IPM says Sister Krzysztofora was stabbed with a bayonet 16 times, had her eyes gouged out and tongue cut out.
Agra, March 6 : Telugu star Allu Arjun and wife Sneha Reddy celebrated their 10th marriage anniversary at Taj Mahal. Arjun uploaded pictures from their trip on Saturday, and wished his wife on their anniversary.

"Happy 10th Anniversary to us Cutie. What a wonderful journey of ten years ... and many more to come," he captioned the pictures.

Arjun and Sneha got married in a traditional Hindu ceremony on March 6, 2011, in Hyderabad. They have two children -- son Allu Ayaan and daughter Allu Arha.

After ringing the wedding anniversary celebrations at Taj Mahal, the couple has left for a romantic getaway in snow-clad Dehradun.

Allu Arjun will next be seen in cinemas with the big-ticket film "Pushpa", directed by Sukumar.
New Delhi: With signs of growing ties and shared values between India and Sweden, Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven at the virtual summit called India and EU democratic superpowers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a virtual summit with Swedish counterpart, the 2nd such virtual summit with any Nordic country, the last being with Denmark in 2020.

Stefan Lofven said, "from our bilateral cooperation to multilateral regional affairs, India and the European union are democratic superpowers. As we join forces, to build back more inclusive societies, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our shared values and mutual commitment to democracy, rule of law, gender equality, human rights and fundamental rights"

The comments come even as European Union is keen to strengthen ties with the Indian government amidst an aggressive China. Interestingly the statement comes at a time when a Washington-based NGO Freedom house downgraded India as partly free, pointing out that civil rights are being eroded in the country.

During the one house long virtual summit, both leaders discussed a number of issues, from Myanmar to terrorism to Swedens decision to join the International Solar Alliance and reviving NSA level talks between the 2 countries.

MEA's Secretary west Vikas Swarup in response to a question from WION said, "both leaders expressed concerns over recent developments in Myanmar. PM Modi mentioned that as a country that shares land and maritime border with Myanmar, we have the highest stake in peace and stability in that country".

Adding, "as a democracy ourselves, we have remained invested in supporting the democratic transition of Myanmar for it to emerge as a democratic federal union and recent developments are of deep concern to India".

One of the key outcomes of the summit was the creation of a Sweden-India Health Hub at AIIMS-Jodhpur. New Delhi noted defense as long-standing areas of cooperation between the 2 countries, with Indian leadership being aware of Swedish interest on Gripen fighter jets being manufactured in India.

Live TV
LEESBURG, Va., March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wiweeki (wiweeki.com) announces it has successfully completed a cloud-based project for Nacha (nacha.org). Nacha is the organization that governs the ACH Network through the Nacha Rules.

Rapid Modernization using Wiweeki's Sertics Platform

The project leverages Sertics as its underpinning. Sertics is a low-code data lake management and analytics platform developed by Wiweeki.

David Winslow, SVP of Analytics at Wiweeki, said, "By using Sertics as the basis for this project, we were able to deliver a scheduled thirteen-month project three months early, saving our client time and money."

Business Process Transformation

Close collaboration between Wiweeki and Nacha facilitated the build of the application rather than trying to fit the business process in an existing software.

Jeanette A. Fox, project manager at Nacha said, "This end result provides the ability to quickly get to the information needed."

A Solution Built for the Client and its Business Processes

The project was built using open source technologies. Tailoring the solution to the client with open source tools keeps the solution flexible and technology and cloud agnostic. Wiweeki's agile process and close collaboration allowed Wiweeki to build a product that meets the customer's needs.

Suneetha Chalasani, CEO of Wiweeki, said "We are pleased to see our vision of Sertics being realized and helping customers. We believe in our business first approach to create cutting-edge business solutions that streamline operational efficiencies and demonstrate our commitment to the client."

About Wiweeki

Wiweeki is a woman-owned small business focused on providing customers with low-code-based solutions and leading the way in digital transformation that enables rapid modernization, enhances client engagement, and maximizes human impact.

Headquartered in Leesburg, Virginia, Wiweeki is a technology firm dedicated to solving the complex challenges with Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Agile DevSecOps, Cloud Engineering, Open Source, Cybersecurity, and Data Science solutions. Wiweeki enables its customers to modernize faster and meet the needs of rapidly changing missions with agility. Our approach is collaborative, and our outcomes are superior.

To learn more about Wiweeki, visit us at wiweeki.com

About Nacha

Nacha governs the thriving ACH Network, the payment system that drives safe, smart and fast Direct Deposits and Direct Payments with the capability to reach all U.S. bank and credit union accounts. Nearly 27 billion ACH payments were made in 2020, valued at close to $62 trillion. Through problem-solving and consensus-building among diverse payment industry stakeholders, Nacha advances innovation and interoperability in the payments system. Nacha develops rules and standards, provides industry solutions, and delivers education, accreditation and advisory services.

SOURCE Wiweeki
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy. Very hot. High 104F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 74F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Carla Nadine Williams-Princes childhood horrors may have marked her life and sparked her activism, but they didnt stop her from enjoying life to its fullest and loving those around her.

Carla Nadine Williams-Princes childhood horrors may have marked her life and sparked her activism, but they didnt stop her from enjoying life to its fullest and loving those around her.

Williams-Prince, who died in May at age 55 after a fight with cancer, was a survivor of the 60s Scoop  a time when Indigenous children were taken from their parents and home communities into the child welfare system, and raised by mostly non-Indigenous families in Canada, the United States, and, in her case, the Netherlands.

SUPPLIED Carla Williams-Prince

"She was a very loving and caring person, despite what she had to embrace during her life," said her husband Tommy Prince, son of the decorated Canadian war veteran.

"She lost our culture. She was taken away. But despite her troublesome life, she was a very strong and loving person. She passed away at home and, before she passed, she made peace with the good Lord."

The two were together for about 13 years before getting married Jan. 29, 2020, less than four months before she died. "It was one of her dying wishes," he said.

SUPPLIED Carla Williams-Prince

It is estimated Manitoba had about 3,400 Indigenous children scooped from their families between 1971 and 1981, with as many as 80 per cent going to non-Indigenous homes. A federal report said more than 11,000 children across the country were adopted between 1960 and 1990; though many believe the true number is more than 20,000.

Williams-Prince was born to Carl Edwards and Evelyn Myrtle at Fisher River Cree Nation in 1965. She was only five when she and her sister were taken from the family. Her dad later died by suicide; her mother died of an overdose.

She took her last name, Williams, from her grandparents.

David Rabinovitch, a filmmaker who has been attempting a documentary about her life since he met her shortly after she returned to Canada in the 1980s, said Williams-Prince was first placed with a couple near Petersfield.

"I visited with them," he said. "She had a happy childhood at that point. They wanted to adopt her, but said (child and family) services had already set up an adoption."

Williams-Prince was adopted by a Dutch doctor living in Winnipeg who, shortly after, with his wife and two daughters, moved back to the Netherlands. Later in life, she said the Dutch couple paid $6,400 to adopt her.

SUPPLIED Carla Williams-Prince and Tommy Prince (centre), seen here with Patty and Marvin Crofton, were married in January 2020, less than four months before her death at the age of 55.

Rabinovitch said the family never told her about her heritage or ethnicity. "They said youre not an Indian. Youre from Indonesia, they would say."

When Williams-Prince was 13, her adoptive father sexually assaulted her, leaving her pregnant. The baby was taken away for adoption and the mother sent to a home for troubled teenagers.

(Prince said his wife told him forced sexual relations with her adopted father had resulted in at least one child, maybe as many as three.)

SUPPLIED Carla Williams-Prince - for Kevin Rollason Passages feature / Winnipeg Free Press 2021

A few years later, a counsellor met Williams-Prince outside a treatment centre in Amsterdam, became her friend, and later married her when she was leaving for Canada in 1989, after Indigenous organizations in Canada took up her cause. The couple had five children before splitting up.

"She was the fourth person to come back from the 60s Scoop," Rabinovitch said.

Prince said because she was part of the first wave of children (now adults) who returned to Canada, that term had yet to even be coined.

SUPPLIED Carla Williams-Prince at eight years old

"When the 60s Scoop became known, she became an activist," Prince said. "Everybody looked up at her with her story and her tragic past and what she endured. She was an inspiration to many."

Rabinovitch said he still wants to make a film about Williams-Princes life because it is "a very powerful story... We wrote the film in the early 90s, all with Carlas participation, co-operation and appropriate compensation"

The script won an award at the South by Southwest festival in 2017, and Rabinovitch and Williams-Prince reconnected a few years ago, when 60s Scoop cases began hitting the news again.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Survivors of the 60s Scoop, Jocelyn Bourbonnais (from left), Harold Joseph Longclaws, Carla Williams-Prince and Coleen Rajotte at Thunderbird House in Winnipeg in 2018.

"(I) said maybe now its time to revive the project. She was very keen to have the story told. Its a promise I made to Carla. And, talking to Tommy Prince, he said one of her last wishes was tell David he has to make the film."

Through the years, Williams-Prince worked in security, including with Phil Fontaine and Ovide Mercredi, when they held the role of Assembly of First Nations national chief.

"She enjoyed it," Prince said. "We worked at all the conferences. She presented herself as a happy-go-lucky person. And she had a lovely smile."

In recent years, she was a caregiver for children and adults living with disabilities.

"It was all about helping people," Prince said. "She used to say: Remember, you have to treat people like youd like to be treated.

"I miss her a lot. The hardest thing I went through was sitting at home with her, watching her die."

Rabinovitch said the final tragedy of her life comes after her death.

"She never ever received her 60s Scoop compensation  and I believe she was the lead plaintiff in the Manitoba case," he said. "She was just an exceptional person. She spoke in a small and quiet voice, but her words were always meaningful.

"She was a very strong, determined woman who went through many tragedies... but she never saw herself as a tragic figure. She was a fighter to the end."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Lebanon's Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh speaks during a news conference at Central Bank in Beirut, Lebanon, (Photo : REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir)

Washington denied on Friday that it was considering imposing sanctions on Lebanon's veteran central bank governor Riad Salameh, whose role in the country's financial turmoil has come under fresh scrutiny.



"We have seen reports about possible sanctions on Riad Salameh. They are untrue," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told Reuters.



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Bloomberg reported on Thursday that the United States was weighing sanctions against him amid a wider investigation into the alleged embezzlement of public funds.



Salameh said on Friday he would file lawsuits against Bloomberg and its correspondent in Beirut for what he called "fabricated news".



Bloomberg did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



A former Merrill Lynch banker, Salameh has led Lebanon's central bank since 1993. But the collapse of the financial system has shattered his reputation as a rare pillar of stability in the country.



Swiss investigators are now looking into allegations of money laundering and embezzlement tied to Lebanon's central bank, though they have not said whether Salameh is a suspect.



A Lebanese government official told Reuters in January that the Swiss authorities were probing multi-million dollar transfers by Salameh, his brother and his assistant.



Salameh has denied any wrongdoing.



The central bank governor became a focus of anger during protests against the ruling elite as the crisis erupted in late 2019. Banks have since locked depositors out of their savings as the currency crashed, making at least half the population poor.



Meanwhile, foreign donors have demanded a central bank audit as a key reform before they release any aid which Lebanon badly needs.


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ANN ARBOR, MI  Car horns were honking on State Street Saturday afternoon in support of students and parents holding a rally at the University of Michigan to call for an in-person graduation ceremony.

In February, the university announced it would have a virtual commencement ceremony for the second straight year due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. Parents and students, however, feel that an in-person ceremony at Michigan Stadium can be done safely.

What the university has done is planned only for the worst-case scenario and said, Thats what were doing and were going to jump the gun, and be the very first university that Ive heard of to announce that were doing virtual (graduation), no matter what data, science or the CDC says, said Tammy Liss, an organizer of the rally and parent of a UM senior.

RELDATED: COVID concerns prompt another virtual spring graduation at University of Michigan

After UMs announcement of a virtual ceremony, UM senior Tal Lipkin started a petition for an in-person graduation that has gotten more than 5,400 signatures. The petition calls for an optional, socially distanced in-person graduation and cites Brown University as having an in-person graduation but will not allow family to attend.

Students and parents feel the university has taken the most conservative route possible compared to similar universities around the country, according to an email regarding the rally. The University of Michigan-Dearborn is also holding multiple days of in-person graduation ceremonies for the class of 2021 from May 1-4, as well as two days of recognition for the class of 2020 on April 29 and 30.

RELATED: In-person graduation ceremonies planned at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Wendy Haase, a parent of a UM senior, noted that other universities have been able to plan for in-person commencement ceremonies, and UM should be able to do the same.

Other schools are finding ways to break it down or just have the students participate, and I guess thats fine too, Haase said. Just some way for them to be recognized with their cap and gowns on.

UM senior Claire DiFranco said the virtual commencement ceremony was easiest option for the university, and it seems as though the Dearborn and Ann Arbor campuses should be on the same page when it comes to their commencement plans.

We havent had anything this year. Its truly been just a horrible year of staying in our apartments, and I have one in-person class and I get so excited because I get to leave my apartment, DiFranco said. It would just be nice to have a little recognition, like, Your year sucked. Thank you for putting up with that.

On March 4, UM announced that 2021 graduates would have the opportunity to participate in a number of in-person experiences, including professional photo shoots at Michigan Stadium. The photo shoots begin April 6 and other opportunities for in-person experiences will be announced in the weeks ahead, according to a university release.

RELATED: University of Michigan giving 2021 graduates opportunity for photos at The Big House

The photo opportunity felt like the university was throwing us a bone, Liss said, and it would be able to end the conversation there. The entire situation ultimately falls on the shoulders of the administration, Liss said.

I think the students are our leaders and best. Right now, our administration, theyre definitely failing, Liss said.

UMs virtual commencement ceremony will take place at noon May 1. The ceremony will allow students and families to come together online at one time and participate interactively, the university previously announced. Civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson will address graduates during the ceremony, and choreographer Twyla Tharp will address graduate students at their virtual commencement ceremony on April 30.

READ MORE:

375 students lose building access for not following University of Michigan COVID-19 testing requirements

University of Michigan employees to continue working remotely through mid-summer

75% of Michigan State University classes will be offered in person for fall semester, president says
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- After more than a day-long session, the Senate approved a $1.9 trillion coronavirus (COVID-19) relief bill Saturday after all Republicans present voted in opposition of the bill.

If passed in Congress and signed by the president, the legislation would include various aid measures, including: up to $1,400 for most Americans; extended emergency unemployment benefits; vast piles of spending for COVID-19 vaccines and testing; monies for states, cities, schools and ailing industries; tax breaks to help lower-earning people, families with children and consumers buying health insurance.

We tell the American people, help is on the way, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Citing the countrys desire to resume normalcy, he added, Our job right now is to help our country get from this stormy present to that hopeful future.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

The bill is expected to go back to the House early next week for final passage, but it is unclear if all Democrats will vote in favor of it after the amendments made to the original version of the bill.

The Senate voted to eject a House-approved boost in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025, a major defeat for progressives. Party leaders also agreed to restrict eligibility for the $1,400 stimulus checks that will go to most Americans. That amount would be gradually reduced until, under the Senate bill, it reaches 0 for people earning $80,000 and couples making $160,000. Those requirement amounts were higher in the House version.

Approval will be delayed if lawmakers in the House make additional changes. But if the bill passes again, it will then head to President Joe Bidens desk for his final signature

The House first approved the bill last Saturday with the majority of the Republicans voting against it in that session as well, including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn), who said that the speaker has not given us ample opportunity to debate this bill.

The problem with this particular bill is that its bloated, and we still have $1 trillion unspent from previous packages, she added. The fact that were here waiting to vote at 2 a.m. when everyone is gone, when most of the media has left for the day? The reality is that democracy dies in the darkness.

Associated Press material was used for this report.


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Residents in one of Sydneys most affluent suburbs have suffered the stench of sewage for years, as a multimillion-dollar upgrade of a 100-year-old wastewater tunnel encounters problems and delays.

Concerns about the maintenance of the Northern Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer, which runs from Sydneys western suburbs to North Head at Manly, have culminated in an anonymous note sent to some residents in Mosman who have complained about the unpleasant odours.

Residents of Quakers Hat Bay in Mosman have suffered the stench of sewage for years. Credit:Janie Barrett

Bev Stephen said residents around Quakers Hat Bay in Mosman had been putting up with the smell on and off for three years.

Its beyond unpleasant sometimes, she said. It really does smell like the worst public lavatory you can imagine. If Im in the kitchen and theres a slight southerly breeze, it really puts you off.
New Delhi, March 6 : Country's largest public sector refiner Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) plans to hive off hydrogen producing units and sulphur recovery facilities at its refineries to a separate entity and then sell stakes in it to the private sector to raise close to Rs 10,000 crore.

The plan is in line with government's asset monetisation programme where it wants PSUs to identify non-core assets that could be sold to raise resources for next wave of investments.

Government sources said that IOC is one of the largest hydrogen producers in the country and some of these assets could be allowed to be shared with the private sector that is also looking at getting into hydrogen production realising its vast uses.

Sources said IOC had proposed monetising some of its hydrogen producing units in lieu of its product pipelines which the government wants the company to monetise.

Government expects Indian Oil, GAIL and Hindustan Petroleum to raise Rs 17,000 crore by selling stakes in their pipelines through the infrastructure investment trust route in the next financial year.

IOC, however, wants to retain its pipping operations and has proposes direct monetising hydrogen units instead. Oil Industry sources said that the PSUs proposal is being examined and a decision would be taken soon.
Nicola Sturgeon told MSPs that vaccinations do appear to be 'weakening' the link between cases and serious illness, and she hoped that in future the virus can be dealt with in a 'less restrictive' way. But she warned that we are 'still not quite there yet' and must 'err on the caution' until more of the population has had both jabs - saying that some areas of Scotland will not go down to the lowest level of restrictions next week as planned. Ms Sturgeon insisted that a tentative approach now would mean there is more chance of 'staying' on the path to a full unlocking. The intervention came as the PM was assailed by a queue of experts warning against the full unlocking - with Prof Adam Finn among those entreating him to recognise that the UK is still 'vulnerable' and the 'job is not done'. Prof Ravi Gupta, a member of the government's Nervtag advisory panel, suggested the timetable should be pushed back 'at least a few weeks, probably a month' so more data are available and schools have started summer holidays. The British Medical Association insisted the battle against the disease is at a 'pivotal moment' and Mr Johnson must stick to his promise of being guided by 'data not dates'. One consultant respiratory physician referred to 'mini Covid volcanoes' erupting at hospitals around the country, which are threatening to 'explode'.
COLLINSVILLE  One of the effects the pandemic had on the Collinsville School District was to expose its digital divide.

The divide is between students in some communities who had stable, easy access to the internet while their peers a few miles away had no internet access or had to rely on part-time usage at a library or community center.

To address the divide, the district unveiled its new, privately-owned Long-Term Evolution (LTE) broadband, or high-speed network on Friday for about 500 students in Fairmont City and State Park Place to be able to access the internet at home. A broadcast tower at Kreitner Elementary School provides the service, along with booster signals scattered around the district.

Dr. Mark Skertich, the districts superintendent, said his staff noticed this technology division not long after everyone was told to quarantine at home last March.

The pandemic heightened the fact not all of our students had connectivity and exposed the need to ensure all students had equal access whether at home or at school. Internet connectivity ensures all students are able to complete assignments, conduct research, interact with classmates and teachers, apply for scholarships, seek employment and participate in everyday occurrences as simple as seeking the answer to a random question, he explained. The need and rationale were easy. The how took some time.

Collinsville partnered with information technology solutions provider STEPcg to construct a network, which uses technologies from Nokia and Cambium Networks. This private network is among the first five in the U.S. built by a school district. Federal stimulus funding provided the resources to make the $300,000 network a reality.

I think the thing we are proudest of, the school board and staff, is to find solutions to cross the digital divide, Skertich said.

This LTE network is just the latest facet of the districts technology commitment.

Our district made a commitment to technology that started over 20 years ago with a goal of putting computers in every classroom, said Collinsvilles Board of Education President, Gary Peccola. We continued by adding Promethean Boards into the classrooms. The next step was to get Chromebooks into the hands of every student, pre-kindergarten through 12. With the 1:1 initiative that was phased in over a number of years, that goal was achieved last school year.

However, the commitment wasnt just focused on computers, he continued. Our fiber wide-area network (WAN) project connects all of the schools and buildings throughout our district and provides internet access to all students while they are at school, but not all students have internet access when they are at home.

The district explored many different options prior to deciding on private LTE; including hotspots, routers on school buses, routers on telephone poles and paying for internet providers to install service in affected areas.

The districts Board of Education was 100 percent committed to breaking down the connectivity barrier, said Skertich. All that needed to be done was for Derek Turner, our Director of Technology, to find a cost-effective and sustainable internet solution.

Turner said they had used hotspot technology from Sprints 1Million project a few years ago and T-Mobiles 10Million project more recently but both were only temporary solutions.

As we were investigating different possibilities, I began asking about private LTE, he said. In early 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had approved use by private companies, cities and schools. I was put in touch with STEPcg, who helped me understand the ins and outs of private LTE and put together a bold plan to conquer the connectivity gap in our community.

Todd Kelly, senior vice president of solutions engineering, said each household should be able to download up to 10 megabytes of data and that a typical video call, common in remote learning, uses one to 1.5 megabytes of that 10. As long as everyone in the household isnt trying to stream video, make a video conference call or engage in high-end video gaming simultaneously, no one should have problems using the network.

We designed it for a Mississippi River-sized flow into each house, he said.

Planning began in late March 2020, according to Turner. By August, STEPcg constructed a temporary solution and conducted testing to determine any flaws in the system. During September, plans were reworked to provide more coverage and better reliability. By December 2020, construction was completed on a broadcast tower at Kreitner. Installation was finalized and testing completed in February, enabling the network to go live in March.

What we wanted to do with this network was provide internet access no matter what, Turner said.

Jim Connor, director of channel partnerships with Nokia said his companys role was to provide the gear for the network.

We provided STEPcg with a simplified LTE cellular network to implement for school districts, he said. Its similar to any other cell network out there but its on a smaller scale.

Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735
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Financial Report for the Half Year ended 31 December 2020

Melbourne, Mar 4, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Vintage Energy Ltd ( ASX:VEN ) reports that the highly successful flow test program for Val-1 ST1 delivered a stabilised gas flow rate of 4.3 MMscfd through a 36/64"choke at a flowing well-head pressure ("FWHP") of 942 psi over a two-day period. Transient tests were also undertaken with rates recorded between 3.7 MMscfd (through a 24/64" choke at 1,676 psi FWHP) and 7.5 MMscfd (through a 32/64" choke at 1,593 psi FWHP). The program was carried out safely and as planned.Strong rates were achieved during all flow periods and quick pressure build-ups were observed during all shut-in periods, with pressure levels quickly approaching around 3,000 psi. All flow rates were restricted through varying choke sizes to ensure proppant was not returned from the formation into the well bore, therefore avoiding any reduction in the effectiveness of the stimulation process.During the flow testing of the well, the following activities were undertaken:- Production Logging Tool run, which determined that gas was being contributed by each of the stimulated zones- Shut-ins, which observed the pressure response of the reservoir, with pressure readings reaching 2,932 psi at the end of the recording period and continuing to build- Flow testing, with transient tests undertaken under various choke sizes of 24/64", 32/64" and 40/64" over three equal periods of six hours- Gas samples taken, with the composition in line with typical Cooper Basin Patchawarra wellsA development concept for the Vali Field has been completed and estimates a field life of around 20 years, with up to nine fracture stimulated vertical wells to target production from reservoirs in the Patchawarra Formation and the Tirrawarra Sandstone.A type of well production profile has been developed based on the flow test at Vali-1 ST1, and with reference to the decline characteristics of nearby fields. The current base case development concept for the Vali Field is for initial raw gas production of approximately 5 MMscfd (gross) per well for total production of around 5 Bcf per well (on an average well outcome basis). Surface facilities at Vali will be kept to a minimum through the construction of a main manifold that will gather gas from producing wells and deliver it into existing pipelines, with a separator and metering system to also be installed.Some of the development concept work has been carried out by GPA Engineering ("GPA"). GPA has consulted with Santos, as operator of the SACB JV infrastructure, and confirmed the preferred connection point for a Vali Field pipeline is the Santos operated Beckler Field. Gas will then be transported through the existing pipeline system for processing at Moomba once infrastructure access and gas sales agreements are executed. It is envisaged that connection from Vali would be via multiple composite pipelines, the number and size of which will be defined in the detailed engineering phase of work.The capital cost associated with the pipeline connection is based on Front End Engineering Design ("FEED") work carried out by GPA. FEED for Vali-1 ST1 connection to the Beckler Field (which is connected to the Dullingari facilities and ultimately Moomba) was completed by GPA. The main objective of FEED was to complete the necessary engineering to identify long lead items and refine the cost estimate for a final investment decision, which will then initiate the procurement stage. Operating costs are expected to be low, with the facilities to be as simple and intervention free as possible.To maximise value from the Vali gas field, through increased production and resultant cash flow, further wells are planned. To this end, potential locations for further drilling in the field have been identified, with an amended FY21 budget including Vali-2 and long lead items for Vali-3 now approved by the joint venture.Completion of the Vali-1 ST1 well is necessary ahead of connecting the well into the Moomba gathering system. Production tubing was run into the Vali-1 ST1 hole with isolation packers successfully set on two occasions, however, pressure testing via the production tubing in the well bore indicated a leaking seal assembly on the completion. A black viscous substance was noted as a film on the first packer assembly after its retrieval from the borehole. The substance may be precipitating on the casing and causing the packer leaks under pressure testing. Samples have now been sent for analysis to determine chemical composition and a plan will be developed to remove the material on returning to site to finalise the completion. Although frustrating, deferral of the completion is not critical to the timeline for first production.Cultural heritage and environmental surveys were recently completed in ATP 2021 for the surface facility, flowline and possible future well locations. The process was completed in a timely manner with the Wongkumara People, Erias and GPA/FYFE and we appreciate and thank all parties for their effort to complete this work in a timely manner.First reserves for the Vali Field were certified by ERC Equipoise Pte Ltd ("ERCE"), which completed a rigorous and independent review of the Vali gas discovery and subsequent flow results. The Vali-1 ST1 well discovered stacked gas pay in the Nappamerri, Toolachee, Patchawarra and Tirrawarra Formations, however, the scope of the ERCE reserves certification was for the Patchawarra Formation reservoir only. The reserves booking is the first for Vintage and supports commercialisation of the Vali gas field with its planned connection into the Moomba gathering system.In its report, ERCE estimated gross 1P reserves for the Patchawarra Formation of 12.3 billion standard cubic feet ("Bcf"), 2P of 30.3 Bcf and 3P of 78.9 Bcf which equates to 1P of 13.4 petajoules ("PJ"), 2P of 33.2 PJ and 3P of 86.6 PJ.Vintage is hopeful that gas produced from the Vali Field will be much greater than the 2P figure estimated by ERCE, with upside to potentially come from stacked reservoirs, including the shallower Nappamerri Group and Toolachee Formation. Vintage has brought this project from farm-in, to discovery, to successful testing and now to reserves booking in just over one year, which is an outstanding achievement for a company at such an early stage since listing.To view the full half year report, please visit:About Vintage Energy Ltd

Vintage Energy Ltd (ASX:VEN) has been established to acquire, explore and develop energy assets principally within, but not limited to, Australia, to take advantage of a generally favourable energy pricing outlook.
Tests will be carried out this week on materials at the centre of the row over the new building for Greystones Community National School.

The fire safety tests will take place on Friday in the UK, as a conciliation process continues between the Department of Education and developers Western Building Systems.

The school building was due to open last September but the Department of Education did not accept handover, saying that the building had failed a fire safety test. WBS refuted their claim, providing its own safety evidence. A conciliation process began last December.

Chairperson of the GCNS board of management Alice O'Donnell said that they are very happy to see progress being made.

'We have had months of looking at our school building virtually finished but being unable to access it,' she said. 'The children, staff and parents have been amazing throughout all of this.'

She said that elected representatives too have kept the matter on the agenda.

Children in third class at the school have now spent five years in prefabs. 'That's more than half their time in primary school,' said Alice. 'We want to get them where they belong.'

She said that parents are tenacious and not giving up. 'Parents took a leap of faith. They thought their children would maybe be a couple of years in prefabs and it's turned out to be five years. We hope they will be in their school building by September. If it's sooner, that's a bonus.'

Almost 300 children attend the school, which is currently located at Greystones Rugby Club.

'We hope to get a good outcome from the testing this week,' said Alice. She said the conciliation process is ongoing and may include other issues.

She, Cllr Tom Fortune and Cllr Lourda Scott are on the school's patron board, KWETB. 'We raise this at every meeting without fail,' she said. 'Everybody has been doing everything they can. Much of it is outside of our control and we are relying on the Department of Education and the contractor to resolve whatever disputes they have.'

'I'm delighted to see some progress being made on the Greystones Community National School issue,' said Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

'Hopefully, we get a positive outcome which will open the way for the school to be opened as quickly as possible. Getting the school open would be a huge relief for the parents, staff and students who have endured a nightmare since last summer.'

Minister Donnelly said that opening the school would also give Greystones Community College additional options and some certainty about where their school is operating from in September.
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Weve talked about Trey McDaniel before . He is a MedStar paramedic who achieved unlikely fame after he was involved in the Fort Worth, Texas pileup that occurred on the morning of February 11, 2021. Taking place on Interstate 35 outside Fort Worth,TX, it involved 133 vehicles and resulted in six fatalities and dozens of injuries.McDaniel started the day as any other: he was on his way to work, in his trusted 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser . As he explains in a video released earlier this week by Toyota, he had heard the weather forecast warning but, for him, staying home was out of the question.There was nothing uncommon about his early commute  until he saw a mass accident up ahead. By that time, it was already too late, McDaniel says. He had hit black ice and, with the brakes applied, skid into the pile of vehicles crashed on the highway. There was nothing he could do right now but wait to see if any other vehicle came crashing into him. Like a sitting duck, he recalls.An 18-wheeler came next, sparks flying as the driver tried to have the concrete barrier take the brunt of the impact. Trapped inside his own vehicle, McDaniel was bracing for the worst. And he got just that: his FJ Cruiser was sent flying and rolling into the air, landing in the opposite lane after going over the barrier. Inside, McDaniel had survived and had only minor injuries.This is where his story gets even more incredible: he crawled out of the wreck and, after checking himself to see if he was ok, he rushed to help other victims who were way worse than himself. He helped first-responders for quite some time because, since he was wearing his scrubs, they had no idea hed been involved in the crash himself.Everywhere I looked, I just saw more cars, and more people who needed help, he says. I heard people screaming to be rescued, which Ill never forget. My adrenaline was pumping, and I just felt, as a paramedic, I had to do something. Ive seen bad crashes before. But this was on a totally different level.As his story went public, Toyota reached out to him on a reddit thread and promised him a new vehicle. McDaniel received that new car at the end of last month, with the company sharing the news just now.Toyota gave McDaniel a brand new 2021 4Runner TRD Pro in Lunar Rock, with Toyota Motor North America President and CEO Tetsuo Ogawa reaching out to the hero to let him know that his story had pulled at the heartstrings. Toyota has given away cars before , but never before had it felt like a more appropriate thing to do.Despite having freezing temperatures, when I first heard about your heroic action, my heart warmed up, Ogawa told him, as revealed in a press release. Your story melted all our hearts at Toyota. Our company has a long-standing core value of respect and care for people. On behalf of all of us at Toyota, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You are a true hero.Sure, you will probably say after reading this, this is excellent PR for Toyota. Their now-discontinued FJ Cruiser is getting people talking about the safety of Toyota vehicles, and theyre using the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the 4Runner. Youre right, most likely.But this is also a story about a regular person (if you could ever describe a medical professional as regular) who, in the most extraordinary circumstances, acted in the most extraordinary matter. A true hero by all means  and one who survived because his car protected him when he needed it the most.Here is McDaniel telling his story in his own words.


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The police in Osun State says it has rescued seven people kidnapped on the Ibokun-Osogbo Road on Tuesday.

A statement made available to journalists on Saturday in Osogbo by the police spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, stated that the effort of the state Commissioner of Police and other security agencies led to the release of the kidnapped people.

The victims were released due to the pressure mounted on the abductors by the police and other security agencies.

The victims will soon be reunited with their families, the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, appealed to residents to collaborate with the police to get rid of all criminal elements in Osun.

He assured the public of their safety as security measures have been put in place to forestall future occurrence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that gunmen blocked Ibokun-Osogbo Road in the Obokun Local Government Area on Tuesday evening, killing one person and kidnapping an unspecified number of travellers.

(NAN)
Islamabad, March 6 : Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday secured a vote of confidence in the National Assembly, dashing the opposition's hopes to challenge the legitimacy of the incumbent government.

Of the required 172 votes to win the confidence vote, Khan received a majority of 178 during the special Assembly session, reports Dawn news.

While announcing the result, Speaker Asad Qaiser said that eight years ago, Khan had been elected to the post with 176 votes, and "today, he has secured 178 votes".

Khan sought the vote of confidence in a televised address to the nation on Thursday after witnessing the shocking defeat of a ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate in the Senate polls held on Monday.

The premier announced the decision after some of his party members in the Senate voted for Yousaf Raza Gilani, the joint opposition's nominee for Islamabad, over the PTI's Abdul Hafeez Sheikh.

Khan slammed the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for failing to hold fair and transparent Senate elections, accusing them for allegedly protecting those who made money by holding Senate elections through secret ballot.

Saturday's session began at 12.15 p.m.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi tabled the resolution on which voting was held.

Meanwhile, dozens of PTI supporters have gathered outside the Parliament Lodges, holding up banners and chanting slogans in support of the Prime Minister.

During a meeting a day ahead of the session, 175 out of 179 government lawmakers assured Khan that they would give him the vote of confidence, said the Dawn news report.
Chinas political elite will gather in Beijing this week for the years biggest legislative set piece facing a number of major political challenges, including the aftermath of the coronavirus and the ongoing rivalry with the United States. In this latest article in a series looking at the key items on the agenda, we examine relations across the Taiwan Strait.

It is hard to imagine that just over five years ago, the leaders of China and Taiwan shared a dinner together in Singapore.

In November 2015, the highly choreographed affair at the Shangri-La Hotel saw Chinas President Xi Jinping and Taiwans then-president Ma Ying-jeou toasting over a lavish meal of sliced abalone, stir-fried lobster and spicy dan dan noodles. Xi told Ma that no force can pull us apart because we are brothers who are still connected by our flesh, even if our bones are broken.

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But back in Taiwan, the intimate message angered hundreds of protesters, who branded Ma a traitor. Two months after the historic and controversial summit, Tsai Ing-wen easily defeated Mas party in the presidential election, amid growing fears of Beijings influence over the democratic island.

There has been no official dialogue between the leaders across the Taiwan Strait since, as Beijing has insisted that talks cannot happen until the Tsai administration accepts the 1992 consensus, or a political understanding that there is only one China with different interpretations on both sides as to what constitutes China. Beijing has vowed to bring Taiwan under its rule, by force if necessary, after Chiang Kai-sheks defeated Nationalist force fled to the island following the Chinese civil war in 1949.

Then-Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of their historic summit in Singapore in 2015. Photo: AFP

While the question of Taiwan is not on the official agenda for Beijings annual two sessions legislative meetings, it will be front of mind for many delegates at the conclave, just months ahead of the symbolically important 100th anniversary of the ruling Communist Party.

Story continues

Xi, who changed constitutional term limits in 2018 to allow himself to remain in power beyond 2023, has said that the reunification of Taiwan with the mainland is key to his goal of national rejuvenation.

Observers say that the two sessions will discuss the growing risk of conflict over Taiwan, with Beijing ramping up its hawkish rhetoric and pressure campaign against the island as Tsais government deepens ties with the US, whose relations with China have sunk to the lowest level in decades. While official cross-strait dialogue is off the table, Beijing will keep up its pressure on Taiwan, coupled with grey-zone warfare tactics to wear down the islands military defences, analysts say.

The two sessions are more on the political side, and will balance the signals from the military side, said Lin Ying-yu, from the Institute of Strategic and International Affairs at National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan. China has divided these very clearly  the military side on Taiwan will more actively carry out exercises and engage in stronger rhetoric. But on the political side, they will signal they are willing to have exchanges with Taiwan, with a clear distinction made between Taiwanese independence forces and cross-strait exchanges.

Ahead of the two sessions  which will approve new laws and set out Chinas political priorities for the year  Wang Yang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee, the top leadership body, said in January that Beijing would take four measures to ease cross-strait tensions. These included allowing Taiwanese business leaders to take part in key economic projects, supporting Fujian  the province across the strait from Taiwan  in efforts to develop cross-strait integration, introducing more policies to encourage Taiwanese to live and work in the mainland, and breaking down barriers to political integration. Beijings Taiwan Affairs Office has also announced four new cross-strait exchange bases in the mainland to promote cultural and economic exchanges with Taiwan.

But at the same time, in the first few weeks of 2021 alone, Chinese aircraft entered the southwestern section of Taiwans air defence identification zone more than 30 times in its intensifying military pressure campaign.

The risks of a conflict are growing, but I believe are not high. Domestic factors in China are driving China to adopt a tougher stance

Bonnie Glaser, China Power Project

Chinas defence ministry also issued a stark warning to new US President Joe Biden  whose administration said it had a rock-solid commitment to supporting Taiwan  that Taiwanese independence means war. The possibility of US military intervention on behalf of Taiwan has long served as a deterrence against a Chinese invasion scenario.

Bonnie Glaser, director of the China Power Project at Washington-based think tank the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said Wangs remarks suggested China has not abandoned using economic carrots, but the role of sticks in its toolbox is much greater, and growing.

Im less concerned about the rhetoric than I am about actions, she said, citing a simulated attack in late January by Chinese fighters and bombers against a US carrier. The risks of a conflict are growing, but I believe are not high. Domestic factors in China are driving China to adopt a tougher stance.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has offered to hold dialogue with Beijing under the principles of parity and dignity. Photo: AFP

In Taiwan, public sentiment has further hardened against Beijing. Tsai, from the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, won re-election in January last year in a landslide, an apparent endorsement of her administrations tougher stance against China. She has offered to hold dialogue with Beijing under the principles of parity and dignity, but Beijing has insisted that a prerequisite for talks is the acceptance of the 1992 consensus.

However, a survey by Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council in November found 74 per cent of the public rejected Beijings position on the 1992 consensus, and more than 90 per cent opposed the Communist Partys use of force to threaten Taiwan. Even the mainland-friendly opposition Kuomintang has held internal discussions on whether to continue supporting the 1992 consensus.

If Taiwan continues to be so hostile  then it will be harder for Taiwanese scholars or individuals to come to the mainland

Li Zhengguang, Beijing Union University

The souring of Taiwanese public opinion on Beijing comes despite a host of policies with incentives to lure Taiwanese people and businesses to the mainland. And even as mainland China has tried to engage in cognitive warfare in Taiwan to sway sentiment in Beijings favour, the effects have been limited against strong anti-Beijing sentiments, according to Taiwanese think tank the Institute for National Defence and Security Research.

In recent months, space for cross-strait exchanges has also been constrained by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as by concerns over risks after the Chinese governments high-profile campaign against Taiwanese spies last year.

It is true that right now, cross-strait exchanges are in a very difficult stage because of the pandemic, Li Zhengguang, deputy director of the Institute of Taiwan Studies at Beijing Union University, said. And if Taiwan continues to be so hostile towards the mainland, then it will be harder for Taiwanese scholars or individuals to come to the mainland. If they are willing to ease tensions, on the mainland side, the door is wide open.

Another factor is how much the Biden administrations policy towards Taiwan will shift from his predecessor Donald Trumps more chaotic and hawkish approach, which further elevated US support for Taiwan with arms sales and high-level exchanges. Analysts say that since Biden has been in office for only a few weeks, adjustments in policies for the Taiwan issue from the various sides may not take place until the second half of the year.

Li said there was a temporary end to the fierce confrontation between China and the US after Trump left the White House, but the Biden government was expected to continue its support for Taiwan.

I think the frequency and the force with which the US plays the Taiwan card will decrease, but this does not impact the US political support to Taiwans authorities, and the moral support for Taiwans military, he said. If it is just rhetoric, economic, military or political support, it will not cause intense turmoil in the Taiwan Strait.

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While Li cited Politburo Standing Committee member Wangs remarks in January that time and power were on Beijings side, hawkish rhetoric from the mainland has heightened concerns that China would be more willing to take military action against Taiwan. During last years two sessions, Premier Li Keqiangs annual work report left off the word peaceful when referring to the need for reunification of Taiwan and the mainland, although Beijing has insisted that peaceful reunification remains its policy towards the island.

Hu Xijin, the high-profile editor of nationalistic state-run tabloid Global Times, warned in early February that Peoples Liberation Army fighter jets would fly to Taiwan and declare sovereignty over the island if there was a sudden elevation in official ties between the US and Taipei.

Peaceful reunification is not carried out solely through mild negotiations and by admonishments with well-meaning words, he wrote on Weibo. If the islands political forces not only reject peaceful reunification but overtly and secretly promote Taiwanese independence, then the mainland side will use greater and greater military pressure  a necessary part of peaceful reunification.

This sentiment was echoed by Beijing-based pundit Sima Nan, whose real name is Yu Li, who in January posted on his Weibo social media account about a cold version of forced reunification, or essentially putting a gun to their head to force peaceful reunification. The assessment was that negotiating with Taiwan for unification would be futile and an actual invasion would be too costly, he said.

Lin, from National Chung Cheng University, questioned whether the reunification of Taiwan would be a top priority for Beijing in the near term, given the challenges in US-China relations, the pandemic, Hong Kong and even the military coup in neighbouring Myanmar. He said voices from the forced reunification faction in the mainland would not decrease, but there were still others calling for peaceful reunification, and options to use military means to create space for peaceful reunification.

As for Taiwans cross-strait policy, it all depends on the direction of the relations across the Taiwan Strait, he said. If the mainland continues its military exercises and tougher attitudes, then Taiwan will adopt this defensive mentality, and naturally this will elevate the unfriendly stance on both sides.

More from South China Morning Post:

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced a Naira 4 Dollar Scheme, an incentive that pays naira to senders and recipients of international money transfers.

The policy is aimed at boosting dollar supply in the country, at a time of foreign exchange crunch that has forced the central bank to devalue the naira more than once in year.

According to the bank, recipients of diaspora remittances through CBNs International money transfer operators (IMTOs) will now be paid N5 for every $1 received as remittance inflow.

The bank disclosed this in a circular issued to all Deposit Money Banks (DMO) and IMTOs dated March 5 and signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, A.S Jibrin.

According to the bank,the scheme is an incentive to sustain the encouraging increase in inflows of diaspora remittances into Nigeria.

The scheme takes effect from March 8 and ends on May 8.

In the light of this, the CBN shall, through commercial banks pay to remittance recipients the incentive of N5 for every $1 remitted by sender and collected by designated beneficiary. This incentive is to be paid to recipients whether they prefer to collect the USD as cash across the counter in the bank or transfer same into their domiciliary account, the memo reads.

Reactions

Some Nigerians have questioned the move, saying it will likely lead to more devaluation of the naira.

Isnt this essentially printing more naira, and further devaluing it against the USD? a Twitter user, @gb3nga, tweeted.

If I get 5 naira for every dollar deposited, then Im basically making it unnecessarily cheap to acquire the naira. Thus devaluing the wealth of those who hold all their savings in naira.

I think the plan using this system is actually to improve the value of the naira, but it wouldnt work certainly, like other failed policies, said another user, @Amir_Onimisi.

When the demand for the naira is high it increases the value. And in this case for every one dollar, you demand 5 naira

They suggested the government only needs to streamline the money transfer system and make the exchange rate favourable.
Oregon college sued for restricting free speech of pro-life student group

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A Christian legal defense firm has filed a lawsuit against Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, on behalf of a pro-life student group for restricting speech to less than 2% of the campus.

The Alliance Defending Freedom filed the lawsuit this week over CCCs policy limiting free speech to two small areas on its 100-acre campus. The policy also requires students to obtain permission at least two weeks before speaking in those areas.

The only permission slip students need in order to speak on public college campuses is the First Amendment, said ADF Legal Counsel Michael Ross, one of the attorneys representing students Marcos Sanchez and Emma Howell.

Sanchez and Howell lead the CCC chapter of Students for Life of America, a pro-life student organization with over 1,200 chapters at high schools and colleges nationwide.

The lawsuit argues that the school's policies  particularly the requirement that student groups acquire two-week advance permission  hamper the student's ability to mobilize promptly in response to any news developments relevant to Students for Life's advocacy work.

ADF asserts that the school's policies prevent the students from engaging in spontaneous expression and from promoting their events.

"For example, on Feb. 26, members of Students for Life hosted a debate on campus about the morality of physician-assisted suicide, ADF explained in a blog post.

While the students applied for, and received, approval from the college to host the event indoors on campus, they wished to promote the event outdoors between classes by handing out flyers and describing the services of local pregnancy resource centers. The students refrained from doing so, however, to avoid violating the colleges policies restricting speech.

The areas where students are permitted to speak freely on campus are called Free Speech Zones.

ADF argues that all of the colleges grounds should be open for freedom of expression. Furthermore, ADF contends that CCCs restrictions do not pass constitutional muster.

Students dont give up their constitutionally protected freedoms when they step on to campus or hold a specific viewpoint, Ross added. Our clients have the right to peacefully engage and persuade their peers. They also have the freedom to support pregnant and parenting students without censorship or harassment from their school.

ADF Senior Counsel Tyson Langhofer, the director of ADFs Center for Academic Freedom, stressed in a statement that its so important that public universities model the First Amendment values theyre supposed to be teaching students.

Todays college students are our future legislators, judges, and voters, Langhofer noted in a statement.

Pro-life students  like their peers  have the freedom to share messages of hope and healing without first asking college administrators for permission to speak.

The Christian Post reached out to CCCs general counsel for comment on the lawsuit. A response is pending.

Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkins said in a statement that across the U.S., her organization is seeing incredible opposition to the pro-life speech of our student leaders and volunteers as they speak for the defenseless and educate their fellow students on abortion.

But the law and the Constitution are clear on the matter: Public schools cannot silence pro-life groups or force them to self-censor, said Hawkins. If Chemeketa Community College wants to respect every member of its community, it will clarify that Students for Life can participate in the open exchange of ideas and ensure that the entire college community becomes a free speech zone for pro-life students and their peers.

ADF was founded in 1994 to defend religious liberty and the sanctity of life. It has been at the forefront of notable legal cases related to the First Amendment. ADF has won nine Supreme Court cases related to First Amendment issues in less than a decade.
Presidential candidate aspirant of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon Joe Ghartey, has congratulated President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, on the affirmation of their victory in December 7, 2020, general elections by the Supreme Court of Ghana.



Hon. Ghartey, a former Minister of Railways Development, has also congratulated the legal team of the NPP who worked diligently to ensure the President's victory in Court.



"Congratulations to the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia on the affirmation of their victory in the 2020 general elections by the Supreme Court.



To the industrious legal team who worked diligently to see this victory through, I say to you, Ayekoo", Hon. Ghartey who is the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency wrote on Facebook shortly after the Apex Court ruled in favour of Mr Akufo-Addo.



Ruling



The Supreme Court, the highest court of jurisdiction in Ghana, ruled on Thursday, March 4, 2021, that indeed, Mr Akufo-Addo won the December 7, 2020, Presidential Election.



The Court further ruled that results declared on December 9, 2020, despite the initial inadvertent error reflected the will of the people of Ghana and therefore could not be overturned simply on the basis of the error made by the Electoral Commission (EC) during the declaration.



In its ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed the Petitioner, 2020 Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama's " as without merit."



Chief Justice, Justice Kwasi Anim Yeboah, who presided over the seven-member panel of justices, pronouncing the Court's verdict in packed court, said the petitioner failed to demonstrate that the errors made by the first respondent, the EC, changed the results of the elections.



The Court in a unanimous decision, further held that Mr Mahama cannot demand it (Court) to rely on the error of using total votes cast instead of total valid votes as a basis for calling for a run-off election between him and President Nana Akufo-Addo.



It was the ruling of the Supreme Court that it was established during the trial that the total valid votes of the election is 13,121,111.



Going by the total valid votes as mentioned above, the Court said Mr Akufo-Addo obtained over 50% of the total valid votes as mandated by the Constitution, hence he was validly elected.



Furthermore, it was the ruling of the Supreme Court that Mr Mahama failed to substantiate his allegation of vote padding in favour of Mr Akufo-Addo.



According to the Apex Court of Ghana, although vote padding is a serious issue, the alleged figures of 4,693 did not affect the outcome of the election.



As a result, the Supreme Court ruled that it did not see the need to order a rerun as the petitioner, Mr Mahama pleaded.



The Court began proceedings at 10:00 am on Thursday morning, March 4, in the national capital, Accra.



During the hearing, Mr Mahama called three witnesses  Dr Michael Kpessa Whyte, Joseph Robert Mettle-Nunoo, both members of the National Democratic Congress, and Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the Party.



The Supreme Court determined among other things, whether there were any legal grounds for the petition and whether or not President Akufo-Addo met Article 63(3) threshold set out in the 1992 Constitution.



Article 63(3) stipulates that a presidential candidate must obtain 50 per cent of the total valid votes cast plus one vote before the candidate is declared president-elect.



The Supreme Court also determined whether or not the declaration by the EC on December 9, 2020, was in violation of Article 63(3) and also whether or not the alleged vote padding and other errors complained about by the Petitioner affected the outcome of the presidential election results of December 9, 2020.



Mr Mahama failed to have the Chairperson of the EC, Jean A. Mensa, mount the witness box. On a number of occasions, he had his applications dismissed by the Supreme Court.



Mr Mahamas dismissed applications include an application for interrogatories, application for stay of proceedings, application for the Petitioner to re-open his case and subpoena the EC Boss for cross-examination, and application for review of the Courts decisions.



The two respondents declined to testify after the Petitioner had closed his case.



Lawyer Akoto Ampaw, Lead Counsel for President Akufo-Addo, had told the apex court that: We do not intend to call any witnesses to satisfy the burden of proof.



The lead counsel of the EC, Justine Amenuvor, held that there was sufficient evidence before the Court after the Petitioner had called in three witnesses and closed his case.

Source: Peacefmonline.com









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CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  U.S. Sens. Maggie Hassan and New Hampshire and Joni Ernst of Iowa are leading a bipartisan effort to build a memorial on the National Mall in Washington to honor the troops who served during the Global War on Terror."

Hassan, a Democrat, said the memorial will pay tribute to all of the service members who gave their lives so that Americans can stay safe, secure, and free." Ernst, a Republican, commanded 150 troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate. In 2017, Ernst helped create a private foundation for the memorial.
The PSNI is appealing for information following the attack in Portrush. (Niall Carson/PA)

One of the victims of an attack by a group of youths in Co Antrim attended hospital following the incident.

The assault took place in the Eglinton Street area of Portrush around 8.50pm on Friday.

Police are appealing for information after two men aged in their 20s and two women in their late teens were assaulted by the gang.

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said it was the second violent attack to take place in Portrush in just over a week.

She added that this thug-like behaviour is not welcome on the streets.

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This was a vicious and malicious attack, stated Ms Hunter. My thoughts are with those affected.

I have written to both the local Causeway Coast and Glens Council CEO and to the Department of Justice for clarification on why funding was withdrawn from CCTV provision in the triangle area earlier last year.

I have asked the Department of Justice for their consideration of funding CCTV here to protect the public and ensure their safety.

Keeping our communities safe is and continues to be a priority for me.

The rise in anti-social behaviour in Portrush and the surrounding areas is a serious concern and I have requested an urgent meeting with the local PSNI.

Enquiries by the PSNI are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who saw anything suspicious in the area, to call the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 68 06/03/21.

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Taapsee Pannu Breaks Silence On IT Raids; Slams FM Nirmala Sitharaman For Her Statement About 2013 Raid

A few days ago, the Income Tax Department conducted raids on Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu and filmmaker Anurag Kashyaps properties in Mumbai. Some netizens felt that this was a result of their critical views for the central government which they often share on social media. Well, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman dismissed these allegations and stated that back in 2013, the same person was raided. She also added that it wasnt an issue when the previous government raided them but this time its the Modi government so its a problem.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taapsee Pannu (@taapsee)

Well, Taapsee has finally broken her silence on the whole controversy and has taken to her official social media handle to react to the reports as well as Sitharamans statement. The actress wrote: 3 days of intense search of 3 things primarily- 1. The keys of the alleged bungalow that I apparently own in Paris. Because summer holidays are around the corner, 2. The alleged receipt worth 5 crores to frame n keep for future pitching coz Ive been refused that money before, 3. My memory of 2013 raid that happened with me according to our honourable finance minister. She went on to add, P.S- not so sasti anymore.

3 days of intense search of 3 things primarily

1. The keys of the alleged bungalow that I apparently own in Paris. Because summer holidays are around the corner  taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 6, 2021

3. My memory of 2013 raid that happened with me according to our honourable finance minister 



P.S- not so sasti anymore   taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 6, 2021

For the uninitiated, the not so sasti anymore line was added in reference to Kangana Ranauts sister Rangoli Chandels earlier comment. She had called Taapsee a cheap rip off of Kangana. On the work front, Pannu and Kashyap are currently busy shooting for their next collaboration, titled Dobaara.
New York, March 6 : Intellectual disability appears to be second only to older age as a risk factor for dying from Covid-19, new research has found, suggesting need for prioritising this population and their caregivers for vaccination.

Those with intellectual disabilities were 2.5 times more likely to contract Covid-19, were about 2.7 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital and 5.9 times more likely to die from the infection than the general population, showed the results published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Catalyst.

"The chances of dying from Covid-19 are higher for those with intellectual disability than they are for people with congestive heart failure, kidney disease or lung disease," said lead author Jonathan Gleason from Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Jefferson Health) in the US.

"That is a profound realisation that we have not, as a healthcare community, fully appreciated until now." The authors examined 64 million patient records from 547 healthcare organisations between January 2019 to November 2020 to understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on patients with intellectual disabilities.

They identified variables such as Covid-19, intellectual disability or other health conditions, as well as demographic factors such as age.

"Our failure to protect these deeply vulnerable individuals is heart-breaking," said co-author Wendy Ross, a developmental and behavioural pediatrician at Jefferson Health.

"I believe that if we can design a system that is safe and accessible for people with intellectual disabilities, it will benefit all of us." The authors wrote that patients with intellectual disabilities may have less ability to comply with strategies that reduce the risk of infection, such as masking and social distancing.

In addition, the researchers showed that these patients are more likely to have additional health conditions that contribute to a more severe course of Covid-19 disease.

The results of the study highlight how these issues become compounded in this population.

"We need to understand more about what is happening with these patients," said Gleason.

"I do believe these patients and their caregivers should be prioritised for vaccination and healthcare services."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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A former minister of aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has hit back at his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu, and denied that he physically abused her while they were married.

He was reacting to claims made by Ms Chikwendu via a court affidavit that theirs was a violent union.

She is a pathological liar and a slanderer and we intend to prove this in court. We also believe that she is unfit to be a mother and that she has shown nothing but cruelty to her children whom she has never taken care of, Mr Fani-Kayode said in a statement issued by his media aide, Oladimeji Olaiya.

He continued, We believe that the childrens lives would be in danger if they are with her and we shall prove this in court.

For the avoidance of doubt, at no time did Fani-Kayode expose his children to danger. He provided them with the best of care including 12 nannies and nurses who did all the work even when their mother was in the house.

Ms Chikwendu has accused him of beating her up on several occasions including when she was pregnant.

The ex-beauty queen, who is demanding full custody of their four sons, made the allegations in an affidavit she deposed in support of an originating motion brought pursuant to Section 69 of the Childs Rights Act, 2003.

Ms Chikwendu, who alleged that the ex-minister had denied her access to her children for several months, asked the court to compel Fani-Kayode to give her a monthly payment of N3.5m for the upkeep of the four sons.

The news of their separation was made public in September 2020.

The couple, who are parents to four sons, including a set of two-year-old triplets, have been married since 2014.

A family source told PREMIUM TIMES at the time the marriage broke down irretrievably due to a health challenge that Ms Chikwendu has been trying to manage since they became a couple.

The couple has apparently been living apart for some months now.

Born in 1989, Precious, who is fondly referred to as Snow White, is a model, actress, and former beauty queen.

She represented Nigeria at the Miss United Nations World Beauty pageant in 2014.

She could not be reached as of press time.

City buys Laurel Park water system for $1, pledges $1M in improvements

Noting that Laurel Park provided water to Hendersonville in the 1880s, Mayor Carey O'Cain endorsed an agreement that resulted in a merger of the Laurel Park and Hendersonville water systems on Friday.

"Laurel Park was originally furnishing water to the city of Hendersonville back in the 1880s from our natural springs so we've always had a cordial and cooperative and respectful relationship with the city of Hendersonville," he said. "I know this is going to be good for our residents not just now but for the future. You will be able to help us solve the pressure issue at the Fleetwood zone."

The purchase price of the water lines, tanks and other property that is part of the water system was $1, with a commitment by the city to invest $1 million in improvements to increase water pressure in the Hebron and Fleetwood areas.

In a joint meeting on Friday, the Laurel Park Town Council and the Hendersonville voted unanimously to approve the merger. City committed to spend at least $1 million on water system improvements in Laurel Park, which has been buying water from Hendersonville wholesale and operated water lines to serve the town's households and businesses.

The agreement came in 22 minutes after a presentation of the agreement by Hendersonville's city attorney, Angela Beeker, and comments by council members praising the work of a joint committee and the managers of both municipalities. The committee was made up of Hendersonville council members Jeff Miller and Jennifer Hensley and Laurel Park commissioners George Banta and Paul Hansen.

The Laurel Park and Hendersonville Councils have been working towards this agreement which creates immediate cost savings to be passed along to our residents, improvements to the water systems beginning this calendar year, and long-term financial sustainability, OCain said in a statement. Each of our governments see this as a great partnership and one which will benefit the citizens of our region immediately and into the future.

The city of Hendersonville said benefits of merging the two water systems include:

Cost saving for Laurel Park residents due to lower Hendersonville water system rates.

Upgrade to automatic meter reading for Laurel Park customers.

Access to AquaHawk alerting and water leak detection for Laurel Park customers.

Immediate investment in the systems infrastructure to improve pressure and fire flow.

More than $1 million in improvements to the Laurel Park section of the system within the first 24 months of the transfer.

Increased and more reliable water pressure to the Hebron pressure zone.

This merger is a shining example of government working to achieve solutions that best serve our community, said Hendersonville Mayor Barbara Volk. I take great pride in both our Councils and staff who have been innovative with their solutions and cooperative in their decision making. This collaboration improves the utility system for, not only residents of Hendersonville but our neighbors and customers outside our city limits.

The physical merger of the two systems is expected to begin in Spring of 2021. The city water system, which serves 30,000 customers, will add 845 users in Laurel Park.

Laurel Park Town Manager Christopher Todd said town public works employees currently work on the water system as needed and a part of their salary comes from water system revenue. "Currently, we are expecting to retain all our employees," he said. "The town of Laurel Park is going to be doing our best to assist the city throughout this transition."

The Fleetwood zone that experiences low water pressure is the area around the condominium development at the top of Laurel Park. The Hebron zone is a part of the mountain that is mostly outside the city but includes some Laurel Park households. "The merger will provide the city the use of our water infrastructure for some pressure," Todd said.

"We all believe this is a truly a beneficial relationship and we're excited for all the next steps and working together in the future," he added.

Water system assets that go from Laurel Park to the city date from the 1920s or earlier, including a water tank in the Fleetwood area that was built in 1927. Assets include:
Let's Continue to Feed Kids This Summer

Let's Continue to Feed Kids This Summer

Martin Ackley, Director of Public and Governmental Affairs 517-241-4395 Education

March 5, 2021

LANSING  Meet Up and Eat Up Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sponsors have been working hard serving meals to children in their communities, and the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) encourages all school sponsors with eligible sites to continue providing meals during the summer months.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved national program flexibilities in the SFSP to serve all children (18 years and younger and up to age 26 with a disability) in Michigan regardless of site eligibility in a non-congregate setting. Many sponsors have stepped up and used these flexibilities.

With many families in need and food banks in high demand during the pandemic, all Michigan children are encouraged to use the summer food program in their communities, said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice. Meals provided in the summer food program meet nutritional standards to help keep the body fueled and healthy. School districts and sponsors are ready and available to serve nutritious meals to help boost childrens learning while supporting local food service.

Sponsors can provide meals in various ways: multiple meal distribution (serving multiple days of meals at one time); parent/guardian pick up (parents/guardians may pick up meals without children present); grab and go; meals in the classroom; hot and/or cold meals; and home delivered meals.

Program flexibilities around eligibility, as outlined by COVID-19: Child Nutrition Response #60, allow the ability to operate open SFSP sites in areas that are not located in areas in which poor economic conditions exist. The SFSP sites also have the following meal service flexibilities:



Children and families rely on programs like the SFSP year-round. With the approval of federal waivers last summer, sponsors provided an increased number of meals to children, showing the need for the SFSP does not end. MDE encourages sponsors that are eligible to continue to provide nutritious meals in their communities.

Sponsors can help by highlighting the Meet Up and Eat Up program in their communities. Partners can help by planning the best site locations, marketing and advertising the program, and contributing to program costs. If community partners use social media to publicize the SFSP, more families can connect to summer programming and nutritious meals.

We are working to increase the awareness of the programs availability, get more community members involved, and provide meals to as many children as we can across the state, Dr. Rice said.

To find an SFSP site in your community, visit the Meet Up and Eat Up SFSP Site Locator Map at www.michigan.gov/meetupeatup. All site information (mealtimes, days open, and serving dates) is updated regularly.

For more information about how someone can help with the Meet Up and Eat Up summer food service program this summer, please contact MDE at 517-241-5374 or mde-sfsp@michigan.gov. For more information on the SFSP, please visit www.michigan.gov/sfsp.

The SFSP is administered by MDE through funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is available to children 18 and under regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
WASHINGTON - Pressure is building on President Joe Biden, a longtime backer of traditional Washington rules, to do away with the filibuster and other procedures as Democrats press him to seize what could be a fleeting moment of power to enact his agenda.

Liberals have long pushed for sweeping changes such as expanding the Supreme Court, ending the electoral college and banning gerrymandering. But as Biden faces a critical stretch of his presidency, even moderate Democrats are urging more-immediate changes - particularly rewriting the filibuster so that at the very least fewer bills need 60 votes to pass the Senate.

Democrats increasingly worry that popular pieces of Biden's agenda will hit a wall in the Senate, including his plans for climate change, immigration, gun control, voting rights and LGBT protections. Failing to enact them, they fear, could be a political disaster for Democrats.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., a centrist, said Wednesday she wants to "get rid of the filibuster," her toughest comments to date on the matter. By Thursday, Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., announced via social media that she, too, now wants to abolish the filibuster, because "the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the filibuster has long been the enemy of progress."

Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., also a moderate, told The Washington Post he could envision the Senate changing the filibuster if bills are floundering. "We've got to figure out whether leadership on both sides wants to have obstruction or if they want to come together and try to get some things done," Tester said.

For the moment, Democrats do not have the votes to fully abolish the filibuster, which allows a senator to block a bill by refusing to yield the floor unless at least 60 senators overrule the speaker. Some Democrats, such as Sen. Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.), oppose repeal. ("Never!" he shouted recently at a journalist who asked.) So advocates are looking for ways to limit the filibuster instead of ending it - and hoping Biden weighs in.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., warned that if Democrats fail to pass a popular agenda because of arcane Senate rules, the party will suffer in the midterm elections. "It will be a Democratic Party Armageddon in 2022 if we sit here on our butts and say, 'Oh, we're sorry, we're not as determined to get our agenda passed as Republicans were,' " said Merkley, who is spearheading an overhaul effort.

Republicans say such changes would create a free-for-all in the Senate and contend Democrats are threatening to toss the rules to gain an unearned political advantage.

"The same party that wants to change Senate rules when they lose a vote, pack the Supreme Court when they lose a case and throw out the electoral college every time they lose the White House now wants to forcibly rewrite 50 states' election laws from Washington," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said recently on the Senate floor, speaking in opposition to a Democratic election bill.

He added, "Millions of American voters elected 50 Republican senators and a whole lot of House Republicans to make sure that Democrats play by the rules, not rewrite the rules."

As the presidential campaign unfolded and the depth of many Democrats' dissatisfaction became clear, Biden softened his vociferous opposition to changing Washington's rules. In July, he conceded that his approach to the filibuster would "depend on how obstreperous [Republicans] become." After resisting proposals to expand the Supreme Court, he promised a commission to look into changes of the court's structure.

Now that Biden is president, such middle positions could be harder to sustain. Biden faces a choice, some activists say, between ruling mostly via executive fiat - which permits modest accomplishments at best - and pulling down the structural obstacles.

For now, the White House is keeping its options on the table.

"One thing that is nonnegotiable is him delivering for the American people," said Emmy Ruiz, the White House political director. "The number-one priority here is to get this agenda, this bold agenda, passed through Congress."

A White House official, not authorized the discuss the administration's legislative approach and speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the "strategy is adjusting every single day," reiterating Biden's position that the filibuster is not sacrosanct, while the agenda is.

But with Democrats potentially losing their narrow House or Senate majorities in 2022 - a president's party usually fares poorly in midterms - the Democrats' window for change may be short-lived.

The vulnerability of Biden's agenda became clear last week when a proposed minimum-wage increase ran into a procedural hurdle and was removed from his coronavirus relief package. Some Democrats, and many activists, saw that as a warning sign for the rest of Biden's agenda.

And while Biden hopes to soon pass a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, the second-largest stimulus bill ever to go through Congress, he may struggle to repeat that feat with measures that do not fit as easily into "reconciliation," a maneuver allowing a bill to pass the Senate with a simple majority instead of 60 votes.

Biden will have just two more opportunities to use reconciliation before the midterms, and only budget-related bills qualify. It is the Senate parliamentarian who decides whether a bill fits under reconciliation, and while her advice can be ignored, Democrats have chosen to abide by her rulings.

"It's not an ideal procedure to get things done, but politically this is the only palatable path right now to progress on key issues," said Ben LaBolt, an aide in the Obama administration.

Some liberals in Congress sent a letter this week to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris urging them to sidestep the parliamentarian's decision on the minium wage, a move that has historical precedent.

"There is an institutional deference that maybe would have been fine in times past, but a defense of the status quo is inadequate to the challenges of our time," said Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif. "We have to follow the rule of law, but we don't have to defer to traditions and norms."

Without such changes, Senate rules force advocates into a tortuous process of making sometimes circuitous arguments for why their bills fit reconciliation.

Kerri Talbot, deputy director of the Immigration Hub, a pro-immigrant organization, said reconciliation may be the best hope for passing a citizenship measure for at least some of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. "We think we can qualify, due to the economic impact of providing a path to citizenship," Talbot said. "Ultimately it's a big boon for the economy, but in the short run there are some costs involved as well."

Advocates and 100 lawmakers have asked Biden to consider legalizing at least 5 million undocumented immigrants via budget reconciliation. Three people with detailed understanding of Senate rules, however, said it is unlikely that a broad immigration plan would pass the parliamentarian's muster.

Immigration activists are preparing for that eventuality. "We have to understand that the ruling of the Senate parliamentarian is not the end of the story," said Carlos Rojas Rodriguez, who was among 150 supporters and ex-staffers of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who wrote Sanders last week urging him to use reconciliation.

If the Senate parliamentarian disagrees, Rojas Rodriguez said, Democrats should overrule her.

Merkley said he is seeing steadily more receptiveness from his colleagues for ending the filibuster. In 2009 when he first joined the Senate, the push for change was "a very lonely journey," he said, but now "there's been a massive shift."

Proponents are casting about for proposals that could win over the last few votes for change. For example, a current Democratic bill to overhaul elections is expected to attract no Republican support, prompting some Democrats to suggest an exception to the filibuster for civil rights and voting matters.

Biden's climate agenda, a top priority for the party's liberal wing and many young voters, also would probably struggle to attract 60 Senate votes, nor would it easily qualify for reconciliation. One lobbyist familiar with Biden's plan said "the whole thing, basically," would be unlikely to meet the reconciliation test without being "substantially redrafted."

Some lawmakers believe that if a stack of popular bills passes the House but cannot get through the Senate, it would put critical pressure on Senate Democrats to consider revamping their system.

"The longer the Senate doesn't function as it used to, pressure will keep building for changes that would allow overwhelmingly popular policies to move forward," said Phil Schiliro, who headed legislative affairs in the Obama White House.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has sidestepped questions about how Biden's agenda could make it through the currently configured Senate.

"The bottom line is we're going to come together as a caucus and figure out a way to get the bold action that the American people demand," Schumer said recently. "We will put bills on the floor. We're not going to be the legislative graveyard."

Biden is uniquely situated to push for a major change to the Senate proceedings, some Democrats say, because of his credibility as a Senate institutionalist. He served in the chamber for more than three decades and frequently speaks of it with affection.

In his previous stint in the executive branch, Biden showed flexibility. As vice president he supported the Obama administration's push to end the filibuster on most judicial nominations, lobbying his former colleagues to make the change, said Ed Pagano, a legislative-affairs aide in the White House at the time.

But Biden is also on the record defending Senate traditions such as the parliamentarian's rulings, saying in a 2005 floor speech that heeding them had "been the practice for 218 years."

As for killing the filibuster - that, he warned at the time, would be "a fundamental power grab by the majority party."

- - -

The Washington Post's Erica Werner, Alice Crites and Juliet Eilperin contributed to this report.
Both countries faced surging epidemics only a month ago, but daily cases have now been substantially curtailed. The US has also made strong headway, reducing its daily caseload from a peak of 314,172 on January 8 to 66,481 on March 4. About 16 per cent of the USs population had received a dose of vaccine. Examine newsletter Science and health explained and analysed with a rigorous focus on the evidence. Examine is a weekly newsletter by science reporter Liam Mannix. Sign up to receive it every Tuesday. However, these countries success was likely linked to more lockdowns and perhaps the end of winter, rather than the effects of vaccination, said James Wood, associate professor at the School of Population Health at the University of NSW. Britain went into a national lockdown at the start of January, while Israels national lockdown started at the end of December. Israels progress appears to be plateauing, however, even as restrictions are eased.

Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video Professor Wood estimated a country would need to give two doses of vaccine to at least 20 to 30 per cent of the population before there was a significant impact on infection rates. Israels success may partially be explained by their vaccination numbers, he said. If you go completely open when you dont have a lot of vaccine coverage, youre going to see rises again. You still have people who are unvaccinated who are at risk  and they are at higher risk now because youre letting infection spread, he said. The vaccines work Vaccine efficacy describes how well a vaccine works in a clinical trial. But a vaccines effectiveness  how well it works in the real world  is a different matter.

Vaccine trials enrol select groups of patients. Pfizers phase 3 trial, for example, excluded patients with uncontrolled chronic medical conditions. In the real world, youre going to have people who would not have met the eligibility of the trials: older people, pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions, who are getting the vaccine. The chances are the effectiveness would be different from a very controlled trial, clinical trial expert Professor Tammy Hoffmann told The Age in February. Probably less; by how much, we just dont know. But Pfizers vaccine appears to have held up. In a large, high-quality study drawing data from almost 1.2 million people in Israel (excluding nursing home residents and healthcare workers), the vaccine was 92 per cent effective at protecting against symptomatic COVID-19 and preventing severe disease from seven days after the second dose, similar to results seen in clinical trials. Importantly, the study includes data from almost 80,000 vaccinated people aged over 70  a group at high risk of serious illness and death.

Nearly all cases of COVID-19 in Israel come from the variant first spotted in Britain; the vaccines strong performance suggests it will cover this variant with ease. In England, public health authorities have reported Pfizers vaccine is 88 per cent effective in those aged over 80 from seven days after the second injection. Infection and death rates in this group are down across the country. In Scotland, a single dose of Pfizers vaccine was 85 per cent effective at reducing COVID-19 hospitalisations; AstraZenecas vaccine did even better, although there is significant uncertainty around those numbers. The bottom line is its really good news. We now have clearly effective tools against the worst effects of COVID, said Professor Wood. This is going to allow us to start the move out of the emergency situation.

But we still dont know if they will stop the pandemic To bring COVID-19 under control and return to something close to normal life, we need to both stop people dying and stop the virus moving through our community. Conclusive studies showing vaccines cut transmission are hard to do, as scientists have to devise ways of showing a person did or did not pass on a virus. But there are several data points that now all point in the same direction.
Rohingya refugees gather behind a barbed-wire fence in a temporary settlement set up in Myanmars Rakhine state in a no-man's land border zone between Myanmar and Bangladesh, April 25, 2018.

Seeing the violence against civilians in Myanmar in the wake of that countrys coup, Rohingya refugees sheltering in southeastern Bangladesh say their own experience has been validated now that the general Burmese population is experiencing the brutality of its military.

Refugee leaders who spoke to BenarNews expressed solidarity with Myanmar protesters, as well as bitterness that they did not receive the same in 2017, when a brutal military crackdown on their community caused 740,000 of the stateless Muslim minority to flee to Bangladesh.

At that time, if everyone had joined the movement to stop the atrocities against the Rohingya, then they would not have had to join this protest movement, Muhib Ullah, chairman of the Arakan Rohingya Society for Peace and Human Rights, told BenarNews from the Kutupalong refugee camp this week.

People who are protesting in Myanmar today, where were they during the genocide against Rohingya in 2017?

Violence and persecution by the Myanmar military is something the Rohingya know all too well, said Mostafa Kamal, a Rohingya refugee leader at the Leda refugee camp.

They are opposing the army today, but they supported them in the past, he said.

This is the consequence of silence. We have long been saying that the Myanmar army never wanted anything good for the people, Kamal added.

In August 2017, in response to an attack by Rohingya insurgents on police and army posts in Rakhine state, the Myanmar military launched an offensive against the Rohingya described by the United Nations later as a textbook example of ethnic cleansing.

An estimated, 24,800 Rohingya were murdered and around 18,500 Rohingya women and adolescents were raped in the August 2017 military crackdown, according to research published by the Ontario International Development Agency in August 2018.



Now, three-and-a-half years later, the Myanmar military and police have turned their guns on citizens from the ethnic majority protesting against the coup that toppled the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi last month.

At least 54 people have been killed in clashes with security forces since the military takeover on Feb. 1, according to the United Nations human rights office. Most of the dead were protesters killed by police and army personnel, the U.N. and rights groups say.

Rohingya protest Myanmar coup

Aung San Suu Kyi, who was the leader in Myanmar during the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya, has been criticized not just by the Rohingya but by the international community for her perceived inaction during the military offensive of 2017.

Their feelings about her notwithstanding, Rohingya refugees have held demonstrations in Bangladesh against the military coup in their homeland.

Md. Jamal Photography, a Twitter account that describes itself as Rohingya photography, has been regularly posting pictures of refugees in Bangladesh protesting the coup in the country next-door.

Kamal, Ullah and other Rohingya say they are on the side of the protesters taking to the streets of Myanmars major cities, and are firmly against the Feb. 1 military coup led by Gen. Min Aung Hlaing.

Though the Rakhine people had not protested against the oppression on us, we, the Rohingya, are strongly protesting against the torture on them by the army, Kamal told BenarNews, referring to the dominant ethnic group in Rakhine state.

We want all the people of Myanmar to be able to live with their basic rights. And there is no alternative but a movement for realizing the rights, Mohammad Yusuf, a Rohingya leader from the Inchiprang camp in Teknaf, told BenarNews.

Inside Myanmar, too, Rohingya and other ethnic minorities have shown solidarity with protesters from the countrys ethnic majority against the military coup, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

I have never seen Myanmar people in such strong unity, Nikkei Asia quoted a 25-year-old Burmese public relations executive who belongs to the ethnic Karen minority as saying.

This is not just in Yangon, but also across the whole of Myanmar. Together we will fight for our justice and true democracy.

Myanmar, a country of 54 million people the size of France, recognizes 135 official ethnic groups, with majority Burmese accounting for about 68 percent of the population. The Rohingya ethnicity is not recognized, and its members are often disparaged as illegal "Bengali" immigrants from Bangladesh.

A common cause

Some Myanmar citizens seem to be realizing how terrible their silence on the atrocities against the Rohingya was.

Among protesters in Myanmar have been groups of young people carrying signs expressing remorse about the killings of defenseless Rohingya.

I really regret  Rohingya crisis that Myanmar military did, say signs held up by young Burmese in a photograph that has been widely shared on Twitter.

One Burman mobile technology developer wrote a series of tweets last month apologizing for calling a Rohingya running for elections last November a Bengali, Vice World News reported.

I know its too late to say these words, but I have to admit something that has been haunting me. Back in October, I developed @mvoterapp with a couple of my friends, and the app got called out by @JusticeMyanmar for being racist towards Rohingya, he had tweeted.

Recent events have opened up my knowledge more than ever. Im starting to understand the fact that my silence during that time made me complicit in the genocide of Rohingya. I understand its past due time but Im truly sorry that I was silent at that time.

Many Rohingya have welcomed these developments.

Activist Ali Jinnah Hussain said on Twitter that he was heartened by the remorse shown by young Burmese.

As a Rohingya Im so happy to see that this  Gen Z can understand the reality and are ready to accept the truth. Im thankful to them and hope more people will join them, Hussain tweeted recently.

These developments present an opportunity for the Rohingya and anti-coup protesters to forge common cause, wrote former Australian lawmaker Ronan Lee, the author of Myanmars Rohingya Genocide: Identity, History and Hate Speech.

The Rohingya know better than most the value of a democracy and the perils of military rule, Lee wrote in an essay published on the website of ABC News (Australia).

Considering the international support they can harness, the Rohingya should now be a key ally of democracy protesters in the campaign to oust the military, he said. The most effective way for the Rohingya and others in Myanmar to fight the military is by cooperating.
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Taiquan Domino's eyes light up when he talks about that "little bit of cayenne," the pop that brightens his family's decades-old pork and sausage chili bean recipe. He's gleeful about explosions of flavor in his crawfish-laden Alfredo sauce and marvels over the glossy texture of simple zucchini, which can even make macaroni more interesting.

A senior at McDonogh 35 High School in New Orleans, Domino, 18, has long had the drive to become a professional chef. He started picking up tips at his mom's stovetop when he was in elementary school, learning how to make dishes like spaghetti and meat sauce, passed down from his great-great-grandmother.

"I started cooking when I was about 7 years old," Domino said. "I always had a passion, all my life."

So when instructors from the fledgling New Orleans Career Center came to his class to recruit students for their new program in hospitality management and culinary arts -- a chance for him refine his technique and make real-world connections in the city's restaurant and catering scene -- well, it was a no-brainer.

"I was all in," Domino laughed.

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Fast forward nearly two years to today, and Domino is set to become one of around 30 students to make history as the program's first graduating class of the center's Hospitality, Restaurant, and Tourism Academy, an initiative made possible in part with support from Alon Shaya, the renowned chef who cooked at Domenica and Shaya and now owns Saba in New Orleans, and who also serves on the center's board of directors.

The half-day program offers opportunity for students like Domino to not only earn industry credentials via hands-on experience from some of the best teachers, but also earn college credits through coursework with Delgado Community College.

Domino -- and the program he's enrolled in -- are bright spots of the New Orleans Career Center, according to Claire Jecklin, its executive director and co-founder, who helped start the program in 2017.

Jecklin said the center was finally founded after the Recovery School District and the Orleans Parish School Board saw the need for the decentralized district of charter schools to have a single career and technical education hub. They convened 24 experts in industry education, high school programs, philanthropy, government and economic development to make it happen.

The idea was to cater to "priority industries" identified by GNO, Inc. as having the most potential for future growth, Jecklin said, meaning students were likely to find jobs after their studies. There are currently 16 participating high schools.

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The first classes started in the 2018-19 school year with a focus in health care, with students learning skills like office management and general medicine from physicians, nurses and assistants, and an engineering and manufacturing program, where students learn about 3D printing, civil engineering and architecture.

Armed with $20M donation, Ochsner and Delgado team up to improve health care, train workforce For nearly a decade, Louisiana has been in an unenviable position, nestled either dead last or near the bottom of national health rankings. At

For the 2019-20 school year, the center added the two-year hospitality and culinary arts program, Jecklin said. The first year, students learned in a hands-on environment, using the center's culinary lab and gaining real-time hospitality experience in the student-run enterprise, JavaScript Cafe.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, the school went virtual. But it didn't stop hands-on instruction, with instructors like Brooke Berry, a 20-year hospitality industry veteran and chef, teaching classes online to students who received hand-delivered ingredients and materials at home.

The cooking outlet was a godsend to Domino, according to his mom, Kenyetta Domino. She said her son had struggled as his social life came to a standstill when students were sent home to learn virtually and he was falling behind in classes at McDonogh 35.

She told him he had to hold up his end of their deal: To stay in the specialty program, he had to keep his grades up in his regular school, too.

+4 Bricolage Academy educators begin process of forming a union, ask charter board for recognition The majority of the educators at New Orleans' Bricolage Academy have signed up to form a union in hopes of starting collective bargaining with

Ultimately, Domino delivered, and then some. Officials have boasted that he's set to become the first student to earn not only three industry certifications, but also nine college credits in hospitality from Delgado, equal to about a semester's worth of classes finished for free.

Looking forward, Domino wants to finish college and then get a graduate degree in business management so he can start his own restaurant in New Orleans.

His mom says a bonus is that he's taken over as family chef for her, his stepdad, brothers and stepsisters in their New Orleans East home. And he can out-cook her now. For instance, she was astounded to learn the secret behind his pasta Alfredo: fried shrimp, for richness, along with sauteed crawfish and a few pinches of crawfish boil seasoning, to spice it up.

"I never would have thought of that!" she said. "And now his spaghetti and meat sauce is really better than mine, too."
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Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/The Daily Beast / Photos Getty

On the coldest night of the deep freeze that hit Texas in mid-February, the Serpentarium at the Texas Reptile Zoo was crowded with the cold-bloodedlizards from Madagascar, tortoises from the Sahara, sizable crocodiles and, of course, snakes by the score.

Then the water pipe in the ceiling burst.

Zoo owner Tim Caglarcan walked in to check on his reptiles and found water spraying from the ceiling and pooling on the floor.

At the time it was a disaster, he said. You can imagine walking into your building and its raining. Its freezing outside, and I had to kill the power because we have all the heaters on the ground.

The week of arctic cold was a statewide disaster, no doubt. People died of cold in their homes when their power went out. Others huddled together in their dark homes for days. Some people didnt have water. Some couldnt find food. Theres no discounting that tragedy and trouble.

For those Texans who make a living running the scores of reptile zoos, rattlesnake museums, and snake farms that dot Lone Star highways, the cold was an imminent threat to their critters and their livelihoods. They survived through preparation and dedication.

Texas Rattlesnake Fest May Bite the Dust

At the Texas Reptile Zoo in Bastrop, about 35 miles east of Austin, Tim and Julie Caglarcan had a serious mess on their hands after they killed the power and shut off the water.

My wife ran over with every towel we had, and we got buckets to soak up the water by hand, Tim said. And we had a big hole in the ceilingwe still have it.

The zoo, housed in a former plant nursery, has about 220 reptiles and about 100 fish. Two of the old greenhouses were converted into herpetariums, but much of the zoo is outdoor space meant to mimic the reptiles natural habitat. The zoo is closed during the winter when many of the species brumate (akin to hibernation) underground.

At the Texas Reptile Zoo, the way we have the animals is as natural as possible, Caglarcan said. So we like it when they do things like they're supposed to do.

Story continues

But when record low temperatures were forecast, Caglarcan knew he had to step in. Heaters were installed in some burrows. Tarps covered the ground where he knew some animals had dug in for winter.

As the weather worsened, he used a temperature gun to measure ground and burrow temps, and knew he had to do more. Caglarcan brought most of his animals inside the main buildingthe serpentarium. That meant literally digging up some of them from the earth.

Basically, we had to evacuate everybody, he said. For Caglarcan, that meant doing it himself. I run the whole place right now. Im always busy around the clock.

Caglarcan is pretty optimistic that the animals he couldnt dig up and bring inside survived the winter storm, but he wasnt so lucky with his plants.

We lost a lot of our food, he said. Our bananas died in the greenhouse. We lost all our cactuswe use our cactus to feed our herbivores like tortoises. We lost a whole crop of winter radishes.

These struggles on top of last years COVID-19 struggles have hit the Texas Reptile Zoo pretty hard.

Ive rarely asked for much, Caglarcan said. I kind of think this year is gonna be a fundraising year for the place to get us back on track.

About 450 miles to the west, in remote Fort Davis, the Rattlers and Reptiles rattlesnake museum lost power for four days as temperatures sank as low as 3 degrees. Yet theres a reason every one of the 200-odd snakes survived.

Im a Kansas boy, proprietor Scott Teppe said. Ive lived out on the tundra. So a couple years ago, I redid all the water lines and ran gas lines in and thats how I kept it warm.

There weren't any fans or space heaters or lights, but the ambient temperature stayed high enough to keep the snakes healthy. He keeps the museum at about 60 degrees in winter so that the snakes can brumate.

Theyre fairly dormant, Teppe said. They dont go into a torpor, like a bear does, where they actually go to sleep, but they get lethargic.

Theyre kind of like peoplewhen theres a warm day in the winter, theyll sit on the porch and enjoy their coffee, but theyre not going out foraging or looking for a mate or anything.

Last year, bit by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rattlers and Reptiles had just over 2,000 visitors. The year before, it had been about 5,500.

Its not like the Snake Farm over in New Braunfels, Teppe said. We are a small facility, and we get incidental tourism from people that are getting off the highway going to Big Bend [National Park].

The museum has more than 30 species of venomous snakes but keeps a few local non-venomous species so people headed to the nearby national park can be prepared for what they might find in the wild.

Teppe is all about being prepared. He compared it to The Ant and The Grasshopper fable. People in Texas just dont expect it to get that cold that long. But a week without power isnt too much where Im from.

So he was ready, with a generator, 500 gallons of water, a wood-burning stove, and propane heaters.

If there was one thing he wasnt ready for, it was being the owner of the museum in the first place.

When I was in college, I helped the guy that owned it build all the cages and set it all up, Teppe said. He passed away a few years ago and left it to me. Its not where I saw my retirement happening, but

He trails off and then starts laughing.

The Snake Farm in New Braunfels is the most famous in Texas. Technically the Ray Wylie Hubbard song Snake Farm isnt necessarily about any specific snake farm, but theres only one place along Interstate 35 with a giant sign saying Snake Farm Zoo in red and black letters.

Officially the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo, the place is about 50 miles south of Austin.

Jarrod Forthman, a director at the zoo, said that even though they did lose power on and off for a few days, they kept the generators running and kept the building nice and warm for their couple hundred snakes.

Which is good, because theres more to displaying snakes than just keeping kids hands out of the cobra cage.

Each species has its own temperature range that we have to keep them at, Forthman said. Each individual enclosure is set up for that particular species. Some of our more tropical species, [if the temperature] gets below 70, you can potentially get them sick.

Many of the smaller animals that make up the outdoor portion of the zoo, such as the birds and primates, were brought indoors to heated buildings. Others, such as the large cats, had additional heat in their winter housing.

Some of our carnivore housing, they already are able to go inside and get warm, Forthman said. But were able to add additional heat and additional bedding, just to help out with the colder temperatures than were used to facing.

The zoos website shows the alligators submerged in their frozen-over pond, snouts sticking through the ice. Icing occurs naturally and allows the gators to survive freezing weather for a while.

Forthman credits protocols and people for helping the zoo get through the winter storm.

We have emergency response protocols in place that help us in case of disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes, anything that causes power outages, or loss of water, Forthman said. And while we werent expecting the record-breaking freezes or anything like that, our other protocols acted in their place. We were pretty fortunate.

Also key was the ability to get employees to the zoonot a given considering iced-over roads can be shut down in Texas. Ten to 15 employees worked up to 12-hour shifts day and night.

If we were unable to get staff on site during this time, and if we didnt have staff willing to work literally around the clock, things could have been different, or a whole lot harder on the folks that did make it.

But a lot of our staff was available. We do have housing on site that our staff was able to stay in during this time. So that that pretty well saved us.

One thing that kept staff busy for a while was when a boil-water advisory was issued for the area. Though they had water in storage, they did have to boil water for their 500 animalsincluding bison and zebras, which can drink quite a bit.

Ill tell you what, had that gone on too much longer, things could have gotten bad for sure, Forthman said.

A lot of fans of the Animal World & Snake Farm Zoo reached out to help during this time and sent in donations, but the zoo wasnt hurting. In fact, they reached out to their local community and were able to donate firewood to those in need.

Preparation is key, and the zoo is already making improvements to make sure the next time wont be as tough.

Our biggest issue that affected us, believe it or not, was our above-ground plumbing, Forthman said. We had broken water lines all over the place that were still working on now. So thats going to change before we have another huge freeze like this, thats for sure.

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KCR is learnt to have taken this decision ostensibly not to bank on any sympathy factor, which failed to work in the Dubbak Assembly by-election last December. (Photo: Twitter @TelanganaCMO)

HYDERABAD: TRS president and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has firmed up his decision to field a local candidate from Backward Classes, belonging to the Yadava community, for the upcoming byelection to the Nagarjunasagar Assembly constituency, according to TRS sources.

Rao is learnt to have taken this decision ostensibly not to bank on any sympathy factor, which failed to work in the Dubbak Assembly by-election last December.

This implies that Nomula Bharat, son of Nagarjunasagar MLA Nomula Narasimhaiah, will not get the ticket as was widely speculated earlier as Bharath hails from Palem village of Nakrekal Mandal in Nalgonda district. Narasimhaiahs death has necessitated the by-poll. Chandrashekar Rao reportedly assured Bharat of a nominated post soon.

The Chief Minister is learnt to have considered three local candidates from the Yadava community: Peddaboyina Srinivas Yadav (Tripuraram mandal), Mannem Ranjith Yadav and Katteboyina Guravaiah Yadav (Nidamanuru mandal).

Based on multiple survey reports, he has zeroed in on Guravaiah Yadav, son-in-law of former MLA Rammurthy Yadav and a close relative of the partys Rajya Sabha member Badugula Lingaiah Yadav.

An official announcement on Guravaiah's candidature is likely to be made immediately after the Election Commission announces the schedule for the bypoll.

The TRS chief gave a ticket to Solipeta Sujatha, widow of Solipeta Ramalinga Reddy in Dubbak, relying on the sympathy factor. However, the BJP defeated the TRS by projecting itself as the principal opposition to the TRS in the state.

In this backdrop, Rao is being extra cautious in the selection of the Nagarjunasagar candidate where the Congress has decided to field its strongman K. Jana Reddy, who has won seven times from this seat but lost to Narasimhaiah in 2018.

Rao commissioned multiple surveys with various agencies to get a feel of the pulse of the voters. TRS sources say that all the survey reports indicated that most voters preferred a 'local candidate from the Yadava community which has a major chunk of voters in the Nagarjunasagar segment.

The surveys pointed out that the community had sacrificed the seat to Narasimhaiah, a non-local, in the 2018 Assembly elections respecting his vast political career and his 'pro-poor attitude' but they are not keen to support his son Bharat, a political novice.

Despite the fact that TRS leaders from Reddy community like Gutta Sukhender Reddy, Tera Chinnapa Reddy, Koti Reddy are vying for the party ticket, Chandrashekar Rao is learnt to have favoured a Yadav candidate.
Prosecutors in Colorado said Friday that they will not pursue criminal charges against Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller after he was subject to an investigation by local police.

In a statement, the District Attorney's Office of the 18th Judicial District said the information and materials it received from the Parker police department did not meet the American Bar Association's minimum requirements for filing criminal charges.

"The Parker Police Department submitted a criminal case against Vonnie B'VSean Miller to this office," the statement read. "After reviewing all of the materials, the District Attorney's Office of the 18th Judicial District has determined that no charges will be filed in this case."

According to a person familiar with the situation, the investigation was related to interactions between Miller and his former girlfriend, Megan Denise, who shared text messages on social media earlier this year that she purposed were from him. One of them read, "I'm honestly praying for a miscarriage" after Denise posted an image of an ultrasound dated Jan. 4.

Miller appeared to deny the allegations, and Denise later insinuated her comments were "misconstrued."

"In light of recent media reports regarding my relationship with Von, I feel that I need to address a couple of things," she wrote on Instagram. "First and foremost, at no point in our relationship was there any type of physical abuse or violence by Von, whatsoever. For anyone to say otherwise, or to speculate such, is wrong.

"With regards to my social media posts, a part was misconstrued and taken out of context. I do regret making a private situation public, and in doing so, bringing unwanted attention to both Von and myself. Von and I are excited to be welcoming our baby into the world, and are committed to raising our child with love and compassion, together as a family."

Miller, who will turn 32 later this month, was the MVP of the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 win over the Carolina Panthers and the team's career sack leader. He did not play last season because of an ankle injury and has one year remaining on his contract, which carries a team option. Should the Broncos exercise the option before the March 16 deadline, $7 million of Miller's $17.5 million salary becomes fully guaranteed. If the team declines the option, Miller will be a free agent and the team will save $18 million in salary-cap space.

"We want to bring Von back and we're still working through that," Broncos General Manager George Paton told Denver media on Friday. "I don't want to get into everything, but we want to bring him back. Obviously, the legal process and what he's going through, it's a serious situation. I don't know all of the details, but we respect what's going on. We do want Von back."
An 'orgasm retreat' to be run in Bali by an Australian man has been canned after he was taken in by Indonesian police for questioning.

The man faced three hours of interrogation about potential immigration breaches on Friday night after a local uproar at a sex retreat he planned for the holiday island.

A Facebook page advertising the orgasm retreat says the spiritual guru facilitates tantric sexuality and relationship retreats worldwide.

The Australian guru (pictured) was interrogated in Bali by Indonesian police for three hours on immigration rules after outraged locals complained about a sex workshop he had planned

The man (pictured) had been 'exploring Tantric and Taoist practices for 28 years' his Facebook advertisement said. The retreat was planned for March 6 but has been cancelled

'He has been exploring Tantric and Taoist practices for 28 years and has a Masters in Health Science - Sexual Health,' it said.

'He's the creator of Tantric Body De-Armouring and Tantric Full Body Energy Orgasm Retreats, which guide people in cultivating a profound depth of vibrancy and intimacy in their daily lives, relationships, sexuality and careers.'

The retreat was supposed to begin on March 6 and run to March 9 in Ubud, a place rich in spiritually minded ex-pats.

It promised more than 40 intended participants would experience 'heightened states of sexual ecstatic full-bodied orgasmic bliss,' according to the Facebook advertisement, which has since disappeared.

Balinese locals, however, were outraged about the sex retreat and dobbed the event in to police.

The man says on his website that he has five diplomas in different styles of 'bodywork and energy healing', and is a member of the International School of Temple Arts  an organisation of 'sexual sorcery'.

A screenshot of the event page for the planned sex retreat which has now been deleted

He was also a previous professional partner of alleged sex-cult leader Shantam Nityama, also known as 'The Divine Madman', a Los Angeles-based guru who conducted workshops in Byron Bay.

The pair parted ways after the Australian guru, an animal rights advocate, reportedly became enraged at Nityama's eating of animal hearts during spiritual training.

Indonesian police did not charge the Australian man and he has since been released.

The workshop that he was to facilitate - which he told police was yoga - has since been cancelled.

The 51-year-old man first came to the attention of Immigration officials, who were questioning him on Friday when police turned up and took him in.

The Australian guru (pictured left) being questioned by Indonesian authorities in Bali on immigration matters after locals complained about a sex workshop he had planned

Officials say the Aussie guru, described online as a facilitator of tantric sexuality and relationship retreats around the world, was due to run a four-day 'Tantric full body energy orgasm retreat' at Ubud from Saturday.

It is understood he came to the notice of officials after a local politician and activist publicly questioned Immigration for allowing the man to run the class.

Balinese designer and politician Niluh Djelantik described the event as a 'modern-day sex business' on her Instagram account on Thursday, regional news organisation Coconuts reported.

'Where are officials and the people's representatives when Bali's dignity is being rummaged like this?' Niluh wrote on a follow-up Instagram post today.

The guru (pictured) has previously run workshops in Byron Bay

Bali's Law and Human Rights office chief, Jamaruli Manihuruk, said Immigration had been informed the retreat participants were paying $US500 or about $800 per person.

Officials met the Australian man on Friday afternoon and seized his passport.

Foreigners are not allowed to work in Bali without a work visa called a KITAS.

'After we met him we were willing to take him to the Immigration office. However, around two minutes later police officers from Gianyar police station came to pick him up,' Jamaruli told AAP.

'So he has been taken by police officers from Gianyar police for examination.'

Gianyar police confirmed to AAP on Saturday that the Australian man was not arrested or detained and has been returned to his villa.
Farmers protesting the Centre's three farm laws on Saturday blocked the six-lane KundliManesarPalwal (KMP) Expressway at some places in Haryana to mark the completion of 100 days of their agitation at the Delhi borders.

The road blockade began at 11 am and continued till 4 pm.

Farmers holding black flags and wearing black armbands and some women protesters with black 'dupattas' shouted slogans against the BJP-led government for not acceding to their demands.

Protesters in Sonipat and Jhajjar districts and some other places brought their tractor-trolleys and other vehicles and parked them in the middle of the KMP Expressway in some stretches.

The Haryana Police had made arrangements for traffic diversions and deployed adequate personnel.

The call for blocking the expressway was given by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, an umbrella body of protesting farmer unions which is spearheading the agitation against the legislations.

Protesting farmers squatted on the expressway and criticised the Narendra Modi government for not withdrawing the farm legislations, which they called as "black laws".

"Our agitation against the three farm laws will continue unless the Centre withdraws these laws. We will not step back," said a protester in Sonipat.

Farmers held protest at the KMP Expressway near Mandothi village in Jhajjar district. Some people from nearby villages joined them.

"We are holding our protest in a peaceful manner, said a farmer, adding that they were also observing black day on Saturday.

Protesting farmers said the government should withdraw these laws.

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal, while addressing a gathering on the KMP Expressway, asked the Modi government to withdraw these laws.

This agitation will certainly put pressure on the central government, he said.

Farmers claimed that their five-hour protest remained peaceful.

Sonipat Superintendent of Police Jashandeep Singh Randhawa said arrangements were made for traffic diversions.

Heavy vehicles were diverted from Panipat and others from Ganaur to Delhi, said officials.

Traffic was also diverted from Murthal via Sonipat city to Narela and Bawana and from Bahadurgarh to Baghpat, they said.

Officials said traffic resumed at KMP expressway after famers lifted their blockade at 4 pm.

In Palwal district also, farmers staged a 'dharna'.

At some places in Haryana, farmers even put up black flags atop roof of their houses as a mark of their protest against the government for not withdrawing the farm laws.

The 136-km Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway is also known as the Western Peripheral Expressway.

The 53-km Manesar-Palwal section was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in 2016 and 83-km Kundli-Manesar section was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2018.

The KMP Expressway was built to decongest the ever-busy roads of Delhi, especially by reducing the number of trucks entering the capital, thus helping to curb pollution.

It provides high-speed link between northern Haryana and southern districts and gives uninterrupted high-speed link for traffic, especially commercial traffic, from Haryana to neighbouring states.

Thousands of farmers have been protesting since late November at the Delhi borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, demanding a rollback of the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

The protesting farmers have expressed apprehension that these laws would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price (MSP) system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporations.

However, the government has maintained that the new laws will bring better opportunities to farmers and introduce new technologies in agriculture.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A massive hunt for young crocodile is on in South Africa after they escaped from a breeding farm in Western Cape province, BBC reported.

As per the report, an unknown number of Nile crocodiles, widespread in Africa, escaped from a Bonnievale commercial breeding farm into the Bree River on Wednesday, sparking a hunt involving police, landowners and conservation officials.

Science Photo Library

The escaped crocodiles, with a reputation as man-eaters, are 1.2 and 1.5 metres in length, as per Reuters.



Weve captured 26 at this point but I cant say how many are still on the loose, Petro van Rhyn, a spokeswoman for CapeNature conversation agency was quoted telling Reuters on Thursday.

Also read: Drunk Man In Gujarat Tries To 'Chat' With A Crocodile, Video Of His Antics Goes Viral

Representational Image/Clean Malaysia

Bred mainly for leather products, the freshwater crocodiles can grow to an average length of five metres, with adult males weighing more than half a tonne.



Western Cape provincial government spokesman James-Brent Styan has urged people to steer clear of the river.

Representational Image/BBC

They present medium danger to people because they are farmed animals used to regular feeding and do not hunt for food, but they are wild and instinctive animals, he was quoted telling Reuters.



Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the farm owner first noticed some of his animals were missing early on Wednesday.

Also read: Watch: Massive Crocodile Swallows Small Shark In Bone-Chilling Video
KARIMNAGAR: Although just about every political party and independents are campaigning full-throttle in the graduate MLC elections at Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda and Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahbubnagar constituencies, it is the erstwhile Karimnagar district that is bound to play a decisive role in the upcoming elections.

Three candidates belong to the district. Educationist Surabhi Vani Devi is daughter of former prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao who belonged to Vangara, and Telugu Desam (TDP) Telangana chief L. Ramana, a native of Jagtial, are both contesting from the Hyderabad-Ranga Reddy-Mahbubnagar constituency. The founder-president of Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) Prof. Kodandaram, who hails from Manakondur, is contesting from the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda constituency.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, who is determined to register a massive victory in the MLC elections, zeroed in on Vani Devi after conducting a series of surveys.

Ramana who lost the Assembly elections, is testing his luck by contesting the MLC graduate elections, following the precedent set by Congress leader T. Jeevan Reddy. Ramana has a strong following among BCs and is dependent on TD cadre, which still exists in parts of Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Mahbubnagar districts.

Prof. Kodandaram, who earlier worked in Kakatiya University, enjoys a good following in Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda districts. He is explaining to the graduates about the failures of TRS in the state and the BJP at the Centre.

Political analysts said that several educated people from erstwhile Karimnagar district migrated to Hyderabad while some are settled in Warangal. Their votes may also prove vital in deciding the poll outcome.

If people, who migrated to other districts, can influence the voters, then the eventual results may shock the TRS high command. Incidentally, if any one of the three pull-off a win, then it will be celebration time for the people of Karimnagar district, analysts opined.
Rep. Tom Malinowski, who narrowly won re-election last fall in New Jerseys most competitive House race, failed to timely disclose dozens of stock trades despite being required to under federal law.

Malinowski, D-7th Dist., acknowledged the error Friday in an interview with NJ Advance Media and said he filed the necessary disclosures last month with the House Ethics Committee.

He offered no excuses for missing the filing deadline other than to say, Theres no good reason other than putting off difficult paperwork in the crunch of my responsibilities.

I own that, he said. I did it late and that was a mistake. Im not in any way disputing that.

The lawmaker said he would put his holdings in a blind trust, but even before then was not involved in buying and selling securities. Until he saw a statement from his brokers, Malinowski said he did not know what stocks he had bought or sold.

I trust them to make these decisions, Malinowski said. They dont ask me in advance of a trade. For that reason, I dont know why they were making a particular trade at a particular time.

Records provided by his office showed 159 transactions through January 2021.

Republicans contrasted Malinowskis strong public support for new ethics laws with his failure to properly disclose his trades. Earlier this week, the U.S. House passed a massive voting rights, ethics and campaign finance bill championed by the congressman.

While New Jersey was counting on our federal representatives for leadership the most, Tom Malinowski was making secret stock deals, said Republican consultant Harrison Neely, who worked on the 2020 campaign of Malinowskis opponent, state Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., R-Union. His constituents deserve further investigation into his actions.

Nobody knows Jersey politics like NJ.com. Add your email now and dont miss a story.



Congress responded to allegations of insider training by voting in 2012 to require lawmakers to report stock transactions within 30 to 45 days of buying or selling securities, in addition to their annual personal financial disclosure reports.

NJ Advance Media reported in June 2017 that then-Reps. Tom MacArthur, R-3rd Dist., and Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist., bought or sold health care stocks while Congress was debating the future of the Affordable Care Act.

Malinowskis failure to timely report his transactions, first reported by Business Insider, meant his constituents were kept in the dark, New Jersey State Republican Chair Michael Lavery said.

It is extremely concerning that, In the middle of the pandemic and accompanying market turmoil, Congressman Malinowskis brokerage account was launching a flurry of transactions that we are only now learning about, Lavery said. This is especially true because the congressman faced the voters last fall, and failed to provide them legally required information that would inform their vote.

Malinowski said he learned another lesson from the incident.

This does reinforce my view that members of Congress should not be invested in the stock market or, if they are, they should not have any visibility into the stocks they own, he said. Inevitably, even if the decisions are made by an investment firm with no input from the member of Congress, there can be this perception of influence because what we do in Congress affects every aspect of the economy.

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

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.


March 06 : Kangana Ranaut has wrapped up the Mumbai schedule of her forthcoming film Tejas. She will soon head for Delhi and Rajasthan for the next schedules. The Panga actress took to her Twitter handle to announce the same and shared a bunch of BTS pictures from the sets.

Successfully completed #Tejas mumbai schedule now heading to Delhi and Rajasthan soon for upcoming schedules... Thank you everyone for your love and blessings, the actress wrote on her Twitter handle.

Successfully completed #Tejas mumbai schedule now heading to Delhi and Rajasthan soon for upcoming schedules...

Thank you everyone for your love and blessings  pic.twitter.com/uZcRL3lFKV  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 5, 2021

Earlier, Kangana had shared her picture in her characters uniform, that of an Indian Air Force officer as she plays a fighter pilot in the film. Kangana has also shared glimpses of her intense training to essay the role of a fighter pilot. She had posted a video from the sets, and said it was army training. The actress can be seen climbing a net, a common exercise in army training, while she wrote in the caption, Jealous crabs will always try and pull us down but we must rise higher and higher!! (after the shoot army training for #Tejas).

Kangana kickstarted shooting for Tejas on Wednesday. Written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara, the film is produced by the makers of Vicky Kaushal's Uri: The Surgical StrikeRonnie Screwvala. Sarvesh, who had earlier made a short film in 2012, will debut as a feature film director with Tejas.

Kangana had also tweeted earlier, Kangana tweeted, "Writer Director of #Tejas struggled for more than a decade to get his first break, yesterday on the first day of the shoot his mother broke down, reminded me of my family who hung in there hoping to find a silver lining, not easy for outsiders, Kudos to our chief @sarveshmewara1."

Writer Director of #Tejas struggled for more than a decade to get his first break, yesterday on the first day of the shoot his mother broke down, reminded me of my family who hung in there hoping to find a silver lining, not easy for outsiders, Kudos to our chief @sarveshmewara1 pic.twitter.com/sicvNAaOJ9  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 3, 2021

Earlier, Kangana had said that she had always wanted to play a soldier and have been fascinated with the Armed Forces since childhood. So, Im very happy to be doing this film.

When Samuel Yusuf bought a housing plan from Brains and Hammers, one of the leading estate development companies in the nations capital, Abuja, he thought he would move into his dream home within a year or two. He was wrong.

Four years after paying nearly N40 million for two buildings, Mr Yusuf has still not received the keys to either of them.

He paid separately in 2017 for a fourbedroom terrace building and another building.

I have had a very bad experience no doubt, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

After he was introduced to Brains and Hammers by a colleague, the company told him the buildings would be ready in 12 months, or at most 24 months, after full payment had been made.

More than three years later, there was no communication from the company.

In August last year, I was contacted to come over for inspection of my buildings, after giving me the impression that they were ready. I hopped into the next available flight from Lagos to Abuja. But on arrival, they denied that there was any such call, and said there was nothing to show. I felt so disappointed, he said.

Mr Yusuf said he was told one of the buildings would be ready by December this year. He asked when the second one would be ready but got no clear answer.

I have contacted my lawyer for legal advice. I will wait to see if they are able to meet up with the December date they promised to complete one of the buildings. But they should refund the money I paid for the other, he said.

The man who introduced Mr Yusuf to the scheme also suffered a similar experience with Brains and Hammers.

After paying  15 million with only  3.6 million outstanding to complete his payment package, he is also waiting for information on his dream house.

In January 2017, I was introduced to the Brains and Hammers project in Abuja by an old schoolmate, who at the time was a staff of B&H, he said. I decided in February 2017 to purchase a 4-bedroom semi-detached duplex.

But I lost interest in the said property when I realised the time frame promised by the Brains and Hammers staff to deliver was a complete sham, he said.

Another subscriber, who identified herself simply as Lady on the move, said she paid N5.3 million to B&H in 2016 for a one-bedroom apartment.

But the company is yet to deliver that property too.

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Even though the houses cost was N5,225,000 at that time, I paid an excess of N50,000 just to motivate them in getting my work done quickly, the subscriber said.

She said despite making an outright payment, B&H never communicated with her on the progress of work on her apartment, until she visited its office this year only to discover that work had not commenced on it.

If I had died within these periods, none of my family members would be able to trace that I have an asset somewhere, she said.

Brains and Hammers speaks

When PREMIUM TIMES approached the company, its corporate communication manager, Onome Okwah, said the inability of the company to deliver the housing units of some of their subscribers was due to some economic factors, including the devaluation of naira and high currency rate volatility, which he said have affected the companys business adversely.

But we are still trying to meet up, because some of those buildings today are worth over N30 million. But were still trying to deliver at the same costs we got from them and the backlog of about 202 units is currently under construction, Mr Okwah said to this reporter.

He said construction activities were also affected by the COVID-19 lockdown of last year, as a result of which workers could not work at the construction sites of the company for over six months.

But work is ongoing as we speak. All things being equal, most of the units will be delivered by the end of the year, he said.

Part of the reasons for the delay in delivering is because we were constructing a good road network in order to ensure seamless movement of materials to the construction sites, being that the whole place was bushy.

Mr Okwah admitted there was no communication between the firm and the subscribers within this period, but promised that this would change.

When the reporter visited on March 3, he observed workers busy at the construction sites.

Over 1,500 units of houses have been completed and over 600 others under construction at the sites.

Findings by this newspaper revealed that there are many Nigerians who have also keyed into one or more housing plans with different estate developers who are yet to get what they paid for, and who do not know where to lodge their complaints.

Those who spoke with this reporter said they had to sacrifice all their hard-earned money and as well took loans from their respective places of work to offset the house plan payments, of which deductions are being made from their salaries over these periods.

As a result, they still receive incomplete salaries, while continuing to pay house rents.

The Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) says it regulates the real estate sector in Abuja.

We do serve as mediators between developers and clients when things dont seem to go well, and by the grace of God we have been able to resolve many of such issues whenever they arise, Emmanuel Oluwadamisi, the director of Mass Housing and Public Private Partnership, told PREMIUM TIMES.

He said people having issues with developers can take their complaints to his agency.

They can always reach out to us, he said.

More lamentations

Brains and Hammers is not the only developer unable to meet its customers expectation in a timely manner.

Earthpoint and Modern Shelter Estate Limited is another developer having a running battle with its clients.

Claudia Taylor, a civil servant, who between February March in 2018 paid  21 million in six tranches to the firm for a four-bedroom terrace building at Life Camp (Dape district) in Abuja, is yet to get what she paid for.

In what she described as breach of trust and contract in a letter to the firm dated January 17, she noted that she and her family have been waiting for their home and estate to be completed for three years now, and that the delay in completion has come with an ongoing psychological and financial implications.

She said the estimated financial cost of the delay as of November 2020 was over 7.8 million, which she requested to be compensated for.

To honour our commitment, we request that Earthpoint and Modern Shelter Estate Ltd pay our rental expenses from the date of initial completion promised to date, part of the letter reads.

Mrs Taylor said she was initially offered a unit in December 2019, but she rejected it on the basis that the property was not what she was promised, as it had major design and construction flaws.

We were promised that it would be completed and ready for use before the end of 2020, the home still has not gone beyond the walls of the ground floor while the estate as a whole still has a long way to go before construction would be over and compound fully secured, part of the letter reads.

It is now 35 months since we paid for our home, all kinds of reasons and excuses have been given as to why our house (estate) is not ready, a more ridiculous one being that we didnt accept the flawed property we were given. This is a morally irresponsible response to offer a client. We subscribed to not just a completed home but a habitable secure estate.

In a response to her letter dated January 19, the developers said, Due to your desire to own a corner-piece, you requested an exchange with a unit that was at the foundation level and we accepted to relocate you to the desired unit. We did our best meeting up with the timeline set out in our programme of work for the project but the COVID-19 pandemic and the delay from Development Control for granting approval to proceed to the next stage of construction affected the pace of work at the first and second quarter of the year 2020.This affected the delivery of the units as planned.

However, the company said it would not pay N7.8 million as the cost of her rent as claimed, due to the fact that the pandemic constitutes part of the force majeure which has affected them.

We share your concerns and sympathise with you for this delay, and we are willing to make a refund with an additional 100 % upon the resale of your unit, in the alternative we urge you to be patient with us as we look forward to the conclusion of this project as soon as possible, the developers said in the letter.

Major concerns

Mrs Taylor expressed worry that a trillion Naira sector is left unregulated, while buyers are left entirely at the mercy of estate developers.

She lamented that hard working people entrust their hard-earned money to developers who consistently breach their agreements with zero consequences and where they decide equally unfair compensations.

In one of her reasons for rejecting the initial unit allotted to her, she noted that the developers changed the estate plans to squeeze in more properties, scraped family friendly play areas to insert a school and took away from the serene atmosphere buyers paid for without communication to buyers.

Even more sinister is that we sent a letter to them in 2018 and they responded in 2019 and backdated it to 2018, she said.

Who holds estate developers accountable for their malpractices? Is it the EFCC or the ICPC? Who should buyers go to? NDIC protects bank depositors, but who protects real estate buyers? Perhaps the government should create a body for the investigation of complaints and petitions against estate developers, she queried.

Abdulmalik Mahdi, managing director, Earthpoint and Modern Shelter Estate Ltd, did not deny that his company had defaulted. He said the firm had taken several measures to appease their client in this regard.

We cherish each of our clients and the trust reposed in us, he said.

In the bid to quell her grievances as one of their most cherished customers who keyed into their vision, he said they had a mutual agreement for a new unit to be delivered in December 2020.

Although he said they were surprised by the allegation since they had communicated their apologies to the client, he said the reason for failing to deliver in December as promised was due to macro-economic factors beyond their control.

Mr Mahdi in his response also noted that they have given a written undertaking to complete another unit allotted to the client within 90 days.

Meanwhile, he said they also had an undertaking to pay the customer some compensation in lieu of the four months delay, being prorated rent that a similar property in the estate attracts at the moment.

He affirmed that the customer had earlier been given a unit in December 2019 along with some of her colleagues whom she had convinced to subscribe together with her.

This delivery, he said, was within the agreed period as stated in the offer letter initially, but that she rejected the unit based on the aforementioned reasons by her.

However, it was gathered that the building Mrs Taylor paid N21 million for in 2018 has appreciated by over 100 per cent. It now goes for N45 million.

Both Mrs Taylor and Mr Mahdi confirmed this in their conversations with PREMIUM TIMES. Mr Mahdi feels she could opt for this if she is not comfortable with the housing unit being built, but said she demanded N50 million which they could not afford.

On her part, Mrs Taylor alleged that in one of her meetings with Mr Mahdi, he had verbally agreed to offer N50 million for her to relinquish the building. Because of this, she had immediately subscribed for another housing unit elsewhere that has been fully completed at a cost of N55 million, which they made deposit for, with the intention to balance up on receiving the money from Modern Shelter.

This claim was debunked by the developer in a letter dated January 28.

Mr Abdulmalik reported that he met with you on site but did not at any point, offer to pay the sum of N 50, 000,000 as stated in your response, the letter reads.

All hands are on deck, we are working round the clock to ensure the delivery of your unit in 90 days and also accrued rental sum as stated in our letter dated 25th January 2021, the letter concluded.

On February 25, when this reporter visited the estate at Life camp, it was observed that work was ongoing as indicated by Mr Mahdi. Over 100 workers were seen on site working.

Key observations

It was observed that the phase 1 of the estate has been completed with owners already packed residing in their respective units.

This reporter also noticed that the developers are truly concerned about the deadline of 90 days agreed upon to complete Mrs Taylors unit, which would be due on April 25.

Also, some concerns regarding green areas omission from the initial plan appeared to be taken care of by some engineers seen on the site, who were mapping out plans to relocate the water reservoir stand, seen mounted on entrance into the estate.

The stand would be relocated, the whole of that place would be used as green areas. That is also one of the Client concerns, we have to fix it, Mr Mahdi said.

N/B: The names of the subscribers were changed on their requests.
Antivirus software pioneer John McAfee and an associate have been charged in federal court with using his large social media following to illegally pump and dump cryptocurrencies, and secretly being paid to promote initial coin offerings (ICOs) he touted to his fans.

Mr McAfee, no longer associated with his namesake software company, and Jimmy Gale Watson, Jr., his bodyguard, allegedly used Mr McAfees high-profile following as a crypto expert to rake in $13 million, a windfall the rogue businessmen then allegedly sought to launder and conceal from authorities.

McAfee and Watson exploited a widely used social media platform and enthusiasm among investors in the emerging cryptocurrency market to make millions through lies and deception, Manhattan US Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement. The defendants allegedly used McAfees Twitter account to publish messages to hundreds of thousands of his Twitter followers touting various cryptocurrencies through false and misleading statements to conceal their true, self-interested motives.

Authorities accuse Mr McAfee, between 2017 and 2018, of hyping up cryptocurrencies likeVerge, Reddcoin, Dogecoin in which he held a stake, then selling them for a profit when their price spiked following his endorsement. They also alleged he secretly took a cut of ICOs he promoted to followers. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed related civil charges.

A lawyer for Mr McAfee could not be identified, and Mr McAfee and his wife did not respond to direct messages on social media from The Independent. Mr McAfee is currently being detained in Spain on tax evasion charges.

Jimmy Watson is a decorated veteran and former Navy Seal. He fought for other peoples rights and liberties, and he is entitled to and looks forward to his day in court to exercise some of those very rights, a lawyer for Mr Watson, who was arrested on Thursday in Texas, told Reuters.

The eccentric businessman made headlines previously when he fled Belize in 2012 ahead of a murder investigation in which he was sought for questioning in the death of his neighbor, though ultimately police said he was not a suspect.

In 2016, Mr McAfee ran for US president as the Libertarian candidate. He hasnt been associated with his antivirus software company since the 1990s.

Mr McAfee fled the US in January 2019 with his wife and bodyguards, after prosecutors accused him of hiding property, a yacht and other assets from the IRS.
Hong Kong File photo

Chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam has called the attention to the incorporation of the citys vision into the national five-year plan running through 2025, an enabler of infinite opportunities. This happens at a time when theres immense media spotlight on an overhaul of the citys electoral system amid the ongoing two sessions.

In a late-evening post on her Facebook account on Friday, Carrie Lam wrote that as the last item on the agenda for the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), Wang Chen, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, illustrated an improvement of the HKSARs electoral system.

In a statement on the same day on the national legislatures deliberation on improving the electoral system to implement "patriots governing Hong Kong, Lam said she welcomes the central government to take the lead in improving the electoral system and vows to fully cooperate.

Lam, however, noted that the Hong Kong-related part in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) generated little mention in the Hong Kong media.

The five-year plan mentioned the HKSAR in its chapters about holding onto the one country, two systems principle, pushing for national unification, and maintaining the long-term prosperity and stability of the HKSAR and Macao SAR.

NPC deputies, grouped into delegations, held a plenum on Saturday to deliberate the draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the long-range objectives through the year 2035. Members of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also hosted panel discussions about the draft outline on Saturday.

On one hand the central government focuses on the electoral system reform to ensure only patriots govern Hong Kong, staying true to the aspirations of one country, two systems, on the other hand it develops a framework for Hong Kongs development in the 14th five-year plan, Tian Feilong, an associate professor at Beihang University's law faculty and a member of the Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macao Studies, told the Global Times on Saturday.

The current HKSAR government attaches substantial importance to incorporating the city into the countrys overall development plan. The HKSAR government also researched and contributed suggestions for the Hong Kong-related part in the five-year plan more than one year ago, according to Lam. She also said she was glad to see the central government adopt the majority of the suggestions the HKSAR government had proposed.

Compared with the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20), the new five-year plan adds the support for Hong Kongs plans to build an international innovation and sci-tech center, establish itself as a global aviation hub, and develop a Chinese-foreign cultural and art exchange center.

Officials from the Chinese mainland once told me that to write visions of government departments or provinces and cities into the national five-year plan would be one word worth of one thousand pieces of gold, Lam said in her post. The 500-plus-word support for Hong Kong in the new five-year plan will bring infinite opportunities for the city.

She revealed that the HKSAR government will elaborate on its work after the national legislature passes the draft for the 14th FYP.

Wide-ranging motions and proposals to make Hong Kong an increasingly integral part of the Chinese economy are one of the highlights of this years two sessions.

Witman Hung Wai-man, a Hong Kong-based deputy to the NPC, suggested cooperative pilot tests of the digital currency in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong Province and the HKSAR, which are part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

More research on cross-border businesses involving digital currency could be done and Hong Kong-invested companies on the Chinese mainland could be the first to benefit from such opportunities, the NPC deputy told the Global Times.

Additionally, lawmakers and political advisors are proposing the creation of an EU-style "passport" mechanism for financial services in the GBA.

Bai Hexiang, an NPC deputy and head of the People's Bank of China's Guangdong branch, in his proposal urged the exploration of what he called a "single pass" mechanism and other reforms to bolster financial connectivity in the GBA.

Peter Wong Tung Shun, a CPPCC National Committee member and HSBCs Asia-Pacific chief executive, also proposed that a "single pass mechanism" should be created for licenses and qualifications for financial institutions in the GBA region.

By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2021/03/05

"Madame Aema" (aka "The Ae-ma Woman") is a rather significant title for the Korean movie industry. Driven and inspired by the success of the "Emmanuelle" movie, it was the first erotic film to be made after South Korea's government began relaxing its control of the industry, and the most sexually explicit film up to be shot in the country at the time. Its commercial success, which deemed it one of the only two films to sell more than 100,000 tickets in Seoul in1982, resulted in at least 10 sequels, making it the longest-running series in the history of Korean cinema, and a trend of similarly erotic productions.

The film starts with Ae-ma riding a train, which is soon revealed to be heading towards the prison her husband, Sin Hyeon-woo, is incarcerated in, for involuntary homicide. A series of flashbacks shed more light to the prior events and reveal an abusive marriage, with Hyeon-woo having frequent affairs with other women, and the fateful night Ae-ma decided to confront him, which ended up in violence, both in the house and when he decided to drown his sorrows in a bar.

Ae-ma is soon revealed as a woman everyone lusts, including her girlfriends, while her whole social circle insists she should divorce her husband, although she is unable to do so. At the same time, her parents-in-law have taken away her kid, in a rather impactful sequence that took place shortly after her husband was convicted, while she was experiencing intense depression.

Nevertheless, Ae-ma soon indulges in a series of erotic relationships. While on a train, she meets Kim Dong-yeob, a student of art. A bit later on, she runs into an old boyfriend, Kim Moon-oh, who lives in the same apartment complex. At the same time, she still cannot find the strength to divorce her husband. Eventually, she makes a decision, but at this point, Hyeon-woo is released from prison.

In terms of narrative, the film does not have much to tell. After the introductory part, the story simply follows Ae-ma in her various sexual endeavors, which feature men, women, her on her own, and occasionally horses, in a style very close to the legendary scene from "Bolero". Perhaps the only comments worth mentioning are those revolving around the place of woman in Korean society, which in this case, is portrayed as a slave to the males' whims, with the whole concept with Ae-ma's child highlighting the fact quite eloquently. A few comments on desire and cheating while married also appear, but are lost in the permeating eroticism.

In cinematic terms, however, Jeong In-yeob's work is quite interesting, particularly in combination with the excellent job of DP Lee Suk-kee. In that fashion, both men benefit the most by Ahn So-young's evident beauty and sensualism, with the camera highlighting her in every pose possible, all of which emerge as quite captivating, in a style quite close to the one implemented in "Emmanuelle". Furthermore, the various sex scenes are shot with different aesthetics each time, occasionally being more artistic and occasionally softly pornographic, but always tasteful and with an ever-changing use of angles and colors that borders on the experimental.

Furthermore, the exterior shots, which include beaches, forests, fields (and horses) are also very well shot, occasionally inducing the film with an almost idyllic sense. Lastly, the crime scene is also impressive, with Jeong using slow motion, intense coloring and intense contrast successively, in another memorable sequence. Lastly, the red color that seems to dominate the movie is well implemented, in resonance with the film's aesthetics. Kim Hee-su's editing is also accomplished, with the connection of the scenes not allowing the sensualism to waver, although the flashbacks could have been presented and placed a bit better.

Evidently, Jeong In-yeob's purpose was to use the style of Emmanuelle and the permeating sexuality of Ahn So-young to titillate, but his cinematic approach elevates the film much higher than a simple erotic movie, additionally justifying its success and the fact that it still looks quite good, almost 40 years after its initial screening.

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis

___________





"Madame Aema" is directed by Jeong In-yeob, and features Ahn So-young, Im Dong-jin, Hah Myung-joong, Ha Jae-young, Kim Jin-kyu, Jun Sook. Release date in Korea: 1982/02/06.
All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover

Battle for Nandigram: BJP fields Suvendu Adhikari against ex-boss Mamata Banerjee

India

oi-Deepika S

Kolkata, Mar 06: Suvendu Adhikari, once close aide to Mamata Banerjee, is all set to fight Bengal elections against her from Nandigram on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket.

The much awaited contest became official after the BJP released its first list of 57 candidates for the West Bengal assembly poll.

Banerjee and Adhikari were the prominent figures of the anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram in 2007 that ultimately catapulted the firebrand Trinamool Congress supremo to power in West Bengal in 2011 ending 34-year-old rule of the Left Front.

Former Indian cricketer Ashoke Dinda and ex-IPS officer Bharati Ghosh are among the BJP candidates, party general secretary Arun Singh said at a press conference, adding that it has conceded one seat to ally AJSU.

With this the party has announced candidates for all but three of the 60 seats which will go to polls in the first two of the eight-phase elections to be held between March 27 and April 29.

Adhikari had won from the seat in 2016 and resigned recently before crossing over to the saffron party.

Banerjee announced her candidature from the seat while leaving her traditional constituency of Bhowanipore in Kolkata.

The battle for Nandigram

The feisty TMC boss was its guiding spirit, while Adhikari was her general on the ground, oganising mass protests against the SEZ where Indonesia''s Salim group intended to set up a chemical hub.

Adhikari''s father Sisir, currently a TMC Lok Sabha member, was the convenor of the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), which comprised people from disparate political ideologies. The TMC, Congress, RSS and even disgruntled members of the Left parties--all waged a united struggle against the government.

West Bengal elections 2021: TMC, Left candidates begin campaigning for upcoming assembly election

With the Left and the Congress pushed to the margins of West Bengal politics, a bitter and bloody political battle looms over Nandigram between Banerjee''s TMC and the BJP.

Political rallies of rival parties are being attacked and people injured.

Nandigram assembly constituency has around 70 per cent Hindus, while Muslims account for the rest, and names give away the political preferences of the residents.

Local leaders of both the TMC and the BJP maintain the shoots of a communal divide became visible after the 2013 panchayat polls when elected Muslim members were given prominent roles in Zilla Parishads and the ruling party''s district unit. The rift widened further after the 2018 panchayat elections.

The disaffection prompted the Hindu right to assert itself with a massive Ram Navami rally in Nandigram in 2016. Locals said many TMC workers and leaders actively participated in it.

The results were quick for all to see. The BJP, with hardly any support base in the area dominated by the TMC, bagged over 1.96 lakh votes in the 2016 byelections to Tamluk Lok Sabha seat and finished third. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the BJP further consolidated it position, with its candidate cinching over 5.34 lakh votes.

Dibyendu Adhikari, a younger brother of Suvendu Adhikari won both the elections. Dibyendu and the Adhikari family patriarch Sisir are both TMC Lok Sabha members but had given Mamata Banerjee''s Monday rally a miss.

The BJP had won 18 Lok Sabha seats in last Parliamentary poll out of total 42 constituencies in Bengal, only four less than TMC's tally of 22.

Voting in Nandigram will be held on April 1 during Phase-2 of the West Bengal elections.
Mukesh Ambani bomb scare: Opinion on Mansukh Hiren's death reserved in autopsy report

India

pti-Deepika S

Mumbai, Mar 06: Opinion on likely cause of the death of Mansukh Hiren, who is said to be the owner of the vehicle with explosives found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani''s residence in Mumbai last month, is reserved in his postmortem report on Saturday, a Thane police official said.

Viscera of Hiren has been sent to a forensic laboratory in Mumbai for analysis, he said.

The body of Hiren (46) was fished out of a creek along the Mumbra-Reti Bunder road in neighbouring Thane on Friday morning, police had said.

The postmortem report received on Saturday mentioned that there are no visible external injuries on Hiren''s body, the official said.

"Hiren''s viscera has been preserved and sent for chemical analysis to the forensic sciences laboratory at Kalina in Mumbai," he said.

The official said drowning is suspected to be the cause of Hiren''s death.

On Saturday, senior police officials visited Hiren''s residence in Naupada in Thane with postmortem report and convinced his family members to take possession of his body which they had refused to accept earlier for want of autopsy report, he said.

"The postmortem report has been handed over to Hiren''s family members and further process is on," said DCP Avinash Ambure.

Meanwhile, a team of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) probing the recovery of the vehicle outside Ambani''s residence and Hiren''s death visited the spot at Mumbra creek wherehis body was found, the official said.

Earlier in the day, Mumbai unit BJP president Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MLC Niranjan Davkhare, local MLA Sanjay Kelkar visited the residence of the deceased.

A large contingent of media personnel and relatives of Hiren was also present,

A Thane Police official had said that Hiren had left his shop around 8.30 pm on Thursday in an autorickshaw and since then his phone was switched off.

"His family members had lodged a missing person''s report on Friday morning after he did not return home and a case was registered at Naupada police station. By that time, a body was found at Mumbra and it was later confirmed that the deceased was Mansukh," he had said, adding that Hiren''s mobile phone is yet to be recovered.

Hiren''s Scorpio with 20 gelatin sticks inside was found near ''Antilia'', Ambani''s multi-storey residence in South Mumbai, on February 25. Police had said it had been stolen from Airoli-Mulund Bridge on February 18.

Crime Branch of Mumbai police had recorded Hiren''s statement in the case. Hiren, who was in vehicle spare parts business, had said he had lodged a police complaint after the SUV was stolen.

The mysterious death of Hiren triggered a war of words with the opposition BJP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government headed by the Shiv Sena.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis of BJP on Friday demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the incident.

On Saturday, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrakant Patil alleged that suspicious death of Hiren is prima facie a murder.
A House Democrat who unsuccessfully prosecuted Donald J. Trump at his impeachment trial sued him in federal court on Friday for acts of terrorism and incitement to riot, trying to use the justice system to punish the former president for his role in the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol.

The suit brought by Representative Eric Swalwell, Democrat of California, accuses Mr. Trump and key allies of whipping up the deadly attack and conspiring with rioters to try to prevent Congress from formalizing President Bidens election victory.

Echoing the case laid out in the Senate, which acquitted him, it meticulously traces a monthslong campaign by Mr. Trump to undermine confidence in the 2020 election and then overturn its results, using his own words and those of his followers who ransacked the building to narrate it.

The horrific events of Jan. 6 were a direct and foreseeable consequence of the defendants unlawful actions, Mr. Swalwell asserts in the civil suit, filed in Federal District Court in Washington. As such, the defendants are responsible for the injury and destruction that followed.
A man was shot by a family member Saturday in a west Harris County residence, officials said.

Deputies responded to the shooting in the 20400 block of Chapel Glen Court near S. Fry Road in the Cinco Ranch area, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez reported shortly after 11:30 a.m.

The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive, Gonzalez said.

The suspected shooter remains inside the residence, which deputies have surrounded. Additional shots may have been fired, Gonzalez said.

No further information was immediately available.
St. Tammany Parish Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia sought to end concerns about whether criminal background checks are being conducted for all employees, telling the School Board Thursday night that he had found only 99 employees out of the more than 7,000 people the district employs who had not been screened.

That included 44 employees who were hired before the 1987 law requiring checks went into effect and 55 workers who had not been not tested after the law was expanded in 2008 to include all school employees and not just those in contact with children. Those workers were in satellite offices, he said.

All of them have now been finger-printed and checked, Jabbia said, stressing that 100% of school employees have now had criminal background checks.

But School Board member Shelta Richardson, who has been pushing the administration for information on background checks, pushed back on Jabbia's claims. "What you said tonight is wrong...the reality is we don't know if they are being done," she said.

Richardson said she sought confirmation of a single criminal background check in September after a constituent had a public records request denied on the grounds that the information being sought was a personnel record.

Since then, Richardson has asked for the hiring dates and background checks for all school employees, but said that the administration has not provided that information to her and that Jabbia said he felt board approval was necessary because of the expense of the labor-intensive process.

Richardson called that a "ridiculous hoop," and pleaded with her fellow members to require Jabbia to generate a report with names and dates, stressing that she was not asking for personnel records. Richardson also chided the board for its silence on the issue, saying that she was acting out of concern for student safety and the law.

Her motion failed by a 9-6 vote, with board members Gia Baker, James Braud, Dennis Cousin, Ricky Hursey and Tammy Lamy joining her on the losing side.

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The question of what information could be disclosed was at the center of the debate. Jabbia said the information is in confidential personnel files. And board attorney Paul Harrison said that each employee would have to be notified that their files were being checked.

The information could be made available to School Board members, Harrison said, but could not be disclosed to the public.

The question of background checks has been raised at several recent School Board meetings by Justin Bleker, who was raped as a child by a janitor at a Slidell elementary school, and Bleker's mother, Rebecca Hickman. The pair spoke again on Thursday, along with others who said that they want verification and fear that there might be gaps in background checks.

Bleker's family sued the school district and after a five-day trial in Covington in 2018 he and his family were awarded $460,000 in damages and medical expenses. The school district appealed, but lost at the appelate court level and has again appealed, this time to the state Supreme Court.

"This is not about distrust but due diligence and transparency," Lamy said, siding with those seeking verification of the background checks.

But Board member Matthew Greene said he would vote against the motion. "Frankly, I trust Superintendent Jabbia," he said. "I don't want to give notice to 7,600 plus employees that we don't have faith in them after we've already background-checked and fingerprinted them."

Board member Brandon Harrell cited the cost and time that would be needed to validate what Jabbia had said. But he pointed out that School Board members -- with the exception of those who had taught or worked in the system -- had not been finger-printed, and he volunteered to do so.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks on foreign policy at the State Department, Wednesday, March 3, 2021 in Washington. AP-Yonhap





By Do Je-hae







Korea and the U.S. are coordinating a visit to Seoul by U.S. diplomatic and defense policy chiefs, according to Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday.







Although Seoul has not officially announced a date yet, latest reports say that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are expected in Korea March 17 and 18, following their visit to Japan. If the trip to Seoul happens, it will be the first time for the top U.S. policymakers in diplomacy and defense to visit Korea since President Joe Biden's inauguration in January.







The consecutive visits to Seoul and Tokyo only two months following the launch of the new U.S. administration are seen as showing the level of importance that Washington places on the two allies in its diplomatic strategy.







In an Interim National Security Strategy Guidance released by President Biden this week, Korea is referred to as one of the U.S.' "greatest strategic asset[s]." "Our democratic alliances enable us to present a common front, produce a unified vision, and pool our strength to promote high standards, establish effective international rules, and hold countries like China to account," the White House said. "That is why we will reaffirm, invest in, and modernize the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and our alliances with Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea  which, along with our other global alliances and partnerships, are America's greatest strategic asset. We will work with allies to share responsibilities equitably, while encouraging them to invest in their own comparative advantages against shared current and future threats."







Since Blinken and Austin will be arriving in Korea following a tour of Japan, there is much interest in discussions about strengthening trilateral cooperation, which Washington has underlined as a key component of its Asia-Pacific strategy. But the rising tension between Korea and Japan regarding historical conflicts, including the wartime forced labor issue and compensation for sex slaves during Japanese colonial rule, is dealing a blow to the Moon administration's efforts to reach out to Japan. The foreign ministers of Korea and Japan have yet to speak since Chung Eui-yong took up that office here last month.







Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks during a media briefing at the Pentagon, in Washington, Feb. 19, 2021. AP-Yonhap





Sung Kim, acting assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, has underlined the importance of trilateral cooperation. "The Biden-Harris administration is committed to strengthening America's relationship, not only with our allies, but also the relationships among them," Kim said during a recent webinar organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "None are more important than Japan and the Republic of Korea," he added, referring to South Korea by its official name.







Also, Seoul faces the complex challenge of narrowing differences on North Korea. President Moon wants to increase cooperation with North Korea and act as a bridge between the U.S. and North Korea. However, the Biden administration is still reviewing the policy of the previous administration on the North, and has not been forthcoming about engaging with Pyongyang yet.







"Moon needs to get to the substance of Biden's North Korea strategy. What he may find is that Biden may not even have one beyond his formulation in the Obama years  denuclearization first, talks and sanctions relief later," said Harry J. Kazianis, senior director of Korean Studies at the Center for the National Interest. "If that is the case, as Biden has very little bandwidth for anything else, Moon might be quite disappointed. But he should also warn Biden that North Korea is likely to try and start a crisis heading into the summer if Washington does not want to engage  as Kim has done countless times before."



Congressional Democrats want far more than Republicans are willing to accept. Anticipating the Republican recalcitrance to come, Democrats are increasingly coalescing around the idea of weakening or destroying the filibuster to deny Republicans their best weapon for thwarting the Democratic agenda. Democrats believe their control of the House, Senate and White House entitles them to push for all they can get, not settle for less out of a sense of obligation to an outdated concept of bipartisanship that does not reflect the reality of todays polarized politics.
Steven Bajek brought his parents groceries on Tuesdays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ronald and Aracy Bajek, married for 54 years, had reservations about going out in public, running errands or even seeing family.

My parents were very vigilant about staying inside the house, Steven Bajek said.

Stevens sister, Louise Lindinger, saw her parents in September when visiting Connecticut. Lindingers son had spaced out pumpkins on his property for kids to come by and pick out.

That was the first time, I think, my parents had been out since COVID, Lindinger, who now lives in Alabama, said. They both seemed very well at that point. That was physically the last time I spoke to them.

It was a month later, on Halloween, that Ronald Bajek fell and had to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. The 76-year-old suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a lung disease that can cause breathing problems and affect balance.

Steven drove his father home after recovery, but afterward tested positive for COVID-19, suffering from flu-like symptoms. He stayed home and away from his parents.

Contributed Photo /

Once Steven was no longer contagious, he visited his parents and found them in a horrible state. His father was fragile and had trouble breathing, so he took Ronald Bajek to Hartford Hospital, where he too tested positive for the virus. His son is convinced the father got it from the first trip to the hospital.

The next day, Steven Bajek contacted his moms doctor, who ordered her to go to the hospital. She said she felt fine, so he had to pressure her to go.

Even at the time, I wasnt that scared, Steven Bajek said. I was thinking, theyll take care of her, fix her.

The Bajeks, admitted to the hospital a day apart, would soon die  Ronald Bajek on Nov. 20 and his wife, Aracy on Dec. 4.

The couple is among more than 500,000 Americans and over 7,650 Connecticut residents to die due to COVID over the past year. Now, as vaccine distribution continues to those around the state with more than 1 million having received at least their first shot according to Gov. Ned Lamont, Steven Bajek insists his parents would have signed up to receive the doses.

Contributed Photo /

He also blames those who refused to wear masks and questions the handling of the pandemic by former President Donald Trump.

Maybe it wouldnt have spread and they wouldnt have gotten it, Steven Bajek said.

The Bajeks two children, three grandchildren and three great grandchildren are reeling from losing both of them at once.

You dont expect to lose to this monster so quick, Lindinger said.

You look up to a couple like that

The couple lived in Enfield for decades, but met in Aracy Bajeks home country of Brazil. They met in Sao Paulo when Ronald Bajek was stationed there in the Air Force in the 1960s.

He comes from a line of people that served, Lindinger said. I think that was just his way of getting out and seeing the world and following in the footsteps of his father and his brothers, uncles.

Their children said they do not know the details of how their parents met and fell in love. But after they married, they lived in an apartment and then assisted housing, saving up to buy a house in Enfield, where Ronald Bajek grew up, their son said.

Aracy Bajek did not speak English when she came to Connecticut. She studied at night school, eventually becoming a nurses aid at a senior facility and later private care. She worked third shift and slept during the day, her daughter said.

She had a big heart, a big heart, always wanted to help other people out, said Lindinger, who lived five houses from her parents with her three three sons, who grew up running to their grandparents house and playing in their backyard with friends. Her sons are 32, 31 and 27.

Contributed Photo

Ronald Bajek retired from the Air Force after getting married and worked at Hamilton Standard and then Pratt and Whitney as a photographer, shooting art from helicopters for promotional leaflets and videos, his son said.

The parents adjusted their schedules for their daughters gymnastics and their sons guitar lessons.

All their spare time was concentrated on us, Lindinger said.

They were like parents to other children in the neighborhood, like Tara Sadoski, Lindingers friend, who spent part of her Christmases with them.

I never called them Mr. and Mrs. Bajek, she said. They were mom and pop to me.

She described the couple as inseparable.

You look up to a couple like that, Sadoski said.

Contributed Photo

Lindinger described her parents as quiet. Her mom enjoyed crafts, crocheting and knitting, while her dad played the drums with his friends. He had been in a polka band as teenager.

He was a gun instructor and taught people how to be certified, his son said. She enjoyed gambling at the casino.

They definitely had a bond, a very strong bond, said their daughter, Louise Lindinger. They couldnt do anything without each other, grocery shopping together, grabbing gas together.

They both needed each other

When the couple was admitted to the hospital, they were placed on the same floor but couldnt see each other. Ronald Bajek was put on 100 percent oxygen, while Aracy Bajek was given a lesser amount, Lindinger said.

Lindinger packed her bags and drove from Alabama to Connecticut as soon as her father tested positive. She, her brother and husband video chatted with her dad while he was in the hospital.

We knew he wasnt going to make it, said Lindinger as she started to cry. He said goodbye to us like he knew. He just said he was done.

She described how he brought his mask down to say I love you.

You could see he was just so frustrated because he couldnt breathe, she said.

Contributed Photo

Their father had a do-not-resuscitate order, so the doctors gave him medication to make him comfortable, and he died soon after, his son said.

But their mother went into a coma soon after going to the hospital. She did not have a do-not-resuscitate order, so Steve Bajek said he waited until recovery was no longer an option before taking her off life support. The siblings visited their mother in the hospital before she died.

The family had a small, graveside funeral the Saturday before Christmas.

Of course, Christmas was awful, Lindinger said.

Normally, the family spends Christmas Eve at their parents house, Steven Bajek said. He went to his nephews house for Christmas dinner, but the family members kept away from each other to avoid spreading the virus.

Next year, it will probably be whoever has the biggest house, well all go over there, he said. But it wont be the same.

Yet, Steven Bajek is trying to see the silver lining.

They would have been horrible without each other, he said. They both needed each other.

North Carolina church building amphitheater in preparation for future pandemics

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A North Carolina church that already boasts a 6-acre lake on their property announced Sunday that they will add an amphitheater to their sprawling 75-acre campus in Gastonia this summer to be ready for future pandemics that could prevent them from worshiping indoors.

Nothing we can do about this virus. This virus is probably not going to go anywhere. Theres going to be a COVID-32, a COVID-45; thats just the way it works. Its called a virus, Dickie Spargo, lead pastor of City Church, told his congregation during a Facebook Live broadcast Sunday about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

For the next one, however, according to Spargo, his church can be better prepared.

Its going to happen, but we can ... adjust. One of the things as a church that weve chosen to do is, we say, OK, weve got 75 acres here, lets worship outdoors. Weve got a beautiful lake, you may or may not even know that. Weve got a 6-acre lake. Lets take it outside, he said before announcing the project.

Spargo was not immediately available to discuss the amphitheater when The Christian Post contacted his church Thursday, but he told WCNC that they are working on engineering plans and are in the process of fundraising $500,000 to cover the estimated construction costs.

He said the facility will be something unique for Gaston County because they do not currently have an amphitheater in the area. Spargo also suggested that it could be used as a community resource for the school system or hospital for training.

We want to be used for our community because this land doesnt belong to us. This land belongs to God. This building doesnt belong to us; it belongs to God. And so were excited about the opportunities well have even this summer, he told his congregation about worshiping outdoors, especially for those who are not yet comfortable with worshiping indoors.

He said even when the threat of the coronavirus is gone, the amphitheater will continue to be an option to take their worship services outdoors.

The only problem being outdoors is the birds sometimes, you know what Im saying? They got to go. ... You got to be careful. We might want to bring back those Sunday hats we use to wear, he quipped.

Everything is better when its outdoors. Its hard to believe that in five weeks, its going to be Easter, he added, recalling how they couldnt have church last Easter because of the pandemic.

City Church, which has two campuses, was among several churches in North Carolina that quickly shifted to online services as soon as the coronavirus pandemic began in March 2020.

Spargo said in an interview with the Gaston Gazette at the time that he wanted people to be patient and not become stressed.

What we want people to do is to choose what your attitude is going to be toward this, he said. Were going to make it, so dont panic or get anxious. Thats what the Bible tells us: Dont live in fear or worry.
As the farmers' protests enter the 100th day, farmers unions have stated that their movement will not be over anytime soon and they are 'going strong' and March 6 will be observed as 'Black Day'.

Protestors will observe a peaceful chakka jam at the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway between 11:00 am and 03:00 pm on Saturday. Security measures have been beefed up ahead of KMP Expressway blockade by farmers.

Farmer Union leader Dhiraj Singh said, "Our protest will be peaceful and no harm will be done to any person or property. The chakka jam at KMP Expressway will start from 11 am and will end by 3 pm." Singh added they want a full repeal of the three contentious farm laws.

Farmer unions believe that the movement has sent out a message of unity, made 'farmers visible once again', and brought them on India's political scene. Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait has said that they are willing to continue to protest for as long as needed.

Tikait said, "We are completely prepared. Unless and until the government listens to us and meets our demands, we will not move from here."

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said the farmers' protest is "an internal issue for India". British parliament is set to debate press freedom and safety of protestors in India on March 8 after an online petition on the same garnered 1 lakh signatures. "This is something done by Parliament, the government has to participate, it has to answer but it is the parliamentarians, as you expect, raising issues that are a concern to them in their constituencies," Ellis told news agency PTI.

Also read: Chemical sector to go 'atmanirbhar'; govt considering PLI scheme

Also read: India expects to start full-scale operations at Iran's Chabahar port by May-end
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In a historic meeting, Pope Francis on Saturday sat down with Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a revered figure in the country.

Al-Sistani doesn't often appear in public, but when he does, his words have reverberated across Iraq, The Associated Press notes. So there's a sense that his statement following a "very positive" conversation with Francis calling on Iraq's religious authorities to help protect the country's Christian minority, who he said "should live like all Iraqis, in security and peace with full constitutional rights," could go a long way. Francis, who traveled to Iraq to show support for its dwindling Christian community, thanked al-Sistani for raising "his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted."

When Francis arrived at al-Sistani's home, the cleric reportedly stood to greet the pope. Al-Sistani reportedly normally remains seated for visitors, so the gesture appears to be significant.

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In response to the interfaith meeting between the two religious leaders, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced that March 6 is now a National Day of Tolerance and Coexistance in Iraq. Read more at The Associated Press.

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After following the ticker collector, Alanis became angry as they waited in the vestibule for the train to stop at the station, prosecutors said. He allegedly began threatening the ticket collector and pressing his torso against the employees chest, leading to the latter calling for backup. When another employee arrived, Alanis said the ticket collector was assaulting him and demanded he be removed, which the second employee refused, prosecutors said.
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(Bloomberg) -- A lull in Bitcoins wild swings in recent days has been taken by some as a tentative sign the fragile digital currency could recover.The worlds largest cryptocurrency was little changed at $36,425 as of 6:45 a.m. in New York on Tuesday, following two straight sessions of gains.Swings in the price -- as measured by the spread between its daily high and low -- have fallen to their lowest since the beginning of the year, despite reports over the weekend that U.S. financial authorities are preparing to take a more active role in regulating the crypto market. Bitcoins 10-day volatility fell back to 106% from a high of nearly 162% on May 24.Despite another set of negative headlines Bitcoin actually rose $2,000 over the weekend, wrote Tom Lee, co-founder of independent research firm Fundstrat Global Advisors LLC in a note to clients. I cant help but view this as reinforcing the likelihood Bitcoin has bottomed, given bad news is not creating new lows.Lee sees Bitcoin exceeding $125,000 before the end of the year, but is watching for a rise above $40,000 as a sign the digital currency has seen its lows for 2021.Bitcoin SlumpCryptocurrencies have experienced a torrid few months, with Bitcoin at one stage more than halving from its mid-April high on concerns about regulation from the likes of the U.S. and China and questions about the toll of its energy requirements on the environment. Prominent digital currency advocate and Tesla Inc. founder Elon Musk even went so far as to stop accepting Bitcoin as payment for vehicles.Crypto is a tough gig right now, the tape is messy, and Bitcoin could easily break hard one way or the other, Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Financial Pty, wrote in a note.On Thursday, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda joined the chorus of central bankers casting doubt on Bitcoin following its latest surge and slide. The governor of Swedens central bank said on Monday that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are unlikely to dodge regulatory oversight.Read more: Bitcoin Is Unlikely to Escape Regulation, Riksbank Governor SaysStill, some see the weekends relative calm as a sign that prices could recover, even as Bitcoins questionable environmental profile has eroded the argument that the token is bound to lure more mainstream investment. It has risen about 20% from its May low just above the $30,000 level.As regulators engage there may be some unnerving headlines for the market, but engagement is a medium term positive for institutional adoption, said Jonathan Cheesman, head of over-the-counter and institutional sales at crypto derivatives exchange FTX. There are some tentatively positive signs at least that the worst fears havent become a reality.(Updates price, adds context.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.
Sri Lanka on Friday buried two Muslims who died of Covid-19, formally ending its policy of forced cremations that had sparked international outrage over the violation of Islamic funeral rites.

Community leader Ali Zahir Moulana said a 55-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were the first to be buried in coastal Oddamavadi, 300 kilometres (187 miles) east of Colombo.

"Thank God," Moulana told AFP. "Finally, we have got burial rights."

The Sri Lankan government banned burials of Covid-19 victims in April, despite expert assurances they would not spread the virus, implementing a policy of forced cremations.

Faced with mounting criticism, the government then planned to bury virus victims on a remote islet in the country's north, but that move drew opposition Wednesday from both locals and the Muslims.

Locals objected to their tiny islet being used as a graveyard for the pandemic and the Muslims said they wanted their loved ones buried on the mainland.

Sri Lanka's Muslims, who make up 10 percent of its 21 million people, challenged the policy of forced cremations, pointing out that the practice is forbidden under Islamic law.

More than half of the country's 489 virus deaths have been Muslims, often because they were reluctant to seek medical help, fearing they would be cremated if they were identified as Covid patients.

The policy was revoked last week after a visit from Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who urged Colombo to respect Muslims' religious funeral rites, but implementation was carried out only on Friday.

A top police official confirmed that the burials began at Oddamavadi in the island's east and said at least another 27 bodies of Muslims held at hospital morgues will be buried shortly.

Ahead of Khan's visit to Colombo, the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in February criticised the cremations policy at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, citing similar religious concerns.

Sri Lanka's majority Buddhists, strong backers of the current government, are typically cremated, as are Hindus. Hardliners within the Buddhist community had argued that burials of virus victims could spread the virus through ground water, an argument debunked by experts.

In December, authorities ordered the cremation of at least 19 Muslim Covid-19 victims after their families refused to claim the bodies from a hospital morgue in protest against the forced cremations policy.

By Friday, Sri Lanka had recorded more than 84,000 coronavirus infections, with 489 related deaths.
Premier Li Keqiang delivered the government work report at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress that opened in Beijing on Friday. Here are the main 2021 objectives for economic and social development from the report.




The following is a translation of an interview with Cardinal Pietro Parolin ahead of Pope Francis journey to Iraq.

Iraq is awaiting Francis who resumes his journeys by choosing to bring comfort to a people who have suffered in these years from persecution, war and the violence perpetrated by Isis, but also to continue to build the way of fraternity and the great bridge of dialogue. For the first time in history, a Pope will visit Iraq. The country that is the birth place of Abraham and where one of the oldest Christian communities lives still bears very visible wounds of war and faces those of poverty, terrorism and now Covid-19.

Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin comments on the importance of the journey, highlighting the urgency of collaboration to rebuild the country and heal all the wounds in order to begin a new phase as the Pope recommences his apostolic pilgrimages after this rather long period of hiatus due to the covid-19 health emergency. He resumes them by turning his attention towards a country that is suffering particularly, a country that bears on its body the wounds of war, terrorism, violence, conflict. The Pope thus wishes to show a special attention, a special closeness to this country, to Iraq. The aim and meaning of this journey is precisely that of manifesting the Popes closeness to Iraq and to the Iraqi people; and to send an important message: that we have to cooperate, we have to work together to rebuild the country, to heal all these wounds, and to begin again a new phase.

Three years ago, while visiting Iraq, you said that Christians and Muslims are called to enlighten the darkness of fear and nonsense. What is the significance of these words on the eve of the Popes journey?

I think these words retain all their topical nature. I remember that I spoke them in a context that was also joyful, because it was Christmas Eve in the Chaldean Cathedral of Baghdad, that was filled with people, filled with hymns and filled with light despite the gloomy weather outside. I think they retain their topicality. Above all, they are in harmony with the motto of the Holy Fathers journey: You are all brothers. This fraternity arises from the fact of being children of the same father. It is also a reference to Abraham who was in fact born in Iraq. His adventure began there after the Lords call: Abraham, a reference point for both Christians and Muslims. Then it must also translate into a shared commitment. That is why I said that they are called together to be the light in the darkness and to dissolve the obscurities, the many darknesses that were there then, two years ago, and which largely still remain, despite the efforts made to overcome them.

It will be a very intense four-day visit. The Pope will embrace the local church and participate in an interreligious encounter there in Ur, the city of Abraham. He will visit places of persecution, martyrdom and reconstruction. What is the core of this journey?

The core lies precisely in the fact that the Pope wishes to send a message towards the future: this is the core. There are situations and realities that experience a certain suffering, quite separate from where there was persecution, martyrdom. The Church herself is experiencing a situation of difficulty; interreligious dialogue needs to be fostered. However, difficulties can be overcome if there is the good will and commitment of everyone, to join together, to collaborate in order to rebuild. I think that the message, the core will be this: let us not allow ourselves to be blocked by all that has happened, as negative as it may have been  and it has been very negative  but let us look forward with hope and with courage to rebuild this reality that is Iraq.

What is the significance of the meeting with Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani. Another pillar for the bridge of fraternity?

Yes certainly, I think so, also bearing in mind that Al-Sistani is one of the most symbolic, significant personalities in the Shiite world; and moreover bearing in mind that Al-Sistani has always spoken in favour of peaceful coexistence within Iraq, saying that all ethnic groups, religious groups are part of the country. This is very important because it goes in the same sense and direction of the construction of this fraternity between Christians and Muslims that should characterize the country. Therefore it is truly an important moment and I think that it will be certainly one of the most significant moments of the Popes visit to Iraq.

In these past few years, more than one million Christians have left Iraq due to violence. Will the Popes journey also bring hope for a change in this sense?

Certainly the Church  Christians and Catholics  in Iraq are awaiting with great desire for the Pope. And they certainly need to be encouraged to live their Christian vocation within this situation that is so difficult in Iraq. I would say that for Christians in the Middle East, it is somewhat a vocation within the Christian vocation, to live in their reality, in their environment in their countries. And thus the Pope will certainly encourage this Church to be courageous, to be able to bear witness, and he will also invite them to remain right in place to give a witness of presence. We have already said many times that without Christians it would no longer be the Middle East.

The Iraqi government welcomed this journey as a message of peace. How are stability, dialogue, coexistence built after so many years of devastation and violence?

This is a great challenge, a great challenge to which naturally the government and all of society tries to give a response. Let us return to what we were saying, that is, towards unity. There is the need to join together and collaborate. In order to join together to collaborate, to build this unity, there is certainly the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. We have to overcome the past, look forward in this new and positive direction. At the same time, there are also some provisions to be made, for example against sectarianism which unfortunately still characterizes large fringes of society, against corruption, inequality and discrimination, so that each can have their place and each can feel like a citizen of the country, with the same rights, the same duties and with the same commitment and responsibility to contribute to build it. I think that these should be the main paths to attempt to rebuild the country.

Your Eminence, what is your hope for this journey?

My hope is that truly this moment, this much awaited presence of the Holy Father, long hoped for and desired, may be a moment of rebirth, of material rebirth, of spiritual rebirth for the Iraqi people so that this may also have a repercussion in the entire region that needs good examples. And that this may occur in the name of fraternity: You are all brothers is the motto of this journey of the Pope.
Much like what happened in the wake of the Capitol Riot in Washington DC, anti-lockdown protestors have been claiming that the people involved in the violence in Dublin were 'antifa scum', or even gardai, write Aoife Moore, Paul Hosford, and Cormac OKeeffe.

The violence seen at last week's anti-lockdown protest in Dublin has drawn a focus on, not just the simmering tensions around the movements, but also those who organise and use the demonstrations for political gain.

The disturbance saw 23 people arrested and 13 people charged that evening with public order offences.

One man, Jake Merriman, with an address at Meadowlands Avenue, Monkstown, Dublin, has been accused of possession of an eight-shot cannon firework and firing bottles at gardai on Grafton St last Saturday.

He has been charged with five offences in total.

While the vast majority of attendees at last week's event in Dublin were peaceful, it was by no means an organic event and was organised through right-wing messaging groups on social media apps like Facebook (which has deleted a number of groups), Gab, and Telegram.

This weekend's event in Cork is more centrally organised than the one in Dublin, and a follow-up is planned for St Patrick's Day in the capital.

At last week's event, leaflets were handed out claiming to represent right-wing parties such as Renua, the Irish Freedom Party, and Direct Democracy Ireland, which made a number of claims about Covid-19. Renua has said there was no party sanction in relation to the flyers.

The far-right National Party also handed out flyers and had a visible presence.

Angry anti-lockdown protestors at St Stephen's Green in Dublin City centre. Picture: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

These parties have sought to position themselves as the key opponents of public health measures throughout the pandemic. Members of the Irish Freedom Party had previously been involved with the organisation of protests under the umbrella group Health Freedom Ireland.

After last week's violence , much of the discussion focused on the politics of those involved, particularly after Garda Commissioner Drew Harris' comments that "far-left" groups were observed. Sources clarified that this was a reference to known republicans, though one Garda source said that the force's definition of "far-left" as those engaged in violence for political aims was "outdated".

Indeed, research from counter-extremism group Moonshot this week showed that the Irish far-right extremist audience is actively searching for highly niche extremist material.

"This could indicate that Ireland has a small, but dedicated, far-right scene," says the group's founder Ross Frenett.

Mr Frenett said that while Ireland has a much smaller per capita interest in the far right than the US, those who do follow it do so "with intensity".

Garda sources said people associated with certain dissident republican groups were seen at last Saturdays protest. But they said it was not clear if they were active in agitating for violence at the event.

There were a few individuals associated, either in the past or still are, with Republican Sinn Fein, there, said one source. He said it appeared they were there as individuals, as opposed to a group, and did not appear to be acting as a cohesive unit.

It is thought this information had influenced Mr Harris when he referred to the far-left being involved in the anti-lockdown protest.

A second source with close knowledge of dissident republicans said he was not aware of any of the various republican groupings being involved, and said he would be surprised if they were.

He pointed out that RSF had issued a statement condemning what they described as the right-wing protest.

This source said it was very likely some republicans were there as individuals, as there were some who shared the politics of the anti-lockdown groupings.

He said some former members of RSF and 32 County Sovereignty Movement did go into the QAnaon, anti-vaxx, pro-Trump orbit over the last couple of years. He said there was a former prominent official in RSF who was vocal on several internet forums expressing conspiracy theories like 5G and Covid.

The source said people who are associated with murdered Real IRA boss in Dublin, Alan Ryan, might be popping up in these circles and at the protests, but the source did not think they were currently members of any republican group. He said there were some people with links to RSF who were behind some anti-lockdown protests but, again, said he did not think they were members of any republican groups as such.

One source said that many of those who have been seen were "not into the politics of Republican movements, as such", adding that many were involved in dissident movements as a means to engage in criminality.

Disinformation analyst at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue Ciaran O'Connor says that far-right groups are taking advantage of people "at a very vulnerable time".

"People's lives have been turned upside down, they've lost jobs and loved ones," he said. "And sometimes people need someone to blame.

"But it's a very slippery slope once you enter into these online groups. You're being exposed to a lot of content from across the internet. You can see how this stuff bleeds over.

"And these far-right groups are using that to sow division and hostility to push their own political objectives."

He added that the conflation of the terms "far-right" and "far-left" showed the need for many Irish institutions to be more educated in their use of language around these events, saying that labelling is important in these situations.

"It's not just middle-aged skinheads anymore, the radicalisation that's taking place is completely indiscriminate."

Anatomy of a lie

In the hours after footage appeared on social media of skirmishes between gardai and some of those in attendance on Grafton St, supporters of the anti-lockdown movement scrambled to place the blame elsewhere.

In a carbon copy of what happened in the wake of the Capitol Riot in Washington DC, anti-lockdown protestors began messaging each other that the people involved were doing the bidding of everyone except their group.

The link between the far-right in America cannot be removed from the anti-lockdown groupings in Ireland. Many of the agitators on social media who are stoking fear, promoting violence, and sowing misinformation either openly reside in the US or by creating fake accounts pretending to be Irish. They are let down by their American vernacular, posting things about "politicians in diapers" or praise for "the troops", for example.

One prevalent rumour was that some of those involved in the unrest were members of the Gardai, or "plants" ordered to foment chaos in what they termed "a peaceful march".

A picture of a uniformed Garda officer holding a firework was circulated in the time following the chaos on Grafton St, which anti-lockdown protestors used to try to validate a theory that the Gardai had organised the incident. However, Gardai have confirmed to the Irish Examiner that the officer pictured had lifted the firework off the street in the midst of the disorder.

In right-wing messaging groups, a rumour spread that certain individuals were wearing a "garda-issue stab vest" or "had a Garda haircut". While many in the larger groups saw this as false, the narrative continues online.

An anti-lockdown protester is held by gardai on OConnell St, Dublin. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Users said the unrest was a "false-flag", a term used to describe an act committed with the intent of disguising the actual source of responsibility. Many far-right groups in America have used the term "false-flag" about tragedies like the Sandy Hook massacre, where 20 children and six adults were shot and killed. They claim these incidents are set up to take "their fundamental freedoms" away  much like Irish anti-lockdown protestors claim Covid-19 restrictions take away "their constitutional rights".

Social media posters wrote: "We were there. It wasn't our protesters it was the Antifa" ... "they are funded to do this but shame to discredit the others".

"A PAID HIRELING WITH NO CONSCIENCE..who...managed to panic the gardai... in a deliberate ploy to fool politicians, the media and the public  and it worked."

Others suggested Sinn Fein paid agitators to be there.

In the hours after the protest, this narrative ramped up when the Garda Commissioner released a statement in which he attributed blame to both the "far-left" and "far-right". That galvanised those who wished to spread the blame.

Within an hour of Drew Harris's comments, some of the harsher fringes of the groups were arguing that the trouble had been caused by "antifa scum", while others argued that the "same had happened in the US", a reference to a lie that was spread by the far-right in the US, that it was actually left-wing activists who had stormed the Capitol Building in January.

This lie was then spread further when Ben Gilroy of the Irish Freedom Party falsely stated on social media that one individual on Saturday had links to People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, incorrectly claiming Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had stated this on RTE.

Mr Murphy said the Commissioner's initial comments of the far-left's involvement had fuelled such defamatory rumours.

Protesters clash with gardai in Dublin city centre. Picture: Damian Eagers/PA Wire

St Patrick's Day

Galvanised by their "win" last week, the groups have now set their sights on St Patrick's Day. Many have posted on social media that they had last year's event "taken away" from them and plan to celebrate this year, in contravention of the health restrictions.

Many warned of gardai and roadblocks, and are suggesting to each other how to overcome such obstacles, such as: "People need to form groups and creates [sic] plans to be in Dublin. Get in a few days before if you can."

Some are offering each other lifts in their cars, other anti-lockdown protestors have stated they plan to travel from England for the day.

Others have called for attendees to be aware of local graveyards as a cover story if people are stopped by gardai.

The date is being flagged as the date of the "Great Reopening", when businesses are being urged to throw their doors open in contravention of public health measures. This plan had been floated at the turn of the year to take place on January 30, but failed to materialise and a subsequent attempt to urge businesses to open on Valentine's Day also failed to gather momentum.
Members of Greystones Municipal District were told that Glenveagh estimate it would cost 620,000 to upgrade the dog park.

This was in a report by a council official who is the liaison person for the harbour.

The dog park is at the newly named 'D'Arcy's Field' in the new public park.

'Are Glenveagh going to complete the dog park to the standard it needs to be used? If not, I'm led to understand that we have some other site,' said Cllr Tom Fortune who asked for clarification.

He added that the playground equipment is not suitable for children who are wheelchair users.

'Have we allowed Glenveagh to do the bare minimum of a playground? When in fact it should be finished to a standard where all people can use it including people who have a disability.

'As a public representative when you write to Glenveagh which I've done on a number of occasions, they don't even acknowledge your mail,' said Cllr Fortune. 'Can they basically do what they like? I would really like to know what's happening with the dog park and the playground.'

Cllr Mags Crean said that 620,000 was a shocking figure. She wondered what portion of their overall spend was on the dog park.

'Is there not an onus on them to finish it? There was a lack of oversight there at some point.' She asked how much is available in funding for dog parks in the district.

Cllr Gerry Walsh said that the sum sounds excessive. 'I hadI had queried this with them still waiting response

'One response I did get was that they would be back on site in March to address some of the issues.'

Cllr said that the dog park is more of a lake. 'They did give an indication that it would be addressed.'

'A contract was made with Glenveagh and they haven't delivered,' said Cllr Lourda Scott. 'How did this fall through the cracks. It's a field with a pond in it not a dog park. Is that a realistic estimate or was it a figure pulled out of the sky?'

Cll Jodie Neary asked if there is a way to future proof designs so that as standards get better and become the norm that things like dog parks and playgrounds are designed in line with that. Cllr Derek Mitchell said that nobody has been able to come up with a definition of whether the dog park was done in accordance with the part 8. 'I simply don't know if it is,' he said. 'I don't remember having a lake in the original plan.' He said his dog likes it, but not all would. The playground, Cllr Mitchell said, is in accordance with the Part 8, he understands.

Cllr Lourda Scott has sought an accessibility audit of the park as a whole, a matter being addressed by the disability officer.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced in a recent press conference the new legislation that would prohibit tech giants from censoring and de-platforming conservative voices in Texas.

On a Friday press release, Gov. Abbott and State Senator Bryan Hughes discussed Senate Bill 12, proposed by Hughes, which "will help prohibit social media companies from censoring Texans based on the viewpoints they express."

The bill is said to take effect at the start of September 2021.

"Conservative speech will not be canceled in the state of Texas," Gov. Abbott claimed. "We see that the First Amendment is under assault by the social media companies, and that is not going to be tolerated in Texas."

Abbott also mentioned that big tech companies, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, have long been trying to crack down on conservative voices on their platforms through their "content moderation policies" and that this bill aims to protect Texans from such silencing and make their voices be heard, says The Blaze.

"They are choosing which viewpoints are going to be allowed to be presented," he added. "Texas is taking a stand against Big Tech political censorship: We're not going to allow it in the Lone Star state."

Gov. Abbott added that freedom of speech is a basic right for American citizens and silencing American conservatives would be a violation of this right. So this bill gives silenced Texans the opportunity to get back online and exercise their rights.

"It's sad that we have a handful of people in America today who want to control the town square, want to control social media, and want to enforce silence. If you have a viewpoint different from theirs, they want to shut you up. That's not the American way and that is not the Texas way," Abbott claimed.

Just last month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also unveiled the same legislation that aims to protect conservatives from attacks of big techs.

Gov. DeSantis became the first-ever Republican Governor to fight back against big tech's censorship and propose new legislation that aims to protect Floridians from such attacks by the tech giants.

According to an article in Christianity Daily, DeSantis made the announcement in early February with Florida Lieutenant Gov. Jeanette Nunez, Florida Speaker of the House Christopher Sprowls, and Florida Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, claiming that big techs have been having "double standards" towards the information they publish.

"It's high time that we step up to the plate to ensure the protection of the people and their rights," DeSantis claimed.

The new legislation, DeSantis said, will prohibit tech giants from silencing conservative voices and prevent them from selling user's private information for their company's gain.

"Over the years, however, these platforms have changed from neutral platforms that provided Americans with the freedom to speak to enforcers of preferred narratives," DeSantis said. "These platforms have played an increasingly decisive role in elections and have negatively impacted Americans who dissent from orthodoxies favored by the Big Tech cartel."

Hopefully, with the new legislation being passed by conservative governors, big tech's censorship will come to an end and conservative Americans will not have to suffer being silenced in the internet again.
A barber who was driving a car with 152kg of explosives in the boot when he was stopped by gardai, has lost an appeal against the severity of his seven-year sentence.

Lawyers for John Roche had argued that the sentencing judge didn't take into account their client's lack of previous convictions, high standing in his community and history of doing charitable works. Hugh Hartnett SC for the 57-year-old said Roche was effectively given the same sentence as his co-accused, John Brock, even though Brock had a previous conviction at the Special Criminal Court. Brock was sentenced to eight years and six months with the final 18 months suspended while Roche was jailed for seven years.

Mr Hartnett said: "He is a man in his mid-50s who has done serious works of charity and is well known in the community." Mr Hartnett said the case was exceptional in that a garda had said that Roche had not come to their attention before and that he did not expect him to come to garda attention again. It was, Mr Hartnett said, an "isolated incident".

In written submissions to the court Roche's lawyers described how he had run a barber shop and regularly volunteered at St James' Hospital in Dublin to cut the hair of the elderly and sick.

Roche, of Bridgefoot Street, Dublin, and Brock (48), with an address at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, had both pleaded not guilty to possession of 57kg of homemade explosives, consisting of ammonium nitrate fuel mix, and 38 2.5kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives at Naas Road, Dublin 12. They were convicted by three judges of the non-jury Special Criminal Court.

Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy today delivered judgement on behalf of the Court of Appeal, saying the approach taken to sentencing by the Special Criminal Court was correct. He said the court had set a headline sentence of ten years and had rightly reduced it to seven after considering mitigating factors, including Roche's good record, charitable works and standing in his community.

He said the court suspended part of Brock's sentence on the condition that he cut his ties to the IRA and therefore the suspended part was a "real sentence". There would not have been any rational basis for suspending any part of Roche's sentence, Justice McCarthy said, because he is not considered likely to reoffend.

Trial

Following their trials in 2019 Mr Justice Tony Hunt told Brock that the time has now come for him to cut this out and that he could avail of an 18-month sentence reduction if he undertook to dissociate from dissidents.

Mr Justice Hunt said that the explosives weighed between 23 and 24 stone and the potential for death, injury and damage to be caused by them was very great indeed.

Armed gardai found four bags of explosives in the boot of a black Skoda Fabia car and 18 expended detonators under the front passenger seat when they stopped the vehicle on the Naas Road on April 13th, 2016. The National Surveillance Unit had been watching the car, which was driven by Roche with Brock in the passenger seat.

Unlawful organisation

Sentencing the two, Mr Justice Hunt said both had possessed the explosives for the purposes of an unlawful organisation and this was an aggravating factor in the case. However, the judge said the court could not be satisfied that the mens involvement with the explosives extended beyond their transportation.

Having regard to the gravity of the offence, the judge said it was at the mid-level of the top range and the maximum sentence was 14 years.

Regarding Roche, Mr Justice Hunt said the two mitigating factors were that he had not contested the prosecution evidence during the trial and he was a man in his mid-50s with health difficulties. The court also took into account that he has no previous convictions. Furthermore, the fact gardai accepted that Roche was not on garda radar either before or after this event was important.

Referring to Brock, Mr Justice Hunt said he did not have an unblemished record like his co-accused. Brock was convicted for possessing firearms and ammunition in the Special Criminal Court in 2008 and was sentenced to six years in prison. The judge said Brock had approached the trial in the same manner as Roche and was therefore entitled to mitigation.

Recidivism

Following this, the court said there was an element of recidivism in Brocks case and the court would need some bond or undertaking from him to dissociate with members of dissident organisations if he wanted a further reduction of 18 months off his sentence.

Mr Justice Hunt told Brocks barrister that his client could have time to consider this but said that this was his second conviction for this offence and it was time to stop.
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Yang Huade trains local people in a field of Ninga Village Five, Bubanza Province of Burundi, on June 4, 2020. [Courtesy photo]

On May 17, 2020, a couple in Weiyuan County, southwest China's Sichuan province, stepped into the wedding hall. But the groom's father, who was supposed to witness the couple's big day, was absent.

"Bowen and Ruoyu, today is a happy day for you. I am very excited, but also deeply sorry. I am now in Burundi and cannot travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so cannot join you on the special occasion. But I believe our hearts are always connected, and we always stand together!" said the groom's father Yang Huade via a video.

As head of an agricultural expert team from China to assist Burundi, Yang has been staying in Burundi for six years. Because of the mission, he could not return home to attend his son's wedding. "Even so, my family has shown full understanding to me," Yang told ChinAfrica.

Yang, 57, has worked with the Agricultural and Rural Bureau of Weiyuan County for 38 years. In 2015, he set foot on the African continent for the first time, teaching rice cultivation skills to locals in Mozambique. After successfully completing his mission, he participated in an agricultural cooperation project in Burundi and worked there as a leader of an eight-person expert team from China.

Seeking sustainable development

The Chinese experts mainly assisted Burundi in formulating agricultural industry policy planning, providing consultation and conducting experiments, demonstrations and technical training. According to Yang, Burundi is located near the equator and is rich in sunshine and water resources. However, the agricultural infrastructure and equipment are backward with few professional agricultural technicians.

After careful study and judgment, the expert team decided to start with a demonstration of rice cultivation. At the early stage, the expert team cooperated with local farmers and expanded the pilot of rice cultivation technology from one hectare to 48 hectares and one household to 134 households.

Meanwhile, they drew up a technical protocol for hybrid rice cultivation, which could solve the problems such as low production capacity of varieties, poor quality of seedlings, and irregular cultivation. Through the pilot cultivation, the average yield of rice reached more than 10 tons per hectare, exceeding the local average yield by more than three times.

In addition, the team was also committed to improving the legal validation of varieties and the registration of important production materials. "With the strong support of the Burundian government, we completed the first national validation registration of Chinese hybrid rice in Africa, introduced rice herbicides and completed the trials, demonstration and environmental impact and safety assessment work related to the registration. It not only protects the environment, but also increases production and income of the local people significantly," Yang said.

According to Yang, during the five production seasons from September 2018 to February 2021, the rice demonstration project in Ninga Village Four, Bubanza Province, helped local people produce 2,620 tons of rice, an increase of 136 percent year on year, and achieved the total production value of $1.22 million, an increase of 149 percent year on year, benefiting 1,072 people in 134 households in the village.

It is for this reason that the success of the hybrid rice project was listed as a major achievement of Burundi in 2018, and the rice experts and soil fertilizer experts in the team were awarded the outstanding contribution award by the Burundian Government.

On the World Food Day on October 23, 2020, Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye spoke highly of China-Burundi agricultural cooperation in a speech. He said that over the years, a number of friendly countries and world organizations have supported the revitalization of Burundi's agriculture. He added that Burundi is especially grateful to China for actively helping with its economic and social development.

Passing the baton

Irankunda Ernest is a young farmer in Ninga Village Four. In 2018, he was selected to be trained by the Chinese expert team as a farmer technician. But at that time, Ernest received an offer from the University of Burundi's School of Economics and Management.

"His friends and family were happy for him, but he wanted to give up his university studies and learn hybrid rice cultivation technology and agricultural management experience from us, aspiring to become a real rice expert," Yang recalled.

Under the guidance of the expert team, Ernest learnt a lot. By May 2020, he and his folks had planted three seasons of hybrid rice, significantly improving production and living conditions. "After six months of rice cultivation practice, the village set a record for rice production and efficiency," Yang said.

As a result, Ernest was awarded the two-year certificate of completion by the Chinese expert team and was qualified as an agronomist in the field of rice cultivation. He was then appointed as the technical leader of a hybrid rice demonstration site in Cibitoke Province. Half a year later, the rice yield at the demonstration site increased from 2.5 tons per hectare to 7.5 tons. Nowadays, Ernest has become an authority on rice development in the province.

The success has attracted the attention of the Burundian government. "In November 2019, the Burundian Government selected 17 young farmers across the country to receive six months of training with the expert team. Among them are people who have returned after studying abroad as well as outstanding members of the ruling party, and they have become an important backbone of Burundi's hybrid rice development after completing their studies," Yang said.

"We plan to train 3,600 people within three years," Yang noted.

Planning for future

On December 28, 2020, a new batch of Chinese experts arrived in Burundi. Yang and his team members soon joined the new team and continued their work.

Talking about the next steps of the assistance mission, Yang is full of confidence. "We are ready to continue to focus on technology demonstration and extension work to improve food production and economic efficiency, so that more people can profit from China-Burundi agricultural cooperation," Yang said. According to him, more hybrid rice planting demonstration sites will be built in 12 villages, which covers more than 2,000 hectares. Their goal is to plant 15,000 hectares of rice throughout Burundi. Meanwhile, the Chinese experts will also help build one national demonstration village and 11 provincial demonstration villages for poverty eradication through vigorous development of hybrid rice.
Francesca Hung was on reporting duty for E! Australia at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Saturday.

The former Miss Universe Australia dressed up for the occasion, looking just peachy in a retro ensemble which appeared to be a jumpsuit or matching two-piece.

The 26-year-old turned heads in the apricot-toned, textured outfit, which consisted of a top with cut-out at the sides, and wide-legged pants.

Looking good! Francesca Hung (pictured) was on reporting duty for E! Australia at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras on Saturday

The peach-toned fabric had glittering, gold elements throughout, perfect for the festive occasion.

She wore a matching makeup palette, including a peachy eye-shadow and glossy coral lipstick.

The model added a pair of statement earrings consisting of two sparkle-laden stars that caught the light.

Pretty: The 26-year-old turned heads in the apricot-toned, textured outfit, which consisted of a top with cut-out at the sides, and wide-legged pants

Lovely: The model added a pair of statement earrings consisting of two sparkle-laden stars that caught the light

Francesca finished the look with a giant gold bow in her dark hair, which she wore down around her shoulders.

In a video shared to Instagram earlier in the day, the beauty showed fans a closer look at her amazing makeup and accessories.

Francesca Hung started working for E! Australia in 2019, after Ksenija Lukich departed the network.

She's golden! Francesca finished the look with a giant gold bow in her dark hair, which she wore down around her shoulders

Wow! In a video shared to Instagram earlier in the day, the beauty showed fans a closer look at her amazing makeup and accessories

'I literally started in November/December last year, headed to New York and Los Angeles - that was amazing - and then by February/March, with Covid, everything was shut down,' Francesca told Daily Mail Australia.

'Literally, that's been my first year in the job. But it's still been nice, I've learned so much and it's been a quiet and gentle start for me.'

She added: 'I might have been overwhelmed if it was full-on, so I've been very blessed.'
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
BEIJING, Mar. 5 -- China will boost military training and war preparedness across the board and make overall plans to deal with security risks in all areas, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang in his government work report on Friday morning. Premier Li Keqiang delivered a government work report at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) on March 5 in Beijing. In the report he summarized that in the past year, new major achievements have been made in the construction of national defense and armed forces. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has demonstrated excellent qualifications and exemplary conducts in safeguarding national security and the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control.

In the new year, China must thoroughly implement Xi Jinpings thinking on strengthening the military, focus on the military's centenary goal, boost the military training and war preparedness across the board, make overall plans to deal with security risks in all areas and in all directions, and enhance the militarys strategic capacity to protect the countrys sovereignty, security and development interests, Li stated.

Premier Li Keqiang also pointed out that China will optimize the layout of national-defense related science and technology industry and improve the national defense mobilization system.

Premier Li Keqiang also mentioned veterans and their families in the government work report. He said that the employment system and security system for veterans shall be improved to better help veterans get jobs. And the preferential treatments for veterans, servicemen and their families shall also be strengthened.
The sun shone and the beer was cold. The yarning was a sport in itself, and it seemed the racecourse at Towong was the centre of the universe on Saturday.

The Towong Turf Club was turning 150 years old and after devastating bushfires, followed by COVID-19, the small community, near the Murray River 130 kilometres east of Wodonga, was more than ready to party at the annual Towong Cup horse races.

And theyre off at Towong Credit:Eddie Jim

A wind change and firefighters stopped the beautiful 1911 grandstand from being razed by the January 2020 bushfires, and on Saturday the grandstand was resplendent amid the graceful elm trees that sheltered over 1500 punters.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 23:54:56|Editor: huaxia

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DAR ES SALAAM, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities said Saturday they had started a process to bring back smuggled chameleons that were seized in Austria in January.

Allan Kijazi, the deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said the government has started applying permits from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to bring back the chameleons.

"CITES is mandated to allow us to bring back the chameleons. Hopefully the permits will be released soon," Kijazi told Xinhua in a telephone interview.

The official added that two Tanzanians have been arrested by police in connection with smuggling of the chameleons into Austria as investigations continued.

"Local police in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organization is still hunting down a syndicate of criminals that was involved in the smuggling of the chameleons,"said Kizaji.

On Jan. 26, the director of wildlife in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Maurus Msuha, said the government had launched investigations to establish how 74 protected chameleons from the East African nation were smuggled to Austria.

The investigations followed reports that the protected chameleons, which are from the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania, were seized in Austria.

According to local media reports, Austrian authorities stopped a man at Vienna airport as he tried to smuggle the protected chameleons from Tanzania into the country.

The reports said the 56-year-old man, who was not further identified, had hidden the animals in socks and boxes when he was caught at the customs checkpoint in Vienna. He had traveled to Austria from Tanzania via Ethiopia. Enditem
New Delhi: In the wake of the military coup in Myanmar and the ensuing unrest, India is closely watching the developments in that country and also discussing the matter with partner nations, emphasising that all issues must be resolved peacefully.

Reports suggest that some people, including police personnel, from Myanmar have crossed the Indian border and taken refuge in Mizoram. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said it was ascertaining the facts.

News agency PTI reported that a total of 16 people of Myanmar have crossed the Indian border and have taken refuge in Mizoram since the neighbouring country's military ousted the elected government in February. 11 of them have claimed that they were police personnel.

When asked about the matter at an online media briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "As of now we are ascertaining the facts, we will revert to you once we have more details on this."

On the prevailing situation in Myanmar, he said, "We are closely watching the developments in Myanmar. We have also been discussing this with our partner countries. In these discussions, we have said that all issues and differences should be resolved peacefully through talks and that has been our position."

The United Kingdom sees India as an important partner when it comes to bringing change on the ground in Myanmar. The situation has deteriorated in the country, with many protestors being killed more than a month after the coup by the military.

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If unions didnt make workers lives better, corporations wouldnt mind if you joined one.

You know the basic story of labor in this country. Unions used to represent as many as 1 in 3 private sector workers. That number is now just 1 in 16. And as union membership has fallen, the share of income sucked up to the richest has exceeded pre-Great Depression peaks.

You could argue this is a vast coincidence or the inevitable consequence of the purposeful gutting of the institution once widely regarded as the only lobbyists for the middle class. Regardless, its difficult to imagine our half-century dalliance with trickle-down economics  which was a massive success for the richest and horrid failure for everyone else  lasting so long if unions had more power.

Eternal or infernal optimists sense that things could be changing. Unions remain popular. Before the pandemic, the red for ed movement was widely seen as reinvigorating progressive politics. Yet there has been precious little success in organizing the private sector, especially in the places that need it the most  like the south  and the industries that will define this century  like Amazon, which is almost an industry unto itself.

That could change with one vote to unionize in Bessemer, Alabama this month.

The dean of labor reporters Steven Greenhouse writes that the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Unions drive to organize the 5,800 workers in one Amazon warehouse has echoes of Martin Luther King Jr.s fight on behalf of the striking sanitation workers in Memphis. It is very much about dignity at work. Labor is intent on gaining a voice, and a foothold, inside Amazon, whose fulfillment centers are known for their high-speed pace of work and grueling production quotas.

And human dignity is just one reason why this vote is so crucial.

Amazon has more than 810,000 workers in the United States and is on a hiring spree.

Labor leaders believe that if the union wins in Alabama, that would pave the way to organizing Amazon warehouses in more pro-union states, such as California and New York, as well as inspire unions and workers nationwide to begin a larger wave of organizing, Greenhouse writes.

This prospect terrifies Amazon, who sees the empowerment of workers through collective bargaining as a barrier to its model of achieving faster deliveries by pushing workers to sometimes unconscionable lengths. Thats why its spent 10 years preparing for the vote, according to Recode. And companies have massive advantages in hindering union drives, even if they arent one of the worlds first trillion-dollar behemoths.

Union elections in the U.S. often resemble political elections in authoritarian nations such as Hungary, Greenhouse writes.

Josh Brewer, lead union organizer at Amazons Bessemer, Alabama, warehouse told Greenhouse that among the tactics the company is using are captive-audience meetings, where workers endured lectures about the evils of organizing. Activists who object are called to the front of the class to have their badges photographed and are sent back to work marked as infidels.

Theres this continual inundation of harassment. Its constant. For seven weeks, theyve been harassing the workers every day, Brewer said.

As MSNBCs Chris Hayes tweeted, The fact any union anywhere ever wins an election is kind of a miracle, given the state of US labor law and labor law enforcement.



The fact any union anywhere ever wins an election is kind of a miracle, given the state of US labor law and labor law enforcement.  Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) March 2, 2021

So a miracle is what we need in Bessemer.

We see this campaign as much as a civil rights struggle as a labor struggle, Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, told Greenhouse. Thats why the union has aligned with local Black Lives Matter Activists to organize the predominately Black workforce.

Recognizing the import of the moment, Joe Biden made one of the most pro-union statements ever to come from a US president. But the bar for what Democratic presidents have been willing to risk for labor is admittedly low and the party has paid the price. Weakening unions weakens the party of unions, which in turn weakens unions even more and privileges capital. While Republicans have nurtured and empowered their corporate base and made it difficult for anyone else to gather any sort of power, Democrats have failed to do the opposite.

A cross-racial solidarity movement is the best hope for reversing this slide. What happens in Bessemer, for good or not, will reverberate across this century, as the gap between the rich and poor either narrows or becomes big enough to swallow us.
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MASON CITY, Iowa - With an influx of more vaccinations arriving in the Hawkeye State, Cerro Gordo County is advising those who are seeking a shot in the next phase to wait a couple weeks longer.

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced this week that starting Monday, providers can administer vaccines to Iowans 64 years old and younger with underlying conditions. CG Public Health Director Brian Hanft says while the vaccination process is going well, there have been some issues when it comes to getting

"It's really tricky for us to make sure we're getting the people in and back on the right day and having the number of boost doses to coincide with the prime doses at the same time. It's extremely complex, and we continue to try and work to make sure it functions really well for the person walking in the door who's looking for the vaccine."

The county is still working to vaccinate workers and those in the most recent phase, and not yet ready to move to the next phase yet. He is asking those who are requesting a vaccine to be patient.

"If we can get some of these smaller counties done with the 1C people, that will help alleviate the additional responsibility here. We're happy about that move, it's just we need to take a little bit more time."

Hanft anticipates vaccinations to open for the next phase within a couple of weeks. He adds that the county has received 900 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine; those doses will be administered for food and agriculture distribution and manufacturing workers at the vaccination clinic on Saturday. In addition, more doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are also expected to arrive next week.
The Pfizer vaccine is expected to arrive in Georgia in the week of March 22, announces Deputy Health Minister Tamar Gabunia, Agenda.ge reports.

Gabunia said that the AstraZeneca vaccine may also be introduced in the country by the end of March.

According to preliminary information, the Pfizer vaccine will be delivered in the week of March 22, so the Pfizer vaccination programme will start by the end of March.

There is also news about AstraZeneca. UNICEF has received confirmation from AstraZeneca that out of the 129,600 doses that we should have received by the end of May, the first supply will be sent by the end of March to UNICEF in the week of March 22 and then will arrive in Georgia through the Amsterdam Distribution Center. So we expect vaccination to start in the country by the end of March," Gabunia said.

Gabunia said that the medical workers will get the vaccine first in Georgia.

The Head of Infectious Diseases and AIDS Centre Tengiz Tsertsvadze added that after receiving the first doses of the vaccine in March, the rest of the vaccine will be given in stages, continuously, and by the end of the year, 3.5 million doses of the vaccine will be delivered to Georgia.
In his State of the State last year, Gov. Jared Polis said Colorado "can solve any problem. He wasn't counting on COVID-19. Now he's counting his pennies in the state budget and might have to count on a second term to accomplish his ambitious agenda.

The pandemic has consumed half of his first term, and it aint over yet. I barely remember those wonderful days before COVID, said the leader from Boulder.

Its not what any governor would want to focus on, he said, putting it lightly. We want to focus on the future, building Colorado stronger, improving schools  all the things I ran on.

Its easy to identify the gaps our country had, Polis told the Gazettes editorial board recently.

Polis first year, aided by Democratic control of the General Assembly, was a hit parade, with wins on his signature issues: education and healthcare. State-paid full-day kindergarten and a reinsurance program that lowered health insurance premiums in the individual market were among his first-year accomplishments. His second year looked to be a continuation.

As his third legislative session atop the states power pyramid begins, with his reelection campaign looming next year, COVID-19 could again prove to be a time killer this year, and a silent killer, if Polis stumbles gravely.

It begins: a year under COVID

In addition to figuring out how to help Coloradans struggling financially from the recession, he now has to make up for lost time. His campaign promise to lower the cost of health care was derailed last year when sponsors pulled a bill that would have created a public option health policy, to create competition with private insurers by imposing price caps to back the government insurance.

This year, and 2022, the bill will back, leading the opportunities for Polis to get his agenda back on track.

On March 4, 2020, Polis spent part of the day on a bill signing in his office, a weekly meeting with Democratic leadership and another with a tax reform study group at the Carriage House at the governors mansion.

The next day, the world changed and took Colorado down with it.

March 5 started like most days. By 9 a.m. he was in Loveland, speaking at a BizWest meeting, and by noon was back in his office at the Capitol signing more bills.

His agenda for the foreseeable future officially blew up at 4:30 p.m., when he convened a press conference and broke the news to an anxious state: the first case of COVID-19 had made landfall in Colorado.

He didnt take a full day off after that for more than three months, including working every day during Passover, an important holiday to the state's first Jewish governor. Things that normally filled his daily calendar vanished, replaced by daily COVID updates and constant contact with health care providers, hospital CEOs and emergency operations and federal sources of assistance. Requests were made for life-saving protective gear for health care workers and ventilators for the gravely ill.

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. On March 25, Polis asked the White House for a disaster declaration. He signed an order that amounted to a request that Coloradans stay home, taking down the robust economy he had hoped would serve him well when he ran for another term.

He set up a makeshift hospital for a predicted overflow of patients at the Colorado Convention Center and The Ranch in Northern Colorado, venues that were ultimately unneeded.

Since then, more than 500,000 Americans have died, including more than 5,900 Coloradans.

Go time

Colorados first coronavirus diagnosis was a 30-something skier who landed at Denver International Airport and headed to the mountains, like millions of others might have done last year, if not for the virus.

Polis gave him a call when the man was quarantined in a Summit County hotel. Authorities never publicly named the states history maker. By the time March 2021 dawned, Colorado had eclipsed 431,000 cases.

Polis wasnt surprised, as the virus spread across the planet.

It was like a time bomb waiting to go off," he said. That first case was go time.

We had been waiting and getting ready, and one case wasnt likely to be the only case, said the governor. It was the dam ready to burst.

Those gaps, in the early days, included the lack of coordination and national strategy from the Trump administration, even to get personal protective equipment. Every state was on its own, he indicated. It was a national embarrassment on how [COVID-19] was handled, he said. Polis plan was to bring in people from the private sector and attempt to shorten supply chains for things that turned controversial, such as face masks and testing kits.

What made it hard was the newness of the novel coronavirus. At the time, we knew very little about it, and that was frustrating, he said, having to make important decisions with the information that he had at the time rather than what he learned three or four months down the road.

The biggest failure at the national level was on messaging, Polis said. President Trump had a soapbox for mask-wearing and social distancing, and had he used that soapbox it would have saved tens of thousands of lives, Polis said. He did, however, applaud the former administration on Operation Warp Speed and expedited approval of vaccines.

Time in the spotlight

These days, Polis is looking to complete a political inside straight. And the missing card is Joe Biden. Biden's time as vice president aligns with first six of the eight years Polis spent in Congress.

Biden was Obamas steady, experienced hand on legislative matters, having served in the Senate from 1973 to 2009.

Polis found Biden to be a regular companion in Democratic caucus meetings and negotiations then.

More importantly, Polis said he knows a lot of members of Bidens key staff, including former colleagues from the Hill. Thats leading to good operational relationships at almost every agency.

Early on in the national crisis last year, Polis rose as a national gubernatorial star of the left, while his criticism of the White House made him a target for Colorado conservatives, small businesses and workers sidelined from their jobs.

In May, Polis was summoned to the White House by the Republican commander-in-chief.

The president and I have had our differences on different policies," Polis said then, Trump at his side. "This is not a time to air differences on unrelated policies. This is a time for all Americans to work together because we all have a common foe.

Trump met with Polis and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum that day in May, with Trump referring to the duo as "two governors who are working much harder than they thought they would have to work."

Closing time

Polis is steeped in what didnt work, but more importantly, what did.

Absolutely, we could have handled it better in the early days, he concedes.

One move he doesnt regret: moving his partner, Marlon Reis, up on the vaccine list, a move that generated a lot of controversy and criticism last month. Reis, young and healthy, had the virus just weeks earlier, and critics scoffed at the suggestion the first gentleman was an essential worker for the state.

It was about sending a message, Polis said.

My messaging around vaccines is not geared toward the several percent of people who want them, Polis said.

The incident is bound to be used against him next year, when he's out to again close the deal with voters, who will weigh his decisions under fire.

The governor said he wants to inspire confidence in people who are what he calls casually hesitant, around 20% to 30% who will probably get the vaccine but not right away.

I can say firsthand, I got it, its no big deal ... . The more we can familiarize people with it, the better.

That will be the challenge of this summer, Polis added: ending the pandemic and getting to herd immunity, at 70% to 75% of the population vaccinated.

Time to learn

Among the biggest challenges: closing schools. Polis said it wasn't a mistake at the time  it was the right thing to do  but its been so darn hard to get them open again.

That was something Polis didnt see coming. We probably could have closed for a month to get safety protocols in place ... . Were still better than some states and almost back to normal with K-8. But that was frustrating, he said.

Whats worked well: mask wearing and other COVID-19 safety protocols. Polis said his constant messaging on masks is not to those who wear them but to those who are what he calls mask hesitant. He also attributed some of that success to the business community, who saw mask-wearing as a path to reopening and a return to normal.

Polis said he wished the 5-Star Variance Protection program, started by Mesa County in December, had begun sooner statewide. That program allows for more capacity at businesses, despite where the county sits on the states COVID-19 dial. Businesses in the program apply for certification from the local public health agency, contingent on 100% mask wearing by employees and customers, daily symptom checks, an effort to promote the states Exposure Notifications app, recording customer info for contact tracing purposes and following industry-specific social-distancing protocols.

I wish wed thought of it, Polis said. It just took us a while to line that up.

He calmed the turbulent waters of oil and gas, successfully convincing both sides of the debate over climate change to give Senate Bill 181 and the Houses Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions time to work. That didn't stop Polis from trotting out his own greenhouse gas reduction roadmap in January, rankling the oil and gas advocates.

Grieving time

Whats been hardest in dealing with the pandemic has been the loss of life, the governor said. Hes lost two friends, one in their 60s and one in their 70s, both previously in good health.

They should have been with us for many years to come, Polis grieved.

Then theres his own situation: he and Reis both tested positive for the virus in November, and Reis was hospitalized for two days with it, leading to a couple of days without child care.

But theres nothing to compare to losing loved ones, Polis said, pointing Sen. Julie Gonzales of Denver and her husband, who lost her mother-in-law, her husband's uncle and her husband's grandfather in a matter of days.

Time to focus

COVID has also changed how the state government does business, the governor explained.

Me and my senior team are not able to just focus on a pandemic; theres a million other things, education, fixing potholes, higher ed, filing taxes and getting relief out  all the things the state does. Its meant keeping the state as efficient and productive as possible and keeping it on track.

Polis calls it a matter of prioritization, including keeping his cabinet members focused, given that the pandemic has touched them, their employees and constituents, as well.

Ever the optimist, Polis sees some good coming out of the pandemic for state government operations. The state will be able to reduce building use by a million square feet, given that many state employees do like working from home, Polis said. It wont be at the levels in place now, which he said is around 60% to 70% of employees working from home. He estimates that eventually about 20% to 30% of state employees will continue to work from home.

It will be better for productivity, employee morale, getting traffic off the roads and saving the state money on overhead. Those are things that would have likely taken 10 years to get to, instead of one. Thats making lemonade out of lemons, he added.

Polis says Colorado has handled the pandemic better than most, but the nation as a whole hasnt done well. Whatever decisions we made were secondary to individual decisions that Coloradans make. His job has been to help Coloradans make the right choices in their daily lives, including masks and social distancing.

Better times ahead

What gives Polis hope for the state as it begins to move out of the pandemic is that weve come to value whats important to us, such as family, school and work. "Well be stronger for it.

What the future holds: Polis is headed into the re-election campaign season later this year for his second run for governor. That wont look the same as 2018, both because of the pandemic as well as what hes campaigning on.

Many people who I know who ran in 2020 missed the retail aspect of politics, Polis said, adding that people who go into this field are social and like people, and miss the human contact.

His campaign will likely be much like it was for people running last year: more virtual but not completely replacing the physical presence, he said.

While Polis urged others to stay home, he traveled the state during the pandemic but a lot less than he could have. I look forward to being around the state more; I love this state. I cant wait to get back to that, he said.

Polis quickly dismissed the rumors that hes got an interest in the White House. Definitely not, he said.

If he continues to serve the rest of this term and win re-election, he indicated his path after elected office might be back to the business world.

I look forward to spending time with family and kids and pursuing different opportunities in the entrepreneurial sector. It can be a fun job to be a former governor, too, he added.

Time to reflect and project

Another thing Polis said in his 2020 State of the State address was to look to the future, advice that still holds amid all that has changed.

And so we stand here today on the cusp of a new decade: the 2020s  Wow! The future!  with a renewed spirit to build on the progress we have made, he said at the time.

The governor was prophetic about what was around the corner, that too many of our fellow Coloradans are anxious that one hardship  a job loss, a medical emergency, a recession, a natural disaster, or some other unforeseen challenge  will send them into a financial tailspin.

No one would have guessed that just two months later that all of those things: job loss, medical emergency, recession, natural disaster, would happen all at the same time.

Polis legacy will likely be measured not on full-day kindergarten, health insurance or climate change, but on how Colorado weathers the perfect storm it finds itself in for the next couple of years. Thats not what Polis ran on in 2018, but its a pretty sure bet that the states recovery will play the biggest role of all for Polis and his challengers in the 2022 campaign.

Time might or might not be on the side of Jared Polis. Though hes surrendered half his term to a deadly virus, the agenda that he promised would be bold needs time to mature.

But time will tell.
This weeks wanted

The following are being sought on arrest warrants, according to various sheriffs departments. The addresses listed are the last known addresses provided by the warrants and may be outdated.

 Markeil T. Havens, 23, address unknown, is being sought on a warrant accusing him of violating probation on charges of domestic battery and two counts of burglary and failing to appear in court on a charge of driving while license is suspended . He also has an unspecified Pike County warrant.

He is a Black male standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 174 pounds. He has black hair and hazel eyes.

 Quinton A. Gause, 32, of 840 W. Lafayette Ave. is being sought on a warrant accusing him of violating probation on a battery charge and failing to appear in court on charges of speeding and driving while license is suspended. He also has an unspecified Schuyler County warrant.

He is a Black male standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 170 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

.

Submit tips anonymously at tipsubmit.com, by calling 217-243-7300 or by text messaging CRIMES (274637) with payout as the first word of the tip.



Morgan County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Zachary L. Large, 18, of 305 Main St., Franklin, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:05 p.m. Thursday on a charge of criminal damage to property.

 Mistie D. Savage, 37, of 125 E. Jefferson St., Winchester, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 12:43 a.m. Friday on charges of speeding and driving under the influence.

 Morgan R. Pierce, 20, of 604 Carroll St., Naples, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 4:37 a.m. Friday on charges of possession of adult-use cannabis by a driver and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jacksonville Police

VANDALISM

 A tire was slashed on a car between 3 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. Friday while it was parked in the first block of Merrygrove Drive.

 Two tires on a car were punctured while it was parked overnight in the first block of Greenbriar Drive, according to a report filed at 1:23 p.m. Friday.

 Bricks were thrown through two windows of a house in the 600 block of Illinois Avenue, according to a report filed at 6:55 p.m. Thursday.

 A brick was thrown through the rear window of a car driving in the 700 block of North Main Street about 5:45 p.m. Thursday.

THEFTS, BURGLARIES

 Money was taken from the wallet of someone in the 500 block of Brooklyn Avenue, according to a report filed at 8:04 a.m. Friday.

 Someone walked away with a wallet that was left on a counter at Caseys at 525 E. Morton Ave. and did not turn it in, according to a report filed at 11:28 p.m. Thursday.



Calhoun County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Nicholas E. Shook, 25, of Hardin was booked into Greene County Jail at 6:16 p.m. Feb. 26 on a charge of possession of methamphetamine.



Greene County

Sheriff

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 William L. Braun, 49, of Alton was booked into Greene County Jail at 9:08 a.m. Thursday on a charge of criminal trespass to a vehicle.

Carrollton Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Christopher T. Hartley, 24, of Elsah was booked into Greene County Jail at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of possession of drug paraphernalia and a Jersey County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

Greenfield Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 William C. Childers, 29, of Troy, Missouri, was booked into Greene County Jail at 2:56 a.m. Feb. 27 on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon and on warrants from Pike, Morgan and Menard counties accusing him of failing to appear in court.

 Rebecca M. Wolf, 21, of Troy, Missouri, was booked into Greene County Jail at 2:10 a.m. Feb. 27 on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon and on a Pike County warrant accusing her of failing to appear in court.

Roodhouse Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Mark S. Justice, 38, of Roodhouse was booked into Greene County Jail at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday on a charge of driving while license is revoked or suspended.

 Brian T. Crum, 42, of Roodhouse was booked into Greene County Jail at 5:45 p.m. Feb. 27 on a probation violation.

 Kayla M. Farris, 32, of Roodhouse was booked into Greene County Jail at 4:06 p.m. Feb. 26 on a battery charge.

White Hall Police

ARRESTS, CITATIONS

 Casey L. Dossett, 29, of White Hall was booked into Greene County Jail at 11:58 p.m. Tuesday on a charge of driving while license is suspended.

Compiled by David C.L. Bauer
Republicans again have started gunning early for U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright.

Fresh off failing to beat Cartwright with President Donald Trump on the ballot, they aim to beat him without Trump on the ballot, which they failed to accomplish in 2018.

Voters first elected Cartwright to Congress in 2012 and reelected him in 2014 and 2016, but Republicans pretty much ignored him back then.

Only after Trump came along in 2016 did they pay more attention to the Moosic Democrat, a member of the House leadership team and chairman of a House Appropriations Committee subcommittee.

Now, they keep thinking hes vulnerable.

Trump won Cartwrights district in 2016 by 53.4% to 43.27% over Democrat Hillary Clinton, according to an analysis by Daily Kos, the liberal website. Back then, Cartwright represented the 17th Congressional District. Cartwright beat underfunded Republican Matt Connolly in 2016 by only 53.8% to 46.2%.

Trumps winning margin and Cartwrights narrow win against an underfunded Connolly riled up Republicans into thinking they could beat Cartwright in 2018 with the right well-funded candidate. Because of a court challenge to the old boundaries, the state Supreme Court commissioned new district lines in 2018 and put Cartwright in the 8th Congressional District. Based on the 2016 presidential results, Trump won the new district, too, 53.26% to 43.72%, according to another Daily Kos analysis. With about the same margin as the old district, Republicans went full speed ahead and nominated well-funded former Wall Street executive John Chrin.

Cartwright beat Chrin, 54.64% to 45.36%, better than Trumps 2016 margin. In other words, enough Trump voters seemed to like Cartwright just fine.

Republicans said, Well, wait a minute, of course Cartwright won; Trump wasnt on the ballot in 2018, but he will be in 2020. They then clumsily aimed their sights at Cartwright again in 2020.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California, the House Republican leader, endorsed veteran Earl Granville of Scott Twp. early, but Granville couldnt get past the primary election. That actually allowed Cartwright to breathe a sigh of relief. He would have had a tougher time beating a guy from his home county.

Instead, Republican voters nominated consultant Jim Bognet of Luzerne County. Cartwright beat Bognet 51.78% to 48.22%, about Trumps winning margin in the district, 51.71% to 47.29%.

If youll notice, Bognet did about a point better in the district than Joe Biden, but Cartwright did a tiny bit better than Trump.

Bognet has hinted about running again, but hasnt officially declared.

Veteran and Purple Heart recipient Teddy Daniels of Lake Twp. in Wayne County, who finished a surprising second in the 2020 Republican primary behind Bognet, pronounced himself a candidate again on Jan. 9, only three days after the Capitol insurrection. Daniels traveled down there on one of Frank Scavos buses to protest the certification of Bidens election. Unlike Scavo, no video or photos have surfaced of Daniels inside the Capitol.

Which kind of makes sense. Daniels, a former police officer, knows you dont cross certain lines. Scavo, not a cop, apparently doesnt, which didnt stop Daniels from urging Republicans, in a Facebook post, to nominate Scavo again as their Senate candidate to replace Sen. John Blake. (Blake leaves office Monday.)

This week, Republican groups signaled more forcefully their plan to go after Cartwright again as they search for the five districts they need to flip to regain control of the House.

Dan Conston, president of the Congressional Leadership Fund, a Republican super political action committee  which means a PAC that can accept unlimited contributions  issued a memo Tuesday, Early Keys to Winning the Majority in 2022. Conston went through all kinds of reasons Republicans didnt win the majority with Trump on the ballot. Surprise, surprise, raising money tops the list, but thats not why were interested.

The memo points out that a woman, a minority member or a veteran won the 15 seats Republicans flipped in 2020. So maybe Daniels, a vet, will get Republican help this time, though he always has disdained help from the swamp and you can definitely lump in CLF with the swamp.

More important, the memo also points out that six of the seven congressional districts that Trump and a Democrat won  Cartwrights district among them  were rural or working class.

So maybe it comes as no surprise that early CLF targets include a Wisconsin Democratic congressman, a Maine Democratic congressman and a certain Northeast Pennsylvania Democratic congressman.

The same day, the American Action Network, another conservative group, announced digital ads on Google and other platforms targeting Cartwright. We saw this group sniping at Cartwright in late 2019 with a TV ad featuring Stacy, a woman who seemed to live in 11 congressional districts across the country. Same ad, same actress, different members of Congress.

The (digital) ads will be served to folks on local news sites, blogs and on other content that voters in the district are reading on voting, their elected officials, Congress, and other related current events information, network spokesman Calvin Moore said.

A lot will depend on the way redistricting alters the boundaries of the 8th District and the candidate Republicans ultimately come up with, but dont be surprised to see Trump visit next year to help whomever try to beat Cartwright.

Various factors say Cartwright looks ready for 2022, but hes got to get going on raising money.

He started the year with $170,866, well below the $429,799 he started the last election cycle with. For a House leader, though, money shouldnt be a problem. In fact, the day before Constons memo, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which helps party congressional candidates, added Cartwright and 31 other incumbents to its Frontline program, meaning theyll get all the help they need.

So get ready for lots more TV commercials.

Everywhere a sign

In a move that could signal former U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta will run for governor, the American Italian Food Coalition announced Susan Molinari, a former Republican congresswoman from New York, has joined as a co-chairperson. Barletta was the groups only co-chairman since its creation in 2019. A group that new really doesnt need two unless one might get busy doing something else. Molinari used to serve as top lobbyist for Google.

BORYS KRAWCZENIUK, The Times-Tribune politics reporter, writes Random Notes.
The Centre has rushed high-level multi-disciplinary public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab in view of the increase in number of daily COVID-19 cases being reported by these states.

The teams are being deployed to assist State Health Departments in coronavirus surveillance, control and containment measures, the Union health ministry said.

The high-level team to Maharashtra will be led by P Ravindran, Sr CMO, Disaster Management Cell, MOHFW. While the public health team to Punjab will be led by S K Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi, it said.

The teams will visit the (COVID-19) hotspot areas in the states and ascertain reasons for the surge in cases, the ministry said.

According to the ministry data, there are 6,661 active coronavirus cases in Punjab and 90,055 cases in Maharashtra.

They will also brief chief secretary/secretary (health) on their observations and remedial measures to be undertaken by the respective state health authorities.

The Union government has been leading the fight against COVID-19 pandemic with a Whole of Government' and Whole of Society' approach under the umbrella strategy of Cooperative Federalism', the ministry said.

As ongoing efforts to strengthen the initiatives of various state and Union territory (UT) governments for COVID management, the government has been deputing central teams from time to time to visit various states/UTs.

These teams interact with the state and UT authorities and get a first-hand understanding of the challenges and issues being faced by them so as to strengthen their ongoing activities and remove bottlenecks, if any. The reports of central teams are shared with the states for further follow up action, it added.

Also Read: Odisha to facilitate recovery of MSMEs disturbed by COVID crisis: CM Naveen Patnaik
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Charlies Bar & Grille is a finalist for Michigans Best Fish Fry.

The popular bar, located on the bustling Plainfield Avenue corridor at 3519 Plainfield Ave. NE, has been a longtime hangout for locals.

Its more restaurant than bar, said owner Jodi Wilterdink. The food is a real happy surprise for people.

Related: Is Michigans Best Fish Fry at this tucked-away bar that serves steamed mussels?

The daily specials include plenty of seafood options, especially during the Lenten season when 90% of the specials are seafood.

The steamed mussels, drenched in spicy tomato, olive oil, garlic and white wine, have been a big hit with patrons, Wilterdink said.

Theres also shrimp, smelt, pollock, cod, salmon, walleye, perch, scallops, among other offerings. On Wednesdays, people flock there for the all-you-can-eat, hand-breaded, deep-fried pollock.

So, if youve never been to Charlies before, I think you would be shocked or surprised that its a full restaurant,' Wilterdink said.

She said people come into Charlies thinking oh, this is a little hole in the wall bar, and then they look at the specials board and see her staff running around with all the food.

Read more about Michigans Best Fish Fry locations from MLives John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman: https://www.mlive.com/michigansbest/

18 Search for Michigan's Best Fish Fry: Charlie's Bar and Grille

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Plastic sheeting and hockey-style penalty boxes: What jury trials will look like in Michigan courtrooms

New coffee shop coming to Grand Rapids Downtown Market

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Armenia is an important partner, and we encourage its democratic development, Blinken tweeted after the conversation.

The Secretary stressed the significance of respect for the rule of law and democratic institutions, and he expressed our continuing support for the development of democratic processes and institutions in Armenia, the U.S. State Department spokesman, Ned Price, said in separate written comments.

According to Pashinians office, Blinken hailed Armenias achievements in the field of democracy and assured that the United States will continue to assist Armenia in the ongoing reform process.

Both sides stressed the need for cooperation towards strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption and advancing judicial and police reforms in Armenia, the office said in a statement.

The official readouts made no explicit mention of the ongoing political crisis deepened by the Armenian militarys demands for Pashinians resignation. The militarys top brass last week accused Pashinians government of putting the country on the brink of destruction after last years war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The State Department warned Armenias armed forces to stay out of politics but stopped short of calling their demands a coup attempt. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid any escalatory or violent actions, Price said on February 26.

Blinken and Pashinian also discussed the current situation in the Karabakh conflict zone.

We welcome efforts to achieve a lasting political settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Blinken said in this regard.

Pashinian was cited by his office as stressing the need for Azerbaijan to immediately return [Armenian] prisoners of war, hostages and other people held in captivity.

In this context, the U.S. side emphasized the importance of the the Minsk Group Co-Chairs activities and expressed readiness to continue its role in resolving the conflict, the office said.

Blinken pledged in January to reinvigorate U.S. engagement to find a permanent settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict that protects the security of Nagorno-Karabakh and helps to ensure another war does not break out.

Joe Biden complained about a lack of such engagement during the six-week Karabakh war that coincided with the U.S. presidential race.
Ukraine has applied for Borsht, a soup-like dish which the country claims to have ownership of, to be a designated Ukrainian recipe by UNESCO.

The move is part of an attempt to resolve a dispute with Poland and Russia, two countries which Ukraine has accused of claiming ownership of the dish.

A live televised demonstration of Borsht being made took place on Friday in Kiev to mark the UNESCO application.

The event attracted 25 cooks from all over the country.

"Borsht is the identity of our nation," said Tetyana Sokor, a representative from the Sumy region in the east of the country who was taking part in the live demonstration.

A standard Borsht dish contains carrot, beets, and peppers, it's then often mixed with oil, slices of fat, garlic, and brown bread.

But each region of Ukraine has its own take on the recipe.

Each of Friday's participants cooked their own region's version of the dish which can include a wide variety of ingredients from chicken and fish, to fruits such as pears.

It's claimed that Borsht's association with the country dates right back to 1556 when it was mentioned in the dictionary of the history of the Ukrainian language.

"The reason to apply to UNESCO is made first of all for Ukrainians - to make them love Ukrainian cuisine, to revive it," said Yevhen Klopotenko, a chef who led the application for Borsht to have a cultural heritage of UNESCO.

"We're trying to show by this event that it's absolutely not only unique by taste but also unique by preparation (cooking)," said Oleksandr Tkachenko, Minister of the Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

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Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
WKCTC's Virtual Justice Run Going on This Month

By West Kentucky Star Staff

WESTERN KENTUCKY - West Kentucky Community and Technical College's 10th annual Justice Run is a virtual event this year. The community is encouraged to walk or run any time during the month of April.The annual event sponsored by the college's criminal justice club, Alpha Epsilon Beta, is held in honor of National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Proceeds from the run are donated each year to Paducah's Child Watch for the prevention and treatment of child abuse."Due to the pandemic, we can't hold the race on campus again this year, but we're not going to let that stop us from continuing our mission to offer participants a way to race and raise money for the children who need it most," said Gary Reese, AEB advisor. "We encourage everyone to walk or run on their own or with family and friends, any time, any place in April."Registrants will receive a certificate of completion. Results should be reported to Gary Reese at garyl.reese@kctcs.edu.Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt. The registration form can be found below.On the Net:
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A North Carolina family's pet rabbit gave birth to a litter of 24 baby bunnies -- unofficially tying the Guinness World Record.

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Tiffany Robins of Winston-Salem said her family was told their male rabbit, Romeo, was fixed before they got him, so they were shocked when their female rabbit, Vader, started giving birth.

"It was like 10, then 15 and then I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, we have 24 bunnies,'" Robins told WFMY-TV.

Robins said her family is hand-feeding some of the babies to ease the strain on the mother rabbit.

The family looked up the Guinness World Record and discovered Vader's litter ties the record for the largest litter of rabbits, which was set in New Zealand.

The Robins family said Romeo is now staying with a family friend to prevent further surprise pregnancies.
Now is not time to relax pandemic efforts, says WHO

"We think we're through this. We're not," Mike Ryan, WHO's top emergency expert, told an online briefing. "Countries are going to lurch into third and fourth surges if we're not careful"


The trend  quietly building for years, but accelerating to warp speed since the pandemic  goes by the sleepy moniker robotic process automation. And it is transforming workplaces at a pace that few outsiders appreciate. Nearly 8 in 10 corporate executives surveyed by Deloitte last year said they had implemented some form of R.P.A. Another 16 percent said they planned to do so within three years.

Most of this automation is being done by companies youve probably never heard of. UiPath, the largest stand-alone automation firm, is valued at $35 billion  roughly the size of eBay  and is slated to go public later this year. Other companies like Automation Anywhere and Blue Prism, which have Fortune 500 companies like Coca-Cola and Walgreens Boots Alliance as clients, are also enjoying breakneck growth, and tech giants like Microsoft have recently introduced their own automation products to get in on the action.

Executives generally spin these bots as being good for everyone, streamlining operations while liberating workers from mundane and repetitive tasks. But they are also liberating plenty of people from their jobs. Independent experts say that major corporate R.P.A. initiatives have been followed by rounds of layoffs, and that cutting costs, not improving workplace conditions, is usually the driving factor behind the decision to automate.

Craig Le Clair, an analyst with Forrester Research who studies the corporate automation market, said that for executives, much of the appeal of R.P.A. bots is that they are cheap, easy to use and compatible with their existing back-end systems. He said that companies often rely on them to juice short-term profits, rather than embarking on more expensive tech upgrades that might take years to pay for themselves.

Its not a moonshot project like a lot of A.I., so companies are doing it like crazy, Mr. Le Clair said. With R.P.A., you can build a bot that costs $10,000 a year and take out two to four humans.

On Saturday afternoon, several people wearing eerie masks and protective suits marched through the streets of the capital, in a protest against Covid-19 regulations.

"Divide and conquer" or "I'm being suffocated, I'm a prisoner, I'm oppressed": messages worn on the body by these demonstrators in protective suits similar to those worn by healthcare professionals in hospitals or infectious disease departments and often seen on the news.

No mask - No freedom

A procession which started near Place d'Armes against the backdrop of a sinister soundtrack and a robotic voice repeating the phrase: "Hugs are dangerous, family is dangerous, avoid all human contact, follow the measures to protect yourself, no masks, no freedom".

A message which made clear the demonstrators' message: that the virus is a political manipulation and that the laws passed to contain its spread are oppressive.
ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi's government is facing criticism for hiring consulting giant McKinsey to help it rewrite plans for spending the European Union funds aimed at rebuilding the economy.

The government said on Saturday it had signed a 25,000 euro ($30,000) contract with McKinsey to look at the issue. It did not give details of how much work the firm would do, but the sum is very small by the standards of consulting firm costs.

An Italian official told Reuters that McKinsey was willing to work pro bono but the government insisted that they have at least expenses paid.

A representative for McKinsey had no comments.

Draghi, a former president of the European Central Bank with no political affiliation, took office last month after the collapse of the previous coalition. A first priority is to redraft Italy's Recovery Plan, which must be handed to the European Commission by April to tap more than 200 billion euros of EU funds and revive the pandemic-hit economy.

With time running out, the Economy Ministry said in a statement that it had asked McKinsey to assess the plans already prepared by the other EU countries and to provide "support for monitoring the finalization of the (Italian) Plan".

News about the contract was leaked by Italian Radio Popolare on Friday and sparked criticism on Twitter from lawmakers of Draghi's coalition, which includes parties from the left to right.

"Any changes to the Recovery Plan governance must be told and explained to the parliament," tweeted former deputy Economy Minister Antonio Misiani, a lawmaker from the ruling Democratic Party (PD).

Stefano Fassina, a deputy for the LEU party, called the move "humiliating" for administration civil servants and said it removed political accountability.

Another PD lawmaker, former minister for the Regions Francesco Boccia, told Reuters that given McKinsey's role helping multinational firms define their investment strategies, "it would not be free of conflict of interests in advising the Italian state on strategic public policy decisions".

Story continues

The Economy Ministry said in its statement that every decision regarding the Recovery Plan remained with the competent public administrations.

The European Commission will disburse the money in installments dependent on the government reaching milestones and meeting benchmarks.

($1 = 0.8391 euros)

(Reporting by Giselda Vagnoni; Additional reporting by Giuseppe Conte; Editing by Frances Kerry)

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The police in Anambra State said they have arrested a 35-year-old man, Kingsley Igwe, for allegedly killing his wife, Onyinye Obi, with a kitchen knife.

The police spokesperson in the state, Haruna Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters in Awka on Thursday.

Mr Mohammed, a chief superintendent of police, said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday at about 4:00 a.m. at his residence at Dueze Str., Otigba, in 3-3 Area by police operatives attached to 3-3 police station.

Suspect allegedly ran amok in circumstances yet to be ascertained and attacked his wife, one Oyinye Obi, 31, with a kitchen knife and inflicted multiple injuries all over her body.

Meanwhile, police detectives visited the scene and rushed the victim to Apex hospital for medical attention but was certified dead on arrival by a medical doctor, the statement said.

Mr Mohammed said the corpse had been deposited at the hospitals morgue for autopsy while the knife used in perpetrating the act was also recovered and registered as an exhibit.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Monday Kuryas, has directed the DPO of the station to transfer the case to the State CID, Awka, for discreet investigation, the police spokesperson said.

(NAN)
The relentless campaign to demonize supporters of President Trump entered the realm of self-parody this past week, with warnings that the U.S. Capitol and democracy itself were in danger on March 4 because QAnon saw that date as the real inauguration day. It was all balderdash, a PsyOp aimed at delegitimizing support for Trump or questioning the integrity of the presidential election.

Even the Washington Post admitted there was nothing to it, calling the reports a "mirage."

At the Capitol, a March 4 threat from militant Trump supporters proves a mirage https://t.co/pHUgunuHEN  The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) March 4, 2021

This is too kind, for mirages are genuine phenomena, a product of the physics of light. This bogus warning was entirely the product of human intentions, not the result of impersonal natural forces. And it amounted to the worst sort of propaganda, intended to demonize a group based on lies, by fanning the flames of panic.

But Speaker Pelosi eagerly canceled voting Thursday because of the bogus threat. This freed up Representative Al Green, a Democrat from the Houston area, to undertake a stunt of surpassing stupidity that was taken with deadpan seriousness by much of the media. The D.C. insider publication, The Hill, bought into the stunt:

Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) is sending a message to QAnon and right-wing extremist threats by sitting on the Capitol steps on Thursday, the date authorities warned militia groups were potentially planning another breach of the building. "I want to make a statement to let people know, those who would threaten those of us who cherish this freedom that we have here that we refuse to allow those threats to negate our freedom," he told The Hill.

Green himself touted his bravery:

I love my country and believe that freedom is not free. Others have made great sacrifices for the freedoms I enjoy. I refuse to surrender our nations Capitol to those who would abridge my freedom. Hence, as a matter of personal principle, I will be in the Capitol complex today.  Congressman Al Green (@RepAlGreen) March 4, 2021

And a heroic-looking picture of him went out to social media:

Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) sat on the U.S. Capitol steps today to protest QAnon and right-wing extremists -The Hill pic.twitter.com/WJhMDuxFwq  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) March 5, 2021

The only problem is that Rep. Green was sitting behind a large protective cordon, including National Guard troops and fencing, facing no danger, even if the phony insurrection reports had been true.

Ninety percentplus of the population will never see the broader picture. The propagandists control what most people see, and they are all too effective in their theatrics.

Tucker Carlson called them out in his introductory segment Friday. It's worth watching here.

Photo credit: Twitter.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 00:38:45|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China has opened its annual two sessions as scheduled, with more than 5,000 national lawmakers and political advisors gathering in Beijing to review the government work over the past year and map out an overall blueprint for the next five years and beyond.

The 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) began their fourth sessions on Thursday and Friday, respectively. The meetings will deliberate and discuss important documents concerning China's overall future development, including a draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through the year 2035.

China aims to expand its economy by more than 6 percent in 2021, according to the government work report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang at the opening of the national legislature's meeting on Friday.

The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as well as the starting point on a new journey to fully building a modern socialist China.

Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has put humanity to a grave test. Despite the hurdles, China has convincingly marched ahead. It won its battle against poverty, achieved major strategic outcomes in epidemic prevention and control, and became the only major economy to achieve positive economic growth worldwide last year.

Against the backdrop of all these, the Chinese political meetings have attracted special attention. They are expected to inject certainty and confidence into the world that is struggling to recover from an economic recession and contain the novel coronavirus.

SOLID START TO NEW FIVE-YEAR PERIOD

During the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) period, China made decisive progress in the three critical battles against major risks, poverty and pollution, laying a solid foundation for the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

The national lawmakers and political advisors have extensively discussed ways on making a good start to the new five-year period through innovation, developing advanced manufacturing and pushing rural vitalization.

"We need to improve our technological self-sufficiency, and in particular, we need to overcome the technological bottlenecks," said Zhan Chunxin, a political advisor and board chairman of Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. in central China's Hunan Province. "China's equipment manufacturing enterprises should develop innovative ideas, mechanisms and capabilities."

Private enterprises should strive to implement the new development philosophy and achieve high-quality development especially in the first year of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, said Tang Liang, a national lawmaker and chairman of Ossen Group, a Shanghai-based leading bridge-cable manufacturer.

EMBARKING ON NEW JOURNEY OF MODERNIZATION

This year, China will embark on a new journey of fully building a modern socialist country and forge ahead towards the second centenary goal, which is to build a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful.

Thanks to over four decades of rapid development since the country rolled out its reform and opening-up policy, the Chinese economy has grown to become the second-largest in the world and entered a stage of high-quality development.

China's GDP has exceeded the 100-trillion-yuan (15.41 trillion U.S. dollars) threshold, with its per capita GDP surpassing 10,000 dollars for the second straight year.

With the implementation of technological innovations and applications such as artificial intelligence, 5G and big data, China's economy will form more areas of growth in the future, said Zhang Jindong, a national lawmaker and board chairman of domestic leading retailer Suning Holdings Group. "Digital transformation is an important path for enterprises to break through development bottlenecks."

"To build a strong modern country, it is necessary to do a solid job in the real economy. It is particularly essential to forge a strong manufacturing industry and achieve better-integrated development of the secondary and tertiary industries," said Zhang Weiguo, a national lawmaker and a researcher with Shandong Academy of Social Sciences in east China's Shandong Province.

Official statistics showed that the purchasing managers' index (PMI) for China's manufacturing sector came in at 50.6 percent in February and remained in the expansion zone for the 12 consecutive months, indicating a robust economic recovery.

"China's economic prospects have raised the world's expectation for sharing China's development dividend," said Lei Yuanjiang, a national political advisor from east China's Jiangxi Province.

BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH SHARED FUTURE

In late February, 34 key domestic and foreign investment projects were signed in south China's Hainan Province, with a total contracted investment of 13.8 billion yuan. The island province aims to become a new highland of opening up through the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Last year, the province utilized about 3 billion dollars of foreign capital, doubling for three consecutive years.

In recent years, China has made solid moves in furthering its opening-up bid. Some of the major strides in pursuit of its opening-up policy include the establishment of 21 pilot free trade zones; the Hainan Free Trade Port; China International Import Expo; the first China International Consumer Products Expo, scheduled in Haikou in May.

"We will focus on institutional innovation to create new heights of openness and a first-class business environment to attract global investors," said Fu Xuanchao, a national lawmaker and director of the Hainan Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

At present, the international environment is grim, complex and full of uncertainties, as the COVID-19 pandemic is still raging across a large part of the world, highlighting the practical significance of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

To jointly fight the novel coronavirus, China has provided assistance to more than 150 countries and 10 international organizations, and its self-developed COVID-19 vaccines have become international public goods. The China-Europe freight trains, plying day and night, have also played an important role in ensuring material supply along the routes.

Committed to reform and opening up, promoting economic globalization, and working actively to build a community with a shared future for mankind, China is making steady progress toward its second centenary goal. Enditem
GENEVA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior diplomats based here on Friday expressed their support for China on Hong Kong-related issues, especially a draft decision of China's top legislature to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

China's National People's Congress (NPC) deliberated the draft decision on improving Hong Kong's electoral system on Friday, the first day of the ongoing NPC annual session held in Beijing.

"The National People's Congress is the sovereign parliament of China and the representatives in it are fully competent to frame laws for entire China as per the interests of the nation, they are the best guardians of the interests of the Chinese people," Ambassador Tahir Hussain Andrabi, deputy representative of Pakistan to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, told Xinhua on Friday.

"The National People's Congress in the past has framed laws of Hong Kong that have contributed to the stability of Hong Kong," he said, adding that he expects the new decision "could be part of the series of such legislations which have promoted peace and stability in Hong Kong."

During the ongoing 46th session of the UN Human Rights Council, a Belarusian representative delivered a joint speech on Friday on behalf of 70 countries, emphasizing that Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs and should not be interfered in by external forces.

Ambassador Yury Ambrazevich, head of the Belarus mission to the UN in Geneva, told Xinhua after the meeting that in the joint statement read out by Belarus, "we emphasized that Hong Kong is an integral part of China and Hong Kong affairs are China's internals affairs."

He stressed that China has the sole authority to make any decisions to maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, and that Belarus believes China has the capacity for the successful implementation of "one country, two systems."

Ambassador Kham-Inh Khitchadeth, representative of Laos to the UN in Geneva, told Xinhua on Friday that the NPC's decision to improve Hong Kong's electoral system is based on the current needs.

"We believe that this decision will be constructive to the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong as well as the enduring steadfast implementation of 'one country, two systems' policy," he said.

The Geneva-based senior diplomats also spoke positively of the national security law in Hong Kong.

"Belarus is deeply convinced that sustainable and effective development is impossible without political stability and national unity and integrity; this is why any separatist activity is totally incompatible with achieving prosperity and stability of the nation, and this is why we welcome the new law," said Ambrazevich.

Khitchadeth told Xinhua that the enforcement of the national security law in Hong Kong "is very necessary in order to better protect the rights and freedom of Hong Kong residents in a safe environment."

Andrabi recalled that during the previous session of the UN Human Rights Council, many countries, including Pakistan, also issued a joint statement in support of China on Hong Kong-related issues.

"That statement was quite an emphatic expression to reject the approach of targeting China based on political considerations," he said.
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A United Airlines Boeing 757-200. Shutterstock / verzellenberg

United Airlines is one of my new favorite airlines to fly during the pandemic.

I wasn't overly impressed by the airline in 2020 but new improvements have me wanting to come back.

Numerous social distancing precautions were in place at every turn and I was surprised to see an onboard snack and drink service.

Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

United Airlines had a rocky start to social distancing during the pandemic.

A botched seat blocking policy was quickly abandoned after a customer exposed the airline failing to keep seats open on a flight from Newark to San Francisco. The airline opted to fill flights but not assign middle seats unless necessary, instead offering free flight changes to passengers that didn't want to travel on fuller flights.

Out of the big four US airlines, United joined American Airlines in filling planes while Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines blocked seats. I took two flights on United in June 2020 and the airline didn't quite impress with its inconsistent social distancing measures and flights with no in-flight service.

Some of those inconsistencies remain but my latest experience on the airline showed how far the airline has come. Aircraft are still being filled to capacity, a policy now adopted by all major US airlines besides Delta, but United has made improvements to its offering and brought back some amenities that harken back to pre-pandemic times and ultimately make for a better travel experience.

I flew on United once more, this time in February from Denver to Houston, Texas on the airline's first Boeing 737 Max flight in nearly two years.

Here's what flying United is like in 2021.

My United journey started at Denver International Airport where I'd catch the 7:50 a.m. flight to Houston.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

I headed to the check-in area and immediately noticed that it had been entirely overhauled with social distancing measures.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Each check-in station had plexiglass partitions separating United staff from passengers...

Story continues

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

And kiosks had plastic dividers between them with the option for "touchless check-in" by using a mobile device if a user didn't want to touch the screen.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Even signage above the check-in area was promoting proper face-covering rules. It was an impressive overhaul and more so than I've seen from some competitors.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Before I even got to the kiosk, I was required to acknowledge United's face covering rule...

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider via United Airlines

And the health declaration when I checked in online. I had to affirm that I hadn't tested positive for COVID-19 in the past three weeks nor had I been exposed to the virus, as well as been experiencing any symptoms.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider via United Airlines

I also had to confirm that I wasn't awaiting COVID-19 test results and no other airline had denied me boarding. These requirements were definitely more strict than others I'd seen in my travels.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider via United Airlines

United is also offering contact tracing so customers are asked to provide their contact information; though, the program is optional.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider via United Airlines

My flight to Houston was for a special occasion, United's first Boeing 737 Max passenger flight since March 2019, and it was nearly sold out as aviation enthusiasts flocked to Denver to be on the first flight.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Read More: I flew on United Airlines' first Boeing 737 Max flight in nearly 2 years and it was just the boring flight the airline needed

United informed me that the flight was filling up at check-in and I was offered the option to change to a different flight for free. It's a nice gesture but I've found it's rarely helpful.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider via United Airlines

There was no shortage of alternate options on the Denver-Houston route but other routes don't have as many backup options since the pandemic forced airlines to reduce flights. And there's no guarantee any of these flights wouldn't also fill up with passengers.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider via United Airlines

The gate area for my flight featured many of the same measures as check-in, including a banner reminding passengers to wear face coverings and social distance, as well as highlighting United's partnership with Clorox and the Cleveland Clinic,

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Gate counters were also covered with plexiglass partitions and had additional details about the airline's new safety protocols.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider.

Social distancing placards dotted the carpet and continued into the jetway. United had done a great job of ensuring multiple layers of precautions here.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Before boarding, gate agents reminded passengers that wearing masks are now part of federal law and they'd be required to be worn at all times, except when eating and drinking. A refusal could mean denial of boarding and civil penalties.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Digital signage above the gate also explained the airline's new boarding procedure and additional social distancing measures.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

The flight was then boarded from the back of the plane to the front to help with social distancing. Pre-boarding was still offered and first class flyers along with United elites were still allowed to board first.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

More placards lined the jetway and though passengers rarely adhere to the six-feet rule in the jetway, the placards serve as a nice gesture to show the airline is being proactive during the pandemic.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Flight attendants welcomed us on the flight and gave us a sanitary wipe to clean the seats.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

The cabin, however, appeared spotless already.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

United, like most US airlines, disinfects aircraft via "fogging" with an electrostatic sprayer before each flight.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Read More: Delta, United, and American are 'fogging' their planes to make them safe for travel amid coronavirus  here's what that means

I had no concerns whatsoever with cabin cleanliness. It also helped that this was essentially a brand-new plane as no paying passengers had flown on it since March 2019.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

The back-to-front system also appeared to work worked as there were not many passengers I had to walk past, except in first class and the first few rows of economy where United elites were sat.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider.

My seat, 30A, was a window seat towards the back of the plane and I was among the first to board.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

I found my seat to be impeccably clean, rendering the wipe virtually useless.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Even the tray table was spotless; although, that's par for the course on a "new" aircraft like this one.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

This aircraft, in particular, has no seat-back screens and United had removed all the literature beyond the safety card.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Flight attendants once again stressed the importance of mask-wearing during the pre-departure briefing. United has banned over 600 passengers as of mid-January for not wearing masks, the second most of any US airline that shared its statistics with Insider.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider.

Read More: Airlines have banned more than 2,500 passengers for not wearing masks  here are the carriers that have booted the most

Soon enough, we were off on our two-hour journey to Houston.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Flight attendants began the in-flight service shortly after takeoff, armed with masks and gloves. Not all airlines require their flight attendants to wear gloves during the service, surprisingly.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider.

Each passenger was given this snack bag, as is the case on most US airlines still conducting an in-flight service.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Inside were the essentials including a bottle of water, Stroopwafel, pretzels, and another sanitary wipe.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

And it didn't stop there as we were also offered a soft drink. I was pleasantly shocked as this was the first time I'd be given something other than plain water while flying during the pandemic.

Flying United Airlines during the pandemic. Thomas Pallini/Insider

It was a nice touch and I was glad to see a semblance of normal. Plus, the Stroopwafel is among my favorite in-flight snacks.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

I took a quick walk around the cabin to see how well United's warnings about mask-wearing were heeded by the passengers.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

All in all, the strict warnings did appear to work as most were masked up during the flight.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

The most egregious offense I saw was not having the mask over the nose but that was rare.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider.

It was truly a normal flight with no major issues.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

Soon enough, it was time to land in Houston.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

United often deplanes by rows but we didn't on this flight. Many passengers were rushing to make connecting flights as we'd been slightly delayed leaving Denver.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider.

Overall, it was an enjoyable flight and made me want to fly United again.

Flying on a United Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9. Thomas Pallini/Insider

United is my new favorite to fly during the pandemic that isn't blocking middle seats. I'll always prefer an airline like Delta that is blocking seats but United takes the cake among those that aren't.

I was highly impressed with how both airports I visited were completely overhauled with new health and safety measures, as well as the airline's use of its digital signage to convey social distancing messaging.

I also appreciated the airline bringing back the in-flight service, which makes quite the difference on longer flights. United is the first airline on which I've flown during the pandemic where I've been given something to drink other than a bottled water, and I truly appreciate that.

United isn't perfect as smaller airports in the airline's network do not have the same level of precautions as the Denver and Houston hubs, as is the case for many airlines, but it's better than most airlines on which I've flown during the pandemic.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(@FahadShabbir)

Istanbul, March 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :Turkey's Defence Minister Hulusi Akar and top military officials Saturday joined naval drills on an exploration vessel at the heart of a dispute with Greece over contested natural gas reserves.

Akar and the air force, army and navy chiefs landed by helicopter on the Oruc Reis off the Aegean Sea, the defence ministry said in a statement, without specifying the exact location.

Turkey deployed the Oruc Reis and warships to the disputed waters last year and has extended its mission several times despite repeated calls to stop by Greece and the European Union.

Turkey says Greece is using its islands to lay claim to huge swathes of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and came under EU sanctions in December.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Saturday that Turkey would not give up on its rights in the eastern Mediterranean, in a live video conference.

Ankara first began massive naval drills called the Blue Homeland in 2019 to test its fighting capabilities in the Aegean and the Mediterranean but had to cancel them last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year's drills, between February 25 and March 7, are being carried out "stronger and more organised", Erdogan said.

"We have the opportunity to see our heroic army's knowledge and capabilities," he said.

"We are not eyeing any country's land, sea or sovereignty. We're only trying to protect our homeland and rights," he said, adding Ankara would do so "at all costs."
Despite the defense attorneys claims that solid evidence is lacking, a judge Friday ordered a Lancaster County man to be tried on charges that he murdered an Amish woman who disappeared nearly nine months ago.

Justo Smoker, 34, of Paradise, is accused of abducting and killing 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos and hiding her body. Investigators contend Smoker kidnapped Stoltzfoos as she walked home from church on Beechdale Road in Upper Leacock Township on the morning of June 21, 2020.

Smoker initially was charged only with abducting Stoltzfoos when he was arrested in July. The homicide charge was added in December. District Judge B. Denise Commins sent the murder case on to county court after a 90-minute hearing attended by a sparse crowd that included three Amish men.

The only testimony at the hearing came from East Lampeter Township police Detective Christopher Jones, the lead investigator.

Jones cited testimony from several other Amish women who said someone apparently was stalking them the day before Stoltzfoos disappearance in a car like Smokers red Kio Rio with a missing hubcap and a dented roof.

The detective outlined video surveillance and cell phone tracking evidence that he said placed Smoker and his car in the area of the abduction. That evidence shows Smoker drove to the heavily forested Welsh Mountain area, then drove to a spot in the 3100 block of Harvest Drive where police found a buried bra and stockings they believe belonged to Stoltzfoos.

Smoker returned to the Harvest Drive site several times in the days after Stoltzfoos vanished, Jones said. He said laboratory testing determined Smoker could not be ruled out as a contributor to a partial DNA sample recovered from the buried stockings.

The Lancaster County District Attorney's office issued an arrest warrant for Justo Smoker Saturday. He is wanted for the possible kidnapping of 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos. Photo: Lancaster County District Attorney

First Assistant District Attorney Todd Brown asked the detective whether police have found any trace of Stoltzfoos during months of investigation.

She has not contacted her family, friends or co-workers. She has not accessed her bank account, Jones replied. For all intents and purposes, no one has seen or heard from her.

Under cross-examination by Chief Public Defender Christopher Tallarico, Jones said no viable samples of Stoltzfoos DNA have been found in Smokers car or on the bra and stockings discovered on Harvest Drive. The detective said that while some video footage obtained by police seems to show a passenger in Smokers car, the resolution of the images is inadequate to identify the person.

Tallarico asked if police had received reports from other Amish women about being stalked and/or propositioned by other people in other types of cars around time Stoltzfoos disappeared.

During the course of this investigation we received over 1,000 tips from every spectrum you could think of, Jones said. He said a few of those tips involved possible stalking of both Amish and non-Amish women.

Tallarico sought dismissal of the homicide count, arguing there is a significant gap in the prosecution evidence. Theres no certainty that Ms. Stoltzfoos ever got in Mr. Smokers car that day, he said.

Brown countered that the evidence supports the scenario that Smoker is a murderer. He killed her, then he discarded her body, the prosecutor said.

Smoker has been in prison since his initial arrest.

Uncovering truth behind Mansukh's death crucial for MVA: Sanjay Raut

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Mumbai, Mar 06: Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said it was important for the "image" and "prestige" of the Maharashtra government to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of Hiren Mansukh, who was said to be the owner of the vehicle with explosives found near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's residence.

Mansukh, around 45 years old, was found dead on the banks of a creek along the Mumbra-Reti Bunder road in neighboring Thane on Friday morning, police had said. Talking to reporters, Raut said the mysterious death of Mansukh, whose Scorpio vehicle was used to keep explosives near Ambani's residence, was "shocking and unfortunate".

BJP nominates former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan for Kanyakumari Lok Sabha bypoll

"It is wrong to politicise his death and put the government in the dock. There are doubts whether Mansukh's death was a suicide or murder. He was an important witness in the case," he said.

"The home department should unearth the truth at the earliest. It is important for the prestige and image of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government," he said. On Friday, state Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had announced that the probe into the case has been handed over from Mumbai Crime Branch to the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).

Talking about it, Raut said that the opposition BJP's demand is to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). "But it (giving the investigation to NIA) does not mean the case would be solved immediately.

Crude bomb blast: Six BJP workers injured in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

The home minister has handed over the case to the ATS, which is capable of solving it. Let us have faith," he said. Meanwhile, BJP leader Ashish Shelar targeted the Shiv Sena-led government as he questioned the presence of an "encounter specialist" assistant police inspector at the time of Mansukh's post-mortem.

"The encounter specialist's presence at the post- mortem of Mansukh is suspicious as he is neither part of Thane police nor the ATS, which is probing the case. It gives an impression that there is something that this government wants to hide," he said.

Shelar also criticised the home minister over his "U- turn" on the case probe. "Home minister Deshmukh was praising Thane and Mumbai police and their achievements, but within half-an-hour, he announced that the probe into the case would be handed over to the ATS. So what happened in just half-an-hour that prompted him to give the investigation to the ATS?" he asked.

Coronavirus cases: India records 18,327 new COVID-19 infections in last 24 hours

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande demanded that a sitting judge should be appointed to carry out the investigation. Meanwhile, a police official from Thane said that Mansukh had left his shop around 8.30 pm on Thursday in an autorickshaw and since then his phone was switched off.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

"His family members had lodged a missing person's report on Friday morning after he did not return home and a case was registered at Naupada police station. By that time, a body was found at Mumbra and it was later confirmed that the deceased was Mansukh," he added.

"The exact cause of his death will be known once the medical report comes," the official said, adding that security at Mansukh's residence in Naupada has been stepped up.

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Story first published: Saturday, March 6, 2021, 14:39 [IST]
A man was taken to a hospital Saturday after being shot in the 3900 block of Washington Avenue in New Orleans.

Police reported the gunfire at 3:49 p.m. between South Broad and South Dorgenois streets. They did not immediately release details.

As we work to improve our accelerated learning programs, promote desegregation and increase access to rigor within our schools, we are proposing ... the gradual phasing out of the self-contained elementary gifted programming," Susan Zola wrote in a Friday letter to families.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 14:19:17|Editor: huaxia

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ADDIS ABABA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia is scheduled to receive its first 2.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from COVAX on Sunday morning, said the country's Federal Ministry of Health on Friday.

"The ministry is making detailed plans and preparation for the introduction of this COVID-19 vaccine for prioritized population groups in a phase-based approach," the ministry said in a press statement. "The vaccination program will be launched in the coming few weeks."

Ethiopia expects to eventually secure a total of 9 million doses, which the East African country hopes will be used to vaccinate up to 20 percent of its population.

COVAX, an international vaccine campaign co-led by the World Health Organization and its partners, aims to speed up the development, production and fair distribution of new COVID-19 vaccines. Enditem

Commissioners, Vaux discuss shortage in affordable housing

Codington County commissioners and Mark Vaux, new executive director of the Watertown Development Company, discussed issues Tuesday.
A group of scientists has published an open letter attempting to revive the false claim that the coronavirus was created in a lab in Wuhan, China, and that it was inadvertently (or purposefully) released on to the world. The corollary of the claim is that China is thus directly responsible for the pandemic and the deaths of more than 2.5 million human beings.

The letter aims to undermine the upcoming World Health Organization (WHO) report into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, which scientists said would rule out a non-natural origin of the disease.

A lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology [Credit: Chinatopix via AP]

The letter, entitled Call for a Full and Unrestricted International Forensic Investigation into the Origins of COVID-19, was prominently reported in the New York Times, in an article headlined Some Scientists Question W.H.O. Inquiry Into the Coronavirus Pandemics Origins. As the article notes, the open letter is an attack on the recent WHO-China mission to Wuhan to further investigate the origins of the coronavirus, which found so little evidence to support the laboratory theory that it declared such an avenue of investigation should be closed.

The Times, however, largely uncritically accepts the line of the open letter that the WHO-China investigation was illegitimate, writing that other theories persist about the nature of the virus and that it is not impossible that the spread of the virus was linked to some lab accident.

The Wall Street Journal went a step further, criticizing the WHO-China team for deferring an interim report on their findings in favor of focusing on the full report, which will be issued in the coming weeks. The newspaper called for greater transparency in the production of the report, dismissing the comment from the WHO that a summary report does not have all the details, and that the team would rather release its data all at once.

While asserting that they wrote their open letter from the ostensible standpoint of concerned scientists, a brief look at some of the signatories of the letter reveals the actual motives behind it. One of the more prominent authors is Jamie Metzl, who indirectly suggested that the Chinese government hacked his website to suppress the letter. Metzl was a member of the National Security Council during the Clinton administration and was Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under then Senator Joe Biden.

Andre Goffinet suggested in a tweet that the COVAX vaccine initiative by the WHO to provide coronavirus vaccine access to less affluent countries might become perverted by China.

Some of the signatories are also involved in the Decentralised Radical Autonomous Search Team Investigating COVID19 group, which is a self-described scientific anarchist collective that grouped together to fight supposed mainstream bamboozlement around the origins of COVID-19. The primary claim is that the Wuhan Institute of Virology removed data showing that SARS-CoV-2 had been encountered before, possibly as far back as 2012, and that samples from pneumonia cases during that period escaped, ultimately causing the pandemic.

While the group does not have much traction in the wider scientific community, it has been promoted heavily in the media, particularly by the Washington Post. It was featured heavily in a Post article from February 5 which asserted that a plausible way for the virus to have been unleashed was from one of Wuhans six facilities with BSL-3 laboratories for handling infectious agents, singling out the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

The most inflammatory remark was issued by the first signatory, Colin D. Butler, who has a pinned tweet which states, Would WHO have appeased Nazi regime? WHO certainly have appeased CCP.

In words that could have been written by one of Trumps aides, the letter claims there is as yet no evidence demonstrating a fully natural origin of this virus, and that as such it is necessary to further investigate the research-related accident hypothesis. They dismiss the remarks of the lead of the WHO team, Dr. Peter Embarek, and others on the team by asserting that structural limitations made it all but impossible to carry out a full and unrestricted investigation into all the relevant SARS-CoV-2 origin hypotheses.

The letter also calls on the international community to demand the impossible standard that the WHO prove two negatives, that China did not make the virus in a lab and that there was no interference by the Chinese government during the most recent mission. Barring that, another investigation, either one run by the United States or other Western powers, must be run. Presumably the signatories are auditioning for various roles.

The content of the letter as well as the views of those involved are also the line of the Biden administration. In a clear continuation of Trumps policies, in the immediate aftermath of the initial WHO-China press conference reporting on the mission, the Biden administration furiously denounced the entire work. 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, wrote the White House in a statement on February 13.

The Biden administrations statement was issued against one of the major conclusions of the research, put succinctly by delegation lead Embarek, who remarked that the findings suggest that the laboratory incidents hypothesis is extremely unlikely to explain the introduction of the virus to the human population. Embarek also noted, All the work that has been done on the virus and trying to identify its origin continue to point toward a natural reservoir.

Embareks comments, and the findings of the WHO-China mission as a whole, agree with the large body of research independent of the World Health Organization that also makes clear the coronavirus naturally evolved. A study written by US and UK biologists and published in Nature last spring stated in no uncertain terms, Our analyses clearly show that SARS-CoV-2 is not a laboratory construct or a purposefully manipulated virus. A different study from a group of US physicians wrote in the New England Journal of Medicine that SARS-CoV-2 did not escape from a jar.

For millions, the main concerns this weekend are close to home.

The schools are about to reopen at last, ending the long and unsatisfactory grind of home education.

The growing numbers who have been vaccinated offer hope that release from the tedious and infuriating limits of lockdown is now a real possibility.

Even amid the chilly greyness of a British March, there are clear signs of the beginning of spring.

What do this fortunate pair truly have to complain about, in a world where so many young couples struggle to make ends meet, where the young, especially, battle to find secure and rewarding work or to afford their own homes?

But we all have plenty on our minds as we contemplate a national return to work  where there is still work  and the mounting problems which will follow Rishi Sunaks cautious attempts to balance the national books.

For the Royal Family, this is, above all, a time of worry  most especially about the condition of the Duke of Edinburgh, who has for decades been one of the strongest pillars of the Monarchy.

But the Duke, for so long an exemplar of uncomplaining slog and good-humoured dutifulness, is an astonishing 99 years old and his latest spell in hospital has naturally caused grave worry to those close to him.

If the Prince of Wales is said be concerned, how much more so must the Queen be? The Mail on Sunday can only wish him well, as the whole country does.

But notice how the members of the Royal Family  The Firm  continue to do their duty.

For many British viewers, when they finally get to see the encounter tomorrow evening, the occasion will be tinged with sadness and regret

The Queen herself has played a strong and encouraging part in helping to keep the nation stable and united during the long months of the Covid emergency, and nobody doubts that she will continue to do so, despite any personal concerns.

The next two generations likewise continue to fulfil their duties as far as they can amid pandemic precautions.

And no wonder, for this is what they have been taught to do, by a Monarch who remembers all too well how wrong things can go if royalty puts personal desires before the good of the country.

In contrast with this steady, plain and unflashy approach to life, things are very different in California, where the uncrowned Queen of Television, Ms Oprah Winfrey, prepares to launch her much promoted interview with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

For many British viewers, when they finally get to see the encounter tomorrow evening, the occasion will be tinged with sadness and regret.

On the day of their wedding, the whole nation gave the warmest possible welcome to this beguiling young couple.

Harry, thanks to his brave war service and his engaging, unstuffy manner, was one of the best-loved princes of any era.

Meghan looked as if she would become the epitome of modern royalty, a charming, refreshing antidote to the institutions formerly stuffy and conservative atmosphere.

How has this all gone so wrong, so quickly?

Can it really be entirely the fault of the Monarchy itself, or of the Queen, who strives above all things to hold her family together?

And what do this fortunate pair truly have to complain about, in a world where so many young couples struggle to make ends meet, where the young, especially, battle to find secure and rewarding work or to afford their own homes?

No doubt, seen from a sunny lawn in California, in a country where celebrity has for decades been the dominant currency, the difficulties of Meghan and Harry look significant and fascinating.

In our cooler, more realistic climate, they may not seem quite so pressing.

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A man who left a hotel without paying and gave false credit card details was convicted and sentenced to five months in prison suspended for two years at Carrick-on-Shannon District Court last Tuesday.

Gregoir O Aidicin, 7 Ard na Si, Attirory, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim pleaded guilty to the offences on February 15, 2019 and on July 1, 2019 at Harveys Point, Lough Eske, Donegal.

The court heard he made off without payment of 332 and 312 respectively.

Solicitor for the defendant, Tom McSharry, said the crime was opportunistic in nature and he had sent a letter of apology to the hotel and had 650 compensation with him.

He said Mr O Aidicin, 53, was fully cooperative with the investigation and indicated an early plea and apologised to the court.

Mr O Aidicin said he realised how serious it was and gave an undertaking that it wouldnt happen again.

Sgt Michael Gallagher outlined the defendants previous convictions from Sligo District Court on September 8, 2016 when he was given 240 hours community service in lieu of four months in prison for 12 similar matters.

He also had a conviction from Galway District Court from November 12, 2012 where he was handed a one month suspended sentence for a similar matter.

Judge Kevin Kilrane said he did not need a Probation Report and he convicted and sentenced him to five months in prison, to run concurrently, and suspended the sentence for a period of two years. He ordered the compensation be paid over to the victims.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-03 00:38:51|Editor: huaxia

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A nurse administers the COVID-19 vaccine to a man at a hospital in Accra, Ghana, on March 2, 2021. The government of Ghana Tuesday rolled out a program to commence the mass vaccination of people living in some 43 epicenter-districts in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central regions against the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The government of Ghana Tuesday rolled out a program to commence the mass vaccination of people living in some 43 epicenter-districts in the Greater Accra, Ashanti and Central regions against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among eligible persons for the vaccination program includes healthcare workers, frontline security personnel, persons with underlying medical conditions, persons 60 years and above, and frontline members of the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

The Greater Accra regional health directorate ahead of the exercise had set up a total of 325 vaccination sites within the 25 epicenter-districts for eligible persons for phase one of the exercise to visit for their immunization.

The Greater Accra Regional Director for Health Services Charity Sarpong told Xinhua in an interview her outfit had put in place a number of measures to contain any problem that may occur during the vaccination exercise.

"Currently for Greater Accra region, 25 of our districts have been declared as epicenters and are all taking part in the first phase and then across the region we have set up about 325 vaccination sites where people can visit; that is eligible people for the first phase can visit and will be vaccinated," Sarpong said.

"We also have put in place all the necessary plans to support any adverse effects that may occur but then as health providers, we have also put in place all the necessary provisions to ensure that we take care of them," she added.

The regional health director assured the public the vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective and urged all to embrace them to defeat the pandemic.

A retired public servant Alex Sarbah who was vaccinated on the first day of the exercise at the Adabraka polyclinic told Xinhua he has long been waiting for such an opportunity.

"I was ready for it, there is nothing to fear. We have all along been waiting for this opportunity and now that it has come, and I decided to take advantage of it. I didn't want to wait a day and before you realize the vaccines are finished so I decided to take it on the first day to make sure I get vaccinated." he said.

An information health officer with the Greater Accra regional health directorate Bright Obeng Amoako explained he did not entertain any fear once the vaccine had been approved by the relevant state authorities. "There is nothing bad that went through my mind because it's a vaccine and we need to take. This is something that is approved by the Ghana Health Service and the Food and Drugs Authority. I felt normal to take this vaccine."

Ghana became the first country to take delivery of some 600,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility last week.

The country's Food and Drugs Authority has so far declared the AstraZeneca and Sputnik vaccines as safe-for-use in the fight against the virus. Enditem

Saturday marks one year since the first two coronavirus cases were detected in Pennsylvania. Within days, the global pandemic totally upended life as we know it.

Now, 364 days into the COVID-19 era, Pennsylvanias recorded at least 944,196 infections  surely an undercount due to limited testing  and lost 24,262 lives .

The virus is not gone and 1,628 people remain hospitalized Friday, but Gov. Tom Wolf said there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel with the growing availability of vaccines.

This has been a tough year, Wolf said speaking at a news conference outside a Rite Aid pharmacy in Steelton where people were awaiting vaccination. Im not sure there isnt anybody in Pennsylvania who isnt frustrated, sad, maybe even grieving for a loved one who has been lost. ... Theres a lot of sadness. But at this point though we have something we didnt have a year ago and that is hope. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

At least 2.27 million people in Pennsylvania have been vaccinated since mid-December, according to Pennsylvania and Philadelphia departments of health data. More than 980,000 people are fully protected, according to data from the health departments.

Wolf said that he has never been prouder of the states residents, saying its been an amazing year in terms of showing ourselves what we are made of.

The state reported 2,757 new cases on Friday and 43 deaths, a marked decline from the holiday surge, but still above early fall levels.

Health experts are urging vigilance in the coming weeks as the nations vaccine campaign ramps up while new coronavirus variants are circulating.

(Cant see this map? Click here.)

Here are your coronavirus updates for Friday, March 5, 2021

The vaccination campaign

The United State is now getting about 2 million shots into arms each day on average. This is expected to accelerate with the approval last Saturday of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine.

Pennsylvanias vaccination rollout continues to accelerate as the rate of vaccinated people climbed throughout the week to 17,760 per capita.

The state ranks sixth nationally among all states for the number of shots given, but ranks much lower for the percent of the population receiving one or two doses, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.

The states been allocated 3.6 million vaccine doses through Saturday, according to the health department. This data does not include Philadelphia, which receives its own vaccine allocation or federal facilities. This weeks allocation is larger than last week.

The states gotten 2.77 million doses into arms with 88% of its first-dose allocation and 57% of second doses.

Philadelphias administered 249,684 first doses and 114,346 second doses, according to city data.

Pennsylvania expects to get 94,600 Johnson & Johnson doses this week with another 30,000 going to retail pharmacies. Pre-K to 12 public and private school staff are now all eligible for vaccination, although those who work with elementary, disabled and English learner students get registration priority at first.

Allocations will be distributed across 27 intermediate units, excluding Philadelphia, based on the proportion of educators in each region. Childcare workers will be contacted by either Rite Aid, Topco or Walmart to schedule appointments.

There will be at least one vaccination site per intermediate unit run and staffed by the states National Guard and AMI Expeditionary Healthcare, LLC. Sites are expected to open between March 10 and 13 with daily hours.

We anticipate that the majority of these sites will support up to 500 doses a day, with some of the sites in IUs with higher amounts of teachers and support staff being able to administer up to 1,000 doses a day, said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield. We anticipate most sites will be completed administering the first round of available vaccine in 8-10 days.

Since Johnson & Johnson is a one-dose vaccine, many educators should be fully protected by the end of the month, Wolf said earlier this week.

Currently, about 4 million to 5 million Pennsylvanians are eligible to get the vaccine under the states Phase 1A rollout. It prioritizes older residents, frontline healthcare workers and younger people with high risk medical conditions. The states earmarked its Johnson & Johnson allocation for the roughly 200,000 public and private school educators in a bid to accelerate school reopenings.

Coronavirus in Pa. and the Lehigh Valley

Pennsylvanias averaged 2,551 new infections and 46 deaths a day over the last week.

Thats a 13% drop in new cases and a 38% drop in deaths from two weeks ago, continuing a downward trend that began in mid-January.

(Cant see this map? Click here.)

There are 1,628 people hospitalized with the coronavirus with 350 patients requiring intensive care, finally dipping below the height of the spring peak in May. And it is a major decline from the more than 6,000 people hospitalized in mid-December. The majority of people hospitalized are over 65.

Locally in the Lehigh Valley, 156 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths were reported across Lehigh and Northampton counties in the states Friday report. The area now totals 58,423 cases and 1,428 deaths from the pandemic in the last year.

This breaks down to 77 new cases and two deaths in Lehigh County for a total of 31,137 infections and 777 deaths. And 79 new Northampton County cases and one death, bringing the total to 27,286 cases and 651 deaths.

Currently, 39,806 Lehigh County residents are fully vaccinated, and another 29,492 have received their first dose. In Northampton County, 30,068 are fully covered while 30,769 have received their first dose so far.

(Cant see this chart? Click here.)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
RTHK: Pope and top Iraqi cleric make calls for peace

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, spiritual leader of most of the world's Shiite Muslims, told Pope Francis in a historic meeting in Iraq on Saturday that the country's Christians should live in "peace".

The meeting, on the second day of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and a milestone in Francis's efforts to deepen dialogue with other religions.

He later addressed the rich spectrum of Iraq's religious communities at Ur, traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

The 84-year-old pontiff's trip to Iraq is an effort to both comfort the country's ancient but dwindling Christian community and deepen his dialogue with other faiths.

His meeting with the grand ayatollah lasted 50 minutes, with Sistani's office putting out a statement shortly afterwards thanking Francis for visiting the holy city of Najaf.

Sistani, 90, "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said.

His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah.

Sistani is extremely reclusive and rarely grants meetings but made an exception to host Francis, an outspoken proponent of interreligious dialogue.

The Pope had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters had been set up featuring a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city.

"People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners. (AFP)

This story has been published on: 2021-03-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
The 2022 Genesis G70 is going to be one of the most insane cars that will be released in the coming months, and Hyundai has put on a lot of effort into crafting it--particularly with its major interior upgrade.

The company is now holding a reservation line ahead of its launch, and it revealed all the changes that owners could choose from.

Aside from the fresh facelift that gave the car a new look that resembles a beast of a vehicle, its massive change to the 2022 version of the vehicle is a suite of interior upgrades that complement the car's design. Not only does the interior give out a new car feels, but it also goes along with the G70's branding of a sport and luxury car.

There are plenty more changes to the gas-powered vehicle, including its four variants that users could choose from. It will also be a treat for people who prefers to drift vehicles with its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) option. Most additions to the vehicle justify its unique identity as a Genesis car, and it is a beast that takes on its German rivals and counterparts.

Read Also: 'Valheim:' How to Unlock Draugr Fang Bow and Obtain Ancient Bark, Silver and Guck for Crafting-Guide

2022 Genesis G70: Specs, Major Changes and MORE

The South Korean car manufacturer's take on an upscale and luxury vehicle, Genesis, will soon debut the 2022 G70, which screams a sport and luxury status with its creation and design profile. The 2022 Hyundai Genesis G70 boasts of its "track-bred" chassis that will support a person's taste for adrenaline and high-speed driving.

The 2022 Genesis G70 has four variants to choose from, and this includes:

2.0L I4 8-Speed Automatic RWD

2.0L I4 8-Speed Automatic AWD

3.3L V6 8-Speed Automatic RWD

3.3L V6 8-Speed Automatic AWD

The 2.0L I4 engine is a familiar block that has been used by previous iterations of the G70 and has been a beloved variant of the vehicle despite its entry-level status. Apart from engine specs, the vehicle also boasts of its low center of gravity that aims to keep the car on the ground at all times, effectively reducing rollover.

The massive change for the vehicle is the arrival of customization for the interiors that allows customers to choose among four colorways of seats, dash, trimmings and ceiling. These colors include Obsidian Black, Obsidian Black/Storm Gray, Obsidian Black/Dune, and Obsidian Black/Velvet Burgundy.

2022 Genesis G70: Preorders, Release Date

Customers and interested buyers can now preorder the vehicle from Genesis via its online configurator that also lets users choose among the different colors and packages for the vehicle. Users could opt for either 18-inch or 19-inch forged alloy wheels, along with the Launch package special of the company that comes with nifty features like Driver Assist, Cruise Control, and more.

The Launch Edition package of the 2022 Genesis G70 is limited to 500 units only, and interested buyers are advised to apply for preorders if they want to avail of the variant. The release of the 2022 Genesis G70 would arrive in the US region for the Spring season, which is anytime in the next months already.

Related Article: 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Color: Leaks Reveal New Look for Tundra, Sequioa Coming Soon Too!
The much-lauded chronicle of the economic and social decline of a west of Ireland town by journalist and writer John Healy, No one Shouted Stop: Death of an Irish Town was first published in 1968.

It was written about his experience of emigration and the general degeneration of his hometown of Charlestown, Co Mayo, just 14 miles from my hometown of Kiltimagh, also in the heather county.

While Healys book could have been written about the decline of most rural towns of the time, the two towns had another shared experience this week when Bank of Ireland announced it was pulling out of both locations as well as Ballyhaunis, also in Mayo, and numerous other branches across the country.

And while the move will be a body-blow for the east Mayo town of Kiltimagh after the closure of AIB in 2012, the move had been anticipated by local customers and businesses for some time.

For a start, it had not been operating as a bank for a number of years with just one attendant dealing with a decreasing number of customers and offering limited facilities.

In some ways this became a self-fulfilling prophecy for the bank  the antithesis of if you build it, they will come, if you like.

Running down services, of course, means fewer customers. And this lack of footfall was one of the reasons used by the bank to justify the closures.

Expand Close The Bank of Ireland branch in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo which is closing. Photo by Michael McLaughlin / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Bank of Ireland branch in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo which is closing. Photo by Michael McLaughlin

According to Bank of Ireland, customers had switched over to online banking  in reality, of course they would if the services were not provided on site.

The banking sector, in general, has been undergoing a revamp to keep up with digital times and Bank of Ireland is no different. It is a business, even if it is still being supported by taxpayers money to the tune of 14pc (the State shareholding in the bank).

This week, the bank reported the plans to close more than 100 branches, as well as a 1.1bn toll in impaired loans and an underlying loss of 374m for 2020 against the backdrop of Covid-19, although it added that it expects its loan-loss impairments to be significantly lower for this year.

For many in Kiltimagh, though, history had told its story, so when AIB pulled out of Kiltimagh in 2012, many believed Bank of Ireland would follow suit.

It seems the banking crisis and the last recession was a wake-up call for onlookers.

Read More

Gary Smyth, a local pharmacist and community activist in Kiltimagh, whose business, Heneghans Pharmacy, is located just across the road from the historic Bank of Ireland building on the towns Main Street, says that the closure had been much anticipated.

Its not a surprise at all and I think if were all honest we knew it was coming. Business, communities and society are changing all the time and I am sure Bank of Ireland will argue that this decision was not personal but that doesnt stop the community from arguing that it certainly feels that way.

I think we can assume the bank decided a while back that this was a cost-cutting exercise and would enable them to invest in new technologies. At the same time, it should be mandatory that they do not ignore or marginalise the older members of our community and have them return to the days of hiding monies under the bed.

Croagh Patrick

Not so long ago we were told that banks were too big to fail and that they are one of the pillars of a modern society, Smyth says.

Meanwhile, further west, the town of Westport is retaining its Bank of Ireland branch.

Expand Close The bridge over the Carrowbeg River in the Mayo town of Westport, which is not losing its branch of the Bank of Ireland / Facebook

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Whatsapp The bridge over the Carrowbeg River in the Mayo town of Westport, which is not losing its branch of the Bank of Ireland

Not surprising, really. It has a population of more than 6,000 compared to Kiltimagh with just over 1,000.

And with natural resources like Croagh Patrick, locally known as the Reek, Clew Bay with its 365 islands  and assets like Westport House, few towns anywhere in the country would be able to compete  certainly in terms of tourism and its associated spin-offs like pubs and restaurants.

In many ways Westport is an anomaly with its tourism-based micro-economy on the Wild Atlantic Way that many other rural towns could only dare to dream of  and not forgetting a former Minister for Tourism in Michael Ring.

But Westport also has other advantages in terms of big employers like multinational Allergan and indigenous firms in specialist clothing firm Portwest and retailer Carraig Donn.

According to Roie McCann who runs Killadangan House, a 19th-century listed haunt overlooking Clew Bay, and the Clare Island Lighthouse Hotel, Westport indeed has its bonuses as a location for business and leisure.

Expand Close Location for business and leisure: Hotelier Roie McCann says Westport has good all-year round trade. Photo by Michael McLaughlin / Facebook

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Whatsapp Location for business and leisure: Hotelier Roie McCann says Westport has good all-year round trade. Photo by Michael McLaughlin

Having some large employers definitely is a big factor in the all-year round viability of the town. Unlike some other seaside towns it doesnt die a death in the winter but takes on a different feel with still plenty of business for the restaurants, cafes, pubs. In winter, its also a huge weekend destination.

I would say other Mayo towns do have to work harder as they dont have all of the amenities that Westport has and having train access is a big plus, she adds.

Having said that, its not like Kiltimagh is not punching above its weight in terms of drawing employers and investors for a town of its size.

IRD Kiltimagh, a rural development company, has been promoting the town for investment for many years and its Cairn business park is currently at over 95pc occupancy.

In addition, Kiltimagh Tourism is a vibrant community organisation as is the Kiltimagh Amenity Park Committee which recently purchased a 6.5-acre site to create a new green centre in the town which was raised through private donations of 150,000. There is also a potential greenway infrastructure that could be delivered to Kiltimagh via the local council bringing much-needed tourism to the town and area.

CMS Distribution, a distributor of IT and consumer technology products, employs 100 people in Kiltimagh while Genfitt, an agriculture supplies business has a staff of over 50  there are two hotels in the town as well as a post office, credit union, two supermarkets and five pubs although this is a far cry from when Kiltimagh was a market town in the 1950s and 1960s when there were 42 pubs, five butcher shops and five draperies as well as numerous other businesses.

Recession scars

The last recession, and indeed ones before it, has left its scars on the town including many vacant buildings on the Main Street although this is not uncommon in rural Ireland.

The Genfitt founder Larry McEllin, now a retired businessman, has high hopes for the future use of the Bank of Ireland building.

Expand Close Founder of Glenfit and Kiltimagh native Larry McEllin. Photo by Michael McLaughlin / Facebook

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Whatsapp Founder of Glenfit and Kiltimagh native Larry McEllin. Photo by Michael McLaughlin

McEllin, who emigrated to the UK at the age of 16 in the 1960s and worked as a labourer and later a foreman, grew Genfitt into a multimillion business when he returned to Kiltimagh, and later sold it in 2005.

I believe the Bank of Ireland building needs to have a community aspect to it. Ideally, it would house a workspace with internet services as well as community ones. It is also very important that the ATM would remain in situ, he says.

In any case, towns like Kiltimagh, where I grew up and have decamped to for Covid, need to reinvent themselves and capitalise on their unique selling points for survival.

I have great memories of Kiltimagh as a child and a teenager, although I was deemed a culchie, and a proud one, as I lived outside the town!

As a teenager there were three choices really: college, stay at home or emigration. Arguably, that is still the case but opportunities are much greater now.

And the residents of the town are resilient and believe that the credit union and post office can benefit from the loss of Bank of Ireland.

Gary Smyth says: I lodge all my monies in the local credit union each week and have done so for a few years now. The sad aspect of this is that it doesnt really benefit the credit union as they are not yet on a level playing field with the banks.

I am not naive enough to assume they should be; however, I do feel they deserve to be assisted in creating local circular economies where monies are saved and lent and that the profits stay in the community.

They should not be obliged to pay a pillar bank to hold their communitys money. Again, the Government should cover this cost.

Smyth says Kiltimagh should focus on becoming the best sleeper town out there.

Weve got most of it there already in terms of excellent educational facilities, good broadband within a kilometre of the town, a sense of community, lots of clubs and societies. We need to work to promote these assets and make it easy for young families to relocate here, he says.

Post-pandemic Ireland will contain fewer businesses in general and this has given online shopping a huge boost as consumers were forced to their keyboards.

The reality is that this is here to stay. I think society and the Government see it as an easier option. We have to accept that the trade-off is less retail presence in our towns, Smyth adds.

The sense of community is central to the survival of any town, whether its one with the natural advantages of Westport or Kiltimagh, which might have to work that bit harder  as many do.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to take care of its town.
Some of its investors include Singapores Vulpes Investment Management, and South Koreas Nextrans and The Ventures.

It had earlier raised $700,000 from angel investors, many of whom also continued to participate in this round of funding.

By digitizing and centralizing data sources, Citics aims to create a real estate data platform to support real estate transactions, including real estate valuation, sales-purchase, lease, and mortgage.

Citics was founded in November 2018 by the former CEO of real estate broker Cen Groups southern Vietnam region, Tran Minh Long. Long was listed in Forbess "30 under 30" list of entrepreneurs in 2018.

Citicss board of directors also includes two other faces from the "30 under 30" list  Nguyen Hai Ninh, founder and former CEO of Vietnamese coffee house chain The Coffee House, and Pham Anh Duc, founder of ViCare, a startup that provides information on hospitals, clinics, doctors, drugs and symptoms of diseases.

Citicss first application, Citics Valuations, enables banks to validate the value of a property as collateral for loans.

By using a proprietary valuation map, bankers can now check the details and preliminary values of properties with just a few clicks. The official valuation report is completed within three hours, just one fourth the time it usual takes.

The application also enables banks risk department to control mortgage risks related to property values and locations.

Currently, Citics has the data of more than nine million properties nationwide and has estimated values for nearly four million of them. It has provided its valuation service to 10 domestic banks.

It expected to expand its valuation service to over 30 cities and provinces, according to its CEO Tran Minh Long.
Defendants in Vietnam's Dong Tam trial stand to hear their sentences in a court in Hanoi, Sept. 14, 2020.

Vietnamese activists jailed last year following a deadly land-rights clash at the Dong Tam commune outside Hanoi will learn a courts decision on their appeals of their sentences at a hearing on March 8, Vietnamese sources say.

Dong Tam village elder Le Dinh Kinh, 84, was killed during the early morning Jan. 9, 2020 raid on the village by 3,000 security officers intervening in a long-running dispute over a military construction site about 25 miles south of the capital, Hanoi.

Les sons, Le Dinh Chuc and Le Dinh Cong, were both sentenced to death on Sept. 14 for murder in connection with the deaths of three police officers who were killed in the clash when they were attacked with petrol bombs and fell into a concrete shaft while running between two houses.

They were among a group of 29 villagers tried for their roles in the incident. Other punishments handed out by the court included a life sentence and other sentences ranging from six years to 15-months of probation.

Family members were not informed in advance of the appeal hearings scheduled date, Bui Thi Minhthe daughter of Bui Viet Hieu, who is appealing his 16-year prison sentencetold RFAs Vietnamese Service.

No one received any notice about the Dong Tam appeal trial, Bui said, adding, We found out about it only because of the lawyers who met with [our family members] and then let us know.

We will definitely attend, even if we have to stand outside the court to learn whats going on, Bui said.

We wish that none of the Dong Tam people had received such unjust verdicts, but it seems that these verdicts had already been determined ahead of time. Now we can rely only our hopes, she said.

Also speaking to RFA, defense attorney Le Van Hoa, who will represent Bui Viet Hieu, Le Dinh Cong, and Le Dinh Chuc at the hearing on Monday, said that almost all of the lawyers have now met with their clients in the case.

In the case of Cong and Hieu, I saw that they were in better shapephysically and psychologicallywhen I saw them last month than they were during their first trial. Other lawyers made similar comments after seeing their own clients, he said.

Concerns over due process

Concerns remain over expected violations of due process in Mondays hearing, though, said Sebastien Defayes, a Swiss parliamentarian who has been in close touch with lawyers representing the Dong Tam defendants.

First of all, the police investigation [in the case] was carried out by exactly the same police department that committed the raid and stormed the village of Dong Tam, which is, to say the least, very problematic, Defayes said.

Court officials have also not permitted defense attorneys to call important witnesses, including the wife and daughter-in-law of Le Dinh Kinh, and have refused to allow a reconstruction of events at the scene of the clash he said.

Reconstructions of events are often carried out even in minor cases such as those involving road accidents, Defayes said.

So for a matter as serious as the Dong Tam [case], it is very stunning that the court has refused any reconstruction.

While all land in Vietnam is ultimately held by the state, land confiscations have become a flashpoint as residents accuse the government of pushing small landholders aside in favor of lucrative real estate projects, and of paying too little in compensation to farming families displaced by development.

Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Huy Le. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler on Friday called for an independent review of the events surrounding a report to police that mistakenly identified Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty as a driver in a minor hit-and-run crash.

Wheeler said hes working with Hardesty, Portlands city attorney and police chief to create a thorough, independent review of the facts and actions surrounding the incident.

He said he asked Police Chief Chuck Lovell to expedite collection of all relevant information and to ensure that every record related to the incident is preserved pending the completion of an independent review.

What happened to Commissioner Hardesty is wrong and unacceptable, Wheeler said in a statement Friday evening. Its a reflection of broader systemic racism and it must be addressed. We need to get to the bottom of it as soon as possible. No one should be subjected to false accusations publicly.

Police said a driver told them that her car had been rear-ended in Southeast Portland on Wednesday afternoon and that the other car left the scene without exchanging information as required by law.

The rear-ended driver contacted police about the collision after returning home hours later. She identified Hardesty as the motorist who hit her while driving a tan, four-door sedan, according to a computer dispatch report. No injuries were reported.

Police and the mayors office confirmed an investigation into the hit and run on Thursday before issuing a statement late in the afternoon that Hardesty wasnt a suspect in the case. They have since provided no further details on the incident.

Hardesty, speaking at a news conference before police announced she wasnt a suspect, called the allegations a smear campaign against her. She also said she was home at the time of the reported incident.

I didnt hit anybody. I wasnt driving. Nobody drove my car. This entire allegation is totally false, she said, speaking to media from her home by video. Im telling you today, these allegations are false, and to be frank, these allegations are suspicious.

Later Thursday, Hardesty publicly demanded an investigation.

In her news conference, Hardesty said the smear campaign appeared to have been launched by Jeff Reynolds, a former chair of the Multnomah County Republican party, and the Coalition to Save Portland, of which Reynolds is a member. Hardesty also called Reynolds a right wing media personality.

That morning, Reynolds had hosted an online chat titled Scandal at City Council. Guess who? highlighting the incident, news the coalition claimed to have broken on its website.

Reynolds did not comment to The Oregonian/OregonLive, but referred questions to Gabe Johnson, the coalitions co-founder and director.

I take great offense to Ms. Hardestys remarks calling us a right-wing organization, said Johnson, 49, adding that his group is multi-partisan and multicultural. Im Black and a Democrat To say that a member of our organization created and orchestrated a smear campaign is utterly ridiculous.

Johnson said the coalition was created in 2019 to bring livability back to Portland, along with clean streets, public safety and a solution for the citys homeless crisis.

Neither Reynolds nor the coalition were sources for The Oregonian/OregonLives reporting on the initial story.

A police spokesman said early Friday that the bureaus traffic investigation unit was still working to identify a suspect in the hit and run.

Until theyre able to obtain probable cause and make an arrest, its an active investigation and we cant release those details, Sgt. Kevin Allen said.

Wheeler said he will announce specifics about the review after working more with Hardesty, the city attorney and police bureau.

We need to meet our toughest critics every test with a comprehensive, detailed and independent review, Wheeler said. I deeply regret what Commissioner Hardesty experienced and Im determined to find out what happened and to prevent it from happening again, he said.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
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The Guardian

The potential consequences of the origins of the virus are shattering  if they can be proved My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters There was a time when the Covid pandemic seemed to confirm so many of our assumptions. It cast down the people we regarded as villains. It raised up those we thought were heroes. It prospered people who could shift easily to working from home even as it problematized the lives of those Trump voters living in the old economy. Like all plagues, Covid often felt like the hand of God on earth, scourging the people for their sins against higher learning and visibly sorting the righteous from the unmasked wicked. Respect science, admonished our yard signs. And lo!, Covid came and forced us to do so, elevating our scientists to the highest seats of social authority, from where they banned assembly, commerce, and all the rest. We cast blame so innocently in those days. We scolded at will. We knew who was right and we shook our heads to behold those in the wrong playing in their swimming pools and on the beach. It made perfect sense to us that Donald Trump, a politician we despised, could not grasp the situation, that he suggested people inject bleach, and that he was personally responsible for more than one super-spreading event. Reality itself punished leaders like him who refused to bow to expertise. The prestige news media even figured out a way to blame the worst death tolls on a system of organized ignorance they called populism. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a cult out of the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general But these days the consensus doesnt consense quite as well as it used to. Now the media is filled with disturbing stories suggesting that Covid might have come  not from populism at all, but from a laboratory screw-up in Wuhan, China. You can feel the moral convulsions beginning as the question sets in: What if science itself is in some way culpable for all this? * I am no expert on epidemics. Like everyone else I know, I spent the pandemic doing as I was told. A few months ago I even tried to talk a Fox News viewer out of believing in the lab-leak theory of Covids origins. The reason I did that is because the newspapers I read and the TV shows I watched had assured me on many occasions that the lab-leak theory wasnt true, that it was a racist conspiracy theory, that only deluded Trumpists believed it, that it got infinite pants-on-fire ratings from the fact-checkers, and because (despite all my cynicism) I am the sort who has always trusted the mainstream news media. My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month; a few weeks later everyone from Doctor Fauci to President Biden is acknowledging that the lab-accident hypothesis might have some merit. We dont know the real answer yet, and we probably will never know, but this is the moment to anticipate what such a finding might ultimately mean. What if this crazy story turns out to be true? The answer is that this is the kind of thing that could obliterate the faith of millions. The last global disaster, the financial crisis of 2008, smashed peoples trust in the institutions of capitalism, in the myths of free trade and the New Economy, and eventually in the elites who ran both American political parties. In the years since (and for complicated reasons), liberal leaders have labored to remake themselves into defenders of professional rectitude and established legitimacy in nearly every field. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a sort of cult out of science, expertise, the university system, executive-branch norms, the intelligence community, the State Department, NGOs, the legacy news media, and the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general. Now here we are in the waning days of Disastrous Global Crisis #2. Covid is of course worse by many orders of magnitude than the mortgage meltdown  it has killed millions and ruined lives and disrupted the world economy far more extensively. Should it turn out that scientists and experts and NGOs, etc. are villains rather than heroes of this story, we may very well see the expert-worshiping values of modern liberalism go up in a fireball of public anger. Consider the details of the story as we have learned them in the last few weeks:  Lab leaks happen. They arent the result of conspiracies: a lab accident is an accident, as Nathan Robinson points out; they happen all the time, in this country and in others, and people die from them.  There is evidence that the lab in question, which studies bat coronaviruses, may have been conducting what is called gain of function research, a dangerous innovation in which diseases are deliberately made more virulent. By the way, right-wingers didnt dream up gain of function: all the cool virologists have been doing it (in this country and in others) even as the squares have been warning against it for years.  There are strong hints that some of the bat-virus research at the Wuhan lab was funded in part by the American national-medical establishment  which is to say, the lab-leak hypothesis doesnt implicate China alone.  There seem to have been astonishing conflicts of interest among the people assigned to get to the bottom of it all, and (as we know from Enron and the housing bubble) conflicts of interest are always what trip up the well-credentialed professionals whom liberals insist we must all heed, honor, and obey.  The news media, in its zealous policing of the boundaries of the permissible, insisted that Russiagate was ever so true but that the lab-leak hypothesis was false false false, and woe unto anyone who dared disagree. Reporters gulped down whatever line was most flattering to the experts they were quoting and then insisted that it was 100% right and absolutely incontrovertible  that anything else was only unhinged Trumpist folly, that democracy dies when unbelievers get to speak, and so on.  The social media monopolies actually censored posts about the lab-leak hypothesis. Of course they did! Because were at war with misinformation, you know, and people need to be brought back to the true and correct faith  as agreed upon by experts. * Let us pray, now, for science, intoned a New York Times columnist back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The title of his article laid down the foundational faith of Trump-era liberalism: Coronavirus is What You Get When You Ignore Science. Ten months later, at the end of a scary article about the history of gain of function research and its possible role in the still ongoing Covid pandemic, Nicholson Baker wrote as follows: This may be the great scientific meta-experiment of the 21st century. Could a world full of scientists do all kinds of reckless recombinant things with viral diseases for many years and successfully avoid a serious outbreak? The hypothesis was that, yes, it was doable. The risk was worth taking. There would be no pandemic. Except there was. If it does indeed turn out that the lab-leak hypothesis is the right explanation for how it began  that the common people of the world have been forced into a real-life lab experiment, at tremendous cost  there is a moral earthquake on the way. Because if the hypothesis is right, it will soon start to dawn on people that our mistake was not insufficient reverence for scientists, or inadequate respect for expertise, or not enough censorship on Facebook. It was a failure to think critically about all of the above, to understand that there is no such thing as absolute expertise. Think of all the disasters of recent years: economic neoliberalism, destructive trade policies, the Iraq War, the housing bubble, banks that are too big to fail, mortgage-backed securities, the Hillary Clinton campaign of 2016  all of these disasters brought to you by the total, self-assured unanimity of the highly educated people who are supposed to know what theyre doing, plus the total complacency of the highly educated people who are supposed to be supervising them. Then again, maybe I am wrong to roll out all this speculation. Maybe the lab-leak hypothesis will be convincingly disproven. I certainly hope it is. But even if it inches closer to being confirmed, we can guess what the next turn of the narrative will be. It was a perfect storm, the experts will say. Who coulda known? And besides (they will say), the origins of the pandemic dont matter any more. Go back to sleep. Thomas Frank is a Guardian US columnist. He is the author, most recently, of The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 23:03:01|Editor: huaxia

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Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari (R) receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Nigeria, on March 6, 2021. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, together with his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, received first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Saturday, urging Nigerians to do the same. The country on Tuesday received 3.94 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, the much-awaited first batch of vaccines from the COVAX Facility. (Photo by Robert Oba/Xinhua)

ABUJA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, together with his deputy, Yemi Osinbajo, received first doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine Saturday, urging Nigerians to do the same.

Buhari and Osinbajo got the jab live on television, a day after the COVID-19 national vaccine program commenced with the vaccination of healthcare and frontline workers at the National Hospital, Abuja.

The two leaders received their shots of the vaccine at the Presidential Villa, in the presence of members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and senior government officials.

The personal physicians to the president and vice president administered the vaccine to them.

Buhari described his decision to take the vaccine in public as "a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines."

"I have received my first jab and I wish to commend it to all eligible Nigerians, to do the same so that we can be protected from the virus," the president said on his Twitter handle after he received the jab. "The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of Coronavirus."

The country on Tuesday received 3.94 million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccines, the much-awaited first batch of vaccines from the COVAX Facility.

It is the first of such shipments expected to be made to Nigeria in the efforts to control the spread of the COVID-19.

Faisal Shuaib, the executive director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, told media in a press briefing in Abuja in mid-February that the country planned to vaccinate approximately 109 million people against COVID-19 over a period of two years.

Shuaib said persons eligible for the COVID-19 are those from 18 years and above, including pregnant women. Enditem
ALBANY  The latest reports that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's administration scrubbed a state Department of Health report to hide the true number of nursing home residents who died from the coronavirus provided fuel for lawmakers Friday as they debated revoking Cuomo's pandemic emergency powers.

When the report written by state health officials came to Cuomo's office for review in June, the number of nursing home residents in New York who had died in the pandemic was by that point more than 9,000. But according to reports in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times  both of which appeared Thursday night  the governor's top aides edited the report to obscure that number to the public. Instead, the public report counted 6,432 nursing home residents lost to the virus.

A January report from state Attorney General Letitia James also accused the administration of undercounting the tally by as much as 50 percent; the matter is now being investigated by the FBI and federal prosecutors in Brooklyn.

While Republicans were the loudest critics on Friday, Democrats piled on the administration as well. "Its criminal what they did and thousands died as a result of their intentional and reckless abuse of power," said Assemblyman Ron Kim, a Queens Democrat. "Its time to impeach."

"The magnitude of this administrations indifference for the families of 15,000 seniors is appalling," state Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay said, referencing the current count of nursing home deaths from the virus. "We long suspected the governor was misrepresenting facts  a report from the state attorney general has confirmed as much  but the recent revelation that the governors administration was so blatantly proactive in crafting this false narrative crosses from misrepresentation to obstruction."

Following Friday's state Senate vote to approve a measure that strips Cuomo's of many of his emergency powers, the chamber's Minority Leader Robert Ortt said the governor had "abused the public trust repeatedly," listing the nursing home scandal as well as sexual harassment allegations lodged against Cuomo by three women, including two former aides.

Three top Cuomo aides are alleged to have been involved in amending the DOH study: State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras, a former adviser and state operations director for Cuomo; Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa; and Department of Financial Services Superintendent Linda Lacewell.

House Republicans in Congress sent a letter Friday to the Democratic leaders of four committees asking them to launch joint hearings on nursing home resident deaths in New York, including seeking depositions from Malatras, DeRosa, Lacewell, as well as Howard Zucker, New York's commissioner of health, Eleanor Adams, special advisor to the commissioner and any McKinsey staff who worked on the report as consultants. They also requested the committees subpoena various documents from the state.

In a statement Friday, Cuomo counsel Beth Garvey reiterated her statements to the Times and the Journal that the changes to the report had been made in the interests of accuracy. DeRosa, Lacewell and Malatras, she said, "were involved in reviewing the draft report. ... After asking DOH questions as to the source of the previously unpublished data  to which there were not clear or complete answers  and probing to determine whether it was relevant to the outcome of the report, a decision was made to use the data set that was reported by the place of death with firsthand knowledge of the circumstances, which gave a higher degree of comfort in its accuracy."

Speaking at an unrelated press conference in the Bronx on Friday, Malatras said that because of his expertise in public policy, including public health issues, he had been asked to help out on the nursing home report. His role, Malatras said, was to make the Department of Health analysis more accessible for a general audience.

Thats the exact role I played while at the Rockefeller Institute of Government on dozens of reports as they neared publication, said Malatras, who took the top post at SUNY in August despite criticism that his selection was done primarily to extend Cuomo's influence. As with many reports, there were back and forth with structure, citations and other language during the process. But to be clear, I included the fatalities data provided by the New York State Department of Health, which I did not alter and change. So Im going to leave it at that.

Most members of the SUNY Board of Trustees either declined to comment on Malatras' role or did not respond.

Stanley Litow, a professor at Columbia and Duke Universities who serves on the SUNY board, was supportive of Malatras in the wake of the revelations.

"He says that he didn't alter or change what the New York State Health Department (data) provided, so I certainly take him at his word," Litow said. "I think he's done a great job as chancellor."

Christine Fogal, president of the Faculty Council of Community Colleges and another board member, said, "I believe in due process and have no comment until after an investigation is completed."

The SUNY trustees include a number of Cuomo loyalists who are former high-ranking members of his administration, including former top health adviser Courtney Burke and Robert Duffy, Cuomo's first-term lieutenant governor. Its board also includes Camille Joseph Varlack, Cuomo's recently appointed chair of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics and a former high-ranking staffer in Cuomo's office who worked with Lacewell.
EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton on Friday defended Italy's move to block a shipment of AstraZeneca vaccines destined for Australia.

"We have to make sure that the companies with whom we have signed contracts put themselves in a position to deliver what we expect," Breton told reporters after meeting with Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Vienna.

Faced with dose shortages during the early stages of the vaccine campaign, the EU announced in early January an export control mechanism halting deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines outside Europe in a bid to force companies to respect their contractual obligations to the bloc first.

"If a company is late in its obligation versus us in Europe we need to have the tool to correct this," said Breton.

Breton argued that other countries like the US were doing the same thing and that the EU law used by Italy was much weaker in comparison.

Since the mechanism entered into force on January 30, the Commission said that 174 authorisations of vaccine exports to 30 different countries outside the EU have been approved.

The EU has been particularly upset by AstraZeneca because the company is delivering far fewer doses to the bloc than it had promised.

Of the initial order for 80 million doses to the EU in the first quarter this year, the company will be struggling to deliver half that quantity.

Austria has vaccinated just over 6% of its population.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Demonstrators clash with police amidst a cloud of smoke during a protest in Yangon, Myanmar, March 4, in this still image taken from a video obtained by Reuters.



Myanmar's security forces have killed scores of demonstrators protesting their coup. The new junta has jailed journalists  and anyone else capable of exposing the violence. It has done away with even limited legal protections. The outside world has responded so far with tough words, a smattering of sanctions and little else.



The slide from a nascent democracy to yet another coup, as rapid as it has been brutal, opens up a grim possibility: As bad as it looks in Myanmar now, if the country's long history of violent military rule is any guide, things could get worse.



Protesters have continued to fill the streets despite violence that left 38 people dead one day this week  though they have turned out in smaller numbers than the weeks right after the Feb. 1 coup. They have used smartphones to capture the brutality. Recent videos show security forces shooting a person at point-blank range and chasing down and savagely beating demonstrators.



The military, however, has the clear upper hand, with sophisticated weapons, a large network of spies, the ability to cut telecoms, and decades of fighting experience from civil conflicts in the country's borderlands.



''We are at a crisis point,'' Bill Richardson, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations with long experience working with Myanmar, told The Associated Press, pointing to the arrests of journalists, including AP's Thein Zaw, and the indiscriminate killing of protesters. ''The international community needs to respond much more forcefully, or this situation will degenerate into complete anarchy and violence.''



So, will it?



Governments around the world, including the United States, have condemned the coup, which reversed years of slow progress toward democracy. Before that opening up began, Myanmar had languished under a strict military rule for five decades that led to international isolation and crippling sanctions. As the generals loosened their grip in the past decade, the international community lifted most sanctions and poured in investments.





Armed police stand guard on a major street to preven anti-coup demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar, Friday, March 5, 2021. AP




CPS Energy provided a bill update Friday saying customers will not see "exorbitant" winter storm charges on their February bill, as many expected.

The utility company said the fight to "protect customers from excessive" costs continues as the February charges are released on Monday.

RELATED: H-E-B responds to Gov. Greg Abbott's plan to reopen Texas

"February bulls do not include exorbitant winter storm charges," CPS said in a statement.

The billing process was suspended on Feb. 19 to ensure bills would not include rate changes and usage would be based on meter reads, rather than estimates. CPS said accounts of customers who were hit the hardest are under review and "helpful credits" are expected to be provided in those cases. Credit plans will be announced in the next 30 to 45 days, according to the update.

CPS also noted bill processing could have some customers waiting until March 13 to receive their statement. In that case, the February and March charges could come close together. CPS Employees will be on hand to assist customers with their payments or set up arrangements. No late fees will be applied to the February bills.

READ ALSO: Nirenberg tells CNN's Don Lemon San Antonio now has 'nothing but our hopes' against COVID-19

We know our community is concerned about their bills and we want them to know were here to help and protect them. We are assuring customers that their February bills are accurate and do not currently include any extreme weather-related fuel & purchased power expenses, CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams said in the news release. While we must and will pay all justified and legitimate business costs, our CPS Energy team will continue to fight to maintain our commitment to affordability.

CPS also listed the following options being considered and pursued to safeguard customers from baring the charges: federal and state financial help; regulatory intervention; policy assistance at federal and state levels and negotiation.

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Just as testimony in the racketeering and murder trial of yet another member of the ultra-violent Syndicato de Nuevo Mexico prison gang was to begin this week in Albuquerque federal court, the FBI led an early morning raid to squelch threats made against a judge and others.

During the first day of testimony in the trial of Jody Rufino Martinez, a self-admitted soldier for the SNM, lead FBI case agent Bryan Acee testified Wednesday that four people had been arrested just hours earlier.

Under cross examination, Acee testified that Martinez of Truchas had been linked to two threats to kill FBI agents and prosecutors, including threats that have surfaced since Martinez has been incarcerated at the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, west of Albuquerque.

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Martinez, 41, is facing a potential life sentence if convicted of racketeering conspiracy and other charges, which included the 2008 murder of David Romero, 34, also of Truchas. Romeros body was discovered dumped off a bridge in Chimayo on Dec. 5, 2008, and former SNM members have testified in recent days to implicate Martinez as ordering the murder. Martinez has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to take another several weeks.

The homicide had gone unsolved for 11 years, despite early tips to New Mexico State Police naming Martinez and others as suspects, a former New Mexico State Police investigator testified this week.

Over the six years of the ongoing FBI-led racketeering investigation into the SNM as a criminal enterprise, at least six cold case murders tied to the SNM have been solved. At the same time, death threats against FBI investigators, prosecutors, SNM cooperators and others have been commonplace.

Defense attorney Carter Harrison asked about recent threats on Wednesday. Acee replied, Just this morning at 5 a.m. we were serving search warrants. He added that the most recent threat involves new players linked to the SNM.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Castellano interrupted to say there was an ongoing investigation into the matter.

When Harrison asked whether the new threats involved a judges name, Acee replied, yes, but the judge wasnt identified.

Harrison responded that despite the threats, no one has been harmed, to which Acee replied, Not yet. I dont know that theyre over. It took them two years to get Smurf.

The FBI is still investigating the murder of a one-time SNM informant, Leroy Smurf Lucero, who was gunned down in his driveway in Las Vegas, New Mexico, in July 2019. No one yet has been charged in that murder, which investigators believe was in retaliation for Luceros testimony in prior criminal trials against SNM members.

FBI spokesman Frank Fisher said he had no details about those arrested Wednesday or their charges.

To date, about 150 SNM members and associates have been arrested with the majority convicted of crimes that range from racketeering to murder to witness intimidation.

While the gang took root in the state prison system more than 40 years ago, Acee testified that 75% of the arrests so far in the FBI racketeering investigation have been SNM associates or members out on the streets, not in jail or prison.

The FBI became involved in March 2015 after New Mexico prison officials learned of letters from incarcerated SNM leaders setting out a conspiracy to kill the then-state Corrections Cabinet secretary and two top corrections officials.

Among the more than 30 SNM associates or members who have cooperated in the investigation, many have testified that they believe they are now targets of the SNM.

Rudy Salazar, a former SNM member turned cooperator, testified Thursday that he was one of several SNM members ordered by Martinez to kill Romero, who had promised he would smuggle drugs into jail for the SNM by turning himself in on a probation violation. Instead, Romero reneged and kept the drugs.

I have a green light on me now, testified Salazar, referencing the SNM term for a gang-approved violent assault or death. Because of his cooperation with the government, he said, Im a dead man walking.

Salazar has pleaded guilty to federal racketeering conspiracy charges in Romeros death and faces possible life in prison. He is currently serving a state prison sentence of 22 years for a 2010 second-degree murder and kidnapping conviction.

To win entry into the gang, Salazar said, a SNM prospect must commit a violent act like murder or great bodily harm and earn his bones.

So, Salazar testified, on Martinezs orders, he helped strangle Romero the evening of Dec. 4, 2008, inside a trailer in Chimayo, where he, Martinez and other SNM members were getting high.

With a piece of jumper cable duct-taped to his hands, Salazar said he overpowered Romero, and looped the cable around the victims neck while others held Romero down on a bed. Martinez then grabbed the victims head, trying to break his neck, Salazar testified.

Martinez finally checked Romeros pulse and determined he was gone, Salazar testified.

But to ensure Romero was dead, Martinez ordered that Salazar and SNM member Jerome Cordova slash his throat before they dumped Romeros nude body off a bridge into the Santa Cruz River, Salazar testified.

Salazar said he and Cordova later set Romeros clothes and other incriminating evidence on fire in an arroyo. Afterward, the group met back at the trailer. I shook everybodys hands, Salazar testified. That (slaying) was my bones right there.

Years later, Martinez was on the list of potential soldiers in the gang who would have been called upon to kill Corrections officials, testified Roy Paul Martinez, a former high-ranking SNM leader, on Thursday. The plot was ultimately foiled by the FBI, and no one was harmed.

Acee testified it was Luceros murder in 2019 that led the FBI to devote time and resources to investigating SNMs criminal history and network in northern New Mexico.

Based on those inquiries, the FBI developed evidence that led to Jody Rufino Martinezs arrest and indictment.

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
The United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar has demanded an end to the military's "repression" of anti-coup protesters, appealing to the Security Council to act on the "desperate pleas" from the South-East Asian country

UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2021 ):The United Nations Special Envoy on Myanmar has demanded an end to the military's "repression" of anti-coup protesters, appealing to the Security Council to act on the "desperate pleas" from the South-East Asian country.

"Your unity is needed more than ever on Myanmar," the Special Envoy, Christine Schraner Burgener, told a meeting of the 15-member Council on the crisis.

"The repression must stop," she stressed.

The Special Envoy said she had been in close contact with people across various communities since the 1 February military takeover, noting that "they, including committed civil servants, are the real heroes and protectors of the nation's democratic progress." But, she added, "the hope they have placed in the United Nations and its membership is waning and I have heard directly the desperate pleas  from mothers, students and the elderly. I receive every day around 2,000 messages, for international action to reverse a clear assault on the will of the people of Myanmar and democratic principles." She urged the Council to push further to end the violence, and restore democratic institutions, denouncing the actions by the military, "which continues to severely undermine the principles of this Organization and ignores our clear signals to uphold them." The envoy noted that around 50 "innocent and peaceful" protesters had now been killed, with scores more injured, with evidence mounting of killings and maiming by military snipers, in contravention of international human rights law.

As of 2 March, she said the UN human rights office OHCHR was reporting that around 1,000 are either detained or unaccounted for, having been arbitrarily taken from the streets.

"The Secretary-General, who remains closely engage, continues to speak out and has strongly condemned the violent crackdown", she said, adding: "The repression must stop." "It is critical that this Council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results" she said, which overwhelmingly returned the party of jailed leader Aung San Suu Kyi to power.

She praised the stand taken by Myanmar's ambassador to the UN, Kyaw Moe Tun, who a week ago publicly sided with the protesters against the coup, and has remained in post, despite the efforts of the Burmese military to remove him. He "needs your full support", she told the Council.

Ms. Shraner Burgener said she had continued to communicate the UN's "strong dismay and condemnation" for its failure to protect the Burmese people, and said she would continue to engage, with all actors during the crisis.

She declared that "there is an urgency for collective action. How much more can we allow the Myanmar military to get away with?" Besides the violence and oppression, the Special Envoy told ambassadors that the country's expanded immunization programme against the march of COVID-19, together with other routine immunizations, "have essentially stopped functioning since early February." "This is likely to build up rapidly into increased risks for multiple health emergencies", she warned.

And the economic growth and integration of the past decade was also at immediate risk, she said. "The ongoing crisis adversely affects the workers, producers, business owners, domestic and international investors, in an unprecedented manner.

"People are rushing to the ATMs to withdraw their savings for an imminent fear of a banking collapse International remittances have also been held up and the bank accounts of a number of UN agencies are frozen", she added.

Humanitarian needs remain acute, she said, "with more than one million people in need, with many of those living in areas currently or previously subject to conflict with the military, like Rakhine." In conclusion, the Special Envoy reminded ambassadors that "it is our collective obligation to defend the defenceless. In support of the Secretary-General's leadership, I will continue my efforts in solidarity with the people of Myanmar. Their hope, will depend on unified support and action from the Council."
Susquehanna Township police officers start each shift with a roll call, where they go over the days agenda, share safety information, and maybe play a game a catch with the departments newest member: Auggie.

Auggie is a 14-month-old Beagle the department adopted in September of 2020, after he was found homeless and roaming around Elmerton Avenue and State Farm Drive in Susquehanna Township by the Humane Society of Harrisburg.

Now, the police station on Linglestown Road is Auggies permanent home. He starts most days by greeting the police officers the moment they walk in. Certain officers are assigned to various aspects of Auggies care, making sure he is walked and fed properly. He tags along on briefings, sits in on shift changes, and even hits the streets to visit schools with the School Resource Officer.

Auggie has free reign to walk around the station, following officers and greeting people. He even hosts his own Facebook page. On his social media account, Auggie has helped with the Humane Societys annual Christmas donation drive and donated a few toys and treats to greet some new working dogs that may eventually join the department, if the department restarts its K-9 unit.

The community has embraced Auggie. A local business, Abrams and Weakley General Store for Animals on North 6th Street has donated dog food for him.

Police officials say Auggie has helped create comfort for officers and boost community policing.

Our school resource officer has been taking him to the schools several times a week to break down the barriers in relationships with us and the children, says Robert Martin, director of public safety. Auggie is that bridge and its just been absolutely phenomenal.

Hes one of two such emotional-support dogs at area police departments. Last month, Swatara Township brought on a dog of their own named Tattoo. The 3-month old Labrador Retriever and Pit Bull mix was a donation to the department. His name was inspired by Christine Stoltz, a 25-year reception at the department who recently died of cancer, and was a fan of tattoos.

Swatara Township Police Chief Darrell Reider said of Stotlz: She also loved our K-9 program and so that was to honor her.

Similar to Susquehanna Police Department, Swatara township found their therapy dog helps comfort officers who are constantly exposed to traumatic events.

Law enforcement is very stressful, said Martin, of Susquehanna Township police. We all know what pets and our dogs can do for us at home in terms of stress relief.

Police departments adopting dogs for emotional support seems to be a trend locally and across the country. The Atlanta Police Department recently announced the adoption of Scout, a 2-year-old Tennessee Mountain Cur mix.

At the Susquehanna Township Police Department, Auggie is treated as one of the staff members, even receiving his own ID card with an official badge number. (His number is 714, same as the fictional LAPD detective Joe Friday, from the old radio and television series: Dragnet.)

Angela Codero, one of the officers assigned to Auggie, says there isnt a moment that goes by where Auggie isnt spreading his love throughout the department.

Hes always cheering us up because hes running around being goofy, definitely is full of energy and loves to play, she said.

READ: Black bear grabs family dog by throat in Lower Paxton back yard

READ: From unadoptable to hero: Rescue dog saves three girls from possible abduction
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Hundred of people took to the streets of Mississippi without a mask in sight on Friday night after the state lifted their COVID 19 restrictions on March 3.

Oxford, home of Ole Miss, saw people out in full force, eating at restaurants and shopping at stores like the coronavirus pandemic was a distant memory - rather than a virus that has killed more than half a million people and infects tens of thousands on a daily basis.

In Florida, Spring Breakers were also abandoning masks as bikini-clad college students flooded onto beaches and crammed into bars in Miami and Fort Lauderdale to kick of their vacation.

And in Idaho, a group gathered to burn their masks outside of the statehouse in protest of COVID-19 restrictions after other states this week made the decision to ditch mandates and open back up.

A group of children joined their parents, several of whom were armed, as they burned pictures of Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi in the flames, before beging egged into disposing of their surgical masks into the fire.

Joe Biden slammed Mississippi and Texas' decisions to reopen as 'Neanderthal thinking' on Wednesday, warning that big, maskless gatherings would lead to another surge in coronavirus cases and deaths.

Texas is the largest state to lift their mask mandate, despite the fact that over 42,000 in Texas have died of COVID-19.

However, the president has since been criticized for his comment by conservatives including Montana governor Greg Gianforte who complained Biden was 'degrading' himself with 'name-calling.'

Meanwhile, revelers across Mississippi seemed unconcerned by the threat of another COVID-19 surge as they packed into busy bars and clubs for the first time in months.

Many people even went shopping without masks, scenes most of the country would view as foreign a year after the pandemic began.

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MISSISSIPPI: Nobody at this bar on Friday night appeared to be wearing a mask, flaunting the previous restrictions in place

MISSISSIPPI: On Friday , Ole Miss students were able to party without restrictions after the state's mask mandate was lifted

IDAHO: A protester tosses a surgical mask into the fire during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse on Saturday

IDAHO: Children were egged on by cheers from their parents too dispose of their surgical masks in the fire

IDAHO: Two young attendees watch as an armed protester burns a photo of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

FLORIDA: Corey Falcon, of Baltimore, lifts two women off the ground outside Cafe Ibiza in Fort Lauderdale

FLORIDA: Afternoon partiers crowd into Cafe Ibiza in Ft. Lauderdale on the first weekend of Spring Break

FLORDIA: Miami Beach fire rescue officers help treat a woman who fainted during spring break festivities on Saturday

FLORIDA: Spring Breakers crammed into a bar in Miami Beach on Saturday afternoon during Spring Break

MISSISSIPPI: Pictured is the first maskless wedding in Oxford since the Governor lifted the mask mandate

MISSISSIPPI: One person in this photo decided a mask was a good idea, but everyone else was ready to party without one

MISSISSIPPI: On Thursday, college students at Ole Miss were having a good time on the second night without maskS

FLORIDA: College students celebrate the first weekened of Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday

FLORIDA: Maskless college students strolling in Fort Lauderdale on the first weekend on Spring Break

IDAHO: A child tosses a surgical mask into a fire during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse on Saturday

IDAHO: A counter protester walks through an unmasked crowd during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse

MISSISSIPPI: The Square in downtown Oxford on Saturday, the first weekend the mask mandate has been lifted in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI: Shoppers in Oxford were put in full force on Saturday with not a mask insight

In total, there have been at least 296,000 COVID-19 cases and 6,783 deaths in Mississippi since the onset of the pandemic.

On Friday, Mississippi reported 576 new cases and 22 new deaths.

Mississippi will maintain their 50 percent capacity restriction on indoor arenas and keep their current rules in place for K-12 schools.

Elsewhere in Idaho, protests against mask mandates were held across the state on Saturday as angered residents push back against the continuing restrictions.

IDAHO: Young attendees toss surgical masks into a fire during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse

IDAHO: A protester displays a surgical mask reading Biden Sucks during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse

IDAHO: Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin speaks during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse

IDAHO: Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin speaks during a mask burning event at the Idaho Statehouse

At least a hundred people gathered at the front of the Idaho Capitol to burn masks in a protest against measures taken to limit infections and deaths caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Videos posted on social media showed adults encouraging children to toss masks into a fire. Some of the masks were branded with criticism of Biden while one person was seen burning a picture of the president himself.

One video, which has been viewed more than 2.6million times, showed one adult shouting 'all at once' at the children before more started cheering and dozens of masks were thrown into the fire.

'Destroy them,' another person said.

The children were heard saying 'Feed them to the fire' and 'We don't want them in our lives'.

'I will not self-suffocate,' signs at the protest read.

'No masks, no mandates. Our face, our mind,' said another, while one quoted Benjamin Franklin stating: 'Those who give up liberty to purchase safety deserve neither liberty or safety.'

'Were standing here today to rein back government. To reestablish our Republican form of government, a government that has balance between the branches,' said Daar Moon, a protest organizer, in a Twitter video. 'Its a widespread grassroots movement, an uprising in that regard, its come off very well today here in Boise.'

IDAHO: An attendee collects surgical masks to throw in a fire ahead of the protest

IDAHO: An armed protester hangs a banner reading 'Wu Flu' at the Idaho Statehouse

IDAHO: Two young attendees listen to speakers at mask burning event against COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday

IDAHO: Idaho Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin was among several state lawmakers who came out to protest

IDAHO: Attendees toss surgical masks into a fire as they demonstarted against COVID-19 restrictions

At least three lawmakers from the state legislature and the Lt. Gov Janice McGeachin were there to cheer the crowds on.

At one point the group was asked by police to put out the fire as it was not allowed on state grounds but the protesters told the cops to leave.

"During the event, an open flame was ignited in a barrel,' a police spokesperson told Business Insider.

"Those involved with the event were informed both before and during the event that open flames are not allowed on State Capitol grounds. The incident is under review.'

Republican Gov. Brad Little has never issued a statewide mask mandate, but seven counties and 11 cities have such mandates in place.

Visitors to the Capitol are asked to wear masks, but they're not required and few Republican lawmakers wear them.

A Republican lawmaker on Wednesday introduced legislation to prohibit mask mandates.

More than 170,000 Idaho residents have been infected with the virus, and nearly 1,900 have died.

FLORIDA: Beachgoers flock to South Beach during Spring Break in Miami Beach

FLORIDA: A woman talks to a waiter as he serves her a mimosa drink during spring break festivities in Miami Beach

FLORIDA: Spring Breakers enjoy the beach on Saturday in Miami Beach

FLORIDA: Spring Breaker ditched masks as they dined out in Miami Beach on Saturday

FLORIDA: Beach bars were rammed by Saturday afternoon on the first weekend of Spring Break

FLORIDA: Police tell partygoers that there is no alcohol allowed on the beach in Fort Lauderdale

MISSISSIPPI: Students, families and Oxford residents enjoy a sunny day in Oxford as the mask madate was lifted

MISSISSIPPI: The bars in downtown Oxford were packed with students shoulder to shoulder drinking and partying

MISSISSIPPI: The Square in Oxford Saturday afternoon, the first weekend the mask mandate has been lifted in Mississippi

MISSISSIPPI: No masks were seen as families dined indoors in Mississippi on Saturday

MISSISSIPPI: A wedding party is seen having their photos made on the Square in downtown Oxford Saturday afternoon, the first weekend the mask mandate has been lifted in Mississippi as residents get out to cekebrate

MISSISSIPPI: Shoppers out without masks in Oxford on Saturday afternoon

MISSISSIPPI: A wedding party in Oxford poses for pictures without masks on Saturday

In Florida, where a mask mandate continues, officials continued to try to enforce extra restrictions as the first weekend of Spring Break started off, but it wasn't enough to stop hoardes of skantily clad college students from abandoning their face coverings to party in vacation hotspots such as Miami in Fort Lauderdale.

The first of the partygoers kicked off the month of festivities on Friday night and raged over to Saturday afternoon, with beach hotspots crowded with young maskless groups.

One beach bar, The Wharf, had banned out of state residents who are under 23 years old for the month of March in an effort to curb rowdy behaviour but others welcomed in the swathes of Spring Breakers.

The city has installed steel barriers between bars in an effort to force the college students to maintain sociaol distancing while Miami Beach is enforcing a midnight curfew and clamping down on alcohol and boom boxes on the beach.

Some Spring Breakers were already looking worse for wear by Saturday with Miami Beach fire rescue officers forced to come to the aid of a woman who had fainted by the afternoon.

FLORIDA: A man places a dollar note in a performer's outfit during spring break festivities in Miami Beach

FLORIDA: Miami Beach fire rescue officers help treat a woman who fainted in Miami Beach on Saturday

FLORIDA: Beachgoers flock to South Beach during Spring Break in Miami Beach on Saturday

MISSISSIPPI: The mask mandate was lifted in Mississippi on March 3, so March 5 was the first Friday night full of partying

MISSISSIPPI: People took to the streets of Mississippi without a mask in sight on Friday night

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi went to lunch inside on Friday afternoon, with only servers typically wearing mask

MISSISSIPPI: Some in Oxford are continuing to wear masks, despite the mask restrictions being lifted in Mississippi

TEXAS: Pictured, people in Austin, Texas exit a bar on Thursday night, with some still choosing to wear a mask

Montana has also rescinded their mask mandate via a directive issued on February 12, while simultaneously encouraging residents to continue wearing masks and making responsible decisions.

Gov. Gianforte argued on Fox & Friends that a 'one-size-fits-all' mandate doesn't make sense, which is likely why he repealed it for his state.

Cases have been declining in Montana, with just 143 new cases reported on Friday. Hospitalizations are also low in the state, with just 63 people actively hospitalized headed into the weekend.

Biden had pleaded with states to keep restrictions until America could achieve heard immunity.

'I hope everybody's realized by now these masks make a difference,' Biden said.

'We are on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease because of the way we're able to get vaccines in people's arms.

'The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime everything's fine, take off your mask, forget it.'

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night out with few masks in sight two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: Police at the ready in Oxford, Mississippi with few masks in sight two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night out with few masks in sight two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi headed to the club with few masks in sight two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night out at the bar two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: A kid in Oxford gets a view inside of a bar two days after restrictions were lifted in Mississippi

Earlier this week, Gov. Gianforte tweeted in response to Biden, saying 'If making data-driven decisions to reopen, loving freedom, and trying to get back to normal is what a Neanderthal would do, then well, I guess you can count me as one.'

During his interview with Doocy, Gov. Gianforte expressed his excitement about the direction of his state: 'Montana is open for business, we're getting back to normal.'

He admitted, however, that the state is 'not out of the woods yet.'

MISSISSIPPI: Grocery shopping can take place without masks in the state of Mississippi with the pandemic restrictions lifted

MISSISSIPPI: Hand sanitizer is available for diners in Mississippi, but people are eating indoors without wearing masks

MISSISSIPPI: This man is wearing a mask while he shops, but the same cannot be said about his dog, Gigi

Gov. Gianforte called out Joe Biden on Fox & Friends for his 'Neanderthal thinking' comment earlier in the week

Joe Biden said it was 'Neanderthal thinking' to have states drop their mask mandates, which Texas and Mississippi have done

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In total, Montana has had 100,842 cases of COVID-19, with 1,381 people dying from the virus.

Over 300,000 vaccine doses have been administered in Montana so far, with 112,111 people fully immunized.

Gov. Gianforte is far from the first Republican politician to call out Biden for his 'Neanderthal' comment.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called Biden a 'hypocrite' in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night out with few masks in sight two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi, many college students, enjoying a night out with few masks in sight

MISSISSIPPI: People in Oxford, Mississippi walk by a police vehicle sight two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI:: Diners in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night at the Graduate Hotel two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: Diners in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night at the Graduate Hotel two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI:People in Oxford, Mississippi enjoying a night out two days after restrictions were lifted

Fox News reports Florida Sen. Marco Rubio suggested Biden 'seek training on the unconscious bias.'

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Biden only made his comments out of 'frustration and exasperation.'

Signs of progress in the fight against COVID-19 are evident, especially with a third vaccine being distributed across the nation.

The easing of pandemic restrictions and mask mandates could have a negative effect on the progress, though.

In the United States, there have been 28,890,034 cases and 522,761 COVID-19 deaths.

MISSISSIPPI: Shoppers in Oxford, Mississippi walking around the grocery store two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: Shopper in Oxford, Mississippi walking around the grocery store two days after restrictions were lifted

MISSISSIPPI: Shopper in Oxford, Mississippi walking around the grocery store two days after restrictions were lifted

TEXAS: With the mask mandate set to end in Texas in the coming days, people have had no issue going out without one

TEXAS: On Thursday night, some people were lined up just to get into clubs, though many were still wearing masks
Chemical weapons in Syria

This is how the chemical nerve agent, sarin, works. Within seconds of exposure, the inhaled chemical begins to attack a persons nervous system, causing the bodys neurotransmitters to short circuit. Tears pour from the eyes. Mucous streams from the nose. Drool runs from the mouth. Bladder and bowels evacuate by themselves. The chest tightens as if being squeezed by a python. Thats the feeling of your respiratory muscles becoming paralyzed. You stop breathing. You die if not given an antidote, like atropine, within 10 minutes of exposure.



By the late 1980s, Syria had developed an extensive chemical weapons program. The purpose: to use against Israel aggression. The CIA and the Pentagon had intelligence on where many of these weapons were made and stored. On July 23, 2012, more than a year after the Syrian civil war began, the Syrian foreign minister officially confirmed his nation possessed chemical weapons.



A month later, President Barack Obama, responding to a reporters question at the end of a conference on health care, announced, We have been very clear to the Assad regime that a red line for us is we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized. That would change my calculus.



In the Middle East, few things proceed according to calculations. The Assad government began using chemical weapons attacks on civilians in contested parts of the country. By June 2013, the CIA began a program of covert lethal assistance for moderate Syrian rebels.



Meanwhile, back in Washington, military and intelligence leaders contemplated the possibility Assad might fall. They saw an increasing possibility that Syrias extensive chemical weapons stock could fall into the hands of al-Nusra, an al-Qaida affiliate, or to a new military force called Islamic State.



In Red Line (Doubleday), investigative Washington Post reporter Joby Warrick lays out how the U.N. Fact Finding Mission, under the leadership of Ake Sellstrom, brought out hard evidence of Syrian chemical weapons. Surely, the discovery of 1,300 tons of chemical weapons would trigger U.S. military strikes. However, the American public deeply opposed any U.S. military involvement in Syria. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had soured Americans on the option of further military confrontation.



No American strikes were ordered, even though Assad had crossed a red line.



Instead, Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov negotiated a diplomatic solution: an accord in which Syria promised to identify chemical weapon sites, allow international inspection of those sites and dismantle or ship out all chemical weapons. To some in Washington,

the U.S.-Russian Agreement promised to remove the threat of chemical weapons without the use of force. In Syria, the red line became a recruitment tool for al-Nusra and the Islamic State, writes Warrick. It allowed the jihadists to tell people: The West doesnt care about you. Its all lies. No one is coming to help you.



How do you move a large arsenal of poisons out of Syria? By seagoing cargo ship  specifically aboard the Motor Vessel Cape Ray. In the second part of Red Line, Warrick details the many obstacles confronted by the leadership onboard Cape Ray, from maintaining vessel stability to the unexpected shutdown of the hydrolysis machines. Hydrolysis allows chemical weapons to be injected with streams of plain water, neutralizing the nerve agents.



In the third part of Red Line, Warrick writes about the nearly 300 chlorine attacks in the four years after Syria forswore the use of chemical weapons, and the discovery of a secret program to manufacture ricin. While Obama proclaimed Assad must go, he did not understand Assads readiness to hold onto power at all costs, writes Warrick. By 2015, the thinking in Washington began to turn towards what would happen if Assad lost?



Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani recruited 20,000 Shiite mercenaries from poor neighborhoods in Pakistan and Afghanistan and 7,000 Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah fighters to bolster Assads military manpower. The Russians increased weapons, ammunition and aircraft shipments. The Iranians and the Russians also had a red line: They were not going to let Assad fall. They were willing to bear the costs to keep him in power.



Iranian troops and Iranian-trained Shiite militias now are entrenched throughout Syria. Militia salaries are funded from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps budget.



Last weeks Feb. 25 American attacks on an Iranian-backed militia position in Syria, ordered by President Joe Biden, was labeled illegal aggression by Iranian-state media. Yet, military intervention in a civil war, in particular when its objective is to support an established government against its own population, is unlawful, even if by invitation of the host state.



In the case of the Syrian civil war, military intervention  directly or indirectly  on behalf of the Syrian government, which has committed war crimes by targeting civilians, is a violation of the obligation of third states to refrain from giving assistance in violation of international law.
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Sen. Bernie Sanders and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The Senate kicked off a "vote-a-rama" on Friday with a vote on a $15 minimum wage.

But proceedings ground to a halt over a last-minute clash on unemployment aid.

Senate Majority Leader Schumer said Democrats would approve the stimulus bill sometime this weekend.

Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

The Senate kicked off a "vote-a-rama" on Friday with a vote on a $15-an-hour minimum wage, but the proceedings stalled out because of a late clash over unemployment benefits in the Democratic relief package. It highlighted the delicate shape of the Democratic majority.

Senate Democrats struck a deal on a last-minute change to the relief bill, cutting the federal unemployment benefit to $300 a week instead of $400. It would last through September, and not August 29 as in the House version of the legislation. It would also waive tax payments on the first $10,200 in jobless aid. The White House endorsed the plan.

But Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia appeared reluctant to back the new plan, according to a person familiar with internal discussions. He objected to the duration and size of the benefit.

Instead, he considered voting for a dueling amendment from Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio. That proposal would extend a $300 weekly benefit through July 18. It would not include any tax relief for the unemployed, some of whom could get a surprise tax bill later this year.

Read more: Inside Secretary Pete's quest to make the Transportation Department cool again

His resistance brought proceedings to a halt for nearly 11 hours on Friday. Manchin and Senate Democrats eventually brokered a second deal on unemployment aid. The new proposal would provide a $300 weekly federal benefit until September 6 and forgive the first $10,200 in unemployment payments for people making up to $150,000.

Republicans were quick to assail Democrats for the misstep. They strongly oppose the coronavirus relief package, blasting it as too large and partisan.

Story continues

"There is some bipartisanship, we believe, to change the bill," Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said at a press conference. "But apparently that's an unpardonable sin on the other side."

The delay underscored the fragile state of the Democratic majority in an evenly divided Senate. Its one-vote edge over Republicans in the chamber - with Vice President Kamala Harris as the tiebreaker - means any Democratic legislative effort could be derailed without every Senate Democrat on board.

"In a 50-50 Senate, every vote is precious. Every vote matters," Zach Moller, the deputy director of economic policy at Third Way, a centrist think tank, told Insider. "If Democrats want to control the bill, they need to have unanimity in their party."

"I think this is the indication of how we're gonna see the Senate operate for the next two years," Jim Manley, a former Democratic senior aide, told Insider. "The irony of all this is this bill was going to be the easy one and everything to come is going to be a hell of a lot tougher."

Democrats are employing a tactic known as reconciliation to approve the relief bill with a simple majority of 51 votes, circumventing Republicans in the process. But the legislation must comply with strict budgetary rules or parts of it could be tossed out.

Any major changes to the bill could prompt a revolt among progressives in the House who have expressed criticism after a provision for a $15-an-hour minimum wage was tossed out in the Senate. Democrats have rushed to approve the bill before March 14, the date that enhanced unemployment insurance starts expiring.

"If it gets to a certain level, it may require renegotiating with the House and the White House," Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland told reporters. He said it was "not a desirable" outcome and that "the clock is ticking."

A lengthy process likely to conclude over the weekend

The "vote-a-rama" is a lengthy process in which some Democrats and Republicans offer amendments to modify the $1.9 trillion stimulus bill. Democrats finalized changes to the legislation in recent days, including tightening eligibility for a third stimulus check and adjusting aid formulas for state and local aid.

The possible changes to unemployment aid within the legislation prompted concern from experts that summer would be too soon for the federal government to pull the plug on benefit programs.

"People are still going to be long-term unemployed over summer," Andrew Stettner, a senior fellow at the left-leaning Century Foundation, told Insider. "People wouldn't have enough money to get by when then aren't ample job opportunities out there."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the procedure may stretch on for many hours. But Democrats were intent to approve the bill sometime over the weekend.

"The Senate is going to take a lot of votes. But we are going to power through and finish this bill, however long it takes," he said earlier on Friday. "The American people are counting on us, and our nation depends on it."

Senate Democrats opened the proceedings at 11a.m. with an amendment to restore a $15-an-hour minimum wage in the bill. The plan was defeated in a 58-42 vote. All 50 Republican senators voted against it, as did seven Democrats and an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

The non-Republican senators in opposition were Jon Tester of Montana, Joe Manchin of West Virginia, Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, Chris Coons of Delaware, Tom Carper of Delaware, Angus King of Maine, Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, and Maggie Hassan of Maine.

The Senate parliamentarian struck that part of the relief legislation, ruling it as out of bounds with Senate guidelines last month. Sen. Bernie Sanders, the chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said Friday he believed the official was "dead wrong" in the move.

"It is an absurd process that we allow an unelected staffer ... to make a decision as to whether 30 million Americans get a pay raise or not," Sanders said during a floor speech.

Republicans in the Senate are staunchly opposed to the $15-an-hour minimum wage. They say raising wages during a downturn would cost many jobs and worsen unemployment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
He knew his voice was quavering. But U Kyaw Moe Tun, Myanmars top envoy at the United Nations, kept going. The military rulers who had overthrown Myanmars elected government and gunned down peaceful protesters were illegitimate, he said.

The words stumbled out, both a bit too high and a bit too low. We will continue to fight, he said, for a government which is of the people, by the people, for the people.

Mr. Kyaw Moe Tun, a 51-year-old diplomat in a somber suit and tie, raised his hand in the three-finger salute of defiance from the Hunger Games films, which has come to symbolize Myanmars millions-strong protest movement against the coup-makers. The United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York resounded with applause.

When Mr. Kyaw Moe Tun got home that night, Feb. 26, his family gathered around him. He had not told them what he had planned to do, he said. His 12-year-old daughter, like any preteen girl, had some feedback.

The body of a man has been recovered in the search for a young father who has been missing since a kayaking accident almost a week ago.

A body was recovered on Saturday afternoon during a search for Declan Reid (34) who went missing almost a week ago while out kayaking with his son. The boy (8) was rescued from the water by a passerby when the kayak capsized on the river Barrow near Ardreigh Lock. Mr Reid had managed to keep the boy afloat and raise the alarm.

Gardai in Athy have recovered the body of a male, aged in his 30s, this afternoon following a search operation in the River Barrow, Co. Kildare which commenced on 28th February 2021, said a Garda spokesperson.

At approximately 4pm, Gardai from the Sub-Aqua Unit recovered the body from the water. The body of the male remains at the scene and the local coroner has been notified.

His body will be removed from the scene shortly, and taken to the mortuary in Naas for a post-mortem examination.

Mr Reid, who was due to become a father again, was out kayaking on the lock near his family home. When the kayak capsized, he managed to keep the boy afloat and a passerby jumped in and made it to the riverbank. But when he returned to save the father he could not be seen.




The Philadelphia City Council has adopted a resolution condemning a professor of Harvard University for describing victims of Japan's wartime sexual slavery as prostitutes in an academic paper.







"On behalf of the survivors, and for women and girls around the world, we must continue to push back on dangerous attempts to minimize historical atrocities and ensure they never happen again," the resolution adopted Thursday said.







The resolution was proposed by David Oh, a Korean American Republican member of the city council, Feb. 25 amid growing controversy over an article by J. Mark Ramseyer of Harvard Law School, which claimed former Korean sex slaves of the Japanese military had voluntarily entered into contracts for prostitution.







The paper, "Contracting for Sex in the Pacific War," is "grossly inaccurate" and is "an offensive accounting of the thousands of women and girls who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese Imperial Army before and during World War II," the city council said.







"Ramseyer's paper is yet another disrespectful rewriting of this history, reducing the grave injustices and suffering inflicted upon these women to consensual prostitution," the resolution also said.







Historians estimate that up to 200,000 women, mostly from Korea, were forced to work in front-line brothels for Japanese troops before and during the war. (Yonhap)


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Bleary-eyed lawmakers have pulled an all-nighter to pass President Biden's $1.9trillion stimulus bill - as Democrats were blasted by their own party for 'sending money to fewer people' than Trump, cutting direct payments, reducing unemployment benefits and failing on the $15 minimum wage.

Senators commenced a dreaded 'vote-a-thon' - a continuous series of votes on amendments - shortly before midnight, before finally passing the bill along direct party lines at just after midday EST Saturday.

Following a compromise over unemployment benefits, Moderate Democrat Joe Manchin voted with his party colleagues. The bill passed 50-49 after Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan returned to Alaska for a funeral.

Progressive Democrats are angry at the size of the package, with Ilhan Omar calling it 'very disappointing'. She added: 'We obviously are now ultimately sending money to less people than the Trump administration.'

It came as Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment.

The bill passed through the Senate Saturday. It came as Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, has expressed her dismay at the ambition of the package after lawmakers cut direct payments, reduced unemployment benefits and removed a hike of the minimum wage to $15

Sen. Sinema, 44, sided with Republicans and seven other senators as she voted down the Sanders amendment - but it was the way she vote her was cast that caused a social media uproar.

Sinema, who entered the Senate in January 2019 after serving in the U.S. House and Arizona state Legislature, was shown standing on the House floor, flashing a thumbs down and curtsying as her name was called to cast her vote.

It was similar to the memorable moment when McCain signaled a thumbs down when he failed to side with other Republicans to overturn the Affordable Care Act in 2017.

After Biden previously predicted that a $15 per hour minimum wage increased would not end up being included in his relief package, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans on Friday in opposing Sanders' bid to include it.

Progressive Democrats were also frustrated at a Senate agreement to reduce eligibility for $1,400 stimulus checks.

This will see the amount gradually reduced until it reaches zero for people earning $80,000 and couples making $160,000.

When asked if she thought this was Biden 'abandoning progressives' Omar responded by calling the vote a 'very disappointing development.'

'You know, the Senate Majority Republicans were willing to. There are going to be 17 million people who will get less money. This is not the promise that we made.

'This is not what we are given the opportunity to be in the majority in the Senate and have the White House. So ultimately, it is a failure when we compromise ourselves out of delivering on behalf of the American people and in keeping our promises.'

It came as Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin struck a deal late on Friday with Senate leaders over emergency jobless benefits, breaking a nine-hour logjam that had stalled the party's showpiece bill.

Jobless workers will now receive $300 per week, on top of benefits offered by their state unemployment system, until September 6.

That is $100 per week less than the unemployment benefit passed by the House.

The overall bill, Biden's top legislative priority, is aimed at battling the killer pandemic and nursing the staggered economy back to health

Democratic Senator from West Virginia Joe Manchin, left, and Republican Senator from Texas John Cornyn, right, walk to the Senate chamber as the Senate begins a so-called 'vote-a-rama'

The bill will now be shipped back to the House - which is expected to give final congressional approval and whisk the bill to President Joe Biden for his signature.

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (pictured) was among seven Democrats and one Independent to vote against the $15 per hour minimum wage amendment on Friday

The legislation will provide direct payments of up to $1,400 to most Americans and money for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, aid to state and local governments, help for schools and the airline industry and subsidies for health insurance.

Earlier Friday, lawmakers responded to the gridlock while pressure was put on Joe Manchin, who is probably the chamber's most conservative Democrat.

'I feel bad for Joe Manchin. I hope the Geneva Convention applies to him,' joked Republican Senator John Thune to reporters on Capitol Hill.

'I just think that the Democrats right now are in a bit of a quandary.'

He continued: 'I mean, they've essentially stopped action on the floor so that they can try and persuade, I think, all their members to stay together on some of these votes.'

Voting continued on the bill Saturday before passing around midday. Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was earlier slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment

Sinema's vote was compared on social media to the memorable moment when late Arizona Senator John McCain signaled a thumbs down when he failed to side with other Republicans to overturn the Affordable Care Act in 2017 (as pictured above)

Progressives slam senator's 'offensive' thumbs-down sign to vote down Sanders' amendment Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment. 'It's not just that Krysten Sinema voted against giving Americans a fair working wage, it's the way she did it!' wrote filmmaker Morgan Freeman. 'Did Sinema really have vote against a $15 minimum wage for 24 million people like this?' asked Sawyer Hackett, Senior Advisor and Communications for Julian Castro. Others called out how she had been trying to talk to Mitch McConnell just moments before. 'Maybe even more offensive than @kyrstensinema 's enthusiastic *thumbs down* to raising wages for workers was how she buddies up to Mitch McConnell right before she does it and makes sure he sees her,' wrote The Tennessee Holler. And more called out the senator for the handbag she was holding as she cast the vote. 'I'm humbled to announce in a parody of white feminism Krysten Sinema [sic] voted against a $15 living wage while carrying a giant Lululemon bag,' wrote writer Bess Kalb. 'I wish I could tell you it isn't true, but the bag is evidently called the 'Happy Hatha Hour' bag, and its manufacturer's intent was for the wearer to take it from yoga to cocktails. Goodnight and good luck.' Sinema hit back at the criticism, however, with her spokesperson claiming it was sexist to comment on the 'body language' or 'physical demeanor' of the senator as she cast her vote. 'Commentary about a female senator's body language, clothing, or physical demeanor does not belong in a serious media outlet,' Hannah Hurley, a spokesperson for Sinema, told HuffPost. Advertisement

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said of Manchin. 'I don't know where they're at. The public needs to know. Save Joe Manchin!'

'I think they're trying to wear down Joe Manchin, who is intent on making sure we don't spend more than we have to. This is on unemployment insurance,' Republican Sen. Mitt Romney told reporters of the hold up.

Moderate Democrats, led by Sen. Tom Carper, had offered an amendment to lower federal unemployment benefits to $300 from $400 per week but to then extend the payments from August until October.

Manchin had reportedly favored a Republican amendment that would have the $300 weekly payments run through July, before the deal was struck.

Democratic Senators Krysten Sinema, Jon Tester and Catherine Cortez Masto cornered Manchin on the Senate floor after senators rejected an effort by Bernie Sanders to include a $15 an hour minimum wage in the package.

When the lawmakers realized their efforts to persuade Manchin were being watched by reporters, they moved back into one of cloakrooms of the Senate floor to speak more privately.

The vote on Sanders' amendment was the first on 422 amendments filed. Not every amendment will get a vote and some will be voted on in blocks to try and speed up the process.

Before the unemployment benefits drama began, senators voted 58-42 to kill a top progressive priority, a gradual increase in the current $7.25 hourly minimum wage to $15 over five years.

Eight Democrats voted against the proposal, suggesting that Sanders and other progressives vowing to continue the effort in coming months will face a difficult fight.

But eight hours after that minimum wage roll call began, it still hadn't been formally gaveled to a close as all Senate work ceased while Democrats struggled to resolve their unemployment benefits problem.

By holding open the vote, they prevented any senator from addressing the floor or making a motion. The vote on Sanders' amendment began at 11:03 a.m. ET.

Amid all the drama, the White House wouldn't say whether President Biden had personally called the West Virginia senator to try to get him on board.

'The President supports a compromise so that we can pass the Rescue Plan and get relief out, and he and his team are staying in close contact with Senators to find a resolution that will deliver for Americans who need help the most,' a White House official told DailyMail.com.

Others called out how she had been trying to talk to Mitch McConnell just moments before

Social media users hit Sinema with criticism for the way in which she cast her vote

Republican senators had offered multiple amendments to the bill, which Democrats claim is necessary to help the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The GOP protests the bill's cost and claim it's filled with progressive priorities.

'Votearama is upon us,' said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham before Friday's action started. 'Stay hydrated. Try to keep good cheer. We're going to have lots of amendments today and kind of talk about where we differ on certain things, which will be good for the country.'

'It's going to be a long day,' he added.

Sen. Bernie Sanders shot back: 'Bring it on. We're ready.'

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell accused Democrats of 'ramming through an ideological spending spree packed with non COVID related policies.'

Harris had to rush up to the Capitol on Thursday afternoon to break a tie vote to allow the Senate to start debate on the relief package.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said of Manchin as the Senate stalled. 'I don't know where they're at. The public needs to know. Save Joe Manchin!'

The Senate on Friday will begin a massive vote-a-rama on amendments from Republicans, led by GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell that will challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's to keep Democrats together

After she cast her vote, Johnson made his motion to have the bill read aloud.

Bill readings are almost always dispensed with at the start to allow for debate, but Johnson saw it as way to register his frustration over the massive outlay of federal spending.

'I feel bad for the clerks that are going to have to read it, but it's just important,' said Johnson, who has already faced criticism this week for suggesting the deadly January 6 US Capitol riot was not an 'armed insurrection.'

'Why are we authorizing another $1.9 trillion when we still have a trillion dollars sitting on the sidelines' unspent from the previous pandemic relief bills? he told reporters.

'It's actually hard to spend this much money.'

Sen. Bernie Sanders' began Friday's vote-a-rama with an amendment to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour
Effort to Recall Governor Newsom Receives Surge of New Signatures

With the campaign to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsom nearing its final stretch, the two committees behind the effort submitted thousands of new signatures March 5.

The campaign turned in 65,000 signatures to the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters and 35,000 signatures to the Orange County Registrar of Voters, organizers said.

Its not a question of whether there will be a recall, its a question of when, Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner told The Epoch Times.

The campaign has collected 1.95 million signatures so far, although many are still being processed, said Rescue California campaign manager Anne Hyde Dunsmore.

Weve gotten in a surge of signatures in the last few weeks, due to the energy and excitement basically about the inevitability of the recall and its especially wonderful because nobody thought it was possible, Dunsmore told The Epoch Times.

So, theyre starting to feel it, theyre starting to feel good, and they deserve it, they deserve to feel this good.

Opponents of Gov. Gavin Newsom gather at the Orange County of Registrar of Voters on March 5, 2021, to help deliver recall signatures. (Drew Van Voorhis/The Epoch Times)

While the campaign has until March 17 to turn in all the signatures they receive, March 5 was the submission deadline to ensure theyll be reflected in the Secretary of States upcoming report.

During the past week, the campaign has turned in about 200,000 signatures, which will soon mean the campaign has turned in 1.8 million signatures to registrars across the state, Wagner said.

While the campaign only needs 1,497,709 validated signatures to initiate a recall election, signatures are often thrown out for various reasons, which is why the recall campaign wants to greatly exceed the required number.

We have another roughly two weeks to go before the campaigns officially over, and we expect to reach 2 million or come very close to 2 million [signatures], Wagner said. Weve been internally validating the signatures ourselves, so were very confident that theyre going to have a very high validation rate, to the point where theres no question in my mind, we are going to be over [the number of] valid signatures that we need.

Wagner said he wants the governor recalled for a number of reasons, including his handling of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor has done such a poor job on so many different fronts that we need the people of California to have an opportunity to come up with something better, he said.

Its not just the COVID response, which has been erratic and has been absolutely devastating to the mental, the physical, and the emotional health of so many people in California.

We have the highest poverty rate in the nation. We have almost, if not the highest, unemployment rate in the nation. We are seeing people leave this state in droves. And its a result of very bad policies coming out of Sacramento, that all have Gavin Newsoms thumbprint all over them.

Nancy Vu-Ker, a volunteer for the recall campaign, told The Epoch Times shes concerned about the effect the states lockdowns have had on businesses.

This whole lockdown, its not justified, she told The Epoch Times. This is a virus that has an over 99 percent survival rate. So many businesses are being destroyed through it.

Vu-Ker also said she wasnt into politics before joining the recall campaign, but she grew tired after seeing the governors response to the pandemic.

Its all the hypocrisy, too, [from Newsom,] shutting everyone down while keeping his winery open, being caught out at the French Laundry and just recently another restaurant, she said. I was not political before this, I knew nothing about politics. And I think theres a lot of people like me where they were never political, but they just see that something is not right.
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Declines in daily COVID-19 cases may be slowing in the US, but the country continues to hit promising milestones with average infections per day falling to their lowest level in five months on Thursday.

The seven-day rolling average number of coronavirus cases fell to 62,207 yesterday, the lowest it has been since October 23. There were 67,164 new positive tests recorded in the US on Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Health officials are taking little comfort in these promising figures, however, warning of a potential fourth surge driven by the rise of variants that may be more infectious or weaken the effects of vaccines as daily infection and death rates plateau again.

States like Texas and Mississippi are ignoring those warnings and reopening. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, has effectively declared the state a no rules zone, lifting its mask mandate, allowing businesses including restaurants to reopen at full capacity and declaring Texans 'no longer need government running our lives.'

But a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report suggests otherwise. It showed that cases and deaths rose in the weeks and months after restaurants were reopened earlier in the pandemic, and fell after mask mandates were implemented.

'I'm asking you to double down on all prevention measures,' said CDC director Dr Rochelle Walensky during a Friday press briefing.

Within 20 days of mask mandates being issued, new daily cases (black) and deaths (blue) started to trend downward between March and December of 2020, the new CDC study shows

Conversely, new infections (black) and to an even greater degree, deaths (blue) began to trend upward after restaurants allowed on-site dining last year, rising significantly 100 days later

'I know the idea of relaxing mask wearing and getting back to everyday activities is appealing, but were not there yet.

'We have seen this movie before. When prevention measures, like mask mandates, are rolled back, cases go up.'

In fairness, Abbott said he still wants Texans to continue to take precautions against the spread of coronavirus - but he won't be mandating them any longer, as of March 10.

A year has passed since the pandemic really kicked off in the US. In theory, Americans might have learned by now how to reduce COVID risks on their own.

But that may be a tall order, especially with businesses desperate to recover income lost amid the pandemic, and Americans who have spent most of the past 12 months at home itching for a change of scenery.

And the CDC's report suggests that, as recently as December, mask mandates and business restrictions still made a considerable difference.

The report, released Monday, found that daily COVID-19 cases and deaths increased within 41 to 100 days of on-site dining being reopened in US states between last March and December.

The report also found that, where cases and deaths were on the rise, those increases slowed by two percent within 100 days of mask mandates coming into effect.

When mask mandates were implemented, rising case numbers slowed by about 0.2 percent a day, the CDC found.

That may not sound like much, but it had a sort of positive snowball effect.

CDC found that within one to 20 days of mask mandates, daily infections started falling half a percent.

Rising death rates slowed by 0.7 percent within the first 20 days of mask mandates, and by 1.9 percent 100 days later.

Conversely, cases and deaths shot up after restaurants started allowing people to dine on-premises again.

It's worth noting that this happened in 97 percent of the counties included in the study, and factors like colder temperatures, holiday travel and the are known to contribute to the spread of coronavirus too.

But the timelines the CDC established are good evidence that reopenings, too, contributed.

The study showed that cases and fatalities were already rising slightly in the 40 days prior to reopenings, increasing by 0.5 to 0.9 percent.

On average, infections and deaths declined slightly for the first 40 days after in-person dining started again.

But then they began ticking up.

Within 60 days of dining reopening, cases were rising by 0.9 percent. By the time 80 days had gone by, there were increasing by 1.1 percent and within 100 days they were rising by 1.2 percent.

Deaths rose more dramatically. Within 100 days or reopenings, the number of daily deaths was rising 3 percent faster.

The CDC scientists think the delay between when restaurants were allowed to reopen and the upticks in infections and deaths likely may reflect some hesitancy from both the businesses and customers.

'Increases in COVID-19 case and death growth rates were significantly associated with on-premises dining at restaurants after indoor or outdoor on-premises dining was allowed by the state for [more than] 40 days,' the CDC authors observed.

'Even though prohibition of on-premises restaurant dining was lifted, restaurants were not required to open and might have delayed reopening. In addition, potential restaurant patrons might have been more cautious when restaurants initially reopened for on-premises dining but might have been more likely to dine at restaurants as time passed.'

Now, the US could be set to repeat history.

Cases are bouncing around between 60,000 and 70,000 a day.

Cases and deaths 'remain too high...and have now plateaued for more than a week at levels we saw during the late-summer surge, following six weeks of steady decline,' said Dr Walensky.

She said the study from the CDC 'highlights the critical importance of these prevention measures and the real risk when these measures are rolled back.'

'With the current levels of COVID-19 in communities and the continued spread of more transmissible virus variants, which have now been detected in 48 states, strictly following prevention measures remains essential for putting an end to this pandemic,' Dr Walensky said.

A Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine study published Friday suggested that the UK's B117 variant is up to 90 percent more transmissible, according to mathematical models.

CDC predicted in January that the variant would become dominant in the US by March. The agency's own tracking shows just 2,672 cases of B117 in the 48 states and territories (it has not been detected in Montana, South Dakota or Wyoming).

But that's widely believed to be an underestimate. Genome sequencing used to determine which infections are caused by variants suggest that B117 accounts for about 19 percent of samples.

However, the study took place before vaccine rollout began. The US now has a new weapon in its arsenal - three, in fact, with approved shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson - and the growing availability of vaccines means fewer Americans are vulnerable to infection.

More than 82.5 million doses have been administered in the US and 16.3 percent of the population has received at least one dose.

White House officials announced on Friday that more than half of seniors - nearly 55 percent of those 65 and older - have had at least a first dose.

States may be banking on vaccine rollout to keep case numbers from rising and overwhelming hospitals, but White House officials warn that the allowing daily infections to stay at current levels offers more opportunities for variants to spread and for new ones to arise.
Israel faces a dilemma: should it argue its case to International Criminal Court investigators looking into possible war crimes in the Palestinian territories, or refuse to cooperate?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a vocal critic of the ICC, declared Israel was "under attack" after prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced Wednesday she was opening a full-blown probe into the actions of all sides in the 2014 Gaza conflict.

"We will speak the truth in every forum, in every country, on every stage until this outrageous decision is reversed and becomes null and void," he said.

The ICC is the world's only permanent war crimes tribunal and was set up in 2002 to try the planet's worst crimes where local courts are unwilling or unable to step in.

It does not try states, but top leaders or warlords alleged to have given the orders. Even presidents have been hauled before the court in The Hague.

So in theory it might be possible that Netanyahu or even former defence minister in 2014 Benny Gantz could be targeted in the ICC investigation.

Some countries have bridled at moves to investigate top national leaders or warlords allegedly behind war crimes or even genocide.

Under president Donald Trump, the United States imposed sanctions on Bensouda after she separately decided to investigate alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan.

Netanyahu's office said Friday that in a call with US Vice President Kamala Harris she had "expressed the American administration's complete opposition to the decision of the prosecutor" to probe the Gaza war.

Netanyahu has not made clear whether Israel would fight back through diplomacy and public opinion -- or by engaging directly with the ICC, to which Israel is not a party.

'Reasonable basis?'

There is also a middle path, said Pnina Sharvit Baruch, former head of the international law unit of the Israeli Military Advocate General -- to provide less than full cooperation, but not a total boycott.

"What Israel can do and probably will do is provide the prosecutor with the relevant materials" for its defence, but without formal cooperation because the Jewish state "does not trust this court", she told AFP.

The ICC probe will focus on the 2014 conflict that saw Israel launch a major military operation in Gaza, said to be to stop rocket fire into the Jewish state by the strip's ruling Islamist Hamas movement.

An estimated 2,250 Palestinians were killed, mostly civilians, and 74 Israelis, mostly soldiers.

ICC judges paved the way for a war crimes probe when they ruled a month ago that the tribunal has jurisdiction over the situation due to Palestine's membership of the court.

Bensouda, who is due to be replaced by Karim Khan in June, said Wednesday there was a "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by members of the Israel Defense Forces, Israeli authorities, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

While Palestinian leaders welcomed the probe, Israel rejected it.

"The ICC lacks any jurisdiction on this matter," Israel's attorney general said in a statement on Thursday.

It also argued that Israel itself "has in place a robust system for examining alleged violations of international law".

"There is absolutely no place for the ICC's intervention in matters that are under the jurisdiction of the State of Israel."

'Soldiers' fear'

The probe will take several years to complete, and any charges or arrest warrants would likely be kept under seal.

But the ICC's move has raised fears that Israeli ex-soldiers and politicians could also one day become subject to international arrest warrants.

Sharvit Baruch said she had spoken to soldiers about the potential threat.

"They are really concerned, they are afraid of being arrested tomorrow," she said.

"I tell them not to worry, that they were just low-level soldiers... but the fear is there."

Over a decade ago, Israel boycotted a UN committee that looked into the 2008-09 Operation Cast Lead, a 22-day operation in Gaza that killed 1,440 Palestinians and 13 Israelis.

Published in late 2009, the so-called Goldstone Report accused both Israel and Hamas of war crimes and "possibly crimes against humanity".

Now, as then, there are supporters of taking a more pro-active line with investigators and lawyers.

"It seems that Israel will have excellent arguments to disprove the allegations of war crimes, provided those arguments are actually presented," commentator Ben-Dror Yemini wrote in Yediot Aharonot, Israel's top-selling daily.

"Israel erred in the past by failing to present its arguments to the Goldstone Committee. We need to hope that Israel will find the way not to repeat that mistake."

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A view of the Mekong river bordering Thailand and Laos is seen from the Thai side in Nong Khai, Thailand, on Oct. 29, 2019. (Soe Zeya Tun/Reuters)

Chinese Regime Controls ASEAN Countries Via Mekong Rivers Water Faucet, Expert Says

The Chinese regime is using the Mekong River, the most important water system in Southeast Asia, to control half of the ten member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an expert said.

The Mekong River originates on Chinas Tibetan Plateau and flows through six countries. In early 2021, it once again experienced a serious drop in water levels, causing widespread international concerns. The Mekong River Commission, an international organization, issued a statement on Feb. 12, saying that the Mekong River water levels have fallen to worrying levels.

In fact, for more than a decade since 2010, water crises have often erupted on the Mekong River.

A Chinese hydrologist tells The Epoch Times that one of the reasons behind this is that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has taken control of the water tap of the Mekong, and that the Mekong River has become a political bargaining chip for the CCP to use in controlling half of the ten countries of ASEAN.

During a recent exclusive interview with The Epoch Times, German-based hydrology expert Wang Weiluo said that ever since 2010, the Mekong River has been experiencing frequent water crises. But for the CCP, the Mekong River is no longer simply an issue of water resource utilization, but more of political and diplomatic leverage.

With the control of the Mekongs water faucet, the CCP has gained the political leverage to control half of the ASEAN countries. The hegemonic behavior of the CCP in the Mekong River Basin has also drawn the attention of the United States and Japan, making the Mekong River a new geopolitical hotspot.

According to Wang, using the Mekong River as a political bargaining chip is harmful to both other countries and the CCP itself. The large and small dams built on the Lancang River, the upper reach of the Mekong River inside China, not only pose a direct threat to the 70 million people whose livelihoods depend on the Mekong River, but also to the Chinese people in the Lancang River basin. The CCPs predatory water development has also resulted in a waste of resources.

From Water Abundance to Water Crises

The upper reach of the Mekong River is the Lancang River inside China. It originates in the Tanggula Mountains on Chinas Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As the worlds tenth, and Asias sixth-longest river, the Mekong flows through six countries including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, before eventually flowing into the South China Sea.

The lower reaches of the river and the upper reaches of the river are collectively known as the Lancang-Mekong River, which has a main section of more than 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). It is the longest river in Southeast Asia, and is known as the Danube of Asia.

According to Voice of America, about 70 million people are directly dependent on the Mekong River for their livelihoods.

Both the Lancang and Mekong rivers are originally very rich in hydropower resources, Wang said, They come directly from the Tibetan Plateau to the south, and the slope of the upper reaches is very steep. In the southern part of the lower reaches, due to the influence of the monsoon, the relatively abundant rainfall during the rainy season also makes the rivers more water-rich. The Mekong River has a distinct dry and rainy season, with the dry season generally lasting from November to April and the rainy season from May to October.

However, this river, which was originally rich in water resources, has been experiencing frequent water resource crises since 2010.

According to an Eyes on Earth report: Monitoring the Quantity of Water Flowing Through the Upper Mekong Basin Under Natural (Unimpeded) Conditions (pdf), in 2010, when the first water crisis broke out on the Mekong River, the Xiaowan Hydropower Station on the Lancang River was completed and the power generation unit was already in operation.

By simulating the flow of the Mekong River from 1992 to 2019, and comparing the data before and after the dams were built, Eyes on Earth points out that the construction of upstream dams by the CCP has affected the volume of water in the Mekong River.

According to the report, Considerable differences in measured and predicted flow occurred in 2010, when the major Xiaowan dam was completed and the generators came online.

The report says, As noted earlier, this reservoir [Xiaowan] can hold about seven times the amount of water as the previous three reservoirs combined, therefore its ability to regulate and restrict flow rises to another order of magnitude. The capacity to restrict flow is clearly demonstrated in the relationship between predicted natural flow and measured flow, since a large quantity of water is missing at the gauge during the warm season, when river flow normally would greatly increase, due to melting snow and recent precipitation on the Tibetan plateau.

Number Games to Shift Responsibilities

In 2010, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia sent delegates to the CCP to discuss the serious drop in water levels in the Mekong River, arguing that CCPs dams on the river were causing the drought downstream.

Qin Gang, the CCPs Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman at the time, denied the claim. Qin Gang claimed that the annual flow of the Lancang River was only 13.5 percent of the Mekongs flow to the sea, and with such a small percentage, it could not affect the overall situation.

The CCPs political counsellor Chen Dehai also said that the three reservoirs built along the Lancang River, namely Manwan, Dachaoshan, and Jinghong, were all very small, and their impact was not significant.

But Wang says that these are just number games the CCP played to dodge responsibilities. Much of the data on Chinas rivers are kept secret. Even the disclosed data are often contradictory.

Wang said, for example, the average annual outflow of the Lancang River at Chinas border is about 64 billion cubic meters, but there is another estimate that puts it at 76 billion cubic meters, a difference of 12 billion cubic meters of water.

If one takes 76 billion cubic meters as the true number, the annual flow of the Lancang River would be 16 percent of the Mekongs flow to the sea, and there would be a difference of 2.5 percent compared with the 13.5 percent claimed by Qin Gang.

According to Wang, the CCP once also claimed that China has 18.6 percent of the water rights of the Lancang-Mekong River, meaning that 18.6 percent of the water resources belong to China.

So the point is, the CCPs numbers about Lancang-Mekong River keep changing, from 13.5 percent to 16 percent, and then to 18.6 percent.

When discussing rights, the CCP chose 18.6 percent, but when it comes to accountability, it chose 13.5 percent.

Wang said, even if the real number is 13.5 percent, it does not mean that the CCP does not have to bear any responsibilities.

Qin Hui, a professor at Tsinghua University in China, said in an article that the 13.5 percent is the result of dividing the average annual runoff at the exit of the Lancang River by the average annual runoff at the mouth of the Mekong River.

However, in most of the river sections inside China, such as at the Luang Prabang section, the outbound flow from China accounts for about two-thirds of the total water amount of Mekong.

Wang also explained, The figure 13.5 percent is meaningless, as you are measuring the amount of water at Sai Kung, the mouth of Mekong to the South China Sea, so it is 13.5 percent. But the right way to measure it is to look at the section of the river near China, that is, the section right after the Lancang River flows out of China. That is, if you check the river section that is just out of China, and within 300 kilometers from the Chinese border, you will find that 2/3 of the water comes from the upper reaches of China. If you stop the water inside China, the people downstream will scream that they dont have any water coming down.

A report (pdf) jointly issued by the Ministry of Water Resources and the Mekong River Commission also confirms this viewpoint. According to this report, during the Mekongs dry season, the outflow from the Jinghuang dam in China reached 41 percent of the flow of the main stem of the Lancang-Mekong River between 2010 and 2015.

Average volume for the dry season and its ratio to annual volume along the Lancang-Mekong mainstream. (Mekong River Commission and Ministry of Water Resources of China)

When analyzing the impact of the dams on the Mekong River, the report says, Using monthly average discharge of 19602009 and 20102015, average volume for the dry season (Dec. to May) was evaluated at Jinghong and seven other hydrological stations along the Mekong River. The results show that the operation of the Lancang cascade dams increased dry season volume at Jinghong from 11.82 billion m3 (or 21 percent of annual volume of 19602009) to 17.77 billion m3 (or 41 percent of annual volume of 20102015), contributing 5.95 billion m3 (or 20 percent).

Qin Hui also criticized the Chinese officials for saying that there are only three reservoirs on the Lancang River, namely Manwan, Dachaoshan, and Jinghong, while not mentioning the Xiaowan Reservoir, which has a capacity of more than 15 billion cubic meters.

The Xiaowan Hydropower Station started to generate electricity in September 2009. The capacity of Xiaowan Reservoir is almost five times the combined capacity of Manwan, Dachaoshan, and Jinghong, which has a significant impact on the downstream flow.

Qin Hui questioned, How come it became almost having no impact in the mouth of officials?

According to the report by Eyes on Earth, in addition to the Xiaowan Reservoir, the CCP has built the larger Nuozadu Reservoir on the Lancang River, with a capacity of 27.49 billion cubic meters. Its first generator was commissioned in 2012, and the impact on the downstream exceeds that of the Xiaowan Reservoir.

A Helping Hand or Political Bargaining Chip?

While the CCP chose to ignore the drought in the Mekong River Basin in 2010, it went out of its way to offer help six years later.

In 2016, Vietnam, known for its rice and fishery products, experienced a severe drought, with some coastal areas encroached by seawater due to a reduction in river water.

According to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, the CCP extended a helping hand to the lower Mekong countries. Lu Kang, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman at the time, said at a press conference that China would provide emergency water supply to the lower Mekong River from March 15, 2016, to April 10, 2016, through Chinas Yunnan Jinghuang Power Station in Yunnan Province.

In October of the same year, the report issued jointly by Mekong River Commission and Ministry of Water Resources of China stated that the release of water from the cascade dams built by the CCP in the upper reaches of the Mekong River helped raise the water level during the Mekongs dry season.

The report says, The operation of the Lancang cascade dams increased dry season volume at Jinghong from 11.82 billion m3 (or 21 percent of annual volume of 1960-2009) to 17.77 billion m3 (or 41 percent of annual volume of 2010-2015), contributing 5.95 billion m3 (or 20 percent).

Wang told The Epoch Times that in 2016, during the CCPs disaster relief period, the CCP released at least 1,000 cubic meters per second of water into the lower reaches of the Mekong River every day, and the maximum release was more than 2,000 cubic meters per second, while the natural flow of the Lancang River was around 400 cubic meters per second at that time.

This means that the scale of Chinas water release exceeded the flow of the Lancang River during the dry season, and was five times the natural flow of the lower reaches.

This also means that China has taken control of the water tap of the Mekong River.

Wang said it is worth noting that the Chinese water transfer to the lower Mekong River was made by the Chinese Flood Control and Drought Relief Command, which means that the CCP used the disaster relief fund to do it. It was Chinese taxpayers money, and it was the Chinese people who paid the bills for the CCP.

Wang said the reason why the CCP chose to lend a helping hand in 2016 was out of political considerations.

In 2014, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang proposed the establishment of the LancangMekong Summit at the ChinaASEAN Leaders Meeting.

Two years later, in March 2016, the first LancangMekong Summit was held in Sanya city, Hainan Province, in China. Leaders from 5 countries of the Lancang-Mekong River region attended the summit. Xinhua reported the summit in a very high-profile manner and the CCP took the opportunity to show friendship by releasing water downstream.

In his speech at the meeting, Li Keqiang mentioned that it was necessary to build a Community of Shared Future among Lancang-Mekong countries, and that China has signed or is negotiating with several Mekong countries the initiatives to build One Belt, One Road projects. 

Wang said that showing some good gestures was a political need for the CCP at that time. The disaster relief effort could also pave the way for the CCP to invest in Southeast Asian countries.

According to Chinese media China Times, accompanying the first-ever Lancang-Mekong summit in 2016 were a list of 78 projects, a special fund for LancangMekong cooperation, a 10 billion RMB ($1.55 billion) loan, and a $10 billion credit line, all provided by the CCP.

What Can the CCP Gain From Mekong Countries?

The Mekong Basin countries are relatively backward economically, but rich in natural resources. By investing in the Mekong River Basin, the CCP can not only expand international trade and export excess domestic capacity through the Belt and Road projects, but can also gain access to the rich natural resources of the Mekong River Basin countries.

Take Laos as an example. According to the Guide to Foreign Investment Cooperation by Country issued by the Ministry of Commerce of China, Laos is rich in deposits of gold, copper, tin, lead, potassium, iron, gypsum, coal, and salt.

In the meantime, it is also rich in hydropower and forestry resources. Laos has about 17 million hectares of forests, with a national forest cover rate of about 50 percent.

It produces valuable timber such as teak, sourwood, and rosewood. China imports copper, timber, and agricultural products from Laos.

According to the Ministry of Commerce of Chinas professional service platform Investgo.cn, China is also the largest investor in Laos, with investments in hydropower and mineral development.

According to Chinas Ministry of Commerce, Cambodia, another country in the Mekong River Basin, is also rich in forestry, minerals, and fishery resources, including high-quality woods such as teak, ironwood, rosewood, and ebony, as well as many kinds of bamboo.

Cambodias mineral deposits include oil, natural gas, phosphate, gemstones, gold, iron, bauxite, etc.

Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is the largest natural freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and is known as a Fish Lake.

According to Investgo.cn, in 2019, the trade volume between China and Cambodia reached $9.43 billion, up 27.7 percent year-on-year.

And in the same year, Chinese enterprises signed $5.58 billion in new construction contracts in Cambodia, up 93.6 percent year-on-year.

According to Wu Fu-cheng, deputy director of the National Economic Development Strategy Center at the Taiwan Institute for Economic Research, the CCP has a strong geopolitical strategic purpose in the Mekong region. Its investment aims at building a strategic partnership with ASEAN and deepening the relationships between China and ASEAN.

Wang told The Epoch Times that by investing in the Mekong River Basin, the CCP can also expand its shipping routes. It could gain the opportunity to create an alternative shipping route to the Strait of Malacca, which is to open up an alternative route to the South China Sea through the Mekong River. This route could help the CCP to import energy such as oil, and to reduce the control that the US and Japan have over the shipping routes.

What Kind of Harm Has the CCP Brought to the Lancang-Mekong River?

Wang said by turning the dams into a political bargaining chip, the CCP has done a lot of harm to the people of the Lancang-Mekong River Basin. Not only do they suffer from frequent droughts, but their fishing industries have also suffered a significant impact.

Wang said after the reservoirs were built, the sediment, which contains nutrients for fish, could not settle down.

Moreover, the temperature of the water inside the reservoir is several degrees lower than that of the normal river water. The lower temperature disrupts fish breeding. Fishermen have been complaining that their harvest has been decreasing, and they worry that they will lose their basis of survival in the near future.

While people outside China are suffering, people inside China are not benefiting from the dams either.

According to Wang, the height of the dams on the Lancang River is very high, most of them are over 100 meters, and the highest one reaches 294.5 meters. So after the construction of the reservoirs, local farmers had to move up to the mountains, where the land is very poor and not suitable for farming.

Secondly, the local farmers irrigation water was restricted because the water in the Nuozadu and Xiaowan reservoirs was restrained by the hydropower stations.

Third, the subsidies provided by the CCP to the reservoir migrants actually came from the Chinese taxpayers, not from the money earned from the hydropower stations.

Wang also pointed out a problem that is often overlooked: the flooding of the Lancang River is relatively large, with a maximum measured flow peak of 12,800 cubic meters per second.

In the meantime, the Xiaowan Reservoir has a flood discharge capacity of 20,000 cubic meters per second.

If any problem occurs, for example, if the Xiaowan Dam breaks, or if the CCP chooses to release the water in the reservoir to reduce the pressure on the dam, people downstream, including those at the Mekong River basin, will be greatly threatened.

While the hydropower stations have brought a lot of damage and threat, some of the electricity generated goes to waste and is not used.

According to the Bureau of Statistics in Yunnan Province, due to overcapacity, 31.4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydropower were wasted in Yunnan Province in 2016, and hydropower stations on the Lancang River were facing the same problem.

To reduce the waste, the CCP had to invest in transmission lines to send electricity from Yunnan to places with higher demand, such as Guangdong Province. The investment in these hydropower stations and transmission lines seemed to be of no benefit other than to help the CCP to generate more GDP.

Mekong River: A New Geopolitical Hotspot

In recent years, the international community has become increasingly aware of the threat posed by the CCP to Southeast Asian countries, and the United States and Japan have taken corresponding actions. The Mekong River has become a new geopolitical hotspot.

On Feb. 26, 2021, the government of Japan granted $2.9 million to the Mekong River Commission to implement its new strategic plan, seeking to promote responsible development in the region.

Prior to that, in September 2020, the U.S. announced the launch of the MekongU.S. Partnership to promote stability, peace, and sustainable development in the Mekong Basin.

The U.S. statement says, Our relationship with Mekong partner countries is an integral part of our Indo-Pacific vision and our strategic partnership with ASEAN. 

According to the BBC, Stimson Center co-director Yun Sun said the catalyst for the United States to launch the program was Chinas previous refusal to share hydrological information, as the data would reveal how the CCP operates the dams on the Lancang River.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote on Twitter on Aug. 14, 2020, that The U.S. supports the Mekong River Commissions call for transparency in dam operations on the Mekong River. The Peoples Republic of Chinas massive dams are manipulating flows in a non-transparent manner that harms Mekong countries.

On Dec. 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of State launched the Mekong Dam Monitor in collaboration with the Stimson Center and Eyes on Earth, and has been releasing near-real-time data of dam levels on the Mekong River obtained via satellite monitoring.

One of the key reasons why the Mekong River has become a political bargaining chip for the CCP is the lack of information transparency. Although the CCP claimed in 2020 that it would share hydrological information on the Lancang River, it has not done so.

According to the Mekong River Commission, the Mekongs water level dropped significantly on Dec. 31, 2020, but the CCP did not notify downstream countries until five days later, on Jan. 5, 2021.

Wang said, The normal international practice for transnational rivers is that the river basin countries basically follow three principles: first, to make fair and reasonable use of the water resources of the transnational rivers; second, not to cause significant damage to other countries; and third, to notify other countries in advance of any construction work on the rivers, and only after obtaining their consent can the work begin. 

Unfortunately, he said, the CCP doesnt follow international norms, and it has become accustomed to not only keeping everything in the dark, but also doing everything in the dark.
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MEXICO CITY (AP)  The Mexican government said Saturday it is considering reducing the protection area for the vaquita marina in the upper Gulf of California, an apparent admission that the tiny porpoise may never return to the entire historic range of its habitat.

The move would cut the area where gill nets are banned to protect the worlds most endangered marine mammal and smallest porpoise. As few as 10 vaquita may remain in the Gulf, also known as the Sea of Cortez, the only place in the world that the elusive porpoise lives.

Mexicos Environment Department said Saturday that the drop in the number of vaquitas and the area where they have been seen in recent years justifies reducing the protection zone, which currently covers most of the upper Gulf. The zone starts around the Colorado river delta and extends south past the fishing town of San Felipe and near Puerto Penasco.

The possibility is being studied of modifying the area of gill net bans, the department said in a statement. There have been enough technical studies to indicate a possible reduction in the zone, according to the recent distribution of the vaquita marina in the area.

It said the change would be submitted for discussion by a group including fishermen, the public and authorities, and said formal proposals could be presented until March 26.

The net ban has angered fishermen, who frequently set illegal nets to catch totoaba, another endangered species. Vaquitas often get caught in nets set for totoaba, whose swim bladder is considered a delicacy in China and commands prices of thousands of dollars per kilogram.

The fishermen have staged angry protests and have attacked boats from the environmentalist group Sea Shepherd, which removes illegal nets in the smaller area where vaquitas have been sighted in recent years.

Alex Olivera, the Mexico representative for the Center for Biological Diversity, said the reduction could affect the admittedly small population of vaquitas still remaining.

Reducing the zone also means cutting the area available to the vaquita marina, and of course this species doesn't live in a coral, it lives in the marine environment, so that as soon as it leaves the zone, it could face gill nets, which are a threat, said Olivera.
WASHINGTON - Timothy Wu, a Columbia University law professor and outspoken advocate for aggressive antitrust enforcement against U.S. technology giants, is joining the White House an adviser, signaling that the Biden administration is preparing to square off against the industry's biggest companies.

Wu will join the National Economic Council as a special assistant on technology and competition policy, the White House said Friday.

Wu's appointment elevates to a senior position in the administration a leading antitrust expert, favored by progressives, who has assailed the power of dominant tech companies like Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Facebook Inc. Both companies were sued by U.S. antitrust enforcers last year for allegedly abusing their monopoly power.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wu would help advance President Joe Biden's agenda of addressing the "economic and social challenges" posed by tech platforms, tackling monopoly power, and expanding access to broadband service for low-income and rural communities.

"The president has been clear on the campaign, probably more recently, that he stands up to the abuse of power and that includes the abuse of power from big technology companies and their executives," she said.

After the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general sued Facebook in December, Wu wrote a column in the New York Times comparing Facebook's strategy of buying competitors to Standard Oil's tactics in the 19th century.

"What the federal government and states are doing is reasserting a fundamental rule for all American business: You cannot simply buy your way out of competition," Wu wrote. "Facebook, led by its chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has taken that strategy to a smirking and egregious extreme, acquiring multiple companies to stifle the competitive threat they pose."

Wu joins the Biden administration as tech giants are grappling with a reckoning in Washington that could transform the industry. The Facebook lawsuit could lead to the breakup of the company, while the Justice Department's complaint against Google targets the heart of its business - Internet search. Antitrust enforcers have also opened investigations of Apple Inc. and Amazon.

On Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmakers are working on legislation that could place new restrictions on how the companies operate and make it harder for the companies to continue their spree of acquisitions. Republicans and Democrats also want to change the law that protects tech platforms from lawsuits over what users post online and which is at the center of a debate on content moderation and free speech.

Beyond tech, many competition policy experts are calling for a broad rethinking of how antitrust enforcers police mergers and conduct by dominant firms across the economy. They point to evidence that increasing concentration across industries is contributing to broader economic woes like reduced innovation and stagnant wages for workers.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee's antitrust panel and is pushing a legislative overhaul of competition laws, praised Wu's hiring.

"America has a major monopoly problem that must be urgently addressed," she said. Wu's appointment makes "clear this administration is serious about promoting competition in the United States."

The tech industry criticized the move. Carl Szabo, vice president and general counsel of NetChoice, which represents Facebook, Amazon, Google and other companies, said creating an antitrust position in a political office like the White House is "a recipe for weaponization of antitrust law for political purposes.""I worry he will not search for evidence but will start with a conclusion and try to prove it," Szabo said about Wu. "I also worry that he has a fundamental opinion that success should be disallowed."

Wu argued in his book, "The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age," that rising concentration across the economy has led to concentrated wealth and power as well as radicalized politics that threatens American democracy. Wu, who coined the term "net neutrality," previously served as senior enforcement counsel to the New York attorney general and as a senior adviser at the Federal Trade Commission.

Wu's hiring still leaves key antitrust positions unfilled. Biden has yet to nominate a chief of the Justice Department's antitrust division or a permanent chairman for the FTC. Progressives are pressuring the administration to appoint nominees without ties to the tech industry. They say a revolving door between the antitrust agencies and lawyers who have represented tech companies has led to lax enforcement.

The American Economic Liberties Project, an anti-monopoly group that has joined other organizations in calling for Biden to reject nominees with ties to Silicon Valley, applauded Wu's appointment and called for similar choices for other positions. Sarah Miller, the group's executive director, credited Wu with reviving the idea that antitrust and competition policy is a tool for "decentralizing corporate power for the benefit of working people."

"The Biden administration has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn this idea into action - and Tim, hopefully in concert with additional appointments who bring similar intellect and vision to this work, is an outstanding choice to lead the way," Miller said.
'Covid-19 has changed how business takes place, and is the biggest challenge we have ever faced,' remarked Martin McElligott, with the news last week that the current lockdown is to remain in place until at least 5 April.

However, should there be an easing of Level 5 restrictions after Easter the Town Centre Commercial Manager believed Dundalk would be ready.

'At the end of the day, we will have to let the dust settle.

'The first priority is to get open and to see who is able to stay open, but nobody knows what will happen (when lockdown ends).

'We are still in the middle of it. None of us are in control of a lot that is happening at the moment.'

He accepted that some retailers will not be opening their doors again.

Expand Close A busy Clanbrassil Street prior to March 2020 and COVID-19 restrictions. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan / Newspics / Facebook

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'Dundalk was on the right track before lockdown started and is going to be a lot stronger coming out of it, but there will be businesses not fit to make it and that's no failure on their part.'

Mr McElligott continued it went without saying that before the pandemic struck, the town had witnessed a real transformation over the last three years.

Certainly, from an aesthetical point of view, the striking murals honouring famous local people and others have been well received as has the retail heritage signage, reviving the commercial history of Dundalk.

They were just two aspects of all that went on to invigorate the town.

'It struck a chord with the public. We listen to what they have to say,' the TCCM added.

'I believe the work we have done has left things a little bit easier, but that is hard to quantify. It gives us an edge but it's still tough.'

He felt the virus and resultant lockdown had been a wake-up call for some businesses and they responded positively.

'Covid-19 has been a kick up the bum for some businesses to get a digital strategy in order, and we've seen that. They are doing things they never thought they could.

'Covid-19 has changed how business takes place, but people have shown they can diversify.'

Mr McElligott believed businesses with a digital strategy in place will be more confident when they re-open.

And when that time comes, he stressed that our restaurants and cafes would be front and centre in kickstarting the economy again.

'Food retailers play a vital role. People shop with their bellies first.

'There is a spin-off if two or three friends meet for lunch, and they have a spare 20 minutes afterwards. They might go to buy that pair of shoes.

'The food offering is very strong in Dundalk and can rival the cities.

'They (food outlets) play a crucial role in our recovery, just like organisations such as ourselves and others, to keep the town fresh and vibrant.'

He said the town centre was all about the experience.

'We have to make sure it meets people's expectations,' the manager said, and he pointed out that making use of vacant properties was being worked on in the background.

'The town centre is more than just retail. Other sectors are in a lot of pain, not just retail.

'This is the biggest challenge we have ever faced. Businesses are remaining positive. We have to go the distance. We have to make sure we make the right decisions, rather than rushing into things.'
This is the main goal of the 14th five-year economic plan. Beijing wants to dominate sectors like robotics, smart machines, innovative vaccines and transport systems. US boycott of Huawei is a source of concern. Washington ready to respond with a US$ 30 billion investment.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  China wants to build a modern manufacturing sector based on cutting-edge technologies in order to lead the world and challenge the technological domination of the United States.

This is the main objective of Chinas 14th five-year economic plan, which the National People's Congress (NPC) is called upon to approve in the coming days. The NPC began its annual session yesterday with a speech by Prime Minister li Keqiang.

Together with the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, which opened on Thursday, the PNC rubberstamps the decisions already taken by President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party of China.

The 2021-2025 five-year plan focuses on the development of eight priority areas in trade and technology pitting China against the United States.

For Beijing, robotics and self-driving cars are among the most promising sectors. Control over rare earths, used mainly in micro-chips, green and military technologies, is a priority. China is the world's leading producer of these minerals, which it also sells to the United States.

Manufacturing aircraft engines is necessary in order to limit dependence on foreign suppliers. In addition to aviation, China wants to increase its autonomy in agricultural machinery, ships and high-speed trains, and boost industrial applications of Beidou, its own global navigation satellite system.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought home the need to have a modern healthcare system. Chinese leaders plan to invest in the production of vaccines, innovative drugs and modern medical equipment.

With the hi-tech transformation of its manufacturing sector, China wants to achieve self-sufficiency vis-a-vis the United States, which excels in software.

In Beijing's eyes, the US boycott of Chinese tech giants like Huawei and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp confirms the need to become independent in the development of new technologies.

According to press reports, Washington is already planning a countermove. in April, the US Congress is expected to allocate billion to improve the country's competitiveness against China. This is part of a package of measures designed to boost the countrys technology sector.
It's a truly spiritual place with a history to match its beauty and grace. The area around Dromin church is majestic, backing onto an ancient mound or moat and views of the entire country to enjoy.

A quick chat with Fr Michael Murtagh filled me in a lot more on the place and a church, built in 1826 in just six weeks and allegedly between two showers of rain!

The present altar was put in in 1876 and it was rededicated in 1877 with celebrant, a Dromin man, Fr Thomas Taaffe.

It was designed by architect John Murray who was born in 1807, believed to be at Lawlesstown, Dunleer. It was called St Joseph's then, but reverted to St Finian.

There has been a religious site in the area for many centuries, including the monastery of St Finian which dated to the 12th century. It was supposed to be on the hill of Killidrum, close to Green Lanes. It was sacked and burned by the Vikings in 834AD.

It is said that St Colmcille or St Columba, copied a manuscript, the property of St Finian of Moville, in the monastery of Dromin. He worked day and night and the tips of his fingers became lights so he could work 24 hours at a time.

But he was caught in the act and brought to King Diarmuid at Tara who made the copyright rule - 'that as the calf belongs to the cow, the copy belongs to the book.'

Columba refused to accept the decision and declared war and two armies met in Sligo were Diarmuid was killed.

Columba's forbidden copy led to him being exiled to Iona, off the Scottish coast in 563. He spent the rest of his life there, dying in 597. Iona was known as the Island of Saints after that.

Most historians agree about this story, but the late Rev. Henry Parlin (native of the Parish and buried in the Chapel yard) in his article on "St. Finnian Abbot of Dromin" disagrees. The writer talked to some of the older people in the village about this difference of opinion but they had little interest in it. They all said they were told the story when they were young and believe it to be absolutely true. St. Finnian is still regarded as Patron of the village. His feast day falls on the 8th October. There is a well bearing his name down the hill 230 yards North West of the Church. The well is located in an orchard. It is mentioned in "The Louth Survey Letters" and also in Seanchas Ardmacha "Holy Wells of Dunleer" by Michael Coyle.

An ordinance survey of the area from 1836 is amazing. It described the townland of Rathcoole and in this townland was a moat called Mota Rath Cut and mentioned in the life of St Patrick was Knockdinnin (Cnoc Dinin).

There is very little written about the motte in the old records. It is 50 feet in diameter and approximately 15 feet high. The late Patrick Canon Finnegan P.P. Donaghmore and a native of the village always said it was simply the earth from the foundations of the Church. In the Shell Guide to Ireland it is referred to as an "Anglo-Norman motte". Local people say that in olden times a secret tunnel ran from the Mount to a Monastery on the hills called Killedrim.

It is said that the late Andy Flanagan in 1920 unearthed a large flat stone with markings on it. This was thought to be a large tombstone. This was not preserved but was buried again by the plough.

Mary Taaffe, writing about Dromin, said the headstones date from 1744 and they are of great variety of stone and design. Of particular interest is a sandstone table monument just inside the main gate. Also of interest is a headstone erected in 1805 by Anthony Hand in memory of his daughter, Anne Hand. It was an unusual carving of The Nativity on it, which was the work of a worker called Corrigan. Other examples of his craft are also to be found here and are most unusual.

With the passage of time and continuous use it became obvious that an extension to the Graveyard would be necessary. In 1977 a site at the back of the Church was acquired and the men from the village and locality set to work to prepare the ground. Finally the work was completed and on the 20th June 1980 the solemn Blessing of the new Graveyard was performed by His Eminence Cardinal O'Fiaich.

In the Chapel yard was located Dromin's first School (1841-1965). This one roomed School was opened four years before the Famine, in 1841 by Fr. Thomas Magee, Parish Priest of Dunleer. The first Principal of the School was Master Fleming, and it was attended by pupils from the village and the surrounding town lands. In 1930 the School was extended and folding doors were added, making it then a two-roomed School, and thus it remained until finally closing in November 1965, when the new School was opened.

The main family names, going back 200 years, were Taaffes, Drumgooles, Stokes, Kierans, Halpennys and Wards.

The graveyard is still used as a burial ground under the care of Louth County Council.
PM Modi to chair Valedictory Session of Combined Commanders' Conference at Kevadia in Gujarat

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Mar 06: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Combined Commanders Conference today in Kevadia, Gujarat.

According to the official sources, jawans and junior commissioned officers also participated in the conference for the first time. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the military commanders, and a team of secretary-level officers from the Ministry of Defense have joined the deliberations from Friday.

The valedictory session on the third and final day today will be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is also participating in the valedictory session. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General M M Naravane, Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria, and Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh are also attending the conference.

AIR Ahmedabad correspondent reports that the three day Combined Commanders' Conference, a premier brainstorming event of the military officials is taking place after three years.

Gujarat: 313 lion deaths in 2 years, minister tells Assembly

According to the sources, the scope of this year's conference has been expanded to make it a multi-layered, interactive, informal and informed event with the added participation of about 30 officers and soldiers of various ranks from the three services. Jawans and JCOs are attending specific sessions related to human resource issues during the conference. During the deliberations, the combined apex level military leadership of the country will also review -the security situation and defence preparedness of the armed forces.

Since 2014, this conference has been taking place in different locations of the country other than Delhi. The conference was held on board INS Vikramaditya in 2015 and at the Indian Military Academy in Dehradun in 2017. The last edition of the conference was held in 2018 at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur. The top military meet is taking place in Kevadia at a time when India and China are engaged in talks on disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News
Fresh CCTV images have been released as the desperate search for a woman who vanished on her way home in London continues with officers searching a park lake.

Sarah Everard, 33, was last seen walking between Clapham Junction and Brixton at 9pm on Wednesday.

London Metropolitan Police has released a fresh appeal to find her and told MailOnline it was searching the ponds in Clapham Common for her this afternoon.

They were joined by London Search and Rescue volunteers who said they had been searching the park since last night.

Fresh CCTV images have been released as the desperate search for Sarah Everard, 33, who was last seen walking between Clapham Junction and Brixton at 9pm on Wednesday

London Metropolitan Police has released a fresh appeal to find her and told MailOnline it was searching the ponds in Clapham Common for her this afternoon (pictured)

Police search the grounds of Clapham Common this afternoon after launching a fresh appeal for her

A team from London Search and Rescue assist people on Clapham Common in south London after Ms Everard disappeared after leaving a friend's house in Clapham on Wednesday

Police released a new CCTV image of Ms Everard from the night she was reported missing.

She left her friend's house in Leathwaite Road, Clapham, through a back gate on to the A205 South Circular and began walking to her home address in Brixton, the force said.

It is thought she walked across Clapham Common and was expected to arrive home around 50 minutes later. It is not clear if she did return home, the Met said.

Ms Everard was last seen wearing a green rain jacket, navy blue trousers with a white diamond pattern, and turquoise and orange trainers.

Sarah Everard (pictured), 33, was last seen walking between Clapham Junction and Brixton at 9pm on Wednesday

Met Police were joined by London Search and Rescue volunteers who said they had been searching Clapham Common since last night

A team from London Search and Rescue assist police on Clapham Common in south London

A team seen searching undergrowth today. She is thought to have left Leathwaite Road through a back gate and walked across Clapham Common

A team from London Search and Rescue pictured assisting police today. Ms Everard was expected to arrive home 50 minutes later, but has not been seen or heard from since

It is thought she walked across Clapham Common (pictured today, as officers search the grounds) and was expected to arrive home around 50 minutes later

She is thought to have been wearing green earphones and a white beanie hat.

In a statement, Ms Everard's family said: 'With every day that goes by we are getting more worried about Sarah.

'She is always in regular contact with us and with her friends and it is totally out of character for her to disappear like this.

'We long to see her and want nothing more than for her to be found safe and well.

'We are so grateful to the police and all our friends for all they are doing.

Ms Everard was last seen wearing a green rain jacket, navy blue trousers with a white diamond pattern, and turquoise and orange trainers

Two people from London Search and Rescue seen during the search for the 33-year-old today

In a statement, Ms Everard's family said: 'With every day that goes by we are getting more worried about Sarah'

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Kenward, from the Central South Public Protection Team says 'her family and friends are incredibly worried'

'We are desperate for news and if anyone knows anything about what has happened to her, we would urge you to please come forward and speak to the police. No piece of information is too insignificant.'

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Kenward, from the Central South Public Protection Team, said: 'Sarah's disappearance is completely out of character and understandably her family and friends are incredibly worried.

'We are also growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and have officers working round the clock to try and find her.

'I would ask anybody who was in the Clapham Common area on Wednesday night to think about whether you saw Sarah or any suspicious activity around the time of her disappearance.'

Her family and friends released a plea for her return, saying: 'Sarah, we are here for whenever you are ready'

Her family and friends released a plea for Ms Everard's return yesterday, saying: 'Sarah, we are here for whenever you are ready.'

Ms Everard, from Lambeth, is 5ft 4 with blonde hair and was carrying a transparent case with green in-ear Bluetooth headphones.

Her loved ones added: 'We can listen, talk you through what help you need, pass a message for you and help you to be safe.'

Specialist officers and volunteers from London Search and Rescue are carrying out searches in the area of Clapham Common and the walking route between Clapham and Brixton.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 3309/06MAR. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the Missing People charity on 116 000.
A museum of Sydney Harbour is set to be built on the lower north shore after North Sydney Council voted to lobby the state government to hand over harbourside land when the Western Harbour Tunnel is completed.

The concept plan for the Berrys Bay site envisages a museum, berths for historic vessels, restoration of Woodley Shed for use as a workshop and boatshed, as well as a launch area for canoes, kayaks and small vessels and a ferry wharf.

Berrys Bay would also become the new home of the Sydney Heritage Fleet after the cancellation of a plan to house its collection of maritime heritage vessels around the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour.

An artists impression of the Museum of Sydney Harbour proposed for Berrys Bay. Credit:Sydney Heritage Fleet

The plan says the Museum of Sydney Harbour would be a place for visitors to enjoy and understand the cultural importance of the work of the Fleet and would include exhibits, digital art installations and tours on heritage vessels.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy took to Twitter to share a five-minute video of himself reading 'Green Eggs & Ham' in protest over six Dr. Seuss books pulled by the publication because they contain racist and insensitive imagery.

The California Republican - like other prominent GOP members - has been particularly vocal about 'cancel culture' during a time when Americans waited in anticipation on whether a COVID-19 relief bill would be passed.

'I still like Dr. Seuss, so I decided to read Green Eggs and Ham,' McCarthy captioned the Friday video. 'RT if you still like him too!'

McCarthy's protest comes just days after it was announced that six books would be pulled from publication.

The six books - 'And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,' 'If I Ran the Zoo,' 'McElligot's Pool,' 'On Beyond Zebra!' 'Scrambled Eggs Super!' and 'The Cat's Quizzer' - are among more than 60 classics written by Dr. Seuss, the pen name of the American writer and illustrator Theodor Geisel, who died in 1991.

Scroll down for video

GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy - like other prominent Republicans - has been particularly vocal about 'cancel culture,' reading 'Green Eggs & Ham' in protest

'I still like Dr. Seuss, so I decided to read Green Eggs and Ham,' McCarthy captioned the Friday video. 'RT if you still like him too!'

'These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,' Dr. Seuss Enterprises said in a statement explaining why it was stopping their publication.

The books, originally published between 1937 and 1976, contain numerous caricatures of Asian and Black people that incorporate stereotypes that have been criticized as racist.

The most famous Dr. Seuss titles - 'The Cat in the Hat' and 'Green Eggs and Ham' - were not on the list of books that will be yanked from publication. 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' often tops the New York Times bestseller list during graduation season, and also was not on the list of scrapped books.

But that didn't stop McCarthy as he read from the beloved Dr. Seuss book in the video, flipping through the pages and showing pictures of the classic characters.

Dr. Seuss childrens' books, from left, 'If I Ran the Zoo,' 'And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,' 'On Beyond Zebra!' and 'McElligot's Pool' are displayed. These four were removed

Dr. Seuss' 'If I Ran The Zoo' and 'And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street' two of six book titles which will no longer be published due to hurtful representation of certain people and cultures

Many people shared the long video, accusing McCarthy of 'grandstanding' and confused as to why he was adamant on reading a book that was not cancelled in publication.

Rep. Ted Lieu said: 'Dems are focused on getting stimulus checks, unemployment benefits & small business loans to the American people.

'@GOPLeader is focused on Green Eggs and Ham, a book that continues to be published and accepted by the free market.There is a difference between the two parties.'

Regina Marston, a Democrat running for Congress in California, shared similar sentiments in her critique while endorsing Bruno Amato - who is running to unseat the GOP Leader in his congressional seat.

Many people shared the long video, accusing McCarthy of 'grandstanding' and confused as to why he was adamant on reading a book that was not cancelled in publication. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) slammed McCarthy and the GOP party

Regina Marston, a Democrat running for Congress in California, shared similar sentiments in her critique while endorsing Bruno Amato - who is running to unseat the GOP Leader in his congressional seat

'I notice you arent reading the ones the Seuss estate thinks are too offensive to keep publishing, said author Helen Kennedy. 'Why is that?

Several people slammed the politician for being concerned with the book and not with COVID.

'2,000 people are dying daily of COVID-19 and you pull this,' said lawyer Seth Abramson. 'The GOP can't be entrusted with *any aspect* of his nation's future.'

Celeste Williams, a family nurse practitioner, added: 'In America we need to expedite vaccinations, 9.97 million are unemployed, we are the only developed nation with Upwards arrow maternal mortality rates, and the most expensive healthcare (2X more than Canada), college cost Upwards arrow 500% from 1985, the GOP leader is focused on childrens books.'

Even conservatives were perplexed by McCarthy's decision, wondering why he wasn't focused on other more important things that had been cancelled.

'Dont elect representatives that think doing this is funny,' she said. 'He gets paid $175K plus benefits to act like a comedian. Time to shut down his act. Elect @BrunoAmato_1.'

There were many who wondered whether McCarthy would be willing to read one of the six books that were actually getting cancelled.

'I notice you arent reading the ones the Seuss estate thinks are too offensive to keep publishing, said author Helen Kennedy. 'Why is that?

Kevin M. Kruse added: 'No one is upset about Green Eggs and Ham, you disingenuous dips**t. Heres one of the books the Seuss estate decided not to publish anymore. If you so desperately need to read about Asians with their eyes all a slant, buy the rights and print copies yourself.'

Several people slammed the politician for being concerned with the book and not with COVID

Even conservatives were perplexed by McCarthy's decision, wondering why he wasn't focused on other more important things that had been cancelled

'Certain "Republicans" are always too lazy to put in the work to defend something worth while,' said Lauren Witzke. 'It's easier to defend "green eggs and ham" than it is to defend Ceasar Rodney or Andrew Jackson. Heck they won't even defend Theodore Roosevelt now a days.'

But there were many who took the more comedic route, making their own Dr. Seuss poems to go along with McCarthy's reading.

Comedian W. Kamau Bell tweeted: 'I like President Trump. I like my lips on his rump. I like him here. I like him there. I like him sending insurrectionists EVERYWHERE!

'I like him high. I like him low. Id even suck his pinky toe! -reads his book Green Eggs & Sham.'
New Delhi: Outrage in India is growing over comments made by the nations chief justice in two rape cases, with thousands of women signing a letter this week demanding that he resign.

Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, the head of Indias Supreme Court, asked a 23-year-old man accused of raping a minor whether he would marry his victim, who is now an adult.

The victim, who under Indian law cannot be identified, has accused the man, a distant relative and a civil servant with the Maharashtra state government, of repeatedly stalking and raping her starting when she was 16.

The judges comments provoked new demands that people in power, and particularly men, do more to improve how women and girls are treated in India.
South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS)an AdvancED-accredited and NCAA-approved, full-time public charter schoolwill begin accepting enrollment applications for the 2021-2022 school year on Monday, March 15th. SCVCS offers a tuition-free education to students statewide in kindergarten through 12th grade.

SCVCS also offers families an alternative to the traditional brick-and-mortar learning environment. Combining online instruction, a rigorous curriculum and the support of state-certified teachers, SCVCS provides students with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

The schools enrollment season comes at a time when more than 70% of U.S. parents agree that online education should be an ongoing option after the pandemic subsides.

"Now, more than ever, teachers and staff at SCVCS are committed to helping each and every student reach their full potential," said SCVCS Head of School Dr. Cherry Daniel. "We invite you to join our exemplary online school and experience the next level of student success."

SCVCS students across all grade levels are offered a full course load in the core subjects of English/language arts, math, science, history, art, music and physical education, as well as electives and world languages. SCVCS sponsors national honor societies in the core academic areas.

The school also offers career learning courses in growing career fields including, but not limited to: healthcare, information technology, computer science, law enforcement, and general management. These courses support high schoolers in pursuing credentials that help them become more readily employable upon graduation.

SCVCS teachers facilitate live, interactive online classes, which allow students to enjoy a safe learning environment anywhere with an internet connection. In addition to scheduled classes, teachers regularly communicate with students and families via phone and email to ensure they are supported and appropriately challenged. Resources are available to help SCVCS students and families navigate the online learning experience.

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Many families and students are choosing SCVCS because it provides an alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar education. Athletes, advanced learners, and all types of students can balance a full academic load along with extracurricular pursuits or any other specialized needs. SCVCSs online platform gives students the opportunity to pursue academic goals in a supportive environment that recognizes their individual learning styles.

Throughout the school year, SCVCS hosts virtual clubs and organizations that allow students to further explore shared interests together.

To learn more about enrollment and for a schedule of upcoming events, visit scvcs.k12.com.

About South Carolina Virtual Charter School

South Carolina Virtual Charter School (SCVCS) is a full-time public charter school that serves students in grades K through 12. As part of the South Carolina public school system, SCVCS is tuition-free and gives families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN). For more information about SCVCS, visit scvcs.k12.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005581/en/

Contacts

Dana Still

Sr. Manager, Corporate Communications

dstill@k12.com
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, aims to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across the country with cultivable land, subject to certain exclusions. In a recent development, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme is going to release the eighth instalment soon. Every year, under the PM Kisan Scheme, the government gives Rs. 6000 rupees, in the form of Rs. 2000 x 3 instalments to the farmers.

Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, the first instalment is released from April 1 to July 31, the second instalment from August 1 to November 30 and the third instalment from December 1 to March 31. The government has released 7 instalments so far.

If you have not yet registered yourself under PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme, then you must register before 31 March. If your application is accepted on registration before 31 March, you are eligible to receive Rs. 2000 after Holi, as well as Rs. 2000 for the instalment coming in April or May.

Register yourself for PM-KISAN with these steps:

- Users will need to visit the official website of PM Kisan. >>

- Now go to Farmers Corner and click on the option of 'New Farmer Registration'.

- Enter your Aadhaar card number

- Please enter the captcha code and select your state to proceed further

- A form will appear, where you are requested to fill in all your personal information.

- Also the bank account details and the information related to the farm will have to be filled in.

- After this, you can submit the form.

The registering process for this scheme is easy and simple. You can complete this process online at the comfort of your home. Apart from this, you can register for this scheme through Panchayat Secretary or Patwari or Local Common Service Center.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, which started in 2019, had some bugs in the past, which the government has successfully rectify. The government has taken this step to bring transparency to the scheme. Farmers who have registered for new registration under Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana will now have to mention their plot number in the application form. However, the new rules will not affect the old beneficiaries associated with the scheme.

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West Hollywood, CA, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since the Coronavirus pandemic turned our lives upside down nearly a year ago, thousands of businesses have been forced to undergo a complete factory reset. Numerous industries proved to be more innovative than ever when they discovered how drastically their sectors had changed due to countless COVID-19 related roadblocks and logistical challenges.

Whether it was reduced budgets, increasingly saturated advertising spaces, or greater competition online, priorities and strategy changed for everyone from the largest corporations to the scrappiest of startups. One marketing power couple has been at the forefront of the evolution of their industry during the pandemic, and have pinpointed the most significant changes taking place. Rick Schirmer and his wife Rachel McCord, who was named the influencer of influencers by the Daily Mail, are the architects behind countless viral campaigns. An alumnus of Disney, Schirmer boasts an impressive resume of previous viral launches including The Chronicles of Narnia, The Purge, Harry Potter, The Hobbit, and more. Hes also worked on corporate campaigns for Chick-fil-A's Kids & Family program, Procter & Gamble, Walmart, and Whole Foods.

On his professional journey, he met like-minded entrepreneur McCord. As well as founding the female empowerment and influencer e-commerce community The McCord List, shes worked in events management at famous venues like the Marquee Las Vegas. It wasnt long before the couple discovered a mutual vocation that led them to co-found the ViralBrand agency in 2016. Their perfect business synergy has helped collaborate and conduct viral campaigns for Kylie Jenner and Burst Oral Care. Despite their recent successes, they have noticed a stark change in the viral marketing industry during the Covid era.

Instead of being a luxury component of the marketing conversation, we are now seeing viral marketing leading the campaigns. Brands feel an urgency to reach consumers spending more time on their screens looking for content from community leading influencers that they trust, Schirmer says. McCord adds, Brands have to find ways to leave the sidelines with pop-up, banner ads, and pay-per-click becoming ancillary strategies. The market leaders know that they have to actually become an organic part of the consumer conversation now. The business duo have identified six key talking points that are reshaping the future of marketing.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are thankfully here to stay

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is the acronym used in marketing that means diversifying your consumer base to gain more loyal customers and greater exposure. But on a more human level, it means committing to meaningful change and working on strategies that are inclusive and representative. Every consumer brand in America will be developing strategies to define their values for customers, undeniably one of the more positive and significant changes in the industry.

The rapid acceleration of community leader influencer marketing

Its no secret that influencers have become the superpower of any marketing campaign. We have witnessed just how profoundly impactful a marketing campaign with the right influencer on board can be, potentially defining the whole campaign. Selecting influencers who are invested in niche communities have proved to be infinitely more effective than a marketing strategy that attempts to reach more people but with less impact. Influencers have built up more trust with their audiences than a website advert or banner ever could.

Organic user generated content in place of traditional ads

User-generated content (UGC) is effective in a similar way to influencer marketing. It refers to anything created by people rather than brands  images, reviews, videos. UGC has become such a core part of social media platforms like Instagram now, that we often scroll over it without noticing. Its a much less invasive marketing tool that guarantees exposure and trust. When something is promoted organically because of a users genuine enthusiasm, thats when brands hit the marketing jackpot.

Humanization of social issues that empower brands to share values without drifting political

Social media has allowed brands to have a louder and more unique voice than ever. Campaigns no longer have to be solely focused on selling products or services, but can actually reinforce that companys values, beliefs, and support of social justice issues. Brand authenticity can define them, and by humanizing marketing campaigns, it means people purchase with an emotional investment. According to one study, 64% of consumers make purchase decisions based on a brands stance on societal issues.

Continued exponential growth of live video across all major social platforms

Live video streaming has seen massive growth since the beginning of the pandemic. Facebook live, Instagram live, and platforms like Periscope and Twitch were up until recently, unchartered territory brimming with opportunity. Whether it is live interviews, live-streamed online events, or product launches, live video is increasingly becoming a powerful marketing medium. Market makers like Amazon are one of the many brands taking advantage of live video campaigns.

Voice search will become a rapidly growing frontier

Voice technology like Alexa, Siri and Google used to be a novelty, but as of last year, more than 20% of mobile searches were voice activated. Brands such as Dominoes and Burger King have capitalized on the potential around voice activated marketing, such as the latters viral TV spot that asked Google Home devices what the Whopper burger was. Now, over 50% of post-millennials are utilizing voice search daily, meaning every brand has the potential to tap into this audience.

Find out more about ViralBrand here.

ViralBrand >> 3233130809





This news has been published for the above source. ViralBrand [ID=17206]

Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from this story is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website's selling. The content publisher and its distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about.





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(Independent)

A proposal from Bernie Sanders to raise the federal hourly minimum wage to $15 from its current $7.25 failed in the Senate after the senator sought to include the measure in a White House-backed coronavirus relief package.

The House of Representatives included the wage hike in its version of its $1.9 trillion legislation, which includes unemployment relief, support for families with children, and funding for schools and vaccine distribution, among other initiatives critical to Joe Bidens plan to combat the pandemic and its economic fallout a year after the outbreak.

After the Senate rules-advising parliamentarian shot down the inclusion of a wage increase in the bill, Senator Sanders vowed to introduce an amendment to put it into the legislation.

On 5 March, all Senate Republicans and several Democrats rejected the amendment. It needed 60 votes to pass.

The senator said on Friday that he believes the parliamentarians decision was dead wrong and part of an absurd process to allow an unelected official to determine whether 30 million Americans get a pay raise.

At a time when millions of workers are earning starvation wages, when the minimum wage has not been raised by Congress since 2007 and stands at a pathetic $7.25 an hour, it is time to raise the minimum wage to a living wage, the senator said in a statement this week.

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Rahul Gandhi stoking fear on vaccine, all will be vaccinate by December: Union Minister

Smriti Irani attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of 'insulting' people of Amethi

India

pti-Deepika S

Amethi, Mar 06: Union Minister Smriti Irani launched a scathing attack on former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, accusing him of "insulting" the people of Amethi by comparing voters in the north with those in Kerala.

The Amethi MP, who laid the foundation stone for a bus stand in Tiloi, said the people of the town gave Gandhi immense love for 15 years despite him "not doing anything for its development".

"It is wrong for Rahul Gandhi to say that there is a lack of understanding among the people of Amethi than those in Kerala. I believe that there is no dearth of understanding in the people of Amethi. Rather it is in Rahul Gandhi," she said.

Her remarks come after Gandhi at a public gathering in Kerala''s Thiruvananthapuram recently said, "For the first 15 years, I was an MP in the north, I had got used to a different type of politics. For me, coming to Kerala was very refreshing as suddenly I found that people are interested in issues, and not just superficially, but going into detail."

Attacking the Gandhi family, Irani said a political family of the country ruled Amethi for 30 years but never thought about its development.

"Instead of developing Amethi and opening a medical college here, they continued to get their guest house constructed," she claimed.

Talking about farmers, Irani said in 2013, when Gandhi''s party was in power only 800 farmers got the benefit of minimum support price in Amethi while in 2020, as many as 23,800 farmers benefitted from MSP here.

The Union minister said it is a matter of concern that there was not a single fertilizer rack centre in Amethi and claimed that the farmers had to face lathis for fertilizers.

She said after the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh, a fertilizer rack centre was formed in Gauriganj in Amethi and construction work for a bypass and over bridge started in the town.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

Irani said the benefits of development schemes are reaching the common man directly, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sammann Nidhi has given financial strength to the farmers and people have benefitted directly from Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana and Saubhagya Yojana.

Earlier in the day, she took part in a ground-breaking ceremony of the bus stand to be constructed in Tiloi.
New Delhi, March 6 : Seven years after the killing of an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Assam, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against three National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-S) militants.

The NIA filed the chargesheet before a Special Court in Guwahati on Friday.

Bishnu Narzary, Nitul Daimary and Runiluish Diamary were named by the agency under charges of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act.

The case was initially registered on January 28, 2014, at the Dhekiajuli police station in Assam's Sonitpur district in connection to an ambush which resulted in the death of Gulzar Hussain, the then ASP (Sonitpur), and a civilian Anlark Basumatary.

Several other police personnel were also injured in the attack.

The NIA had re-registered the case on August 7, 2019, and took over the investigation.

"The investigation of the case has revealed that the members of (NDFB-S) had laid the ambush which resulted in death of the then ASP and one civilian beside injuring several police personnel," the anti-terror agency said.

Bishnu Narzary and Nitul Daimary have also been convicted in another case wherein the former has been given death sentence and the latter sentenced to life imprisonment.

Two other NDFB cadres, Kham Kham Daimary and Junu Basumatary who were also involved in the crime, have already been killed in separate encounters with security forces.
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Encore has successfully drilled and completed the JDH #5 for production in Lawrence County, Kentucky with Tier I production potential and good solid long-term oil reserves.

The Company is currently making plans to drill the JDH #6, JDH #7 and WFC #H1 horizontal well projects  each well located off-set to proven Berea oil production in Lawrence County, Kentucky. Nearly ~25% of the states estimated oil production / reserves are reportedly located in Lawrence County. Oil prices are making an substantial move up and experts predict crude oil to move even higher in price for the short, near and long-term.

Oil and gas investments are subject to a high degree of risk, uncertainty, unpredictability, indefinite delays, loss of investment and are suitable only for SEC defined accredited investors who are sophisticated in making business and investment decisions. No assurances can be made as it relates to production, income, rates, distributions, reserves, profitability, prices, timelines and/or any other estimates.

We are super excited about the production potential at JDH #5 and are currently making preparations to drill the JDH #6, JDH #7 and WFC #H1 horizontal Berea oil well projects, said Steve Stengell, Encores President and CEO. The growing demand for oil and positive outlook for crude prices make these projects even more attractive, added Stengell.

For more information, please contact Steve Stengell at (270) 438-9956.

Assumptions, Disclaimer and Cautionary Statement: The information herein may contain forward-looking statements, and actual results may vary. Words such as "estimate", "will," "intend," "continue," "target," "expect," "achieve," "strategy," "future," "may," "goal," or other comparable words or phrases or the negative of those words, and other words of similar meaning indicate forward-looking statements and important factors which could affect actual results. Forward-looking statements are made based upon Management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon Encore Energy, Inc. Oil and gas investments involve a high degree of risk, uncertainty and are only suitable for qualified Accredited (SEC Definition) investors who are sophisticated in making business decisions and can bear the financial loss of their entire investment, while delivering a turnkey profit to the Company for proving the prospect development, lease acquisition, drilling, completion, engineering and ongoing production operations. The Company does not provide tax advice and investors should seek the advice of their tax professional. Any tax and/or other information herein is provided for illustration purposes only and may include estimates that are uncertain and subject to change. It is impossible to accurately forecast profitability, production, reserves, income, expenses and timelines for any project. No assurances can be made as it relates to reserves, production, income, profit, prices, timelines and/or other estimates. Actual production and results are beyond the control of management. In the event that commercial production is achieved, it may take many years for the investor to recoup his or her investment. The Company's lease acreage position under is subject to change and includes acreage under lease, Farmout agreement, verbal agreement, renewals, expired terms and any other prospective acreage in which the Company has communicated and/or negotiated with the landowner the leasing of oil and gas rights, now or in the future, and the lease / mineral owner has leased or communicated their intent to lease there mineral lease rights to the Company. It is important for qualified investors to acknowledge the fact that the US government provides them with tax savings (100% IDC tax deduction) to mitigate or at least off-set some of the financial risk associated with domestic oil and gas investments. This is not an offer to sell or buy a security. An offer shall only be made pursuant to SEC Regulation D, Rule 506(c) by a private placement offering memorandum, and this is not a private placement offering memorandum.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland are inviting communities in Louth to 'Raise Some Dough' during Brain Awareness week this March

This annual fundraising event usually takes place within community centres, schools, business and households in Louth and nationwide. However, in the context of Covid-19 and in light of public health guidance, ABII is asking its Louth supporters to take their bake virtual this year by hosting an online event or fundraiser between March 15th and 21st.

'Bake for Brain Injury' is an important event on the ABII calendar, enabling the national organisation to raise vital funds to support survivors of brain injury as they work to rebuild their lives.

Every year in Ireland an estimated 19,000 people acquire a brain injury, resulting in life-altering, dramatic change. These injuries happen suddenly and are often traumatic, caused by road traffic accidents, stroke, assaults, concussion and viral infections like meningitis. Because each brain injury is entirely unique, every survivor requires dedicated supports and a tailor-made rehabilitation plan.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland offers person-centred rehabilitation to an estimated 1,200 people annually, as well as support to their families and carers.

Speaking about the upcoming 'Bake for Brain Injury' event Jonathan Power, Head of Fundraising at ABII, said: 'The past 12 months have been an enormous challenge for us all, but our teams nationwide have done incredible work throughout the pandemic to keep rehabilitation alive for our service-users and to keep everyone safe and well.'

Once participants have organised their virtual bake they are encouraged to set up a fundraising page on the website Justgiving. This will make it easy for others to donate online and show their support for your baking efforts, while also helping Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

An Italian prosecutor on Saturday demanded life sentences for two young Americans being tried on murder charges after a policeman was killed following a botched drugs sale in Rome.

Prosecutor Maria Sabina Calabretta asked the court to find the two defendants - Finnegan Lee Elder, 21, and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, 20 - guilty and to impose Italy's maximum sentence for the July 26, 2019, stabbing death of Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega. Calabretta called the attack 'disproportionate and deadly.'

Lee Elder, who was 19 at the time, has admitted to stabbing Rega in the early hours of July 26, 2019, while his friend Natale-Hjorth, then 18, was tussling with another police officer.

Under Italian law, anyone who participates even indirectly in a murder can face murder charges.

Italian prosecutor Maria Sabina Calabretta has asked for life sentences for Finnegan Lee Elder, 21, (left) and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, 20 (right) for stabbing death of Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega to death in 2019

The pair, both from California, are accused of stabbing Cerciello to death in a botched drug deal while he and another officer were in plain clothes

The two Americans, both from California, have said they did not know that Cerciello or his partner, Andrea Varriale, were police officers, telling the court that neither man had identified themselves.

Varriale has denied this, testifying that they had shown their two assailants their badges. Cerciello's badge was not found at the crime scene.

Elder and Natale-Hjorth were in Rome on holiday at the time and had tried to buy drugs from a local dealer. They have told the court that they were cheated, but managed to snatch a bag off an intermediary as he tried to get away.

They subsequently agreed to meet the dealer again to get their money back in exchange for the bag, but instead the two policemen showed up.

Neither man was in uniform and Elder has testified that they immediately attacked them, forcing him and Natale-Hjorth to defend themselves.

'I panicked and believed he wanted to kill me,' Italian media quoted Elder as telling the court earlier this month.

Police say Cerciello, 35, was unarmed at the time and was stabbed 11 times by Elder with a 7 inch blade.

Natale-Hjorth is escorted upon his arrival for a hearing in the trial in Rome, Italy, on Saturday

Defendants Natale-Hjorth (left) and Finnegan Lee Elder listen to Prosecutor Maria Sabina Calabretta speech during a hearing in the murder trial

Italian media have reported that the dealer was an informer who had reported the theft of the bag, asking the police to intervene.

In a court appearance last September, Elder apologised for the killing.

Natale-Hjorth initially told police he had not been involved in the killing and did not know his friend had a knife. However, his fingerprints were found on a panel in the ceiling of their hotel room where the knife had been concealed.

Lawyers for Elder and Natale-Hjorth have yet to present their defence. A verdict in the trial is expected in April, legal sources said.
Zac Efron recently finished his 14 days of mandatory quarantine at a private estate in Sydney, following a recent trip to Dubai.

And while still in quarantine on Thursday, the 33-year-old actor's Australian girlfriend Vanessa Valladares kept herself occupied by enjoying a stroll in Sydney.

The former waitress, 25, stepped out in a brown tube top, denim cut offs and a white linen shirt.

Enjoying the sunshine! Zac Efron's girlfriend Vanessa Valladares (pictured) stepped out in Sydney on Thursday, shortly before the American actor finished his 14-day quarantine

She accessorised her look with a straw-woven sun hat and black loafers.

The former retail assistant also wore her naturally curly hair under her hat, and donned minimal make-up during her walk outside.

She wore a gold necklace which glistened on her glowing olive complexion.

Stepping out: The former waitress, 25, stepped out in a brown tube top, denim cut offs and a white linen shirt

Casual: She accessorised her look with a straw-woven sun hat and black loafers

Vanessa's day at the beach comes shortly before Zac finished his 14-day quarantine at a mansion in Sydney.

The High School Musical star recently returned from a trip to Dubai to finalise a 'huge endorsement deal'.

Zac met Vanessa in July last year when she was working as a waitress at Byron Bay's General Store & Cafe.

They were apparently introduced by her boss.

Making money: The High School Musical star recently returned from a trip to Dubai to finalise a 'huge endorsement deal'

Vanessa has fitted seamlessly into Zac's entourage of high-profile friends, and regularly visited her boyfriend when he was filming Stan Original movie Gold in the South Australian outback late last year.

While the couple are living together in Byron Bay most of the time, they have also enjoyed regular trips to Sydney and the Thredbo ski resort.

Their relationship is believed to be serious, with a source telling New Idea: 'I really think Zac's at the point where he'd marry Vanessa tomorrow if she said yes.'
Mumbai, March 6 : Terming the voluminous 12,000-page charge sheet filed against Bollywood actress Rhea Chakraborty, her brother Showik and 31 others as "expected", their lawyer Satish Maneshinde launched a sharp attack on the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), virtually accusing it of a witch-hunt, here on Saturday.

"All efforts of the NCB have been directed towards Rhea Chakraborty, to somehow rope her in. The entire NCB, from top to bottom was engaged in unearthing the drug angle in Bollywood," Maneshinde said.

"The charge sheet is a damp squib standing on the foundation of inadmissible evidence and statements recorded under NDPS Act Sec. 67 even after the Supreme Court judgement in the Toofan Singh case. Without Rhea Chakraborty being charged, this case has no substance," Maneshinde said.

Referring to the NCB' contentions in the charge sheet that it has seized various narcotic drugs (Charas, Ganja, LSD, Ecstasy) and psychotropic substances (Alprazolam and Clonazepam), the lawyer rubbished the federal drug agency's claims.

"The entire amount of 'Narcotic Substances' recovered against the 33 accused are nothing compared to what even a Constable in Mumbai Police or Narcotics Cell or the Airport Customs or other agencies recover from one raid or trap," Maneshinde pointed out.

Moreover, he said there's hardly any material against any known faces, who were paraded during the investigations, and wondered whether the allegations were false, or "only God knows the Truth".

The lawyer added that even the Bombay High Court did not find prima facie material at the stage of bail of the 'alleged' financing of drugs trade, as claimed by the NCB.

Maneshinde's strong reactions came a day after the NCB lodged its charge sheet -- a 11,700-page plus more in electronic format -- with the Special NDPS Court in Mumbai, signalling an end to the probe.

The NCB came into the picture in August 2020 after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) stumbled on the drugs aspect of its probe into the financial angles surrounding the death of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14 at his rented duplex in Bandra, Mumbai.

Besides Rhea and Showik, the NCB has named the late actor's ex-manager Samuel Miranda, his domestic help Dipesh Sawant, a drug peddler Anuj Keshwani from whom commercial quantity of drugs like LSD sheets and Marijuana) were first recovered.

Also figuring in the charge sheet are two foreigners -- actor Arjun Rampal's South African girlfriend and model Gabriella Demetriades, her brother Agisilaos Demetriades, besides Kshitij Prasad, a former executive producer with Dharma Productions, and two collegians, said to be the last-mile peddlers.

"We will have the last laugh Satyameva Jayate," an unfazed Maneshinde concluded.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: q.najmi@ians.in)

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The military in Somalia's semi-autonomous state of Puntland have recaptured 87 out of hundreds of prisoners who escaped on Friday after Islamist group al Shabaab fighters stormed a jail and freed them, according a statement from the military.

On Friday al Shabaab said they had freed 400 prisoners in a raid on the main prison in Bosaso, Puntland's largest commercial city, in the early hours of Friday.

Seven Puntland military soldiers were also killed in the assault.

"We attacked al Shabaab militants that had attacked Bosaso central cell (prison)," Puntland military said in a statement.

"In this operation in the hilly areas outside Bosaso, we also recaptured the prisoners."

Mohamed Abdi, a soldier in Puntland's military separately told Reuters 87 prisoners had been recaptured and added some of the recaptured prisoners were members of al Shabaab while others belonged to Islamic State.

In the statement, Puntland's military said they had killed 20 al Shabaab fighters and captured four alive in a battle to free the prisoners. Al Shabaab frequently carries out attacks in Somalia and elsewhere as part of its campaign to oust the central government in Mogadishu and establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

An African Union (AU)-mandated peacekeeping force AMISOM has been helping defend the central government.

Somalia has been convulsed by lawlessness and Islamist violence since 1991 when dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was toppled.

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By Mark S. Singel

In a recent documentary, Theresa Borroughs from Alabama recounted her efforts to register to vote in the late 1940s. Twice a week for two years she travelled to her local courthouse. Each time, she was met with a new eligibility test. Could she pass a literacy test? Did she own any property? How many red jelly beans are in a jar?

It was the Jim Crow South and politicians did not even try to hide their disdain for African American voters. These citizens were beaten and killed, poll taxes were imposed, literacy tests were concocted, and anyone with any criminal record was denied the vote. The fact is that Blacks often found themselves in jail on the flimsiest of charges and the criminal justice system conspired with politics to keep them away from the polls.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was supposed to end voter intimidation and discrimination. Indeed, every politician talks about the sacred right to vote and pays lip service to this bedrock of our democracy. But, when it comes down to their own elections, they are not as concerned about voter turnout as they are with getting their vote out.

When the Pennsylvania General Assembly enacted mail-in voting on a bipartisan basis, it was hailed as a way to make voting more convenient for everybody. This proved to be invaluable during the pandemic year when people chose to vote by mail to protect their health. When it became clear, however, that more Democrats would be voting remotely than Republicans, new ploys were developed to discourage the new approach.

There was slow down in the delivery of mail-in ballots. Huge counties in states like Texas limited drop-box locations, signatures were challenged and stricter voter ID laws were introduced in the legislature. When the vote count wasnt going their way, partisans alleged wide-spread fraud. In the aftermath of the Presidential election, every state in the country and courts at every level have proven this allegation wrong.

Just recently, the 2020 loser proclaimed anew the big lie that the election was, somehow, rigged. Dutifully, his minions in dozens of states are putting reality aside so they can weed out this non-existent election fraud.

on registration and to make it harder to vote by mail. This, they say, is to assure the integrity of the voting process. One can almost hear the old Alabama registrar saying the same thing about his jelly bean test.

It is true that the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and the Supreme Court made some interpretations of state law that could be reviewed. But providing an additional three days to count mail in ballots or overlooking signature requirements on outer envelopes does not constitute rampant fraud. It was an accommodation to voters during a stressful time to assure that their voices would be heard.

Just for good measure, the Republican Party has embarked on another quest. Since some Supreme Court rulings did not go their way, they are now seeking to dislodge as many Democrats as possible from that bench. If they cant reverse a Presidential election, they can change the way justices are elected and stack the deck for their own candidates in the future.

In Georgia, an array of election reforms has been proposed. Most are thinly-veiled initiatives to interrupt an extraordinary registration and get-out-the-vote effort that has seen record numbers of minorities getting to the polls. In many urban communities, black churches provide transportation to voters in need. This souls to the polls effort is now under fire for one reason: it works.

The New York Times quoted voting rights experts as saying that the legislative onslaught across the country is not about reform; it is about suppression of voters rights. In fact, there is a danger that it could be the biggest rollback of voting rights since the 19th century.

A counter balance to the states actions could be the U.S. Congress where Democrats now have slim majorities in both Houses.

The House of Representatives has already passed a bill that would actually expand voting rights. It would increase voter registration venues and make early voting and mail voting more accessible; not less. The reality is that the bill is facing an uphill battle in the Senate. While not all Republican senators are living in denial about the last election, most are ready to put principle aside if it means securing their own seat.

It is noteworthy that Americans voted in record numbers in 2020. Over 158 million ballots were cast representing about two-thirds of the eligible voters, according to the Pew Research Center. The goal should be to build on that level of citizen involvement, not to concoct new ways to depress turnout.

Mark S. Singel is a former Democratic Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania.
There has always been a debate around the way Karan Johar dresses.

Given the fact that he is an eccentric dresser and mostly wears clothes that come with a hefty price tag, it is hard to find his style sense relatable.

Despite that, Karan has been always knocking it out of the park, wearing ensembles and sneakers that are legit head-turners.

 Viral Bhayani

From his oversized sneakers to head-to-toe Louis Vuitton outfit, he has ensured that none of his looks, go under the radar, thanks to his OTT stuff.



This time too, as he was seen heading to Manish Malhotra's party, we saw him in yet another statement-worthy outfit and sneakers.

The outfit had quirky detailing but his sneakers looked straight out of a millennial's wardrobe.

Take a look:

 Viral Bhayani

Karan's outfit here, screams fashion.



What we really like is the newspaper print shirt. It looks like it has some knowledge-worthy news all over and is still on-point.

Given how much Karan is into wearing quirky silhouettes, this oversized style does stand out.

 Gucci

He paired the same with his Gucci joggers and these pants alone can burn a big hole in your pocket.



They are called the Oversized Technical Jersey Jogging Pants. The pants are a perfect blend of simple design with offbeat Gucci motif detailing on the sides.

 Balenciaga

Coming to the main highlight of this outfit, we couldn't take our eyes off Karan's outlandish sneakers. But we also had to wear glasses to look at them (Just Kidding).



The Brands

These are Balenciaga's Triple S sneakers with Neon sole. The brand has merged sportswear elegance into its silhouette and is intricately made in mesh and leather fabric.

The style comes with embroidered logo on the side and ridge sole in the neon shade, which adds more oomph to a basic outfit.

The Price:

 Viral Bhayani

The joggers are quintessential and since they are from Gucci, the cost is almost Rs 85,000. Yes, so much for a pair of loungewear pants!



That's not it as the price of the sneakers will also make your jaw drop.

As per Farfetch, the vibrant pair is worth almost Rs 75,376. If you combine the price of both the eccentric pieces, the expected cost is almost Rs 1,60,376. And BTW, all this is on a regular day.

Why It Works:

 Viral Bhayani

We earlier thought that it's the newspaper print shirt which is intriguing, till we noticed the sneakers. But, this ensemble still works because of its quirky aesthetics.



As for accessories, we also like the silver layered necklace and oversized glasses here.

All we can say is nothing is extra, when it's Karan Johar.
New Delhi, March 6 : Rajkummar Rao has time and again proved that he is one of the best actors in Hindi cinema. Be it his performance as the strong-willed lawyer in Shahid, a dreaded terrorist in Omerta, a gullible boy in Stree or the naive Pritam in Bareilly Ki Barfi, the actor has raised his bar with every new role.

"The journey has been pretty overwhelming. I never expected this to happen. I always wanted to work of course and that's why I invested so much time on training and came to the city with no background or backbone, and with very little money. From there to here it is still like a dream to me, but I don't sit back and think about it," Rajkummar told IANS.

The actor likes to lives in the moment.

"I live each day as it comes so I just enjoy each and every moment. I love acting and playing different characters on screen and as long as that is happening I am more than happy," he added.

How does he manage to up his own game each time with his performance? "I really don't know. I just love what I do and I want to take risks. I try to do something different from what I have done earlier," he replied.

The 36-year-old actor currently awaits the release of her next film Roohi, a horror comedy. The film co-stars Janhvi Kapoor and Varun Sharma.

Roohi follows his 2018 hit Stree, which seems to have started a gamut of horror comedies in Bollywood, including "Atithi Bhooto Bhava", "Phone Bhoot", "Bhoot Police" and "Bhool Bhulaiya 2", with "Laxmii" having already released last year.

"I hope all these films do well at the box-office. The point is to take Indian cinema to the next level and raise the standard of our cinema, which is already on the way up. We are making way more good content now, so I just hope all these films are amazing and do well," Rajkummar told IANS.

Roohi is is slated to hit the big screen on March 11. With the sudden rise in Covid cases, is he concerned about audience turnout at the theatres? "No, not really. I think the kind of precautions the theatres are taking you will feel pretty safe going there... We anyway see people going out, of course people are being careful but that is the same thing. You have to be a little careful while you go watch a film but the experience of watching a film on the big screen in a dark theatre is something else. That you cannot recreate anywhere else," he replied.

(Durga Chakravarty can be contacted at durga.c@ians.in)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text

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jen shah is trash. WBK

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Jen is truly the worst. No wonder coach Shah would rather be away

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Y'all I am so glad people see Jen for who she is. I honestly thought she would be my fave but then the season aired and quickly I knew how awful she was.

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Love the roundup!



1. Thank you Bolo for bringing RHOA's groove back! The rest of the season looks good!



2. Jen Shah...Jen Shah...whew girl...and to think she talked about Mary's leaked church audio. Girl is a glorified mess. I guess the only upside is that we know she wasnt faking it for the cameras.



3. RHONJ proves that you can go through some rough years and get good again (though I thank that partially to Danielle). Tre feels free and she is back to being comfortable enough to be horrible again in front of the cameras instead of trying to hide it.



4. Congrats to Ashley and her bb, im happy when we dont have to go through a full season of a HW being pregnant so they can be free to drink their coronas and be messy.



5. RHONY...I will be shocked if Ramona or Sonja manage to make it out of this new season without making a racial comment towards the new HW. Ive liked everything Ive seen/heard of her thus far.

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Jen Shah is a MESS and it's not fun to watch.



OMG I LOVE ATLANTA. The Bolo episode is the best thing ever.

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Op Im so glad you watched the Bolo episode!!! It was the most wildest episode Ive ever seen

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Im on season 3 of Married to Medicine and whew Lisa Nicole and Darren - its like watching a McMansion crumble in real time. I love Simone shes so messy but shes so smart and funny even her talking heads with Cecil are great, Dr Heavenly is iconic television lmaoooo. I hate Jill and her husband.

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I don't even remember who Jill was? On M2M?? But then again I think there was a season I missed 

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I just restarted my RHONYC marathon as a first timer viewer.

Im on season 6. Hate Ramona and feel so much embarrassment for Sonja.



Carole and Heather are easily my favorites. They make Luann much more tolerable.

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That Jen Shah video is really bad. I heard Dorinda got fired from RHONY for her drinking/anger/bullying and I feel like Jen is way worse.

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Ummmmmm hostile work environment aint legal lady. Wtf. Id cuss her right back out. Fuck you and this job you rude bih

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Yeah, I initially thought Jens outbursts were just for TV to secure herself a spot in season 2. But towards the end of the season, one can tell that there really is something wrong with Jen. Shes awful! I wonder if theyll ask Jen back for season 2.



Is anyone watching Dallas? I am so triggered by how the Trump supporting white ladies are ganging up on Tiffany. Theyre obviously jealous of Tiffany because shes the smartest and most successful of the bunch! Kameron is fucking vile and arrogant- I cant stand that washed up barbie. Brandi keeps on complaining that she cant be herself when shes around Tiffany... and to me that translates to her not being able to be a racist ass bitch when shes around a POC. Stephanie is another two-faced bitch Id love to smack in the face - I cant stand her whiny voice! Next weeks episode is going to be more unbearable and Im not sure if Ill have the guts to watch it. Prayer circle for Tiffany! I know what its like to be bullied by jealous ass basic yt bitches.

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Jen Shah needs professional help. Andy Cohen is the opposite of what she needs.

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I cant even watch Dallas anymore bc they are all being so terrible to Tiffany

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When i saw news they were bringing Tiffany to the show, I couldn't think of a worse franchise to integrate, especially on the heels of what Brandi did. And of course, every castmate except for Deandra (surprisingly) treats Tiffany like trash. I cannot watch it.

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I can't believe the women of Dallas are trying to make Tiffany feel bad over something that's her fault/she can't control. The women are so mean to her. My jaw was on the floor when Brandi cried about not being able to be her racist self in front of Tiffany. Even Kary's annoying ass was rude to Tiffany.

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Kams entire thing is being a dumb blonde but shes really trying to push this Tiffany bully angle and Im over it. Shes constantly playing up her dumbness and hasnt she been corrected in testimonials about saying things wrong? Why get mad at Tiffany specifically for laughing at you when thats why ppl have loved since you came on the show?? Literally how else would she have been able to ~create pink dog food. Like cmon.

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I take back my sympathy for Jen- fuck anyone who treats people like that.



I hate Tre with the fire of 1000 suns- she's the worst combination of stupid and mean.



In other news, Danielle seems well.



Danielle Staub watches #RHONJ on IG Live every week to talk shit and every week she hilariously melts down when someone talks shit back to her



This week, its being called Beverly by someone in the comments (via @joegunn) pic.twitter.com/HcVf36fMIf  Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) March 4, 2021 Was it mentioned that Bolo was in the s4 finale of RHOA? (just watched it this week) he was massaging guests at Kandi's sex toy launch party. I haven't watched recent episodes, but I can't imagine there is more than one guy named Bolo in Atlanta's adult entertainment industry.I take back my sympathy for Jen- fuck anyone who treats people like that.I hate Tre with the fire of 1000 suns- she's the worst combination of stupid and mean.In other news, Danielle seems well.

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Danielle is psychotic trash, how she can afford all the work shes gotten done is amazing.



That being said, I quote her way too often. The is BYE a threat?! Speech is my latest one to quote.

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Jen shouldnt come back for season 2. Only one of the originals who should be let go.



Danielle seems pilled out and like shes wearing a mask. Hair color is bad, too.

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Kandi did mention hes her employee so it makes sense hes done other events for her!

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The whole Bolo thing.. I feel like it was overkill with how wrong Kenya was to be gossiping, like please we would all be talking about that if our friends were fucking the stripper from the bachelorette party lol. The only difference is that I guess most of them don't fuck with her so it wasn't perceived that way, if it was anyone else who was investigating I don't think they'd be so "disgusted" lol

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jen needs legit help



do people genuinely like kenya? cause she's a w f u l



dallas has been so boring so far, but tiffany is a great addition

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There are rumors a member of RHOP had an affair with one of the husbands on the show. I hope they are currently tapping.

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Thanks for this post OP!

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People work on the U.S.-Mexico border wall in El Paso, Texas, on Feb. 12, 2019. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Texas State Representative Introduces Bill to Finish Border Wall Construction

Texas state Rep. Bryan Slaton (R-Canton) introduced a bill proposing the border wall construction initiated under former President Donald Trump be completed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Slaton said that the actions taken by President Joe Biden shouldnt stop the construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas.

President Trump fought to bring real border security and was opposed by Republicans and Democrats in Congress. While hundreds of miles of new wall were built under his leadership, the Biden administration has already ceased border wall construction, Slaton said, reported The Texan.

It is time for Texas to stand up and finish the work that President Trump started. Lets finish building the border wall now, he added.

A border wall in the town of Brownsville, Texas, on June 1, 2017. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times)

The bill states that part of the wall shared with Texas could be named after Trump.

[DPS] must include as part of the transportation infrastructure, technology, and commercial vehicle inspection infrastructure at ports of entry along this states international border the construction to federal specifications for similar infrastructure of a wall to be named the President Donald J. Trump Wall, the bill states.

In recent days, Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), said that more than 10,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in a single border sector in Texas in about a week.

We are weeks, maybe even days, away from a crisis on the southern border. Inaction is simply not an option, Cuellar said in a news release. Our country is currently unprepared to handle a surge in migrants in the middle of the pandemic.

He added that some 2,500 illegal immigrants have been apprehended in the past two days since the press statement was released.

Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Former MP for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak has called for the suspension of the National Communications Officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) Sammy Gyamfi, should he not apologize to the partys leadership in Parliament for grossly disrespecting them.



Mr Sammy Gyamfi has called for an immediate shakeup in the leadership of the NDC MPs in parliament claiming theyve lost their moral authority to lead and are not fit to sit on the front bench of the NDC side of the house.



It comes after the House voted to approve all the vetted nominees for ministerial positions Wednesday night.



The party had directed its members to vote against some of the nominees especially those with security portfolios.



Kan Dapaah, Minister for National Security, Dominic Nitiwul for Defence, and Ambrose Dery for Interior had already been approved by the NDC MPs on the committee but the party raised concerns over the move citing the nominees alleged role in the Ayawaso by-election violence and the killings that took place in 2020 polls.



Commenting on the development, Sammy Gyamfi berated the NDC leadership in the Chamber for betraying the party for their selfish interest.



Comrades, the betrayal we have suffered in the hands of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, the leadership of our Parliamentary group, particularly Hon. Haruna Iddrissu and Hon. Muntaka Mubarak, and dozens of our own MPs, is what strengthens me to work hard for the great NDC to regain power.



They brazenly defied the leadership of the party and betrayed the collective good for their selfish interest. And we, must not let them succeed in their parochial quest to destroy the NDC, the party that has done so much for them and all of us. The shame they have brought on the party will forever hang like an albatross around their necks, Mr Gyamfi wrote in a statement Thursday.



In reaction, Ras Mubarak stated that he takes strong exception to the derogatory comments by Sammy Gyamfis against these persons who have enormous sacrifices for the NDC party.



I call on the National Chairman if he (Sammy Gyamfi) doesnt apologize he should be suspended to instil discipline in the party. Do you know what Bagbin has done for this party, do you know what Haruna and Muntaka have done for this party, their sacrifices at the peril of their lives. Some of us will not sit down and watch elders of the party grossly disrespected in such a manner that Sammy Gyamfi has, Ras Mubarak stated in an interview on Okay FM.









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Featured Video
The steel firm owned by Sanjeev Gupta is in crisis talks with government officials as fears mount that the financing behind the industrialist's empire is unravelling.

Thousands of jobs are feared to be at risk in the UK steel industry after the biggest lender to Gupta's GFG Alliance, a specialist bank called Greensill Capital that counts David Cameron as an adviser, teeters on the brink of collapse.

GFG is a loose collection of companies that includes Liberty Steel  Britain's third-largest steel maker with 3,000 employees at 11 sites.

Crisis talks: The steel firm owned by Sanjeev Gupta is in crisis talks with government officials

The group has held talks with business department (Beis) officials as pressure has grown from MPs and unions for Gupta to explain what effect the crisis at Greensill will have on its finances.

He has long been criticised for the GFG Alliance's opaque accounting and complex structure.

A spokesman for the steel union Community said: 'There's no doubt these reports are concerning and on behalf of our members we are pressing the company for answers.'

Greensill was plunged into crisis this week after several of its major backers walked away.

Its woes deepened yesterday when Credit Suisse, a major funder, announced it would wind up 7.2billion of Greensill assets.

GFG relies on supply-chain financing from Greensill to pay its suppliers and without that money it could struggle to pay its bills.

A spokesman for Beis said it was closely monitoring the developments with Liberty.
In yet another incidence of violence in the poll-bound state of West Bengal, 6 BJP workers were injured in a crude bomb blast in Rampur village of South 24 Parganas district on Friday night. According to sources, the BJP workers, who were injured in the attack are undergoing treatment in the hospital. These workers have alleged that the bomb was hurled at them by the TMC workers when they were returning from a wedding.

West Bengal: Six BJP workers injured in a crude bomb blast, in Rampur village of South 24 Parganas district late last night. The injured workers, who are under treatment at a hospital, allege that the bomb was hurled at them by TMC workers when they were returning from a wedding. pic.twitter.com/oSE3RjPC26  ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2021

READ | BJP Says Alliance With NR Congress' Rangasamy Intact; Opines On DMK's 'invite' To AINRC

Political violence in Bengal

As the Bengal polls draw closer, increasing instances of political violence have been reported time and again. Earlier on February 25, a few BJP workers were attacked by TMC goons in Jagatdal area. On February 19, a BJP worker named Bikash Debnath was allegedly beaten up by TMC goons in Alipurduar in the poll-bound state when he was returning home, leaving him critically injured. As per the victim, 10 to 15 TMC workers attacked him and a complaint has been lodged with the police. BJP has alleged that it has lost nearly 130 of its workers over the last 2 years.

READ | Mithun Chakraborty May Join BJP In PM Modi's Presence On March 7 At Kolkata Rally: Sources

West Bengal polls

Mamata Banerjee-led TMC had swept the 2016 Assembly polls by bagging 211 seats in the 294-member Assembly. On the other hand, the BJP won 18 out of 42 parliamentary seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The saffron party has kickstarted a fierce campaign as it aims to unseat the TMC government. Both Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda exuded confidence in the party winning more than 200 seats in the Assembly polls. The Congress-Left-ISF alliance is also in the poll fray while AIMIM too has announced its intention to make its political debut in the state.

READ | Ahead Of Bengal Polls, BJP's Dilip Ghosh Predicts Massive Election Sweep; 'Over 200 Seats'

Announcing the dates of the Assembly polls on February 26, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora mentioned that 18.68 crore persons will decide the fate of 824 seats in the aforesaid 4 States and one Union Territory at 2.7 lakh polling stations. In West Bengal, 294 seats are up for grabs and people will be able to cast their votes at 1,01,916 polling stations. As per the phases, the polling in the state will be conducted on March 27, April 1, April 6, April 10, April 17, April 22, April 26 and April 29. The counting of votes shall take place on May 2.

READ | EXCLUSIVE: Assam CM Says BJP In People's Hearts, Leaves Decision Of CM Pick To Party
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The United States is concerned that the Peoples Republic of China is not sharing data on the health and management of the upper portion of the Mekong river, known in China as the Lancang.

The Mekong River Basin runs from China, through Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, and drains into the South China Sea. It is home to over 60 million people. Some 85 percent of them rely directly on the river for their livelihoods, particularly those who are involved in irrigated agriculture and fishing. This means that any unexpected event that affects the flow of the Mekong River could heavily impact the economic security and health of millions of people throughout the region.

Recently, fluctuating water levels of the lower Mekong River, in conjunction with severe drought conditions, have caused a great deal of uncertainty among the PRCs downstream neighbors. Beijing operates 11 major dams on its stretch of the river and its tributaries, which impact the amount and quality of water available to its downstream neighbors.

In August of last year, the PRC promised to share year-round hydrological information it gathers on the Mekong, in an effort to mitigate the impact of climate change, flooding, and droughts. However, there was no prior warning from Beijing earlier this year when water levels suddenly began to fluctuate wildly south of the PRCs Jinghong dam. The downstream communities thus had no time to prepare for or respond to water levels that were at times 50 percent lower than usual.

The PRC has a responsibility to keep its downstream neighbors informed of changing conditions or activities that may impact the river.

The United States supports transparency and accountability in managing transboundary resources. For decades, these values have guided our work to promote the health and sustainability of the Mekong River and the nearly 70 million people whose livelihoods depend on it, said State Department Spokesperson Ned Price in a written statement.

We share the concerns of Mekong region governments and the Mekong River Commission about the recent rapid fluctuations and worrying drop in Mekong River water levels. We join their calls for the Peoples Republic of China to share timely and essential water data, including information about upstream dam operations. It is essential that the PRC live up to its commitments and consult with downstream countries.

The United States, through the Mekong-U.S. Partnership, will continue to support governments and local communities in the Mekong region.
As state lawmakers in Austin wrap up the latest legislative session, Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday threatened to withhold their pay by vetoing a line item in the states budget because a Democratic walkout killed his priority elections bill. No pay for those who abandon their responsibilities, Abbott tweeted. Should the governor veto Legislature funding?

You voted:

Cyprus has taken the lead in the European race to open up to British holidaymakers who have been vaccinated.

The islands deputy tourism minister told the Cyprus News Agency that people from the UK who have had the vaccine will not need to undergo tests or quarantine this summer.

What are the current rules for visiting Cyprus?

All holidays within and beyond the UK are banned  and anyone seeking to travel to Cyprus from here must either be an EU citizen or a Cyprus resident, or have special permission to visit, as well as exemption under Britains Covid rules. Everyone who is allowed to travel to Cyprus needs a test before departure, a test on arrival, and to spend at least 10 days of quarantine.

From 1 April visitors from the UK may be admitted to Cyprus if they take a test in advance, though British rules mean a holiday is still not possible until 17 May at the earliest. The government says international travel may be possible on or after 17 May.

What is changing?

The deputy tourism minister of Cyprus, Savvas Perdios, told the islands news agency: We have informed the British government that as of 1 May we shall facilitate the arrival in Cyprus of those British nationals who have been inoculated with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency, so that they can come here without needing a negative test and without needing to quarantine.

Both the Oxford AstraZeneca and the Pfizer vaccines have been approved by the EUs medicines regular. It is likely that completing the course of two jabs will be necessary, with a wait of at least a week from the second one before full protection is deemed to have been acquired.

What proof will be required?

Its unclear. At present people in the UK being vaccinated will usually get a card, and their vaccination status may also be registered on the NHS app if they have signed up for the scheme.

Several other EU countries, including Estonia, Poland and Romania, allow in visitors from the UK who have been vaccinated with proof such as a note from their GP  though doctors representatives here say they have plenty on at the moment without writing letters for holidaymakers.

The UK government says it is working with international partners on some kind of globally accepted certification, though we are far from agreement on a scheme.

Is the Cyprus move connected with EU plans for a digital green pass?

No. The European Commission is certainly urging progress on a certification system showing vaccination, testing or recovery status, that it hopes will help to unlock Europe.

But it seems unlikely at present that the EU will prove any more unified on tourism in 2021 than it was last year.

Every nation for itself appears to be the order of the day, and this year the Mediterranean charge is led by Cyprus and Greece.

Greece has announced it will allow British tourists to enter from 14 May, either with proof of vaccination or antibodies, or a negative Covid-19 test.

What about a couple or family where one or more people have not been vaccinated?

It is unclear what will happen, though based on existing Cyprus rules it appears children under 12 are likely to get a free pass.

Last summer, when of course no one had the vaccine, British visitors had to obtain a PCR test in the 72 hours before travelling to Cyprus  which is an expensive and onerous task.

It may be that faster and cheaper tests, which can increasingly be conducted at UK airports, could be allowed.

Meanwhile leaving the UK is about to get even trickier...

From Monday 8 March passengers leaving the country by air, sea or rail will have to complete a form before being allowed to depart.

The Declaration to Travel will be checked by the airline, ferry line or train operator to ensure that the traveller is legally allowed to leave the UK under the exemptions for personal or business reasons.

Large Australian companies such as Telstra and NAB are actively hiring more staff with autism as part of a push for neurodiversity in the workplace.

The neurodiversity programs, also embraced by government departments such as Services Australia and technology companies such as DXC and SAP, typically form part of a broader goal to employ people with disabilities.

The term neurodiversity describes a range of conditions that imply a different way of seeing and interacting with the world, including autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia. Most of the programs in the Australian corporate sector focus on people with autism but acknowledge the autistic individuals may have other neurodivergent conditions as well.

Anthony Kyle, who is on the autism spectrum, works for SAP in Sydney in the finance team. Mr Kyle (right) is with chief financial officer Gina McNamara and another team member. Credit:James Brickwood

One in 59 people is on the autism spectrum but 32 per cent of working age autistic Australians are unemployed, Australian Bureau of Statistic figures show. This means they are three times more likely to be unemployed than people with other disabilities and almost six times more likely than people without disabilities.
Dublin, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "The Textile Industry in South Africa 2020" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



This report examines the South African textile industry, from the manufacture and distribution of basic textiles, yarns, and fabrics, to the large retail market for finished textile products like towels and linen. It includes comprehensive information on the state and size of the sector, demand, sales trade and employment statistics, sector trends, corporate actions and major developments.

There are profiles of 23 companies including manufacturers such as Standerton Mills and Aranda Textile Mills, Associate Spinners and The Good Hope Textile Corporation (Da Gama).

The Textile Industry:

Retail trade sales of textiles have continued to expand although the country's protracted struggle with low economic growth and falling incomes, recently exacerbated by the coronavirus outbreak and national lockdown, have restrained consumer spending. In the manufacturing sector, production and employment have stagnated and many producers are uncompetitive relative to the cheap Asian imports. The sector remains largely unable to compete with imports or to generate sustainable growth. Nevertheless, there have been some important recent successes, such as the revitalisation of the cotton sub-sector.



Strategic Priority:

Due to their labour-intensive nature, textiles and apparel have long been identified as a strategic priority for South Africa's industrial policy and support programmes. The industry master plan, released at the end of 2019, aims to buoy local textile procurement by working closely with retailers to combat the high levels of illegal imports, and incentivise new investment into domestic manufacturing capacity.

The performance of the textile industry has been mixed for a number of years, despite government support programmes and support including import duties, local procurement thresholds, subsidies, grants, and direct funding of manufacturers through the clothing and textiles competitiveness programme.



Coronavirus:

The pandemic and global economic lockdowns have had an immediate effect on textile production, sales, and trade. There has been a significant expansion in ecommerce and online shopping as a result of the lockdown. Clothing is a major and rapidly-growing product category for ecommerce, but textiles are a rather niche online segment.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction



2. Description of the Industry

2.1. Industry Value Chain

2.2. Geographic Position



3. Size of the Industry



4. State of the Industry

4.1. Local

4.1.1. Trade

4.1.2. Corporate Actions

4.1.3. Regulations

4.1.4. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development

4.2. Continental

4.3. International



5. Influencing Factors

5.1. Coronavirus

5.2. Economic Environment

5.3. Rising Input Costs

5.4. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation

5.5. Government Incentives and Support

5.6. Environmental Concerns

5.7. Labour



6. Competition

6.1. Barriers to Entry



7. SWOT Analysis



8. Outlook



9. Industry Associations



10. References



Appendix

Summary of Notable Players

Textile Demand for Key Products by Market and Customer, 2015

Textile Buyers, Agents, Importers, and Wholesalers

Company Profiles

Ahlesa Blankets (Pty) Ltd

Aranda Textile Mills (Pty) Ltd

Associated Spinners (Pty) Ltd

Beier Envirotec (Pty) Ltd

Desleemattex (Pty) Ltd

Gelvenor Consolidated Fabrics (Pty) Ltd

Glodina Towelling (Pty) Ltd

Good Hope Textile Corporation (Pty) Ltd (The)

House of Hemp (Pty) Ltd

Integrated Polypropylene Products (Pty) Ltd

Ivili Loboya (Pty) Ltd

Ninian and Lester (Pty) Ltd

Old Nick Fabrics (Pty) Ltd

Prilla 2000 (Pty) Ltd

Resource Link Coatings (Pty) Ltd

Rotex Fabrics (Pty) Ltd

Samil Natural Fibres (Pty) Ltd

Sesli Textiles (Pty) Ltd

South African Polypropylene Yarns (Pty) Ltd

Standerton Mills (Pty) Ltd

Stucken and Company (Pty) Ltd

Svenmill (Pty) Ltd

Yarntex (Pty) Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ilk6dm


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Khanh Hoa province, on the south-central coast, has recently been leading the way in attaining attraction from both domestic and foreign financiers when it comes to the gas and electricity sector.

Among the suitors is one from the United States, proposing the Millennium gas power project with a forecast capacity of 14,400MW and 17 million tonnes of storage for liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year. Joining in are Embark United Co., Ltd. and US Quantum Corporation to establish a 6,000MW gas power venture and a port warehouse to receive and process six million tonnes of LNG per year.

Japanese investors did also not ignore the opportunity to develop gas power projects in Khanh Hoa, as Sumitomo Corporation proposed to invest in a 3,000MW gas power scheme and a storage system for three million tonnes of LNG per year, while J-Power Co., Ltd. wants to invest in a gas turbine power project with a capacity of 3,000MW.

Despite a slightly slower approach, the province is also seeing the presence of more domestic investors, led by Electricity of Vietnam which proposed a 6,000MW gas power project, while Petrolimex wants to build a warehouse for around three million tonnes of LNG per year.

Those involved in the gas power sector all understand that developing such a project in Vietnam is a difficult task, as the country is still in the process of building its Power Development Plan 8 (PDP8). Nevertheless, the total installed capacity of power sources by 2030 is supposed to reach 137.2GW, of which gas accounts for 21 per cent.

Tran Ky Phuc, director of the Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT)  the unit in charge of building the PDP8  said that electricity demand in this plan is calculated lower than in the revised PDP7, reducing the forecast amount by 3-4 billion kWh in 2020 and 9-10 billion kWh in 2030.

Realistic needs

The development of gas power sources in Vietnam is the result of the exhaustion of fossil fuels, the limitations of hydropower, and the fact that nuclear power is currently halted and new and renewable energy sources only meet a very small part of the actual demand.

The Institute of Energy forecasts that Vietnams energy import rate will increase sharply by 2035 by nearly 2.5 times compared to 2015, from 54 to about 90 million tonnes of oil equivalent by 2025.

The increasing investment in the gas and electricity sector is a prerequisite for LNG imports. Data from the MoIT shows that Vietnam has become a net energy importer since 2015, with a net import rate of about 5 per cent of the total energy supply.

Meanwhile, the country started to import LNG in 2018, which is expected to reach about 3.6 million tonnes of LNG per year by 2025, as the domestic gas consumption is forecast to reach 13-27 billion cubic metres, but production might just deliver around 13-19 billion cu.m.

Import of LNG will continue to increase strongly between 2026 and 2035 to about 6-10 million tonnes per year due to the increased market demand of around 23-31 billion cu.m.

While the gas demand in Vietnam has increased sharply in recent years, Le Minh Nguyen, regional director of German MAN Energy Solutions SE said, Onshore gas output is on a downward trend. By the end of 2020, the gas output of PetroVietnam reached approximately 9.16 billion cu.m, while the figures for 2019 and 2018 were about 9.6 billion cu.m and 9.7 billion cu.m respectively.

According to Minh, Vietnams gas field reserves are now estimated at 700 billion cu.m, which can be exploited in around 40-50 years. More gas supply will also be added in 2023 when the two projects at the Blue Whale field and O Mons Block B are updated.

Imports for gas projects, such as Nhon Trach 3 and 4, are only meant to happen in the short term. However, the initial investment capital was one of the main bottlenecks, affecting both the exploration of new gas sources and their exploitation. Initial investments in gas projects are very large and, for example, amounted to $6-7 billion for O Mons Block B field and around $10 billion for the Blue Whale field.

Strict conditions

Vietnams forced import of LNG for electricity generation has become an opportunity for US energy companies to participate more deeply in the countrys gas sector. ExxonMobil is cooperating with PetroVietnam and its subsidiary, PetroVietnam Exploration Production Co. Ltd., to implement the Blue Whale field, the largest gas field in Vietnam, located about 100km from the central coast to the east and holding approximately 150.79 billion cu.m of gas.

The gas supply of the Blue Whale field is secured in sync with the construction progress of the two mixed gas turbine power plants Dung Quat I and Dung Quat III in the south-central province of Quang Ngai.

However, in the long run, Vietnam needs partners to realise the diversified power source target, and the United States could support it. Yet, the first dialogue session on energy  one of five US dialogues conducted worldwide between Vietnam and the US held in 2018  did not reach an agreement, despite efforts behind the scenes during the previous three years.

This dialogue session stopped at the trend of future cooperation, with some suggestions for development in the oil and gas sector yet leaving the renewable energy sector almost unchanged while coal-fired thermal power was not discussed at all.

According to the US, Vietnam should develop gas power plants using LNG rather than continuing to operate coal-fired power plants. This recommendation is not new but has now also been noticed at the national level.

The US proposal may be suitable for Vietnams target of diversified power sources, but there is no immediate progress because of the lack of a legal framework for electricity and gas. Even in the revised PDP7, the content for gas power remains fuzzy. It may take Vietnam up to three years to add this proposal to the new PDP8 and prepare the infrastructure for gas imports.

Since the first gas was exploited at the Tien Hai C field in 1981, the country has exploited nearly 150 billion cu.m of gas, according to Dr. Nguyen Hong Minh, deputy director of the Vietnam Petroleum Institute.

Minh said that oil and gas exploration has identified a depletion rate of only 16 per cent, but investment in oil and gas has continuously declined in recent years. The demand for capital increases and may sum up to $13-14 billion for the 2019-2025 period, but each year only a few hundred million US dollars can be mobilised.

Tran Sy Thanh, PetroVietnams former chairman said, The oil and gas industry has difficulties to attract investment with the current mechanisms such as the strict contract conditions in the revised Law on Petroleum.

Besides that, some taxes are also creating additional pressure on businesses participating in this field. For example, the gas industry is subject to a water resource tax of VND100 million ($4,300) for each square kilometre of the used sea surface, while each exploration lot needs about 5,000 sq.km, equivalent to an expense of $10-15 million. Thanh said that no investor can bear such a heavy tax.

Inappropriate regulations are currently a huge barrier to investment in the sector. Hoang Anh Tuan, deputy director of the MoITs Domestic Market Department, confirmed that the contents in the Law on Petroleum and the follow-up Decree No.96/2015/ND-CP regulating oil and gas exploration Vietnams territories are inconsistent with reality.

Tuan cited that there are many regulations on adjusting the upstream sector  which includes searching for potential underground or underwater crude oil and natural gas fields  but not on the midstream and downstream sectors  the former of which involves the transportation, storage, and wholesale marketing of crude or refined petroleum products while the latter includes the refining of petroleum crude oil and processing and purifying of raw natural gas. Mid-and downstream activities are mainly regulated through the laws on enterprises, public investment, construction, environmental protection, and other relevant legal documents.

Another problem is that, when Vietnam uses LNG to generate power, it may not always be fully accepted. Morten Bk, Denmarks former Permanent Secretary of State at the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Utilities, noted that the dependence on imported gas sources will remain present in the future, when Vietnam develops gas power. Bk does also not believe that gas power can be the sole answer to sustainability and should only be considered one of many diverse energy sources.
Joanna Lumley has accused Harry and Meghan of 'spreading hatefulness' and revealed she refuses to watch their bombshell interview on Monday.

The Absolutely Fabulous star was a guest on Friday night's The Last Leg when conversation turned to the Oprah Winfrey chat, expected to be watched by hundreds of millions.

And when asked her opinion on the divisive subject, the 74-year-old revealed she 'doesn't like' the infighting.

Joanna Lumley was a guest on Friday night's The Last Leg on Channel 4, saying she 'hates' the infighting

She said: 'I just hate squabbling in public, I really hate it actually.

'It sort of destroys everybody and everything, and it makes everybody watching take sides and argue with each other, and become hateful. It spreads hatefulness, I really don't like it.

'I'm not rubbing my hands, I won't watch the interview. I can't do it.'

The interview is proving divisive even before its airing, with some, like Meghan's former Suits co-star Patricks Adams defending the couple, and others, like Piers Morgan, levelling heavy criticism.

Joanna, who also starred in the Wolf of Wall Street, added: 'Of course I've met them, I've never met Meghan but I've met the young Princes and I've met Charles, I've met the Duke of Edinburgh and the Queen and all these people.

Joanna Lumley added she refuses to watch the divisive interview on Monday night

The couple's two hour interview is set to air in the UK on Monday evening on ITV

'Of course I've met them because it's in my line of duty and I'm 112. At this time we should all be calmed down and made happy.

'I don't like this, it's stirring up a lot of hatred.'

American network CBS is set to air Harry and Meghan's two-hour special in the US at 1am UK time on Monday morning - with ITV broadcasting the show at 9pm that evening.

ITV has faced furious backlash at the decision to push ahead with releasing the interview while Harry's 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip recovers from heart surgery in hospital.

The interview is set to make uncomfortable viewing for the royal family, with over-produced teaser trailers already seeing the Duchess of Sussex accuse the 'Firm' of 'perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Prince Harry during their time in Kensington Palace.
MACAO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday voiced firm backing of the agenda concerning the Hong Kong SAR at the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

A draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR was submitted on Friday at the fourth annual session of the 13th NPC for deliberation.

The move is to provide solid institutional guarantee for fully implementing the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong," said a spokesperson of the office.

The existing electoral system in the HKSAR has obvious loopholes, which had been repeatedly taken advantage of by anti-China disruptors, instigators of Hong Kong unrest and local radical separatist forces, who were backed and instigated by external forces, to challenge the constitutional order of the HKSAR and seize jurisdiction over the HKSAR, noted the spokesperson.

Such acts and activities severely jeopardized national sovereignty and seriously undermined Hong Kong's social stability. The NPC's deliberation on the draft decision is is an exercise of the authority and duty of the central authorities within the framework of the Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law, which has won positive response and support from all walks of life in Hong Kong, said the spokesperson.

The central authorities have unswerving resolution and confidence in adhering to "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, the spokesperson said, adding that the NPC taking necessary measures to eradicate hidden dangers and risks regarding the systems and mechanisms will help genuinely implement the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body.

The spokesperson stressed that improving the electoral system in the HKSAR is entirely China's internal affair, which allows no interference from any foreign government, organization or individual.

All walks of life in the Macao SAR have deep roots in patriotic traditions with the core value of love for the country and the SAR taking the mainstay in Macao society, noted the spokesperson, voicing confidence that the principle of "patriots administering Macao" will definitely be fully implemented.

The office promised to persist in fully and accurately implementing the "one country, two systems" principle, strictly adhere to the Constitution and the Macao SAR Basic Law, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and create a sound external environment for the enduring success of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics.
Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) in partnership with Cisco will host the first annual STEM Leadership event in a virtual setting. STEM Leadership 2021 & The Women Who Power It will be held online on March 18, 2021, from 4:00-5:30 pm PT.

Powering an inclusive future for all is Ciscos mission, and as leaders and industries, we have a responsibility to take action to help make peoples lives better. I am excited to join my peers to share our experiences with future generations, says Maria Martinez, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience & Operations at Cisco.

It is easy to voice discontent of current issues and realities. It is much harder to take intentional action to change conditions that bolster and perpetuate inequities and inequalities. SVEF prides itself in providing access and opportunities for girls to experience and excel in STEM, says Lisa Andrew, SVEF CEO.

The event will feature eight female speakers sharing their STEM related journey and advice to future generations.



Maria Martinez, EVP, Customer Experience & Operations, Cisco

Jo-Ann de Pass Olsovsky, EVP & Chief Information Officer, Salesforce

Lori A. Schechter, EVP, Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel, McKesson

Nishita Henry, Principal, US Consulting Chief Innovation Officer, Deloitte

Dr. Yan Li, Vice President, Engineering Memory Design, Western Digital

Wadiya (Diya) Wynn, AI/ML Ethics Lead, Emerging Technologies & Intelligent Platforms, Amazon Web Services

Patricia A. Hatter, Senior Vice President Global Customer Services, Palo Alto Networks

Dr. Claudia Galvan, Principal, Technical Program Manager, Oracle

Tickets are $10.00 and all proceeds benefit SVEF.

For event information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.svefoundation.org/stemleadership

Proceeds will support the nonprofit Silicon Valley Education Foundation, which brings award-winning STEM learning programs, like Elevate [Math] and the Computer Science Institute, to over 5,000 students per year. SVEF also provides essential training for teachers in under-resourced school districts. Gifts from donors keep programs free for students and affordable for school districts. Community support also allows SVEF to adapt quickly to students changing needs during the pandemic, including the pivot to distance/online learning.

Cisco is our Partner Sponsor of SVEFs STEM Leadership 2021 & The Women Who Power It event. Presenting Sponsors include Amazon, Salesforce, Deloitte, McKesson, and Western Digital. Other corporate sponsors include Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Company, Palo Alto Networks, and Waymo.

About SVEF

Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) serves students furthest from access and opportunity to deliver and advocate for STEM education that inspires students to succeed in college and careers. As the largest educational nonprofit in Silicon Valley, SVEF has a legacy of providing proven STEM programs, leading the way as an education innovator, and being profoundly committed to empowering students to graduate high school career and college ready. SVEFs vision is that every student becomes a successful and productive adult. For more information, visit svefoundation.org

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Vietnams is considered as one of the fastest growing aviation markets in Asia.

Vietnam should invest in hub airports in terms of scale and capacity instead of massively building ones, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV)s proposal on its draft plan on the development of the national airport system by 2030, with a vision to 2050.

Vietnam needs to build hub airports. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan said some airports are currently operating beyond the designed capacity, many of their items have not been upgraded, especially, no airport has been qualified in the international large hub category.

Tuan was speaking at a conference held in Hanoi on March 3, which aimed to seek ideas for national airport system development.

According to the draft plan, Vietnam will have 26 airports by 2030 and 30 ones by 2050, half of them will be international airports.

With the strong growth in the aviation industry in the future, the plan on the national airport system needs being studied carefully to suit the current situation and the socio-economic development of the country, according to local experts.

Localities proposed massively building airports

According to the CAAV, some provinces have recently wanted to turn their provincial airport into international airport. However, airport is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for the tourist development and investment attraction of a province. Other infrastructures are more essential to attract private investment as well as tourist arrivals.

Phan Xuan Dung, Chairman of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, suggested that the plan on the national airport system development should be based on the projection of passenger number, the overall transport network development as well as the air routes system and the development plan of each airport.

At the same time, the aviation planning should take into account not only the probable economic efficiency, but also the compatibility between civil and military aviation, ensuring aviation security and national defence, Dung added.

Assoc. Dr. Tran Kim Chung, Deputy Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management, said that forecasting the international and domestic developments in the 2021-2030 period is very important and necessary for the national airport planning.

In addition, it is necessary to identify competitors and partners among the airports of other countries in the region, then, consider domestic economic scenarios to have plans for the development of both infrastructure development and airports, Chung said.

Resources and infrastructure connections

Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan said that the plan should have a mechanism to attract resources in order to achieve the goals.

Dr. Chung recommended that the mobilization of non-state economic sectors to invest in airport construction should be seen as a policy and a solution.

Dr. Tran Quang Chau, Chairman of the Vietnam Association on Aviation Science and Technology, affirmed that for the effective mobilization of resources in the way of involving private investment in construction and operation of airports, a transparent policy is a must. The policy should ensure a harmonization of interests among investors, the state and the people so that the investor would trust in the policy and pour money in investing and operating airports, he said.

In addition, Dr. Chung also raised the issue of transport connectivity of infrastructures in the planning of the airport development. Airport planning must be considered as an input to other plans and vice-versa , he said.

Hanoitimes

Covid-19 pandemic makes no hurdle to Vietnam's building plan of SEA largest airport: Experts With a strong certainty that air travel will recovery when the pandemic ends, airports are seen as long-term asset. In that case, any decision related to airport projects must be for the long-term view.
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COVID-19 has shocked the U.S. more than any event in generations, a deadly viral threat that simultaneously crippled the economy and dramatically transformed everyday life such that masks are now customary while concerts feel like a distant memory.

Americans have had to navigate a public health crisis and a recession while largely separated from friends, loved ones and normalcy. Even for many who never fell ill, the pandemic has had a profound impact on how we feel, work and act.

Like many catastrophes before it, the pandemic will reverberate for years after the immediate threat is over, whether through permanently altered routines or lingering distress.

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The Journal talked to some experts about how it has reshaped America to date and what might be forever changed.

Working

Americans working lives have dramatically changed in the last year.

For those in essential fields, it meant reporting for duty and working behind new layers of personal protective equipment.

Others found themselves doing Zoom meetings and filing reports from their dining room tables and bedrooms as part of a massive shift toward teleworking.

And for millions more, it meant unemployment, particularly in industries like leisure and hospitality and other in-person services.

Some estimates say it will take years to regain all the lost jobs.

Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico officials say they have begun working with people looking to change careers due to the pandemic, whether thats because they have lost jobs or want something more stable and flexible.

Joy Forehand, operations manager for the workforce development board, said she anticipates a new wave of younger workers seeking the agencys services  which includes career counseling  as they are often disproportionately impacted by recessions.

She and WCCNM administrator Art Martinez say the industries likely to be hiring post-pandemic are probably similar to the ones hiring before, including health care and information technology. And while many fields require specialized skills, demand continues to exist across sectors for those who work well on teams, can write and are generally reliable, Forehand said.

Overall, it hasnt changed through the pandemic: employers are really looking for what has been coined for a decade soft skills, she said.

Martinez said there is a sense that the widespread adoption of teleworking could ultimately be a boon to places like New Mexico.

When companies headquartered elsewhere become more comfortable with remote workforces, New Mexico might attract new residents no longer tethered to corporate offices in places like San Francisco. It could also mean more job opportunities for workers already based here.

They just need some talent, and were looking at being able to supply that talent, Martinez said.

The number of people working remotely all or some of the time has fallen since the pandemics early days but still accounted for about 56% of U.S. workers in January, according to Gallup surveys.

Though it may look different long-term, experts believe working from home is now an entrenched part of American culture.

As of now, managers have been pleasantly surprised (with remote work success), said Bhushan Sethi, a partner with the global accounting and professional services firm PwC. No one is going to (argue) remote working doesnt work or that flexibility is not allowed; the next challenge is how do we operate this thing in the hybrid workplace?

PwC, which has been surveying executives and office workers, found most companies are moving toward a hybrid model in which employees spend some time at home and some in offices designed more like shared spaces.

While the overwhelming majority of executives believe working from home has been successful, PwC found that bosses want a faster return to the office than workers. Sethi said companies will have to find a system that best balances the need for face-to-face collaboration and customer service with flexibility and fairness for workers. That will likely vary by industry or even within individual companies.

There is no one-size-fits-all, he said.

The pandemic could also bring about permanent changes for those in the essential workforce.

About 50 million Americans work in front-line jobs, most of them making below-average wages, according to 2020 Brookings research.

But Donald Tomaskovic-Devey, a sociology professor at the University of Massachusetts who researches workplace inequality, said the pandemic has cast a new spotlight on workers who have long been treated as disposable.

The pandemic has really revealed how much we rely on these kind of basic service workers, like the manufacturing workers in food plants and the truck drivers who deliver our goods and services, and Im hoping this kind of general cultural recognition that these are in fact essential workers will increase the degree to which they are treated with respect by their employers, he said.

Though often temporary, some large companies provided new benefits and pay hikes during the pandemic. Home Depot, for example, says it offered 40 hours of paid time off for part-time hourly employees in 2020, and even more for full-timers and those over 65. Since the pandemic started, Target has distributed a series of bonuses to employees and implemented a permanent $15-per-hour starting wage.

Tomaskovic-Devey said companies may have to continue improving benefits, such as paid family medical leave, as they rebound from the pandemic and hope to lure back the millions of workers  often women  who have dropped out of the workforce during COVID-19.

When employers want them back, they should be offering incentives to make it worth their while, not the same conditions they were offering before, he said.

Tomaskovic-Devey said the pandemic may have pushed worker issues higher on policy-making agendas, too. The pandemic has renewed national debate over raising the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. States have taken new steps as well; Colorado, for example, in 2020 passed a law mandating all employers offer paid leave.

Buying

COVID-19 rippled through even the most basic facets of everyday life.

The pandemic, particularly last March and April when it started, was the biggest behavior change in America society since World War II, said Chris Jackson, senior vice president of public affairs for the market and public opinion research firm Ipsos. We had whole swaths of the country essentially in the course of a couple of days go from living their normal lives to staying home full time.

What impacts has COVID-19 had on consumer behavior, and which will ultimately stick?

There was an immediate and pronounced shift in shopping habits in the pandemics early days; a U.S. consumer survey last summer from Inmar Intelligence found 79% of participants had bought groceries online since the pandemic started compared with 57% who had done so prior to the virus.

But Jackson said some of that has already subsided.

The virus forced people to rapidly adapt, but people tend only to permanently embrace changes if their needs are still being met.

Shoppers may keep buying products such as paper towels online after they start because they are indifferent to the experience either way, but may find traditional shopping more pleasurable for other items, like bananas and bell peppers.

I think a lot of people like being able to pick up their own produce, so you might see some of that (shopping) revert back, Jackson said.

Ipsos has routinely surveyed Americans throughout the pandemic on consumer behavior subjects. Its polls indicate 25% are spending more money now than before COVID-19, compared with 40% who report saving more.

But data suggest Americans are shelling out more money for certain things, namely products and services to keep themselves busy  or, in some cases, relaxed  while locked down. They spent more on video games, toys, patio furniture and, according to The NPD Group research firm, even candles and massage appliances.

Some aspects of the so-called homebody economy are likely to remain even after the pandemic.

U.S. consumers have also adopted many in-home alternatives, and many of these activities such as online streaming and cooking regularly are expected to stick post-COVID-19, the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. reported on its website in December.

Customer behavior also has changed significantly when it comes to fitness.

Home gym equipment sales soared during the pandemic  with some manufacturers running out of popular products  while traditional gyms took a hit.

About 17% of Americas health clubs shuttered permanently in 2020 and the industry lost $20.4 billion in revenue, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. The trade group, however, remains hopeful about a comeback, reporting in its 2021 media guide that gym membership had been rising prior to the pandemic and that people go to the gym for both health and social reasons.

The full impact of the pandemic may not be quantified for some time, but early feedback from Americans is encouraging, and shows how much they value their health clubs, gyms and studios, IHRSA reported.

Coping

The toll COVID-19 has taken on Americans health cannot be measured solely in virus case counts, hospitalizations and deaths.

The pandemic also has had widespread effects on Americans mental health, as demonstrated by higher rates of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

People had so much uncertainty, and uncertainty breeds fear, and fear breeds anxiety, said Jagdish Khubchandani, a public health sciences professor at New Mexico State University who has been researching the pandemics impact on mental health.

He was lead author on a study published earlier this year in the Journal of Public Health that found rates of anxiety and depression in American adults have more than doubled during the pandemic. The research showed that 42% were experiencing anxiety and 39% experiencing depression, and the incidence was higher in certain demographics.

Men showed a higher rate of depression, Khubchandani said, while anxiety was more common among women.

Some populations had higher rates of depression as well as higher rates of anxiety, including Hispanics, people making less than $60,000 per year and young adults ages 18-25.

Clearly a young demographic of racial and ethnic minorities was hugely affected, Khubchandani said. Theyve seen a lot of death in their community (and have) a lot of uncertainty about the economy, and so it does seem like they have more effects.

And young people might be suffering from more than the pandemics direct force. They are also overwhelmed by the onslaught of information they are processing about it, according to an analysis Khubchandani conducted with a team of researchers. It found young people were more likely to be concerned about the quality and quantity of information they were seeing about COVID-19.

Even without a pandemic, many people who need behavioral health services do not have them. Khubchandani said the growing number of people grappling with anxiety and depression today likely means that many more people now lack necessary treatment.

There will be a huge residual effect, he said.

Only 38% of Americans experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms took related medication and/or received therapy in the last four weeks, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus most recent household pulse survey.

What weve seen with the pandemic is that gap in care really has been laid bare, and it likely has increased because we havent increased our workforce to meet the demand of what people are going through with the pandemic, said psychologist Vaile Wright, senior director of the American Psychological Association.

She said groups that are already most vulnerable to mental health conditions  including young people, lower-income populations and essential workers  are also likely to have a longer path to recovery because they often lack resources, whether that is emotional resiliency in younger populations, financial wherewithal or health care.

Federal and state regulators have relaxed some rules to better facilitate telehealth counseling and make it more accessible, and over 90% of psychologists the APA surveyed now report doing some or all of their appointments remotely.

But Wright said it will take more than growing telehealth adoption to counter COVID-19s impact, suggesting a wide-ranging approach that holds insurance companies accountable for covering mental health care; better integrates mental health care into primary care settings and perhaps even schools and churches; and creates stability within vulnerable populations by investing in housing and other social supports.

Its both traditional interventions, she said, but also thinking much more holistically about how we address our emotional well-being.
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The masks came off almost immediately, even faster than Alexis De Los Santos had feared.

Fewer than half the shoppers who came through her grocery checkout line in Corpus Christi, Texas, this week wore face coverings. Many told her they were relieved Republican Gov. Greg Abbott was lifting the mask mandate and declaring the state "open 100%." Some said they felt like they could finally breathe again.

"It was like, wow, that escalated quickly," said De Los Santos, 19, who works at the Texas grocery chain H-E-B, where customers will be "strongly encouraged" but no longer required to wear masks when the state mandate lifts Wednesday. "I've had family members die from covid, so it personally offends me when people don't wear their masks. But I bite my tongue and keep working."

After nearly a year on the front lines of the pandemic, retail and restaurant workers in Texas and Mississippi - where governors this week said they would ease a number of coronavirus-related restrictions, including mask requirements - say they feel especially vulnerable now. They've worked through shutdowns and watched colleagues fall ill and die of the virus.

The stakes, they say, feel even higher now. They're not yet eligible for the vaccine even though they're surrounded by hundreds, sometimes thousands, of customers a day. In interviews with more than a dozen workers, many said they've considered quitting.

"It's like pulling the rug out from under essential workers - the very people who need our unambiguous support and protection - just as we're turning a corner," said David Abrams, professor of social and behavioral science at New York University's School of Global Public Health. "It puts people who are already in a precarious position in a terrible bind."

At least 175 grocery workers have died and thousands more have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to labor unions, advocacy groups and media reports, though tracking is spotty and incomplete. And though they were celebrated as "heroes" at the beginning of the pandemic, retail workers have largely been left off vaccine priority lists and lag other essential workers in hourly pay, health benefits and sick leave.

In Corpus Christi, De Los Santos says H-E-B has been proactive about placing protective barriers at cash registers and allowing workers ample time off if they feel sick. Her hourly pay has gone from $10 to $14 during the pandemic. But at the same time, she worries about taking the virus home to her boyfriend's mother and grandmother.

"There are customers who understand the risks, but then there are others who hand me cash from their bra or lick their fingers before giving me their money," she said. "Every minute on this job, I'm wondering how to stay safe."

H-E-B did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Retail industry groups have been outspoken about the need for masks and other safety protocols, saying doing away with those measures too soon could jeopardize worker health, as well as the safety of pharmacies and grocery stores that increasingly serve as vaccination centers. National chains such as Target, Kroger and CVS have said they will keep requiring masks in all U.S. stores, though employees say they fear those requirements will be difficult to enforce without backing from state and local officials.

"It freaks me out being around people, even if they've got their masks on," said Cassandra Walker, 35, who works in the deli of a local grocery store in Columbus, Miss., where the lunchtime crowd often numbers in the dozens. "I'm facing the public all day, just terrified of getting sick. And now it's on a whole other level. How can I go home and hold my kids knowing I could give them the virus?"

Walker recently had to quarantine and get tested for the virus after a colleague got sick. Another co-worker, with diabetes, died earlier this year of covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

And though she wears a mask on the job, Walker and other workers in Mississippi and Texas said they feel even more fearful as customers - and managers - have become particularly lax about mask-wearing and enforcement in recent weeks.

"It was fantastic how quickly we adapted to the pandemic, but then it was a very quick down-flight to 'I hate wearing this mask' and 'I don't want to sanitize anything,'" said a waitress at an upscale steakhouse near Dallas who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she fears losing her job.

At least once a week, she says, customers ask her to pull down her mask so they can hear her better. Until now, she's told them she'll get in trouble if she does. "But now it's not like I can say that anymore," she said. "I'll have to come up with a new reason - or find a different job."

She's started looking for work she can do from home and says her colleagues are mostly relieved to not have to wear masks anymore. Even when face coverings were required, she said some employees wore sheer masks, or covers studded with holes in protest of the rules.

"I've been sitting at home, biting my nails for days," she said, adding that two colleagues recently tested positive for the virus. "I'm in the restaurant industry because I love taking care of people, and it feels so disrespectful to completely ignore the health of myself and my co-workers."

At a Walmart in Port Arthur, Texas, "basically no customers" have worn face coverings following Abbott's announcement, according to Emily Francois, who has been working at the store for 14 years. Employees are required to wear masks, but the company has done little to enforce that shoppers adhere to such requirements, she said.

"It's hard, I'm scared just coming to work," said Francois, 38. "We're putting our lives on the line more and more."

Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

During the pandemic, retail employees have frequently been pulled into the front lines of a growing culture war between shoppers who are willing to wear masks and those who aren't. This week's rollback of mask mandates, experts say, leaves already-vulnerable workers with even less control over their surroundings.

"The mask debate has been framed as a question of individual choice and individual responsibility," said Wendy Parmet, director of the Center for Health Policy and Law at Northeastern University. "But when people choose not to wear a mask, they're not only taking on risk for themselves, they're also passing that risk onto others who don't have the choice to walk away or keep their distance."

Neither Texas nor Mississippi is giving vaccine priority to grocery or retail workers, which labor unions say is essential to stop the spread of the virus. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents 1.3 million U.S. grocery, meat packing and food processing employees, says essential workers are at 55% higher risk of catching the coronavirus than nonessential workers.

On Thursday, Tess Santana showed up to work at a Walmart store in Arlington, Texas, to find that most customers - at least 30 out of 35 - weren't wearing masks. She panicked and said she asked to work in the backroom for the duration of her shift.

"More and more people come in without any face coverings and completely ignore social distancing," said Santana, 18, who fulfills online grocery orders. "It makes my job even more stressful and almost feels dehumanizing."

Leah Kendall works at a department store near Dallas and says she's become accustomed to customers who don't wear masks or keep them pulled under their nose. When a shopper gets too close, the 61-year-old instinctively pulls her KN95 mask tight against her face and asks them to step back.

But she fears this week was a turning point. District managers have told employees they can no longer enforce mask requirements. Kendall plans to keep wearing a mask and taking other precautions. And even though she got the first of two Moderna shots last weekend, she said she worries about transmitting the virus to her father, an 85-year-old cancer survivor.

"It's so hard to get some of these customers to put on their masks and keep them over their nose," she said. "I really resent the utter contempt they show for my safety and my family's safety."
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 07:59:50|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, March 5 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Joe Biden agreed that authorizations for the use of military force (AUMF) that justify U.S. military operations need to be updated, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday.

In her daily press briefing, Psaki told reporters that Biden agreed the AUMFs are "long overdue for updated".

She said Biden wanted to discuss "a narrow and specific framework moving forward" and would cooperate with Democratic Senator Tim Kaine on this issue.

Her comments came two days after Senator Kaine and Republican Senator Todd Young introduced legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMF to curb the president's war power.

U.S. military conducted airstrikes against facilities used by Iranian-backed militant groups in eastern Syria last week, which killed one militia member and injured two others.

Lawmakers from both parties were dissatisfied with the Biden administration's lack of consultation before the operation was taken.

"We're confident in the legal authorities for that strike, and they were the self-defense of U.S. military personnel who were threatened overseas," Psaki defended.

The Pentagon said the airstrikes were authorized in response to recent attacks against American and coalition personnel in Iraq. Syria and Iran strongly condemned the U.S. strikes. Enditem
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).
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The killing of the alleged maneater tigress Avni in 2018 was one of the most controversial such actions in India in recent times and still remains a topic that is highly debated.

But in some good news, one of her cubs which was rescued after Avni was shot dead has been released back into the wild.

PTR

The female cub was released into the wild in the Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) of Maharashtra''s Nagpur district after over two years of "re-wilding" efforts, authorities said.

Tigress now 3.2 years old

The tigress, now aged around 3.2 years old, which is an adult and has been named as PTRF-84, was released on Friday, Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director of the PTR said in a release.

She was been brought to Pench Tiger Reserve as an orphaned cub on December 22, 2018, following a rescue operation, over a month after Avni was shot dead. After that, she was housed in the 5.11 hectares of enclosure for over two years, where she was reared/re-wilded as per the standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

BCCL

An expert committee supervised her entire rewilding experiment and as per its decision, a proposal was sent to the NTCA for her release, which was approved.

Tiger was radio-collared

Before her release, the tigress was radio-collared with the help of scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

"Further monitoring of the tigress will be carried out with the help of field formation and satellite tracking. Although we cannot predict how this tigress will behave in the wild, the forest department has taken the best of efforts to re-wild the animal using systematic re-wilding techniques," a Forest Department release said.

PTR

What's the controversy surrounding Avni?

Avni, officially named T-1, a resident tigress of Pandharkawada in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra landed in trouble with humans after she was blamed for 13 human kills between 2016 and 2018, a charge which has not been proven beyond doubt.

As the protests from locals grew, the Maharashtra government initially tried to capture and relocate it. But as the efforts failed, the Supreme Court ordered that the animal be tranquilized and transported elsewhere, failing which the authorities were given permission to kill her.

BCCL

The hunt for Avni was led by Shafath Ali Khan, a sharpshooter and a highly controversial hunter.

On March 2, 2018, the team led by Khan finally zeroed in on their target and the five-year-old tigress was shot dead from near a road in Borati village by Asgar Ali Khan, son of sharp-shooter Shafath Ali Khan, even as environmentalists were making desperate attempts to save her life.

Avni was killed, leaving her two cubs, then 10 months old as orphans.

Last week, the Supreme Court had refused to entertain a plea seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against Maharashtra Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge and other state officials for announcing reward to people who had killed 'Avni'.

The Chief Justice said that in an earlier litigation, the decision to kill the tiger was given by the court as the tigress was proved to be a man eater. "The state government has submitted a report in this regard which was accepted by the court," said the bench.
Denise Berry, the new executive director at Shelterhouse of Midland and Gladwin Counties, knows that to be a good leader, you must also be a good follower.

The importance of followership was one of many leadership skills Berry learned during her 13 years in the U.S. Army.

Ill never ask someone to do something that Im not willing to do myself or havent already done, she said. And if I do, I will explicitly state that because I want them to understand that I might not have that experience, and I dont know, but now Im asking you to do this.

And she doesnt mean follower in the sense that you put blinders on and do what youre told without asking questions but rather doing so because there is mutual understanding between the leader and follower about the task at hand.

I try to be as transparent as possible, Berry said. ... And I think that comes down to, I learned how to be a team player and just how to work in a group and follow.

Berry joined Shelterhouse just a few months ago in October 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was already in full-swing in the state. And when you lead a nonprofit organization that serves survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, just staying open and continuing services during a quarantine is a feat.

Berry said employees are now starting to transition back into the building after having been vaccinated while working from home.

Im really just looking forward to getting to know people more on a personal level and not just a Zoom call, she said. There are still employees I have not met in person or had a chance to discuss that day to day banter  that watercooler talk, I guess. I really look forward to that.

In addition to followership, Berry said accountability and integrity are the cornerstones of her leadership. Shelterhouse has a leadership model based on empowerment, which is starkly different than the top-down, hierarchical approach in the military. Still, Berry said has been patiently adapting to the model, which favors team input over efficiency.

I try not to make any decisions in a vacuum, unless it has to be done quickly, she said. But we always want input. Its very different from the military ... so, Ive had to learn some patience.

Within the organization, she is currently preparing for the organizations quality assurance visit from the state later this year. It will be the first evaluation in the new Shelterhouse facility.

Right now, one of the challenges were running into is are they coming out in person or are we doing this virtually? Berry said. And so, it adds a whole different perspective if its virtual because weve got to take videos and weve got to video every room.

In addition, Berry will lead a roll out of a new LGBTQ support group for survivors this year at Shelterhouse.

Berry has more than 20 years of senior leadership experience through her service as a major in the U.S. Army and with non-profit organizations, including strategic planning, fund development, program coordination, public relations, employee management, budget and financial management in excess of $20 million.

Out of the military, she moved to Michigan in 2011 and worked with veterans at Saginaw Valley State University as director of military student affairs, and then working at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, where she helped create an intensive two-week treatment program for veterans with PTSD and sexual trauma. Thats where her interest in human services and mental health began, setting the stage for where she is now.

Its not just the work every day (that I love)  its the advocacy; its the trying to bring the different programs to fill the gaps  see where the gaps are in the community and make the programs to fill the gaps, she said. ... Its been a real challenge, but its been really rewarding. And Midland has provided a lot of opportunity.

Before joining Shelterhouse, she was chief executive officer of Family & Childrens Services of Mid-Michigan, where she redesigned business processes and organization structure that resulted in a multi-year increase of program revenue.

The Differdange site is the flagship of Luxembourg's steel industry.

Roland Bastian, the General Director of ArcelorMittal Luxembourg, welcomed the distinguished guests with a short introduction, stating that in these times of a global pandemic, the visit of HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Minister of the Economy is "a great encouragement for the employees of ArcelorMittal who are committed every day to serve our customers around the world". Bastian added that "ArcelorMittal's innovative products, ever more environmentally friendly and integrated into prestigious projects, allow the Grand Duchy to shine far beyond its borders".

From capacities around the world, through Covid-19, the economic crisis, and the "green deal", the steel industry is facing major challenges. After four months of negotiations and tripartite talks, the Lux2025 agreement was finally signed at the end of January, a guarantee for investments in Luxembourg sites but also confirmation of the elimination of 500 jobs.

The plant in Differdange produces and assembles impressive beams, which are then sent all over the world for unique projects, such as skyscrapers or bridges that rely on Luxembourg expertise and quality. A site which, despite its worldwide fame, has strongly felt the consequences of the crisis. US import taxes alone have led to a 50% drop in the market between 2018 and 2020.

Michel Wurth, President of ArcelorMittal Luxembourg, points out that "the coronavirus is not the only factor making life difficult for us in recent months. The ensuing economic crisis and the horrible trade wars have contributed to the situation we are now experiencing".

Added to this was the challenge of proposing a plan for the future of Luxembourg's sites. At the end of this tripartite process, it was decided that of the 3,600 jobs that the steel giant provides in Luxembourg today, 500 will be eliminated by 2025. So far, 78 early retirement agreements have already been signed.

On a more positive note, between 165 and 205 million euros will be invested in order to modernise and develop the ArcelorMittal sites in the Grand Duchy over the next five years, as Minister of the Economy Franz Fayot stressed. Fayot also explained that this money will be used in particular to preserve jobs and Luxembourg's quality in the world, while keeping in mind the elimination of CO2 emissions by 2050.

New York, Rabat, Dubai - Luxembourg around the world

Thomas Georges from the Differdange factory says that they produce the heaviest and most imposing beams and that is why they are exported all over the world.

"These beams represent all of Luxembourg's know-how, innovation, and capacities", Fayot proudly concluded.
Dr Craig Richards, principal at the Lorn Surgery in Maitland, said the health departments nonsensical policy pirouettes are making it increasingly difficult for us to find a financially realistic way to participate. Dr Maria Boulton, a Brisbane practice owner and director of the Australian GP Alliance of about 150 owners, said clinics should be paid double what they are getting (about $31 for the first jab and $24 for the second). She said she knew of several clinics that will pull out of the program. Melbourne GP Joe Garra said we cant do much with 50 doses and his practice was considering delaying for a week and not starting until we have our second delivery. Some GPs said they did not want to vaccinate anyone other than their usual patients because the administrative work involved in signing up new people made it unfeasible. We dont want to be there on a Sunday vaccinating people that we dont know, said one practice owner who did not wish to be identified. Unless they do a serious correction, were pulling out.

About 4600 accredited general practices have been approved to participate - more than double the Commonwealths initial forecast - accounting for about two thirds of the 6800 accredited practices nationwide and 56 per cent of all 8147 practices. Mr Hunt said on Friday the take-up was broader than our best expectations and means as many Australians as possible ... will be able to be vaccinated by their own GP. He is confident that even if a small number withdraw, at least 4000 GP practices will be confirmed as participants this week. Mr Hazzard said that wasnt good enough. There are many people who wont be able to [see their usual GP], he said. The most important aspect of our system is to guarantee confidence ... confidence is enhanced when a patient can go to their usual doctor. Mr Hazzard said the AstraZeneca vaccine supply was large and stable enough to allow all GPs to access it through the regular flu vaccination booking system, even those who did not express interest in January.

However, a spokesperson for Mr Hunt said the program details were affirmed to all health ministers and premiers on Thursday and Friday respectively and we are not aware that anybody is seeking to say that practices that do not apply or do not meet relevant standards should participate. Federal health department secretary Professor Brendan Murphy briefed the national cabinet about the rollout on Friday. Credit:Getty Unlike the flu vaccine the COVID vaccine contains multiple doses in each phial, a key reason for the extra screening requirements applied by the federal government. Federal health department secretary Brendan Murphy acknowledged on Friday NSW was very keen to roll out as many GP practices as possible and said he was working with CSL to lift production even further. Were on track, were doing well. Were going to keep ramping up, he said. CSL will start making a million doses a week from March 22, with at least 50 a week initially going to each approved general practice.

NSW AMA president Danielle McMullen said the initial allocation was lower than we expected [but] thats probably the government making sure we have enough supply. Dr McMullen said there may be some practices that are disappointed but they should stay the course. People should be patient and keep an ear to the ground, she advised patients. RACGP president Karen Price said she supported the idea of every GP being able to deliver the vaccine but mathematics stood in the way given the limited supplies. Dr Price said GPs were entitled to pull out of the program and they may have good reason. Im not here to tell other doctors what to do, she said. Everybodys tired [and] everyone is doing the best they can.
The children in Marshalstown National School highlighted their caring nature and artistic flair recently when they 'adopted' a number of exotic animals in Dublin Zoo.

The children adopted seven animals including: two giraffes, a Bornean orangutan, a snow leopard, a red panda, a Humboldt penguin and an Asian elephant.

They adopted the animals for one year and the move followed on from a discussion that took place in December about the impact Covid-19 was having on revenue for Dublin Zoo, for which an appeal for donations was made.

A spokesperson for the school told this newspaper that one of the 4th class pupils, Emily Walsh, came up with the idea of how the school could help.

'Emily suggested they hold a no-uniform day to raise funds for Dublin Zoo and the animals,' said the spokesperson.

'The no-uniform day was a great success and the school raised 350 for the zoo,' she added.

That meant seven animals could be adopted for a year and the everyone involved with the initiative was delighted with its success.

The school has since received adoption packs for the animals that include goodies and admission tickets to the zoo.

The spokesperson said the return to school will be made extra special because of the zoo initiative and she said the treats will be raffled off.

In addition to adopting the animals, while in lockdown the children have been distance learning about the animals and drawing them.

The spokesperson said the teachers have received a lot of very impressive artwork relating to the animals.

* More photos in the March 2nd edition of The Enniscorthy Guardian
With its enticing business and investment conditions, Vietnams packaging sector has seen an array of M&A deals in recent years, Photo: Duc Thanh

Thailands Siam Cement Group PLC (SCG) last month made a big splash in the market by entering into a 70-per-cent share purchase agreement with Duy Tan Plastics JSC. The formers subsidiary SCG Packaging (SCGP) is to work with its Vietnamese partners under a 10-billion-baht ($332 million) investment to expand its packaging solution business in Vietnam, where demand for such products is growing.

The investment is part of a 20-billion-baht ($664 million) budget for business expansion and merger and acquisition (M&A) plans. SCGP chief executive Wichan Jitpukdee told The Bangkok Post that the company has been expanding its operations in Vietnam and generated a revenue growth of more than 10 per cent annually.

Last year, SCGP announced the closing of its consolidation with Sovi Packaging JSC in the southern province of Dong Nais Bien Hoa city, a company specialising in corrugated boxes and offset laminated packaging. In 2015, SCGP expanded its flexible packaging business by acquiring an 80 per cent stake in Tin Thanh Packing JSC, one of the top five manufacturers of such wares in Vietnam.

SCGP also invested in its packaging paper production base at Vina Kraft Paper Co., Ltd. to meet the rapid demand in the country. The enterprise has holdings in a clutch of other domestic producers including Alcamax Packaging, Packamex Packaging, AP Packaging, and New Asia Industries.

Besides this, global investors like SCGP are also shifting their focus to the market, thus driving their sustainability agenda forward. The company has been implementing its environmental social governance strategy in the past few years, thereby focusing on corporate social responsibility towards the environment and society.

SCGP is also a pioneer in green manufacturing, with various innovations ranging from paper to flexible packaging. With the latest expansion in Vietnam, SCGP is looking forward to partnering with local players to grow its market share in Vietnam sustainably.

Through all our recent expansion projects, we are expecting to increase sales to an additional 8.5 billion baht ($282.38 million) per year, Wichan said.

Ong Tiong Hooi, transaction services partner of PwC Vietnam cited the Bank of Thailands 2019 data that shows that about 30 per cent of Thai investments in the manufacturing sector have been within the ASEAN region, including Vietnam.

This is mainly due to active expansion strategies from corporate investors with surplus cash that needs to be deployed, said Hooi, as these look into areas and sectors that complement both their growth plans and overall value chain.

As Vietnam takes the position of a favoured manufacturing hub, I am not surprised that selected corporate clients have been snapping up packaging companies over the past few years to cater to their manufacturing capabilities as well as provide ancillary services to other companies within Vietnam, he added.

Flurry of activity

Samuel Son-Tung Vu, partner at law firm Bae, Kim & Lee LLC, noted that SCGs acquisition of packaging companies could be a restructuring and consolidation of market players, and may be aimed at meeting the growing demand of major consumer product and retail players such as Metro, Big C, Masan Consumer, and SABECO.

Furthermore, SCGs acquisition could also result from the goal to consume materials provided by its upstream project, the Long Son petrochemical complex in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, which is the companys largest project in Vietnam.

In addition to Thai investors, the packaging industry has drawn attention of other foreign investors. Last year, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a $20-million debt investment in An Phat Holdings to fund its first compostable material manufacturing plant in the northern province of Hai Duong.

The plant with a capacity of 20,000 tonnes per year will be built in about 18 months and completed by the end of 2022. An Phat targets that, by 2023, compostable products will contribute 40-50 per cent to the groups packaging revenue.

South Koreas Dongwon Systems also completed the takeover of Tan Tien Packaging (TTP) for $97.08 million, and fully acquired Minh Viet Packaging (MVP) for $21 million. Dongwon Systems is now leveraging the cost competitiveness of TTP and MVP to further expand into the Vietnamese and regional market.

Likewise, Japanese investors are also keen on the local packaging market. In 2018, Sojitz Pla-Net Corporation entered into the packaging material business in Vietnam through equity participation in Rang Dong Long An Plastic JSC (RLP), a subsidiary of major Vietnamese plastics manufacturer Rang Dong Plastic JSC. Previously, Sojitz Pla-Net spent around $4-5 million to scoop up a 20 per cent stake in RLP.

In 2017, Sekisui Chemical acquired 15 per cent of outstanding shares of Tien Phong Plastic JSC, a plastic pipe manufacturer in the northern city of Haiphong. Another Japanese investor, Oji Holdings Corporation, also bought major shares at United Packaging in 2013. Meanwhile, Japans Meiwa Pax took over 93 per cent of Saigon Trading and Packaging (Sapaco) for $16.5 million in 2014.

Considering the environment

Ho Duc Lam, chairman of the Vietnam Plastics Association, said that Vietnams plastic and packaging industry has been in the spotlight of investors from Thailand, South Korea, and Japan in the past few years. These East Asian investors prefer striking up deals with local partners as a shortcut to penetrate the market.

In addition, more European and American investors have strengthened their presence in the domestic market. Unlike Eastern investors, Western companies prefer to develop their own facilities in Vietnam rather than acquiring local assets, Lam added.

Despite the vibrant M&A activities, Vu from Bae, Kim & Lee pointed out some challenges for investors in the packaging industry. Firstly, their products are mainly based on polymers, such as plastic bags, packaging, and bottles, which are largely import dependent.

Secondly, the treatment of wastes from the production of such products is also a hot topic and raises concerns about environmental protection, he explained. Under the Law on Investment, projects that adversely affect the environment will not be considered for extension of operation. Accordingly, local authorities are considering environmental issues when appraising M&A applications of foreign investors, which can be a hindrance.

Last but not least, to his knowledge, profit margins of packaging companies are often low which makes profit-seeking investors less interested in this sector.

Despite the take up by foreign investors, local packaging businesses can still focus on some key trends to recover and drive their growth during the pandemic-stricken era. Vu believes that the future of the packaging industry lies in biodegradable and eco-friendly products which have great room for growth in Vietnam.

Some Vietnamese companies have made certain achievements in the development and sales of biodegradable packaging products, for example An Phat Bioplastics JSC.

If local companies can keep up the pace with this global trend, there will be opportunities for them to rise, grow, and find their position in the market, not just domestically but also regionally and even globally, Vu said.
One of the first foreign policy actions taken by the Biden administration was to reaffirm this nation's belief in the NATO Alliance as the cornerstone of U.S. global security relationships. Since Moscow invaded Ukraine and its illegal annexation of Crimea, the Russian threat to Europe has only gotten worse. The Biden administration needs to put action behind its words. Selling Poland U.S. M1 Abrams main battle tanks would be a step in the right direction.

The president called the collective defense commitment under Article V of the NATO Treaty a sacred trust. The new Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, went even further, describing his first conversation with NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg this way: "I also stressed our ironclad commitment to the security guarantee under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. I don't use that word 'ironclad' lightly. Our shared responsibility as allies  our duty  is to protect our populations and our territory. And to meet that duty, we require what the secretary general refers to as credible deterrence and defense."

The U.S. and the rest of NATO recognize that credible deterrence and defense against the growing Russian threat requires first and foremost creating a robust conventional capability. This effort was begun by the Trump administration, which moved to send heavy forces, including heel-to-toe rotational deployments of an armored brigade combat team (ABCT) in Poland and the redeployment of V Corps headquarters to Europe, along with critical enablers. Former President Trump also pressed our allies to spend more on defense.

Poland is the linchpin of NATO's defense in the east. Deployed in Poland, NATO forces will be able to respond not only to direct attacks on that country and those farther west but to Russian aggression against the Baltic States and those bordering the Black Sea. This is why Washington and Warsaw agreed in 2019 to accept the deployment of critical elements of a U.S. armored division in Polish territory, including a rotational ABCT and the prepositioned equipment for a second ABCT.

The Polish government is on the front line when it comes to defending the alliance against potential Russian aggression. Poland is one of ten NATO members who have met the agreed to goal of spending at least two percent of its GDP on defense. Equally important, Warsaw has oriented its defense expenditures to increase its military's capacity and capabilities.

Because it is a frontline state, Poland knows it must modernize its military if it is going to be able to deter Russia, mount a credible defense of the homeland in the event of conflict, and conduct integrated operations with other NATO forces. To achieve this goal, Warsaw is pursuing both quantitative and qualitative improvements to its military. The size of the Polish army is being increased from 100,000 to 200,000, and a new Territorial Defense Force is being stood up. The army has already received some 250 used Leopard 2A4/A5 main battle tanks as well as new 155mm self-propelled howitzers, 120mm self-propelled mortars, U.S.-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), and up to eight batteries of the Patriot air and missile defense system.

Poland needs to start modernizing the remainder of its tank fleet before Russia is able to achieve an overwhelming advantage in conventional forces. Polands army is still operating some 500 obsolete Russian-designed tanks that are more than thirty years old. But Warsaws options are limited. There are no more Leopard tanks available for purchase. Polands request to participate in the Franco-German European Main Battle Tank project appears to have been rebuffed. As a result, Poland has had to go far afield. Recently, it was reported that Warsaw was in discussions with South Korea to acquire a variant of that countrys K2 Black Panther main battle tank.

It doesnt make sense for the Polish government to go halfway around the world to find a new main battle tank. This is particularly the case when that tank is dissimilar from any other in NATO inventories. This raises problems for interoperability and sustainment, which the Polish army can ill afford.

A smart move by the Biden administration would be to offer to sell M1 Abrams tanks to Poland. This action would have several benefits. First, it would substantially improve Polands capabilities for high-end heavy combat. This would enhance NATOs ability to deter Russia. Second, it would send a signal to Moscow that Washington intends to back up its words with deeds. Third, it would support interoperability between Polish and U.S. forces and improve sustainment. This is one reason why Poland has acquired systems in use by other NATO countries, including the Patriot air defense system, HIMARS rocket artillery, and most recently, the F-35. Finally, refurbishing Polish M1s in that country, the U.S. would help the Polish defense industry become a better potential partner for future collaborative initiatives.

The M1 is the best main battle tank in the world. Since it was first fielded in 1980, the Abrams tank has undergone near-continuous upgrades and improvements. On average, there has been a new improvement package every seven years. Today, there is almost nothing in the most advanced Abrams variants that was part of the original vehicle. The current upgrade, the M1A2 SEPv3, or M1A2C, will enhance the vehicles lethality, survivability, responsiveness, power generation, sustainability, and maintainability. Additional planned upgrades will ensure that the Abrams maintains its position as the number one main battle tank for decades to come.

Selling M1s to Poland would be good for that country, good for the U.S. defense industrial base, and good for NATO. It will also send the right message to Moscow when our collective ability to deter Russia appears a bit shaky.

Dan Goure, Ph.D., is a vice president at the public-policy research think tank Lexington Institute. Goure has a background in the public sector and U.S. federal government, most recently serving as a member of the 2001 Department of Defense Transition Team. You can follow him on Twitter at @dgoure and the Lexington Institute @LexNextDC. Read his full bio here.
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Gandhinagar, March 6 : The Gujarat government on Saturday admitted in the state assembly that the Ahmedabad patient who was administered a dose of fake Tosilizumeb injection had died later. The state government had nabbed five involved in the manufacturing of the fake injections. Tosilizumeb, a costly drug, is believed to be vital in the corona infection treatment.

Answering an unstarred question raised by Vankaner legislator Mohammed Pirzada, the Deputy Chief Minister and also the health minister, Nitin Patel replied that the Foods and Drugs Control Authority (FDCA) had nabbed five persons believed to be involved in the manufacturing of fake Tosilizumeb injections on July 27, 2020. The manufacturers of the fake injection had prepared 30 vials of one ml into 250 milligrams off the fake drug.

The Minister also informed the House that all the 30 vials of the fake drug were sold in Ahmedabad district. Out of that, only one vial was administered to a female patient in a private hospital in Ahmedabad.

"The female patient, Lataben Baldua (60) was a comorbid patient, with many complications. She was discharged from the private hospital and later she died at home," Hemant Koshiya, the FDCA Commissioner, told IANS.

The Gujarat FDCA had unearthed a racket in the manufacture and sale of fake Tocilizumeb injections, seizing machinery and raw material valued at Rs 8 lakh from a Surat premises in July last year.

Dr Devang Shah, a medico in a private hospital, had stumbled upon the racket while using 400mg Tocilizumeb injection of dubious quality during the treatment of a patient from Memnagar. The injection was procured by her relative.

Shah and the relative had complained to the FDCA regarding the fake injection allegedly procured from M/s Maa Pharmacy in Sabarmati in Ahmedabad for Rs 1,35,000.

"While tracing the source pharmacy, it was found that the fake injection was procured from Harsh Bharatbhai Thakor of Chandkheda in Ahmedabad. Harsh in turn said that he had procured it from Nilesh Laliwala, the owner of Happy Chemist and Protein House in Paldi in Ahmedabad," FDCA Commissioner Hemant Koshiya said.

"Nilesh told us that he had procured the injections from one Sohail Ismail Tai in Surat." "The FDCA raided Sohail's house in Surat, and seized filling and sealing machines, a coding machine, raw material, packaging material, valued at Rs 8 lakh," added Koshiya.

Sohail used to produce fake Nandrolone Decanoate 250 mg/ml injections in the name of Genic Pharma. Harsh Thakor and Nilesh Laliwala used to label these as Tocilizumeb injections of 250 mg/ml under 'Acterma' brand, which is owned by Cipla, the only importer of Tocilizumab in India, according to an FDCA official.
Australia's first ever female foreign minister Julie Bishop has broken her silence on recent sexual assault allegations that have rocked Canberra.

The former senior Liberal leader's comments came after former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins alleged she was raped in Parliament House by a former colleague.

'The last few days have left me unspeakably sad,' Ms Bishop told veteran journalist Samantha Armytage on the new Stellar podcast, Something To Talk About.

'The people who are in Parliament House are the lawmakers, they are the legislators - and that's where standards should be set. And sadly, that's not the case.'

Julie Bishop (pictured) was Australia's first female foreign minister and is now the first female chancellor of ANU. She said police must be called if an employee raises criminal allegations

The highly respected former deputy leader of the Liberal Party said Parliament House must introduce independent counselling, and those in positions of power had a duty to tell police when told of allegations of criminal sexual assault.

'I believe that if an employee comes to me to tell me of an alleged serious crime, I have a duty to tell the police,' she said.

Ms Bishop, 64, said people within the party system were so protective of the party's reputation and prospects that counselling had to be independent.

The former senior Liberal leader opened up during the sit-down interview to express her heartfelt sympathy for women who have been attacked sexually and physically - and the emotional and physical trauma they suffer.

Ms Bishop said new induction processes were needed at Parliament House along with regular training for both politicians and their staffers.

Ms Bishop pictured with Brittany Higgins. Ms Bishop said the last few days had made her unspeakably sad as she opened up to veteran journalist Samantha Armytage about how workplace processes at Parliament House need to change

Her call comes as an independent inquiry into workplace culture at Parliament House was announced on Friday in response to allegations made by Ms Higgins that she was raped in the office of Defence Minister Linda Reynolds by a senior Liberal staffer.

Ms Higgins has now brought a formal complaint to police.

The inquiry will be led by sex discrimination commissioner Kate Jenkins who will provide an update in July and a final report in November.

Ms Bishop, who became the first woman chancellor of the Australian National University in January last year, said the behaviour that occurs inside Parliament House - which should be the model workplace - would never be tolerated in the private sector.

Ms Reynolds is on leave to deal with a medical condition, and facing calls to resign over her handling of Ms Higgins' complaint.

Pictured: Defence Minister Linda Reynolds on February 23. Ms Higgins says she was raped in Ms Reynolds' office by a senior staffer and has lodged a formal complaint with police

She was on Friday forced to apologise for calling Ms Higgins a 'lying cow' upon hearing about her complaint.

Senator Reynolds made the tasteless comments in her office area within earshot of several staff members and public servants on February 15.

It was the same day Miss Higgins went public with allegations a senior colleague raped her in Senator Reynolds' Parliament House office after a night out in March, 2019.

Miss Higgins threatened to sue over the 'hurtful' comment on Thursday unless the minister, who is on stress leave, apologised.

Senator Reynolds released a statement on Friday saying she was 'deeply sorry'.

'In response to a letter from Ms Higgins' lawyers yesterday afternoon, discussions are now underway through our legal representatives in an effort to resolve this matter as soon as possible, with any resolution to include an apology.

'However, in the meantime, I want to express how deeply sorry I am for these remarks and for any hurt and distress they have caused,' she said.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk still remembers the moment she received death threats and was trolled online - forcing her to consider quitting the state's top job.

Palaszczuk, 51, has spoken out about how she managed Queensland's Covid-19 response and the intense backlash that followed in an interview on Friday.

The Queensland premier revealed that during the height of the pandemic, she received death threats when delivering the state's strict Covid-19 border rules.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) revealed she considered quitting the top job after receiving death threats during the pandemic

Annastacia Palaszczuk (pictured) said it was the 'most soul-destroying thing' to experience 'vile and violent' messages online

'There was one point last year where I thought "Is doing your job worth getting killed over?",' she revealed to the CourierMail.

Palaszczuk, the granddaughter of a Nazi war camp survivor, was provided around the clock protection and her movements were strictly limited for a time - forcing her to reconsider walking down to the local shops.

Luckily, the premier received support from her cabinet and family, but said she still felt 'vulnerable', as the online messages became 'vile and violent'.

'It is the most soul-destroying, the most appalling thing, and it is heartbreaking to think that if it can affect someone like me, who has all this support and all this protection, then how is a child or a teenager who is getting it meant to cope?' She said.

Palaszczuk (pictured) won the 2020 Queensland state election, winning her third term as Premier

But the premier said she no longer reads a word from online trolls, telling them to go 'right ahead and do your worst'.

Despite the death threats and trolling, Palaszczuk's thoughts of walking away from the top job were never set in stone.

Whenever she thought about leaving, she told herself to 'calm down and get on with it'.

The Premier said if everyday Australians can go about their jobs with no idea how their day will end, she could do the same.

The death threats have subsided, meaning Palaszczuk is back to chatting to locals by the beach and walking down to the local shops without looking over her shoulder.

She said she won't let anyone make her feel that way again and has learnt to trust her instincts and stand her ground.

Palaszczuk's (pictured) tough border restrictions during the pandemic brought harsh backlash from the community, including multiple death threats

'The fact is we are living in times when tough decisions have to be made, and I am the one that has to make them. The buck ultimately stops with me, so I have to be prepared for whatever comes with that,' she said.

Despite her tough border policies during the pandemic, Palaszczuk defended claims that she 'has no heart' by the public and media.

The Premier said 'it's awful, as she grieved the loss of her mum's sisters husband and her grandmother Beryl, who both passed away last year when visitors weren't allowed in hospitals.

But Palaszczuk surprised the nation by winning the 2015 state election, again in 2017 and once more in last year's October state election with her 'keeping Queenslanders safe' mantra.

Her recent win during the height of Covid has been a 'steep learning curve', teaching her to feel comfortable in her own skin and leadership style.

Palazczuk has reminded Australians to 'never underestimate a woman' and to stand strong and confident with every opportunity that comes along.
As tensions are escalating with China, Britain and Canada have sent their warships to the South China Sea with the aim of countering China. Britains Defense Ministry commented that a multinational task force that is centered on the 65,000 tonnes aircraft would be arriving in South-east Asia between April and China. On the other hand, the Royal Canadian Navy had passed through the Taiwan Strait last month whereby the Chinese media had repeatedly warned that countries should be working towards the improvement of diplomatic relations through trade and investment rather than the provocation of problems between regional states.

The hypocrisy is evident when Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had not felt the necessity to question Chinas actions but worked hand in hand to send the warships. Group Captain V.N.Jha believes that this a significant development for Global Affairs. Mr.Jha stated that 6-7 months back, China had been threatening Taiwan of dire consequences when the USA stepped in by sending its warships in the South China Sea. The USA would be integrating the Royal Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, the aim been the preservation of freedom at the Seas. It was under the USAs leadership that all the Quad Members for a joint exercise had been called. India had played a pivotal role in sending its warship that had maintained its presence in the South China Sea for sometime. The countries had been successful in achieving their adjective.

China had even threatened the USA for ammunitions and aircrafts which were to be supplied in the Taiwanese Strait which compelled the latter to deploy its troops there. Yet, it cannot be denied that after the Biden administrations has taken over, military alliances have been established in the Indo-Pacific. Not only that, the USA has initiated an Action of the Radar and Missile Based deployment into the Indo-Pacific, a very recent development that has taken place. The Quad members have been requested to come forward for the formation of a Security Alliance.

Also Read: US to build anti-China missile network, double spending in fiscal 2022

Also Read: China announces to build Tibet-Passageway, connecting Tibet with South-Asia

China which has been threatening with its missiles has received a setback when naval presence of the USA, Britain, Canada and India with its warships conveyed a strong message. It will have to pay a heavy price if she does not understand the meaning of this alliance. The extension of this membership to Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia is necessary because of the equal stake they hold in the South China Sea and also because of the presence of China that is perceived as a threat to these fellow countries.

Also Read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan wins trust vote with 178 votes; opp boycotts parliament session
Lee Universitys Bateman Team has launched its campaign for the Public Relations Student Society of America Bateman Competition. The campaign project is raising awareness about civility in the workplace, titled Unity Through Civility. The team consists of junior public relations major Carolyn Russel and senior public relations majors Amulya Chalapathy, Amy Harrison, Savannah Jones, and Chandler Redding.

The Bateman Team has implemented a campaign for civility running through March 8 to raise awareness to the increasing concern of lack of civility in everyday life. The teams main goal is to help people realize their own role in the issue of incivility and help them become part of the solution by equipping and empowering them with effective tools designed to make them more aware of the national problem of incivility and the meaning of civility.

Inspiration for their campaign was derived from The Civility Project by Delta Dental, the sponsor for the Bateman competition. The Civility Project is one of the first successful civility campaigns and has served as a launching pad for the Bateman competition on promoting civility. The project started in September 2020 after PRSSA informed competitors of the client and primary goals.

The project has provided a great opportunity to play a role in something that could affect a lot of positive change on a national level, said Mr. Redding. As future communications professionals, we are very excited to play a role in that change while learning how to implement a full campaign.

Because of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the Bateman Team has moved to more virtual campaigning. To spread their message during the campaign, the team created a quiz simulating conflict in a workplace between two individuals. Those who take the quiz will be asked to choose options that best represent civility in the workplace. During the campaign, the team hosted a virtual event to present the simulation and guide people through it. The team also facilitated discussions about civility in a live version of the simulation and created a website with their research, an infographic, the materials to conduct a simulation, and a promotional video about their efforts.

The creativity of the team in developing the simulation tool and materials has been outstanding, said Dr. Andrea Phillips, assistant professor of public relations and Bateman Team faculty sponsor. The toolbox that the team is sharing with businesspeople is something that can actually be used in the workplace to promote healthy communication. It's so much more than a student project. That's the greatest value of the Bateman program.

Every year, PRSSA holds the Bateman Team Competition with approximately 70 schools from across the country who compete against one another, with four to five students each, to create a public relations campaign for a national client. The teams are required to research, plan, implement, and evaluate their campaign during the school year and turn in their submission to a committee of judges, designated by PRSSA.

For more information on the Bateman Team campaign, visit the website unitythroughcivility.com.

To take the simulation quiz, visit A Day In The Office.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CSE: AGN) (FRANKFURT: AGW) (OTCQB: AGNPF) (the Company or Algernon) a clinical stage pharmaceutical development company is pleased to announce that it has increased and completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units (the "Units"), and has issued an aggregate of 11,260,040 Units at the price of CDN $0.25 per Unit, raising gross proceeds of CDN $2,815,010 (the Offering).



Each Unit is comprised of one Class A common share (a Share) and one Share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one additional Share at a price of CDN $0.40 per Share until March 5, 2023 (the Expiry Date).

At any time after July 5, 2021 and prior to the Expiry Date, the Warrants are subject to accelerated expiry in the event the daily volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares equals or exceeds CAD $0.80 on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the Exchange) (or such other exchange on which the Common Shares may be traded), for ten (10) consecutive trading days (the Triggering Event), in which case, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice via news release within ten (10) days of the Triggering Event to the holders thereof and, in such case, the Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which the news release is disseminated by the Company.



In connection with the Offering, the Company has paid cash commissions in the aggregate amount of CDN $161,400, being 8% of the aggregate proceeds raised from the sale of Units to purchasers introduced by eligible finders. In addition, the Company has issued 645,600 finders warrants (the Finders Warrants), being 8% of the number of Units sold under the Offering to purchasers introduced by such finders. Each Finders Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Unit at a price of CDN $0.40 per Unit until March 5 2023.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period of four months, expiring July 5, 2021 in accordance with applicable securities legislation. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund the Companys general corporate purposes.

About Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Algernon is a drug re-purposing company that investigates safe, already approved drugs, including naturally occurring compounds, for new disease applications, moving them efficiently and safely into new human trials, developing new formulations and seeking new regulatory approvals in global markets. Algernon specifically investigates compounds that have never been approved in the U.S. or Europe to avoid off label prescription writing.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Christopher J. Moreau

CEO

Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

604.398.4175 ext 701

info@algernonpharmaceuticals.com

investors@algernonpharmaceuticals.com

www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

CAUTIONARY DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: No Securities Exchange has reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, licensing, commercialization and regulatory compliance issues and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as will, may, should, anticipate, expects and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Companys expectations include the failure to satisfy the conditions of the relevant securities exchange(s) and other risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law.
ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) appears to have undertaken an unofficial and unilateral truce with China. That means no more attacks against Chinese in Moslem countries and no more public criticism of Chinese mistreatment of the Moslem Uighurs in northwestern China (Xinjiang province), an area the Uighurs and many Moslems refer to as East Turkistan. The ISIL move was practical, as in there was little chance of success in attacking China or Chinese. What happened in Xinjiang while ISIL was building its caliphate in eastern Syrian and western Iraq was scary, and ISIL members dont scare easy.

ISIL was also following what was going on in Xinjiang, which used to be a Moslem majority province. The Xinjiang Uighurs resisted government efforts to bring in enough non-Moslem Chinese to turn the Uighurs into a minority. In 2010 the Uighurs were no longer the majority, but because of other Moslem minorities in the province nearly 60 percent of the population was Moslem. By 2015 that changed as the national government provided more financial incentives for Han (ethnic Chinese) to settle in Xinjiang. The Uighur resistance was largely passive or vocal but some Uighurs felt a stronger response was needed and there were violent attacks on local police and officials as well as elsewhere in China. By 2017 Chinese counterterrorism efforts had halted all terrorism or separatist activity in Xinjiang. This was achieved with the introduction of a lot of new technology for monitoring the population. This included thousands of vidcams and a very effective facial recognition system. This was in addition to a growing list of methods used to collect data on the non-Han Chinese population, especially anything related to ethnic separatism or Islamic terrorism. This helps the government select those who will be sent to re-education camps (for a few weeks or six months or more.) Since 2017 several million Xinjiang Moslems, most of them Uighur, have spent time in re-education camps. There are only nine million Uighurs in the province and China has sent nearly all the adult (16 or older) males and many females to the camps for as long as needed to achieve attitude adjustment.. Uighurs are a shrinking minority in the province and Han Chinese now comprise over half the population. The re-education camps contain very few Han Chinese.

A new generation of security analysis software and hardware is replacing a lot of the older manpower intensive data collection methods. Xinjiang is being used as a test site for new Big Brother (as in the anti-communist novel 1984) technology. This is being done in the name of controlling Islamic terrorism, although there was very little of that in China, even in Moslem majority districts. China was determined to use these new tactics to combat ethnic separatism, which is a real threat especially in Xinjiang and Tibet. On the other hand, the government has made enormous strides when it comes to reducing poverty in Xinjiang and Tibet but that tends to produce more affluent and educated separatists.

ISIL seemed to take the Chinese response seriously because up until 2017 ISIL propaganda included Xinjiang as one of the many areas where they were attacking governments that persecuted Moslems. Until 2017 ISIL propaganda videos often featured Uighurs who had joined ISIL and proclaimed their intention of attacking China and Chinese wherever they found them. Before ISIL, al Qaeda had recruited Uighurs and many were in al Qaeda training camps when the U.S. entered Afghanistan in late 2001 to destroy Islamic terrorist operations. By 2002 the surviving al Qaeda personnel, including many Uighurs, fled to Pakistan where they played a role in attacking the growing number of Chinese construction projects there.

While the Afghan Taliban made peace with Pakistan in return for sanctuary in Pakistan, al Qaeda and later ISIL did not. In 2014 the Pakistani Army launched a major offensive against areas which defiant Islamic terror groups like al Qaeda were using as sanctuaries. After several years of fighting the hostile Islamic terrorists, including ISIL, was forced back into eastern Afghanistan where many of them continue to operate.

ISIL got started in Syria and Iraq in 2014 and it was there that many al Qaeda Uighurs went to join this new, more violent and radical group, to train and get organized to return to Pakistan and Xinjiang to kill Chinese. This never happened because, after a June 2017 when ISIL kidnapped and then killed two Chinese in Pakistan, ISIL suddenly stopped publicizing its Uighur members and plans to liberate East Turkistan (Xinjiang province) from Chinese oppression and occupation. This was uncharacteristic of ISIL, which has remained popular and viable attracting new recruits and financing, because of its constant efforts or pledges to attack the oppressors of Moslems wherever they may be, especially in areas where Moslems lived or once lived, like Spain. ISIL appears to have done the math and realized that the Chinese would not stop in Xinjiang and had enough economic clout in many Moslem majority nations to demand that local governments go after any Islamic terrorist threat to Chinese or Chinese interests.

This was not an unusual response. Russia had a similar experience with Islamic terrorists in the Middle East. In 1985 Shia Islamic terrorists in Lebanon kidnapped four Russian diplomats and killed one of them and threatened to kill the rest if Russia did not withdraw its diplomatic and other personnel from Lebanon. In response the KGB (Russian CIA) kidnapped a relative of an Islamic terror group leader and killed him. Body parts were sent to the Islamic terrorists. The message was clear and the Islamic terrorists responded by freeing the other three Russians and bothered the Russians no more. Throughout the Middle East Islamic terror groups decided that taking on the Russians was not worth the potential losses from the ruthless response. That situation changed after 1991, when the Soviet Union dissolved along with the KGB and 80 percent of the Russian armed forces. Soviet economic policies had bankrupted the Soviet Union and Russia, its largest component. Most Moslem majority portions of the Soviet Union, like the millions of Central Asian Moslems, left the Soviet Union and formed four new Moslem majority countries. These four former Soviet territories had neutralized potential Islamic terrorist activity during seven decades of communist rule and KGB reprisals. Once independent, the new Moslem rulers continued the repression of Islamic radicalism and terrorism. Al Qaeda and ISIL tried to establish themselves in these former Soviet territories and have been unsuccessful. With Chinese economic activity becoming more visible in these areas there is even more incentive for local fans of Islamic terrorism to leave and head for areas where al Qaeda and ISIL are active and less likely to be exterminated by massive Chinese counter-terrorism measures.

Russia still has problems with Moslem areas that remained part of the post-1991 Russia. This is particularly true with the Chechens, a Moslem group in the Caucasus (southern Russia on the Turkish/Iranian borders) that were always a major problems for the Tsar and then the Soviets. At one point during World War II, Russia deported most of the Chechens from to Central Asia where they would have no opportunities to collaborate with the advancing German forces. The remaining population of Chechnya consisted of non-Moslems who had settled in Chechnya after Russia occupied the area in the 19th century.

Chechens were allowed to return to the Caucasus in the 1950s with the understanding they would behave, or else. That worked until 1991, when the dissolution of the Soviet Union did not include allowing all the Russian regions in the Caucasus to become independent. Moslem Azerbaijan and Christian Georgia and Armenia were allowed to leave because these areas were never as troublesome as the Chechens. In response to this the Chechens embraced Islamic terrorism and declared independence. Two Russian military campaigns in the 1990s suppressed Chechen separatism and Chechens willing to cooperate were put in charge, with the understanding that they could deal with remaining Chechen separatists and Islamic terrorists using traditional methods. These were similar to KGB tactics seen in Lebanon and elsewhere in the 1980s. Russia supplied addition special operations troops and air support as needed. Most of the Chechen Islamic terrorists fled to the Middle East where they became prominent in ISIL and al Qaeda, which continued to preach eventual return to Russia.

China came to be viewed as an even more dangerous foe than Russia, and even hardcore ISIL backed off from including China on their target list. This applies to Moslem majority governments in general, which criticize real or imagined persecution by Infidel (non-Moslem) nations. But not China. While most Western nations criticize Chinese persecution of Uighurs, there is little criticism from Moslem majority nations. The main reason is assumed to be economic as China is a major importer of oil from Moslem states and a major source of imports, including high-tech stuff and even weapons. China will sell to anyone who can pay and that appeals to many Moslem majority nations who are unable to get some Western weapons because of fears about how it will be used. An example of this is armed (with laser guided missiles) UAVs. The U.S. refused to sell these to many Moslem states because of fears they would be used against civilians. No problem with the Chinese, who now dominate the market for UAV exports to Moslem nations.
There was little follow up, apart from some mentions on obscure websites. There was no demand for Shorten to out himself or to step aside while the matter was investigated. Nine months later, after Victoria Police informed him that no charges would be laid, Shorten identified himself as the Labor figure and said the allegations had been vigorously investigated and that there was absolutely no basis to them. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the matter had been dealt with and I dont think theres really anything more to say about it. Shorten led Labor to the next election. That response bears no resemblance to the convulsion in national affairs in the week since the ABC reported a cabinet minister was accused of a rape in an anonymous letter referred to the Australian Federal Police. When Porter called a press conference on Wednesday to out himself as the cabinet minister, he compared his treatment with that of Shorten and vehemently denied the allegation against him. There werent any calls for him [Shorten] to stand down or public reporting of anonymous, unsourced, untested material designed to try somebody in public while they are duty-bound to remain silent, Porter said.

Indeed, when something similar happened to the former leader of the opposition, everyone followed the accepted process. The stories of these two women have similarities and differences. Both centre on allegations of crimes from more than 30 years ago, when they were 16 and those accused still teenagers. Both women, for most of their lives, carried the burden of what they say was done to them while their alleged assailants went on to have prominent careers in politics. Attorney General Christian Porter denies allegations he raped a member of his high school debating team when he was 17 years old. Credit:Trevor Collens Porters accuser last year took her life without providing a statement to NSW Police. Sherriff provided multiple statements to police and now questions why she bothered. She survives on a disability pension.

Loading There are important differences. Sherriffs claims were investigated by police. While Porters accuser met with police, she never made a formal statement which meant that a formal investigation could not proceed. The media coverage of Porter and Shorten, and the political response, could not have been more different. Greg Barns, a barrister who advocates for the rights of asylum seekers, is no friend of Christian Porter. He is alarmed, however, at what he describes as a mindset that has taken hold in recent years which assumes all victims of sexual assault are telling the truth and of the zeal with which some journalists and lawyers are prosecuting their cases. In the Shorten case it was a very restrained atmosphere, Barns says. There was a reluctance to report it and the media was rightly circumspect, as one should be whenever serious criminal allegations are levelled against anyone. The difference now, in the case of Porter, it has been a relatively unrestrained attack on him with an implied reversal of the onus of proof. Greg Barns SC says a dangerous mindset has emerged which threatens the fundamental rights of people accused of a sex crime. Credit:Eve Fisher

The #MeToo movement has done a very good job of making sure the legal system is more receptive of victims of sexual abuse. However, we must be careful that in doing that, we do not jettison very important protections that a person who is accused must have, should have and in any civilised legal system, does have. Barns asks whether, in the summary justice meted out on social media, Porter is being condemned as much for who he represents  born-to-rule Tories who populate high school debating teams and government front benches  as what he did or didnt do 33 years ago. In this, Barns sees traces of the campaign run against George Pell who was ultimately acquitted of historical sex offences. Loading Michael Gawenda, a respected former editor of The Age, is also troubled. He says there is a lack of care in much of the reporting about Porter and questions why important facts, such as Porter being only 17 at the time of the alleged rape, were downplayed or omitted. The reporting keeps referring to her being 16 and him being a cabinet minister. The fact is they were two school kids. Isnt that relevant information? Why hasnt that been made clear throughout all the reporting?

Everyone, not just journalists, have accepted this mantra that victims have to be believed. Once you cross that Rubicon, there doesnt even need to be a court case; the decision has been made. I think that is a huge problem. What has happened with Porter shows this is not where we can stay. Michael Bradley, the lawyer who helped Porters accuser in the months leading up to her death, sees things differently. He says the restraint adopted by the media and political class towards the Shorten allegations was part of the problem faced by sexual assault complainants. Things have changed dramatically since then, he says. There is the social media dynamic in that and the gloves coming off. There is very little restraint. The bigger shift is what used to underline most of that restraint; the victimisation and silencing of women. That is increasingly no longer being accepted, particularly by women and by society as a whole which is losing its tolerance for brushing these things under the carpet. Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers helped the woman who accused Christian Porter of rape bring forward her allegation. Credit:Michele Mossop

The #MeToo push for all victims of sexual assault to be believed has been broadly adopted by all sides of politics. Scott Morrisons use of it in 2019 has been played on a loop for the past three days. Its important that their stories are believed and that they that if they come forward their stories will be believed, the Prime Minister said. Bradley says if the notion was taken literally, the presumption of innocence would cease to exist and the onus of proof would be reversed in sex crimes. That is not a tenable legal position and not really what anyone is sensibly advocating, he says. We have to remember where it is coming from, which is essentially a reaction to the systemic obstacles that victims have always faced and still face in bringing their complaint forward and trying to get justice. When we say I believe you, it is not literally I believe a crime has been committed and the person you say did it should go to jail. It is respecting the experience that this human person has had and what they feel or believe about it and starting from that standpoint rather than the one that says well, prove it. Porter is refusing to quit as Attorney-General and Morrison is refusing to commission an independent inquiry into his fitness to remain in the post on the grounds that to do so would undermine the rule of law.

Bradley, the managing partner of Marque Lawyers, says this conflates criminal law concepts with a matter that, following this weeks decision by NSW Police to close its investigation into Porter, no longer has any bearing on the criminal justice system. For Kathy Sherriff, such arguments feel arcane and distant. She trusted the justice system. She told her story to Victoria Police before it was reported in the media. She provided them with names of other witnesses who she said could support elements of her story. Her hopes rose when detectives interviewed Bill Shorten, then crashed when the Office of Public Prosecutions reviewed the evidence gathered by police and assessed it as unlikely to secure a conviction. That decision was painful for her. Police have closed their investigation and refused a Freedom of Information request by Sherriff to access her file so she can prepare a civil claim. When the story of Brittany Higgins broke two weeks ago, Sherriff was inspired to put her allegations forward again. She had previously petitioned senior Labor and Greens politicians. This time, she wrote to Liberal MP Sarah Henderson, recounting the harrowing details of what she says happened to her at a Young Labor camp in Portarlington a lifetime ago.
Up in Montana, Governor Greg Gianforte took exception to being called a Neanderthal. He was on Fox News and said this:

Gianforte explained that hospitalizations are down and Montana is "open for business" during an appearance on "Fox & Friends," asserting that a "one-size fits all" approach to coronavirus mandates "doesn't make sense" for the needs of every state. "For a president that called for unity to degrade himself to name-calling, doesn't make any sense at all," Gianforte told Steve Doocy.

The governor is exactly right for two reasons:

First, every state needs to decide its own course. It makes no sense to have a national mandate for a country as geographically diverse as the U.S.

Second, you can wear a mask in Montana or Texas if you want to do so.

What was Biden thinking? He probably wasn't or further proof that Biden needs to stay away from microphones as much as possible.

PS: You can listen to my show (Canto Talk).

Image: Jim Winstead.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 66F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies this evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers late. Low 66F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
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Elisabeth Murdoch had harsh words for her brother James during the phone hacking scandal of 2012. And years before that Lachlan returned to Sydney after turning his back on his fathers empire. But in the end, both he and his sister returned to the fold. All the Murdoch associates I spoke with for todays column are adamant that despite what may be played out in the boardroom and in the business press, in the private confines of the Murdoch family living room family always comes first. Murdoch, who spent most of the global pandemic locked down in England with his fourth wife Jerry Hall, was among the first to get his COVID vaccine jabs and has since decamped to his home in California. It was there, at his Moraga Vineyards estate in swanky Bel Air, that he was preparing to celebrate his 89th birthday this time last year. That party was cancelled at the 11th hour as the seriousness of the pandemic became clear, even while some of the Murdoch medias most vocal commentators were still arguing the health crisis was a beat-up. The sprawling estate is where Murdoch is likely to spend his 90th birthday on Thursday. But I can reveal a much bigger celebration for the media titan is being planned in California for later in the year once the COVID-19 vaccination rollout is more advanced in the US.

I have been assured by sources close to the family it is an all-in situation for the big party including the James Murdochs. Each of Ruperts six children have been heavily involved in the planning, including his only Australian-based child, his first born, daughter Prudence, who is unable to be in California on Thursday because of the international travel ban. Low profile: Prue MacLeod. Credit:Yui Mok Unlike her adult half-siblings Lachlan, James and Elisabeth, Prudence has largely lived her life out of the spotlight, preferring the relative obscurity of home in Sydney and lengthy stays at her country estate in the New England tablelands with her husband Alisdair MacLeod . But that has not always been the case. Back in 2008 she and her adult siblings gave extraordinarily candid interviews - with their fathers blessing - to author Michael Wolff. What they shared formed some of the more illuminating chapters in Wolffs controversial biography of Rupert Murdoch.

Prudence was portrayed in Wolffs book as the truth teller. At the time Murdoch was a spritely 77-year-old with a penchant for home dye jobs which turned his hair a dodgy shade of aubergine, which then gradually became a shade of Orangutan ginger. He was also still married to his third wife, Wendi Deng, the mother of his two youngest daughters Grace and Chloe. Prudence told her father: Dad, I understand about dyeing the hair and the age thing. Just go somewhere proper. What you need is very light highlights. She then revealed to Wolff: But he insists on doing it over the sink because he doesnt want anybody to know. Well, hello! Look in the mirror. Look at the pictures in the paper. It was a rare insight into the humanity - and vanity - of a man many believe to be anything other than ordinary flesh and blood.

When Wolff interviewed Lachlan Murdoch, the then 36-year-old told the author somewhat drolly: Dont you know my dads never going to die? Cuddly: Rupert Murdoch with his daughter Graces new puppy in California last week. Credit:Instagram Thanks to Instagram, it has been Ruperts youngest daughters who have offered glimpses into the private, and comparatively ordinary, world of the global media mogul as he enters his 90s. Their posts show a man of advanced years, a doting dad who was cuddling a new puppy on Grace Murdochs social media feed last week. Its a far cry from the much-feared and all-powerful king maker who has dominated headlines for decades.
A woman who nearly invested money with missing fraudster Melissa Caddick decided against it after meeting up with her and feeling something was 'a little off'.

The Sydney woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said after discussing finances over lunch with the conwoman, she was given a 'very odd response' when she asked about her trading approach.

Ms Caddick vanished the day after corporate watchdog ASIC executed a search warrant at her luxury Dover Heights home on November 11.

Her decomposed foot in a rare Asics shoe was found 400km away from her home on Bournda Beach on February 21 and police overnight confirmed they had now called off the search for the 49-year-old.

While detectives say the fraudster may have taken her own life, the woman who had lunch with Ms Caddick believes something more sinister may have been at play.

A woman who nearly invested with missing fraudster Melissa Caddick (pictured) decided against it after meeting up with her and feeling something was 'a little off'

The Sydney woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, said after discussing finances over lunch with the conwoman (pictured)

She told The Daily Telegraph she had a theory that Ms Caddick had been 'influenced by a larger criminal cartel that operated' and suggested she may have been 'abducted'.

'It would be those that she may have had ties to through larger criminal activity,' the woman said.

'She is not the type to suicide and she is not that mischievous or particularly ingenious to come up with the financial scheme idea on her own.'

In text messages between the pair, Ms Caddick is seen asking the woman to meet up and telling her she had been investing with private clients at the time.

'Will talk to you about what I do, service offer and fees - it's very transparent,' Ms Caddick said in a text.

The woman said she feels like she 'dodged a bullet' after deciding not to hand over any money to Ms Caddick.

The fraudster is suspected of fleecing $25million from 60 investors - who all fell for her sales pitch that she would make them huge returns - and splurging the money on designer clothing, jewellery and overseas trips.

In text messages between the pair, Ms Caddick is seen asking the woman to meet up and telling her she had been investing with private clients at the time (mocked up messages)

Ms Caddick (pictured with husband Anthony) vanished the day after corporate watchdog ASIC executed a search warrant at her luxury Dover Heights home on November 11

The disappearance of the wealthy financial advisor shocked many around Australia - especially those who grew up with the once curly-haired schoolgirl.

Former friends who went to school with Ms Caddick told the publication they were shocked after she turned up at their 30th reunion in designer clothes and without her wild curls.

Melissa Linabury who went to both primary and high school with the 49-year-old in Lugarno, south Sydney, said she was always a 'lovely friend' while growing up.

Reconnecting with Ms Caddick, once known as Melissa Grimley, at their high school reunion in 2018, Ms Linabury said she assumed her old friend must have married someone wealthy.

'She was dressed lovely and I remember saying to my husband when I came home that I presumed she had married very well, married someone quiet well off, because she had been on a lot of overseas holidays and drove a nice car. I just presumed she'd married someone quite wealthy,' she said.

Another classmate, Susanna Dale, recalls Ms Caddick was wearing a designer green jacket with jeans - an outfit that made her stand out at the casual pub hosting the event.

Divers have stopped looking for the remains of the 49-year-old financial adviser after searching over 6,000sq/m in the water off Dover Heights in Sydney's east on Friday

Authorities raided her $6.2million Dover Heights mansion on November 11 (pictured is bodycam footage of the raid)

'She presented as extremely wealthy. We were just looking at her jewellery and going "wow, she is doing well for herself" with all the designer clothes and the jewels,' Ms Dale said.

Attending the school reunion was also Shane Parry, who said it was shocking to hear the news regarding their former school friend who 'never was in strife' and had 'no enemies at all'.

Image-conscious Caddick once made the cover of a financial advisor magazine

Divers have stopped looking for the remains of the 49-year-old financial adviser after searching over 6,000sq/m in the water off Dover Heights in Sydney's east on Friday.

Bad weather hampered search efforts earlier this week, but now the mystery of whether the conwoman's deceased body is at sea may never be fully resolved.

Liquidators say the 49-year-old mother 'meticulously and systematically' deceived those who entrusted millions of investment dollars to her over seven years, then used the money to fund her lavish lifestyle.

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing earlier told reporters foul play against Ms Caddick was possible but suicide was more likely.

Modelling by NSW Police marine rescue teams, taking tides and drift patterns into account, has explored the possibility that Ms Caddick entered the water near Dover Heights, where she lived, around November 12.

The modelling deemed it possible that her foot could have drifted to Bournda Beach, where it was discovered by a group of campers.
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Meath County Council need to follow through with a plan to improve road safety in the lower end of Duleek village, according to a local councillor.

Cllr Stephen McKee says there is a growing need for traffic calming at lower Duleek due to the amount of heavy vehicles and general traffic in the area.

'We need something done there,' he told a Meath CC meeting.

He says it is a real danger outside the post office and there is nowhere for people to safely cross the road.

He said the job at the top end of the village was great and had helped greatly.

Meath CC have said that improvements were carried out in Duleek due to concerns expressed about traffic volumes passing through the village.

But at the recent Meath Co Development Plan meetings they said that a bypass of Julianstown may come quicker than a Duleek bypass while they were also anxious about a HGV ban until an acceptable route was found for vehicles. However, the objection remained in the long term plan.
While Drogheda has been enveloped in an embrace of kindness in recent weeks, all that generosity can put a serious dent in your wallet!

Well one local man is showing that even a simple gesture can make your day better, without costing a cent.

Bill Kellys Make Smiles project is not only spreading joy across the town, but its ripples are being felt around the world, as his little videos encourage others to do the same.

This all started only a few weeks ago on Valentines Day, when I just thought, wouldnt it be great just to put a smile on someones face while were all going through tough times, says Bill, who hails originally from Marian Park. I just posted a short video while I was out for a run, encouraging anyone I know to get up and get out, and enjoy some fresh air if they can, and then send me in a picture of what theyre doing, and maybe make someone smile.

Within days, the photos, videos and kind messages came flooding in.

Im just blown away at the response and I can see what a difference it is making to peoples lives, and is motivating others, he says. In those taking part, we have people with cancer, we have people recovering from it, we have with depression  all walks of life, and once they see the happiness of others, they feel better.

Bill insists its not about him, and he just wanted to start the movement, and sit back and watch it happen.

The person who puts up the video or sends the photo is what its all about, says Bill, who owns Bills Mutley Crew boarding kennels. Its fantastic that some local people abroad have also started posting stuff, like bass player Thomas OHeriban, and the word is getting around.

For many people who simply cant get out and about, whether through restrictions, illness or cocooning, Bills videos, and the responses from others, are proving a source of comfort and happiness. As soon as we can, we are going to organise a tour of the town, so if anyone cant leave their house, they can still come with us, explains Bill, who is also now being accompanied on his walks by his son Jordan. The great Dusty Flanagan has compiled a walk including all the steps in the town, and when we can, Id like to film me doing the steps, and if we can, well have people waiting there, and they will be someone who knows what its like to be in a bit of bother, and hopefully encourage others in a similar situation that there is always hope, and you can do it too.

Itll be a sort of relay, where well be passing smiles to each other, instead of batons.

You can join in Bills Make Smiles movement from his Facebook page Bill Kelly.
Boris Johnson last night hailed the return of children to classrooms as it was revealed an astonishing 57 million Covid test packs have been sent to schools ahead of the reopening.

The Prime Minister said the full resumption of teaching from tomorrow marked the first stage of his irreversible roadmap out of lockdown and was testament to a truly national effort to beat this virus. In an upbeat message, he declared: It is because of the determination of every person in this country that we can start moving closer to a sense of normality  and it is right that getting our young people back into the classroom is the first step.

We are being cautious in our approach so that we do not undo the progress we have made so far and I urge you all not to give up on your efforts to keep your families and others safe.

PM Boris Johnson, pictured, said the full resumption of teaching from tomorrow marked the first stage of his irreversible roadmap out of lockdown and was testament to a truly national effort to beat this virus

Vaccinations are now being administered at more than 1,600 sites across the country, with 98 per cent of people living within ten miles of at least one venue

Get the vaccine, get tested, and remember that we are all in this together.

Parents are overwhelmingly behind the return to the classroom. A poll by the Institute for Fiscal Studies found nine out of ten parents would send their children back to school even it was optional.

The Prime Ministers words came amid a welter of positive news on the pandemic. Letters were this weekend starting to go out to

1.7 million people aged 56 to 59 inviting them to have the vaccination. Mr Johnson, who is 56, could receive his offer of a jab within days.

Sources also indicated that the 17 million doses of the Moderna vaccine ordered by the Government could start arriving as soon as early April. Meanwhile Ministers are planning to introduce a new text message alert system to direct people to surplus stocks of vaccine in their area.

In other developments:

Daily deaths from Covid-19 fell to 158, a drop of 45 per cent on the figure recorded last Saturday, and a fall in the seven-day rolling total of 34 per cent, while the number of positive tests plunged by 19 per cent to 6,040. All but six of those who died had known underlying health conditions;

A total of 21,796,278 people have now received a first vaccine dose and 1,090,840 people had also had a second jab by the end of Friday;

The Queen is expected to praise the fortitude of the Commonwealth in battling the global pandemic in an address broadcast today, but Britain was accused of forgetting Her Majestys subjects overseas by the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis;

As the Government extended free rapid tests for all businesses, analysis revealed 992,812 tests were reported on Thursday, with an average of more than 600,000 across the week;

Business Minister Paul Scully warned working from home should not become living at work as it risked damaging younger staffs careers and hollowing out the centres of British cities;

Pubs ramped up preparations for so-called Alfresco April as Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said pavement licences would be extended for another 12 months to make it easier and cheaper to make alfresco dining a reality;

The EU was reduced to begging the US to allow the export of millions of doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine to Europe as Brussels continued to struggle with the slow rollout of its jabs;

Portugal and the Spanish islands followed Cyprus in saying they hoped to welcome back British holidaymakers from mid-May, amid calls for the Government to adopt traffic light system to allow travel to and from low-risk countries;

The row over the 1 per cent pay rise for NHS staff continued with the Government defending the move and the Royal College of Nursing warning it could lead to large numbers of staff leaving.

Amid the success of the vaccination scheme, attention is now turning to testing in schools and in the workplace.

Twice-weekly tests will be available for free to all adults in households with primary, secondary school and college-aged children in a drive to break the chains of transmission.

Some schools have staggered the return over a few days as they start their testing regime.

Meanwhile, in a victory for The Mail on Sundays Tests at Work campaign, businesses with fewer than 50 employees will now be included in the workplace testing scheme run by the Department of Health.

Twice-weekly tests will be available for free to all adults in households with primary, secondary school and college-aged children in a drive to break the chains of transmission

More than 3,500 businesses of all sizes have already signed up, with another 14,000 registering their interest.

Around 850,000 people aged 55 to 59 were yesterday due to receive a letter inviting them to take up the offer of a jab, with a further 850,000 due to arrive tomorrow.

More than 80 per cent of people aged 65 to 69 have taken up the offer of a jab, with more than a third of the adult population in England now vaccinated.

Vaccinations are now being administered at more than 1,600 sites across the country, with 98 per cent of people living within ten miles of at least one venue.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: The NHS vaccination programme is in full swing and more than 21 million of the most at-risk people have already received their first dose.

This includes more than 90 per cent of those aged 65 and over and almost nine in 10 people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

Its an extraordinary feat and we remain on track to offer a first vaccine to all adults by July 31.
Building networks not enough to expand rural broadband

ITHACA, N.Y. - Public grants to build rural broadband networks may not be sufficient to close the digital divide, new Cornell University research finds.

High operations and maintenance costs and low population density in some rural areas result in prohibitively high service fees - even for a subscriber-owned cooperative structured to prioritize member needs over profits, the analysis found.

Decades ago, cooperatives were key to the expansion of electric and telephone service to underserved rural areas, spurred by New Deal legislation providing low-interest government grants and loans. Public funding for rural broadband access should similarly consider its critical role supporting economic development, health care and education, said Todd Schmit, associate professor in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.

"The New Deal of broadband has to incorporate more than building the systems," Schmit said. "We have to think more comprehensively about the importance of getting equal access to these technologies."

Schmit is the co-author with Roberta Severson, an extension associate in Dyson, of "Exploring the Feasibility of Rural Broadband Cooperatives in the United States: The New New Deal?" The research was published Feb. 13 in Telecommunications Policy.

More than 90% of Americans had broadband access in 2015, according to the study, but the total in rural areas was below 70%. Federal programs have sought to help close that gap, including a $20.4 billion Federal Communications Commission initiative announced last year to subsidize network construction in underserved areas.

Schmit and Severson studied the feasibility of establishing a rural broadband cooperative to improve access in Franklin County in northern New York state, which received funding for a feasibility study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Business Development Program.

The researchers partnered with Slic Network Solutions, a local internet service provider, to develop estimates of market prices, the cost to build a fiber-to-the-home network, operations and maintenance costs, and the potential subscriber base - about 1,600 residents - and model a cooperative that would break even over a 10-year cycle.

Federal and state grants and member investment would cover almost the entire estimated $8 million construction cost, so that wasn't a significant factor in the analysis, the researchers said.

But even with those subsidies, the study determined the co-op would need to charge $231 per month for its high-speed service option - 131% above market rates. At that price, it's unlikely 40% of year-round residents would opt for high-speed broadband as the model had assumed, casting further doubt on its feasibility.

The $231 fee included a surcharge to subsidize a lower-speed service option costing no more than $60 - a restriction the construction grants imposed to ensure affordability. Without that restriction, the high-speed price would drop to $175 and the low-speed climb to $105.

"In short," the authors wrote, "grants covering investment and capital construction alone do not solve the rural broadband problem, at least in our study area."

As an alternative - though not one available in Franklin County - Schmit and Severson examined the possibility of an existing rural electric or telecommunications co-op expanding into broadband. They would gain efficiencies from already operating infrastructure such as the poles that would carry fiber lines. In that scenario, the high-speed price improved to $144 a month - still 44% above market rates.

"These systems are very costly to operate and maintain," Schmit said, "particularly in areas like we looked at that are very low density."

The feasibility improves with growth in a coverage area's density and "take rate," or percentage of potential subscribers signing up at different speeds, according to the analysis. But in Franklin County, the researchers determined a startup co-op would need 14 potential subscribers per mile to break even over 10 years - more than twice the study area's actual density.

To better serve such areas, Schmit and Severson said, policymakers should explore eliminating property taxes on broadband infrastructure and payments to rent space on poles owned by regulated utilities, which respectively accounted for 16% and 18% of the proposed co-op's annual expenses. Those measures reduced an expanding rural utility co-op's high-speed fee to 25% above market rates, a level members might be willing to pay, the authors said.

"Consideration of the public benefits of broadband access arguably needs to be added to the equation," they wrote. "The case was made for electricity and telephone services in the 1930s and similar arguments would seem to hold for this technology today."

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This story has been published on: 2021-03-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.

EC statement on compliance of COVID norms in elections in light of Madras HC observations and order

Lawyer on EC's panel resigns for values not being in consonance with poll body

Remove PM Modi's photo from Covid vaccine certificates: EC tells Centre

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Mar 4: In the run-up to Assembly elections in four states and a Union Territory, the Election Commission (EC) has asked the Central Government to remove Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photo from coronavirus vaccine certificates being offered to beneficiaries in these states.

The ECI direction comes a week after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's party complained to the apex election body, saying the BJP and the Prime Minister were indulging in blatant misuse of the official machinery.

The TMC had on Tuesday approached the poll panel about Modi's image on vaccination certificates generated through the Co-Win platform being a violation of the model code of conduct in Bengal and other poll-bound states.

Dalai Lama receives first dose of anti-coronavirus vaccine

Also in Kerala, a Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) leader also had lodged a complaint with the Election Commission demanding the removal of the image of Modi from the COVID-19 vaccination certificate, issued to people in poll-bound state.I

In the brief letter, Midhun Shah, who is also the state co-coordinator of the Kerala State Youth Commission, pointed out that the model code of conduct was already in force in the southern state, where Assembly election is scheduled on April 6.

"The certificate, issued for receiving the free COVID-19 vaccine in the state, carries photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and excerpts of his speech. As it may influence the election procedure, I request you to take necessary steps to remove it," he said.

Shah later said that the complaint was lodged based on the provisional certificate which he got after receiving the shot at a vaccination centre here this morning.

"As the state-coordinator of the Youth Commission, I received the first dose of the vaccine this morning. I was surprised to see the Prime Minister''s colour photo and wordings in it. I feel it is a violation of model code of conduct and so approached the EC seeking its removal," he told PTI.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

Centre allows states to take call on converting more private hospitals into vaccine sites

The EC had on Wednesday directed all petrol outlets and other agencies to remove hoardings advertising central government schemes and carrying images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, from the premises within 72 hours, citing violation of the model code of conduct.
WASHINGTON - A federal judge chided the self-identified "QAnon Shaman," who was part of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, for appearing in a "60 Minutes Plus" interview without permission.

During a detention hearing Friday, Judge Royce Lamberth of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia questioned whether Jacob Chansley appeared in the interview that aired Thursday without the required clearance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the detention facility or the judge. The judge also questioned whether Chansley's attorney, Albert Watkins, was deceitful in skirting proper authorization to appear on the show.

In what was billed as Chansley's first interview since his arrest, he said that his actions were "not an attack on this country" and that he does not regret being loyal to former president Donald Trump. Chansley became one of the most distinct individuals arrested in the riot, photographed flexing near the vice president's chair in the Senate while shirtless and wearing a headdress and face paint.

Watkins said he did make "independent arrangements" with "60 Minutes Plus" but denied conducting "subterfuge." He said he assumed his client would be allowed to be captured on camera from his office.

A decision about Chansley's detention is still pending.

Chansley has been behind bars since he was arrested in his hometown of Phoenix on Jan 9.

In February, a judge ordered Chansley moved to a jail in Virginia that serves organic food after he claimed that nonorganic food was against his religion.

Chansley has been charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building among other federal felony charges. He is among more than 300 charged in the Capitol riots that resulted in five deaths.

In a previous interview with The Washington Post, he said he danced, sang and prayed in the Capitol, drumming on the floor with his pole to "reclaim our nation."

He also said he left a note for Vice President Mike Pence that said "It's only a matter of time, justice is coming."

On Friday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Paschall argued that Chansley is a danger to the community and should therefore remain jailed until trial. She said there was "ample evidence" that Chansley was carrying a spear while facing off with an officer inside the Senate chambers. She pointed to Chansley's "60 Minutes Plus" interview as evidence of his still-standing belief "that the current government is not a legitimate government and that the 2020 presidential election was stolen."

She argued that Chansley would not be capable of following conditions of release.

Watkins, meanwhile, painted his client as a nonviolent man misled and let down by Trump, who he greatly admired. He highlighted Chansley's lack of criminal history and said his client simply walked into the Capitol after police let him in. The judge and prosecutor pushed back.

"I am not belittling my client . . . but my client was wearing horns," he said. "He had tattoos around his nipples. He wasn't leading anywhere. He was a follower."

Watkins also said that Chansley believes in ahimsa, a form of nonviolence toward living things, and denied that the flagpole he carried was a spear.

Chansley apologized last month for storming the Capitol, saying he regrets entering the building and that Trump "let a lot of peaceful people down."

Chansley publicly requested - but did not receive - a pardon from Trump, which he expressed disappointment with in the 60 Minutes Plus interview. At one point, Chansley had offered to testify against Trump during his impeachment trial.

On Friday, Watkins cast the absence of a pardon as a turning point for Chansley.

"My client went from that point to expressing deep disappointment in the former president," he said.
The head of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan received Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at the presidential palace in Khartoum on Saturday.

This is the first time El-Sisi visits Sudan following the formation of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council in August 2019.

El-Sisi and Al-Burhan last meeting was held in Cairo last December when the Egyptian president affirmed Cairo's support for the political leadership in Sudan in shaping their countrys future, welcoming all efforts aiming to aid Sudan in facing its economic crisis, and towards accomplishing regional stability and peace.

El-Sisi's visit is meant to affirm Egypts support of Sudan at this critical juncture, a statement by the Egyptian presidency said earlier on Saturday.

It is also part of efforts to coordinate visions and stances on various issues of common interest.

Scheduled during the visit are an Egyptian-Sudanese summit and meetings with senior Sudanese leaders and officials, the presidential statement noted.

The meetings will see discussions over means to cooperate and boost bilateral relations on the military, security, and economic levels, as well as talks about regional and continental developments, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, security in the Red Sea, and Sudans borders, the presidential statement added.

El-Sisi's current visit to Khartoum comes against the backdrop of various high-level meetings between Egypt and Sudan that have been held in recent weeks.

Last week, Cairo and Khartoum signed a military cooperation agreement on the sidelines of Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid to Sudan. Farid and his Sudanese counterpart stressed that the military cooperation agreement was set to strengthen cooperation in security issues and preserve the national security of both countries.

In November, Egypt and Sudan conducted Nile Eagles 1 air forces' drill for the first time, which took place in one of the Sudanese air bases and involved the Egyptian special forces Thunderbolt.

Today's visit also comes less than a week after the reception of Mariam Sadek Al-Mahdi, Sudans newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, in Cairo.

During her visit, Al-Mahdi and Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called for international mediation to facilitate a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia ahead of the second filling of the GERD, planned by Addis Ababa next Summer.

Both foreign ministers warned that the water security of Egypt and Sudan "will be in danger if Ethiopia goes on with the second filling of the GERD" without reaching a legally binding agreement.

The last round of GERD negotiations, mediated by South Africa, the former president of the AU, stalled in January due to Khartoum's withdrawal from the latest meetings in objection to the methodology upon which the talks had been held.

Short link:


Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the authority for most of the world's Shiite Muslims, told Pope Francis in a historic meeting in the Iraqi city of Najaf Saturday that the country's Christians should live in "peace."

The meeting, on the second day of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, marked a landmark moment in modern religious history.

Pope Francis is defying a second wave of coronavirus cases and renewed security fears to make a "long-awaited" trip to Iraq, aiming to comfort the country's ancient Christian community and deepen his dialogue with other religions.

The meeting between the two elderly men lasted 50 minutes, with Sistani's office putting out a statement shortly afterwards thanking Francis, 84, for visiting the holy city of Najaf.

Sistani, 90, "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said.

His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah.

Sistani is extremely reclusive and rarely grants meetings but made an exception to host Francis, an outspoken proponent of interreligious dialogue.

The Pope had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters had been set up featuring a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city.

"People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners.

- 'We feel proud' -

The meeting is one of the highlights of Francis's four-day trip to war-scarred Iraq, where Sistani has played a key role in tamping down tensions in recent decades.

It took months of careful negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican to secure the one-on-one meeting.

"We feel proud of what this visit represents and we thank those who made it possible," said Mohamed Ali Bahr al-Ulum, a senior cleric in Najaf.

Story continues

Pope Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, has met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Sistani, meanwhile, is followed by most of the world's 200 million Shiites -- a minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq -- and is a national figure for Iraqis.

"Ali Sistani is a religious leader with a high moral authority," said Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot , the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a specialist in Islamic studies.

Sistani began his religious studies at the age of five, climbing through the ranks of Shiite clergy to grand ayatollah in the 1990s.

While Saddam Hussein was in power, he languished under house arrest for years, but emerged after the US-led invasion toppled the repressive regime in 2003 to play an unprecedented public role.

In 2019, he stood with Iraqi protesters demanding better public services and rejecting external interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.

On Friday in Baghdad, Pope Francis made a similar plea.

"May partisan interests cease, those outside interests who don't take into account the local population," Francis said.

- 'Great prestige' -

Sistani has had a complicated relationship with his birthplace Iran, where the other main seat of Shiite religious authority lies: Qom.

While Najaf affirms the separation of religion and politics, Qom believes the top cleric -- Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- should also govern.

Iraqi clerics and Christian leaders said the visit could strengthen Najaf's standing compared to Qom.

"The Najaf school has great prestige and is more secular than the more religious Qom school," Ayuso said.

"Najaf places more weight on social affairs," he added.

In Abu Dhabi in 2019, the Pope met Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo and a key authority for Sunni Muslims.

They signed a text encouraging Christian-Muslim dialogue, which Catholic clerics hoped Sistani would also endorse, but clerical sources in Najaf told AFP it is unlikely.

While the Pope has been vaccinated and encouraged others to get the jab, Sistani's office has not announced his vaccination.

Iraq is currently gripped by a resurgence of coronavirus cases, recording more than 5,000 infections and more than two dozen deaths daily.

Following his visit to the grand ayatollah, the pope will head to the desert site of the ancient city of Ur -- believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, common patriarch of the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths -- where he will host an interfaith service, with many of Iraq's other religious minorities in attendance.

bur-mjg/kir
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The term corporate welfare gets thrown around a lot these days. For the most part it consists of tax giveaways to large corporations in order to entice them to relocate or to stay in a certain community. These are common tools governments use across our country. The argument being that we give up tax revenue because the benefit to our communities is job creation and expanding the tax base.

New Mexico, however, uses a little-known type of corporate welfare called Industrial Revenue Bonds or IRBs to provide these giveaways. IRBs are a financial arrangement that local governments use to reduce taxes in exchange for a small local financial incentive, in addition to the guaranteed jobs and economic growth. The state benefits from a growing tax base, the local community gets a new business, and schools have more money because of the growing economic base.

These programs have been used to enormous advantage to New Mexico in the past. Intel is one of the beneficiaries of an IRB. While the state and local government lost out on tax revenues, that particular IRB created thousands of high-paying jobs and helped Rio Rancho grow to the wonderful place it is today; it was mutually beneficial to both Rio Rancho/New Mexico and Intel. However, not all corporate welfare is equal.

New Mexico Democrats have decided to apply the IRB tool to transmission lines, something that has never been done until now. In other words, they are giving an out-of-state energy company millions of dollars in tax breaks to develop transmission lines. This would arguably be fine  except that transmission lines produce few if any long-term jobs and therefore do not benefit the community with a new tax base in which the project exists.

HB 105, if passed, will give a major out-of-state corporation $50 million in tax breaks to develop projects that will have few permanent jobs. The property tax abatement on the land this project is slated for will result in the loss of millions of tax dollars to our schools.

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The sad part of this is when this bill was passed last year, House Republicans amended it to require schools be held harmless. The agreement is that we would not collect taxes on the project, but the company would be required to pay the schools the amount of taxes it would otherwise pay had this project been traditionally funded without IRBs. This amendment allowed the IRB to go forward, saving the company tens of millions of dollars, and only requiring it provide a small amount of support for schools.

Last years agreement appeared to be a reasonable solution to this new use of IRBs. We were wrong. The corporate lobbyists and their Democrat enablers came back this year with HB 105, stripping the protections for our schools. A shockingly brazen move at the same time lawsuits are moving forward concerning New Mexicos underfunding of schools.

Would HB 105 pass any other year? Not likely. It is no coincidence that these types of bills are being passed while the Legislature is closed to the public. If the public is not paying attention, it should be. This is not corporate welfare; this is corporate theft at the expense of our school children.
James Levey holds a masters degree in China studies from the Institute for Asian Studies at St. Johns University in New York and has traveled to China extensively on business. Thomas Niles is a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, the European Union and Greece, where he served until 1997. After retiring from the Foreign Service, he was later president and CEO of the U.S. Council for International Business.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry will soon be spilling royal secrets in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey. The couple is speaking out for the first time since they declined to return to the UK as senior working royals.

For her appearance in the two-hour special, Meghan chose one specific piece of jewelry so Princess Diana could be with her.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Samir Hussein/Samir Hussein/WireImage

Prince Harry says Megxit was unbelievably tough

Ahead of the highly-anticipated interview, CBS has released two promos to give fans a peek at what Harry and Meghan said during their discussion with Winfrey. Its clear from the short clips that Princess Diana was an important part of the conversation.

Harry compared his unbelievably tough split from the royal family to Dianas experience when she divorced Prince Charles in 1996. The Duke of Sussex said that he cant imagine what it must have been like for his mother to go through a similar experience that he and Meghan have endured.

Im just really relieved and happy to be sitting here talking to you with my wife by my side, Harry said. Because I cant begin to imagine what it must have been like for her, going through this process by herself all those years ago. It has been unbelievably tough for the two of us, but at least we had each other.

Harry admitted that his biggest concern was history repeating itself, which seems to be a reference to his mothers death. The duke has criticized the British press repeatedly for their role in the tragedy.

Meghan Markle wore Princess Dianas bracelet for the interview

In the preview clips of Harry and Meghans interview, the Duchess of Sussex was wearing a very special piece of jewelry. Meghan  who is expecting their second child  was wearing a bracelet that belonged to Diana. Its the same bracelet that Harry used to make Meghans engagement ring.

When Harry was designing Meghans three-stone ring, he took two stones from the bracelet. Those stones are the smaller ones in Meghans ring which flank one large stone from Botswana.

RELATED: Prince William Chose to Keep Princess Dianas Gold Cartier Watch  So Why Does Meghan Markle Have It?

According to People magazine, the duke and duchess decided Meghan should wear the bracelet so that Diana could be with them during the interview.

The preview clips of the interview didnt feature Meghan speaking at all. Instead, viewers will have to wait to hear how she responds to questions like Were you silent or were you silenced? Winfrey also makes it clear in the promo that no subject is off limits.

Meghan Markle faces bullying claims ahead of the primetime special

Just days ahead of the CBS primetime special, a UK newspaper has accused Meghan of bullying royal staffers when she lived at Kensington Palace. The Times of London claimed that Meghan had a bullying complaint against her from a close palace advisor.

According to the outlet, Jason Knauf  the Sussexes former communications secretary  made the complaint in October 2018 in an attempt to protect the staff. The Times reports that the complaint claimed Meghan drove two personal assistants out of the household and was undermining the confidence of a third staff member.

Anonymous sources in the article claim that Meghan would occasionally reduce staff members to tears. One unnamed senior staffer claimed that Meghans alleged bullying felt more like emotional cruelty and manipulation.

Buckingham Palace is aware of the allegations

Buckingham Palace has released a statement saying that they will look into the circumstances outlined in the article.

We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the palace said in the statement.

RELATED: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Lose More Than Just Their Honorary Titles as They Refuse to Return as Working Royals

However, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex claims that this is a smear campaign.

Lets just call this what it is  a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation, the Sussex spokesperson said.

Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special airs March 7.
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After spending 48 days with Covid-19 in an intensive care unit in Barcelona, Ibrar Ahmed Iftikhar looked pleased to finally be out in the open.

On the Spanish city's seaside promenade his family, who had not seen him since he was admitted to hospital, greeted him with kisses, hugs and caresses.

The 52-year-old, who moved to Spain from Pakistan three decades ago, has a tube in his neck allowing him to breathe -- but preventing him from speaking. He responds to affection instead with smiles and moving his lips to try to pronounce words.

His wife holds his hand, while his brother and sister caress his face. His 18-year-old son Hussnain does not leave his side, carefully adjusting the bedsheets when the Mediterranean breeze cools the air.

"I have never been apart from my father for so long. We get along really well, we have a good connection and not seeing or talking to him for so many days has been hard," he said.

"We were waiting for a call from the doctor 24/7, seven days a week, to see what they said. My father has a very large family and we were all watching out for news."

Iftikhar was also able to see his sisters, mother and other relatives by video over a smartphone. He waved to them as they spoke.

- 'Humanise' ICU stays -

The large white bed is surrounded by healthcare workers from the Hospital del Mar -- the Hospital of the Sea -- wearing white and green gowns.

The scene draws the attention of passers-by on the promenade which before the pandemic the promenade would have been packed with tourists.

The seaside reunion is part of a programme launched by the hospital to try to "humanise" ICU stays and "include the physical and emotional wellbeing of the patients," Judith Marin, an intensive care doctor with the hospital, said.

To take part in one of these outings, a patient must first test negative for Covid-19 and have made significant progress in their recovery.

Patients are monitored while outside and emergency resuscitation equipment is on hand in case it is needed.

Story continues

The project was launched before the arrival of the coronavirus but the pandemic has made it even more necessary because of the strict isolation protocols Covid-19 patients must endure.

The hospital wants to expand the programme in the future to allow pets to visit patients in the ICU unit.

"It is not just about leaving the four walls of the ICU unit, but also doing it in a natural setting such as a seaside promenade and physically meeting with relatives," said Marin.

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The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that 25 percent of the worlds population, or 2.5 billion people, will have hearing problems by 2050.

The warning came from the first-ever report on hearing from the United Nations health agency.

The report found that many of the causes of hearing loss are preventable. They include infections, disease, birth defects, too much noise and lifestyle choices.

To fight hearing loss, the report suggests measures which, it says, could cost what is equal to $1.33 for every person each year. WHO director-general Tedros Adhonom Ghebreyesus said the cost of doing nothing is very high, an estimated $1 trillion.

The U.N. researchers estimate that one in five people around the world already have hearing problems. But the report warned the number may increase to 2.5 billion people during the next 30 years. And 700 million would require some kind of treatment for hearing loss by 2050.

Causes of hearing loss

The U.N. experts say in the report that many people with hearing loss cannot get care. This is especially a problem in poor countries where there are fewer health care professionals. Eighty percent of people with hearing loss live in poor countries.

The report finds that, among those countries, 78 percent have fewer than one ear, nose and throat specialists for every million people. The numbers are similar for specialists who treat hearing, speech therapists and teachers for the deaf.

The report adds that even in rich countries, the ability to get hearing treatment is uneven. It said there is a lack of good information and a stigma surrounding hearing problems that prevents people from getting treatment.

Even among health-care providers, knowledge relevant to prevention, early identification and management of hearing loss and ear disease is commonly lacking.

How to deal with hearing loss

The report proposes active measures for solving the problem. It recommends public health campaigns aimed at reducing loud noise. It also calls for increased vaccinations against diseases like meningitis which have been linked to hearing loss.

Other recommendations include systematic examination of people to identify problems at different points in their lives. For example, the report notes that 60 percent of hearing problems in children could be prevented. Programs to identify possible problems that target new mothers and babies can help too.

In addition, recent technological improvements, including easy-to-use tools, can identify ear disease and hearing loss at any age. It is now easier to carry out screening in difficult conditions like those found during the coronavirus health crisis and in underserved areas of the world.

Im Mario Ritter, Jr.

Mario Ritter Jr. adapted this Agence France-Presse story for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

deaf adj. unable to hear

stigma n. a set of negative and often unfair beliefs held by people about something

relevant adj. relating to a subject in a meaningful way

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The news comes as the company announced it had chosen to list in London, in an initial public offering (IPO) which could value the company up to $7bn (5bn). It is expected to float on the stock market as early as Monday 8 March. Photo: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Deliveroo will set up a 50m ($70m) coronavirus recovery fund to help struggling restaurants post-lockdown.

The news comes as the company announced it had chosen to list in London, in an initial public offering (IPO) which could value the company up to $7bn (5bn). It is expected to float on the stock market as early as Monday 8 March.

Additionally, the fund will also pay for meals for vulnerable people and allow Deliveroo's around 50,000 UK riders to buy electric scooters.

The pandemic recovery fund will sound good to the government, after chancellor Rishi Sunak, on Thursday welcomed Deliveroo's plans to list in London.

Sunak also announced reforms to loosen City listing rules. The chancellor's plans will allow "dual-class" listings, which will enable founders to greater control even after their companies go public.

Rumours of a listing have been circulating since September. At the time, it was reported people familiar with the matter had said discussions were in their preliminary stages.

The company had raised $180m from its investors, including from minority stakeholder Amazon (AMZN). Deliveroo also said at the time it had beefed up its board with the appointment of Simon Wolfson, the former chief of retailer Next (NXT.L), as a non-executive director, a move that was widely seen as IPO preparation.

In a rare move, the float is expected to open up to its customers while their couriers could also be offered financial rewards as part of the deal.

READ MORE: Deliveroo wants Eat Out to Help Out scheme to make a comeback

Deliveroos heavy investment in technology led to a loss of 319.9m in 2019, which forced the company to take out a short-term 198m loan to mitigate the losses.

But since then, the coronavirus pandemic saw a significant rise in appetite for online food delivery. This supercharged Deliveroo, more than doubling its revenues in the UK and Ireland and pushing it into operating profitability during the second and third quarters of 2020.

Story continues

Last month, the delivery firm urged the government for a return of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme once the hospitality sector is allowed to open its doors, in a letter to the prime minister that has also been signed by 330 other restaurants.

The letter, signed by the likes of itsu, Pizza Hut and Shake Shack (SHAK) among others, said the scheme had been crucial in allowing restaurants to survive last year.

The boost the scheme provided not only helped protect restaurants from closure but also showed customers the work we have done to make sure they are safe and can get back to enjoying great food. We encourage the Government to consider a rerun of this innovative scheme when it is safe to do so, the letter said.

WATCH: Deliveroo plans $7bn London share listing
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Amtrak will pay for the repairs and upgrades needed at the train stops along the Gulf Coast route ahead of returning passenger rail to the line in early 2022.

The announcement, occurring Friday during a Southern Rail Commission meeting, is dependent on Federal Railroad Administration approval and work could be underway in the coming months. The objective, according to Amtrak, is to repair the platforms that have long been in place along the rail route connecting Mobile to New Orleans.

Amtrak confirmed with AL.com last week that it intends to bring back passenger rail service along the route as soon as possible in 2022, with a target set for January.

One of the key components in starting service is ensuring the stations are accessible and that we can get passengers on board safely and that (the stations) are accessible, said David Handera, vice-president of stations, facilities, properties with Amtrak. He made his comments before the SRC, an agency formed by Congress in 1982 which advocates for passenger rail service in three Southern states of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Handera said the overall project will be done in a partnership with the individual cities along the route. That includes four cities in Mississippi  Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and Pascagoula  and Mobile, the only stop in Alabama.

The work will include upgrading existing ADA-compliant platforms and installing signage and lightning where needed. The cities would be required to assist in addressing improvements to roadways and parking lots leading to the platforms.

But its unclear how much, if any, additional money Mobile is willing to spend for the project. City officials tabled last month an $80,000 expenditure for an alternative train station analysis to study a possible Amtrak depot at the Brookley Aeroplex that would locate near a future commercial airport. That amount represents half of the studys $160,200 cost that would also be supported with federal money managed by the SRC.

Spending that additional money, according to some council members, was contingent on the completion of a study involving Amtrak and two freight operators along the track  CSX and Norfolk Southern.

The study was to determine how passenger rails return would affect freight business and the Alabama State Port Authority in downtown Mobile. The completion of that analysis has been anticipated by Mobile city officials, and it was a contingency cited in the councils February 2020 approval of spending $3 million over three years for the operations of the Gulf Coast route.

That study, which began in January 2020, was supposed to be completed in October. But negotiations stalled, and in January, Amtrak notified the freight rail companies they plan on restarting service. The freight operators have since called on Amtrak to return to the negotiating table.

Jim Blair, senior director of host railroads with Amtrak, said the agency established a year to do a seven-month study. He said there was no indication the study would end or that service would be restarted in a timely fashion, leading Amtrak to reach out to the freight operators to let them know they were moving forward with restarting the service. At the earliest, the service could restart within 10 months.

We have invited (CSX and Norfolk Southern) to participate and provide feedback on our efforts to do that, said Blair.

He said Amtrak has since begun hiring staff to support the new rail service and are working on marketing and planning issues.

We have a team of folks working toward the implementation and are excited with starting service early next year, Blair said.

Mobile officials on the SRC hope that Amtrak is willing to sit back down with the freight operators and see that the study is completed.

David Clark, president/CEO with Visit Mobile and a member of the SRC, called on all parties to return to negotiations.

The Alabama (Southern Rail) Commission members have publicly shared with the governors office, the mayor of Mobile, the Mobile City Council and Mobile County Commission that they would all receive a completed (freight impact) modeling study prior to the return of Amtrak service, he said. Furthermore, the Mobile City Council committed to an operating expense for the first three years that was predicated on the satisfaction of the study.

Clark said the studys completion is important for the state authority, which oversees the 11th largest seaport in the country by total trade.

The port is considered the largest economic driver in coastal Alabama and is one of the top economic drivers in the state of Alabama, Clark said. We commissioners have consistently stressed on record that we support passenger rail service as long as it does not interfere with the commerce coming in and out of the state port. We believe the restart of this service on the Gulf Coast is predicated on the port and (CEO John Driscolls) questions being addressed in a satisfactory manner.

Marc Magliari, a spokesman with Amtrak, said after the SRC meeting that they are listening closely to the commissioners. He said Amtrak will keep the SRC and the commissioners informed as to our next steps.

Stephen McNair, a local historic preservationist and a member of the Southern Rail Commission, speaks out in support of bring Amtrak services back to the Gulf Coast for the first time since 2005. The Mobile City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, in support of a resolution that commits future funds for the operations of Amtrak service along the Gulf Coast. The resolution including contingencies that include the outcome of a six-month study on how passenger trains might affect freight rail. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Stephen McNair, a Mobile businessman and representative on the SRC, said logistical challenges also remain for Mobile. He said that Brookley Field remains the preferred site among city officials for the final train stop, noting that it has the least impact as possible on the commerce of the port.

He said, there is a lot of work to be done, discussions to be had.

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, in a statement, said while the city is pleased to see monument behind bringing Amtrak to the city, there is more work that needs to be done.

A year ago, and within the last couple of weeks, there have been some important concerns raised about how the return of passenger rail could impact commerce and economic growth around the Port of Mobile, he said. We look forward to getting more information from Amtrak and the freight carriers on how they will work through these concerns.

For now, Amtrak is coveting its legacy site in downtown Mobile as a dropping-off point for passengers. The site near Cooper Riverside Park in downtown Mobile was the same location where a train station long stood and served Amtraks Sunset Limited service from Los Angeles to Jacksonville.

The station was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina, and the rail line was badly damaged by the catastrophic storm that devastated the Mississippi and Louisiana Gulf Coast in 2005. No passenger train, excluding a 2016 inspection train, has rolled across the Gulf Coast route since the storm.

The Gulf Coast project is regional in nature and is part of Amtraks overall goal of boosting daily ridership on shorter, city-to-city routes. Its a completely different service then the Sunset Limited ran along the Gulf Coast and was often problematic with arrivals into Mobile at odd hours and low ridership.

Opponents to the service have called the revised rail route a joy ride for the affluent, while proponents have said the regional route will provide an alternative transportation option for Gulf Coast events and festivals. One New Orleans-based official has called it the Mardi Gras Express.

This story was updated at 7 p.m. on March 5, 2021, to add a comment from Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson.
As a husband-and-wife team, they became the toast of the fashion industry after creating Princess Dianas extravagant ivory silk wedding dress.

But now divorced, David and Elizabeth Emanuel are at war over the gown that made them household names.

And in the latest chapter of their increasingly bitter dispute, Elizabeth has made the extraordinary claim that her ex-husband played no role in its design, and has dishonestly taken the credit for decades.

In legal papers filed last week  and seen by The Mail on Sunday  Elizabeth alleges that she designed the dress entirely on her own and accuses David of making frequent false statements to the media and press that he had designed dresses for Princess Diana when he did not.

She is seeking a court order to stop him from making any claim on the creation of the dress which, with its spectacular 25ft train, enthralled a global TV audience of 750 million in 1981.

Princess Diana's incredible dress, featuring a 25ft train, was spectacular- but Elizabeth Emanuel says her husband had little to do with its creation

Elizabeths broadside comes after 68-year-old David took legal action to stop his ex-wife selling sketches of the dress, claiming she had no right to do so without his consent.

But in her blistering response, she claims that she was the key creative force in their relationship, and that Davids role was merely organisation, dealing with clients and overseeing the making of garments by the workroom staff to her designs. The court documents allege that Elizabeth, 67, has been deprived of media interviews and financial revenue because the public wrongly think that David designed the dress and not her.

David recently landed a consultancy role on Netflixs hit drama The Crown to help recreate the dress for actress Emma Corrin to wear during wedding scenes opposite Josh OConnor, who plays Prince Charles.

However, Elizabeth claims she would have been offered the job instead had her ex-husband not spent years falsely claiming to be Dianas dressmaker. And she alleges he breached her copyright by reproducing the wedding dress for the screen without her consent.

It is the latest twist in a case that began when David sued his ex-wife over the auction of sketches of the dress and other garments worn by the Princess of Wales.

The other disputed drawings up for sale include the chiffon blouse with ruff collar and satin that Diana wore for the official engagement photograph Lord Snowdon took for Vogue; the sequined black taffeta evening gown from her first official engagement with Charles in March 1981; a green silk evening gown she wore in 1985; a black and silver dress from the Out Of Africa film premiere in 1986; and a white crepe dress the Princess wore on a Royal tour of the Gulf states the same year. The Welsh designer claimed his ex-wife is selling the sketches without his consent and is seeking damages for a breach of copyright. He has even asked for offending copies of the sketches  which he claims she created from the originals they made together  to be destroyed.

Diana looks through designs and fabrics in Kensington Palace with David and Elizabeth Emanuel

However, in a blistering response filed at the High Court last week, Elizabeths lawyers said that her former husband had played no part in the creative process that led to the design drawings. They were not works of joint authorship.

She claims that David very rarely, if at all, drew any sketches, artwork or created any designs during their partnership, which ran from 1978 until their divorce in 1990. The legal papers state that she created the sketches in an upstairs room at their boutique Emanuel Salon, in Brook Street, Mayfair, Central London, while her husband worked in a room downstairs.

Elizabeth also claims that her ex-husband could not have been the creator of Dianas extravagant wedding dress because his design style is simple and classic while she has an innovative avant-garde dramatic romantic style.

David is often introduced on TV as the designer of Dianas wedding dress  or as one American broadcaster recently declared, the genius behind that gown. In her legal claim, Elizabeth accused her ex-husband of taking credit for her designs in media interviews knowing them to be false and/or reckless as to the truth, and claiming he knows that she solely created all the designs for Princess Diana.

The couple met while studying at Harrow College of Art in the mid-1970s, before both then completed masters degrees in fashion at the Royal College of Art in London.

They set up their Mayfair couture house and had two children, Oliver and Eloise, before their marriage broke down acrimoniously. For years they have communicated only through their children and lawyers.

David Emanuel declined to comment last night.


Daniel Ogala, an Abuja resident, said he will not take the COVID-19 vaccines that Nigeria recently acquired because he believes it is an orchestrated plan by the Western world to monitor Africans.

When they inject you with the vaccine, a chip will be implanted inside your body and will be used to monitor you, Mr Ogala, a tailor, said.

Rose Adebowale, a resident of Kubwa, a satellite town in Abuja, gave another twist.

They told us that if you receive the vaccines, you will be inscribed with the 666 anti-Christ sign, the woman in her mid-50s said.

I will not even go near that evil vaccine.

Such conspiracy theories are common and thrive due to poor communication and enlightenment by relevant authorities, experts say.

Vaccination Commences

Nigeria on Friday commenced the vaccination of its citizens against COVID-19 after receiving approximately 4 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines on Tuesday.

The rollout started with healthcare workers who are often at the risk of exposure to infections being the first responders to patients.

President Buhari is expected to be vaccinated publicly today.

Health workers and police officers are among those to be vaccinated in the first phase of Nigerias vaccine rollout.

But while much attention is focused on the rollout plan, the challenge of false misconceptions about the vaccines have largely been overlooked.

For Nigeria to have an effective vaccination campaign, public health experts say the challenge of actually persuading people to get a shot must be addressed urgently.

Survey on Perception

In the past five days, PREMIUM TIMES put questions on social media platforms including WhatsApp and Facebook asking Nigerians whether they will take the vaccines or not, and the reasons for their answers.

We also took to the streets of Abuja to gather opinions of Nigerians on the vaccines.

About 70 per cent of the 100 respondents said they would not take the vaccines. Their reasons differ but can be linked to their mistrust of government policies and the governments handling of the pandemic.

Best Okereke, a businessman, said he will not take the vaccines because I am not ready to be a specimen for vaccine trials in a country like Nigeria.

The bottom line is I have absolutely no faith in the Nigerian government because of their lack of transparency in handling the COVID-19 response said Pius Olumide, a pharmacist. I just feel like something is not right with the way the government is going about this, so Im very hesitant.

Stanley Okafor, who resides in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, said he will not take the vaccine because he does not feel, comfortable with it and also I have heard speculations that people that have got the complete dosage still contacted coronavirus.

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Though it is rare, there is a possibility you can still catch COVID-19 after getting vaccinated, but research shows milder symptoms and lower transmission.

Carol Ottaviano, a volunteer for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial in the U.S., is one of a small group of people to test positive for COVID-19 after getting the 95 per cent effective Pfizer vaccines, according to 10News America.

Eugenia Yakubu, a maternal health advocate and author, shared a similar view as Mr Okafor.

A one off shut will not prevent me from having COVID-19 again. Besides we dont have enough doses. So, I will rather more vulnerable people take first, Mrs Yakubu, the author of Motherhood and the fruit of pain, said.

Willing but wary

While about 30 per cent of the respondents said they are willing to receive the vaccine, most of them said they are particularly wary over several safety concerns raised against the vaccines.

One of the safety concerns is that the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines Nigeria received was rejected by South Africa for failing to provide sufficient protection against the new COVID-19 variant in the country.

The AstraZeneca vaccine only provides about 10 per cent protection against mild to moderate COVID-19 disease caused by the South African variant, the Bhekisisa reported. This is way below the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended 50 per cent protection.

Jonathan Kabiru, a student journalist, said he will take the vaccine but said he is worried over how safe they are.

These safety concerns raised have put some doubt about its effectiveness to a reasonable extent, he said.

Nnimmo Bassey, an environmentalist, said he will pass the opportunity to take the vaccine to someone that is not in a position to take the precautionary measures against the pandemic.

Otun Oluwadamilola, a student, said she will take the vaccine only because it seems the only logical thing to do and not because she believes in its potency.

SBM survey

Our survey builds on a growing number of polls which find so many people saying they would not take the coronavirus vaccine thereby putting the potential to tackle the pandemic with the vaccines under threat.

In a study by a research firm, SBM Intel, in all 36 states and the FCT, only 39.9 per cent of Nigerians said they will take the jabs.

The survey, titled: COVID in Nigeria  The second wave was published in January. It surveyed peoples perceptions about the existence of COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccines.

While 35.9 per cent of the respondents said they will not take the vaccine, 24.1 per cent are unsure of their position yet.

Like other vaccines, there are mistrust issues associated with the COVID-19 vaccine. In interviews with some respondents who are opposed to the vaccine, we filtered a number of misconceptions about the vaccine. Some respondents held that it is a religious war to contaminate the children of God with evil substances, the research firm said.

Some believe that the vaccines are a tool to depopulate Nigeria, while others expressed concern about the effectiveness ratio and the side-effects that the vaccine might have. Some other persons were not completely opposed to the vaccine, but were more concerned with the thoughts of being used as Guinea pigs for drug trials.

Interestingly, the survey also found that nearly a fifth of Nigerians still do not believe the COVID-19 is real.

Experts weigh in

Many health experts said the general misconceptions and mistrust swirling around the COVID-19 pandemic and the vaccine hesitancy are fuelled by the lack of transparency by the government. They say a massive awareness campaign to enlighten the people should have been flagged off long before the arrival of the vaccines.

The root of the matter may be the overall public perception of governments handling of the issues in the country, said Mr Bassey, an environmentalist and anti-GMO campaigner.

As of May 2020, about N36.3 billion had been raised from local and international support Nigeria received for the fight against COVID-19. Meanwhile, details of how the fund was spent have remained sketchy.

The Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, last September stated that over N30 billion, representing 84 per cent of the N36.3 billon, was expended between April 1, 2020, and July 31, 2020, leaving the balance of N5.9 billion.

He, however, did not provide a detailed breakdown of the utilisation nor provide details on plans to spend the balance of N5.9 billion.

The pandemic response does not stand in isolation. It is immersed in the state of the national healthcare system. It is also immersed in the level of trust the public has in the government and in the overall system. You must agree that in a large self-help system where citizens provide healthcare, electricity, water, security, people tend to behave autonomously. It is time for close scrutiny of what level of trust exists between the governments and the people. If that gap is not fixed, many may, unfortunately, read negative meanings into plans for the vaccine rollout, said Mr Bassey.

For Confidence MacHarry, security and health data analyst with SBM intelligence, situational awareness is important.

So far, the ministry of health and the secretary of the government of the federation have both acknowledged the shortcomings. However more has to be done, especially in the area of drafting religious and political leaders into the fight against vaccine skepticism.

Oyewale Tomori, a professor of virology, said too much of fake news about the vaccines went unchallenged with facts. Since they were unconnected or unrefuted, a lot of people believed the fake stories. By the time the counter and correct information came out, most people were set in their belief.

Silver lining

Vaccine hesitancy, a reluctance or refusal to be immunised, was named by the World Health Organisation as one of the top 10 threats to global health in 2019.

Vaccine scepticism is a major obstacle for governments everywhere but the silver lining is that in this pandemic, the worst vaccine skeptic country, France, has witnessed a softening of postures, said Mr MacHarry.

He said with the right messaging, this will likely occur in Nigeria in the coming weeks.

I believe with time and when appropriate and proper information is disseminated widely and publicly, making people aware of the benefits of receiving the vaccines, there will be a gradual change of attitude and better acceptance of the vaccine, said Mr Tomori, a professor.

Right now, it appears that acceptance will be slow.

To increase acceptance of the vaccine, the Nigerian leadership, from executive to the legislative and including the high and mighty in industry, academia, and our famous Nollywood actors and musicians should first take the vaccine as a demonstration of the safety of the vaccine.
Mogadishu, March 6 : At least 10 people were killed and 30 others injured in a suicide car bombing outside a popular restaurant in the Somalian capital of Mogadishu, a police official said.

Those injured in the attack that targeted the Lul Yemeni restaurant near the seaport on Friday evening are mainly civilians, Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying.

Another official said that the casualties could be higher as the blast caused the destruction of nearby buildings.

Witnesses said they heard a huge blast near the popular restaurant which was earlier targeted by a militant group in August 2020.

"There was a huge blast and we learnt that many people were killed in the blast. Heavily armed forces arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area," a witness said.

Another witness said a plume of black smoke could be seen billowing from the scene amid heavy gunfire between the security forces and terrorists.

"The blast was so huge that a house near the scene collapsed but there are efforts to rescue those still underneath the rubble." No group has claimed responsibility yet.

This is the second suicide bombing in the Somalian capital this year.

On January 31, at least five people were killed and several others injured in a suicide car bombing outside the Afrik Hotel, which is frequented by government officials.

The Al-Shahab terror group, which is fighting to overthrow the internationally-backed government, had claimed responsibility for the attack.

The beginning of the school year when you got to show off your new duds, new cars, new looks!

Sports! Playing, cheering, watching high school athletics.

The arts: Dramatic arts, musical groups and shows, graphic arts groups, debate, etc.

The prom! No dancing the night away or punch bowl antics.

The daily interactions. Just being with the group, hanging with friends and classmates.

Access to college recruiters and advisors  its harder to line up higher education.

Walking onstage to get a diploma while all the family is watching with everyone elses family.

Vote

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Najaf: Pope Francis met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most senior clerics in Shiite Islam, in Iraqs holy city of Najaf on Saturday to deliver a message of peaceful coexistence, urging Muslims to embrace Iraqs long-beleaguered Christian minority.

The historic meeting in al-Sistanis home was months in the making, with every detail painstakingly discussed and negotiated between the ayatollahs office and the Vatican.

When the time came, the 84-year-old pontiffs convoy, led by a bullet-proof vehicle, pull up along Najafs narrow and column-lined Rasool Street, which culminates at the golden-domed Imam Ali Shrine, one of the most revered sites in the world for Shiites. He then walked the few metres to al-Sistanis modest home, which the cleric has rented for decades.

Pope Francis, center left, arrives to meet Shiite Muslim leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf. Credit:AP

A group of Iraqis wearing traditional clothes welcomed him outside. As a masked Francis entered the doorway, a few white doves were released in a sign of peace.
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Haiti - News : Zapping...





Details on checking the conformity of the goods

Following the notice at the beginning of March announcing the suspension of the program for verifying the conformity of goods https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33145-haiti-news-zapping.html , the General Customs Administration specifies"The program to verify the conformity of goods destined for the Republic of Haiti which was to be carried out by the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) abroad, that is to say at the places of production, storage or shipment of goods before shipment is suspended until further notice," adding "All customs controls in accordance with customs regulations at national level remain in force, however, notably the verification of imported goods."



SIM cards and crime

As part of the fight against insecurity through better control of the sale of SIM cards, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe met with mobile telephone operators and the directors general of the National Telecommunications Council (CONATEL). The goal : to curb organized crime.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32288-haiti-security-towards-the-identification-of-former-customers-of-a-sim-card.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-32170-haiti-notice-sim-card-mandatory-identification-of-all-buyers.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-30045-icihaiti-conatel-registration-of-the-identity-of-any-purchaser-of-sim-cards.html



EDH : Call center

EDH's General Directorat informs the general public and its customers in particular that the company's call center will be operational from Monday March 8, 2021.



Judicial rates posted soon

"In the name of transparency and ethics, I will soon have signs installed in the various public prosecutors to display the court fees. Rockefeller Vincent.



Barahona : National Identification Card

Mrs. Therese Lonchamp Head of post of the Consulate of Haiti in Barahona in the Dominican Republic received Edner Day, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad as part of his tour in the Dominican Republic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-33159-haiti-flash-mobile-offices-to-provide-cin-to-haitians-in-dr.html to sensitize the Haitian community to have a National Identification Card (CIN) "Paske fwa sa a, fok dyaspora a vote menm jan ak lot ayisyen ki anndan peyi a".



Psychological helpline

Recall that since April 2020, the psychological assistance line, set up by the Haitian Association of Psychology through the Emergency Psychotherapeutic Intervention Unit of Haiti (CIPUH), is available across the country at: +509 -2919-9000



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was overwhelmed with gratitude as he was honored with the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA)'s Trailblazer Award.

Ahead of the 48-year-old superstar's acceptance speech on Friday night, the virtual ceremony paid homage to his legendary career and extensive charity work.

Among the highlights were memorable interactions he shared with Make-A-Wish kids and recent support of first responders and frontline workers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Honored: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was overwhelmed with gratitude as he was honored with the Hollywood Critics Association (HCA)'s Trailblazer Award

He opted to film his acceptance speech 'in real time' to show himself getting choked up as he reflected on being 'grateful' for the opportunities to make others feel good and 'create moments they will never forget.'

'That video was amazing, it kicked me in the gut. I didn't expect it to,' he said, before admitting to feeling 'emotional.'

In addition to thanking the HCA, he spotlighted the 'people who have really done right' by him, even when he 'didn't have a place to live' as well as the friends who he has 'known and grown with.'

Trailblazer Award: Ahead of the 48-year-old actor superstar's acceptance speech, the virtual ceremony paid homage to his legendary career and extensive charity work

Reciting an 'old adage,' the Ballers star reminded listeners: 'People will never forget how you make them feel.'

'There are times in my life when I've met people and people have done things for me that I have thought and I get a little emotional thinking about it, like 'Why, I didn't deserve this. Why would you do this?'

'You don't have to be famous, it doesn't matter what's in your bank account or what car you drive, all that sh*t doesn't matter, it just how you make people feel. That's the thing that matters.'

Charitable: Among the highlights were memorable interactions he had with Kids Wish Network children and recent support of first responders and frontline workers amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic

Before concluding his speech, he dedicated the award to his father, who passed away, at 75, in January 2020 of a heart attack.

'That guy was a trailblazer. As complicated as our relationship was  father and son, tough love, tough love  he was a trailblazer because what trailblazers do is change people's behavior,' he said. 'And he did everything he could to send people home happy.'

The HCA Trailblazer Award was created to honor actors and filmmakers, who speak out and advocate for social change.

'That video was amazing, it kicked me in the gut. I didn't expect it to,' he said, before admitting to feeling 'emotional'

'Dwayne Johnson epitomizes everything our Trailblazer Award stands for. He goes above and beyond on many things in the world that actually matter and uses his voice to do good in a time most needed,' HCA chairman Scott Menzel said in a statement to THR late last month.

In 2006, Johnson founded the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation, a charity designed to 'enrich and empower the lives and self-esteem of children who are hospitalized for medical disabilities, disorders and illnesses.'

He also has a history of supporting Beacon Experience, I Have a Dream Foundation, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation and a number of organizations working to end Parkinsons Disease and AIDS.

Kind: In addition to thanking the HCA, he spotlighted the 'people who have really done right' by him, even when he 'didn't have a place to live' as well as the friends who he has 'known and grown with'

Looking back: Reciting an 'old adage,' the Ballers star reminded listeners: 'People will never forget how you make them feel'

On Friday night Aubrey Plaza received the evening's Acting Achievement Award, while Zack Snyder was presented the first-ever Valiant Award.

'Wow, this award means so much to be I've decided to retire,' the 36-year-old actress joked after expressing gratitude. 'I'm going to stop, that's it for me.'

Last year, she starred Happiest Season, alongside Kristen Stewart, and Black Bear.

Doting son: Before concluding his speech, he dedicated his award to his father, who passed in January 2020 of a heart attack
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Part of Bishop Kukahs irrevocable convictions is that educational institutions are centres where humans are refined and redefined. They are where people are equipped with the never-ending knowledge and information needed to manage the complex society and the world that keeps changing.

Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah is a theologically equipped and philosophically vast figure Nigeria is blessed to have. He retains the status of a maverick, and the independence of his thoughts has been the basis for the controversial image he keeps as a public figure. Perhaps, the most common price paid by anyone who comes to dominate the public space with their ideas is the susceptibility to be seen from contrastive perspectives, since people share contending opinions because of their varying disciplinary views. This man understands this and has never reneged on the determination to make maximum impact by offering his perspectives to different socio-political and religious issues. He does so irrespective of how controversial his positions are, or what they become when he airs them.

He is viewed differently, and, for the most part, peoples social or religious leaning has often been the basis for which they shape their opinions about the Bishop. Some argue that the revered Bishop is anti-Islamic. This is more so for the Northern bloc which, naturally, is challenged by comments that question the superimposing nature of Northern Muslims in the country. For others, Kukah has a political agenda masked by the religious paraphernalia. Anything can be said about Bishop Kukah, but not even his detractors can contest the content of his character, dictated usually by his vast knowledge and experience.

Anyone who has passed through the process of education would understand its immensely high importance in the shaping and making of a competitive society where ideas are manufactured and used for the development of human society. Bishop Kukah understands that good education is the background and foundation upon which one can build a formidable civilisation, strong enough to withstand the intricate challenges of an evolving society. He sees a connection between the slow pace of Nigerias development and the denial of a good educational system and considers this a melancholy caused by leadership aberration that has befallen the people. When education is not given the necessary attention and motivation, people slip into mental retardation where it is difficult for them to have a sound examination of events to make the right choices at the right time. Education provides humans with information that prepares them with the mental power to navigate the complicated equation that social challenges invite. On many occasions, Bishop Kukah has stressed that unless the nation makes necessary reconciliation with the educational system, the structure would be weak for the enhancement of a desirous society that allows everyone to flourish. And because the aversion to education in the country is taking almost an ethnographic dimension, he has been held with reservation by people who are unnerved by the truth.

Bishop Kukah stresses the place of education in the identification and sustenance of collective morality and ethos. When the educational foundation of a people is strong, it would be impossible for individuals with an uneducated mindset, aggressive motivations and dangerous aspirations to overrun the affairs of the country

Part of Bishop Kukahs irrevocable convictions is that educational institutions are centres where humans are refined and redefined. They are where people are equipped with the never-ending knowledge and information needed to manage the complex society and the world that keeps changing. Perhaps if one thinks like the Reverend Father does, one would understand the indestructibility of educational institutions in making vibrant and productive leaders who would become the future of a society where talents are harnessed and intellects are harmonised. Kukah believes, for example, that if leadership is faced with confounding experience, education will make leaders seek the intellectual contributions of eggheads, irrespective of their varying interests. This is because the foundation of building a worthwhile society lies in the ability to stem personal and parochial interests and embrace dialogue, as the demands for social progress would be stronger than the ambition to overcome detractors. But when individuals with comparatively weaker educational backgrounds, or the absence of one generally, occupy the leadership seat of a place, the society would be on an ill-programmed autopilot, where the chance of survival would be minimal. A good society in the 21st century cannot be run this way; otherwise, such society would be bedeviled by a barrage of problems.

Bishop Kukah stresses the place of education in the identification and sustenance of collective morality and ethos. When the educational foundation of a people is strong, it would be impossible for individuals with an uneducated mindset, aggressive motivations and dangerous aspirations to overrun the affairs of the country; as education would have facilitated the erection of good institutions that would be useful in the retention of their cultural values and religious philosophies that would make the pursuance of personal ambitions impossible. But when the collective reaction to education is weak, a group of extremely ambitious people would have the possibility to impose their jaundiced ideas on innocent individuals and take advantage of them. This position is held by Kukah in his reflection over the pervasion of crimes and terrorism that have engulfed the country in its recent history. He believes that the continued relevance of agitating groups, which are convinced to take the line of violence, is inspired by the breakdown of institutions that cannot rise to protest the violence perpetrated against innocent individuals. It would be difficult, Kukah maintained, for individuals to be recruited in their numbers to visit immense havoc on the country that birthed them or that gives them their identity. An individual educated enough to understand the place of society in life would desist from such actions. With this unpopular position, we can see why he is not loved by enemies of progress.

To Bishop Kukah, everything is definitely connected. Human happiness is not unconnected to the philosophy in practice in the society. This philosophy shares a close relationship with their educational values, which, however, is sustained by the collective interest of the society. In other words, when people are not happy, we can trace the root of their state of mind to the identified source as seen above. While individuals can vary in their understanding of how happiness can be achieved, everyone wants to be happy in all human societies. It is because the human source of happiness varies that they are encouraged to create a formidable foundation for education so that all human ideas can be cross-examined before generating the philosophy that would bring about the attainment of relative happiness to everyone. This is possible as individuals who derive pleasure when others are unhappy would be restrained by their collective philosophy that would be made through the said education. Therefore, the educational system is a social infrastructure that can ensure humans are reasonably satisfied in their course of living with others.

Strictly speaking, no matter how one sees Bishop Matthew Kukah, one thing cannot be taken away from him, and that is his commitment to truth-telling, no matter how unpopular those truths make him and serve as threats to his peace or safety.

While reflecting on the place of education in Nigerias political system, Bishop Kukah touched on areas of sensitive debates concerning the countrys political evolution. Looking at the promiscuous switch of Nigerias political philosophy and system, it is not surprising that the collective psychology of the country is rendered unstable, which has created a dangerous atmosphere that is impractical for common development. Of course, Nigeria prides itself in practicing the system of democracy because its political offices are contested and chosen by the people and, in what we are forced to believe, for the people. Kukah believes that the crux of democracy, however, does not lie in the cosmetic practice of electing political leaders during the electioneering process. It is argued that political representation in an unsettled country like Nigeria cannot be said to take the shape of representative democracy, for the process is littered with layers of permutations in which ethnic ambition and religious motivations are the building blocks. However, there could be a restitution of the system when Nigerias democracy is shaped by ideas and cultures that demonstrate the importance of individuals, regardless of their ethnic and religious backgrounds. Fragmented democracy, as seen in Nigeria, cannot be said to be a replica of its Greek heritage.

Bishop Kukah has been an important voice in contemporary times, and because of his controversial opinions, he has continued to occupy and engage the public space. He argues that the countrys democracy has actually seen different trials, such as the one encountered during the periods when military officials truncated the peace of the society by overtaking and forcing itself into the political affairs of the country by force. His views are unpopular among some people, not because they lack good intellectual content, but because they speak truth to power, and it is the habit of leaders across the world to appreciate comforting lies than embrace the fundamental truths needed for the advancement of human society. Kukah has always emphasised the place of democracy in the making of a formidable society because he believes that the attainment of progress rests exclusively on the democratic culture of the people. Strictly speaking, no matter how one sees Bishop Matthew Kukah, one thing cannot be taken away from him, and that is his commitment to truth-telling, no matter how unpopular those truths make him and serve as threats to his peace or safety.

Do please join us for a conversation with Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah:

Sunday, March 7

5:00 PM (Nigeria)

4:00 PM (GMT)

10:00 AM (Austin CST)

Register and watch at HERE.

Join Zoom Meeting.

Toyin Falola is professor of History at The University of Texas at Austin.
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It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

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The just-established Thu Duc City is already witnessing skyrocketing property prices, with hikes of around 30 per cent reminding local authorities of the need for special policies to manage the market.

Property prices have been spiralling out of control since the establishment of Thu Duc City. Photo: Le Toan/ VIR

Nguyen Minh Tuan, a resident in Phuoc Long Commune of the former District 9, was interested in a land plot in Dong Tang Long New Residential Area. However, this plots price has increased by more than 40 per cent compared to mid-2019 when Thu Duc City was yet in the pipeline.

The prices in this area have increased a lot; however, local landlords still predict that the prices will even further increase towards the end of the year. That is why buyers will certainly make a profit if they buy land plots right now, Tuan told VIR.

Prices in the area could sit anywhere at VND30-40 million ($1,300-1,750) per square metre depending on the location in 2019, but are now usually around VND50-70 million ($2,200-3,000) per sq.m.

In Tam Da Street in the former District 9, a 50-sq.m land plot is now quoted at $3,000 against the $1,750 at the end of 2020.

This January, when Thu Duc City was officially established on an area spanning across the old districts 2, 9, and Thu Duc, apartment prices at the King Crown Infinity  a project developed by BCG Land located  soared to over VND95 million ($4,100) per sq.m  the highest valuation ever for an apartment in the area.

A general trend of appreciation was also observed in land plots and houses in the area of the former District 9 with outstanding increases of 20-30 per cent compared to mid-2020.

The most buoyant area was Truong Tho Commune, the centre of Thu Duc City, where property prices are quoted at more than VND160 million ($7,000) per sq.m.

This 500-hectare area is close to major transport facilities such as Metro line No.1 and Hanoi Expressway, and is planned to become a new residential area.

According to Nguyen Huong, general director of Dai Phuc Land, the price increases in areas with good planning and improved infrastructure are nothing extraordinary. Mirae Asset Securities also ascribed the recent surge in Thu Ducs prices to the continuous infrastructure developments.

Of the total VND350 trillion ($15.2 billion) spent on infrastructure in Ho Chi Minh City since 2010, as much as 70 per cent has gone into what is now called Thu Duc city.

These price hikes take into consideration the markets expectations for the future of the area in the next 10 or even 20 years, Huong said.

Concerns rising

Skyrocketing real estate prices steadily exceeding realistic valuations are concerning interested parties, and could cause untenable development trends in the newly established city.

Huong from Dai Phuc Land also warned of realtors or brokerage agencies that are potentially driving prices higher to increase profits on properties in the area.

Buyers must carefully consider all aspects of a project, including location, nearby infrastructure, facilities, and construction progress, Huong added.

Right after official establishment of Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary Nguyen Van Nen warned of prices spiralling out of control, requesting local authorities to halt all brokerage activities which could destabilise the market.

The party secretary also suggested increasing the proportion of affordable and social housing, as well as publishing information related to housing projects so that buyers can make fully informed decisions.

According to Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee, Thu Duc City will be developed in three phases. The first lasts from 2020 to 2022 with the target of creating land funds and setting up usage plans, while the second phase to 2030 will see the approval of projects in transport improvement, digital infrastructure, and urban design. Developers will implement projects based on these plans from 2030 to 2040 in the final phase.

According to Phan Cong Chanh, a freelance real estate consultant, the formation of the city will take a long time, during which urban planning might change and adjustments could take place.

Therefore, if land prices rise too quickly, they could pose many risks for investors and disrupt capital mobilisation for projects in the area, Chanh said. Buyers and sellers are all very excited. However, land prices in different areas could be subject to different dynamics and could even decrease with time, depending on factors like planning.

In addition, climbing land prices would also make it difficult to attract investments in Thu Duc City later by affecting business plans and reducing profitability for those buying for investment purposes.

According to Colliers International, more than 40,000 apartment units will be finished and handed over to customers in Ho Chi Minh City in the next year. Of these, Thu Duc occupies roughly 76 per cent, positioned mainly in the mid- and high-end apartment segments.

Special polices required

Thu Duc City, according to experts, should enjoy its specific jurisdiction to better implement Ho Chi Minh Citys specific mechanisms, with the new administrative unit set to be more active and innovative to fulfil the assigned establishment goals.

Since a merger of small administrative units into a larger one means a jurisdiction upgrade, it is nonsensical for such a city with over one million residents and a surface area of more than 210 square kilometres to merely have the same jurisdiction as District 4 with 200,000 residents on an area of 4.2 sq.km, said major General Phan Anh Minh, former deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Police Department.

The new jurisdiction should allow Thu Duc city to implement special policies, preferential methods, and to simplify business forming procedures to create a friendlier environment for startup activities and the innovative economy. This could, in turn, transform the city into the startup centre of the whole country, Minh said.

Proper policies for financial promotion and tax exemption could also be considered to boost the growth of high-tech and scientific parks and automatic manufacturing centres.

The customs-related procedures should be simplified to better exploit the strengths of Cat Lai Port. The use of traffic facilities, infrastructure, and land should be boosted to build an innovative centre inside Thu Duc City, Minh added. VIR

Kevin Hawkins - Partner, DFDL

The establishment of a city within a city is an unprecedented development in Vietnam. Long-term advantages can be achieved through improvements in digital governance, sustainability, and infrastructure, as well as through the creation of opportunities in investment and real estate. Enabling the local population and businesses to reap such anticipated benefits is of paramount importance. Notably, the accumulation of financial, educational, and alternative energy high-tech hubs along with the existence of industrial parks in neighbouring areas creates favourable conditions towards sustainable development and the provision of state-of-the-art services and products. This could create an innovative ecosystem capable of attracting top talents, enhancing professional and educational opportunities for local youth, and supporting Vietnams Industry 4.0 ambitions. Peter Hong - General secretary, Association of Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Abroad Every year overseas Vietnamese send more than $5 billion of remittances to Ho Chi Minh City, and this is a remarkable financial source for it to invest in its development. Many overseas Vietnamese are keen on contributing to the country, but they do not know how to do it in detail. The city authorities can appeal to these businesspeople to invest in infrastructure and projects. Transforming Thu Duc into a successful urban project is not just a matter of vision, planning, and district merging but also of an appropriate implementation roadmap and specific mechanisms in socioeconomic management, urban areas, and investment attraction. With such an implementation strategy, it is necessary to determine the overall investment infrastructure and calculate total capital needs. From there, the plans to mobilise investment capital for each project should be determined.

VIR

Land and house prices skyrocket on news about Thu Duc City The news about the establishment of Thu Duc City has pushed up land and house prices in the eastern part of HCM City.
It was ladies night on Saturday when a bevvy of models and reality stars gathered for the VIP Honey Birdette lingerie Mardi Gras Party in Sydney.

Imogen Anthony, Simone Holtznagel, Bec Cvilikas, Kiki Morris, Juliette Herrera and Kiki Morris let loose as they enjoyed the no-holds-barred party atmosphere.

The women giggled as they were fondled by shirtless waiters in white 1800s style wigs - and couldn't keep their hands off one another, either.

Wild ones! Imogen Anthony, Simone Holtznagel, Bec Cvilikas, Kiki Morris, Juliette Herrera and Kiki Morris let loose at the VIP Honey Birdette lingerie Mardi Gras Party in Sydney on Saturday. All pictured

Instagram star Imogen donned a Cher costume complete with black leotard, long, curly dark wig and fishnet stockings.

The stunner smiled as a muscular man pawed at her bust while she posed with Simone, Kiki and Bec.

The Bachelor star Bec likewise had a fella feeling her up, and appeared nonplussed as she posed in a zebra print mini-dress.

Wow! The women giggled as they were fondled by shirtless waiters in white 1800s style wigs - and they couldn't keep their hands off one another, either

A look: Instagram star Imogen (left) donned a Cher costume complete with black leotard, long, curly dark wig and fishnet stockings.

She laughed uproariously as one of the hunks got rather up close and personal, grabbing her thigh as the women posed for photos.

Kiki meanwhile turned heads in long, candy-pink wig, which reached all the way down to her derriere.

The former Bachelor in Paradise star showed off her sensational figure in a tiny gold crop top and denim shorts.

Woo! She laughed uproariously as one of the hunks got rather up close and personal, grabbing her thigh as the women posed for photos

Laughs: Model Simone (centre) appeared to be having a good time indeed, laughing as she cuddled up up to her pals while wearing a green dress with feather and sequin details

Party time! The Bachelor star Bec likewise had a fella feeling her up, and appeared nonplussed as she posed in a zebra print mini-dress

Table dance: Holding drinks, the excited stars even climbed on the table at one stage, where Imogen's cigarette packet themed purse stood in front of them

Model Simone appeared to be having a good time indeed, laughing as she cuddled up up to her pals while wearing a green dress with feather and sequin details.

Holding drinks, the excited stars climbed on the table at one stage, where Imogen's cigarette packet themed purse stood in front of them.

Also having an absolute ball was former Bachelor star Juliette Herrera who traded smooches with a mystery man.

Fun: Also having an absolute ball was former Bachelor star Juliette Herrera (right)

Smooches! The star traded smooches with a mystery man at her table

Going for it! The pair didn't care who saw them as they locked lips for some time

Chit chat: She then shared some girl talk and whispers with Bec, the pair cuddling close for their gossip session

She then shared some girl talk and whispers with Bec, the pair cuddling close for their gossip session.

Later, Imogen stripped off her black curly wig to reveal her own blonde and caramel tresses beneath.

After cuddling up to Simone, she posed on the stairs, showing off her figure in her skimpy leotard and knee-high latex boots.

Blonde ambition: Later, Imogen stripped off her black curly wig to reveal her own blonde and caramel tresses beneath

Big hugs! Imogen couldn't keep her hands off Simone as they cuddled up in a booth

All angles: After cuddling up to Simone, she posed on the stairs, showing off her figure

Booted! Imogen flaunted her derriere in her skimpy leotard and knee-high latex boots

Kiki and Bec also enjoyed some one-one-one gal pal time, getting close on the stairs.

The pair showed off their outfits and the beautiful details of their makeup and accessories.

While Kiki had gold stars in her hair and cheeks, Bec chose a stunning smoky orange eye-shadow, and both women wore nude lipstick in rich tones.

In the pink: Kiki (left) meanwhile turned heads in long, candy-pink wig, which reached all the way down to her derriere

Say cheese! Kiki and Bec (right) enjoyed some one-one-one gal pal time, getting close on the stairs

Details: Kiki had gold stars in her hair and cheeks, Bec chose a stunning smoky orange eye-shadow, and both women wore nude lipstick in rich tones

Woah! Former Bachelor in Paradise star Kiki showed off her sensational figure in a tiny gold crop top and denim shorts

Bachelor star Sogand Mohtat laughed up a storm as she chatted to Bec, who gave her a little nuzzle.

Sogand looked amazing in a one-shoulder gold top and leather shorts, worn with a silver, sequin hat.

The pair couldn't stop laughing as a very festive Sogand placed her hat on Bec's head.



Aww! Bachelor star Sogand Mohtat (right) laughed up a storm as she chatted to Bec, who gave her a little nuzzle

Shiny: Sogand looked amazing in a one-shoulder gold top and leather shorts, worn with a silver, sequin hat

Funny: The pair couldn't stop laughing as a very festive Sogand placed her hat on Bec's head

Bachelor star Monique Morley went with the lingerie theme of the evening, wearing a bra, corset and fishnets.

She opted for statement earrings, bright red liptsick, and worn her blonde hair down around her shoulders.

The beauty posed alongside boyfriend Tom Robinson, as well as one of the scantily clad models present on the night.

Lingerie: Bachelor star Monique Morley went with the lingerie theme of the evening, wearing a bra, corset and fishnets
Numerous businesses have already agreed to pay back their amounts, including Toyota, Iluka, Super Retail Group and Nine (the publisher of this masthead). Mr Strong applauded those who repaid for setting the example and defended the scheme overall as a crucial emergency measure in a time of crisis, but said it had been abused by too many self-interested corporates. Loading My members are livid. Its not Australian. They belong in their own world, Mr Strong said. This is some big businesses, not all of them. If theyre taking a profit, theyre not honouring the intent of the scheme... Its giving the rest of the business community a bad name. Publicly listed companies represent just a fraction of the businesses who participated in the $83 billion scheme, with 99 per cent of the payments going to private companies who do not receive the same level of scrutiny over their accounts. Mr Strong acknowledged many small businesses had received the payments, but said they were more likely to have smaller cash buffers and profits. Australian Shareholders Association policy and advocacy manager Fiona Balzer said there were difficulties judging whether a profit figure was significant and it should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

We support companies repaying the wage subsidy if they are financially comfortable to do so, Ms Balzer said. The grey area is the judgment about significant profit ... There are a number of businesses with weird and wonderful outcomes [because of COVID], she said. Governance Institute of Australia chief executive Megan Motto said directors needed to consider more than just reputational risks in the JobKeeper debate. They should weigh the pressure to be a good corporate citizen alongside their fiduciary duty to shareholders, keeping staff employed, and the role of companies in stimulating the economy, Ms Motto said.

If boards return these payments and there is another economic shock, there may be more worker lay-offs, a greater destruction of shareholder value, and the need for more government stimulus, she said. The pandemic simply isnt over yet and the future is highly uncertain. She said profitable companies could show good governance and corporate citizenship by choosing to invest in innovation and job-creating projects rather than simply repaying the wage subsidy. Every dollar that flows into the economy during this crisis could mean more Australians stay employed. Australian Centre for Corporate Responsibility director of workers rights Katie Hepworth said she was concerned about the way some companies appeared to be using JobKeeper funds. Loading
San Francisco, March 6 : A visual effects specialist who created deepfake photos and videos of Hollywood actor Tom Cruise that went viral on various social media platforms, has defended his work, saying the public should not be worried about 'one-click fakes.

In a report in The Verge, Belgium VFX specialist Chris Ume said that you can't create deepfakes -- in the eye of storm for many for violating users' privacy -- with just pressing a button.

"That's important, that's a message I want to tell people. Each clip took weeks of work," he was quoted as saying in the report on Friday.

"By combining traditional CGI and VFX with deepfakes, it makes it better. I make sure you don't see any of the glitches," said Ume who has been working with deepfakes for years.

On TikTok, the account @deeptomcruise racked up tens of thousands of followers and likes.

Ume pulled the videos briefly but then restored them.

"We had fun. I created awareness. I showed my skills. We made people smile. And that's it, the project is done," he said.

TikTok said the account was well within its rules for parody uses of deepfakes.

For some, deep fakes pose privacy challenges.

Deepfakes are being treated as video forgeries that make people appear to be saying things they never did, like the popular forged videos of Facebook CEO Zuckerberg and that of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that went viral last year.

Microsoft in September last year unveiled a new tool that will spot deepfakes or synthetic media which are photos, videos or audio files manipulated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) which are very hard to identify if false or not.

"The most difficult thing is making it (deepfake) look alive. You can see it in the eyes when it's not right," Ume noted.

"It's like Photoshop 20 years ago, people didn't know what photo editing was, and now they know about these fakes".

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Following its legal defeat, British newspaper, The Mail has been ordered to print a front-page statement acknowledging Meghan Markles victory in the court, a High Court judge ruled on March 5. Additionally, Associated Newspapers, which own The Mail has been ordered to publish a notice on page three of the paper stating that it had "infringed her copyright". In his written ruling, Lord Justice Mark Warby said the front- and third-page statements about Meghan's successful copyright claim would have "genuine utility".

Warby in February upheld Meghan's claim that Associated Newspapers had breached her privacy and copyright by publishing parts of a 2018 letter she sent to her father Thomas Markle. At the same time, he also ordered the media outlet to make an "interim payment" of GBP 450,000 to cover the Duchess legal cost. The verdict was challenged on Friday, however the judge dismissed it saying the newspaper had "no real prospect" of success.

The Letter Leak

The Mail had printed a handwritten letter sent by Meghan Markle to her father Thomas Markle. Meghan filed the suit alleging that the printing of the letter constituted a misuse of private information, an infringement of copyright and a breach of the Data Protection Act of 2018.

Meghan and her lawyers claim that the letter was published as a part of a campaign led by the media group to push a false narrative and to spread derogatory rumours about her and Prince Harry. If Meghan wins her law-suit all the proceeds from the lawsuit will go to an anti-bullying charity.

Read: Meghan Markle's Biography Author Accuses Royal Family Of 'double Standards'

Read: Meghan Markle, Father Thomas Could Testify Against Each Other In Legal Battle

Meanwhile, a recent report has said that the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle may not be able to fly back to London to join in the festivities. According to Hello magazine, Meghan had announced her pregnancy on Valentines Day and she is thought to be around five months pregnant, which would put her due date around June.

Read: Meghan Markle Might Not Attend Queen Elizabeth's 95th Birthday Celebrations

Read: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Will Lose All Honorary Titles, Confirms Buckingham Palace
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has again denied buying property from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Mr Falanas earlier denial came on the heels of the claim by the Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation, in 2017 that a Lagos lawyer bought one of the assets recovered from pension thieves and handed to the EFCC.

The senior advocates fresh rebuttal on Friday followed Thursdays testimony of Ngozika Ihuoma a defence witness called to testify by the chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT), Abdulrasheed Maina, who is being prosecuted on money laundering charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Mr Ihuoma alleged on Thursday that a renowned lawyer bought the property located at 42, Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja from the EFCC at an undervalued price of N1billion instead of its actual worth of N6billion.

He also said the lawyer bought the property despite being a subject of litigation at the time.

One of the properties in question located at No 42, Gana Street, Maitama, had been illegally acquired by a renowned lawyer while the property was still subject to litigation, he said.

Renewed version of lie

Reacting to the development, Mr Falana, in a statement, titled, I have never bought any property from EFCC said the claim was a renewed version of a lie allegedly sponsored by the Federal Government in 2017.

He said, sometime in April, 2017 an online medium, sponsored by the Federal Government, claimed falsely that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had handed over a property confiscated from a former governor of Bayelsa State, the late Chief D.S.P Alamieyesigha to me.

The malicious publication was dismissed when it was revealed that all confiscated properties from the ex-governor had been handed over to the Bayelsa State Government by the EFCC.

In November 2017, the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN alleged that the EFCC had sold one of the houses recovered by Mr. Abdurasheed Maina of the Pension Task Force to a Lagos lawyer.

Even though Mr Malami SAN did not mention my name I challenged him to provide details of the property. But the challenge was not taken up.

When the stories of the illegal acquisition of properties did not fly the Federal Government alleged before the Ayo Salami Judicial Commission of Enquiry that the suspended Chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ibrahim Magu had transferred N28.5 million to the (bank) account of my law firm.

A newspaper that linked me with the false story retracted the story and apologised when I threatened to sue for libel. The Panel did not invite me to give evidence as the story was found to be a LIE.

He said the renewed version of the lie was to the effect that the same property at 42, Gana Street, Maitama District, Abuja, allegedly recovered by the PRTT was sold to him in 2015 for N1 billion instead of its actual worth of N6 billion.

Property not recovered by PRTT

But Mr Falana said I wish to say, without any fear of contradiction, that the property in question was never recovered by the Presidential Pension Task Force.

He explained that it was rather used by the owner A. Group Properties as collateral for a loan deal with Bank PHB in 2008.

According to him, AMCON took over the property when A. Group Properties could not pay the bank loan.

He said the owner, in a bid to liquidate the loan, offered to sell the property to his law firm at N250 million.

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He added, But we withdrew from the transaction due to the delay in resolving the case.

Up till now, the case is still pending at the Federal High Court. A copy of the order of interim forfeiture of the property granted in favour of AMCON is hereby attached.

In the light of the foregoing, I challenged the Federal Government to proceed to forfeit the alleged N1 billion purportedly paid by me and recover the property if it established that it was recovered by the Pension Task Force.
FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 file photo, Kurds living in Switzerland stage a protest on the Kirchenfeld bridge after clashes with Turkish nationalists in downtown Bern, Switzerland. At a time when seemingly everyone in Europe is wearing masks to battle COVID-19, the Swiss go to the polls Sunday, March 7, 2021 to vote on a long-laid proposal to ban face-coverings like niqabs and burqas worn by some Muslim women or by protesters in ski masks or bandannas. (Peter Klaunzer/Keystone via AP, File)

GENEVA (AP)  At a time when seemingly everyone in Europe is wearing masks to battle COVID-19, the Swiss go to the polls Sunday to vote on a long-laid proposal to ban face-coverings, both the niqabs and burqas worn by a few Muslim women in the country and the ski masks and bandannas used by protesters.

The issue strikes at the intersection of religious freedom, security, the economy and womens rights.

Critics say the proposal Yes to a ban on covering the face is an ironic throwback to a time not long ago when violent extremism was a greater concern than global pandemic, and say it would unfairly stigmatize Muslims who wear full face-covering burqas or niqabs, which have open slits for the eyes, in Switzerland.

Proponents, including populist, right-wing movements behind the idea, say its needed to combat what they consider a sign of the oppression of women and to uphold a basic principle that faces should be shown in a free society like that of the rich Alpine democracy.

The issue is one of three measures on national ballots in the vote culminating Sunday  most voters in Switzerland cast ballots by mail  as part of the latest installment of regular Swiss referendums that give voters a direct say in policymaking.

Other proposals would create an e-ID to improve security of online transactions  an idea that has run afoul of privacy advocates  and a free-trade deal with Indonesia, which is opposed by environmentalists who have concerns about palm oil plantations on the archipelago in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The face-covering measure has come to be known colloquially as the burqa ban." It would put Switzerland in line with countries like Belgium and France that have already enacted similar measures. Two Swiss regions also already have such bans.

One campaign poster presented by the Swiss Peoples Party  a populist, right-wing party that is the leading faction in parliament and has strongly backed the measure  features a caricatured image of the scowling eyes of a woman in a burqa above the words: Stop Islamic Radicalism.

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A coalition of left-leaning parties have put up signs that read: Absurd. Useless. Islamophobic.

Support appears to have been eroding, but the vote is expected to be tight. An initial poll for public broadcaster SSR by the gfs.bern agency in January found more than half of voters backed the proposal, but a second poll published on Feb. 24 showed the figures had dipped to under half. Some remain undecided.

The Swiss government opposes the measure, arguing that it could crimp economic development: Most Muslim women who wear such veils in Switzerland are visitors from well-heeled Persian Gulf states, who are often drawn to bucolic Swiss lakeside cities. The justice minister insists existing laws work just fine.

The measure would make it punishable by fines to cover the face in public in places like restaurants, sports stadiums, public transport or simply walking in the street  though exceptions are made for religious, security and health reasons, as well as for the Swiss traditional Carnival celebrations.

A counter-proposal would require people to show their faces if requested to do so by authorities.

Its another indication how Switzerland is grappling with security issues and cultures and people from abroad. In the past, Swiss voters have approved a ban on the construction of minarets in the Alpine country whose flag carries the cross.

Andreas Tunger-Zanetti, a researcher who heads the Center for Religious Studies at the University of Lucerne, estimates at most a few dozen Muslim women wear full-face coverings in the country of 8.5 million people, and says the issue is really about Switzerland's take on religion and ability to cope with diversity.
The disappearances of Bennylyn Burke and her two-year-old daughter Jellica are now being treated as a murder investigation, Police Scotland said.

A 50-year-old man from Dundee has been arrested and charged in connection with the deaths of Ms Burke and her daughter.

Officers are still searching for their bodies.

The 25-year-old mother and her two children were reported missing from their south Gloucestershire home on Monday March 1, having been last seen on February 17.

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Ms Burkes other child has been found and is being supported, according to police.

Avon and Somerset Police released an appeal for information on Wednesday.

On Friday, a man was arrested following a raid at a property on Troon Avenue in Dundee at approximately 3.20pm.

Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, of Police Scotlands Major Investigation Team, said: We are now treating the disappearances as a murder investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to please come forward and speak to us.

This is a complex inquiry involving both local officers in Dundee and specialist resources from across Police Scotland.

Bennylyns next of kin have been updated on the arrest and are being supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

There will be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable period of time and I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation.

Anyone with concerns or information can speak to a local officer or call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1434 of March 5 2021.
(Newser)  After a historic private meeting with a senior Shiite cleric in Iraq, Pope Francis appealed for religious tolerance. "We need one another," the pope said later in a speech on the desert plain of Ur, believed to be the birthplace of Abraham. "Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart; they are betrayals of religion." Francis' trip and message were welcomed, though many Iraqis despair of change in a nation beset with longstanding divisions and day-to-day problems. "Religious and spiritual leadership must play a big role to put a stop to tragedy," Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said in a statement after meeting at his home with Francis, NBC reports. Sistani is the spiritual leader of millions of Shiite Muslims. "Erase the language of war," he implored.

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Part of the pope's mission was to show support for the shrinking number of Christians there. "The pope came to Iraq offering peace," one Christian said. "Peace is the language that all Iraqis should speak, no matter if they are Christians, Muslims or from other religions." A bishop said, "We hope the Christians come back after this visit." People of all faiths expressed appreciation for the trip and for Francis putting his influence on the line in a place where it might not be enough, per the Washington Post. Sistani, 90, has helped bring about political change in the past. On Saturday, one of his representatives talked about watching the pope walk the alleyways of Najaf. "Those steps were historic, they reflected so much," he said. "He came even though he could barely walk. He sent a message not only to Iraqis, but to the whole world that Islam and other religions can sit together peacefully." (Read more Pope Francis stories.)
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
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Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) A number of nations face fresh challenges months into the COVID-19 pandemic, with new virus variants seen as hurdles in crisis response.

Experts tagged variants first reported in other countries including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and the US as highly contagious  with some even possibly capable of dodging protection from newly developed vaccines.

The Philippines was not spared from them. The country so far logged cases of the B.1.1.7, the B.1.351, the B.1617, and the P.1 variants  the UK, South Africa, India, and Brazil variants  triggering localized lockdowns, massive testing, and intensive contact tracing in areas of concern.

A new variant dubbed as the P.3 was also discovered in the Philippines, but health officials say there is not enough data to classify this is a variant of concern.

Heres what we know so far about the COVID-19 variants present in the country:

B.1.1.7 (UK variant)

What it is

The B.1.1.7 SARS-CoV-2 variant, also known as the UK variant, has had a large number of mutations and is associated with increased virus transmissibility, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Researchers said the variant first emerged in the UK in September 2020.

First detection in PH

The UK variant was first detected in the country in January. Samples from a Filipino who returned home from the United Arab Emirates yielded positive genome sequencing results, health officials confirmed.

Where it stands

As of May 4, at least 948 people in the country have been infected with the UK variant.

A number of variant cases were tagged as returning overseas Filipinos from the Middle East, Singapore, and the US.

Are vaccines effective?

Earlier studies stated the absence of evidence that the variant would have an impact on the efficacy of developed vaccines.

However, UK researchers reported in February that a mutation allowing COVID-19 to escape antibody protection  dubbed as the E484K  was found in some samples of the B.1.1.7 variant.

B.1.351 (South Africa variant)

What it is

The B.1.351 variant was first discovered in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, in October 2020, and also has multiple mutations in the spike protein, according to the US CDC.

First detection in PH

DOH announced the first six cases of the South Africa variant on March 2.

Where it stands

As of May 4, at least 1,075 cases of the South Africa variant have been recorded in the country.

Are vaccines effective?

Experts expressed concern over this variant after researchers in South Africa warned that it could impact the efficacy of vaccines.

Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said the variant has a component of immune escape  wherein the vaccine may have trouble in helping the inoculated patient build antibodies to fight the virus because of the presence of the E484K mutation.

OCTA Research Group fellow and molecular biologist Fr. Nicanor Austriaco earlier warned that the AstraZeneca vaccine, in particular, may not do its job of protecting the public should this variant continue to spread. Quoting global studies, Austriaco said the variant dramatically decreases the product's efficacy from 70% to 10%.

Despite this, the World Health Organization continues to back the use of the vaccine developed by the British-Swedish pharmaceutical firm.

P.1 variant (Brazil variant)

What it is

The P.1 variant was first publicly reported by Japans National Institute of Infectious Diseases. It was identified among four travelers from Brazil, who were tested during an airport screening in the East Asian country.

The US CDC said there is evidence that some mutations of this variant may affect virus transmissibility as well as the ability of antibodies generated through previous infection.

First detection in PH

The P.1 variant was found in samples of an OFW who returned from Brazil and hails from Western Visayas, DOH announced in March.

Where it stands

As of May 4, there were at least two cases of the Brazil variant recorded in the country.

P.3 variant

What it is

The P.3 variant believed to have a unique set of mutations was first discovered in the Philippines, but health officials refused to label it as the Philippine variant just yet.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque said the variant cannot be classified as a variant of concern, noting that more data is needed regarding its transmissibility and effects on current vaccines.

Where it stands

There were 157 cases of the P.3 variant in the country as of May 4.

B.1617 variant (India variant)

What it is

The B.1617 variant first detected in India was earlier described as a double mutant and is believed to be more transmissible.

The World Health Organization has classified it as a variant of concern after some preliminary studies showed that it spreads more easily.

Where it stands

On May 11, the Philippines confirmed its first two cases of the variant first discovered in India.

The cases are returning overseas Filipinos who had no travel history from the South Asian country, the DOH reported. Both patients were asymptomatic and were already tagged as recovered.

Are vaccines effective?

Infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante said there is no proof yet that the variant would significantly affect the efficacy of available vaccines.

This story will be updated as more information comes in.

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Patna, March 6 : Police in Lakhisarai town of Bihar on Saturday arrested an inter-state arms trafficker, who was planning to smuggle huge cache of arms and ammunitions to poll-bound West Bengal.

Kabaiya police of Lakhisarai district seized eight country-made pistols (Katta), one pistol and 70 live cartridges from the accused's possession when he was waiting for a Kolkata-bound train at the Lakhisarai railway station.

The official identified the accused as Raju, who obtained the arms consignment from a link in Munger, known for its underground trade in country-made arms and ammunition.

"The matter is under investigation and we are trying to find out Raju's handlers in West Bengal," said K. Kumar, SHO of Kabaiya police station.

"We are cross checking the claims of accused," the official said. Raju has mentioned political connections, sources said.

The Assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled in 8 phases from March 27 to April 29 and the counting will take place on May 2. Violence in expected in the run up to the crucial polls.
New Delhi, March 6 : Vehicular movement resumed on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, after a five-hour blockade by farmers on Saturday to mark the 100th day of protest against the three contentious farm laws.

The move to block the expressway was symbolic and a part of the strategy to intensify the ongoing protest. Farmers blocked the expressway from 11 am till 3:30 pm. It ended almost 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled timing of the protest.

During this time, farmers registered their protest by rasing slogans and holding placards on the expressway against the Central Government's three farm laws.

The agitation against the farm laws began on November 26. Over these 100 days, the farmers have braved harsh weather conditions, but remained firm on their demands.

Thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at the Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur borders of the national capital to demand a complete repeal of laws, enacted in September, last year.
I can't look at Boris Johnson any longer, with that unruly mop of blonde hair, without thinking of Jeff Daniels' character Harry in Dumb and Dumber.

Some might say he carries on as if he has just walked off that film set.

Thing is, no matter what hair-brained way Harry and his best mate Lloyd find to fumble their way on their journey, they get there in the end. It might not have been the way they intended and we may have laughed along the way but everything does, eventually, turn out okay.

Read More

Cue another film link. Hugh Grant played the Prime Minister in Love Actually. He was also the lead in About a Boy, a film which, to all intents and purposes, played on the notion that no man is an island. A loner, not knowing he needed a friend, a family, is gradually lured away from the error of his ways to find love and friendship.

Cut off from the European Union, relations with the Republic of Ireland remaining tetchy at best, the real Prime Minister stands sentry over an island nation.

Northern Ireland's place in the whole confusing picture is just that, confusing.

While the real bridge, or the Boris burrow alternative that has been floated, or sunk by various shades of expert opinion, may be a flight of fantasy, the general idea of building bridges between nations is a sound one.

No man is an island.

But right now, there is a more pressing concern. Covid-19 and the mission to get vaccinations out to those who need it most as soon as practically possible.

Here could lie a land of opportunity, and it is just the sort of scheme that might appeal to the madcap notions of the Prime Minister.

As the vaccinations surge through the population of Northern Ireland, those in the Republic are looking on with envy at just how successful the operation has been.

Now we hear that the Irish government may ask other European countries to share stockpiled Covid-19 vaccines. There is growing concern about the reliability of delivery commitments from manufacturer AstraZeneca in the months ahead.

The Irish health minister Stephen Donnelly has asked the vaccine taskforce to examine what "legitimate avenues" may be used to increase the Government's options following reports of large numbers of AstraZeneca vaccines going unused in Germany, Italy and France. There's one country missing from that list of potential saviours.

Could Boris Johnson be pulling on his Jodhpurs and mounting his white stallion to ride to the rescue, appearing out of the Irish Sea surf like the horses from the famous 1998 Guinness advert?

It is not too far a stretch as hands of friendship go, not crazy at all by Boris Johnson standards.

And it would also be an opportunity to test the Republic of Ireland's commitment to the EU. Would they accept that peace offering?

With a country in need of help, does it matter where that help comes from? Such a move would play right into the hands of Boris Johnson. Accepted, his goodwill offering gets him playing the hero, rejected and we'd soon see where the affections of the people of Ireland lie. Could they support a government that turned down such an offer of assistance? Is loyalty to the EU or to the health of the nation?

The door has been pushed a little further ajar by Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald.

"On the basis of common sense Government should be seeking vaccines within the European system and, if possible, outside of that system," she said yesterday.

All it needs now is for Simon and Garfunkel to build a bridge of their own, reunite and turn up at the border singing their hearts out as the cargo of vaccines makes its way south.

Float a boat in the right direction, disregard the tunnel vision and build a bridge of a different kind. A hand of friendship across the Irish Sea, a hand to test if the loyalties to the EU are as steadfast as the soundbites from the south portray.

A bridge over troubled waters doesn't have to be made of iron and steel.

It might not be as dumb as it sounds.
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
Lori Van Buren

SARATOGA SPRINGS - SUNY Empire State College will hold a collection drive for food, toiletries and pet supplies from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, at its 111 West Ave. campus.

Donors are asked to drive up and a volunteer  masked and adhering to social distancing guidelines  will collect items, while the driver remains in their vehicle.
Some people think theres a spirit at Albion Castle.

Its the perfect setting for a good ghost story, as any old San Franciscan will tell you. The two-story Norman castle, with its three-story turret, looks like it holds centuries of secrets right on the edge of India Basin. Unless youre searching with intention, youd never know its there. A fence and trees hide it from the street.

The castle was built in 1870 by John Hamlyn Burnell, a 21-year-old Sussex native with a background in brewing. Beneath the property he purchased on Innes Ave., flowed fresh springwater, today the only natural springs in the city.

"There are two good artesian wells at South San Francisco  one at Mission Mills Scouring House, and another at the Albion Brewery, an 1878 San Francisco Chronicle story wrote.

Burnell set about hand-carving two 200-foot caverns. Inside the reservoirs, it was a steady 58 degrees. It was the perfect place to store Burnells ale.

Albion Castle/Courtesy

After getting his business in place, Burnell sailed back to England to marry. One of the few records remaining from Burnell is an 1875 marriage certificate from the Parish of Lyminster. It records the marriage of Burnell (a gentleman) and Fanny Constable (at 30, a spinster). Her father, George, is listed as a brewer, perhaps explaining how John and Fanny met.

The Burnells returned to San Francisco and their thriving Albion Porter & Ale Brewery. But the good times were short-lived. In 1890, at just 41 years old, John Burnell suddenly died. His estate of $8,000  about $250,000 today  went to his wife. Operation of the brewery fell to Fanny and her brother-in-law Frederick Burnell.

We know little about Frederick, but according to several accounts of divorce and marriage proceedings in the local newspapers, he was something of a neer-do-well. In 1894, the papers covered his divorce from first wife Flora Dodge; she filed on grounds of desertion. Two years later, he married again, this time to one Amelia Topping.

Family drama aside, the drumbeat of temperance was growing steadily in the United States. Two disasters befell Albion brewery in 1919  the passage of Prohibition and the death of Fanny Burnell. The remaining Burnell family members decided to close the brewery for good.

It's never brewed beer again, but it's had a few different lives since then. In the late 1920s, Leonard Mees, president of the Mountain Springs Water Company, wisely realized the city was literally sitting on a source of splendid drinking water. For the next two decades, Albion Castle's cisterns were plumbed for the company's water.

In the intervening years, it's switched hands a number of times  owned twice by artists  and avoided being absorbed once by the U.S. Navy through eminent domain in the 1940s.

These days, there's new life at the Norman castle: It's opened up to the public, as well as to a new generation of ghost stories.

Albion Castle/Courtesy

In 2012, Bill Gilbert, who grew up near Candlestick Park, bought the property he'd admired throughout his youth. After spiffying up the place, it's become an event space, hosting baby showers, weddings and the like.

In 2019, it also hosted the cast and crew of "Ghost Adventures," the perennially popular paranormal show on the Travel Channel. For some time, rumors of a woman haunting the windows of the tower and the caverns below, have percolated at Albion Castle. The crew came to investigate but, unless you're a true believer, the evidence (a few screeches that could have easily been animals, some objects moving gently in the water) fell far short of compelling.

"I've never seen anything personally, but a few people have claimed to have seen a lovely, dark-haired woman walking on the property from time to time," property manager Jennifer Gilbert told SFGATE in 2019.

"Could be after too many glasses of wine," she joked.

Its Bayview Month at SFGATE. Well be diving deep into the neighborhood for the entirety of March as part of a new series where well be highlighting a different corner of San Francisco every month this year.
John MacArthur: I wouldnt fight for religious freedom because I wont fight for idolatry

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While studies show most Americans support religious freedom as a core component of American cultural values, Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, said he doesnt support it because it allows idolatry.

During his State of the Church address Wednesday, which replaced his Shepherds Conference for men in church leadership that was postponed due to ongoing litigation" and "threats" from the state, MacArthur urged evangelicals to stop forming alliances with non-Christian groups to promote religious freedom because they dont need it.

The Gospel offends the sinner and seeks to break the sinners comfort and contentment by bringing him into stark realization of the eternal judgement of God. Evangelicals have become like Peter. They are looking for alliances with Satan that they think somehow can aid the Kingdom, MacArthur said.

I told our congregation a few weeks ago that I could never really concern myself with religious freedom. I wouldnt fight for religious freedom because I wont fight for idolatry. Why would I fight for the devil to have as many false religions as possible and all of them to be available to everyone? he asked.

The megachurch leader, who has famously challenged local government and state officials over the right of his congregation to have in-person services during the coronavirus pandemic, noted that even with religious freedom Christians have continued to be the target of the hostility of sinners.

Well, people would say thats a terrible thing to say. What about Christianity? Christianity advances whether there is religious freedom or not. And therell always be religious freedom for all the lies. Every false religion is going to be free because its linked to the kingdom of darkness that operates in the world. And Christians, whatever the label of religious freedom might be in its broadest sense, Christians are always the target even with religious freedom, of the hostility of sinners, MacArthur said.

The Apostles turned the world upside down with no help from it. No social action. No alliances. The evil kingdom of darkness hates what God loves and loves everything that God hates, and the kingdom of darkness is never a friend to the light, he continued. Even rulers have exchanged the truth of God for a lie.  They function under the liar Satan himself who [is] the liar and father of lies. There is absolutely no reason for us to make any alliance with him, he said.

To support his argument, MacArthur cited several Scriptures which he said spells out the Churchs mandate, including Ephesians 5: 5-8.

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy personsuch a person is an idolaterhas any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things Gods wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, the NIV version of the Scripture says.

Do not be partakers with them, he said, repeating verse 7. You have no alliance with the kingdom of darkness.

A 2019 study from the Becket Fund for Religious Freedom, a nonprofit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting the free expression of all religious traditions, showed that a majority of Americans strongly support religious freedom even if the views expressed are deemed discriminatory.

The data highlighted in Beckets inaugural Religious Freedom Index: American Perspectives on the First Amendment show that a majority of Americans support freedom to practice ones religion at work or in life even if it creates an imposition or inconvenience for others.

The central finding from this first years Index is that broad public support for religious freedom has survived the culture wars. After years of religious freedom being pushed to the center of polarizing debates, rather than reveal a partisan 50-50 split, at 67[%], the Index scored in the upper third on the scale of favorability toward robust religious freedom protections, Becket said in an announcement to The Christian Post at the time.

Across dimensions, we saw public support well above 70 percent on many issues, indicating that the concept of religious freedom maintains its place as a core component of American cultural values. The study also found evidence for a preference for a hands-off government approach and support for a culture of accommodation of religious beliefs and practices, the nonprofit noted.

And despite challenges brought on by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the second and most recent Religious Freedom Index: American Perspectives on the First Amendment found that a majority of Americans, more than 60%, said religious freedom remained important.

While much changed in 2020, religious freedom continues to garner support across demographics through each of the Indexs six dimensions, as reflected by this years composite score of 66 on a 100 point scale, researchers said. Our findings present a picture of Americans relying on religion and religious freedom to deal with the challenges of 2020, both reactively and proactively.
Australia says losing "one shipment" of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine drug because of an export ban in Italy would not badly affect its mass inoculation program. Italy is the first European Union country to use the bloc's new regulations that allow exports to be stopped if a vaccine producer has failed to meet its obligations to the EU. Italy's export ban affects 250,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine that were purchased by Australia. Officials in Canberra say the move will not affect the pace of a nationwide vaccination rollout, but they do want the European Union to review the decision. Australia is caught up in tensions between the drug company and European nations over the supply of the COVID-19 serum. There are fears that Italy's ban could be the start of vaccine hoarding.

"Vaccine nationalism -- in other words one country making a decision to prioritize its needs over the vulnerable in other countries -- is a very real risk, and that's what we are now starting to see play out here, says Jane Halton, head of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation. "And I certainly hope it doesn't become a global trend."



Italy has justified stopping the shipment by saying Australia, which has recorded a total of 29,000 COVID-19 cases, was considered "not vulnerable" at this point in the coronavirus pandemic.



Australia's chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, said the country was in an "excellent place" regarding the virus. Health authorities estimate there are fewer than 80 active coronavirus cases in Australia.



The country of 25 million people recently began its mass vaccination program, using the Pfizer-BioNtech drug. Australia has a key weapon against so-called vaccine nationalism. Domestic production of the AstraZeneca vaccine is expected to deliver 1 million doses each week by the end of the month. An earlier shipment of 300,000 imported doses of the AstraZeneca serum allowed injections to begin in Australia Friday.
The Jefferson Parish School Board on Wednesday rejected a move by one of its members to create a committee to determine if some school names, mascots or emblems should be changed due to associations with racism or racist imagery.

The vote, which was 6-2 with one abstention, came with little discussion. But it highlights a dilemma faced by the state's largest school system, where three quarters of the students are minorities, but nearly two thirds of the parish's residents and seven of the nine School Board members are White. As the parish has grown more diverse, more students of color have attended schools named for Confederate supporters or segregationists.

For instance, Alfred Bonnabel High School in Kenner is named for a key figure in the early days of public education in Jefferson Parish, but he also owned slaves and supported the Confederacy. Of Bonnabel's approximately 1,400 students, 1,100 are Black or Hispanic, according to records from the state.

McDonogh 26 in Gretna is named for John McDonogh, who left his fortune to build schools in New Orleans and Baltimore, but also owned slaves and supported a movement to send freed Black residents to Africa before the Civil War. More than 270 of the school's 330 students are Black or Hispanic. And Allen Ellender School in Marrero, where more than half of the students are minority, is named for a segregationist U.S. Senator who voted against anti-lynching legislation and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

"It's beyond frustrating to know that kids of color go to schools named for people that should have been tried for treason, especially the Confederate leaders," said Simeon Dickerson, the School Board member who sponsored the measure to form the committee. "It's monuments to White supremacy that we should be taken down."

Dickerson's measure lacked specifics about how big the task force would be, how its members would be named and exactly how it would work, but it did have a timetable: it would report its findings by May to be voted on in June.

Dickerson and Board member Ricky Johnson, who also is Black, noted that nearby New Orleans has already embarked on a process to change the names of schools linked to segregationists or White supremacists. In Baton Rouge, the school board recently voted to rename Lee High School, which had been named for Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee.

Johnson was the only other "yes" vote Wednesday night. He said he and Dickerson aren't taking aim at schools named for U.S. presidents who were slave owners, like Thomas Jefferson. (The name of a public school in Gretna and also the parish's namesake.)

But schools names that are associated with the Confederacy should go, he said.

"These guys weren't heroes for the United States, they were Confederate guys," Johnson said. And alluding the school system's 50-year long desegregation suit, which only was closed in 2011, Johnson suggested that some of his colleagues may not understand his perspective.

"To tell the truth, we had to fight to go to those schools," he said. "We've gone through a lot of stuff and it's not even recognized that we've come a long way."

Jefferson Parish School Board will decide which school names, mascots with Confederate ties to change The Jefferson Parish School Board won't form a task force of community members to identify schools named after slaveholders or Confederate lea

Of the six members who voted against Dickerson's measure, only one would speak on the record. Several didn't return phone calls or messages for comment.

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"What's the size of the committee, who is going to be included?" asked Board member Billy North, who voted against it. North added that he hadn't done enough research to decide on any particular school, but said he was not opposed to individual school communities addressing the issue.

Board member Tiffany Kuhn, who abstained from the vote, said the issue is worth examining, but she did not have enough information to vote on the proposal Wednesday night.

"I wanted to know more about it," she said.

Dickerson acknowledged that his proposal was light on some of the details, but said board members could expect to see those in later versions.

"I am going to bring this up at every board meeting," he said. He added that he expected to get more support from school administrators, including James Gray, the system's second Black superintendent. Gray was silent during the board's discussion Wednesday.

Gray issued a statement Friday.

"This has been a widely discussed topic across the country in light of the social justice movement. The board has made the decision not to address at this time," Gray said. "As a district, Jefferson Parish Schools continuously works towards culturally inclusive practices with all stakeholders. As part of 2024: The Future Our Kids Deserve, we are committed to prioritizing access, equity, and opportunity for all."

"2024: The Future Our Kids Deserve" is the system's strategic plan aimed at improving Jefferson Parish public schools, which have been rated a "C" in the state's evaluation system for several years.

This isn't the first time Dickerson has raised the issue. He brought the measure before the board in November. It was deferred, with then-Board President Mark Morgan asking administrators to come up with a list of schools whose names have been studied.

Dickerson said he did eventually get such a list that listed eight schools. Bonnabel, McDonogh and Ellender are there. The list also includes East Jefferson High School, where the Warrior mascot is often portrayed as a Native American; John James Audubon, named for the painter who was a slave owner; L.H. Marrero Middle, which is in Marrero and named for a Confederate soldier; Riverdale High School, whose mascot is the Scottish Rebels, but often just referred to as "Rebels"; and Meisler Middle, whose mascot is the Chiefs.

"The residual effects of the things they did are still here," he said, referring to the Confederates on the list. "Anybody can say they are not racists and they don't practice racist ideology, but what are you doing about it?"

Editor's note: this story has been changed to correct the timing of when John McDonogh supported a movement to seen Black residents back to Africa.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.

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Light usually travels to the eyes through straight lines, which lets them see things in a straight way, said Dr. Claire Cisowski, a research fellow in optics at the University of Glasgow.

But, she said, sometimes an image is deflected when the rays of light that reach us go through different layers.

That is what happens when looking through water: A straw in a glass of water, or a hand immersed in the sea, might look out of alignment, because light travels through air and water at different speeds.

The same principle applied with the ship in Cornwall, except that instead of moving from water to air, light traveled from air to air, Dr. Cisowski said.

Air is not always the same  it has different properties whether its cold or hot, she said. So as light travels differently through these different layers, our brain tries to make sense of that.

In the case of Mr. Morris experience, since cold air is denser than warm air, light rays coming from the ship were bent downward. From the coast, it appeared to Mr. Morris that the ship was in a higher position than it may have really been.

When light reaches our eyes, they cant retrace the whole trajectory as if it was bent, Dr. Cisowski said. So we form an image as if it was coming from a straight line, because our eyes want to prolong what they see.

According to a Lake Forest Police Department news release, just after 8 p.m. Thursday, Lake Forest police and fire department personnel were called to the Metra tracks at the intersection of Western and Laurel avenues following a report that an elderly woman had been hit by a northbound train on the Metra Union Pacific line.
Lebanon County businessman Christopher Gebhard was chosen to be the Republican candidate to compete in a three-person race in the May 18 special election to fill the open 48th state senatorial district seat.

GOP conferees from the senatorial district, which includes all of Lebanon County and parts of Dauphin and York counties, gathered in a closed meeting on Saturday at the Lebanon County Exposition Center to pick their partys nominee to fill the seat that was vacated due to the Jan. 17 death of Dave Arnold.

Most of the eight candidates who sought the partys nomination withdrew prior to the conferees secret ballot voting, said Lebanon County GOP Chairman Edward Lynch. Only York County resident Robert Harkins remained in the contest along with Gebhard. The vote in the first and only round of balloting resulted in Gebhard claiming 68 of the 81 votes cast.

Gebhard said in a statement, I am honored and humbled to have received the nomination of the Republican Party for the 48th Senatorial District. If elected on May 18, my three legislative priorities in Harrisburg will be the repeal of Act 77, reopening Pennsylvanias economy and fighting against a Governor who pushes tax-and-spend agendas and dictates public policy by the use of an emergency declaration.

Gebhard, 46, of North Cornwall Township, will face opposition from Libertarian candidate Tim McMaster, 46, of Conewago Township, York County, and a Democratic candidate who will be selected next Saturday by that partys committee people from the senatorial district. The winner of this contest will serve out the unexpired portion of Arnolds term which ends on Nov. 30, 2022.

Republicans hope to keep their stronghold on this seat that has been under its control since 1983, the first year the 48th Senate District included all of Lebanon County. Republicans hold a near-30,000 voter registration edge over Democrats in this Senate district. Third-party and other registrants comprise nearly 16% of registered voters in the district.

Chris will be a strong conservative voice for the residents of the 48th Senatorial District as they demand no less, Lynch said. I believe his experience in the private sector offers a different perspective from the career politicians in Harrisburg and I look forward to ensuring he is elected May 18 as the next Pennsylvania state senator for the 48th.

David Chip Brightbill, who held that Senate seat from 1983 to 2006, was among those supportive of Gebhards bid for the nomination, saying, Chris comes to the process with a solid background of community service and business experience.

Gebhard is president and CEO of Hoaster Gebhard & Co., an insurance and risk management firm. He is involved in various community organizations including serving on the board of the Lebanon Lions Club, the Lebanon Community Library, Mt. Gretna Theatre and Lebanon County Health Facilities Authority and past chairman and board member of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce.

The married father of two said he believes everyone has a civic and moral duty to try to make their community a better place to live and raise a family and serving in the Senate would allow him to expand on his public service record.

I believe we are at a critical moment for the 48th Senatorial District, Gebhard said in an earlier statement to PennLive. Political strife is rampant, Tom Wolf governs with an emergency declaration and a liberal Pennsylvania Supreme Court establishes election law based upon its rulings. The residents of the 48th need an individual who is willing to fight for their interests in Harrisburg. We need a strong conservative that is vested in the long-term success of the district and someone who isnt seeking the office for their own political gain.

Along with all of Lebanon County, this senatorial district encompasses Dauphin County municipalities of Conewago, Londonderry, Swatara and Lower Swatara townships and the boroughs of Highspire, Middletown, Paxtang, Royalton and Steelton; and the York County municipalities of Conewago, East Manchester, Newberry and Springettsbury townships and the borough of Goldsboro, Lewisberry, Manchester, Mount Wolf, and York Haven.

Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.
A House impeachment manager and intelligence subcommittee chairman filed a federal lawsuit yesterday against former US president Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr, Rudy Giuliani and Mo Brooks, a House Representative for Alabama, claiming they should be held liable for injuries and destruction caused by their incitement of the January 6 mob assault on the Capitol.

Eric Swalwell, a Democrat from California who also sits on the judiciary and homeland security committees, alleged Mr Trump and his fellow speakers at a rally near the White House that day were directly responsible for mobilising a crowd of tens of thousands of pro-Trump supporters to march on the Capitol and priming them for violence.

Mr Trumps actions before and during the assault  in which at least 800 people broke into the Capitol, attacked police and delayed Congresss confirmation of the presidential election results  made clear he poses a risk of inciting future political violence, the complaint alleged.

As a direct and foreseeable consequence of the defendants false and incendiary allegations of fraud and theft, and in direct response to the defendants express calls for violence at the rally, a violent mob attacked the US Capitol, the 65-page suit asserted. Many participants in the attack have since revealed that they were acting on what they believed to be former president Trumps orders in service of their country.

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The lawsuit claims the four speakers violated the Ku Klux Klan Act by conspiring to violently interfere in Congresss constitutional duties and failing to act to stop the mob. It also accuses them of multiple counts of negligence under both federal and DC law, aiding and abetting, and infliction of emotional distress.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller said in a statement: Eric Swalwell is a low-life with no credibility.

Mr Miller then repeated allegations in an Axios report from December that an alleged Chinese spy, Christine Fang, cosied up to Mr Swalwell from 2012 to 2015 before he was briefed by US intelligence officials about their concerns and cut off ties. Mr Miller said after failing miserably with two impeachment hoaxes, Mr Swalwell is engaging in a witch hunt on behalf of China.

Its a disgrace that a compromised member of Congress like Swalwell still sits on the House Intelligence Committee, Mr Miller said.

The suit is the latest claim against Mr Trump and top allies to assert they had a role in the storming of the Capitol through their actions that day and during weeks of baseless allegations that Novembers presidential election was stolen from him.

The National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People last month sued Mr Trump, Mr Giuliani and two extremist groups whose members have been accused of leading the violence at the Capitol  the Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers  on behalf of Mississippi representative Bennie Thompson. Mr Guiliani, Mr Trumps campaign and others also face defamation claims related to their groundless post-election criticism of a former US election cyber security official and vote counting machine maker.

The lawsuit paints a fuller picture of Mr Trumps actions before and after the event, drawing on the House impeachment managers case against the former president, suing under a wider theory of negligence. The suit does not focus on extremists who planned for violence but the many more [who] were there for a political rally before the defendants and others alleged whipped them into a frenzy and turned them into a violent mob.

This is an important part of holding Trump  and the other defendants  responsible for what happened on January 6, said attorney Matthew Keiser. Mr Trump was acquitted last month in his second impeachment trial as 57 senators  seven Republicans and all 50 Democrats  voted to convict him of inciting the mob. A two-thirds majority, 67 votes, was needed for a conviction. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell voted for acquittal but said afterward that there was no question, none, that President Trump is practically and morally responsible.

The USS Nimitz leads a formation of ships from the Nimitz and USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike groups during dual carrier operations in the South China Sea, February 2021.

The U.S. military has advised Congress that it needs new precision-strike, air missile defense, and other capabilities to counter China in the Indo-Pacific, a sign of deepening military competition between the two rival nations.

In an assessment submitted earlier this week, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command outlined a range of requirements for strengthening conventional deterrence in the region, according to reviews of the document by USNI News and Nikkei Asia and remarks Thursday by Adm. Philip Davidson, who leads the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The assessment calls for the fielding of an Integrated Joint Force with precision-strike networks along the so-called first island chain  referring to missile strike capabilities  and integrated air missile defense in the second island chain, USNI News reported. The document also calls for a distributed force posture that provides the ability to preserve stability, and if needed, dispense and sustain combat operations for extended periods.

The first island chain is a term used to describe land features in the western Pacific stretching from Japan to Taiwan and through states lining the South China Sea including the Philippines and Indonesia. The second island chain extends farther to the east, starting in Japan and running through Guam.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Commands assessment requests about $27 billion for what it calls the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through fiscal year 2027, including about $4.7 billion for fiscal year 2022, USNI News and Nikkei Asia reported.

Davidson warned that the greatest danger the United States and our allies face in this region is the erosion of conventional deterrence vis-a-vis the Peoples Republic of China.

Absent a convincing deterrent, China will be emboldened to take action to supplant the established rules-based international order and the values represented in our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said at an online event staged by the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington-based think tank.

We must be doing everything possible to deter conflict. Our number one job out here is to keep the peace, but we absolutely must be prepared to fight and win should competition turn to conflict, Davidson said.

Davidson did not reveal the full details of the militarys assessment, but mentioned that the two island chains offer the capacity to support crisis and contingency operations, such as establishing dispersal locations, airfield repair capabilities, mobile processing, and fuel storage.

Eric Sayers, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said the U.S. needs to invest in mobile, ground-based anti-ship missiles to help offset the strike power from air and maritime forces, complicate PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) planning and provide another flexible option to reassure allies.

Military tensions

Military tensions in the region are running high, with both U.S. and Chinese forces having repeatedly carried out exercises and other maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea in recent months. The two powers have also been trading tough talk, with the U.S. challenging China over its sweeping territorial and maritime claims and assertive behavior, and China accusing the U.S. of meddling in regional affairs.

Earlier in February, for example, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman criticized U.S. carrier exercises in the South China Sea, saying that the U.S. has frequently sent warships and aircraft to the South China Sea as a show of force, which is not conducive to regional stability and peace.

Sayers told BenarNews that the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, or PDI, is a bipartisan U.S. congressional effort to stimulate more time, energy, and resources from the Pentagon to address the conventional military challenges in the Pacific.

In the most recent U.S. defense budget, the Congress instructed the U.S. secretary of defense to establish the PDI to carry out prioritized activities to enhance the United States deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The bills says the initiative should modernize and strengthen the presence of U.S. forces, improve logistics and maintenance capabilities, carry out joint force exercises and innovation, improve infrastructure to enhance responsiveness and resiliency, and build the defense and security capabilities, capacity, and cooperation of allies and partners.

Sayers noted that the Pentagon has invested more than $30 billion in Europe over the last eight years to bolster the U.S. military posture toward Russia.

We need to make similar investments to reverse the shifting military balance with China, he said.

In recent decades, China has pursued an ambitious military modernization program, which Davidson described as making the military balance in the Indo-Pacific more unfavorable for the U.S.

And despite the ongoing pandemic, this modernization shows no signs of stopping. According to defense intelligence provider Janes, the Chinese governments recent announcement that its defense budget is set to increase by 6.8 percent in 2021 reflects Chinas economic resilience to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Exercise has long-been recommended as a cognitive-behavioral therapy for patients of depression, yet new evidence from the University of California of San Diego suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the nature of the relationship between physical activity and mental health.

In a study of college students conducted before and during the pandemic, findings revealed the average steps of subjects declined from 10,000 to 4,600 steps per day and rates of depression increased from 32% to 61%.

The research, recently published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also revealed short-term restoration of exercise does not meaningfully improve mental well-being.

This raises many possible explanations, including that the impact of physical activity may require a longer-term intervention. At the same time, our results clearly show that those who maintained physical exercise throughout the pandemic were the most resilient and least likely to suffer from depression." Sally Sadoff, Co-Author, Associate Professor of Economics and Strategy, UC San Diego's Rady School of Management

Sadoff added there is a 15 to 18 percentage point difference in depression rates between participants who experienced large disruptions to their mobility, compared those who maintained their habits.

Sadoff and coauthors from the University of Pittsburg and Carnegie Mellon University point to the alarming trend of increased depression among young adults (ages 18-24) during the pandemic, which is two-times higher than the general population.

The students in the study answered repeated surveys about their well-being and time use over the course of a semester. From March to July 2020, depression rates skyrocketed by 90%, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Fitbit data helps fill in the gaps in understanding mobility's role in mental health

The study enrolled multiple cohorts of hundreds of U.S. college students from February 2019 through July 2020. In addition to filling out surveys, participants received wearable devices (Fitbits) that track their activity levels. Participants in the 2020 cohort began the study in February and continued participating after their university moved all classes online in March and encouraged students not to return to campus.

Among the subjects, sleep increased by 25 to 30 minutes per night, time spent socializing declined by more than half (less than 30 minutes per day), and screen time more than doubled to five or more hours per day.

The researchers found large declines in physical activity during COVID-19 was most strongly associated with higher rates of depression. Physical activity minutes translate to about 10 minutes in which the heart rate is raised enough to burn at least 1.5 times as many calories as it does at rest.

Those who experienced declines of one to two hours of physical activity per day were most at risk for depression during the pandemic. While participants who were able to maintain their daily habits were at the lowest risk for depression.

"This relationship is one that only emerges during the pandemic," the authors note. "Before the pandemic, there was not a very strong connection between changes in physical activity and mental health, but our analyses suggest that disruption to physical activity is a leading risk factor for depression during this period."

Short-term restoration of exercise habits does not provide mental health relief

In order to examine whether a policy intervention could help counteract some of the pandemic's adverse impacts to mental health, the researchers implemented a randomized experiment.

Half of the participants were incentivized to walk at least 10,000 steps per day for two weeks. The strategy significantly increased their average steps by about 2,300 steps per day and physical activity by almost 40 min per day, compared to the other half of subjects. However, the impact of exercise did not translate into an improvement in mental health, nor did it encourage the students to keep up the physical activity after the two-week period ended.

"Physical activity may have important interactions with other lifestyle behaviors such as social interactions," the authors write. "It could also be the case that the relationship between physical activity and depression is driven more by mental health than it is by lifestyle habits."

They conclude more research is needed to understand how to improve both physical and mental health during such periods of large disruption.

Adding, "The pandemic tightened the relationship between the maintenance of lifestyle habits and mental health."
BOISE, Idaho, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jason Mitchell Real Estate, the Nations #1 Real Estate Team has officially opened its doors for business in Boise, Idaho, Led by Broker Mike McGee. The Jason Mitchell Group will look to duplicate its efforts as it has throughout all markets they service.

By being the leader of B2B services, the JMG model is to support mortgage lenders and networks alike to service their clients who are in search of an agent. From buy side representation to listing support, the JMG brand has become synonymous with referral services.

"Our goal as a company is to support our partners by providing a superior process and a world class real estate experience to each of the clients we serve. By leveraging our technology, we seamlessly support our agents and provide them an opportunity to grow their business that is unmatched in the industry," says Jason Mitchell, President and CEO of Jason Mitchell Real Estate.

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The Government is scrambling to find a way for Justice Minister Helen McEntee to take maternity leave without having to resign temporarily or stand aside when her baby is born.

The ministers baby is due in May and she intends to take six months leave.

Her announcement is seen as a hugely positive example for women in leadership roles and politics.

However, there is no provision for a politician to take maternity leave, not least a Cabinet member in a sensitive portfolio like justice minister.

With just weeks until Ms McEntee is due to take maternity leave, urgent discussions are under way to find a solution.

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The unprecedented situation has arisen as no minister has ever had a baby while in office.

Several Government sources told the Irish Independent the options being examined include Ms McEntees duties being reassigned to other ministers at Cabinet  or her being replaced by a junior minister.

To have Ms McEntee remain officially in her role during her leave would present clear legal difficulties.

But to reassign her duties, the minister would likely have to stand aside as justice minister, while still remaining a Cabinet minister.

And to fully replace Ms McEntee, even temporarily, she would have to resign fully as justice minister and from Cabinet.

Talks are ongoing to find a solution that does not involve Ms McEntee having to resign.

However, this solution remains unclear at the moment.

She is among the most senior positions at Cabinet and among the key roles under the law is being briefed on urgent security matters by the Garda Commissioner.

But the portfolio also carries a range of other legal duties that cannot be carried out by another minister.

Legal experts say it has to be clear in the eyes of the law that there is one justice minister, and who specifically holds the role.

On the prospect of Ms McEntee having to resign, one senior Government source said: That wont happen.

They added: There may be a scenario where her powers are vested in another minister and junior ministers act up.

That would be one solution.

But other sources say that all the options are still on the table.

One Fine Gael source admitted that it would not look good for the coalition to be in a situation where a woman who was having a baby was having to stand aside from their ministerial job.

But they acknowledged that a specific person would be required to take the justice minister role.

Who does Drew Harris ring on a Friday night when he hears a subversive group is planning an operation?

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Attorney General Paul Gallagher and Department of the Taoiseach secretary general Martin Fraser have all been involved in talks with Ms McEntee for several weeks to find a satisfactory solution.

A spokesperson for the justice minister said: All going well, Minister McEntee will take a period of maternity leave to care for her baby and is working with colleagues in Government to finalise how this can be done.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Representatives of an umbrella alliance of Armenian opposition groups demanding early parliamentary elections and the resignation of the country's prime minister have announced plans to meet with President Armen Sarkisian to discuss the ongoing political crisis on March 7.

The Homeland Salvation Movement, an alliance of more than a dozen opposition groups, is calling on Sarkisian to send Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian's decision to dismiss the chief of the General Staff to the Constitutional Court for review.

"We have very clearly presented our demands to the president, we have received assurances that, yes, the issue will be submitted to the Constitutional Court," opposition leader Ishkhan Sagatelian said at a rally in Yerevan on March 6, setting a March 9 deadline for opposition demands to be met and declaring that the fate of the country was in the president's hands.

"You must stand by the constitution until the Constitutional Court declares the dismissal of the chief of General Staff unconstitutional...otherwise you are personally responsible for the situation in the country and its future outcome," Sagatelian said in a message directed at Sarkisian.

Political tensions in Armenia are high, with Pashinian dismissing General Staff chief Onik Gasparian after the prime minister accused high-ranking military officers of attempting a coup by calling on him to resign over his handling of the country's recent war with Azerbaijan.

WATCH: Tea, Cake, And Death Threats: Coexistence On The New Azerbaijan-Armenia Border

Supporters of Pashinian and the opposition have been staging competing rallies in the capital amid the crisis, and the opposition has met twice with Sarkisian to urge him to allow the country's top court to determine whether Gasparian's firing was constitutional.

Sarkisian, whose position as president is largely ceremonial, refused to approve Pashinian's order dismissing Gasparian for a second time on March 2. However, legal experts believe that the order will take effect automatically unless Sarkisian appeals to the Constitutional Court.

With reporting by Interfax and TASS
Members of the 28th Infantry Battalion awaiting their first dose of the Covid vaccine at Finner Camp

Corporal Thomas Keane carrying out a mandatory temperature check on Private Adam Enfield, both of the 28th Infantry Battalion, prior to his first dose of the Covid vaccine at Finner Camp

Private Ashley Mulhern, 28th Infantry Battalion receiving his first dose of the Covid vaccine at Finner Camp

Over 40 members of the 28th Infantry Battalion based at Finner Camp, Ballyshannon received their first dose of the Covid vaccine last Wednesday (24th).

The members received the early dose to enable them to carry out work relating to Covid within the community. Operations Officer at Finner Camp, Captain Neil O'Connor said the troops were happy to be receiving their vaccines.

"These are troops we are going to be using to help the public in various tasks.

"For example for the duration of the pandemic we have been helping out at swabbing centres throughout the country, in Sligo, Letterkenny and Donegal.

"They have also been involved in patient transfers in Dublin as well. We are also shortly looking at helping out in vaccination centres throughout the country. So the people who are getting vaccinated here today will be engaged in these tasks," said Capt O'Connor.

Private Paul O'Brien was one of the first to be vaccinated. "It's great to get the vaccine, to finally get it over and done with so we can move on with our work," he said.

Expand Close Sergeant Mark Gillen, 28th Infantry Battalion receiving his first dose of the Covid vaccine at Finner Camp / Facebook

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Whatsapp Sergeant Mark Gillen, 28th Infantry Battalion receiving his first dose of the Covid vaccine at Finner Camp

Sergeant Mark Gillen said it was great to see the vaccine being rolled out to the Defence Forces. "We are ready to help wherever we might be deployed in the future. We are ready for any task that might come our way," said Sgt Gillen.

Defence Force members were required to take a mandatory temperature check before receiving their vaccine.

National Ambulance Service Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) members, Intermediate Care Operatives Diane Wood and Michelle Behan as well as Education and Competency Assurance Officers, Mark Sheerin and Kenny Vaughan were on hand to ensure the vaccinations ran smoothly.

"As part of the Government response, the Defence Forces here in Ballyshannon have stepped up and they have taken on a lot of the healthcare roles that are traditionally done by healthcare professionals, nurses, EMT's, paramedics.

"They have been working in the swabbing centres around the country.

"They have been trained by the National Ambulance Service.

"To help them and assist them in the role, as they are effectively healthcare professionals over this last twelve months during the pandemic, they also need to be treated like healthcare professionals and receive the vaccines early on to allow them to continue with the work in the healthcare settings" said Mr Sheerin.
Rajasthan's Alwar Court to hear final hearing of Alwar lynching case today

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Mar 06: In a recent development, an Alwar Court in Rajasthan is all set to hold the final hearing of the Alwar lynching case on Saturday. On Monday, the court had denied further arguments in the case and had decided to hold the final hearing of this 2018 case.

Rakbar Khan was allegedly killed by people who claimed to be 'gau rakshaks' in suspicion of cow smuggling. On July 20, 2018, the youth, a resident of Haryana, was killed in Alwar while transporting cows to his village Kolgaon.

It is reportedly said that he had allegedly purchased the cows from Ladpura village and were taking the cows to their home through a forested area in proximity to Lalawandi village when they were attacked by the mob.

Farmers' Protest: Farmers to block KMP expressway for 5 hour to mark 100 days of protest

Rakbar and his friend Aslam were beaten up. While Aslam managed to escape, Rakbar succumbed to his injuries and died in an Alwar hospital.

Dharmendra Yadav, Naresh Kumar, Paramjit Singh and Vijay Kumar - all residents of Lalawandi village - are the accused in the case as per the FIR registered in the Ramgarh police station of Alwar.

The victim's (Rakbar) mother had also accused the Additional Sessions Judge adjudicating the trial of favouring the accused in the case and had so demanded the transfer to a different court last week.

PM Modi to chair Valedictory Session of Combined Commanders' Conference at Kevadia in Gujarat

The state government had appointed a special public prosecutor in the lynching case.

The case is said to follow the lines of the previous Pehlu Khan lynching case of Alwar when Khan, along with his son and companions, were beaten and killed in the same fashion by self-proclaimed 'gau rakshaks' on suspicion of cattle smuggling. The Pehlu Khan incident took place in 2017, sparking nationwide outrage.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

The local court had acquitted six out of nine accused on the basis of lack of evidence in Pehlu Khan lynching. The two sons of Khan were also on trial under the Rajasthan Bovine Animal Act that prohibits cattle smuggling.

(Newser)  President Jair Bolsonaro has responded to the increase in Brazil's COVID-19 deaths by telling his countrymen to quit fretting about it. "Enough fussing and whining. How much longer will the crying go on?" Bolsonaro told an audience Thursday, Reuters reports. "How much longer will you stay at home and close everything? No one can stand it anymore. We regret the deaths, again, but we need a solution." Brazil recorded 75,102 new coronavirus cases Thursday, the most since July. There were 1,699 deaths the same day, officials said, which was slightly lower than the record-high two days before that. The nation's COVID-19 death toll for the past year is second only to that of the US. And the situation in Brazil is worsening.

story continues below

Bolsonaro, who has had the coronavirus, has played down the danger of the pandemic all along. His government has been in no hurry to provide vaccinations; less than 3.5% of the population has had a shot. The hospital system is at its limit, and new variants are causing worry. A mutation that seems to have originated in the Amazon region appears to be more contagious, with the ability to reinfect those who have already recovered from COVID-19. We are experiencing the worst outlook for the pandemic since it started," a Brazilian expert said. A Washington Post editorial said Brazil is putting the rest of the world at risk by becoming a breeding ground for new strains. "If Brazil does not control the virus," an American epidemiologist said, "it will be the largest open laboratory in the world for the virus to mutate." (Read more Jair Bolsonaro stories.)
The pilings are just now being driven into the ground, but a notable lease has been signed for the developing and uniquely designed 12-story office building on the Charleston peninsula called Morrison Yard.

The Indigo Road Hospitality Group will handle events that we be held on the top floor of the Morrison Drive structure, where penthouse views 180 feet off the ground will overlook the water next to the Ravenel Bridge, according to co-developer Jeff Mixson.

Indigo Road also handles events in The Cedar Room in the nearby Cigar Factory and operates several restaurants in Charleston, such as Indaco, O-Ku Sushi, Oak Steakhouse, The Cocktail Club, Mercantile & Mash and the recently opened DIME on Daniel Island.

One tenant is lined up to move into the $71 million Morrison Yard development. The regional law firm of Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein will move from Bank of America Place at 200 Meeting St. into the sixth floor once the structure is completed in mid-2022.

The new building, which is being constructed 50 feet in the air on V-shaped pillars amid an open-air plaza, will resemble offset shipping containers, in a nod to the sites maritime past. The developers bought the property as part of a 9-acre, $9.2 million purchase from the State Ports Authority three years ago.

Going to townhomes

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Two new townhome communities are planned for parts of the city of Charleston.

A 53-unit townhome development is being proposed off Folly Road on James Island.

David Weekley Homes wants to build Cross Creek Town Homes on a 4.5-acre, L-shaped lot at 14 Cross Creek Drive behind Cross Creek Medical Plaza and between James Island Christian Church and the Harris Teeter-anchored James Island Center on Maybank Highway. A townhome community on Town Park Lane sits behind the tract slated for new development.

The property is owned by Cross Creek Shopping Center Two LLC of Morganton, N.C.

Also, Beazer Homes is proposing to build 57 townhomes on Sanders Road off Bees Ferry Road southwest of Walmart. The development is called Rhodes Crossing.

The city is reviewing plans for the developments.
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Key Things You Need to Know About HR 1, the For the People Act of 2021

On March 3, the Democrat-led House passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act of 2021, which was introduced by Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.). The election reform package, if passed by the Senate, would transfer authority over how elections are administered from states to the federal government and make permanent many voting rules that opponents say lead to voter fraud.

The 791-page-long H.R. 1 legislation package, which was marked up by members of the 116th Congress, was adopted without much debate. Some provisions, like ensuring that all voting machines used in U.S. elections are also manufactured in the United States or increasing access for voters with disabilities, are supported by both sides, but most other provisions are contentious.

The sweeping election reform package is divided into three major sections; the second section is the main body of the legislation, with three subsections: a) voting, b) campaign finance, and c) ethics. Section three is the Findings of General Constitutional Authority and section four is the Standards for Judicial Review.

Here are some of the key changes to election laws made by H.R. 1:

1. Gives the federal government authority to administer elections: Although the U.S. Constitution gives states the authority to run their elections as they see fit, Democrats have interpreted the Constitution in their favor, stating in H.R. 1 that Congress finds that it has broad authority to regulate the time, place, and manner of congressional elections under the Elections Clause of the Constitution, Article I, section 4.

2. Limits a plaintiffs access to federal courts when challenging H.R. 1: The bill mandates that any lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of H.R. 1 could only be filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia and all plaintiffs would be required to file joint papers or to be represented by a single attorney at oral argument.

3. Mandates automatic voter registration (AVR) in all 50 states (19 states currently have AVR): In what proponents call modernizing elections, any person who gives their information to designated government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles, a public university, or a social service agency, would be registered to vote. The bill mandates same-day and online registration.

4. Mandates no-fault absentee ballots: This provision does away with witness signature or notarization requirements for absentee ballots. Additionally, it would force states to accept absentee ballots received up to 10 days after Election Day.

5. Prevents election officials from removing ineligible voters from registries or confirming the eligibility and qualifications of voters: The bill would make it illegal to verify the address of registered voters, cross-checking voter registration lists to find individuals registered in multiple states, or ever removing registrants, no matter how much time has elapsed.

6. Restores the Voting Rights Act: This provision requires states to obtain approval from the federal government before implementing any changes to voting rules. There is also a provision that criminalizes the hindering, interfering, or preventing of anyone from registering or voting.

7. Bans state voter ID laws: States would no longer be allowed to require ID for voting and would be forced to accept signed statements from individuals claiming to verify who they say they are.

8. Ensures illegal immigrants can vote: The bill shields non-citizens from prosecution if they are registered to vote automatically. Agencies wouldnt be required to keep records of those who decline to affirm their citizenship.

9. Allows same-day voter registration: States would be required to permit same-day registration, including for early voting, at polling stations. The section includes a clause that requires same-day voter registration to be implemented in time for the upcoming elections in 2022.

10. Allows 16-year-olds to register to vote: From Jan. 1, 2022, states wouldnt be allowed to refuse a voting application from anyone aged 16 or older. Additionally, states would be required to carry out a plan to increase the involvement of individuals under 18 years of age in public election activities.

11. Prohibits the publication of misleading information about elections: The bill makes it a federal crime to communicate or cause to be communicated information that is knowingly false and designed to discourage voting, carrying a sentence of up to five years. Opponents say the provision raises First Amendment concerns.

12. Allows felons to vote: Under the Democracy Restoration Act, federal dollars for prisons would be restricted in states that dont allow ex-convicts to vote. The bill says that all felons can vote unless they are serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility at the time of the election.

13. Mandates early voting: States would be required to allow anyone to cast a ballot during an early voting period prior to the date of the election.

14. Legalizes nationwide mail-in voting, without photo ID: Absentee voting by mail would be allowed in all federal elections and may not require an individual to provide any form of identification as a condition of obtaining an absentee ballot. A witness signature wouldnt be required.

15. Promotes ballot harvesting: Any designated person would be allowed to return absentee ballots to any ballot drop-off location or election office, so long as the person doesnt receive compensation based on the number of ballots he or she collected. Additionally, there would be no limit on the number of absentee ballots any designated person could return.

16. Requires states to accept ballots 10 days after Election Day: States would be required to accept any mailed ballots postmarked before or on Election Day that arrive within 10 days of the election. The bill allows states to expand that deadline.

17. Prohibits state election officials from campaigning in federal elections: State election officials would be banned from participating in political management or campaigns for any election in which the officials have supervisory authority. This would most affect states like Georgia, whose secretaries of state have been notably involved in elections.

18. Requires colleges and universities to hire campus vote coordinators: The bill requires institutions of higher learning to employ an official who would be responsible for informing students about elections and encouraging them to register to vote. It would incentivize voter registration by giving grants to institutions that have a high registration rate.

19. Mandates that states make absentee voter boxes available for 45 days within an election: Drop boxes would be made available for individuals to drop off absentee ballots for federal elections at any time, 24 hours a day, during the voting period.

20. Requires states to allow curbside voting: States may not prohibit any jurisdiction administering an election for Federal office in the State from utilizing curbside voting as a method by which individuals may cast ballots in the election.

21. Urges statehood for the District of Columbia and representation for territories: The bill points to the fact that the District of Columbia is not yet a state, adding, The United States is the only democratic country that denies both voting representation in the national legislature and local self-government to the residents of its Nations capital. It appoints a commission that would advocate for congressional representation and presidential votes.

22. Requires states to redraw congressional districts through independent commissions: Taking power away from state legislatures, the bill would require redistricting to occur through commissions that are also required to show racial, ethnic, economic, and gender diversity.

23. Creates a national commission to protect United States democratic institutions: A national commission would study elections and produce a report after 18 months with recommendations for improving elections. It would comprise 10 members, only four of whom would be selected by the minority party, giving control to the majority party (at this time, Democrats).

24. Mandates new disclosure for corporations: The bill codifies the Democrats DISCLOSE Act, to restrict corporate participation in elections. Democrats say this provision will shed light on dark money, while Republicans counter that the legislations transparency requirements would violate free speech rights.

25. Oversight of online political advertising: A provision called the Stand By Every Ad Act would stop campaign dollars from covering any form of advertising over the internet. Opponents say this would increase the cost of campaigning.

26. Weakens the Supreme Courts 2010 decision in the case Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission (FEC): The bill states that the Supreme Courts misinterpretation of the Constitution to empower monied interests at the expense of the American people in elections has seriously eroded over 100 years of congressional action to promote fairness and protect elections from the toxic influence of money. It also suggests that the Constitution should be amended so that Congress and the States may regulate and set limits on the raising and spending of money.

27. Allows politicians to use campaign funds for personal use: Under a provision called the Help America Run Act, the bill legalizes the use of campaign donations for personal expenses such as child care.

28. Changes the composition of the FEC: The bill decreases the number of members on the FEC from six to five. Four members can be associated with a particular political party, making the fifth member independent but nominated by a president associated with a party. Former FEC members have written to Congress, warning about this change and other related provisions.

29. Changes rules around conflicts of interest for the president and vice president: It would require the president or vice president to divest all financial interests that could pose a conflict of interest for them, their families, or anyone with whom they are negotiating or who is seeking employment in their administration.

30. Changes FEC rules to require presidential candidates to provide their tax returns: Within 15 days of becoming a covered candidate, the individual would be required to submit copies of his or her tax returns, going back 10 years, to the FEC.
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A former acting chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State, Igo Aguma, has announced his exit from the party, few hours after the Supreme Court affirmed his removal as the APC chairman.

The former chairman had filed an appeal against the Court of Appeal judgment that upturned a High Court judgment that declared him the authentic acting chairman of APC in Rivers State.

But the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal on Friday.

It is now clear that it is not within the purview of the court to protect the rights and privileges of members of a political party, in this case, the APC.

It is the APC that should protect the rights of her members but has failed to do so.

I cannot continue to be a member of a political party that endangers and does not give any form of protection to the rights of its members, Mr Aguma said this in a statement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

Therefore, I announce my exit from the All Progressives Congress immediately. To God be the glory, he added.

The Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, Baridor Badom, said Mr Agumas exit was good for the party.

Agumas exit from APC immediately after his case at the Supreme Court was dismissed, has shown that he was working with some enemies of the party to destroy it.

As a party, we are not bothered about his exit. In fact, it is good news for us, because we now know our opponents.

We now know faithful party members to work with, to consolidate in planning and putting together a more strong and formidable APC in Rivers.

We are glad that Mr Igo Aguma has finally taken this step in leaving the party. We wish him well in his future political endeavours, Mr Badom said.

(NAN)
George Clooney was pictured arriving to the Cambridge, Massachusetts set of his forthcoming film The Tender Bar on Friday morning.

The 59-year-old actor appeared to be taking it easy as he strolled around the day's filming location, which is currently set at Lesley University.

The director's stroll comes not long after it was announced that Billie Lourd is in talks to join the cast of the upcoming film Ticket To Paradise, which Clooney is also attached to.

Heading to work: George Clooney was seen arriving at the Cambridge, Massachusetts set of The Tender Bar on Friday morning

The entrepreneur was casually dressed in a puffy black jacket, loose-fitting blue jeans and a pair of white Nike sneakers during his visit to the set.

Although he initially kept his head uncovered, Clooney eventually put on a patterned beanie for extra warmth in the chilly weather.

The Ocean's Eleven actor wore a sizable white facial covering while interacting with the film's cast and crew.

Development on The Tender Bar began in 2020; Sony Pictures was originally set to produce the film, but Amazon Studios picked up the project in July of last year.

Casual attire: The From Dusk Till Dawn actor was dressed in a puffy black jacket, blue jeans and a pair of white Nike sneakers during his time on the upcoming film's set

The coming-of-age project is based on the 2005 memoir of the same name, written by JR Moehringer.

The screenplay for The Tender Bar was written by William Monahan, who won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on the 2006 crime film The Departed.

The From Dusk Till Dawn actor's role as the forthcoming film's director was confirmed in December of last year.

In addition to directing the project, Clooney also serves as one of The Tender Bar's producers.

Dual role: In addition to directing The Tender Bar, Clooney also serves as one of the project's producers; he is pictured in 2019

Featured actor: Ben Affleck and Tye Sheridan have been added to the cast of the upcoming film; the former is pictured in 2020

Confirmed cast members include Ben Affleck, Lily Rabe and Christopher Lloyd, among various others.

Principal photography on the project began late last month and is scheduled to run until the middle of this year.

On Friday, it was also announced that Billie Lourd was in negotiations to appear in another one of the Clooney's projects, entitled Ticket To Paradise.

The 28-year-old actress is in talks to portray Wren Butler, a college graduate who decides to marry a local during a trip to Bali.

Making moves: On Friday, Deadline reported that Billie Lourd was in talks to join the cast of Ticket To Paradise, which Clooney is attached to; the actress is seen at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards

According to Deadline, Clooney and Julia Roberts star as Butler's parents, who attempt to stop their daughter from making a reckless decision.

Ticket To Paradise is set to begin production later this year; the project will be helmed by Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again director Ol Parker.

The filmmaker also co-wrote the upcoming film's screenplay with Daniel Pipski.

Neither The Tender Bar nor Ticket To Paradise currently have set release dates.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 07:33:55|Editor: huaxia

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A worker assembles parts of a wind turbine in Xingtai City, north China's Hebei Province, March 5, 2021. In recent years, Xingtai Economic Development Area has taken the development of equipment manufacturing industry as an important strategic measure to drive the industrial transformation and upgrading of the whole region. At present, the area has gathered more than 100 equipment manufacturing enterprises, with an annual output value of more than 7 billion yuan (about 1.08 billion U.S. dollars). (Xinhua/Mu Yu)
The Army is running a new pilot course to identify which senior sergeants are ready to become company first sergeants.

The initial cycle of the First Sergeant Talent Alignment Assessment ran 13 master sergeants from the 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, through the three-day course in December. It is designed to find noncommissioned officers with the right cognitive abilities and behaviors to make an effective top enlisted leader at the company level.

"The first sergeants are really key and essential NCOs," Sgt. Maj. Rob Haynie, who serves on the Enlisted Talent Management Team on the Army Talent Management Task Force, told Military.com. "They generally know their soldiers in the company. ... They know their families; the first sergeants shape the culture in an organization. They instill discipline, they oversee individual and collective training."

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The pilot, scheduled to run through the fall, is similar to the Colonel Command Assessment Program, or CCAP, and the Battalion Commander Assessment Program, or BCAP, which are held at Fort Knox, Kentucky. The Army also approved the new Knox-based Sergeant Major Assessment Program, or SMAP, in February; it is structured the same way as the weeklong BCAP and CCAP courses and puts candidates through a series of evaluations and interviews designed to weed out leaders who are not ready for command.

Instead of being held at Fort Knox, the new first sergeant course is being piloted at the installation level to allow sergeant majors from the battalion, brigade and division level to assess master sergeants in their units who are eligible for first sergeant positions.

Currently, unit leaders select first sergeants using little more than the NCO evaluation reports "that got you promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant" and up through the ranks, Haynie said.

"Really, they just take that, and they do a simple face-to-face interview, maybe, and they put those [master sergeants] into position," he said.

"A lot of the time, it's based off of their intuition ... their gut, and that little bit of data, and it kind of looks at, 'Hey, this person needs to be a first sergeant because he hasn't been a first sergeant yet.'

"It's a leadership judgment, and they are using what data they have. We are really trying to develop a tool that will provide them with better information."

The course requires a fitness test, which currently consists of the old Army Physical Fitness Test, or APFT, not the new Army Combat Fitness Test, or ACFT, Haynie said.

While the Army authorized the ACFT as of Oct. 1, 2020, congressional requirements under the fiscal 2021 National Defense Authorization Act prevent the service from using the ACFT for administration actions until it completes an independent review of the more challenging fitness assessment.

ACFT scores are not scheduled to count against soldiers until March 2022.

The first sergeant course features cognitive tests to measure intelligence, problem solving and writing skills, Haynie said. There is also a noncognitive evaluation to measure the motivational, communication and interpersonal skills of each candidate.

The course includes a behavioral-based interview similar to the double-blind panel used during BCAP, CCAP and SMAP courses; it is designed to identify biases and potential negative behaviors such as counter-productive leadership traits found in toxic leaders, Haynie said.

A panel of four sergeants majors then provide feedback to the talent alignment panel, which is made up of the division sergeant major, the brigade sergeants major and other NCOs who have input about assignments, he added.

"We identified [two] master sergeants that should not be first sergeants. ... Either they needed to develop more, or they had low tolerance toward others or a very short temper, which was noticeable throughout their assessment data," Haynie said.

Three more cycles of the pilot are scheduled for this year. There will be one at Fort Riley, Kansas, in the spring; one this summer at Fort Drum, New York; and one in Alaska in the fall, he said, adding that his team is scheduled to update Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston and the senior enlisted council in the fall.

The Sergeant Major Assessment Program was tested at Fort Knox last year to evaluate about 30 brigade-level sergeants. In November, that course will assess 350 brigade-eligible sergeants major for approximately 200 open positions, said Maj. Jed Hudson, the task force's action officer for enlisted talent.

"It is essentially the same structure as the BCAP and CCAP," Hudson said. "It is designed to look across your whole formation and provide better insights to where you can put the NCOs into the right positions."

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.

Related: Why Some Army Colonels Won't Make the Cut for Command in New Assessment Course
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
A Cork business aiming to "spark conversations about incredible people" with children has been given the seal of approval by CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan.

Ahead of International Women's Day on Monday, The Wonderkind, based in Cork, has released a new set of hair clips featuring trailblazing Irish women.

Called 'Mnawesome na hEireann', the clips feature five inspirational women - former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson; Cork-born Mary Jones (Mother Jones) who fought fearlessly for basic rights for children and for workers in the 1900s; 16th-century pirate queen Grainne Mhaol; Irish revolutionary, Countess Markievicz and Phelan herself.

The Wonderkind is a project started by Cork-based Niamh ODea and Lisa Rodrigues.

"Were so thrilled that CervicalCheck campaigner Vicky Phelan gave her blessing to be featured in the Irish edition of the clips," the project founders said in a post on social media.

Endorsing the new clips, Ms Phelan expressed her admiration for the ethos of the business.

"I absolutely love this idea and I love my clip! I think its a brilliant way to get our young girls looking up to real strong, normal role models," she said.

The sale of each set of clips will also help to raise funds for The Shona Project, which aims to educate and empower Irish girls.

"Well donate 1 from the sale of each set to Vicky Phelans personally chosen not-for-profit, The Shona Project," the founders stated.

The Wonderkind's designs are all printed in Dublin and hand-assembled in Cork.

"After seeing first hand that people tend to speak to our young daughters about what theyre wearing, we decided to prompt inspirational topics.

"With the simplest act of wearing one of the clips, we saw the conversations go from, 'your bow is so pretty', to 'Wow, is that Rosa Parks?!', followed by animated conversations between the adults and young child about these remarkable women."

For more information visit www.thewonderkind.com
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  The Department of Health said they are now looking into a breach in the priority list for vaccination.

We had our legal service review already our provisions with the different resolution even in the IATF resolutions, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.

She added that discussions are also ongoing regarding possible sanctions to violators, like the filing of an administrative case if the violator is a government official.

This is after some government officials jumped the priority list for COVID-19 vaccines intended to first immunize the countrys health workers.

On Friday, Presidential spokesman Harry Roque acknowledged that there was a breach in the priority list when Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya and MMDA Chief of Staff Michael Salalima got their vaccine shots this week. He said the two officials did it in good faith, claiming they were prompted by officials of the Pasay General Hospital to enhance vaccine confidence.

Pasay City Vice Mayor Noel Boyet del Rosario, who is not a medical frontliner, also received a vaccine shot.

Doing the same thing on the AstraZeneca vaccines, which came from the COVAX facility, might jeopardize succeeding supplies since an agreement was signed that their rollout must follow the framework set by the World Health Organization, Vergeire noted.

"We will all have our turn. Pabayaan muna yung healthcare workers na makakakuha muna [ng bakuna]," she said.

[Translation: Let us let our healthcare workers receive their vaccine first.]

The government already rejected the recommendation to prioritize influencers to improve vaccine confidence among Filipinos. The interim National Immunization Technical Advisory Group pointed out that the vaccines should be first used to protect health workers.

DOH chief Francisco Duque III also said that hospital chiefs volunteering to get vaccinate first are enough to encourage more to do the same.

Lets maintain the framework, and then we will have the value and role of our influencers in the succeeding sectors of priority, Vergeire said.

The country currently has around 1 million doses of Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines, still not enough to immunized 1.7 million health workers.

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BRUSSELS (AP)  A shipment of more than a quarter million AstraZeneca vaccines destined for Australia has been blocked from leaving the European Union, in the first use of an export control system instituted by the bloc to make sure big pharma companies would respect their contracts.

The move, affecting only a small number of vaccines, underscores a growing frustration within the 27-nation bloc about the slow rollout of its vaccine drive and the shortfall of promised vaccine deliveries, especially by Anglo-Swedish AstraZeneca.

The ban came at the behest of Italy, and the EU did not raise objections to the tougher line Rome has adopted in dealing with vaccine shortages in the bloc since a new government led by Mario Draghi came into power Feb 13.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters on Friday it had anticipated veto problems could arise in shipments from Europe, adding that Australia's inoculation schedule would continue as planned.

They are in an unbridled crisis situation. That is not the situation in Australia, Morrison said. But, nevertheless, we have been able to secure our supplies, and additional supplies for importation, both with Pfizer and AstraZeneca, which means we can continue the rollout of our program.

He said most significantly, Australia was also producing vaccines domestically, giving it sovereignty over its vaccination program.

Italy's objections centered both on the general shortage of supplies in the EU and on the delays in the supply of vaccines by AstraZeneca to the EU and Italy," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

It said it also intervened because of the size of the shipment, more than 250,700 doses, that would go to Australia, which it did not consider a vulnerable nation.

Italy said it had informed the company on Tuesday. AstraZeneca refused to comment. The Financial Times first reported on the issue late Thursday.

Faced with shortages of doses during the early stages of the vaccine campaign that started in late December, the EU issued an export control system for COVID-19 vaccines in late January, forcing companies to respect their contractual obligations to the bloc before commercial exports can be approved.

Story continues

The EU has been specifically angry with AstraZeneca because it is delivering far fewer doses to the bloc than it had promised. Of the initial order for 80 million doses to the EU in the first quarter, the company will be struggling to deliver just half that quantity.

There were rumors that the company was siphoning off from EU production plants to other nations, but CEO Pascal Soriot insisted that any shortfall was to be blamed on technical production issues only.

The EU has vaccinated only 8% percent of its population compared to over 30%, for example, in the United Kingdom. Australia is still very much at the start of its vaccination drive.

With such an action, the EU is caught in a bind. On the one hand, it is under intense pressure to ramp up the production of vaccines in the bloc while on the other hand it wants to remain an attractive hub for pharmaceutical giants and a fair trading partner to third countries.

The EU thought it had made perfect preparations for the rollout of vaccinations, heavily funding research and production capacity over the past year. With its 450 million people, the EU has signed deals for six different vaccines. In total, it has ordered up to 400 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and sealed agreements with other companies for more than 2 billion shots.

It says that despite the current difficulties it is still convinced it can vaccinate 70% of the adult population by the end of summer.

___

Danica Kirka contributed from London, Colleen Barry from Milan, and Nick Perry from Wellington, New Zealand.
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The total number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan rose to 3,21,356 on Saturday with 233 more people contracting the viral disease, according to a health department bulletin.

The death toll, however, remained unchanged at 2,789, it said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed concern over the rising number of cases in the state.

"Cases of coronavirus infection are continuously increasing since the beginning of March. Last month, less than 100 cases were being reported each day. But the figure is now above 200. It is an appeal to people to follow COVID protocol as done previously else the government will have to act strictly," Gehlot said in a tweet.

Of the fresh cases, Jaipur reported 38, Jodhpur 25, Udaipur 23, Kota 13, Rajsamand 12 and Bhilwara 10, the bulletin said.

As many as 1,703 patients are under treatment and 3,16,864 people have been discharged so far, it said, adding Jaipur has so far reported 519 deaths, Jodhpur 307, Ajmer 222, Kota 169, Bikaner 167, Udaipur 123, Bharatpur 120, Pali 109 and Sikar 101.

Also Read: UP moving towards self-reliance in power sector: CM Adityanath
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  The Department of Health on Saturday confirmed an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients being admitted to hospitals, with some facilities reporting a doubling and even tripling of cases.

We have been receiving reports na mayroon talagang pagtaas ng mga numero ng mga pasyente sa mga ospital (that theres really an increase in the number of patients in hospitals) for COVID-19 cases, Department of Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said during the governments Laging Handa media briefing.

Vergeire said the department has called for a meeting with the heads of certain hospitals to discuss the spike in admissions.

The Philippine General Hospital, a major COVID-19 referral hospital, is now treating 102 infected patients as of Saturday, up from 60 in February.

Now that its increasing again, we have no choice but to reopen another ward for our COVID patients, Dr. Jonas Del Rosario, PGH spokesperson, told CNN Philippines. We are already being proactive and getting our troops back to man the COVID wards.

At St. Lukes Medical Center in Taguig, COVID-19 patients have tripled, from 20 in mid-February, to 64 on Saturday.

I can tell you, around February 25, which is a holiday, our numbers were still in the low 20s. And our ICU occupancy rate was around two-thirds. But surprisingly over the weekend, the past weekend and early this week, we saw the numbers started to rise, said Dr. Dennis Serrano, Vice President for Medical Practice Group & Assistant Chief Medical Officer at St. Lukes Global City.

Weve seen a doubling or tripling in the daily average admissions that we had, he said.

St. Lukes in a public advisory disputed posts circulating online claiming its ICU and ward capacities are full. The hospital said that although it has seen an increase in COVID-19 admissions, the system remains at manageable levels.

The COVID-19 variants detected in the country could have driven the surge, Serrano said, but stressed that they need the data to confirm this.

Whole genome sequencing has confirmed several cases of the B.1.351 variant first discovered in South Africa, and the B.1.1.7 variant from the United Kingdom. Both are believed to be more contagious, while researchers in South Africa warned that the variant found there could decrease the efficacy of vaccines.

In an inoculation drive at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the surge in infections cannot be solely attributed to the variants. He noted that samples found with the UK variant comprised only 3% of the specimens that underwent genome sequencing. The South Africa variant was detected in 2% of the samples, he said.

Health reform advocate and former COVID-19 task force adviser Dr. Tony Leachon said there is now a second surge, urging the public to protect ourselves as the government continues to ease quarantine restrictions.

Duque said its too early to call it a second wave, adding that the countrys epidemiologists are still monitoring the situation.

The Philippines recorded more than 3,000 COVID-19 cases on both Friday and Saturday as the country continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic with only 1.1 million vaccine doses reaching the country to date.

CNN Philippines' Lois Calderon and Eimor Santos contributed to this report.
Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week
As we work to improve our accelerated learning programs, promote desegregation and increase access to rigor within our schools, we are proposing ... the gradual phasing out of the self-contained elementary gifted programming," Susan Zola wrote in a Friday letter to families.
MANITOBA Premier Brian Pallisters unflattering story about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been backed up by a former premier.

MANITOBA Premier Brian Pallisters unflattering story about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been backed up by a former premier.

Pallister claimed Thursday that the prime minister told him "Im not your banker" in a rebuke to his request for more health funding at a meeting in 2016, when both were rookie first ministers.

He said hed told the story of a Manitoba family that waited a long time for a cancer diagnosis, to underscore his request for more health-care funding, during a dinnertime discussion Trudeau held with the premiers.

"When I raised this story, a true story, with the prime minister, he looked across the table at me and said, Im not your banker," Pallister said Thursday.

Trudeaus office said it had no recollection of that remark, but on Friday, former Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall said he remembers hearing it.

"Can confirm these remarks," Wall tweeted.

Recently, Walls company was paid just under $1 million by Pallisters government to look into Manitoba Hydro projects.

Pallister argued the 2016 comment shows why premiers are still asking for more generous health-care transfers years later.

The Prime Ministers Office had no further comment Friday.
The push and pull over COVID-19 aid continues in Lansing, with the Legislature approving $4.2 billion in pandemic relief, but with strings attached that would limit the governors executive authority.

Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week faced questions about confidentiality clauses included in separation agreements with multiple state workers, including former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon, who resigned abruptly in January

The questions came as she announced easing building capacity limits for businesses and raising the number of people who can legally gather in Michigan.

More on all the latest developments of the last week in Michigan politics, including legislation on guns and LGBT rights, below:

COVID-19 restrictions relaxed

Whitmer announced Tuesday, March 2 that some of the states coronavirus restrictions on gatherings could be relaxed.

The state expanded capacity limits on restaurants and retail stores to 50% and gyms and casinos to 30%. Stadiums will be able to double the size of their crowds, while both residential and non-residential gatherings are now allowed to include more people.

Read more: Restaurants, casinos, gyms, nursing homes: All the changes Michigan made to COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday

Additionally, Michigan nursing homes in all counties can allow indoor visitors and are encouraged to resume activities like communal dining and group activities.

Visitors will need to wear masks, and in general, maintain six feet of separation from nursing home residents. A requirement that no case can have originated in the facility in the past 14 days remains in place, and visitors are required to take rapid antigen tests for COVID-19.

Read more: Michigan to allow nursing home visitation statewide

All staff at nursing homes have been offered both doses of the vaccine, according to the state. However, many nursing home staff and residents have declined to be vaccinated.

Michigan Republicans send pandemic relief plan (with strings attached) to Whitmers desk

Three parts of the Republican plan for COVID-19 relief are under review by the Whitmer administration.

Taken together, House Bills 4047 and 4048 include $2.3 billion for vaccines, testing, direct care worker payments and property tax relief, as well as $1.9 billion for addressing learning loss and returning schools to in-person learning. The two spending bills earned bipartisan support, passing 85-25 and 77-33, respectively.

More than $840 million in school funding included in 4048 is tie-barred to House Bill 4049, which would shift authority on closing in-person learning and sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic from the state to local health departments. That legislation also passed the House on Wednesday.

Read more: Michigan House clears $4.2B COVID-19 spending plan, ties some funds to limits on health departments authority

The only bill left hanging in the House was Senate Bill 1, which would require legislative approval of DHHS emergency public health orders after 28 days and calls for the specific science and data behind each declaration. Slightly more than $347 million in COVID-19 testing funds is tied to the bill, which will see a vote next week in the House.

Despite some bipartisan support, Democrats blasted the legislation for not releasing more than $5 billion in federal aid given to the state, as well as linking some of the funds to removing executive authority.

A Whitmer spokesperson did not respond to multiple requests for comment about whether shed sign provisions limiting her authority.

Whitmers confidentiality agreements

The Whitmer administration doled out around $250,000 to keep former state employees silent about their resignations over the last few months.

Gordon was paid $155,506 for his separation agreement that included a confidentiality clause that bars him or state officials, including Whitmer, from sharing further details about his departure, unless required by law.

Read more: Gov. Whitmer balks at notion severance pay to former health director was hush money

Former Unemployment Insurance Agency Director Steve Gray was given $85,872, while Sarah Esty, senior deputy director for policy and planning administration for MDHHS, received about $12,000.

Read more: Michigans unemployment agency director got $86,000 to leave job, on condition of confidentiality

The unless required by law clause of the separation agreements became relevant when Republicans announced the possibility of issuing subpoenas to question Gordon on his separation.

Rep. Steve Johnson, R-Wayland, said that both his House Oversight Committee and the Senate equivalent will hold hearings on Gordons departure.

This is a public official being bought off with taxpayer dollars, Johnson said Tuesday at a news conference. What I want to know is, what are they hiding?

He said Republicans in the House are working with our legal counsel to determine what options we have available and that if we have to do a subpoena, we will.

The people of Michigan have every right to full disclosure and transparency from their state government, said Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland. When the governor makes deals to buy the silence of her departing department heads, it raises a lot of troubling questions  particularly in departments like DHHS and UIA, particularly in a time like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gordon released a statement thanking Whitmer, but adding that chief executive officers... need to be comfortable with their agency heads.

Hertel responds to Gordon agreement in second Senate vetting hearing

During her second vetting hearing before the Senate Advice and Consent Committee, new DHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel told lawmakers she was not involved with crafting Gordons separation agreement and confirmed the money to pay the settlement would come from DHHS.

She declined to opine on whether she felt the agreement was appropriate, but committed later in the hearing to not accepting a severance package with a confidentiality agreement should she leave the department.

Responding to a question from Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, Hertel said it was possible Gordon and Whitmer had differences of opinion on the states strategy for reopening schools and the economy.

Asked several times about the pending Senate legislation to limit the duration of DHHS orders to 28 days without legislative approval, Hertel said her role is to implement whatever the Legislature and governor agree to.

Hertel, a former deputy director in the department, was Whitmers pick to lead the department after Gordon abruptly announced his resignation on Twitter in January. Its currently the highest-profile role subject to the Senates advice and consent process, which gives the chamber 60 days to reject individual gubernatorial appointees by majority vote.

Some Republican senators have urged their colleagues to reject Hertels appointment. Senate Advice and Consent Chair Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, hasnt yet called a committee vote on the subject, or offered his stance on the appointment.

Michigan Senate Democrats call Republican guns resolution insurrectionist

Michigan senators bickered Wednesday over a resolution that would charge the state with defending the Second Amendment from any future federal gun control measures.

Senate Resolution 22, sponsored by Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, seeks to preserve the Second Amendment by stating that the state Senate would oppose federal laws that infringe on the right to bear arms.

The resolution passed along partisan lines, 20-15, with Democrats uproariously opposing it. Sen. Erika Geiss, D-Taylor, called it insurrectionist.

Read more: Michigan Senate reaffirms Second Amendment in resolution Democrats call insurrectionist

Michigan lawmakers reintroduce bill to add LGBT protections to civil rights act

Michigan lawmakers have reintroduced legislation to expand the states civil rights law by including protections against discrimination for LGBT people.

Sponsored by Rep. Laurie Pohutsky, D-Livonia, House Bill 4297 would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the list of protected classes under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on several factors when it comes to employment, housing and public accommodations.

As its currently written, the law protects people from discrimination based on religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial status, or marital status.

The bill was introduced in the House last week and has 51 co-sponsors, with Republican Rep. Tommy Brann, R-Wyoming, joining the Democratic caucus in sponsorship.

The reintroduction is the latest step in a years-long effort to include additional protections for Michigans LGBT residents, a cause thats garnered support among business leaders and advocacy groups, but historically hasnt gained traction in the Republican-led Legislature.

Multiple bills moved to next week

Two separate bill packages were pushed to next week in the House. One was a package that would expunge first-time drunk driving violations from criminal records.

House Bills 4219, sponsored by Rep. Tenisha Yancey, D-Harper Woods, would make drivers with a conviction of operating a vehicle while intoxicated eligible to remove their first offense from the record books, as long as it didnt lead to the death or serious injury of a victim. The expungement would apply to violations of local, state and federal laws, as well as those that occurred on Native American territory.

House Bill 4220, sponsored by Rep. Joe Bellino, R-Monroe, would allow for the first-time offender to apply for expungement from a judge.

Read more: Michigan House renews bipartisan push for first-time drunken driving expungement

The other delayed package is a set of election reforms recommended in 2019 by the Auditor General. House bills 4127-4131 would:

Require the Michigan Secretary of State to remove voters from the qualified voter file who dont respond to requests to update their birthdates. This addresses the audits recommendation to remove people that appear on the file as older than 122, or the oldest recorded person in the state.

Remove voters who have not voted since the 2000 general election in November and fail to respond to requests to update their information.

Require the Secretary of State to post the names of clerks who have not completed required training, but only in odd-numbered years.

Move back the timeline for lobbyists to submit their reports back a month. This means reports need to be in by Feb. 28 for the preceding reporting period of Aug. 31 to Jan. 31. The second report needs to be made by Sep. 30 for the preceding Jan. 31 to Aug. 31.

Extend by one month the deadline to correct errors and omissions in filed campaign finance statements.

Votes on both delayed packages are expected on the House floor next week.

Related stories:

Michiganders 50 and older will soon be eligible for coronavirus vaccine

Restaurants, casinos, gyms, nursing homes: All the changes Michigan made to COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday

Michigan independent redistricting commission will seek more time to draw political maps

More voters want to see women in politics address sexism head-on. Experts say thats a sign of progress.

Progressive group to launch ballot initiative for FOIA reform in Michigan

Is it too soon to ease restrictions? Michigan economist says mortality data should determine reopening

Michigan tops 1 million unemployment claims for first time since October

These 682 Michigan businesses won grants in first-come, first-served virtual scramble

Extending office ban 6 months would be bad for Michigan, business leaders say
Rana Daggubati is ready for this third Bollywood outing after the 20152017 Baahubali series and 2017-warthriller The Ghazi Attack. His next, which is a trilingual film, called Haathi Mere Saathi in Hindi, Aranya in Telugu and Kaadan in Tamil, is set to release later this month.

Chatting with us, the actor speaks about what he considers the elephantine difference between the characters of Bhallaldeva in the Baahubali series and Baldev in Haathi Mere Saathi.

What I did as Bhallaldeva was as organic as had been created there. Baldev is from a universe that the director Prabhu Solomon has created. And in all these roles that I have done so far, Baldev is possibly the noblest in terms of just his character and his being. Especially as an actor, it is lovely to play somebody that you aspire to see or you really want to be in society, confesses Rana.

However, even as he speaks of his character that hed soon be seen playing onscreen, the actor states that he does not usually get much into the nitty-gritties of a tale.

I usually dont think much if a story is organic and true. I believe the audience will take what the actor is. A story like Haathi Mere Saathi and a character such as Baldev is far beyond us as people, he opines.

So also, it doesnt surprise us when the 36-year-old actor confesses that this one film has changed him a lot. Most of the films Ive done have taught me a lot, and Ive been growing every time with each film Ive done. But this film has changed me as a human being forever, he points out.

Normally, when you go to the jungle and spend days there, you start feeling different and you start understanding different things. But for us, spending a whole year in the wild with animals  I think that changed us and our relationships with human beings forever.

Co-workers who left deep impressions

Rana, who shed 30 kilos for the role, was, in an interesting contrast, working with the biggest co-stars in his career  the elephants in the movie.

The ground used to shake when eighteen elephants start moving at once on the set, recounts Rana, who tells us that in the first week of the shoot, he got to rehearse a lot with the elephants alongside Prabhu [Solomon].

It was like having the biggest and the best co-stars around. Theyd react right irrespective of what fake emotions we may express. So, to me, the elephants were probably the wisest co-stars I have worked with and I probably learnt more from them than I have from anybody else.

A family of filmmakers

Not many on the other side of the Vindhyas may know that Ranas grandfather Dr D Rama Naidu holds the Guinness Book of World Records for producing the maximum number of films in varied languages and on varied subjects.

Perhaps a little differently, Rana has, although to his credit, been dabbling in many projects, from television anchoring to talent management with many in between. Grateful to his family for backing him, he credits them for their influences in his diverse interests.

I have been working for the same company since 2003 although my career started differently, elaborates Rana.

I started a visual effects company, after which I got into producing films and then into acting. Obviously, there is a strong influence because I have learnt a lot from him (his grandfather). All my exposure to everything cinema is because of what my family and my grandparents allowed me to do. That is the very reason we are getting to do cinema like this, too. My grandfather did that in the 80s and I am able to do that one more time.

The actors newly wedded wife Miheeka Bajaj runs Dewdrop Design Studio, which designs leather canvas and jewellery. But does she seem interested in his work?

She is just figuring out what I actually do for a living. She will be active in some part, but I dont know which part yet, says the gentle giant with a smile.
CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), speaking to National Public Radio host Ari Shapiro expressed a level of concern about the next few weeks of the pandemics course that is seldom heard from high-level officials.

I think, she said, the next two or three months could go in one of two directions. If things open up, if were not really cautious, we could end up with a post-spring-break surge the way we saw a post-Christmas surge. We could see much more disease. We could see much more death.

A Tropical Medicine University virology lab researcher works to develop a test that will detect the P.1 variant of the new coronavirus, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, March 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Similar concerns are being raised across Europe, where after six weeks of steady decline over 1 million new cases have been reported this week, representing a 9 percent increase over the previous week. Hans Kluge, chief of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, noted on Thursday, We are seeing a resurgence in Central and Eastern European countries where rates were already high.

The hard-hit Czech Republics health system continues to face significant strains. Kluge urged nations to get back to the basics of public health measures. These upturns in infections stem from the relaxation of restrictions combined with the growing dominance of the more virulent lineage of the coronavirus.

In the United States, according to the CDC variant map, as of March 2 there were 2,506 cases of B.1.1.7 variants detected across 46 states. States where there have been more than 100 confirmed cases include Florida, Michigan, New York, Georgia, Texas and California. The immune-evading strains B.1.351 and P.1 are also on the rise, but not yet to the same level.

Dr. Michael Worobey, a virologist at the University of Arizona, urged more attention in the United States to the P.1 variant. He raised concerns that it could become more common, though it would compete with the B.1.1.7 variant. At the very least, its going to be one of the contenders, he told the New York Times.

These developments have blunted many scientists earlier optimism when the efficacious COVID-19 vaccines began being deployed in December. The strains that emerged out of South Africa and Brazil prove more transmissible and dampen the effect of the vaccine and, possibly, evade the natural immunity produced by previous infections.

Dr. Chris Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), raised concerns that if the variant from South Africa or other lineages with similar mutations continue to spread and become the dominant variants, COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths next winter could be four times higher than the flu. He told Reuters that in a worst-case scenario that would mean as many as 200,000 COVID deaths. These figures are derived from federal government estimates of annual flu fatalities.

There is a growing hesitancy in how public health officials respond to media questions as to when the country could see a return to normalcy. Dr. Anthony Fauci, President Joe Bidens chief medical adviser, said, Even after vaccination, I still would want to wear a mask if there was a variant out there. All you need is one little flick of a variant sparking another surge, and there goes your prediction.

In an interview with Wired, he commented, Lets not declare victory yet, right? You dont want the decline that were seeing to plateau at an unreasonably high level. Right now, the level of daily infections is somewhere between 60,000 and 70,000 a day. Thats absolutely too high a level to be acceptable. These levels are comparable to the highs during the summer.

Local public health departments responded with grave concern when the governors of Texas and Mississippi rescinded pandemic restrictions, lifting all mask mandates and allowing businesses to operate at full capacity. Texas Governor Greg Abbott unabashedly tweeted, OPEN 100 percent. EVERYTHING. Such rapid maneuvers, in the context of multiple circulating strains, have scientists worried about an alarming surge that will again inundate health systems.

Biden admonished the Texas and Mississippi governors for their actions, saying, The last thing we need is Neanderthal thinking that in the meantime, everythings fine, take off your mask, forget it. In this regard, his demand for the opening of all K-12 schools for in-person classes is sheer hypocrisy. Recent evidence emerging out of Canada and the UK has confirmed the critical role schools and children have played as driving vectors of community transmissions. Additionally, the new variants appear to have the highest prevalence among young children. The reopening of schools will intersect with the rise in dominant strains, pouring gasoline over a smoldering fire. The December wave in Manaus, Brazil, demonstrates this reality.

Since the pandemic first hit the region, 18 lineages of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been identified in the Amazonas. Out of this pool of variants, the P.1 emerged in November and rapidly grew to account for 51 percent of samples sequenced in December. By the first half of January, the P.1 variant accounted for 91 percent of sequenced coronaviruses. Its meteoric rise was matched by the horrific scale of misery and death it left in its wake, with hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs) running out of medicinal oxygen.

Brazil continues to see soaring daily cases of COVID-19 and new record highs in daily deaths. With health systems and ICUs throughout the country under extreme pressure, running on fumes as they near collapse, President Jair Bolsonaro continues to declare there will be no lockdowns.

The countrys national association of health secretaries released a statement saying, The acceleration of the epidemic in various states is leading to the collapse of their public and private hospital systems, which may soon become the case in every region of Brazil.

A recent study on the Brazil variant conducted by a team from Oxford University, Imperial College London and the University of Sao Paulo found that the P.1 variant was between 1.4 to 2.2 times more transmissible. It also evaded 25 to 61 percent of protective immunity from the previous infection, raising concerns about current vaccines effectiveness. Most importantly, they sought to understand why, if a significant number of the population had been previously infected in Manaus, did the December surge surpass the April wave in both the number of cases and the intensity of transmission.

In addition to significantly higher transmissibility, even compared to the B.1.1.7 variant, they postulated that the mutations in the P.1 variant helped the virus escape antibodies created by previous infections. According to the New York T imes, Dr. Nuna Faria, a virologist at Imperial College, and his team heading the research estimate that in 100 people who were infected with non-P.1 lineage in Manaus last year, somewhere between 25 and 61 of them could have been reinfected if they were exposed to P.1 in Manaus.  Dr. Faria said an increasing body of evidence suggests that most cases in the second wave were the result of reinfections.

In another recently published report, researchers found that the immune plasma of previously infected COVID-19 patients had a sixfold less neutralizing capacity against the P.1 strain.

Reinfections may not translate into severe disease, as T cell immunity may fend off severity associated with future infections despite waning antibodies. There are, however, difficulties posed in attaining herd immunity through natural infection or vaccination, as previously infected or vaccinated individuals may be prone to repeat infections and become vectors for future community transmissions. The P.1 variant has spread throughout Brazil and 24 other countries, including the United States, where 13 cases have been detected across seven states.

It becomes essential, considering these findings, that all measures be taken to further reduce the viruss transmission to the greatest extent possible. The concept behind a Zero COVID strategy implies that strict mitigation measures are maintained for a definite period and reinforced with social support to the population to drive the daily rate of new cases to near zero. A stringent lockdown in place for two months could drive COVID cases to essentially undetectable levels, even with the dominance of variants, while at the same time leading to a sixfold decrease in deaths due to COVID-19.

This would allow local and state governments to bolster the public health infrastructure and establish mass vaccination campaigns with support from federal agencies. Additionally, these vaccines production and distribution must be carried out across broad regions of the globe to ensure a reliable supply of these life-saving treatments is available. Managing the first phase of the pandemic requires preventing death and morbidity to the greatest extent possible while protecting health systems. Ruling elites around the world, subordinating their response to the pandemic to the capitalist market, have proven they are not up to these tasks. The intervention of the working class on the basis of a socialist program is required.

At the WHOs March 1 virtual COVID-19 press conference, Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, It is regrettable that some countries continue to prioritize younger and healthier adults in their own populations ahead of health workers and older people elsewhere. Countries are not in a race with each other. This is a common race against the virus. We are not asking countries to put their own people at risk. We are asking all countries to be part of a global effort to suppress the virus everywhere  we urge all governments and individuals to remember that vaccines alone will not keep you safe.
The narrative surrounding the implosion at the Aussie-domiciled supply chain finance group Greensill becomes more complex by the day.

An important strand is how the group's founder Lex Greensill was able to establish a foothold at the heart of the Government.

A probe by the FT shows that the Greensill access came via the late former head of the civil service Jeremy Heywood.

Complex: The narrative surrounding the implosion at the Aussie-domiciled supply chain finance group Greensill becomes more complex by the day

As a civil servant who spent four years as joint head of banking at Morgan Stanley from 2003 to 2007, Heywood was passionate about introducing private sector skills into the heart of government.

I remember being invited to meet Heywood for tea at a Morgan Stanley town house in Mayfair. He extolled the virtues of how privatisation of untouched parts of government and the skills of the wealth-creating sector could unlock great value for Whitehall.

Heywood, who was a colleague of Lex Greensill in the City, saw the supply chain credit model, an update on traditional bank-led factoring, the financing of invoices, as a way in which government could get more value for money out of its procurement.

It was with this in mind that Heywood welcomed his younger, innovative protege Greensill into the inner corridors of Whitehall.

As one of Downing Street's great fixers, a calming influence and problem solver for a series of prime ministers, Heywood's judgement was rarely questioned. He was particularly good at bringing government and the private sector together.

A glance at the published log of expenses submitted by Cabinet Office senior officials in 2016 shows Heywood as an inveterate entertainer of big business, including HSBC, Sage, Softbank, BAE Systems, EDF, Airbus and many more.

Since Heywood's premature death  followed by a memorial service attended by four former prime ministers  his legacy largely has been unquestioned. But among the consequences of his enthusiasm for unfettered open markets was to lay down a welcome mat for overseas predators on Downing Street.

Heywood was an advocate of the 28billion proposed merger between Britain's top aerospace and defence giant BAE Systems and then Airbus owner EADS in 2012.

Heywood was an advocate of the 28billion proposed merger between Britain's top aerospace and defence giant BAE Systems and then Airbus owner EADS

The deal, strongly opposed by this paper, eventually failed because of the intervention of the then influential fund manager Neil Woodford and Angela Merkel. The German chancellor feared the closure of manufacturing facilities in her country.

It was Heywood who enthusiastically invited Softbank chief Masayoshi Son to Downing Street in the summer of 2016 to help smooth the political passage of the 23.4billion purchase of Britain's premier technology company, Arm Holdings.

The deal was seen by Theresa May's newly-formed government as a signal that Britain was still open for business after the shock referendum result in June.

In what potentially could have been the most calamitous deal of the early 21st century, Heywood also found himself in the middle of Pfizer's attempt to buy Astrazeneca in 2014.

After then chancellor George Osborne embraced the deal, it fell to Heywood and Downing Street to make it politically possible.

Rather than saying a bid for a life sciences pioneer was a no-go area for the British government, if fell to Heywood to try to make Pfizer as soft and cuddly as possible.

He sought pledges about preserving jobs at existing Pfizer factories in the UK. Heywood and the Government had not reckoned with the fierce defence of AZ's independence by chief executive Pascal Soriot, and a fearsomely robust board.

The Greensill connection to Whitehall cannot be regarded as a positive Heywood legacy. The mandarin's embrace of overseas takeovers, even with the best of intentions, should be regarded also as an error of judgment.

Power vacuum

As alarming as the rush of private equity takeovers of British quoted firms is the feebleness of the response of the independent directors.

The latest chairman to throw in the towel is Ken Hanna at Aggreko which is selling out to TDR Capital and I Squared Capital for 2.3billion without even a pretence of putting up a fight.

At least the directors of the worlds largest security firm G4S had the gumption to get an auction going.

It cannot be good for investors, the workforce or the broader public interest to sellout the grandiloquently described world-leading provider of mobile modular power, temperature control and energy services at a bargain price in the middle of a pandemic.


A key Muslim organisation is urging the New Zealand government to smarten up intelligence services in the wake of an online threat to attack mosques in Christchurch using car bombs.

A 27-year-old man was arrested and charged for the shocking pledge this week, less than a fortnight from the second anniversary of the Christchurch Mosque terror attacks.

Online, the man adopted a username similar to Australian terrorist Brenton Tarrant.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was 'devastated' to learn of the new threat to Christchurch Muslims and the unshocked reaction of the local community

Al Noor Mosque was one of the two places of worship where the 2019 massacre occurred and it has again been targetted with online threats of terrorism

The man visited a notorious white supremacist forum and made the threat with an accompanying vow to livestream the attacks - just as Tarrant did.

Despite the horrors already inflicted on Christchurch's Islamic population, the ease of finding it and the heightened sensitivities as the anniversary looms, the threat sat online for two days without police intervention.

It took a member of the public to report it before action was taken.

Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand national coordinator Aliya Danzeisen said her community was frustrated little had been done to fix holes in New Zealand's security agencies.

'We have Royal Commission findings relating to their capabilities and their incapabilities,' she said.

'The fact that the public is able to find it shows it was easy enough to find.

'The question is how much investment has been made to ensure that our security services are both efficient and effective.

'If they are incapable of doing something the public is doing, then what is occurring to either upscale the agencies or ensuring that people can do it?'

Candles are placed outside Al Noor Mosque in 2019

Heartbreakingly, Ms Danzeisen said the threat was 'unsurprising'.

'Our kids still get hate. Our community gets hate. Our leaders get hate. It's sustained,' she said.

'Our community has shown perseverance and our community will continue to do so.

'But it doesn't mean these issues don't affect us. It reverberates.'

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was 'devastated' to learn of the threat and the unshocked reaction of the local community.

Ms Ardern, eager not to be drawn on specifics relating to the case as it is before the courts, defended her government's response to the threat.

A 27-year-old man was arrested for posting threats to Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre on the message board 4chan

However, she said she was looking at ways to address threats that 'drop below a criminal threshold' which are hard for police to deal with.

'Sometimes people are under the assumption that our security agencies see absolutely everything at all times. They don't.'

'No security agency in the world does,' she said.

'Of course we have to be concerned are the threats regardless of the platform that are made very directly, very overtly towards members of any community.'

The 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody until March 19 - after next Saturday's commemorative event for the 51 murdered people in the 2019 terrorist attack.

Belarusian authorities have opened a criminal investigation against one of the countrys most prominent human rights organizations and detained several of its members, in the latest crackdown on dissent against authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka.



The Vyasna human rights center said March 5 that the Investigative Committee opened a case alleging the organization provides financing and other material support for unsanctioned mass protests and violating public order.



Four members of the center were also taken into custody.



Belarus has experienced near-daily protests since last Augusts presidential election gave Lukashenka a sixth-term in a vote the opposition and West says was fraudulent and illegitimate.

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.



Vyasna has been one of the main independent organizations keeping track of human rights abuses including torture, thousands of arrests, and political prisoners.



Security forces previously searched the groups branches and detained and interrogated its members under separate investigations.



In a statement, Vyasna denied any wrongdoing and vowed to continue its work helping victims of political repression and massive violations of human rights.



Vyasna has never been the organizer of any violent actions and has always supported the peaceful implementation of civil and political freedoms, it said.



Vyasna has been defending human rights in Belarus for nearly 25 years, during which time it said it had been repeatedly pressured, intimidated, and persecuted by authorities.
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Longtime Virgin Galactic executive George Whitesides resigned on Friday from his position as chief space officer amid a rapid decline in the companys stock price and a massive sell-off of shares by Virgin Galactic Chairman Chamath Palihapitiya.

Whitesides served as company CEO from 2010 until last summer, when he stepped aside for former Disney executive Michael Colglazier to take the reins. At the time, Whitesides stayed on as chief space officer, a new position created by the company.

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In a statement sent to the Journal, Virgin Galactic said Whitesides is leaving to explore opportunities in public service, but that he will continue to serve as chair of a newly formed, four-member Space Advisory Board, which will provide advice to the company as it prepares for commercial operations.

Virgin Galactic did not specify what opportunities the former executive may pursue, and Whitesides didnt respond to direct Journal inquiries by phone and text message.

His departure, however, is particularly noteworthy. Whitesides played a key role in leading the company for over a decade through early research and development efforts to create the technology needed to take paying passengers to space, and to build a business model that could turn Virgin Galactic into the worlds first space tourism venture operating out of Spaceport America in southern New Mexico.

He helped steer Virgin Galactic through one of its most difficult moments in 2014, when the companys first spaceship broke up in mid-flight, killing one pilot and injuring another.

His resignation comes on the heels of other major executive-level changes recently announced by Virgin Galactic. That includes the resignation of longtime Chief Operating Officer Enrico Palermo  who worked with the company since its launch in 2004  and of Chief Financial Officer Jon Campagna.

The company appointed Doug Ahrens, a former CEO of semiconductor company Mellanox, to replace Campagna on March 1. And it hired two aerospace industry veterans, Swami Iyer and Stephen Justice, as president of aerospace systems and vice president of engineering, respectively.

Those new executives will lead Virgin Galactics transition from its previous status as largely a research-and-development company into an advanced manufacturing firm to scale-up production of passenger rockets, creating a fleet of spaceships in preparation for launch of commercial operations next year, according to the company.

Whitesides departure also coincides with news on Friday that Virgin Galactic Chairman Palihapitiya sold off his entire personal stake in the company this week. That amounted to 6.2 million shares, valued at about $213 million at an average price of $34.32 per share, according to a Bloomberg report based on a Securities Exchange Commission regulatory filing.

Palihapitiya still indirectly owns 15.8 million shares in Virgin Galactic through investment firm Social Capital Hedosophia, amounting to about a 6.5% stake in the company. Virgin Galactic went public in 2019 on the NYSE through a merger with Hedosophia, a special purpose acquisition company formed by Palihapitiya and his partner, Ian Osborne.

Palihapitiya, a former Facebook executive and billionaire investor, had already sold 3.8 million shares from his personal stake in Virgin Galactic in December, worth about $100 million at that time.

Palihapitiya will re-channel the cash from his divestment into another venture yet to be announced, the chairman said in a statement sent to the Journal by Virgin Galactic.

I continue to be a significant investor in Virgin Galactic through Social Capital Hedosophia Holdings and I remain as dedicated as ever to Virgin Galactics team, mission and prospects, Palihapitiya said.

But the chairmans actions could accelerate a crash in Virgin Galactics stock price that began after the company announced in February that it would postpone until May its next effort to reach space in test flights from Spaceport America.

That announcement set the companys launch of space tourism operations back by at least six months, with full commercial operations unlikely to begin until 2022.

The companys stock price closed at $27.29 a share Friday afternoon. Thats down from a record high of $62.80 in February, before the company announced postponement of its next spaceship test flight.

The company failed in its first attempt on Dec. 12 to shoot its VSS Unity passenger rocket to suborbit after electromagnetic interference caused the spaceships onboard computer to reboot, triggering a safety mechanism that immediately shut down the rocket motor and forced the ships two pilots to abort the mission and glide back to Earth.

The company, which reached space two times before from the Mojave Air and Space Port in California, is now making technical adjustments to correct the problems encountered in December before launching again.

But when the company went public in fall 2019, it projected commercial spaceflights would begin in summer 2020. And now, with more delays in commercial operations, competitors like SpaceX and others could start attracting investors away from Virgin Galactic, said Rich Smith, a writer for the investor advisory service The Motley Fool who follows the company.

SpaceX, the Elon Musk company thats already shipping humans and cargo to the International Space Station on its Falcon 9 rockets, is building a next-generation Starship that it says will be ready to ship people to orbit and beyond by 2023.

In contrast, Virgin Galactic, which billionaire investor Sir Richard Branson founded in 2004, is aiming at a niche market where people pay $250,000 each to fly to the edge of space to float for a few minutes in microgravity, Smith said.

Things are moving so quickly in the emerging commercial space industry, Smith said. Branson was a pioneer a few years ago, but already the Virgin Galactic model seems somewhat obsolete to me.

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Although it took serious nudging, prodding, maybe a little shaming and certainly unnecessary weeks of delay, the APS school board has finally approved a hybrid reopening plan  and what it will take for that to occur.

The board on Wednesday approved a plan that calls for in-person instruction two days a week for APS students contingent on Bernalillo County reaching green status within the Department of Healths COVID-19 red-to-turquoise framework. Bernalillo County is currently in the yellow category, meaning it meets the virus test positivity rate threshold but must improve its average daily case rate.

Interim Superintendent Scott Elder had presented a sound limited hybrid plan for grades K-12 two weeks ago.

The board didnt even vote on that plan, instead voting 4-3 against a limited hybrid model involving elementary students only. The board then voted in favor of a limited learning model that allows small, select groups of students of all grades to receive some in-person learning.

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This past Wednesday, finally, the board outlined a plan for the rest of the year.

While the approved hybrid learning model contingent on reaching green falls far short of the Centers for Disease Controls advice to open schools sooner rather than later and lags far behind what most other districts are doing nationwide, it is a ray of sunshine for the districts tens of thousands of students.

And it came on the same day that 3,000 student-athletes were told they could begin practicing in pods Monday since the Public Education Department approved APS small-group, in-person learning model. Its been almost a year since any team in the states largest school district has played a game.

Elder cautions the district would need to get to green before May 1 or its too close to the end of the school year, May 25, to change models.

So its all the more reason for everyone to double down on mask-wearing, hand-washing, social-distancing and sign up for that vaccine. If not for yourself, do it for the students. If we can get the level down to green, many students will at least have a few weeks to reconnect with classmates and get some face-to-face time with their teachers.

The school boards decision Wednesday to allow a hybrid model could be due to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who said she was very disappointed with the boards Feb. 17 decision rejecting any hybrid model. But then again, APS all along has said it would go to some form of in-person learning when the case numbers reached a safe level.

The vote also follows the odd announcement last week that APS is planning in-person graduations the week of May 10, based on the governors health orders. While the class of 2021 and all APS students deserved better than adults who couldnt get their act together to deliver safe, in-person learning like many, many school districts in our own state and across the nation, they will at least have some form of normalcy for their graduation. Many of last years seniors had to rely on drive-through ceremonies.

While Elders original plan relied on teachers volunteering to return to classrooms, the in-person plan approved by the school board Wednesday does not let teachers unilaterally determine if schools can reopen. Staffers will be required to work from school unless they have an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This appears to match the unions stance that in-person teaching should be optional for teachers until they have the vaccine or until Bernalillo County turns green.

The 2020-21 school year is almost over. But we and APS have heard from numerous students and families who just want to salvage what they can of the school year and prepare for the next.

The APS school board has finally provided the path. Now its incumbent on us all to drive down the numbers so students and student-athletes can get on it.

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.
Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, on Saturday met with Adams Oshiomhole, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at an even...

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, on Saturday met with Adams Oshiomhole, former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at an event in the state.

Obaseki fell out with Oshiomhole, his predecessor, ahead of the 2020 governorship election in the state.

The feud began over political differences and this led to the defection of Obaseki from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the efforts of some stakeholders to reconcile them.

Their misunderstanding reached its height when the Edo house of assembly was divided in its support of both politicians.





Obaseki would later seek reelection under the PDP and subsequently defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the APC who had the backing of Oshiomhole.

Despite trading words multiple times while the rift lasted, Obaseki and Oshiomhole were civil towards each other when they met in Auchi, during the birthday thanksgiving of Thomas Oleghe at Immaculate Conception Cathedral.

While speaking with journalists after the event, Obaseki said he has nothing against his predecessor, but only disagrees with his style of politics.





I dont have anything personal against Oshiomhole. I may not like his politics, but he has not done anything personal against me. We all are interacting with the interest of the country and the development of our community at heart, he said.

Oshiomhole, who also spoke with journalists, described Obaseki as his brother and friend.

Once the governor speaks, the matter ends, he said.
BELGRADE (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th March, 2021) Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic says all that the West wants is for Belgrade to recognize Kosovo's independence and pressure will increase.

"All that they want from us can be said in one sentence ... Nothing has changed, except that this desire [for Serbia to recognize Kosovo's independence] will be expressed a lot more dramatically than before," Vucic said on Saturday, after a National Security Council meeting.

At the end of February, Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic condemned the European Parliament for its call on EU member states to recognize Kosovo, saying it was against European laws.

Selakovic emphasized that the Belgrade-Pristina negotiations, mediated by the EU and based on the principle of status neutrality, were the only way to resolve the tensions between the two parties.

Albanians in Kosovo broke away from Serbia after conducting a campaign of terror against Serbs and other nationalities living there and after NATO forces undertook a 78-day military campaign in 1999 against what was then SR Yugoslavia, consisting of Serbia and Montenegro.

Pristina unilaterally proclaimed independence from Belgrade on February 17, 2008. Serbia, as well as Russia, China, Spain, Iran, and a number of other countries do not recognize Kosovo's independence.
First Gov. Andrew Cuomo hid the truth about deaths of nursing home residents from the public. Then his administration lied about why. Then, pretending to come clean, it lied about why it lied.

Enough. Mr. Cuomo has squandered the publics trust at a time when its needed more than ever. Amid an enduring pandemic, it is vital that people can believe what their governor and their government are telling them, and that the rules theyre asked to follow and the sacrifices theyre asked to make are truly in the interest of public health. It is time for Mr. Cuomo to resign, and for those who helped him deceive the public to go, too.

We do not say this lightly. We endorsed Mr. Cuomo for governor three times. He has brought to fruition a host of important progressive goals. But between his manipulation of state ethics bodies, multiple allegations of sexual harassment and these latest revelations on nursing home deaths, he has lost the credibility he needs to lead this state, especially in the midst of a public health crisis.

As we wrote in our last endorsement of him: New York still matters. It's the fourth-largest state and the financial center of the world. It's the birthplace of women's rights and LGBT rights. It embodies the American melting pot. With its wealth, its legacy and its diversity come a special responsibility to stand as a moral voice in America.

Mr. Cuomo can no longer be that voice.

Last March, the governor made a mistake. The state Health Department issued an advisory that nursing homes could not refuse an admission, or readmission, of a person who had been infected with the coronavirus but was medically stable. There were understandable reasons for this policy: New York had been hit hard by the pandemic, and hospitals were running out of beds.

Mr. Cuomo rescinded the advisory in May, but some questioned whether it had caused more nursing home infections and deaths. In July, the Health Department, under Commissioner Howard Zucker, issued a report that said the advisory had no role in increased infections. The Legislature, journalists and others, however, asked for better data  in particular, the number of people who were infected in nursing homes but died in hospitals. The administration insisted that was very complex to analyze. Months passed.

But in January, Attorney General Letitia James released a report that found the administration had greatly understated the number of nursing home deaths, and that the directive  among other things  likely led to more people getting sick. Suddenly, the administration produced data to challenge Ms. James numbers. But the real numbers turn out to have been at least 50 percent higher than the administration had claimed.

It gets worse. In a conference call last month with Democratic lawmakers, the governors top aide, Melissa DeRosa, supposedly came clean, claiming the administration withheld the nursing home data because it was worried that the U.S. Justice Department under President Donald Trump was going to conduct a politically motivated probe of the matter.

It now turns out that the excuse for the lie was a lie, too.

Reporting by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reveals that while the Health Departments report was being drafted in June  before a federal inquiry started  the state had a more complete number of nursing home deaths, but it was higher than Mr. Cuomos close aides wanted it to be. Those aides included Ms. DeRosa; Linda Lacewell, who heads the Department of Financial Services; and James Malatras, a former top adviser to Mr. Cuomo who is now chancellor of the State University of New York. They changed the report, the papers found.

Why? We cant be certain, but right around that time Mr. Cuomo, basking in national admiration for his handling of the pandemic, was working on a book deal, and, no doubt, thinking about how this performance could be parlayed into a national run down the line.

Thats no excuse to manipulate health data or an official report, as Mr. Cuomo and Ms. Lacewell in particular surely know. It was then-Attorney General Cuomo who said as much in 2007 in an investigation that faulted former Gov. Eliot Spitzers administration for compiling politically damaging information on then-Senate Majority Leader Joseph Brunos use of state aircraft. Ms. Lacewell was one of the main authors of the report. Whether its to make a rival look bad or a governor look good, you dont twist government reports to do it.

So now we have a compromised health commissioner who cant be trusted to tell the full truth about vital public health matters. A university chancellor who had a hand in writing a report of half-truths. And a governor who cant be trusted to tell the truth even when hes supposedly owning up to a lie.

New York cannot get through this public health crisis if New Yorkers dont know whether the governor and health officials are being honest with them from one day to the next.

It did not have to be like this. Mr. Cuomo was, by and large, doing a commendable job leading the state through the pandemic. People knew what a tough situation he faced. If he made a bad call a year ago, New Yorkers would have understood if hed just been straight with them.

But Mr. Cuomo didnt trust New Yorkers with the truth.

And now, they could hardly be blamed for not trusting him with their government, much less their lives.

It is time to go  for Dr. Zucker, Ms. DeRosa, Chancellor Malatras, all the other people who went along with this, and Mr. Cuomo, most of all.

Matta has three children. Two of them are currently enrolled in district schools and his youngest is headed there soon. He said he is a professional designer and loves solving the complex challenges of the world. Matta pointed out that most of those in the forum had kids enrolled in SD220 and came to Barrington because of the excellent schools.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 22:26:43|Editor: huaxia

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BELGRADE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Cooperation between Serbia and China has marked stunning development in recent years and culminated in an efficient joint fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Saturday.

The friendship between the two countries has been "based on sincere friendship, solidarity, and respect," Vucic said at a press conference after meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo.

Serbia on Friday received the third shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from China, the president said. The first and second batches of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines reached the European country on Jan. 16 and Feb. 10 respectively.

"A year ago, when the corona epidemic broke out in our country, Serbia had great support from China, which delivered equipment, respirators, and people who have made two laboratories," Vucic recalled.

Noting that Serbia's exports to China increased by 15 times in the past five years, he said that China has become its third overall foreign trade partner.

Moreover, he praised the valuable upcoming investments of Chinese companies in Serbia, which are opening new factories and launching joint infrastructural projects.

For her part, Chen said that "despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, cooperation between the two countries is developing intensively," and praised the progress in large projects such as the Belgrade-Budapest high-speed railway project and the Belgrade-South Adriatic E-763 highway.

China makes its COVID-19 vaccines global public goods, she said, adding that there are talks between China and European Union countries on the procurement of the vaccines. Enditem
The vaccine passport divide

First it was masks. Then summer vacations, the holidays and, most recently, jumping the vaccine line. Now, the next major pandemic flash point could be vaccine passports.

The idea is that governments will issue documents or phone badges that demonstrate that people have been inoculated against the coronavirus, allowing them access to flights, businesses and other areas of public life. Vaccine passports have already been initiated to some extent in Israel, and are under discussion in the European Union, the United States, and among airlines and tourism-related sectors around the world.

But the idea presents sticky ethical and practical risks for governments and organizations, which my colleague Max Fisher explored in the Interpreter column.

There are clear upsides to the passports. They could help economies to restart, families and friends to reunite and allow for some degree of normalcy to return. They may enable more sporting events, concerts, cultural events, parties, international travel and tourism. Businesses would be able reopen without putting employees or customers at undue risk. Many experts say they will be an inevitable part of post-pandemic life.
WILLIAMSPORT -- A federal appeals court has affirmed the $3.2 million jury award to a Shamokin-area woman in a contentious 2004 Northumberland County divorce case.

A U.S. 3rd Circuit of Appeals panel upheld on Thursday the 2019 award to Donna Deitrick that U.S. Middle District Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle III had refused to modify or grant defense motions for a new trial

Appeals were filed by the defendants, Robert and Vanessa Yoncuski, his brother Thomas Yoncuski, and Jeff and Marianne Adams.

Vanessa Yoncuski was sued as Vanessa Long but she later married Robert Yoncuski who was her boyfriend in 2004.

The $3.2 million award that included $1.6 million in punitive damages was proportioned among the defendants.

The case stems from a 2004 divorce between Deitrick and Robert Yoncuski, the removal of a safe from the marital home that Deitrick claimed contained jewelry valued at $4.9 million and $500,000 in cash, and an altercation in the lobby of the Shamokin police station.

Deitrick had a protection from abuse order against her estranged husband that gave her exclusive occupancy of the home.

According to trial testimony, on Aug. 13, 2004, a month after Deitrick filed for divorce after 29 years of marriage, Robert Yoncuski and Adams removed the safe and stored it on Adams property near Dornsife for a night.

The following day, Yoncuski retrieved the safe, cut a hole in the bottom, removed the contents and returned it to Adams property.

It remained buried until February 2005, when Yoncuski revealed its location after spending six months in jail for contempt.

Some of the contents were returned but Deitrick maintained much of the jewelry was not. Jurors awarded her $825,000 for contents not recovered and $350,000 for those that were.

Deitrick testified her mother did not trust banks so she bought jewelry as an investment. It was moved to Deitricks home after her mother died in 2003, according to trial testimony.

One of the issues raised on appeal was whether Deitrick should have been permitted to testify about the value of the items in the safe.

The defendants argued it was set in the earlier divorce action and could not be re-litigated. The exact amount had not been set in the county case, the appeals panel found.

It also ruled Arbuckle did not err in his instruction to jurors concerning damages and he had correctly concluded they could be awarded for emotional distress although there was no physical injury.

The panel cited a Pennsylvania court ruling that in unusual circumstances damages may be awarded for humiliation caused by deprivation.

It also found it was proper for Deitrick to introduce a recording of a telephone call from ADT Security to show Long was with Yoncuski when he broke into her home and thus was part of the conspiracy.

We are pleased the Third Circuit upheld the verdict of the jury, said Deitricks attorney, Timothy A. Bowers.

A different jury found two Shamokin police officers, Mark A. Costa and William Miner, both now retired, did not use excessive force when they arrested Deitrick for disorderly conduct in police headquarters on Aug. 16, 2004.

She had claimed she was dragged face down by the wrists from the lobby to the area of a holding cell.

Robert Yoncuski, his now wife, Deitrick and her brother Kenneth Deitrick were issued citations following the altercation that officers broke up.
Its 5am and Iggy Pop is lying in the gutter on Punt Road in Melbourne. Michael Gudinski answers the phone, jumps in the car and arrives in time to rescue the Godfather from an ignominious end. Phew. Thats rocknroll: more or less what any good concert promoter would do.

A couple of decades later, Steely Dan are playing Australia at last. Good crowds, great shows, but the band isnt playing Rikki Dont Lose That Number and Reelin In the Years, so Gudinski shirtfronts their manager. I dont give a stuff, he tells him, that the band is over their old hits. Its their first time in Australia, so they should play them.

This is not so typical of the promoters skill set. This is pure Gudinski. That was one battle I didnt win, he griped at the time, but it wasnt over. Three years later, he toured Steely Dan again. Those two songs were named in the advance PR, and duly performed.

Jimmy Barnes with Michael Gudinski in 2013. Credit:Dallas Kilponen

His great strengths were his personality and his persuasiveness, says Michael Coppel, one of the close friends and touring industry competitors mourning the sad loss this week of the man who, through Mushroom Records, Frontier Touring and much more, pretty much built the Australian music business as we know it. The question that hangs over the sadness of his sudden departure is how Australian music might turn without him.
In the run-up to this weekends sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Markle have been caught up in a public row over the reasons behind their dramatic 2020 exit from the British royal family. On one side, the palace took up an investigation into allegations of workplace bullying by Markle. On the other, in teasers released from the interview, the duchess claims the royal family perpetuated falsehoods about the couple.
The Russian government has denied claims of a possible increase in the retirement age, the press service of the department informs.

Earlier, a deputy from the Communist Party faction Valery Rashkin said that after the State Duma elections, which will be held in September, Russians may face a new increase in the retirement age.

The government noted that there is no working group on this issue.

The news of a possible increase in the retirement age was also denied by the press secretary of the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov. According to him, this information is nothing but a mistake, Interfax reports.

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin also commented on a possible increase in the retirement age in the country.

"This topic is not on our agenda. The issue of raising the retirement age is not being considered," Volodin said, adding that measures to support pensioners were discussed at a recent meeting with Vladimir Putin.

Volodin, in turn, added that the elections should not become a reason for baseless statements. It is better not to invent problems while striving for power, frightening people with them, especially older citizens. Moreover, this is unacceptable for the deputies, who bear a special responsibility," Volodin emphasized.

Besides, Valery Ryazansky, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy, also expressed his assessment. According to the parliamentarian, the unconfirmed information is most likely related to the approaching election campaign.
The 13-year-old fought against brain cancer and anaplastic ependymoma for two years

Beyonce shared a touching tribute on her website to honor Lyric Chanel, a young fan who died Friday after her battle with brain cancer at age 13.

The singer posted a video montage of Chanel accompanied by Bey singing a medley of her songs, including Brown Skin Girl, Halo and Love on Top, of which she replaces the words baby with Lyric in the chorus

Lyric its you/ Youre the one I love/ And youre the one I need, Beyonce sings, per People. Youre the only thing I see/ Come on Lyric its you/ Youre the one that gives your all/ Youre the one I can always call/ When I need you baby everything stops/ You put my love on top.

I love you with all of my heart, Beyonce concludes.

Beyonce (left) and Lyric Chanel (right) (via Twitter)

Read More: Lyric Chanel, 13, supported by Beyonce, dies of cancer

TheGrio previously reported, through her Instagram account, Chanel became known as a super Beyonce fan and often uploaded videos singing along the words to her favorite songs. Queen Bey herself saw Chanel and reached out with heartfelt messages and gifts on multiple occurrences.

In September 2020, Chanel received a floral arrangement from the Crazy In Love performer as a surprise in a heartfelt viral video. The bouquet included white roses, orchids, and a special message signed by Beyonce.

Honey, Honey I can see the stars all the way from here, I can feel the sun whenever youre near. I was so moved to see how these lyrics inspired you, not nearly as much as you inspired me. I cant wait to meet you one day and Im so happy youre home safely. You are a survivor. God bless, B, the card read.

In October, Beyonce gifted Chanel a coveted Ivy Park box containing merchandise from the fall release. TheGrio reported she received the full line of clothing, shoes and accessories.

Thank you so much @beyonce this couldnt have come at a better time, she wrote in the caption to one of the videos highlighting her new gear, according to the report. [I] just got back from the getting Chemo and look at the surprise that was waiting. I love you so much.

Story continues

Read More: Beyonce teams up with Adidas to provide relief for Texans amid storm

KTRK-TV in Houston reported Chanel fought against brain cancer and anaplastic ependymoma for two years. In November of 2020, Chanel had surgery in the Texas Medical Center to remove a tumor, but unfortunately, the tumor grew back and spread to various parts of her brain within two months. Doctors informed the family that there was not much else they could do to save Chanels life.

The Instagram account for Go Gold for Childhood Cancer confirmed in a message on Friday that Chanel died earlier that morning.

Lyric gained her angel wings this morning at the age of 13 years old, the caption read. Lyric bravely battled Anaplastic Ependymoma and endured more than a child ever should. She loved singing, listening to music, and dancing. I know she most definitely dancing with all the angels right now. Watch over your family baby girl! You are forever missed!

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*theGRIOs DeMicia Inman contributed to this story

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The post Beyonce sings medley of her songs in touching tribute to Lyric Chanel appeared first on TheGrio.

Piers Morgan has slammed Meghan Markle's friend Patrick J Adams after the Suits actor hit out at the Royal Family and suggested it should be abolished.

The GMB presenter branded him a 'jumped-up twerp' and said his comments were 'disgusting' after the Canadian actor's lengthy Twitter post.

The spat came after Buckingham Palace opened an investigation into allegations the Duke and Duchess of Sussex bullied staff at Kensington Palace.

The GMB presenter branded the Suits actor (pictured with Meghan in the show) a 'jumped-up twerp' and said his comments were 'disgusting' after the Canadian actor's lengthy Twitter post

Piers Morgan (pictured) has slammed Meghan Markle's friend Patrick J Adams after the Suits actor hit out at the Royal Family and suggested it should be abolished

Mr Adams, 39, who played Meghan's onscreen husband, wrote: 'Meghan Markle and I spent the better part of a decade working together on Suits.

'From day one she was an enthusiastic, kind, cooperative, giving, joyful and supportive member of our television family. She remained that person and colleague as fame, prestige and power accrued.

'She has always been a powerful woman with a deep sense of morality and a fierce work ethic and has never been afraid to speak up, be heard and defend herself and those she holds dear.

'Like the rest of the world, I have watched her navigate the last few years in astonishment.

'She fell in love, moved to a new country, became a household name across the entire globe and began the difficult work of trying to find her place in a family dynamic that can at best be described as complicated and at worst, seemingly archaic and toxic.'

He went on: 'And then they welcomed Archie. And on any sort of decent planet that would be a time to stop sharpening the knives and let these two people enjoy the magical early months and years of starting a family. But we don't live on that planet and instead the hunt continued.

'It's OBSCENE that the Royal Family, who's newest member is currently GROWING INSIDE OF HER, is promoting and amplifying accusations of 'bullying' against a woman who herself was basically forced to flea the UK in order protect her family and her own mental health.

'IMO, this newest chapter and it's timing is just another stunning example of the shamelessness of a institution that has outlived its relevance, is way overdrawn on credibility and apparently bankrupt of decency.

'Find someone else to admonish, berate and torment. My friend Meghan is way out of your league.'

Mr Morgan, 55, replied: 'Actually, what's ''OBSCENE'' is your friend trashing her husband's family on global TV as the Queen's 99-yr-old husband lies in hospital.

'How dare you attack our Royal Family like this, you jumped-up little twerp.'

He added: 'Meghan Markle's showbiz mates who flew over and grovelled up to the Royals at her wedding now publicly trashing the Monarchy - and suggesting it be abolished.

'Disgusting.'

At least 10 former members of royal staff are prepared to take part in the Buckingham Palace inquiry, which will be conducted by the human resources department, the Mirror reported.

Buckingham Palace said it was 'very concerned' by the bullying accusations made by former royal staff against Meghan as it launched the investigation this week.

Past and present employees have been invited to speak in confidence about their experiences of working for the duchess.

Jason Knauf, the Sussexes' then communications secretary, is said to have made a bullying complaint in October 2018 in an apparent attempt to get Buckingham Palace to protect staff.

Mr Knauf reportedly sent an email outlining the duchess's alleged actions to Simon Case, the Duke of Cambridge's then private secretary and now the Cabinet Secretary, after conversations with Samantha Carruthers, the head of human resources.

On Wednesday, the Palace confirmed that its HR team will 'look into' the allegations, saying it 'does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace'

The bullying claims emerged in a 2018 email sent by Harry and Meghan's press chief Jason Knauf, who now works for Prince William. This sparked an extraordinary chain of events where the Sussexes accused Buckingham Palace of smearing them. The Queen then launched an inquiry into the bullying claims

Mr Case then forwarded it to Ms Carruthers, who was based at Clarence House.

Downing Street said Boris Johnson continued to have full confidence in Simon Case, but the bullying allegations were a matter for the palace.

Mr Knauf wrote in his email: 'I am very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year. The treatment of X was totally unacceptable.

'The duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence.

'We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y.'

Mr Knauf left a few months after making his allegations and is now a close aide to Harry's brother, working as the chief executive of William and Kate's Royal Foundation.

Meghan's spokesman said: 'The duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.

'She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.'
March 06 : The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has finally filed its charge sheet on Friday in Sushant Singh Rajputs death case. NCB has not only mentioned Rhea Chakraborty and 32 others in its 11,000-page charge sheet submitted in the drugs case related to Sushant Singh Rajputs death but also accused Rhea of the severe charge of illicit trafficking and harbouring of drugs.

The NCB charge sheet read, Rhea had facilitated her house to Sushant Singh Rajput, her boyfriend, for the consumption of drugs. She has provided funds for the purchase of drugs, thus, she has financed an activity related to illicit drug dealings. Rhea Chakraborty has facilitated a channel of supply of drugs with the help of her brother Showik Chakraborty. In the charge sheet, NCB alleged that they have evidence, that clearly pointed out that Rhea had conspired to procure drugs, possess, sell and transport, import interstate, export interstate and was dealing with ganja, marijuana and bud.

Sushant Singh Rajputs death was one of the most controversial cases that Bollywood witnessed in 2020. The drugs related probe was being done by the NCB.

NCB also claimed that a packet of ganja was delivered for Sushant Singh Rajput at Rheas residence in Mumbai in 2019. As the parcel was taken and paid for by Rhea, it leads to the fact that she facilitated its consumption by Sushant Singh Rajput. By making payment, she becomes an active member of the drug syndicate, NCB claimed.

The offence with which Rhea is charged comes under the Section 27A of the NDPS Act that leads to a minimum of 10 years of imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years.

Along with Rhea and brother Showik, Sushant Singh Rajputs house manager Samuel Miranda and cook Dipesh Sawant have also been accused of supplying drugs to the late actor.

Reacting to the charge sheet today, Rheas lawyer Satish Maneshinde said: Chargesheet is a damp squib standing on the foundation of inadmissible evidence and statements recorded under section 67 of NDPS Act. The HC has found no prima facie material at the stage of Bail of alleged Financing Drugs Trade.

Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery
One was a native of Muthyampet village of Malyal mandal and the other a native of Venkatapur village of Korutla mandal. (Representational image : PTI file photo)

Jagtial: Two Dubai returnees of Jagtial district were tested positive to the UK strain of Covid-19. One was a native of Muthyampet village of Malyal mandal and the other a native of Venkatapur village of Korutla mandal.

When they landed at the RGI airport in Shamshabad on February 25, their samples were tested positive for Covid-19 and they were asked to remain in home quarantine. District health officials later shifted both to the TIMS hospital in Gachibowli.

On Friday, the health officials held a medical camp in Muthyampet village and did the rapid antigen tests on the family members and others who came in contact with the Dubai returnee.

The medical tests were done on 14 primary contacts. Out of these, six were tested positive. The samples of all the 14 were sent to Hyderabad for further test of the new UK strain.

District medical and health officer P Sridhar suspects the two might have been infected by the new strain while they travelled through the UK.

He said health officials also conducted tests on six primary contacts of another Dubai returnee, of Venkatapur village, and the samples were sent to Hyderabad for RT-PCR tests. The results were yet to come.

By Kim Bo-eun





The looming sale of eBay Korea is drawing keen attention as a number of potential suitors, including conglomerates, private equity firms, as well as a tech firm, are known to have expressed interest.



According to reports, investment banks managing eBay's sale sent out teaser letters to potential buyers last month after the company was put up for sale in January. Possible buyers being mentioned are Shinsegae and Lotte groups which operate major retail businesses, private equity firm MBK Partners and tech company Kakao. Preliminary bidding will begin March 16.



The e-commerce giant's local unit is reported to have a price tag of 5 trillion won ($4.5 billion).



eBay Korea currently operates the localized platforms Gmarket, Auction and G9.



According to Statistics Korea, eBay accounted for 12 percent of a total 161 trillion won in e-commerce transactions in Korea last year, while generating sales of 1.3 trillion won and an operating profit of 85 billion won from commissions collected from items sold on its open market platform.



The Korean unit's sales account for 11 percent of eBay's overall revenue, and eBay Korea's performance has shown steady growth since 2015. Sales, which stood at 799.4 billion won in 2015, surpassed 1 trillion won for the first time in 2019.



The Korean unit is owned 100 percent by eBay KTA, the U.K. subsidiary of the e-commerce company, which is in turn wholly owned by eBay.



Shinsegae Group has various online retail channels including SSG.com and E-mart Traders, but it lacks a presence in the open market sector. Acquiring an open market platform would scale up its e-commerce business, as it competes with giants Coupang and Naver. A key area of focus for Shinsegae has been early morning delivery.



Lotte, meanwhile, is known to be seeking ways to boost its online retail channel, while its existing e-commerce unit Lotte ON has been struggling.



For private equity firm MBK Partners, which owns the discount chain Homeplus, acquiring eBay Korea could create synergy by strengthening its e-commerce business.



Kakao has been cited as one of the most likely candidates. The tech firm has a commerce affiliate Kakao Commerce under its arm, which has shown rapid growth with shopping and gift services via the KakaoTalk messaging platform. The gift service had 20 million users as of the end of last year. But Kakao Commerce's scale is still considered small considering the influence Kakao holds with its messaging platform.



"(A deal) is under review but nothing has been fixed as of now," a Kakao official said.


The head of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan received Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at the presidential palace in Khartoum on Saturday.

This is the first time El-Sisi visits Sudan following the formation of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council in August 2019.

El-Sisi and Al-Burhan last meeting was held in Cairo last December when the Egyptian president affirmed Cairo's support for the political leadership in Sudan in shaping their countrys future, welcoming all efforts aiming to aid Sudan in facing its economic crisis, and towards accomplishing regional stability and peace.

El-Sisi's visit is meant to affirm Egypts support of Sudan at this critical juncture, a statement by the Egyptian presidency said earlier on Saturday.

It is also part of efforts to coordinate visions and stances on various issues of common interest.

Scheduled during the visit are an Egyptian-Sudanese summit and meetings with senior Sudanese leaders and officials, the presidential statement noted.

The meetings will see discussions over means to cooperate and boost bilateral relations on the military, security, and economic levels, as well as talks about regional and continental developments, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, security in the Red Sea, and Sudans borders, the presidential statement added.

El-Sisi's current visit to Khartoum comes against the backdrop of various high-level meetings between Egypt and Sudan that have been held in recent weeks.

Last week, Cairo and Khartoum signed a military cooperation agreement on the sidelines of Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid to Sudan. Farid and his Sudanese counterpart stressed that the military cooperation agreement was set to strengthen cooperation in security issues and preserve the national security of both countries.

In November, Egypt and Sudan conducted Nile Eagles 1 air forces' drill for the first time, which took place in one of the Sudanese air bases and involved the Egyptian special forces Thunderbolt.

Today's visit also comes less than a week after the reception of Mariam Sadek Al-Mahdi, Sudans newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, in Cairo.

During her visit, Al-Mahdi and Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called for international mediation to facilitate a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia ahead of the second filling of the GERD, planned by Addis Ababa next Summer.

Both foreign ministers warned that the water security of Egypt and Sudan "will be in danger if Ethiopia goes on with the second filling of the GERD" without reaching a legally binding agreement.

The last round of GERD negotiations, mediated by South Africa, the former president of the AU, stalled in January due to Khartoum's withdrawal from the latest meetings in objection to the methodology upon which the talks had been held.

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In the wake of the military in and the ensuing unrest, India said on Friday it is closely watching the developments in that country and also discussing the matter with partner nations, emphasising that all issues must be resolved peacefully through talks.

Amid reports that some people, including police personnel, from have crossed the Indian border and taken refuge in Mizoram, the also said it was "ascertaining the facts".

A total of 16 people of have crossed the Indian border and took refuge in Mizoram since the neighbouring country's military ousted the elected government in February, and 11 of them have claimed that they were police personnel, a senior official said.

Asked about it at an online media briefing here, spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "As of now we are ascertaining the facts, we will revert to you once we have more details on this."



On the prevailing situation in Myanmar, he said, "We are closely watching the developments in Myanmar. We have also been discussing this with our partner countries. In these discussions, we have said that all issues and differences should be resolved peacefully through talks and that has been our position."



Asked about displaced Myanmar nationals for which India had dispatched two coast guard ships last week, Srivastava said, "Our coast guard has continued to provide humanitarian relief to the occupants of the boat, including medical assistance, food and drinking water.""We have been in touch with the Bangladeshi authorities to facilitate their safe repatriation back to Bangladesh from where they originated," 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.)
As a WOSB, I am thankful to the State of VA for the DBE designation. This certification will allow INCATech to compete more effectively on programs that can benefit from our deep technical expertise in GIS, Cloud/Platform Services and User Centered Design  Liliana Freedman, President & CEO

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We are looking forward to using the DBE certification to provide the State of Virginia as well as local organizations the same innovative and transformational Information Technology and value added services that we have been providing Federal customers for over 10 years.

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INCATech has been providing mission critical Information Technology system development and support services for customers in the Federal Civilian, DoD, and Intelligence Community for over 13 years. As one of Inc5000s fastest growing companies, INCATech continues to delight customers by consistently delivering value through our CMMI Dev Level 3 and ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standards.

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solutions@incatech-corp.com

Panaji, March 6 : Teachers, alone and not parents can guide students to achieve career goals, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Saturday, while speaking at a function in his Assembly constituency of Sanquelim to felicitate meritorious students.

"Only, a teacher can groom you for the future, not your mother and father. Only 10 per cent of the parents of students studying in Sanquelim's Progress High School know something about careers. Parents of 90 per cent of the students have no knowledge about careers," Sawant said.

The Chief Minister also urged teachers to upgrade their career guidance regularly, in order to keep their students abread of opportunities ahead.

"Teachers should take refresh on career (guidance opportunities) every year, only then they will be able to help students. Career does not mean only BA, BCom, BSc, Science Arts and Commerce. There is so much beyond it. Young people should not look at government jobs as a career alone. They should look beyond it," Sawant said, amid increasing demand for the government jobs from the local youth ahead of the 2022 state Assembly elections.
Bank of Ireland, Tinahely is one of three branches in south Wicklow which will shut their doors permanently from September after Bank of Ireland announced plans to close 88 branches nationwide

Communities in south Wicklow are in a state of shock after Bank of Ireland said its branches in Carnew, Tinahely and Rathdrum will close permanently from September.

Bank of Ireland announced plans on Monday to close 88 branches across the country as it says in-branches visits have fallen as customers move to digital banking services. The bank's decision to close three branches in the county provoked a backlash from local public representatives who highlighted that these closures will affect communities in rural areas who are struggling to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The three affected branches currently offer self service banking and advice. Staff working at the these branches were informed of the bank's decision on Monday morning. The Bank said there would be no compulsory redundancies and staff can apply for re-deployment or voluntary redundancy.

Bank of Ireland also confirmed a new deal with An Post to allow its customers to access some banking services at their local post office.

Speaking to this paper on Monday, Cllr John Mullen said, 'to make this announcement as people in rural Ireland and rural Wicklow are coping with the continuation of Level 5 Covid lockdown is corporate cynicism at its worst.

'There have been rumours of Bank of Ireland considering major branch closures over the past year but management within Bank of Ireland remained silent leaving staff and customers totally outside the loop. I have campaigned with rural communities to save our rural banking when the Tinahely branch was badly damaged over ten years ago. Today's decision is the realisation of our worst fears.'

'People living in rural Wicklow are sick and tired of continuously losing the services that all citizens should have access to. We have lost access to economic and social growth, lost access to high speed broadband, lost our post offices and now we lose our banking services after 100 years. For small businesses, farmers, families and visitors this is a bad day for rural Wicklow,' Cllr Mullen said.

The elected members of Wicklow County Council agreed to a suspension of standing orders put forward by Cllr Mullen at Monday's meeting so as to discuss Bank of Ireland's decision.

Cllr Pat Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, said, 'I'm devastated to think the bank is closing a branch in a town growing at the speed Rathdrum is growing'.

Cllr Kennedy said the closure of the Rathdrum branch would also affect people living in Aughrim, Glenealy, Roundwood and Glenmalure.

'The older generation don't use online banking. I think it's scandalous that the bank would turn its back on the town and the older generation'.

'The bank is turning its back on rural Wicklow,' Cllr Kennedy said, calling on Wicklow's TDs to lobby Bank of Ireland to reverse its decision.

'Rural Wicklow is being left behind. This is a body blow for people. A bank breeds business. This will have a damaging impact on the infrastructure of the town,' Cllr Kennedy added.

Cllr Vincent Blake said. 'Banks have a short memory. The public bailed them out and the return for the public should be keep services in rural areas. However, this is also a great opportunity for credit unions and post offices to fill the void'.

Cllr Blake expressed the view that Bank of Ireland were unlikely to reverse its decision to close its south Wicklow branches and communities may need to focus their efforts to ensure that local post offices and credit unions receive support to develop as they are 'in a great position to take up the slack' left.

The doors at the Tinahely, Carnew and Rathdrum branches temporarily closed during the first Covid-19 lockdown last year. At that time, concerns were raised by local communities that the closures could become permanent, however, these branches re-opened in June.

Gavin Kelly, CEO, Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland said the bank was 'committed to Wicklow'.

'Although the trend has been to close branches, we have kept our branch network largely unchanged over the past decade. But we've now reached a tipping point between online and offline banking. Technology is evolving, and customers are using branches less, year on year. Between 2017 and 2020 footfall at the branches which are closing dropped by 60 per cent on average. And even before Covid-19, branch footfall had reduced by almost a quarter over two years. Our mobile app is our busiest channel, around 430,000 customers log in each day, and traffic is up one third since 2018.

Mr Kelly said the new partnership with An Post would ensure 'continuity of services locally for both personal and business customers'.

'We know changes like this can cause concern for some customers. We're not making these changes immediately - no branches will close in the next six months. That ensures that the An Post partnership is up and running before any branches close, and we will communicate fully with all customers about every option available, in a nearby BOI branch, online or at a local post office.

'Bank of Ireland has been in business since 1783, and we have always adapted and evolved as our customer needs and preferences change. We are committed to Wicklow and these changes will allow us invest in our other branches in the county as well as digital services. We will also continue to work with community groups through initiatives such as Begin Together, a 4 million investment programme providing funding for community-focused initiatives across the island of Ireland,' Mr Kelly added.

Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore said she had written to the Finance Minister, asking him to support the communities affected.

'The closure of these branches will have an adverse impact on these rural areas which has already been negatively affected by the last recession and the current pandemic. These closures will only continue the trend of rural decline as banking facilities will not longer be made available. In turn, the retreat of this essential service will reduce foot traffic in the area which will also impact on the local economy.'

Bank of Ireland published its interim results for 2020 on Monday, which show a pre-tax loss of 374 million. The bank said the branch closures would result in savings of around 26 million per year. The ATMs at the majority of affected branches will also be closed.
New Delhi, March 6 : The Central government on Saturday rushed high level multi-disciplinary public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab in view of surge in the number of new Covid-19 cases being consistently reported by these states.

They are being deployed to assist the state health departments in Covid-19 surveillance, control and containment measures.

The high-level team to Maharashtra will be led by P. Ravindran, Senior Chief Medical Officer of Health Ministry's Disaster Management Cell, said a Health Ministry statement.

The public health team to Punjab will be led by S.K. Singh, Director, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi.

The teams will ascertain reasons for the surge of the pandemic which so far has infected 1,11,92,088 people that included 18,327 new coronavirus cases registered in the last 24 hours.

The teams will also brief the Chief Secretaries or Secretaries (Health) of the states concerned on their observations and remedial measures to be undertaken by the state health authorities.

The high-level teams were rushed at a time when Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have reported a high number of Covid daily new cases. They cumulatively account for 82 per cent of the new cases reported in the past 24 hours.

Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 10,216. It is followed by Kerala with 2,776 while Punjab reported 808 new cases. India's total active caseload has reached 1,80,304 on Saturday.

Currently, total active cases in Maharashtra are noted at 90,055, including 3,696 new cases registered in last 24 hours. The cumulative Covid infected figure in the state is 20,55,951. However, a total of 6,661 active cases are registered in Punjab, including 397 new infections compared to previous day. A total of 1,73,630 people have so far been infected with the disease in the state.

The Central government has been leading the fight against the Covid pandemic with a 'Whole of Government' and 'Whole of Society' approach under the umbrella strategy of 'Cooperative Federalism', the statement said.

As an ongoing effort to strengthen efforts of various state or UT governments for Covid management, the government has been deputing Central teams from time to time to visit various states and UTs.

"These teams interact with the state or UT authorities and get a firsthand understanding of the challenges and issues being faced by them so as to strengthen their ongoing activities and remove bottlenecks, if any," said the statement.

"The reports of Central teams are shared with the states for further follow up action. The follow up and compliance on part of states is monitored by the Union Ministry of Health."

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Loading Debate about how sexual consent is taught in schools has been reignited in recent weeks after a petition calling for better sex education was widely shared across the country. Hundreds of young women came forward with disturbing allegations of sexual assault and rape from their time as students or soon after. The teenage girl told The Age she was 15 when she was allegedly raped in June last year by an older boy who went to Scotch College. She disclosed the alleged assault several weeks after it occurred, and made a statement to police in July. However, she decided that she couldnt deal with the stress of a criminal investigation while completing her final school years and did not pursue it further with police.

In September, her mother contacted Scotch College. The school spoke to police to confirm the girl had made a complaint, and principal Tom Batty then called the mother. A Scotch College spokesman said the school was extremely saddened by the trauma suffered by the young woman. [Mr Batty] called the young womans mother and expressed how appalled he was by what had happened. At no stage was the school made aware of the identity of the perpetrator, he said. The spokesman said at the time they were informed of the assault, the school was working through the findings of a global research project called Responsible Sexual Citizenship, which sought to determine boys understanding of relationships, gender and sexuality, including consent, and the schools culture around these ideas. They also asked a police officer who addressed year 12 boys last year to give particular emphasis to the issue of consent as a result of the conversation with the young womans mother.

It is clear we must do more and we are. The school recently formed a group to coordinate the findings of the research report with further development of the Respectful Relationships program, the spokesman said. In due course, this might involve guidance from external agencies and individuals. Earlier in the week, the school wrote to parents and guardians on this crucial matter of respect. It is the challenge of our times. The mother of the alleged victim said the actions around sexual consent education were never communicated to her, which gave her the impression it wasnt a priority for the school and believes they could be doing more. Why didnt he ring and say look, just giving you an update, how is she and this is what were doing? And what do you think about this? she said. It really makes me angry. The woman and her daughter were also upset to learn that Scotch College did not complete the full Respectful Relationships program with year 10 students last year, even after students returned to the classroom.

The Scotch spokesman said the year 10 program, which brings together Scotch boys and girls from Methodist Ladies College, was not held last year due to the interruption to in-person learning caused by COVID-19. At the time of its cancellation, the school made the decision to conduct a program for these boys in 2021 when they would hopefully have returned to on-campus learning. Those elements of the Respectful Relationships program more readily transferred to online format were continued. Chanel Contos has collected 5000 testimonies of abuse of Australian schoolgirls by male peers. Credit:Liliana Zaharia Dozens of other Victorian schools were named in hundreds of new testimonies published online this week as part of the petition. The creator of the petition, Chanel Contos, who is studying a masters in gender education and international development in London, told The Age this week that the number of Victorian testimonies has been steadily increasing. She has now received more than 5000 stories in total, and says the similarities in the accounts across the country are eerily similar.

Im very much aware that this problem is prevalent in the whole of Australia, she said. It happens at all levels of institutions in Australia, but schools are truly the catalyst for change, and thats what we need to focus on ... we all need to admit what happened was disgusting and not OK and upsetting. We need to go, how do we stop this for the future generations of Australia? And I think the answer is educate them properly on what consent is. For the alleged teenage victim, the petition has made her more determined to speak about her experience to increase understanding among young men about consent. Im glad I had the courage to talk about it but there are so many people where if its not brought up it will never become known because its not a thing people talk about and its really sad, she said. Its all about conversation and it is about calling people out.

US to Open More Beds for Immigrant Children

By The Associated Press

HOUSTON - President Joe Biden's administration is instructing long-term facilities that hold immigrant children to lift capacity restrictions enacted during the coronavirus pandemic to open up much-needed beds in a system facing sharply increasing needs.A memo issued Friday by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services tells service providers to temporarily increase capacity to full licensed capacity ... while implementing and adhering to strict COVID-19 mitigation measures. It's not immediately clear how many beds will come available beyond the roughly 7,000 that were online last month. HHS' fully licensed capacity was over 13,000 beds late last year.Some facilities have reduced their capacity by as much as half during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, hundreds of children waiting to be placed in HHS' system are being detained by the U.S. Border Patrol in tent facilities or large, cold cells unequipped to hold minors. Images and stories of packed Border Patrol cells in 2018 and 2019 sparked outrage, with accounts of families and young children fending for themselves without adequate food and water.Lifting pandemic-related caps could increase the risk of spreading the coronavirus within HHS facilities, especially as far more children enter the system. But the organizations that run HHS facilities and some advocates have pushed for more beds to made available if done safely, rather than the alternative of keeping kids in Border Patrol facilities longer or placing them in costly, unlicensed emergency centers.Given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no 0% risk scenario, particularly in congregate settings, says the memo, first reported by CNN. Therefore, ORR facilities should plan for and expect to have COVID-19 cases.HHS has previously authorized facility operators to bill the government for travel expenses when a child is released to a parent or other sponsor. Some families cannot easily afford the hundreds of dollars to fly a child and a guardian, and disputes over payment can sometimes delay a child's release for several days.Agents are apprehending around 400 children a day unaccompanied by a parent or guardian, a sharp increase since last month. There are concerns that those numbers will continue to rise.Biden ended a practice under former President Donald Trump of expelling unaccompanied children under a public-health declaration enacted during the pandemic, though his administration continues to expel immigrant families and adults. Some former Trump administration officials have accused Biden of inspiring immigrants to try to enter the U.S. illegally.Trump issued a statement Friday alleging that the border is now totally out of control thanks to the disastrous leadership of Joe Biden.We don't take our advice or counsel from former President Trump on immigration policy, which was not only inhumane but ineffective over the last four years," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded Friday. We're going to chart our own path forward, and that includes treating children with humanity and respect and ensuring they're safe when they cross our borders.In recent days, Biden has also been criticized by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other Republicans for the releases of immigrant families in South Texas. Border authorities have stopped expelling families with young children out of some Texas cities due to a policy change in Mexico's Tamaulipas state. In several cities, local governments and advocacy groups test newly released families for COVID-19 and direct those with the virus to shelters or hotel rooms set aside for them.
Chennai, March 6 : With seat arrangement finalised between the Bharaiya Janata Party (BJP) and AIADMK, the poll fever is gradually building up in Tamil Nadu. The Union Home Minister and BJP stalwart Amit Shah will reach Kanyakumari on Sunday after flying down to Thiruvananthapuram. He will be travelling by road from Thiruvananthapuram amidst heavy security cover.

Shah will conduct a series of meetings with the party office-bearers and selected representatives from the public including prominent personalities of Kanyakumari.

Shah will participate in a dharshan at "Sthanumalayan" Temple in Sucheendram and will participate in a road show from Beach road to Veppumoodu.

He will address party workers at Vadasseri in Kanyakumari constituency.

BJP leader and former Union minister P. Radhakrishnan who is likely to contest for the ninth time from Kanyakumari parliamentary constituency will be accompanying Shah from Thiruvananthapuram airport and participate in public programmes with the Union Home Minister.

Radhakrishnan while speaking to IANS, said: "The party cadres and leaders are thrilled at the visit of Amit Shah. Rather than the Union Home Minister he is a major strategist for the party who will study in detail all the basic permutations and combinations of caste, communal, religious, social issues and formulate a strategy. His eye for detail is impeccable and we are banking on his visit for a crushing win in this Lok Sabha by-election from Kanyakumari as well as the victories of the BJP candidates at the Assembly constituencies of Kanyakumari and Nagercoil." The BJP leadership has made elaborate preparations on the visit of Shah and has made proper ground work on the social, economic, political and communal equations in each constituency.

Radhakrishnan said, "Our election campaign will gain a momentum once the Union Home Minister lands here and we will go for certain victories in a few Assembly constituencies and Kanyakumari Lok Sabha seat."

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Thane : , March 6 (IANS) The autopsy on the body of businessman Mansukh Hiren -- whose body was fished out of the Thane Creek marshes -- was completed here early on Saturday, police officials said.

However, the autopsy report, findings and opinion of the four-member medical team, has been kept in reserve while his viscera has been preserved for forensic analysis, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-I) Avinash Ambure.

Hiren shot into limelight after his stolen SUV Scorpio with 20 gelatin sticks and a purported typewritten threat note was found outside Antilia -- the residence of industrialist and Reliance Industries Ltd. Chairman Mukesh Ambani, on Feb. 25.

Hiren's body is likely to be handed over to his family around noon at their residence in Vikas Palms building in Charai area of the city.

The case has been handed over to the Anti Terrorist Squad, the Thane police as the SRPF deployed tight security outside the Hirens' residence since earlier in the day.

The Opposition BJP in Maharashtra has demanded a probe by the CBI or NIA, while his family, including wife Vimala, has rejected the 'suicide by drowning' theory pointing out that Hiren was an excellent swimmer.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
The massive power outages and resulting disruptions (and deaths) in Texas after a period of extreme cold in mid-February have significant implications for the nation as a whole. The high-profile catastrophe could also affect U.S. public opinion on several key issues.

Reconsider the Move to Alternative Energy Sources?

The Texas disaster quickly led to discussions of "green" energy and the implications of shifts from traditional fuel sources to alternatives such as wind and solar. Most reviews show that a loss of wind power due to the extreme cold in Texas was no more significant than the loss of power from traditional sources that furnish the vast majority of power in the state. But several Texas officials used the occasion to deflect blame for the crisis to the state's use of alternative energy sources. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at one point during the crisis, "This shows how the Green New Deal would be a deadly deal for the United States of America. Our wind and our solar got shut down, and they were collectively more than 10% of our power grid, and that thrust Texas into a situation where it was lacking power on a statewide basis. ... It just shows that fossil fuel is necessary." And this week The Wall Street Journal editorialized, "More Green Blackouts Ahead."

Prior to the Texas outages, Americans were quite positive about alternative energy sources. As I pointed out in a recent review, "Americans are concerned about the quality of the environment and are sensitive to the environmental harm done by various energy sources. Given this, the significant majority of Americans appear amenable to the idea of de-emphasizing fossil fuels, whether through laws that beef up fuel efficiency standards or by discouraging the production of heavy polluters like coal." And my colleague Justin McCarthy noted in his 2019 review of Gallup data that "most Americans support the general idea of dramatically reducing the country's use of fossil fuels over the next two decades as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change."

Could these attitudes be changed if Americans read or hear about hypotheses that increased reliance on alternative energy made Texas more vulnerable to power outages (whatever the reality)? Forthcoming research, particularly Gallup's March Environment survey, will help answer that question.

It's also possible that the image of the nation's oil and gas industry, already in the bottom half of the 25 industries measured in Gallup's annual update, will suffer further as a result of the Texas crisis.

More Concern About Climate Change?

The extreme weather conditions in Texas, last year's wildfires in California and 2012's Hurricane Sandy have all been portrayed as examples of the impact of climate change on our weather. As The Washington Post recently pointed out, "Some of the complex systems our society depends upon for basic necessities and economic growth, such as electricity, are unprepared even for the climate extremes of today, let alone more severe extremes climate scientists warn are coming." The question here is whether the Texas situation will help drive this realization home, and thus increase Americans' worry about climate change and its impact on earth's human societies.

Before the Texas situation, climate change was a relatively low-salience issue for Americans. Despite climate change being labeled an "existential threat" by politicians and others, very few Americans name it (or any aspect of the environment, for that matter) as the most important problem facing the nation (3% in Gallup's February update). Still, there is some evident concern when Americans are reminded about climate change in survey questions. Gallup's Lydia Saad reported last year on a segmentation of the public based on their views toward global warming, and concluded, "The largest group, describing 51% of Americans today, are what can be termed 'Concerned Believers.' They attribute global warming to human actions and take the threat seriously." And Pew Research in 2020 reported that a majority of Americans think the government is not doing enough to deal with climate change.

Additionally, a 2019 CBS News poll found that large majorities of Americans believed climate change contributed "a great deal" or "some" to a list of weather extremes. A Pew Research poll in 2019 similarly found that significant majorities of Americans at that point already said that extreme weather events were examples of the ways in which climate change was affecting their local community. Gallup asked Americans in 2019 if the temperatures in their local area had been colder or warmer than usual, and those who said yes were then asked if those temperatures were the result of climate change or normal variations. About a third of all Americans both said that the temperatures were either warmer or colder than usual and believed those changes were due to climate change.

The Texas situation is one in a long list of weather extremes in recent years, including floods, tornadoes, droughts, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, wildfires and extreme temperatures. At some point, all of these types of weather events may begin to increase Americans' recognition that climate change is affecting their daily lives.

Lose Faith in State Governments?

Another consequence of the Texas situation could be a diminution of the public's faith in state governments. Americans' trust in their state government has traditionally ranked higher than their trust in the legislative and executive branches of the federal government. This is a long-standing manifestation of the public opinion verity that things closer to home are viewed more positively than things further away. Indeed, it was Texas officials' antipathy toward the federal government that resulted in the decision decades ago to create the state's own power grid system, independent of federal regulation. This "go it alone" approach to power distribution obviously did not work well in the recent crisis.

A majority of Americans (54%) in Gallup's September Governance poll said that the federal government should do more to address the nation's problems. This is the highest such percentage since Gallup began asking the question in 1992 (this measure came in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have affected the responses). These data suggest the public may be more likely now than in the past to agree that the federal government has a legitimate role to play in providing for the public's basic infrastructure needs. The power grid situation and its regulation are thus playing out as the latest chapter in the historical conflict over exactly what role the federal government should have in Americans' lives, one of the critical issues we have faced as a nation since it was founded. The whole situation also raises questions about competence and the ability of government at any level to maintain the basic systems the nation needs to continue operating. If states lose credibility in the eyes of the public, the federal government may increasingly be seen as the entity best situated to address pressing energy concerns.

Impact on the 2024 Presidential Race?

One potential consequence of the Texas power situation is a possible ripple effect on the national political scene. The politician most in the spotlight is Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who ran for the GOP presidential nomination in 2016 and by most accounts will be running again in 2024. Cruz got massive media attention when he left Texas for a vacation in Cancun in the middle of February's power outages, leaving his fellow Texans suffering back at home. Cruz quickly returned to Houston, did the usual mea culpas and attempted to atone for his sins by passing out bottled water at Houston-area aid stations. How all of this will affect his 2024 presidential bid is a major unknown. Clearly, if nothing else, this latest incident has helped raise Cruz's name identification nationwide and among the Republican base he needs to win the party nomination. (It used to be said that all publicity is good publicity as long as they spell the name right.) At this point, national horse race polls among Republicans put Cruz nowhere near front-runner status for the 2024 GOP nomination. But that means little; Jimmy Carter in 1973 and Barack Obama in 2005 were also nowhere near front-runner status for their party's nomination. Cruz's behavior in February 2021 at the least will likely provide his Republican opponents with campaign fodder as the national presidential campaign heats up in 2023.

Bottom Line

Prior to the Texas crisis, energy was not a top-of-mind concern for Americans. Few mentioned it as the nation's top priority, and only 28% of Americans in our latest update said they worried a great deal about the availability and affordability of energy, much lower than at previous times over the past two decades. It is likely respondents were thinking about gas for their cars rather than electricity in their homes in answering that question, but the Texas crisis may accelerate a focus on the nation's power grid when Americans contemplate the nation's energy situation. This will be particularly true if electric cars displace gas-powered autos in ever-increasing numbers, further increasing reliance on the power grid for basic transportation.
The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is questioning how the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program fits into the Defense Department's future strategy, likening the Pentagon's most expensive program to date to "throwing money down that particular rathole."

"What does the F-35 give us?" Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., asked during a virtual Brookings Institution event Friday. "Is there a way to cut our losses? Is there a way to not keep spending so much money for such a low capability? Because the sustainment costs are brutal."

The F-35 program's total cost has been projected at more than $1 trillion over a 50-year service lifetime. The program has been plagued with breakdowns -- including engine fires, structural cracks, and peeling and crumbling insulation in its cooling lines. Lawmakers have also scrutinized the jet's sustainment, maintenance and supply chain management because of mismanagement and cost overruns.

Read Next: Just One 6-Pack: NAS Pensacola Limits Alcohol Sales as Discipline Problems Increase

While Smith acknowledged that Congress can't ditch the program, he wants the Pentagon to curtail its reliance on the fifth-generation platform.

"What I'm going to try to do is figure out how we can get a mix of fighter attack aircraft that's the most cost-effective -- bottom line," he said.

The U.S. Air Force is currently conducting a "TacAir study" to determine the right mix of aircraft for its future inventory and assess how "air dominance" fighter-drone concepts could fit into it.

Smith has spoken about the F-35's growing pains in the past, but also given credit to its slow but steady progress.

"The F-35 is the poster child for doing procurement the wrong way, but to the extent possible, they've cleaned up," he said in 2014.

"It will replace 90% of fighter aircraft," he said, as reported by The Washington Business Journal. "It's going forward. There's no scenario where we'd scrap it at this point."

Lockheed Martin beat out Boeing Co. for the program contract in 2001. It had to develop three versions of the jet -- one each for the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps -- which required a retrofit to jets still under development. That led to growing costs, drawing lawmakers' attention.

Despite pushback in the early years of the program, more lawmakers have begun to show interest in maintaining or even expanding it, especially those whose districts host manufacturing facilities or bases that house the stealth jet.

In 2019, a group of Republican senators urged the Pentagon to consider expanding the program through additional foreign military sales, or FMS, to create a stronger coalition of allies. The group included Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas.

Florida is home to F-35s at Eglin Air Force Base, which is part of the service's pilot training pipeline. Then-Vice President Mike Pence announced in 2019 that F-35s will also be headed to Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida's Panhandle, beginning in 2023. And manufacturer Lockheed Martin's main assembly line is located in Fort Worth, Texas; the company also has 91 supplier locations in the state, according to its website.

"In return for all of this, the United States strengthens its security and receives a boost to American jobs, exports, and the defense industrial base," the senators said.

Weeks later, the U.S. approved Poland as a potential F-35 FMS customer.

Based on the Defense Department's growing interest in the F-15EX fourth-plus generation fighter, Connecticut Democrats Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy became concerned that a reduction in F-35 procurement would slow engine production. Pratt & Whitney -- now part of Raytheon Technologies -- manufactures the jet's F135 engine at facilities in East Hartford and Middletown, Connecticut.

And in February 2019, Republican Sen. John Cornyn joined Cruz, Rubio and Maine Sen. Susan Collins to sign a letter urging the DoD not to decrease F-35 procurement even as a new F-15 fighter will join the Air Force's inventory.

The letter was also signed by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, whose state includes Eielson Air Force Base, where two F-35 squadrons will be based. Eielson received its first F-35 aircraft last year.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214.

Related: The Air Force May Soon Be Shopping for a New Fighter Jet
For Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport, kindness is not as common today as he would like.

Inspired by his wife, Chanie, he organized an initiative to spread kindness throughout the Syracuse community.

Members of Chabad House - a Jewish student organization at Syracuse University - have spent recent weeks packaging and delivering gifts to healthcare workers, fire and police departments. The initiative partnered with Syracuse Universitys Hendricks Chapel.

The exchange is inspired by Purim, a festive Jewish holiday that commemorates the day Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king. During Purim, which fell on February 26 and 27 this year, family and friends exchange gift baskets of food and drink.

The gifts for essential workers include cookies, candies and some flavored coffees and teas as a small thank you. Packages also include hamantaschen, triangle-shaped cookie pastries with fruit or savory filling.

Rabbi Yaakov Rapoport and students from Chabad House delivered mugs filled with treats to first responders and essential workers in honor of Purim.

Each mugs proclaims Kindness is Catchy.

In the past two weeks, the group has distributed about 300 packages, and Rapoport said he has gotten emails of gratitude of recipients.

That is what this is all about, he said. We want to show some gratitude to these people who are doing so much for us.

Emma Lambiaso, a freshman at Syracuse University, is one of the students involved with Kindness is Catchy. Lambiaso participates in events at Syracuse Universitys Chabad center and learned about the project from the Rapoports. She helped fill the mugs, package them, and deliver them to the Syracuse Police Department and Crouse Hospital.

In this pandemic especially, I love that were giving back to first responders. Its so hard because you feel so helpless, and the most you can do is take care of yourself and make sure youre staying safe. But theyre the people putting their lives on the line, and thats just incredible. Its something I really appreciate, Lambiaso said.

The group delivered gifts the week leading up to Purim and continue to spread cheer after the holiday. Rabbi Rapoport said there is a good chance they will keep making and delivering packages in the future, possibly every couple of months.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 02:02:43|Editor: huaxia

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Students pose with their new school bags donated by a Chinese company in Accra, Ghana, on March 5, 2021. A Chinese state-owned company on Friday donated a batch of face masks and stationery to aid the education of school pupils in the project community. The CRCC Harbor & Channel Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd, which undertakes the construction of the China-aided Jamestown Fishing Port Complex project, donated 500 pieces each of disposal face masks and KN95 face masks, and stationery including school bags, exercise books, pens and pencils. (Photo by Seth/Xinhua)

ACCRA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese state-owned company on Friday donated a batch of face masks and stationery to aid the education of school pupils in the project community.

The CRCC Harbor & Channel Engineering Bureau Group Co., Ltd, which undertakes the construction of the China-aided Jamestown Fishing Port Complex project, donated 500 pieces each of disposal face masks and KN95 face masks, and stationery including school bags, exercise books, pens and pencils.

Deputy Manager of the project Yan Qingshou said the company values education and the COVID-19 pandemic requires collective efforts to defeat in order to promote the education of the children.

Headmaster of the Christ the King of Kings Preparatory School Charles Amissah emphasized the timely manner of the donation, saying that it will boost academic work and help fight the pandemic.

Sub-metro Chairman for the Ashiedu Keteke of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly Raymond Tetteh commended the Chinese company for assisting the local people whenever they called on them and appealed to the company to continue with its good work in the country.

"Today we are gathered here for you to demonstrate once again your commitment to the school, on behalf of the Mayor of Accra, and on my behalf, I commend you for the good work and encourage you to keep it up," he said. Enditem
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BATON ROUGE, La.  Flossie West was not at all interested in taking the coronavirus vaccine.

Carla Brown, the nurse overseeing her care, was determined to change her mind.

Ms. West, 73, has ovarian cancer, congestive heart failure and breathing difficulties  conditions that place her at grave risk should she contract the virus. As it is, Covid-19 has killed far too many of her neighbors in Mid-City, a low-rise, predominantly Black community that sprawls to the east of the Louisiana state capital.

But Ms. Wests skepticism about the new vaccines overshadowed her fears of Covid-19. Im just not interested because everyone tells me the virus is a hoax, Ms. West said. And besides, that shot is going to make me more sick than I already am.

On Thursday morning, Ms. Brown, 62, breezed into Ms. Wests apartment and delivered a stern lecture: The virus is real, the vaccines are harmless and Ms. West should get out of bed, grab her oxygen tank and get into her car.
Bjoern Wylezich / TNS

Investigators with the Connecticut office of the Chief States Attorney arrested a New Hampshire woman on Friday, charging her with fraudulently billing behavioral health services that were actually performed by unlicensed people.

Rindge, New Hampshire, resident Kelly Stutzman is facing charges of first-degree larceny by defrauding a public community, and health insurance fraud, the states Division of Criminal Justice said in a news release.
Check more deets on rising complaints against vital Kansas City infrastructure that, unfortunately and continually, leaves local hanging . . . Here's the latest installment of this emergency report:

KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- When you call 9-1-1, you expect to be able to talk with some immediately, But if you live in Kansas City, be prepared to sit on hold and wait. You'll likely hear a recorded message before you get a dispatcher.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.


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The news that our dairy farmers are incorporating palm oil into cattle feed is more than a little disturbing.

There is nothing inherently wrong with palm oil, but the industry itself has a very dark side to it.

According to the WWF over 160,000 square miles (about the size of California) of forest has been destroyed in order to make way for palm oil production.

Use of children as young as 8 for labour in the plantation

Abuse and rape of women who work in the plantations and earn as little as $2.50 a day.

Use of dangerous chemicals such as paraquat by workers who have no proper protective equipment.

There is no good reason to have our cattle eating palm oil products when there are plenty of alternatives (like grass maybe!). So why are dairy farmers importing this stuff from the other side of the world, with all the environmental damage that entails?

Now that this has become public knowledge the dairy industry wants to do its own investigation. Given that dairy farmers are in a very privileged position in Canada whereby they have guaranteed prices and output for their products, the least they can do is give us all top quality. We already pay twice for every item of dairy produce that we buy: we pay higher prices than our neighbours to the south, and we have paid billions in taxpayer subsidies to keep the farmers in the manner to which they are accustomed. The government should ban the use of palm oil in cattle feed outright, although that might involve them growing a spine in order to stand up to the powerful dairy lobby.

Peter Emery, Kelowna
The controversial diamond earrings gifted to the Duchess of Sussex by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman remain her responsibility, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Gifts from foreign heads of state are officially considered Crown property, according to Royal protocol, which may explain why reporters accompanying Harry and Meghan on their 2018 tour to Fiji were told they had been 'borrowed'.

But wedding gifts given to senior Royals are not loaned out in a conventional sense from a central collection. Instead, the recipient has responsibility for them and can keep them before they are returned to the Crown after their death.

Meghan Duchess of Sussex attends a reception and dinner hosted by the President of Fiji at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva, Fiji, October 2018

Female members of the Royal Family are regularly loaned priceless jewellery by the Queen.

For example, Princess Beatrice, for her marriage to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in 2020, was lent Queen Mary's diamond fringe tiara  the headpiece the Queen wore on her wedding day to Prince Philip in 1947. The Queen also lent another of Queen Mary's tiaras to the Duchess of Sussex on her wedding day.

There are strict guidelines around accepting gifts as a member of the Royal Household. The official policy, in place since 2003, makes clear that Royals should think carefully about the reason for the gift and not accept it if it could be seen to put them under obligation to the donor, or if the donor expects something in return. This might include clothing which, if worn, could commercially benefit an individual.

Meghan Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry attend a reception and dinner hosted by the President of Fiji, October 2018

Members of the family can only receive personal gifts, which they can keep, if they meet strict conditions. They must be given by people known privately to the member of the Royal Household and not in connection with any public duty; or they must be worth less than 150 and come from bodies or individuals with whom the member of the Royal Household has an established relationship. Otherwise they are classed as 'official' gifts, which are not the personal property of individual Royals.

The Saudi royal family has regularly given jewellery to their British counterparts. Royal jewellery expert Lauren Kiehna said Princess Diana received a suite of diamond and sapphire jewels from Crown Prince Fahd as a wedding present in 1981, and the Duchess of Cornwall received three suites of jewellery during her official visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2006.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not respond to requests for comment.
Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali were blessed with a baby girl, Tara Bhanushali on August 21, 2019. The couple had also adopted their househelp's kids- Khushi and Rajveer, a few years ago. Jay and Mahhi have often been targeted by troll, who criticised them for preferring their biological daughter over their foster children. The duo had enough of it and they shut the trolls, who accused them of abandoning their foster kids by issuing an open letter.

In a long note on Instagram, Mahhi asked the haters to stop questioning or criticising them as it pains them and will hurt their children when they grow up. She revealed that Khushi and Rajveer are an integral part of their lives and they love all three of them (including their biological kid). She also explained why they (househelp and their kids) moved to their hometown to live with their grandparents.



She also mentioned that their foster kids have always been a part of their happiness or special occasions like Diwali and birthdays. The love for their foster kids doesn't change and will always grow.

The open letter began with, "A lot of you have been questioning, a lot of you have been assuming, a lot of you have been writing anything and everything and its just FAIR. Yes we are parents, FOSTER parents! Tara entered our lives as a beautiful blessing but that doesn't change our feelings for Khushi and Rajveer. When Khushi came into our lives, we became parents but a part of us knows that the decision and the first rights belong to her father and mother."

It further read, "So, today to all of you who may question that why aren't you seeing them with us or feel that we have abandoned them, please don't! It pains us and it will hurt our children when they grow up. For us all our three children are equally loved but two of them though living in their hometown are still precious for us. Our video calls and frequent exchange of messages keep us close to them and that's a decision none of us have a right to interfere in."

Mahhi concluded by requesting everyone to maintain peace. She wrote, "We hope that all your questions and assumptions are rested for once and all! Please bless our children, wish them well because that's all we want, positivity and Good Karma!"

Read the complete open letter here:

Also Read: Yeh Hai Chahatein: Sargun Kaur Reveals She Was Trolled Badly By Divyanka Tripathi Fans

Also Read: Shehnaaz Gill On Her Music Video With Sidharth Shukla: After Watching It, Fans Will Love Us Even More
NEW DELHI: Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan recently posted an iconic throwback picture taken during her pre-wedding ceremonies in 2014. In the throwback photo, Arpita appears to be all decked up in her wedding finery, donning a beautiful white embroidered lehenga-sari with orange seams. She appeared to have light make-up on and her hair curled at the ends.

On the other hand, Bollywood superstar Salman is seen showing off his sculpted body as he stands shirtless with a white towel tied around his waist. The siblings are all smiles in the photo and look picture perfect. Arpita captioned the photo and wrote, "Fond Memories @beingsalmankhan #majorthrowback #weddingmadness #brotherlove #gratitude #blessed #thankful". We also spotted another person standing behind the Khan sibling, dressed up in ethnic attire, however, we are not sure if he is the senior-most member of the family - Salim Khan or Sohail or Arbaaz. Nonetheless, we are totally in love with his adorable throwback picture.

Mini Mathur commented on the picture recalling the wedding morning. She wrote, "I remember this morning so well." Najmeddin Al Hadad also commented on the photo, saying that he missed Salman.

In terms of work, Salman Khan was last seen in Ali Abbas Zafar's film 'Bharat', released in 2019. He will next be seen in 'Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai', also starring Disha Patani, Jackie Shroff and Randeep Hooda. An action-thriller film directed by Prabhu Deva, 'Radhe' is a remake of the 2017 South Korean film 'The Outlaws'. It is scheduled for release on Eid 2021.

The actor is set to join the shooting for the franchise film 'Tiger 3' with Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi, which is expected to be released in 2022.
The Government is planning to slash hundreds of millions of pounds in foreign aid to countries in conflict zones around the world, according to a leaked document.

Figures obtained by the openDemocracy website reveal that senior Foreign Office officials have discussed cutting aid to Syria by two-thirds - from 137million pledged last year to just over 45million this year.

British aid to Libya could fall by 63 per cent in 2021-22, while assistance to Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could decline around 60 per cent.

In South Sudan, where millions currently face a devastating famine, British aid is set to drop from 110million to just 45million.

The UK plans to cut aid to some of the world's most conflict-ridden countries by up to two thirds, according to a leaked document.

Tory MP Andrew Mitchell called for a vote on the proposed aid cuts, while Sarah Champion of the Labour Party accused the Government of 'turning its back on some of the most vulnerable people in the world'.

A Government spokesperson said the 'seismic impact of the pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions', and further decisions on individual aid programmes were still to be made.

Figures obtained by the openDemocracy website reveal that senior Foreign Office officials have discussed cutting aid to Syria by two-thirds. Pictured, Dakhaniyeh in Damascus

British aid to Libya could fall by 63 per cent in 2021-22. Pictured, Benghazi

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in the House of Commons

Prime Minister Boris Johnson came under fire this week for slashing the UK's pledged support for aid in Yemen from 164million last year to 87million this year.

Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) spending, which includes governance, health, education, conflict, infrastructure, social development and humanitarian aid, is expected to fall sharply from next year.

At last year's Spending Review, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced the UK would reduce its aid budget from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of GDP.

British aid spending fell significantly last year, which Mr Johnson said was caused by the effect of the Government's Covid-19 measures on the economy.

In this week's Budget, the Foreign Office had its departmental budget cut from 12.7billion to 9.9billion.

Pressure from Tory backbenchers for a vote on budget cuts has grown in recent days, with former International Aid minister Andrew Mitchell arguing that such a move would damage the UK's global standing.

'Nothing like what is being suggested here should be considered until Parliament has given its express consent, which I rather doubt will be forthcoming,' Mr Mitchell told openDemocracy.

Sarah Champion MP, chair of the House of Commons International Development Committee, said that the scale of the budget cuts being considered by government led her to 'fear for the future of UK aid'.

Assistance to Somalia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could decline around 60 per cent. Pictured, the SYL Hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia

In South Sudan, where millions currently face a devastating famine, British aid is set to drop from 110million to just 45million. Pictured, Bor on January 26, 2014

'The government must explain the rationale for any cuts and be held accountable for the decisions it will take.'

Preet Kaur Gill, shadow secretary for international development, said: 'This is a devastating reminder of the real world impact the Government's politically motivated decision to abandon its manifesto commitment on aid will have on the world's most vulnerable people.

'Cuts in support to countries in the midst of multiple humanitarian crises would cause devastation; leading to some of the world's most vulnerable people to starve, stretched healthcare systems to collapse and access to clean water stripped away.

'Make no mistake, people will die. Callous cuts like this signal a retreat from the world stage and will make us all less safe. This is not Global Britain.'

Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesperson Layla Moran MP told openDemocracy: 'These shocking revelations are just a preview of what's to come and tell us everything we need to know about the Government's priorities.'

A Government spokesperson said: 'The seismic impact of the pandemic on the UK economy has forced us to take tough but necessary decisions, including temporarily reducing the overall amount we spend on aid.

'We remain a world-leading aid donor and we will spend more than 10billion this year to fight poverty, tackle climate change and improve global health.'
Bahrains ambitious metro project, featuring four metro lines running 109 km long, was introduced for the first time to international investors at a recent virtual event hosted by Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications.

This comes ahead of the launch of international tendering for the project later this year.

Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed chaired the event Bahrain Metro Market Consultation, in the presence of senior officials including Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

During the event, Phase One of the project including technical studies, finance and legal aspects were showcased as part of the public private partnership (PPP).

Phase One of the project comprises two lines with a length of 28.6 km and 20 stations, including two interchanges.

The Red Line will run from Seef, via Manama, to Bahrain International Airport, while the Blue Line will run from Juffair, via the Diplomatic Area, Manama, Al Farouq Junction and Salmaniya, to Isa Town Educational Area, said .

The system is being designed to carry 43,000 passengers per hour and is intended to reduce road traffic congestion in the kingdom. It will be the countrys first rail-based mass transit system.

Kamal Ahmed said the project will be carried out through a public-private partnership (PPP). "We have appointed a team for the early stages of the project, including Anglo-Dutch multinational professional services firm KPMG as the lead and financial advisor; Egis, France, as a technical advisor; and multinational law firm DLA Piper as legal advisor," stated the minister.

"The metro is part of Bahrains Economic Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to enhance the countrys economic sustainability, competitiveness and fairness over the next 10 years," he added.-TradeArabia News Service

Former president Donald Trump has sent a cease-and-desist letter to at least three Republican organizations demanding they stop using his name and likeness to fundraise, two Trump advisers confirmed Saturday.

The letter, which was first reported by Politico, was sent to the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Representatives for the three groups did not immediately respond to requests for comment or for copies of the letter Saturday.

It is unclear what Trump's team would consider off-limits, though Politico noted the RNC on Friday sent two fundraising emails that asked those who considered themselves "President Trump's most loyal SUPPORTERS" to virtually sign "the Official Trump 'Thank You' Card."

The outlet also reported that Trump has been angry that those groups could use his name to support Republicans who voted to impeach him a second time. Ten Republican members of Congress voted to impeach Trump in the House, and seven Republican senators voted with Democrats to find the former president guilty of inciting the mob that overran the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Despite some minor dissent within the Republican Party, Trump continues to assert himself as the leader of the GOP. At his appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference last month, Trump vowed that his "America First" movement was just getting started, and speaker after speaker affirmed him as the future of the party. A demand that the GOP's largest fundraising groups not raise money off Trump's name could complicate Republicans' efforts to take back the White House, Senate and House, as Trump has promised they will.

Trump is no stranger to the cease-and-desist letter, having deployed strongly worded missives that threaten litigation in his business, campaign and presidency. In 2015, Trump's campaign accused the conservative Club for Growth of running a defamatory ad against him and threatened a lawsuit if they didn't stop airing it.

In 2018, Trump's lawyers sent a cease-and-desist letter to his former chief strategist Steve Bannon after Bannon was quoted in a Michael Wolff book describing a Trump Tower meeting as "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." Legal action was "imminent," his lawyers said then. Trump's attorneys also sent a cease-and-desist lawyer to Wolff and his publisher, Steve Rubin, demanding that they halt publication and release of Wolff's book, "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House." (The effort was unsuccessful.)

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Thiruvananthapuram, March 6 : Workers of the ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) on Saturday hit the streets and marched towards Customs offices in the state capital, Kochi and Kozhikode.

The provocation was a statement about Swapna Suresh, prime accused in the Kerala Gold Smuggling case recorded under Section 108 of the Customs Act, and the 164 statement (given before the Magistrate) filed by Sumit Kumar, Customs Commissioner ( Preventive) in the Kerala High Court on Thursday, which could spell trouble for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, three of his cabinet colleagues and Speaker P.Sreeramakrishnan.

The statement, which surfaced in the media on Friday, read: "Her close connection with the Chief Minister and his principal secretary and a personal staff was also revealed by her. She has also stated with clarity about smuggling of foreign currency at the instance of the Chief Minister and the Speaker with the help of the Consulate. She has also clearly stated about the improper and illegal activities of three Ministers of the State cabinet and the Speaker. She has further stated about the involvement and the kickbacks received by high profile persons from various deals.

"She has stated that she is aware of all these transactions and was a witness to the same as she is well versed in Arabic language and hence was forced to act as the translator between the above said persons and the persons of Middle East origin in all their crucial interactions," said the statement of the Customs which is before the high court. "The role of the former principal secretary (M.Sivasankar) in acting as the link between the high-profile politicians of Kerala and the UAE Consulate officials as well as some others and in coordinating the illegal financial dealings under the cover of various activities and projects of the state government was also revealed by her," the statement further said.

On Friday night came another shocker that Sreeramakrishnan has been served a notice by the Customs to appear before them for questioning on March 12.

When this became big news, the CPI-M decided to take the fight into the enemy camp and announced they will protest before the Customs offices in the state.

If this wasn't enough, came another news on Saturday morning that Vinodhini Balakrishnan, wife of former CPI-M state secretary and politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, has been asked to appear before the Customs on March 10 for questioning on how and where she got an iPhone, believed to have been given by Santhosh Eapen, a close aide of Swapna Suresh.

Not one to take things lying down, Sumit Kumar the Customs Commissioner, wrote in a Facebook post, "A political party trying intimidation will not work." Below this post, Kumar has posted posters of the CPI-M asking its cadres to take part in the protest marches to Customs offices.

Joining issue was Union Minister of State for External Affairs V.Muraleedharan - the lone Keralite in the Narendra Modi cabinet. He told the media in the state capital the protesters should march towards the CPI-M party headquarters here, or to the 'house' where everything has happened.

"The CPI-M's routine statement attacking the BJP for using the agencies will not hold water anymore. The UAE Consular General here was provided X category security by the Kerala Government. The centre has no clue about it and do not know for 'what' reason was it given," said Muraleedharan.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama has proved, in her four years in office, to be a reliably conformist Southern Republican, with a record of defending former President Donald J. Trump, the Second Amendment and monuments to the Confederacy.

But this week, Ms. Ivey, a 76-year-old veteran of Southern politics, demonstrated, yet again, that she harbored a pronounced maverick streak when it came to the emotionally charged matter of mask-wearing during the coronavirus pandemic. Bucking pressure from fellow Alabama Republicans, Ms. Ivey declared on Thursday that she would extend the states mask mandate until April 9, even as Republican governors in Texas and Mississippi lifted such requirements in the name of personal freedom.

We need to get past Easter and hopefully allow more Alabamians to get their first shot before we take a step some other states have taken to remove the mask order altogether and lift other restrictions, Ms. Ivey said at a news conference. Folks, we are not there yet, but goodness knows were getting closer.

Ms. Iveys supporters say the move is rooted in her practical-minded approach to governing, though they also acknowledge that it could create primary vulnerabilities for her if she runs for re-election next year in a profoundly conservative state, particularly since President Biden has amped up the partisanship on the matter, blasting governors of Texas and Mississippi for their Neanderthal thinking. But none of this has seemed to faze the governor since she first issued the mask mandate in July.
Governmentalising schemes in favour of a privileged caste defeats the principle of justice.

In the past month, the B S Yediyurappa government in Karnataka announced two schemes for Brahmin brides, to be implemented through the Brahmin Development Board instituted by the government in July 2020. One is the Arundhati scheme, under which a payment of `25,000 each will be made for the marriage of 550 Brahmin brides who are economically weak, and the other is the Maitreyi scheme, under which the payment of `3 lakh (spread over three years) will be made to 25 Brahmin women who marry Brahmin priests from an economically weaker background. The Arundhati scheme has parallels with earlier schemes introduced by the Congress to support brides of the minority community who are economically weak. It is the Maitreyi scheme that raises concerns. There is no doubt that there is a crisis in the priestly community among the Brahmins. There are many cases of poor priest families among Brahmins. The question is not whether they should be supported, but who should take the responsibility for doing this.

These two schemes, and particularly the Maitreyi scheme, add more colour to the growing caste politics in Karnataka. The state recently witnessed a massive show of strength by the Lingayat Panchasamilis who have been protesting for inclusion in the 2A category of reservations in the state. At the same time, within the Brahmin groups in the state, there is an interesting cultural reassertion. One such assertion can arguably be seen in the growing number of fast-food joints in Bengaluru, the Darshinis, being specifically identified by the Brahmin tag. Politically, this can be seen not just in the political support to Brahmins from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but also by the growing number of vocal leaders from this community.
A 30-year-old woman and a man in his early 30s are in a serious condition in hospital after they were shot at a flat complex in the Bluebell area of south Dublin.

It's understood the woman was shot in the chest and the arm.

A man was also taken to hospital with gun shot injuries.

The scene of the shooting incident has been preserved for a technical examination and Gardai from Killmainham are investigating.

"Gardai are investigating a shooting incident that occurred at an apartment in Bluebell, Dublin 8, this afternoon Saturday 6th March, 2021 at approximately 1p.m.," a Garda spokesperson said. in a statement this evening.

"A woman, aged in her 30s, received gunshot wounds and was removed to St. James Hospital in a serious condition.

"A short time later a man (early 30s) attended St. James Hospital with gunshots wounds. He is in a serious condition.

The Garda Forensic Investigators are currently at scene and a technical examination is taking place.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward.

Expand Close Garda technical bureau at the scene of a shooting incident that took place at Bernard Curtis House, a flat complex in the south of the city today. Picture by Fergal Phillips / Facebook

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Whatsapp Garda technical bureau at the scene of a shooting incident that took place at Bernard Curtis House, a flat complex in the south of the city today. Picture by Fergal Phillips

Anyone with any information in relation to this matter should contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666 9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

It's understood the female victim is known to real IRA killer Sean Connolly who is serving life for murdering veteran crime boss Eamon Kelly.

Kelly (65) was shot dead near his home as he returned home from a betting shop in December 2012.

Sean Connolly has been serving a life sentence since he pleaded guilty to the murder at the Special Criminal Court in April 2015.

Connolly had been charged at a special sitting of the non-jury court with the murder of Kelly at Furry Park Road, Killester, on 4 December 2012.

Connolly had also been charged with IRA membership and with possession of a firearm on the same occasion.

However, Connolly pleaded guilty to the murder of Kelly before his trial started and the court was told that the remaining two counts would proceed no further.
Although Jennifer Chappel is coming up on 10 years as president and CEO of Midland County Habitat for Humanity, nothing could have prepared her for the challenges the organization has navigated this past year.

Chappel says the global pandemic and devastating flooding that followed May's mid-Michigan dam failures made it more apparent than ever that housing is a critical need in the community.

I know I did a lot of self reflection on housing, of how blessed my family is, and it made me even more proud to know that our mission is to make sure that people have safe, decent, affordable housing, she said.

I remember standing in my living room watching the dam collapse, and just knowing what this means for our community, what this means for the families that we serve, Chappel added.

One major challenge has been the inability to mobilize volunteers on a large scale, which is crucial to the organizations mission. Chappel says that Habitat for Humanity typically engages anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 volunteers annually.

That gap in the volunteer base contributed to the decision to partner with United Way of Midland County to provide flood recovery assistance through the Long Term Disaster Recovery Group.

We have strengths with construction and housing, and they have other strengths, Chappel said.

Another huge blow came with the necessity for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore to be closed, which provides for a large portion of the organizations cashflow.

Many non-profits have been in a similar boat throughout the pandemic, with most estimating losses of 10% to 30%, according to a survey by the Michigan Nonprofit Association.

Habitats annual neighborhood revitalization project and new home build were also not able to take place this year due to the challenges that arose from the pandemic, but Chappel is pleased with the amount of support provided to those in need of home repairs after the flood.

Weve served more families through repair this year than we ever have before, because we work with a lot of contractors, she said.

An attitude of teamwork, support and dedication to the mission permeates through the organization, extending beyond Chappel and into the board of directors as well.

Even before there was any federal announcement for support, our board had committed to paying our staff for at least two pay cycles, Chappel said.

Chappels leadership style mirrors that approach, and she says she would never ask a member of her team to take on a task she wouldnt be willing to do herself.

I am an employee of this organization, just like anyone else. I just have the most responsibility, she said.

Looking forward, plans are to break ground this spring on a multi-family housing development, in response to a housing study completed in 2018 in Midland County.

The inability to engage volunteers to help with that project means that all hands will be on deck when it comes time to build. But despite those challenges, Chappel is optimistic about the future.

We might literally all be out there building, she said.
Authorities are searching for a 17-year-old Houston girl who vanished from her home in December.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and the Houston Police Department is asking the public to help find Allison Sleeper, last seen on Dec. 8. She has not been seen or heard from since then, according to police.
It is now leftist orthodoxy that any disparities you can measure between groups are evidence of racism and white supremacy, and that equity requires equal outcomes, not equal rights. One reason todays race-mongers say it is no longer legitimate to treat people as individuals can be grasped by comparing these two news stories from earlier this week involving the educational outcomes of two black teen boys, one in Baltimore, and one in Atlanta.

Lets start with Baltimore:

City student passes 3 classes in four years, ranks near top half of class with 0.13 GPA A shocking discovery out of a Baltimore City high school, where Project Baltimore has found hundreds of students are failing. Its a school where a student who passed three classes in four years, ranks near the top half of his class with a 0.13 grade point average. Tiffany France thought her son would receive his diploma this coming June. But after four years of high school, France just learned, her 17-year-old must start over. Hes been moved back to ninth grade. Hes stressed and I am too. I told him Im probably going to start crying. I dont know what to do for him, France told Project Baltimore. Why would he do three more years in school? He didnt fail, the school failed him. The school failed at their job. They failed. They failed, thats the problem here. He didnt deserve that. Hes a good kid. Wheres the mentors? Where is the help for him? I hate that this is happening to my child, said an emotional France. She thought her oldest son was doing well because even though he failed most of his classes, he was being promoted. His transcripts show he failed Spanish I and Algebra I but was promoted to Spanish II and Algebra II. He also failed English II but was passed on to English III. . . As we dig deeper into her sons records, we can see in his first three years at Augusta Fells, he failed 22 classes and was late or absent 272 days. But in those three years, only one teacher requested a parent conference, which France says never happened. No one from the school told France her son was failing and not going to class.

Read through the rest of the full story at the headline link above to take the gobbledegook from the school bureaucrats to explain away their manifest failure, and keep in mind that Baltimore ranks in the top ten school districts in the nation by the level of spending per studentabout $16,000.

Needless to say, if we had genuine school choice, Tiffany France would have options for her son. But the corrupt compulsory education monopoly protected by Democrats wont budge. Instead well be told that Tiffany Frances son (who is never named in the story) is the victim of racism, and hand over more money to the school system now.

Lets swing to Atlanta:

12-year-old genius on soaring through college: I just grasp information quickly Whip-smart kids apply every year to Georgia Tech. But no one like Caleb Anderson. Hes 12 years old. [See Caleb below.] Im not really smart, he told correspondent Mark Strassmann. I just grasp information quickly. So, if I learn quicker, then I get ahead faster. This elite engineering school fell over itself recruiting him. Caleb saw the labs, and met the schools president, Angel Cabrera. Strassmann asked Calebs parents, Claire and Kobi Anderson, Whats it like to be touring a college when your kid is 12? I dont think anything Caleb has done has been normal for us, said Claire. Caleb knew sign language by nine months. At age one, he was reading. At age two, he knew how to do fractions. . . His mother Claire added that their hopes for Caleb go far beyond grades, to make sure that when he is an adult, hell make a great husband, a great father, a great friend one day.

Some observations: Quite obviously Caleb is a very gifted child, with a bright future ahead of him. Note also that he has two parents involved in his life, who it appears understand the importance of transmitting what we used to call virtue. The story doesnt say whether he attended a private school, but with his kind of innate intelligence and caring parents, he would probably thrive at an average public school. There is a mountain of social science data, all ignored or attacked by the race-grievance industry, that converge on the conclusion that having an intact family with both a father and mother in the household has significant results in the outcomes of all children, regardless of race.

Finally, for more than 25 years Charles Murray has been attacked by everyone who doesnt actually read his books for pointing out that the differences within groups on things like standardized tests are more important than differences between groups. We see this clearly here in the examples of Tiffany Frances son and Caleb Anderson. And we see also why it has become necessary for the race-grievance industry to suppress the traditional principle of treating people as individualsand holding government accountable for its catastrophic failures like urban public schools.

The Mission's freedom of movement continued to be restricted.

The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine on March 4 recorded 47 violations of the ceasefire in Donbas.

This is stated in the OSCE SMM's March 5 daily report based on information as of 19:30 Kyiv time on March 4, 2021.

"In Donetsk region, the SMM recorded 11 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded 102 ceasefire violations in the region," it said.

Read alsoDonbas warzone update: One WIA amid seven truce violations on March 5In Luhansk region, the Mission recorded 36 ceasefire violations. In the previous reporting period, it recorded no ceasefire violations.

It is noted the Mission's freedom of movement continued to be restricted.

Latest developments in Donbas

Earlier, the so-called "people's militia of the DPR" announced they allegedly "had obtained permission for pre-emptive fire to suppress the enemy's gun positions."

Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the TCG Leonid Kravchuk said the relevant announcement was seen as Russia's possible withdrawal from the peace deal on Donbas.

On March 4, Russian president Vladimir Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov claimed the Ukrainian side should remain a supporter of the Minsk agreements, and expressed "concern" about the rising tension along the contact line in Donbas.

In this regard, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called on Russia to stop shifting responsibility for the implementation of the Minsk agreements onto others.

Reporting by UNIAN

Bengaluru, March 7 : Bengaluru civic body commissioner N Manjunath Parasad on Saturday directed health officers to ramp up Covid vaccine drive as well as increase the testing also and keep a check on rise in the Covid-19 cases.

Addressing virtual meetings with health officers here, Prasad said that the government has already issued a circular in this regard to increase vaccination drive in all Primary Health Centres as well as in private hospitals too.

He added that the new vaccination drive being launched on March 8 and it happens to be International Women's Day, the civic body will have to take steps to set-up pink booths to exclusively administer vaccination to women.

"According to the new mandate, each PHC will have to inoculate 50 to 100 persons a day while in taluka centres it will be no less than 200 inoculation a day. Health department will have to work on this line to meet the new requirement," he said.

The commissioner also added that the health department will have to intensify surveillance of influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). "We are at present conducting 38,000 test per day, we must not lose focus on these illnesses to bring down the numbers," he said.

Meanwhile the Bengaluru civic body administrator Gaurav Gupta said that the civic body would take suitable measures to expedite vaccination and drive everyone in a phased manner.

Participating in the ward committee, Gupta said that to vaccinate everyone and in a phased manner the number of people getting vaccinated are being increased.

"Vaccination drive will intensify from next week onwards. Vaccine will be available in all primary health care centres, referral hospitals and private hospitals, he informed. Everyone would get the vaccine," he assured.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address a conference of the countys top military leadership in Gujarats Kevadia on Saturday (March 6) which will also see the participation of jawans and junior commissioned officers (JCOs) for the first time.

The three-day Combined Commander's Conference (CCC) started on Thursday. NSA Ajit Doval, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Army Chief General M.M. Naravane, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and senior officials of the Defence Ministry and the armed forces will be present at the conference.

The agenda of the meet is to review the working of the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), from the unification of the three armies and the creation of theater command.

The annual Combined Commanders Conference was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. In 2014, the CCC meet had taken place for the first time, it was only then that the three forces suggested the conference to be moved out of Delhi.

The meet is taking place at a time when India and China are engaged in talks on disengagement of troops after around nine months of confrontation in eastern Ladakh.

A border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5 last year following a violent clash in the Pangong lake area and both sides gradually enhanced their deployment by rushing in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry at the border.
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The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has urged the youth in Lagos to embrace peace and avoid thuggery.

Mr Tinubu gave the advice on Friday during the inauguration of the 1.4 km flyover at the Pen Cinema junction, Agege.

He urged them to embrace peace for prosperity of the area.

According to him, no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of insecurity, hence, the need to embrace peace at all times.

The national leader commended the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his cabinet for putting the state on the path to progress.

He praised them for being steadfast even during the COVID-19 pandemic and EndSARS mayhem.

Instead of showing frustration, you have showcased where there is a focused government, no matter the turbulence you run into, you can bring prosperity.

We thank you for not letting us down and for being who you are and what we believed you were before election, Mr Tinubu, who is also a former governor of Lagos, said.

He said that though some party followers doubted the capability of Mr Sanwo-Olu when he was chosen as the governorship candidate of the party in 2018, his performances since he became governor had proven doubters wrong.

According to him, the ship of the state in 2017-2018 seemed to have been geared toward the wrong direction but Mr Sanwo-Olu turned it round as the captain with his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat.

We thank this administration for not letting us down, we thank you for being who you are and who we think you were even before the election.

Ever since Babajide Sanwo-Olu became the captain of the ship of our state, he has turned it right for progress and development and shown good leadership.

Those of you at the cabinet have developed an equal determination to develop and rebuild for the people of Lagos state, he said.

Mr Tinubu said the current administration was a team of great performers and doers, who were capable of building Lagos back to progress.

I am elated that Lagos has become a huge construction site. I recognise and commend the harmony between the Executive and the Legislature that has brought much development to the state.

In APC, we seek for talents and we dont destroy them, we prune them and watch them grow and perform satisfactorily.

As a government, you have shown commitment even in the face of the pandemic. The road (Agege Flyover) will bring development and good life.

The youth, l encourage you to avoid thuggery and destruction. Government has given you education to reach greater heights, Mr Tinubu said.

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A person is seen reading the London Evening Standard with the news that Prince Harry has announced his engagement to Meghan Markle, (Photo : REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi/File Photo)

Prince Harry, grandson of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, and his American wife Meghan give a highly-anticipated interview with U.S. chat shot host Oprah Winfrey which airs on Sunday.



Here is a timeline of the couple's relationship, culminating in their split from the British royal family.



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July 2016: Harry, who is now sixth-in-line to the British throne and Meghan, a divorced actress from Los Angeles best known for her role in TV legal drama "Suits", go on a blind date after being introduced by a friend.



A few weeks later, the British prince takes her on a romantic holiday to Botswana.



Oct. 2016: British tabloids begin to write stories saying Harry is secretly dating Meghan, whose father is white and mother African-American.



Nov. 2016: Harry formally reveals the couple's relationship, issuing a statement through his official office to hit out at the media for intruding into his girlfriend's private life, accusing some papers of abuse and harassment, some of which he described as racist.



Sept. 2017: Meghan gives an interview to Vanity Fair magazine in which she says the couple are in love and happy together.



Sept. 2017: The couple make their first public appearance together at the Invictus Games in Toronto, pictured together holding hands as they watched an event.



Nov. 2017: Harry's father, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, issues a statement to say Harry and Meghan are engaged.



Dec. 2017: The couple draw cheering crowds as they carry out their first official engagement together in Nottingham, central England.



May 2018: Days before the wedding, Meghan's father Thomas Markle reveals he will not attend after it is reported he staged paparazzi photographs. He announces he requires a heart procedure.



The couple tie the knot in the medieval chapel of the queen's Windsor Castle, with Meghan accompanied down the aisle by Prince Charles in her father's stead. They are bestowed with the titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.



Oct. 2018: Harry and Meghan announce she is expecting their first child while in Australia on their first overseas tour.



March 2019: In the first indication of tensions behind the scenes, Buckingham Palace announces Harry and Meghan will set up their own household, breaking from the joint operation they had with Harry's elder brother Prince William and his wife Kate. There are media reports of rifts between the two couples.



May 2019: Meghan gives birth to a baby boy named Archie. The couple invite a small group of media to Windsor Castle for a photocall, prompting grumbling among some parts of the press that had been increasingly critical of the couple.



Oct. 2019: Meghan announces she is suing the Mail on Sunday newspaper for printing parts of a letter she wrote to her estranged father months after the wedding. Days later, Harry announces he is suing other papers over allegations of phone-hacking.



In a TV documentary, Harry discloses a rift with his brother William. He accuses the media of bullying, comparing it to their treatment of his mother, the late Princess Diana, before her death in a Paris car crash in 1997.



Meghan says life had been hard as a new mother dealing with intense scrutiny, saying friends had warned her not to marry Harry because of the conduct of the British tabloid press.



Jan. 2020: The couple stun Queen Elizabeth and the royal family by announcing their intent to step back from senior roles, become financially independent and spend more time in North America.



After 10 days of talks between senior family members, it is agreed the couple will no longer be working royals and will give up their "Royal Highness" titles.



March 2020: Harry and Meghan carry out their last official engagement at the annual Commonwealth Day service in London. They move to California in what papers dub "Megxit".



Sept. 2020: Streaming service Netflix, which made the hit TV drama "The Crown" based on the life of Queen Elizabeth and her family, announces the couple have signed a multi-year deal to produce films and series ranging from children's shows to scripted content.



Feb. 2021: Harry, who served in the armed forces for a decade, wins an apology and damages from the Mail on Sunday over an article claiming he had turned his back on the military.



A London High Court judge rules the same paper breached Meghan's privacy by publishing extracts of her letter to her father, with the Duchess saying it had been held to account for its "dehumanizing practices".



Days later, the couple announce they are expecting their second child. The following day, it is announced that they will give an in-depth interview to U.S. chat show host Oprah Winfrey.



Four days after that announcement, Buckingham Palace announces the couple's split as working members of the monarchy is permanent and they will lose their royal patronages.



Feb. 2021: Harry tells James Corden, British host of the U.S. TV programme "The Late Late Show", that he stepped away from royal duties because the "toxic" British press was destroying his mental health and he wanted to protect his family.



March 2021: Buckingham Palace says it is "very concerned" about a report in the Times newspaper detailing allegations of bullying made by former staff of Harry and Meghan and will launch an investigation.



March 7, 2021: "Oprah with Meghan and Harry: a CBS primetime special" due to be broadcast.



They arrived at their mini-suite on the Grand Princess Dolphin Deck to find a Happy Anniversary! banner strung across the doorway. During Formal Night, Gina Pallotta and Michael Neky shared a white-tablecloth dinner to celebrate a marriage that had begun 16 years earlier on the bow of that very ship. They spent two blissful weeks floating through the Hawaiian Islands.

Looking back on the cruise one year later, they dont think about those things.

Instead, they remember the days spent circling international waters outside the Golden Gate Bridge, after the pandemic turned their pleasure cruise into a nightmare. Because, when the Grand Princess left San Francisco in February 2020, it carried not only 3,533 passengers and crew from 54 countries  but the coronavirus, too.

By early March, the Grand Princess became an early, ominous image of the devastation the pandemic would wreak on the United States. The luxury-liner-turned-containment-zone floated near the Farallon Islands, forbidden from docking until government officials decided how to deal with its passengers. More and more fell ill by the day.

They wouldnt disembark in Oakland until March 9. Quarantined in their state rooms, Pallotta, 61, and Neky, 63, worried theyd been sentenced to death.

To survive the cruise  not to mention the year of fear and uncertainty that followed  the pair were forced to do something they had spent nearly two decades of marriage practicing.

They had to stick together.

They got married aboard the Grand Princess on Jan. 20, 2004, friends and family watching by webcam.

Too many people had opinions on their wedding, including their grown children from previous marriages, so they opted to do it their own way. The marriage certificate was issued by the Bahamas, though Pallotta suspected they were closer to Cuba. That, along with their mismatched last names  she told him on their second date she wouldnt change hers  sometimes made people assume the certificate was a fake.

As their 16th anniversary neared, the Modesto couple decided to return to the Grand Princess to celebrate. Pallotta considered canceling as the coronavirus began to dominate headlines, but Carnival assured her it was taking all precautions. And the virus seemed far away, in Wuhan, China.

Once aboard, she and Neky noticed the informational signs and bottled hand sanitizer placed strategically around the ship. It eased their minds. Still, she said, they avoided the buffet  just in case.

The five-day trip across the Pacific was easy enough, and the trip through the Hawaiian islands, relaxing. But soon, Pallotta began to notice subtle shifts in protocol: Passengers could no longer salt and pepper their own food. Bread baskets vanished from dining tables. Waiters wore plastic gloves while tending to tables spaced with 6-foot buffers.

Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle

On March 4, the captain announced he was cutting the trip short. At least 21 people were experiencing symptoms.

The next day, a 72-year-old Santa Clara County man who had recently disembarked the cruise died in his home, the second suspected coronavirus death linked to the Grand Princess. The ship was officially placed under quarantine. No one was to leave their room.

Pallotta and Neky stocked up on bottled water and snacks. On their stateroom television, the couple watched as Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and as National Guard helicopters dropped virus test kits on the boat. They watched as President Donald Trump threatened to keep the boat at sea, for fear that the nations case count would double because of one ship that wasnt our fault.

The Grand Princess kept going in circles. They felt trapped. Pallotta wished the boat would just dock, but it never did. Each day repeated like the last.

The crew slid activity packs under their door: Sudoku at Sea, coloring books and decks of cards. They noticed dozens of free movies added to their televisions, along with video meditation and yoga classes.

Then came the fresh air and sunlight program, the ships newest initiative, allowing an hours walk on the deck. That was OK, but Pallotta felt lucky she and Neky had a balcony. They chatted with their neighbors over the partition.

Pallotta, who worked as a child psychologist at a Kaiser hospital in Sacramento, figured she wouldnt be going to work any time soon. Shed only taken two weeks off for the trip.

Neky was retired and didnt have the same concerns  but he had diabetes, and he was running out of medication. Pallotta called the office of their local congressman, Rep. Josh Harder. On March 8, a helicopter dropped Nekys insulin onto the ship, along with 405 other prescriptions.

The next day, March 9, the Grand Princess docked in Oakland. As the ship cut under the Golden Gate Bridge, passengers cheered from their balconies.

The Canadians were the first to disembark. After shuffling down the gangplank, officials took their temperatures in tents draped with the countrys flag.

Watching them leave from their balcony, Pallotta and Neky prepared for what would come next. Before they could go home, they knew, they would need to quarantine at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield. Some passengers began calling it Camp Corona.

The couple heard that one womans husband had recently been ushered from the ship by ambulance. She didnt know where hed been taken, or how long hed be gone. Palotta and Neky made a pact: no splitting up.

At the Air Force base, they holed up in their assigned apartment. They stayed together, even to turn in a load of laundry or to pick up meals. They watched as servings of fruit and vegetables dwindled. One day, Pallotta opened a takeout container to find half a moldy turkey sandwich.

Sometimes the wailing of ambulances  flashing red and blue in the dark of night  broke the quiet, telling them another passenger from the ship had been taken away. Two people tested positive within the first few days at the base, despite officials assurances that everyone had been screened beforehand.

Pallotta and Neky were afraid. They avoided leaving their room, wondering if they had been exposed.

Still, they didnt feel alone. They continued to make each other laugh and smile. Behind the fences, their marriage grew stronger.

By April, they were finally home  a place that had become unfamiliar to them.

Pallotta missed six weeks of work. By the time she returned, everyone was working remotely. Pallotta was happy to skip her commute but missed her colleagues and seeing patients in person.

She works with children, and shes seen them suffer, abused or left without food to eat. With the pandemic raging, they cant escape to be with friends and teachers. Pallotta is troubled by the growing number of students who are depressed, even suicidal.

She feels lucky she has her husband to listen. These days, its mostly just the two of them.

Both from big families, they normally invite 20 people over for Christmas dinner. But this December, they arranged two placemats on the long dining table. It was both funny and sad, Pallotta thought.

They try to get out of the house when they can. They power up their Tesla and drive to Half Moon Bay for chowder and artichoke hearts from Sams Chowder House. They park with their takeout boxes in a lot overlooking the beach, eat, then go home. Their feet never touch the ground.

They try to make the best of things, but its not always easy. Nekys 90-year-old mother recently contracted the coronavirus in her nursing home. Theyre both worried about her.

As a health care worker, Pallotta was vaccinated in February. Neky hasnt received a vaccine yet, but they hope hes next in line.

Pallotta is practical  her husband, not so much. Recently, she tried to convince Neky that they should purchase cemetery plots, side by side, because you just never know. She didnt want to burden their children with that responsibility when the time came. He just shook his head.

This spring, Pallota and Nekys anniversary arrived again on Jan. 20. They barbecued steaks and boiled pasta, split a nice bottle of red wine. It wasnt an extravagant dinner, not like what theyd had aboard the Grand Princess.

But all of these years later  and after the cruise to nowhere, and a year-long quarantine  Pallotta and Neky still enjoy each others company. Thats something, Pallotta said.

How many couples can still say that?

Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @lizziejohnsonnn
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The Nigerian government says it has no plans to spend N10 billion to distribute COVID-19 vaccines contrary to a newspaper report.

The Executive Secretary of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, stated the governments position in Abuja on Saturday.

A report published by the Punch newspapers on Friday stated that the government earmarked N10.6 billion to transport COVID-19 vaccines to the 36 states and the 774 Local Government Areas as well as the Federal Capital Territory and its five area councils. That amount, if true, would be considered highly inflated in a country battling with official corruption.

The report quoting a document titled, Estimated Budget for States Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines (end-to-end), stated that N1.4 billion was also set aside for the procurement of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while N373 million was earmarked for the purchase of Adverse Events Immunisation kits (AEFI).

According the Punch, the document was presented to the 36 governors during a meeting between representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Governors Forum on Thursday.

The total amount of money earmarked for the transportation of vaccine, PPE, AEFI kits and sensitisation was summed up at N12.7 billion, the PUNCH reported.

Mr Shuaib while addressing journalists shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo received jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines on Saturday said there is no truth in the report.

Im hearing this from you for the first time. It doesnt make any sense that on one hand, we have communicated clearly to Nigerians that CACOVID has provided a cargo plane that will help deliver the vaccines from Abuja to all states that have functional airports, he said.

For those with no airport, there is a delivery van that will convene the vaccines from the airport to those states with no functional airport.

Mr Shuaib said the process of vaccines distribution cannot cost more than N1 billion which CACOVID, a private sector-led coalition against COVID-19, will handle.

The only cost we are going to incur is delivering the vaccines from airport to nearby states, clearly that cannot be N10 billion, he said.

This cannot be even close to a billion.

Nigeria on Tuesday took delivery of nearly four million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to the country in batches over the next few months. The vaccines are being provided by COVAX, a global effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Upon arrival, samples were handed to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) for further examination. It was later certified to be safe and effective for use.

Nigeria on Friday commenced the COVID-19 vaccination, beginning with healthcare workers who are often at the risk of exposure to infections being the first responders to patients.

Cyprian Ngong, a medical doctor, became the first person to receive a jab of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines in Nigeria. Three other health workers were also vaccinated during the flag-off event at the National Hospital in Abuja.

Messrs Buhari and Osinbajo on Saturday received jabs of the COVID-19 vaccines at the State House, Abuja, to further drive vaccine acceptance.
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Vaccination teams will begin visiting First Nations communities in Manitoba in mid-March, public health officials announced Friday.

"We know that First Nations people in Manitoba are more at risk for COVID-19 and at younger ages," said Dr. Marcia Anderson, public health lead for the First Nation Pandemic Response Coordination Team. "In addition, many First Nations communities are at risk of evacuations due to fires and floods or have geographical access issues that make it harder to get there. Its important that we get vaccines delivered into these communities and needles into arms as soon as possible."

According to Anderson, all eligible adults living in 63 First Nations communities who want to be vaccinated will receive their first shot by early- to mid-May.

Because the province is unable to deliver personnel and supplies to all communities at the same time, Anderson said her team has developed an evidence-based way of determining the vaccine rollouts sequence.

During these visits, all residents aged 18 and older will be eligible to be vaccinated, as the goal is to avoid making multiple trips to communities.

Those communities most at risk of flooding or fire as well as those with winter road access or can only be accessed across a body of water will be prioritized.

"This will ensure that communities most at risk do not see their spring and summer hazards compounded by the pandemic and leaving them more at risk from potential emergency situations or evacuations," Anderson said. "This sequencing plan also takes into account the experience of outbreaks and deaths within the communities. We know that communities that have had higher fatality rates, outbreaks and lockdowns may be feeling pandemic fatigue more than others."

Because of that, those communities with the highest number of deaths and outbreaks will be prioritized after those at risk from fire or flooding.

However, Anderson said there isnt a severity gap between cases in northern and southern Manitoba and promised vaccination teams would be deployed in each of the provinces health regions this month.

Some First Nations in southern Manitoba may also be able to arrange for their residents to get vaccinated at a supersite if they dont want to wait for clinics to be set up in their communities.

More complete details of this plan will be released to the public as early as next week, while communities will receive communications regarding the process over the next week.

The Moderna vaccine is being used for these vaccinations as doses are still viable up to a month after being removed from a freezer.

Some communities will receive their allotment of doses before extra human resources arrive and will be able to start distributing doses with their own resources as they wait.

Asked what the uptake percentage for vaccines has been like among First Nations people, Anderson said the province doesnt yet have the ability to track it but anecdotal reports indicate uptake has been "very good."

She did say that the number of First Nations people who have received at least one dose of vaccine has reached the 9,000-person threshold as of this morning.

Also present at the media conference was Vaccine Implementation Task Force medical lead Dr. Joss Reimer.

She said that First Nations communities in northern Manitoba will have the option of sending residents to the Vaxport in Thompson.

In a statement to the media, Southern Chiefs Organization Grand Chief Jerry Daniels applauded the announcement.

"This announcement is what we have been waiting to hear," said Daniels.

"There are a lot of people to thank for todays announcement, which will save lives and begin to end this pandemic. I personally want to thank our First Nation leadership, our health leaders, experts, and all frontline workers who have made today possible. I also want to recognize our Treaty partners for using an evidence-based approach to prioritize First Nations."

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
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This article first appeared on the Boston Business Journals website.

While many Massachusetts residents need no encouragement to get vaccinated for COVID-19, a sizable percentage of the population is still suspicious of the shots. Others lack the time or know-how to score an appointment.

Just over half of all Massachusetts residents have concerns about COVID vaccines, according to a recent state survey, and for businesses eager to protect employees, that reluctance is yet another obstacle in a pandemic full of them. To entice workers to get vaccinated, some Massachusetts employers  especially those with workers who deal with customers face-to-face  are dangling incentives such as gift cards, paid time off or even Lyft rides.

Right now, a select few categories of Massachusetts workers are eligible for vaccinations based on their jobs, including health care workers, first responders and  as of next week  teachers. But that group will expand significantly in the next phase of vaccinations. As it is, employees 65 years and older can get vaccinated, as can those with certain medical conditions.

Teachers and staffers at Bright Horizons Family Solutions Inc. child-care centers are among those who can begin signing up for the shots in Massachusetts on March 11. The Newton-based company is offering $100 gift cards to Target Corp. to employees after they are fully vaccinated. That includes not just Massachusetts employees, but each of its more than 11,000 teachers and staffers nationwide.

Something that people can use in many different ways, and also that can be used for groceries  that was important for us, Bright Horizons Chief Human Resources Officer Maribeth Bearfield said.

Other companies are directly boosting the size of employee paychecks. Target, which has dozens of stores in Massachusetts, is providing four hours of pay to hourly workers who get vaccinated. Its also covering Lyft rides to and from their vaccine appointments, up to $15 per ride each way.

A common incentive is additional paid time off for vaccine appointments. Boston-based Santander Bank is providing up to eight hours of paid time off for vaccinations, as well as vouchers for employees who have opted out of the companys health care coverage. (Bank of America Corp. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are also offering paid time off.)

National Grid has not set a formal limit for paid time off for workers to get a vaccination, though it is offering them additional PTO for the appointments, according to spokesperson Kevin OShea.

We want to give our employees the time necessary to travel to the sites, wait in line and receive the vaccination, he said.

Different incentive approaches

Incentives may be more important now that the Baker administration has told employers to hold off on planning for on-site vaccination clinics, given the supply shortage. For now, employees will need to find their own vaccine appointments, and thats no easy feat in the face of heavy demand.

There certainly appears to be interest in employee perks: 57% of workers surveyed by Eagle Hill Consulting LLC last month want their bosses to give them something for getting vaccinated.

Still, the incentive offers are far from universal. Citizens Financial Group, for instance, is not currently providing incentives, according to a spokesman. Stop & Shop, one of the states largest employers, also does not plan to incentivize associates to receive the vaccines, spokeswoman Maria Fruci said. The Quincy-based grocery chains pharmacies are administering the vaccines.

Similar to our approach with the flu vaccine, and in keeping with our overall commitment to maintaining a healthy workplace, we are urging all associates to consider receiving the vaccine when it is available, Fruci said.

Stop & Shop is sharing educational information about the vaccines with workers, as well as updates on when they will be eligible for vaccination depending on where they live. Citizens, too, is providing educational resources, according to the spokesman.

The next group of people eligible for vaccinations includes workers at grocery stores, restaurants, utilities and biotechnology companies, among others. A state website lists March as the start of vaccinations for that group, although that timing remains uncertain.
Still, there are signs that the politics may be shifting. While some veteran Republicans who favored overhauling the A.U.M.F. have retired  like former Senators Bob Corker of Tennessee and Jeff Flake of Arizona  there are also many recently elected lawmakers, on the far left and right in particular, who share the view that Congress needs to regain its role in war decisions.

Amid the flux, Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, has been a steady force in pushing for overhauling the war authorizations. In Ms. Psakis statement, which was earlier reported by Politico, the White House also singled Mr. Kaine out on Friday as a lawmaker it wanted to work with in trying to sort through the tangle.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Kaine, citing Mr. Bidens deep experience in both the legislative and executive branches, said the senator hoped the new president could help restore balance of war powers. We need to protect the country but not be in perpetual war, she said. And he is already in bipartisan discussion with his colleagues and the administration about how to do that.

This week, Mr. Kaine and several colleagues of both parties introduced a bill that would repeal two other aging war laws that are still on the books: a 1991 one that authorized the Persian Gulf war against Iraq, and a 2002 one that authorized the second Iraq war. In previous sessions, he has also sponsored legislation that would tackle the harder question of how to repeal and replace the 2001 A.U.M.F., but so far he has not reintroduced it.

While the 1991 gulf war law is obsolete, the 2002 Iraq war law retains relevance. In 2014, after the Islamic State swept across parts of Iraq and Syria and the Obama administration began bombing it, President Barack Obama asked Congress for a law to authorize the war, while simultaneously insisting he did not need new legislative approval.

The Obama administrations rationale cited both the 2001 and 2002 war laws as providing a pre-existing legal basis to attack ISIS, which had evolved from a Qaeda affiliate that participated in the Iraq war insurgency. The claim was disputed, but an attempt to get a court to scrutinize its legitimacy failed.

ABUJA (Reuters) - President Muhammadu Buhari had his first COVID-19 vaccine shot on Saturday, part of a bid to boost public confidence as Nigeria attempts to inoculate 80 million people this year.

Vaccinating Nigeria's 200 million people, and those in other developing countries, is seen as key to stemming the spread of the coronavirus, but getting doses across the vast nation, with its pot-holed roads and lawless areas, is a huge challenge.

Not all Nigeria's states have functioning airports, rail networks are limited, and authorities also have to overcome public distrust around the vaccines.

"As a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, I have received my first jab and I wish to commend it to all eligible Nigerians to do the same so that we can be protected from the virus," Buhari said.

"The vaccine offers hope for a safe country free of coronavirus," the 78-year-old president added after he was vaccinated live on Nigerian television.

On Friday, a doctor became the first person in Nigeria to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Nigeria, with 158,042 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 1,954 deaths, has not been as hard hit as first feared, but aims to vaccinate 40% of its people this year, and another 30% in 2022.

"I urge Nigerians ... not to listen to any conspiracy theories," Boss Mustapha, who chairs Nigeria's presidential task force on COVID-19, said at Buhari's vaccination.

Nigeria took delivery of 3.92 million doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesday through COVAX and expects 84 million doses via the scheme for poor and middle-income countries this year.

The scheme is co-led by Gavi, the vaccine alliance, and the World Health Organization, with UNICEF an implementing partner.

(Reporting by Felix Onuah and Paul Carsten; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Kenya Moore has been getting a lot of backlash due to her taking on the role of the lead investigator in strippergate. Moore insists that Porsha Williams and another castmember engaged in a threesome with the stripper hired for Cynthia Baileys bachelorette party. But shes now naming other co-stars who she says got a little wild that evening, including RHOA newbie Drew Sidora.

Kenya Moore | Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

Kenya Moore accuses co-stars of a threesome with the stripper

Baileys dungeon-themed bachelorette party was equipped with whips, chains, sex swings, and an infamous stripper. Much of the fun was captured on-screen but at some point during the night, the camera crew left at the behest of the ladies so that they could have some uninhibited fun.

The morning after, Moore began revealing tidbits about what she said took place when production left. Per Moore, she heard various sex noises and moans between the stripper, B.O.L.O., and other women.

Source: YouTube

Related: RHOA: Tanya Sam Stops Filming Over Sex Scandal With Porsha Williams and a Stripper

Moore implicates Williams as one of the voices she heard. Tanya Sam claimed she was also in Williams room in an attempt to prove Williams was not doing anything sexual with the stripper. But Sam inserting herself only implicated her as well.

Both Marlo Hampton and Kandi Burruss also admitted to hearing noises coming from Williams room. Production caught B.O.L.O. leaving the casts rental home after 7 AM the following morning.

Kenya Moore alleges Porsha Williams also made out with Drew Sidora during the bachelorette party

Despite the cast asking the camera crew to leave, several cameras were spread throughout the home. Viewers watched as the cast blacked out cameras throughout the rental, but some moments were still captured. Williams was seen kissing newcomer LaToya Ali.

Williams admitted in her confessional to kissing a girl but also alluded to possibly kissing more. According to Moore, Williams did just that. She alleged in a recent interview with The Jasmine Brand that the other co-star Williams kissed in front of everyone was Sidora.

Source: YouTube

Related: RHOA: Kenya Moore on Porsha Williams Alleged Threesome This Season  Dont Lie About It

When I saw her behaving that way it justhonestly just turned me off because it wasnt just Porsha, it was a lot of other people, she said. She actually kissed Drew [Sidora] that night too. They were making out its just like okay youre over here then youre over here then youre over here. The entire scene turned me off so it wasnt just about one person.

Sidora was overheard interacting with the stripper, admitting she twerked on him and got a little crazier than usual. She did not mention anything about kissing Williams.

Kenya Moore doesnt regret spilling the beans about what took place during the night in question

Several of Moores castmates and fans of the show are not happy with Moore for revealing what happened when cameras werent around. But Moore has no regrets. Moore alleges that the crew always discuss what happens on the show on or off-camera.

Source: YouTube

Additionally, Moore says anything inappropriate that took place is at the fault of those who indulged and not her. She even shot back at the idea that she could be responsible for causing trouble in her co-stars romantic relationships.

Some of those girls, and what they were doing, I would not want to be married to them because it was a real freak show and some had rings on, she said. Even if the cameras were off, you should know not to engage in that kind of behavior if youre married, or if youre engagedYoure getting banged out by a stripper, I think thats pretty inappropriate.

RHOA airs every Sunday on Bravo at 8 pm EST.
Last year very few brides walked down the aisle as planned. According to wedding planning app, Bridebook.com, an estimated 15 million weddings around the world were postponed because of the pandemic. In the United Kingdom, where weddings have been banned or restricted since last spring, many brides simply decided to embrace smaller, more intimate ceremonies and with it, a sense of freedom. And many women looked to the runway for bridal fashion inspiration.

Versatile pieces such as the draped high-neck Midi-dress from Emilia Wickstead, tailoring from Christopher Kane, full length dresses from Vivienne Westwood and Stephen Jones headpieces have all performed well, said Natalie Kingham, the global fashion officer at Matchesfashion, the London-based luxury retailer. The retailer launched its own wedding edit at the beginning of 2020. We predict a shift toward feminine, romantic wedding dresses and statement pieces that will make an impact on the big day, Ms. Kingham said.


France's former ambassador to London has said Britain will struggle to retain its global influence after Brexit - and doubled down her attacks on Boris Johnson.

Sylvie Bermann, who was Paris's most senior diplomat in the UK from 2014-2017, recently caused uproar by calling the Prime Minister an 'unrepentant liar'.

She has now followed up that extraordinary broadside, made in her new book, in an interview where she warned Britain will have a diminished role on the world stage.

'Why, when you are very dynamic and successful and influential in the EU, why do you decide to leave?', Bermann told AFP at her home in the heart of Paris.

'It will be more difficult. And there will need to be much more effort (by the UK) to have a true influence in the world.'

Sylvie Bermann, who was Paris's most senior diplomat in the UK from 2014-2017, caused uproar by calling the Prime Minister an 'unrepentant liar'

She said that this will be particularly hard in the geopolitical context of the 'Cold War' between the United States and China, with the two protagonists looking to the EU rather the UK.

'There is a triangular (China-EU-US) relationship and it is harder for the United Kingdom to play a role,' she said.

She said Britain's much touted 'special relationship' with the United States 'is above all special for the British' rather than the United States.

'The United States often used the British as a bridge or relay with the EU. Obviously it is a role that is now lost.'

On top of this, there are difficulties in trade relations, as shown by Britain's threat this week to break the terms of the Brexit withdrawal treaty by unilaterally delaying checks on food going to Northern Ireland.

'These are are consequences of the choice made in the referendum,' she said.

Bermann acknowledged that in the fight against Covid-19, 'the British vaccination campaign is better than the European one. Bravo for that' with far more people given the jab than in big EU member states.

But she added: 'This is not totally due to Brexit as the vaccine orders were made while the UK was still subject to European rules.'

The rollout of jabs on the Continent has been sluggish compared to that of Britain, which has now vaccinated about 33 per cent of its population, in comparison to the EU's 8 per cent.

Earlier this year President Emmanuel Macron drove a wedge between France and the UK by claiming the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab was 'quasi-ineffective' for the over-65s.

France has since approved the vaccine for over-65s.

She also claimed Mr Johnson (pictured together in 2016) would be tempted to 'hide the bill for Brexit under the Covid carpet'

In her book, Goodbye Britannia, Bermann says David Cameron 'will forever be responsible for Brexit', but adds it would also 'probably never have happened' if Brexit had not been championed by Johnson.

'Boris Johnson... is a man who uses insults towards the European Union, starting with the French who he did not hesitate to call 'turds'. He is above all an unrepentant liar,' she wrote in the book.

In her book, Bermann says David Cameron 'will forever be responsible for Brexit'

'I am surprised everyone made a fuss as I said he was lying because it is well-documented, of course,' she told AFP, referring to how he had created a 'euro myth' with sometimes fabulous tales in his stint as Brussels correspondent of the Daily Telegraph.

She said no one understood at the time of the referendum that the world had entered a 'new era of populism' that became clear with the election of Donald Trump as US president later in 2016.

'That is why Cameron was so confident (of winning). He told the EU leaders he would win and until the end he thought it would be 'Remain'. It was a miscalculation.'

Bermann expressed sadness over Brexit, recalling that when she arrived as ambassador London was still abuzz from the success of the 2012 Olympic Games which were seen as a celebration of modern British identity.

'There was a real fascination for the country. Everyone was puzzled by the decision, it was a surprise in Europe but also in China, India, Japan, Singapore.'

She described Brexit as an 'amputation' for the EU.

'The British are sovereign in their decision but they can't think it is not our business but it is our business as it is a divorce and a divorce from us.'
Following Justin Biebers endlessly revolving wardrobe is a wild ride. One that sometimes wed like to get off, but we continue to find ourselves strapping in for.

Footwear in particular seems to be his kryptonite. The man has an insatiable appetite for rubber clogs: hes absolutely obsessed with Crocs  the footwear contraceptive for men  as well as these bizarre Yeezys. Now, we used to think this was all him, but turns out hes got some enablers, with the 27-year-old music superstar showing off a birthday present thats taken him further down the rubber footwear rabbit hole.

The Biebs shared a photo from his Paris hotel room on Thursday showing himself trying on a pair of Bottega Veneta Puddle Boots worth a cool $870. The designer gumboots, which feature a Chelsea boot-esque pattern and are constructed from a biodegradable polymer, actually dont look too bad  although we dont know if wed ever spend that sort of money on a pair of wellies, let alone a pair of wellies for someone else. Whos feeding his addiction?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber)

Unfortunately for Bieber, wearing them alongside that cable knit sweater and beanie hes got on makes him just look like the worlds richest fisherman. Talk about The Deadliest Catch.

RELATED: Bradley Cooper Tames New Yorks Urban Jungle With Wild Lumbersexual Look

Apart from doing a bang-up fisherman impression, it seems as if Biebers Beatles impression isnt too shabby either. The Biebs was spotted performing with his band on the roof of the Hotel de Crillon on Tuesday, a la the British bands final live performance atop the Apple Records building at Savile Row in 1969. Very rock and roll.

Its not clear whether or not this Parisian performance is for a music video, but its a likely bet. Biebers been releasing some seriously slick music videos lately

Last week, Bieber announced that his sixth studio album Justice was almost done, and due to be released on March 19th. Hes already released four singles from the album: Holy and Lonely last year; Anyone on New Years Day this year; and Hold On only yesterday, alongside a slick music video that sees Bieber engage in a thrilling motorcycle escape from police. You can watch the clip here.

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Around 20 people were injured when police fired rubber bullets and tear gas as protests over the Paraguayan governments handling of Covid turned violent.

Hundreds of rioters, mainly young people, took to the streets of the capital, Asuncion, on Friday amid growing outrage that coronavirus infections had hit record levels and hospitals verged on collapse throughout the South American nation.

Protesters lit flares, threw rocks at police, broke down security barriers and started fires in the streets as violent clashes turned the area around Asuncions Congress building into a makeshift battlefield on Friday night.

Protesters called for the resignation of the countrys president, Mario Abdo Benitez. As many as 20 people were injured, reported AFP, including a policeman.

The rally began earlier in the day and many of those in attendance were waving the flag of Paraguay in the capitals historic centre.

Interior Minister Arnaldo Giuzzio told the Telefuturo television channel: It is a pity that young people have taken this too far. They are people who seek only to destroy. This violence does not make sense.

Paraguay is currently seeing a record numbers of daily cases, according to the Reuters news agency, with 115 infections per 100,000 people reported in the past seven days.

Some rioters threw rocks at police (AP)

It has vaccinated less than 0.1 per cent of its population, the data shows.

Earlier in the day, the countrys health minister, Julio Mazzoleni resigned, following increasing anger from lawmakers, including some from his own party, over the slow rollout of vaccines.

Informe #COVID19 l 5 de marzo:



Procesamos 3.814 muestras, 1.501 positivos, todos casos comunitarios.



Lamentamos informar 22 fallecidos. Total: 3.278.



1.187 internados, 294 en UTI.



1.015 recuperados, sumando asi 138.383.



Total de confirmados: 165.811. pic.twitter.com/j3KdbIKyu0  Ministerio de Salud (@msaludpy) March 6, 2021

Mr Mazzoleni initially rejected the Senates non-binding declaration asking him to leave, but stepped down hours later following a meeting with President Abdo.

Dr Julio Borba, a vice minister, was appointed as Mr Mazzolenis replacement, telling reporters he would start tracking down medicine and supplies immediately.

A policeman lies injured in the streets (EPA)

We are in a critical situation, health ministry spokesman Hernan Martinez told AFP. Let's avoid crowds. It is the only thing that can save us from the collapse of healthcare.

As of Friday, Paraguay had 165,811 Covid cases and 3,278 deaths.



The Texas Supreme Court on Friday lifted most restrictions on in-person state court proceedings after Gov. Greg Abbott this week reopened Texas.

Almost all in-person court proceedings had been banned since the local onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving courts no choice but to embrace remote hearings and appearances. With that requirement now ended, the Supreme Court is still encouraging judges to hold online trials and hearings, but will allow in-person proceedings if minimum health standard protocols and scheduling protocols are in place, according to the latest emergency order.

Local presiding judges also have the authority to require masks and impose social distancing requirements.

Harris County judges aim to solidify any changes to court operations by the end of next week, Administrative District Judge Robert Schaffer said.

We have safety protocols in place that were going to continue with, he said. I think were going to take a breath, a deep breath, and read it (the order), and take another deep breath and read it again and try not to do a knee jerk response to it.

Schaffer said he anticipates some changes will need to be made related to jury trials and other in-person proceedings. Jury trials have been occurring on a limited basis with the approval of court administrators, and many defense attorneys are still opposed to holding jury trials at all.

Judges largely have jurisdiction over their own courtrooms, although they do have to comply with state orders and the Office of Court Administration.

Misdemeanor Judge Sedrick Walker, adminsitrative judge over the Harris County Criminal Courts at Law, said that based on his reading of the order, courts must take action to avoid spreading COVID-19. Masks are a way of doing that, he said.

I cant speak directly to the opinion of each individual misdemeanor judge at this time, however, I am confident that our judges would continue to require face coverings/masks in the courtroom, he said. In accordance with the guidance from the CDC and Harris County Public Health, the use of face coverings will continue to be required in my courtroom.

With the latest order, local courts are also required to establish communication protocols to ensure that no one in the court buildings have tested positive, had COVID symptoms or had recent exposure. Similar rules are already in place in Harris County, since court workers ask screening questions as people enter the courthouse.

Regional judges and the Office of Court Administration will also no longer have to approve in-person proceedings. If a defendant requests a remote proceeding, however, the court has to comply.

Three justices of the nine dissented. The order expires June 1 unless it is extended.

samantha.ketterer@chron.com
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People can endorse a candidate verbally but vote against the same candidate.



People endorse products and services yet never patronize those products and services.



It is only a naive and inexperienced person who would put all his trust and confidence in endorsement at the expense of acceptance. Acceptance is superior to endorsement.



You can be endorsed and not accepted. And you can be accepted without endorsement.



In 2012 at a lavish news conference, Glo Mobile Ghana officially launched its operations in Ghana and followed this with massive celebrity endorsement. But this never translated into acceptance of their product.

In fact, this had little impact on the Ghanaian market compared to the other telecommunication companies.



Again, Menzgold signed up and endorsed by some heavyweight celebrities yet failed to stand the test of time.



Ahead of the 2020 Presidential election, the NDC Presidential candidate, John Mahama, received massive endorsements from the following groups but failed to win the 2020 general elections:

1. The National Concerned Small Scale Miners Association of Ghana endorsed John Mahama for the 2020 general election. The Association claimed of having over 1 million members who were going to vote against Akufo-Addo in 2020.



2. Okada Riders Association endorsed John Mahama for the 2020 general election. They promise to vote overwhelmingly for NDC and John Mahama. This association claimed to have a membership of over 800,000.



3. Menzgold customers threatened to vote against Akufo-Addo. The aggrieved Menzgold customers promised to give John Mahama over 600,000 votes in the 2020 election.



4. Some workers of the collapsed banks due to Mahama's mismanagement of the economy between 2012-2016, promised to vote for the same John Mahama in the 2020 general election.



5. A-Plus and his group, The Peoples Project (TPP) campaigned vigorously against Akufo-Addo. The TPP supported the interest of John Mahama at the detriment of Akufo-Addo in the 2020 general election.



6. Some CSOs and media houses seriously campaigned against Akufo-Addo re-election in the 2020 general election.



7. Some smaller political parties also endorsed John Mahama for the 2020 general election.



8. Notable celebrities, religious leaders and traditional leaders also endorsed John Mahama for the 2020 general election.



If it was about propaganda endorsement then certainly John Mahama should have won the 2020 general election with ease.



Political endorsement is good but it is not good enough for political acceptance and electoral victory.



... Signed...

Razak Kojo Opoku

(CVM Founder and President)









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Last month I wrote about how former Vice President Mike Pence, while he may have been a potential target of the Jan 6. Capitol insurrectionists, was no hero.

Pence abetted then-President Trumps efforts to delegitimize the 2020 election, praising an ill-fated lawsuit filed by Texas in the Supreme Court seeking to overturn election results in four states. God bless Texas! he told a rally in Georgia.

Then, on Jan. 6, in a statement in which he declined Trumps plea to overturn election by refusing to count Bidens electoral votes in several states, Pence included this consolation prize for Trump and his base: After an election with significant allegations of voting irregularities and numerous instances of officials setting aside state election law, I share the concerns of millions of Americans about the integrity of this election.

Pence is still at it.

In a characteristically unctuous op-ed published Wednesday in the Daily Signal, Pence attacks HR 1, the omnibus political-reform bill pending in the House. Thats his prerogative, and its not surprising that he would be in lockstep with other members of his party who oppose nationalizing elections.

But Pence links his opposition to the bill to what I like to call the Little Lie about the 2020 election: not that the election was elaborately rigged (as Trump claimed in his Big Lie), but that its integrity is questionable because of pandemic-inspired changes in election procedures.

In his op-ed, Pence repeats the claim about significant voting irregularities and numerous instances of officials setting aside state election law.

Pence also suggests bizarrely that the siege of the Capitol on Jan. 6 deprived the American people of a substantive discussion in Congress about election integrity in America. No such substantive discussion was ever in the cards because there was no serious argument that the election was fraudulent or invalid.

Pence salutes efforts by legislators in many states to restore public confidence in state elections. Of course, much of the lack of confidence in last years elections was stoked by Trump and his allies baroque and specious claims of widespread fraud. And the changes being pushed by Republican state legislators would make it harder for people (especially Democrats) to vote.

Story continues

For a brief moment this year, even some Democrats  for tactical purposes  embraced the idea that Pence was a man of honor, and not a Trump toady. But that praise was misplaced.

To paraphrase Trumps description of the death toll from COVID-19, Pence is what he is. Namely, he is a loyalist who continues to do Trumps dirty work by sowing doubt about election integrity.

Ironically, Pences continued efforts to cast doubt on the 2020 election may not ensure that Trump will retain him as a running mate if the former president runs in 2024. Bloomberg News reports that Trumps advisers have been discussing a female or Black running mate for Trump.

That possibility makes Pences latest pronouncements more pathetic, but no less offensive.

Michael McGough is the Los Angeles Times senior editorial writer, based in Washington, D.C.

(c)2021 the Los Angeles Times
Problems within the Winnipeg Police Service are a long-standing issue. But for officers on the receiving end of public antagonism, its more than an issue. Its personal, and it can hurt.

Opinion

Problems within the Winnipeg Police Service are a long-standing issue. But for officers on the receiving end of public antagonism, its more than an issue. Its personal, and it can hurt.

A constable who died by suicide on Feb. 21 was said to be distraught over the anti-police sentiment that has risen in recent years. Out of respect for the grieving family, the Free Press is not identifying the officer, but his public obituary states: "Sadly the light in his eyes began to dim in latter months as he became increasingly troubled with anti-police protests, campaigns, growing public hatred and cynicism toward police officers."

The revelation that an officer was deeply disturbed by what he saw as public hatred might hit home uncomfortably for some Winnipeggers. Some may feel guilt. But theres truth to what the officer felt.

Anti-police protests? Yes. Local protests against police brutality attracted thousands of people to Winnipegs downtown in June. Anti-police campaigns? Yes. More than 63,000 people signed a petition to defund and abolish the Winnipeg Police Service.

Growing public cynicism? Yes. At least two school divisions are axing their police-in-school programs. Please think about that for a minute: police went into schools as goodwill ambassadors, and now school divisions are kicking them out.

How does this groundswell of animosity affect the rank-and-file officers, the ordinary cops we depend on to quell domestic disputes, surly drunks, muggers on meth, and troublemakers bent on raising hell. How does it feel to be hated by the people youre trying to help?

The public rarely hears their side. Police have a close-mouthed culture, a code of not showing emotional vulnerability to outsiders, by which they mean everyone not wearing the badge. So when we read that a constable who took his own life was "increasingly troubled" by the ongoing hostility of Winnipeggers  these same people he tried to protect every working day for 15 years  it warrants serious concern.

The comments of friends and colleagues on the obituary website praise the officers integrity, high values and compassion. In other words, a direct contrast to the stereotypical image in some quarters that Winnipeg police officers are racists and bullies who abuse their power.

One fellow officer wrote: "He was too good for the seemingly many that enjoy their ability to criticize the police only because of the efforts of men and women who dedicated their lives to create a society so safe.

"He was a good police officer. I hope his family understands that this simple statement is much more than it seems and is a hard statement to earn from what is often jaded police officers."

If this tragedy can open our eyes, perhaps it can help draw a line between good cops and the institutional problems that plague the WPS.

We can be grateful to the many officers who do their tough job honourably, but still be outraged by a system that finds leniency when off-duty officers who have been drinking get behind the wheel and kill other people. We can respect those officers who treat the public with fairness, but still be alarmed by the reek of racism reported by many Indigenous and people of colour mistreated by police.

We can be dismayed that a Winnipeg police sergeant remains on the job even though he has been sued at least eight times for allegations that include excessive force and wrongful arrests. We can be concerned that the Independent Investigations Unit, which was initiated in 2015 to improve accountability, has turned out to be a watchdog without teeth, partly because only 23 of 81 accused officers have fully co-operated with the IIU.

It must be difficult for good cops to know that, according to a Statistics Canada survey last November, only 34 per cent of Manitobans "strongly trust" police.

The power to restore a relationship of trust lies with the forces leaders and politicians. They have the power to weed out dishonourable officers, and reshape accountability bodies such as the IIU so the public sees justice is done even when the accused person wears a badge.

A glimmer of hope came when the provincial government said it will alter Manitobas Police Services Act, although the public doesnt yet know what changes are proposed because the bill is one of 19 that received first reading without the contents being disclosed.

In the meantime, out of respect to the constable who ended his life troubled by increasing hostility from Winnipeggers, perhaps we can extend respect and co-operation to individual officers we encounter, not leaping to the default assumption that every officer embodies every historic wrong committed by Winnipeg police.

His death can be a reminder that many officers are "good cops" in a badly flawed system. If its the system thats the problem, its the system that must change.

carl.degurse@freepress.mb.ca

Carl DeGurse is a member of the Free Press editorial board.
New Delhi, March 6 : The National School of Drama (NSD) in the Capital is pushing several major initiatives to strengthen the present system of imparting theatre education and reaching out to more practitioners and theatre enthusiasts across the country.

Along with infrastructural development, the vision is to recruit highly trained faculty, increase the number of workshops and sessions by theatre veterans and introduce new courses and centres across the country.

The new structural push and design is under preparation after several rounds of meetings between Paresh Rawal, Chairman, NSD, Director In-charge, Registrar, faculty members and members of NSD society.

Speaking to the media, Rawal said that the status of 'Institute of National Importance' will further strengthen NSD by enabling it to award degrees, introduce new courses like playwriting, costume designing, property making etc, and also open up new centres. "We are talking to the Government of India to expedite the matter. Also, the proposal of re-development of the existing NSD campus is under consideration. The issue was brought to light in a meeting with Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri last week," added Rawal.

He also said that a request had been received from the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha for opening a centre there. "This will soon be discussed with NSD society members and the government. Hopefully, we will have a concrete plan to do it soon. In fact, we are keen to set up centres in the states of Gujarat, West Bengal, and Maharashtra," he said.

Currently, the NSD has regional centres in Varanasi, Bengaluru, Agartala and Gangtok.

The Chairman also laid emphasis on introducing new short term courses on various aspects of theatre art.

There are also plans to digitalise the NSD archive. At present, thousands of in-house productions and plays are stored in old format. Once converted to digital, they will be used as study material for mass usage. The plans may include sharing of digital content with other major theatre education institutes worldwide.

Laying emphasis on introducing new short term courses on various aspects of theatre art, Rawal said that there was a need to have National Repertory and Theatre in Education Companies across the country. "We appeal to the government to open four National Repertories and the same number of Theatre in Education Companies in the country on the occasion of the 75th year of Indian Independence. This will go a long way in developing quality theatre in the country. The aim of this step will be to craft out the young talent from the remotest parts of the country and preserve the regional theatre forms. We are also proposing to establish one National Repertory Co. at Kevadia which shall showcase quality theatre productions to the visitors at Statue of Unity." he said.

On the occasion of India's 75th year of Independence, the NSD is also planning to collaborate with various theatre directors in the country to produce 75 plays on the theme of freedom struggle and freedom fighters. "The details are being worked out in consultation with the Ministry of Culture. We are of firm view that there are many illustrious works by Sahitya Akademi awardees which should be staged. NSD will take necessary steps in this direction in coming years," said Rawal.
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New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on a visit to Jabalpur, attended the Maha Aarti of Mother Narmada at Gwarighat on Saturday (March 6). The president was accompanied by Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Patel. Ram Nath Kovind is the first president of the country to attend Mahaaarti of Maa Narmada.

The president, on his two-day trip, was scheduled to inaugurate the All India State Judicial Academies Directors' Retreat at a function to be held at Manas Bhawan. While speaking at the event, the president emphasised on implementation of a judicial system in which obstacles behind the delay in delivery of justice could be removed to ensure timely justice.

The president said that the objective of the judicial system is not merely to resolve disputes, but also to uphold justice in the society.

"The objective of the judicial system is not merely to resolve disputes, but also to uphold justice and one way to uphold justice is to remove obstacles like delay in the delivery of justice. Justice is not delayed only by lack of court`s functioning or system," said president Kovind.

The President also stressed upon the need to introduce the use of technology in all judicial processes for speedy delivery of justice.

"To provide speedy delivery of justice, it is essential that besides extensive judicial training, there is a need to introduce the use of technology in our judicial processes. Due to the increasing number of cases, it becomes necessary to understand the issues in correct perspectives and make accurate decisions in a short time. The introduction of new laws, extensive changes in the nature of litigation and the need to settle cases in a time-bound manner have also made it imperative for judges to have up-to-date knowledge of the law and procedures," said the President.

He further said that over 18,000 courts have been computerized in the nation. The president said, "Another benefit of this technological intervention is that due to these initiatives, use of papers has decreased, which helps conserve the natural resources."

We, the people of India, have high expectations from the judiciary. Society expects judges to be knowledgeable, prudent, affectionate, dignified and impartial. Quality is given more importance than numbers in the judicial system. And, to meet these requirements, it is very important to keep updating the training procedures, knowledge, technology, and judicial skills. Thus, even at the induction level and in-service training, the role of state judicial academies becomes very important in educating judges in a manner to measure up to expectation," the president said.

Live TV

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Vivian sat in her Jetta, shivering uncontrollably.

The opening line of Esther Matzs first book occupied her mind and an otherwise blank Word document on her computer named "Novel" for three long years  an intriguing scene begging to be explained and expanded.

Matz had wanted to write a novel for as long as she could remember, but work and family always took precedence. Retirement seemed like a golden opportunity and she started mulling Vivians story and the aforementioned sentence in 2015, shortly after closing her Winnipeg law practice at the age of 76.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS 'Throw the book at them': Former lawyer Esther Matz is busy working on her third mystery novel.

Still, between volunteering at church and helping out with the family business, Matz found she had little time to write.

"I was still busy," she says. "Its a total-immersion, full-time job to write well, as far as Im concerned."

But Esther Matz isnt the type to leave a goal unmet. She finally put pen to paper two years ago and today, at 82 years old, shes written two full-length novels with a third on the way.

Her Pineview Mystery series is a self-published crime and romance saga following a young lawyer, Vivian Clarke, and an RCMP detective, Bruce Hathaway, as they work their way through a string of mysterious murders in small-town Canada.

The first two books, Death of a Judge and Death of a Tycoon, have landed on the shelves at McNally Robinson and found readership at home and in the United Kingdom.

Its a totalimmersion, fulltime job to write well, as far as Im concerned."  Esther Matz, novelist

The setting for the series is inspired by her family cottage on the Lee River in eastern Manitoba and the subject matter is heavily informed by Matzs 35-year career as a civil and municipal lawyer.

"When I practised law, I could read cases for hours; each case to me was a mini-story and I thought of the people involved and how it would work out, but my concentration had to be focused on the legal aspect," she says. "Now, when I write a novel I come in from the other side; Im writing about people and their encounters in legal situations and how they handle them."

Author is Matzs third job title. So far.

The middle child of five siblings, she grew up in a large Mennonite family on a farm near Altona, a town located 100 kilometres south of Winnipeg. Her parents spoke Low German at home and she was introduced to English in the one-room schoolhouse she attended until Grade 9. Tenacity and academic success were highly regarded on the homestead.

"We were encouraged to work hard and do our best our parents wouldnt allow us to fail," she says. "And we did very well, but the pressure was there that we didnt fail."

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Whats written without effort is written without pleasure.

Matz was a bright student and had to be held back several years in high school so she would be old enough to attend teachers college  a long-standing dream  upon graduation. She taught music locally for two years before moving to Kansas to study at a liberal arts college, where she was encouraged by a professor to explore her love of creative writing.

Back in Winnipeg, she returned to teaching, got married and started a family. Matz had been working in the school system for 15 years when she applied to law school to assist with her husbands business. "We decided one of us should learn the law," she says. "I wasnt even going to article. I was just going to learn the law."

She passed the LSAT on her first attempt and did indeed complete her law degree  graduating with a doctorate, in fact. She started a private practice in her home to be closer to her two young daughters.

While some lawyers enjoy battling in the courtroom, Matz preferred to be holed up at her desk under a mountain of case files and paperwork.

Theres a lot of office work involved and I love office work," she says with a laugh. "I could be in the office day and night."

Her home office is still her happy place, although these days shes busy working on cases of an entirely different nature. Sitting in the light-filled study of her Fort Richmond home, Matz writes 1,500 words a day, four days a week. Its a strict schedule that allows her to get inside her characters heads and turn out a book a year.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Her advice for aspiring novelists? ...Youve got to live, youve got to have experiences, but also read a lot.

The plots of the Pineview novels are just as much a mystery to the writer as they are to the reader. Matz starts each one with a simple opening line and a crime, working backwards to figure out how the act was committed. Its a process that satisfies her fondness for problem-solving  when shes not writing shes doing crosswords and jigsaw puzzles.

"I dont know the ending until Im about two-thirds to three-quarters into the book, then I decide, OK, Ive collected enough evidence on this crime," Matz says. "My family calls me a master criminal."

Her family is also majorly proud of her.

Death of a Judge started off as a mother-daughter project with her eldest, Einike Posner, who lives in California. The plan was to write a chapter each until they had a finished book.

"She would write 12 pages and then I would write one and then she would write 30," Posner says, laughing. "And then it was, OK, Im tapping out."

My family calls me a master criminal.  Esther Matz, novelist

The collaboration turned into weekly phone calls to discuss plot points and brainstorm ideas if Matz was feeling stuck.

Posner isnt surprised in the least that her mother has become a novelist in her 80s: "Shes very disciplined and very in-tune with what she knows and what she wants to do and what she can do."

Natalie Landgraff shares her sisters sentiments. Before publishing her own work, Matz was an avid reader  Agatha Christie, P.D. James and Charles Dickens are favourites  who fostered a love of literature among her children. Landgraff has fond memories of receiving books, such as Bridge to Terabithia, as gifts on holidays and has enjoyed reading her mothers work.

"I couldnt be prouder, I think its a wonderful way to show your life experiences, because theres a lot of her in those novels," she says. "She has a lot to offer the world in terms of her thoughts, ideas, feelings and opinions."

The project has both daughters thinking about their own bucket lists.

"It is inspiring; it makes me think what is possible for me," Landgraff says.

For Matz, writing is the realization of a long-held dream and a delightfully self-indulgent activity.

"It has been very, very, very fulfilling," she says. "Theres some hard work involved, but you know, theres an old saying, Whats written without effort is written without pleasure. I just enjoy it a lot."

The process is only bested by the moment she received a printed copy of her novel for the first time.

Theres some hard work involved, but you know, theres an old saying, Whats written without effort is written without pleasure. I just enjoy it a lot.  Esther Matz on writing

"When I saw the Purolator truck drive up, I was out of my mind," she says, her voice filling with giddiness. "The completion of a book is completely, totally, out-of-this-world satisfying."

Asked if she has any advice for would-be writers, Matz says, "If you want to write youve got to live, youve got to have experiences, but also read a lot; other authors are such a tremendous inspiration."

eva.wasney@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @evawasney
Endangered with extinction: Christians remain at risk of 'eradication' in post-ISIS Iraq

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Christians in Iraqi territory once held by the Islamic State still face the possibility of extinction as the Christian population there continues to dwindle following the military defeat of the jihadi death cult and the rise of Iran-backed militias in the area.

Aid to the Church in Need, an international humanitarian aid organization that has spent over $53 million to help Christians in Iraq in the last five years, published a lengthy report this week based on a series of surveys of Christians still living in the Nineveh Plains of Iraq.

Through the surveys, the organization identified the major challenges facing Iraqi Christians who returned to their hometowns in northern Iraq following the Islamic States invasion of the Nineveh Plains and the city of Mosul in 2014.

Sectarian and political tensions continue to be major factors driving the emigration of Christians from the region.

The report estimates that unless urgent steps are taken by the international community, the Christian community in the region could drop to just 23,000, which would suggest that about 20% of the Christian population that lived in the region before the Islamic State invaded in 2014 would remain.

According to Aid to Church in Need, the Christian community in the region would fall to the definition of "endangered with extinction.

The findings  make clear that restoring the stability of the Christian community in this post-conflict region is only possible with a concerted effort focusing on security, education, long-term economic opportunities, and reconstruction, the report states.

Edward Clancy, the director of outreach for Aid to the Church in Need USA, said the international community must take immediate and decisive action to solve the issues threatening the continuing Christian presence in Iraq.

It is more important than ever that world leaders work together to prevent Christian numbers falling further in Iraq, he said.

Although the Islamic State was pushed from its territory three years ago, the survey shows that concerns about the terrorist group or like-minded groups are still prevalent for Iraqi Christians.

About 87% of Christians surveyed for the study said they feel unsafe or absolutely unsafe. Meanwhile, 67% believe that it's likely or very likely that the Islamic State or a similar group will return to the area.

When the Islamic State had control of the area, hundreds of thousands of religious minorities were killed, enslaved and forced from their homes in the Nineveh Plains. But since the defeat of the Islamic State in the region, Christians have continued to flee or have not returned due to failing governmental infrastructure and the rise of two Iranian-backed militias operating on the Nineveh Plains.

Concerns have also been raised that once predominantly Christian towns are being repopulated with Muslims.

According to the report, 69% of Christians who said they plan to emigrate from Iraq cited political and security reasons as the primary cause.

It also found that all Christians surveyed who live in the area mentioned a lack of security.

Aid to the Church in Need highlighted the presence of the Shabak Militia and the Babylon Brigade as a cause for concern.

The Babylon Brigade is a militia that is part of the Popular Mobilization Forces whose members are predominantly Shia Muslim. However, its leader purports to be a Chaldean Catholic.

Meanwhile, the Shabak militia also has mostly Shia Muslim members from the Shabak minority community, which was also displaced by the Islamic State.

Last year, the militias leader was sanctioned by the U.S. government for extracting money from the local population through extortion, illegal arrests, and kidnappings. The leader of the Babylon Brigade has also been sanctioned.

In some areas, militias have been accused of strategically positioning Shia Muslim shrines in prominent positions, sometimes in front of Christian monuments, as a form of intimidation, the report reads.

The report raises serious concerns that both militias are operating with impunity.

In particular, militias in the Nineveh Plains refused to comply with the Prime Ministers instructions in July 2019 to disband and integrate into the Iraqi Army, the organization warns. In part, this refusal to cooperate relates to entrenched economic and political interests. In part, it relates to a genuine fear of ISIS, and the feeling that such militias are needed to protect against the return of ISIS-like groups. The Shabak Militia is broadly supported by the Shabak population.

According to the report, Bartella, a town in Iraq that was once home to 40,000 Christians before the Islamic State, is now populated by majority Shabak. Earlier reports have indicated that Iran funded the building of an elementary school, library and mosque in the once Christian town.

About 39% of those surveyed who live under an Iran-backed militia say they have been negatively impacted by a militia since the Islamic State was defeated.

Both militias have been the subject of numerous complaints. Aid to the Church in Needs admits that it is hard to verify all of the claims made against the militias but some rights groups, such as Human Rights Watch, have gathered evidence relating to alleged abuses.

The militias are accused of looting Sunni and Christian homes, illegally occupying and selling farmland, supporting and tolerating people who illegally occupy Christian homes, extortion, supporting or tolerating boycotts of Christian businesses, threatening clergy, trying to control checkpoints into Christian areas and even blocking the roads that lead to churches.

The survey found that other common reasons for a desire for Christians to emigrate are unemployment, corruption and religious discrimination.

"The report is not pessimistic, but it is a clear warning because without concerted and immediate political action, the presence of Christians in the region of the Nineveh Plains and its surroundings will be eliminated," Father Andrzej Halemba, who oversees Aid to the Church in Needs projects in the Middle East, said in a statement.

According to Halemba, about 36.2 percent of displaced Christians have returned to their homes in northern Iraq following the defeat of the Islamic State.

"The outlook is inevitably bleak because Christians feel that they have reached a turning point in terms of the viability of their presence in the region," Halemba explained. "There are containment strategies, plans and initiatives that are not only feasible but sustainable if given regional, national and international cooperation. As many and varied as these strategies may be, what they all have in common is urgency.

Aid to the Church in Need has helped restore 2,860 damaged or destroyed Christian homes across six communities in the Nineveh Plains in recent years.

But now, the organization is shifting its reconstruction efforts to focus more on Church-run buildings that need to be rebuilt or repaired.

According to the organization, at least 34 church-run buildings were destroyed while 132 suffered fire damage and 197 were partially damaged.

Halemba is calling for "the presence of a permanent representation of Christians in national and local government to ensure the defense of their fundamental human rights, especially the right to equal citizenship.
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Dr. John Macarthur recently spoke in opposition to religious freedom. As a pastor in California and a graduate of The Masters Seminary, this is a rare instance where I disagree profoundly with Dr. MacArthur.

The essence of his argument seems to be as follows:

False religion is bad.

Religious liberty promotes false religion.

Religious liberty is therefore bad and should not be supported by Christians.

The keen observer will notice an immediate problem with the soundness of the middle premise: Religious liberty does not, in fact, promote false religion. Religious liberty does not promote religion any more than gun companies promote suicide by making guns that are routinely used by individuals to commit suicide. Being against suicide by gun no more requires that you oppose gun companies than being against idolatry requires that you oppose religious liberty.

Religious liberty is the view that citizens should be free to make individual decisions in regard to lawful worship (i.e. whether they worship, what they worship, and how they worship) and that such decisions should be governed with equal protection under the law. Religious liberty implies the inherent religiousness of humans; a position found in the Bible (Ecc. 3:11) that dates back to Cicero and was popularized most recently by Mircea Eliades notion of homo religiosus (e.g. that humans are religious by nature).

What about MacArthurs claim that Christianity has flourished without religious freedom and that Christians dont need any help from government? Well sure, Christianity doesnt need any help from Utility Companies, either, but I am guessing Grace Community Church is kept cool in the summer and warm in the winter thanks to Southern California Edison (or some other provider). It simply doesnt follow that if something is not needed that something is not good.

In fact, as Jonathan Edward says: God ordains the ends and the means. Historically, religious freedom has often been the means by which Christianity has flourished. Rome allowed religious practices that were not perceived to threaten the Empire. In fact, early Christian apologists like Justin and Athenagoras wrote letters to the Emperor arguing, in fact, that Christianity should be one of the religions allowed to be freely exercised in Rome. In effect, they were arguing for religious liberty.

Christianity can spread in China, where Xi Jinping has cracked down on religious freedom. It can also spread in South Korea, where religious liberty is a constitutional right (see Articles 11 and 20).

MacArthur thinks that religious freedom amounts to the promotion of false religion, but this is empirically false. Many false religions have diminished and died in the marketplace of religion where the free exchange of religious ideas and religious competition have corresponded to the growth of Christianity. Again, religious liberty in Korea has corresponded to the meteoric rise of Christianity and the decline of Buddhism in Korea over the same time period.

I suspect a theological argument will have the most positive impact on MacArthur and on those who respect him (a group of which I strongly consider myself to be a part, in fact). Having critiqued MacArthurs argument, allow me to offer my own:

God is free, and his freedom is expressed in absolute consistency with His character and will.

Human freedom is a good thing when practiced in consistency with Gods character and will by the power of the Spirit.

Religious freedom provides an environment for the free practice of religion consistent with Gods character and will by the power of the Spirit.

Therefore, religious freedom is good.

Notice that my argument is not that religious freedom is necessary. But something can be unnecessary and still be good. Again, church buildings are not necessary for the faithful practice of Christianity, but they are good. Christian universities and seminaries, such as are owned and operated by Grace Community Church where MacArthur is pastor, are good but unnecessary.

Notice also that my argument seeks to connect human freedom to image bearing. Regardless of the theory of freedom that you hold, humans are meant to be free as opposed to whatever you consider to be the opposite of freedom. For instance, a Christians lives freely under the Lordship of Jesus if their will and affections are aligned with God and His purposes in Christ. Religious liberty is something Christians should support because God desires free worship, regardless of your theory of freedom.

Religious freedom is also implicit in Scripture (Mark 9:38-41 and Mark 13:34-3). In these passages Jesus says (speaking of a person engaged in false religion) Dont stop him; and speaking of false religion in a religiously pluralistic society, Jesus says Let them grow together until the harvest. As a committed pre-millennial dispensationalist, Dr. MacArthur should recognize the importance and application of these (and other) passages to the church in the age preceding the coming of the heavenly Kingdom. For it is only after this point that there will be only one religion practiced on a new earth where Christ Himself reigns bodily.
(Reuters) - Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon on Saturday, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action against the ruling junta for the killings of protesters.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged in turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, with daily protests and strikes that have choked business and paralysed administration.

Sporadic protests were staged across Myanmar on Saturday and local media reported that police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to break up a protest in the Sanchaung district of Yangon, the country's biggest city. There were no reports of casualties.

More than 50 protesters have been killed since the coup, according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone. Protesters demand the release of Suu Kyi and the respect of November's election, which her party won in landslide, but which the army rejected.

"How much more can we allow the Myanmar military to get away with?" Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener told a closed meeting of the 15-member U.N. Security Council on Friday, according to a copy of her remarks reviewed by Reuters.

"It is critical that this council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results."

A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment.

The army says it has been restrained in stopping the protests, but has said it will not allow them to threaten stability.

Several hundred people gathered in Sydney on Saturday to protest against the coup, singing and holding up three fingers, a salute that has come to symbolise solidarity and resistance across Myanmar.

"We would like to urge the Australian government to work closely with the U.S., UK and EU governments and take strong action against these Myanmar military dictators," said protest organiser Thein Moe Win.

Story continues

In Myanmar's southern town of Dawei, protesters chanted "Democracy is our cause" and "The revolution must prevail".

People have taken to Myanmar's streets in their hundreds of thousands at times, vowing to continue action in a country that spent nearly half a century under military rule until democratic reforms in 2011 that were cut short by the coup.

"Political hope has begun to shine. We can't lose the momentum of the revolution," one protest leader, Ei Thinzar Maung, wrote on Facebook. "Those who dare to fight will have victory. We deserve victory."

GRAVE DISTURBED

On Friday night, authorities disturbed the grave of a 19-year-old woman who became an icon of the protest movement after she was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read "Everything will be OK", a witness and local media said.

One witness said the body of Kyal Sin, widely known as Angel, was removed on Friday, examined and returned, before the tomb was re-sealed in Myanmar's second city of Mandalay. The independent Mizzima news service also reported the event.

A military spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. Reuters was unable to contact police for comment.

The killing of protesters has drawn international outrage.

"Use of violence against the people of Myanmar must stop now," South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a tweet, calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees and for the restoration of democracy.

The United States and some other Western countries have imposed limited sanctions on the junta and the independent U.N. human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, has called for a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions.

The army took power over allegations of fraud in last year's election which had been dismissed by the electoral commission. It has promised to hold a new election at an unspecified date.

That plan is rejected by protesters and by a group representing lawmakers elected at the last election that has begun to issue statements in the name of a rival civilian administration.

On Friday, it listed four demands - the end of the junta, the release of the detainees, democracy and the abolition of the 2008 constitution which left significant political representation and control in the hands of the military.

A civil disobedience campaign of strikes running parallel with the protests has been supported by many government workers including a trickle of policemen.

Authorities in Myanmar have asked India to return eight policemen who sought refuge across the border to avoid taking orders from the junta, an official in northeast India said on Saturday.

India's foreign ministry responded to a request for comment by referring to a statement given at a media briefing on Friday which said the ministry was still "ascertaining the facts."

(Reporting by Reuters Staff; Writing by Matthew Tostevin and Raju Gopalakrishnan; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Christian Schmollinger)

New York City, NY , March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Entrepreneur Dan Castle is passionate about safety, especially during the pandemic. Therefore, his reusable N95 FDA registered mask---valve and vent-free--- is a top-notch solution to many mask-wearing issues such as comfort, safety, and affordability.

CastleGrade reusable N95 FDA registered masks are Castles upgrade to an earlier version of the mask produced by Anna Grinvald in December. Grinvald, an entrepreneur and business owner, sought to invent a mask that would prevent foggy glasses, a constant complaint from her mother, who lives in a senior care facility.

With Ron Grinvald, a former injection mold specialist for NASA, Anna and Castle improved the original G-Series mask. Recently tested by the FDA, Nelson Labs, Alpha Labs, and SMQ Labs, the latest version of the mask has tested above 97 percent on all filtration tests, including 98.2 percent on the NIOSH NacL test. Annas mother was extremely excited to see that she finally had a quality, safe mask that didnt fog her glasses.

CastleGrade N95 masks do precisely what Castle intended---address ongoing issues such as affordability of N95 masks. CastleGrade masks are reusable, saving both money and the planet at the same time. However, there is a problem that still concerns Castle---frontline workers want access to the best protection, yet many don't know the CastleGrade masks exist because of advertising regulations.

The advertising ban

According to an article in The Guardian, Facebook issued a ban on N95 mask advertising as part of an effort to prevent social media from becoming a platform to exploit peoples concerns about the pandemic. Additionally, the ban was intended to avoid price gouging for the higher grade masks when supply is limited. Finally, the ban aims to keep the best masks available for healthcare workers who need them the most.

Castle says he understands the reasons for the ban; however, many of the initial concerns have gone by the wayside. Castle says people who want and need his ultra-safe masks dont know they exist because the media advertising ban is still in place. Castle says the ban might have been necessary early on in the pandemic, but now it's causing manufacturers like him to have huge inventories with no way to advertise to the millions of people who want and need his masks.

Superior quality and comfort

What makes CastleGrade masks superior compared to traditional N95 face masks? This answer begins with safe air filtration. Castle says, Our G-Series Masks use a 4-ply filter composed of 4 layers of filtration materials with no valves or vents, so both user and those around them are protected. Air is filtered in upon inhaling and exhaling. Castle adds that this filtration method has an efficiency score considerably higher than 95 percent across multiple lab tests. Paired with the superior, soft, form-fitting seal with natural suction, the CastleGrade mask offers exceptionally safe air quality. And maybe most practical for those who wear glasses---no fog!

The G-Series mask comes in seven fashionable colors with silicone, around-the-ear straps for all-day comfort without the hassle of having to pull the straps over your head. The straps are adjustable and available in three colors: Blue, Black, and Grey. Finally, the G-Series N95 mask is easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

Closing

Even though CastleGrade is still not allowed to advertise its masks on social media, word is spreading that their G-Series N95 masks effectively keep harmful elements out and clean filtered air in. When you pair that plus with the style, comfort, and easy sanitizing, this mask can be deemed one of the best available to the general public. Oh---and lets not forget the no fog feature for people who wear glasses. This aspect alone is a total game-changer.

This summer, Castle will introduce the long-awaited T-Series teachers mask, which allows for new upgrades and features that teachers have been asking for to keep them protected in the classroom.



Media Details: Dan Castle >> support@castlegrade.com





This news has been published for the above source. Castlegrade [ID=17207]

Disclaimer: The information does not constitute advice or an offer to buy. Any purchase made from this story is made at your own risk. Consult an expert advisor/health professional before any such purchase. Any purchase made from this link is subject to the final terms and conditions of the website's selling. The content publisher and its distribution partners do not take any responsibility directly or indirectly. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the company this news is about.





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Last year, Microsoft promised a bunch of features for the Edge browser, and the most interesting of the bunch is vertical tabs. Now, the tech giant has announced that vertical tabs is making its way to all Edge users this month, four months after rolling out a preview to testers in the Dev channel. Tabs in the format live in a pane on the side of the browser. The layout allows tab titles to be clearly visible so users know exactly what they're clicking on, but they can also click on an arrow button at the top of the tab bar to hide the descriptions if they want the website they're looking at to occupy most of the screen.

Microsoft

Another new feature rolling out to Edge this month is "startup boost." It launches the browser in the background when users sign into their device, and it keeps the browser running even after all its windows are closed. Microsoft says that reduces the time it takes to fire up a browser by 29 to 41 percent. The feature is activated by default, but users can toggle it off in settings.

Microsoft is also launching a new way to view browser history. Edge now opens as a drop-down menu from the toolbar instead of a full page that takes users away from the website they're viewing, and users can pin the lightweight menu to the side for easy access.

In addition to the new Edge features, the tech giant has also launched a handful of Bing improvements. Its search results page now intuitively highlights the most relevant results, and its carousel now shows information about the result when you hover over an entry. Finally, the search engine now presents aggregated information for broad topics. Doing a query for "Kenya," for instance, shows users an aggregated infographic-inspired experience with the top text and visual results.
He recently told fans that there are 'very few options' to help his baby daughter Azaylia after her leukaemia returned.

And Ashley Cain admitted that he's found the last couple of weeks 'mentally challenging' as he copes with his baby girl's devastating diagnosis.

In an emotional video shared to his Instagram on Friday, the Ex On The Beach star, 30, told how he's pushed himself to get out of his 'comfort zone' and back on top form as he insisted: 'My daughter needs me at 150%'.

So tough: Ashley Cain admitted that he's found the last couple of weeks 'mentally challenging' as he copes with his baby girl's devastating diagnosis

Speaking into the camera during a walk, Ashley told how the video is 'self reflection' after finding himself struggling mentally in the wake of his daughter's illness.

He said: 'A lot of people have said that I'm motivational but the truth is, I haven't been motivational or inspirational for myself recently. I think coming home put me in a comfort zone in some kind of way and it took me out of my routine at the hospital.

'Also with the added trauma on my mind of my daughter's leukemia coming back, it's been difficult. The last couple of weeks have been very mentally challenging and I've done what I never do, I let myself slip.

Heartbreaking: He recently told fans that there are 'very few options' to help his baby daughter Azaylia after her leukaemia returned (pictured in January)

'It's all because I haven't kept my standards, I haven't been tenacious with the way I go through life. I've sat back and I've allowed myself to get in my comfort zone and that is the worst thing you can do. Nothing was ever achieved in a comfort zone.'

The reality star then gave an inspirational message of how he's turned things around and is determined to be strong and transfer his positive energy to his little girl.

He went on: 'My daughter needs me at 150%. That means, I need to do whatever I can do in my power to make myself that level so that I can transfer that energy onto her. If I eat right, if I sleep right, if I train right, and if I keep pushing towards my goals in life, that makes me the top of my game.'

Pushing through: In an emotional video shared to his Instagram on Friday, the Ex On The Beach star, 30, told how he's pushed himself to get out of his 'comfort zone' and back on top form as he insisted: 'My daughter needs me at 150%'

He continued: 'That energy translates into my daughter. And I tell you what, starting from now, I'm never ever ever gonna slip into that rut again because I don't like it, it's not be and I'm never going to get nowhere being like that.

'Last night I got up, half 12 at night, and I went on a run, I ran 8k in the freezing cold, in the pouring rain. But you know what? I had to make a stand against my mental health last night before it got too late.

'I had to stand up, I had to fight and I had to get out and get that s**t done. Because I tell you what, I woke up this morning feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to hit the day hard.'

Hard time: 'It's been difficult. The last couple of weeks have been very mentally challenging and I've done what I never do, I let myself slip'

Concluding his talk, Ashley added: 'So I guess what I want to say to you guys is that you have a choice. You can sit down, you can roll over and you can let the situation control you. Or you can get up, you can get out and you can fight it! Because if you fight now, you win later.'

It comes after he gave an update on Azaylia on Wednesday, saying he and partner Safiyya Vorajee's next course of action was to reduce her cyclosporine medication in the hope it will prompt Azaylia's stem cells to fight her cancer.

Posting a photo of his six-month-old looking up at the camera, Ashley wrote: 'Having my daughter back at home has been amazing. She is happy, she is growing and she is learning new things every day!

Pushing forward: EOTB's Ashley admitted on Wednesday that there are 'very few options' to help daughter Azaylia after her leukaemia returned but detailed their next plan of action

'This being said, there is still a huge cloud over us because consultants discovered that Azaylias leukemia has returned post transplant, which leaves us with very little options going forward.

'However, our next step is to reduce her cyclosporine medication which is there to regulate her new stem cells, to wake them up and give them a boost in the hope they will fight off the remaining leukemia cells,? which the chemotherapy cant.

'We are hoping that we encounter a strong case of GVL (Graft vs Leukemia) and minimal amounts of GVHD (Graft vs Host Disease) in this process (sic).'

Plan: Ashley said he and his partner Safiyya Vorajee's next course of action was to reduce her cyclosporine medication in the hope it will prompt Azaylia's stem cells to fight her cancer

Honest: Posting a photo of his six-month-old looking up at the camera, Ashley added: 'We are hoping that we encounter a strong case of GVL (Graft vs Leukemia)'

Going on to gush about his daughter's positivity in the face of her illness, he went on: 'I am SO proud of how much strength and courage she has shown throughout this journey!

'& the fact she can always find a smile no matter what shes going through, is nothing less than unbelievable!

'We go again Likkle Lion. Please keep Azaylia in your prayers. LETS GO CHAMP '

Moving: Going on to gush about his daughter's positivity in the face of her illness, he went on: 'I am SO proud of how much strength and courage she has shown throughout this journey!'

Last week, Ashley said he was feeling 'slightly rattled and super nervous' after revealing his baby daughter Azaylia's leukaemia has returned.

The reality star shared an emotional update with fans on Instagram, saying he needs 'some time to sit and reflect'.

Earlier in the day, the doting dad had taken his little girl to hospital for an appointment and revealed there is a 'new plan of action' amid her cancer battle.



Strong: Last week, Ashley said he was feeling 'slightly rattled and super nervous' after revealing his baby daughter Azaylia's leukaemia has returned

Giving a late night update, Ashley said: 'Ive let the girls go to bed and I'm staying up, cant lie it's been the first time properly since it started Ive felt super super nervous.

'Feel like it's hitting me a bit and I havent been rattled on his whole journey and I feel slightly rattled at the moment.

'Think I need some time to sit and reflect, pull myself together and reset for tomorrow, crack back on. Heads gone a bit today, cant lie.

Ashley had earlier shared sweet clips of him playing with his daughter after their trip to the hospital for an appointment.

Doting dad: The reality star shared an emotional update with fans on Instagram last week, saying he needs to 'some time to sit and reflect'

In one video the reality star looked every inch the doting dad as his adorable little girl lay sleeping on his chest with her hand resting on his tattooed arm.

It had been a busy day for the family, with the star earlier reassuring fans he'd update them on Azaylia's situation 'when we get our heads around it,' before telling his tiny daughter: 'You've got this.'

Ashley documented their trip to hospital for an appointment, with Azaylia looking sweet in her car seat, while he told her: 'Hello princess, off to hospital, aren't we?

'Big day today. Let's go champ. You look amazing by the way. You look absolutely beautiful.'

Adorable: Ashley shared a sweet clip of his little girl sleeping on his chest and resting her hand on his arm

After their appointment, the father-of-one asked his little girl: 'Shall we go back home now baby? Shall we have a play? Do you wanna have a kiss? Have a cuddle? Yeh.'

Ashley then revealed: 'So, we've got a new plan of action now for Azaylia. It's gonna take a bit of time to get our heads around it...

'But, I'll update you guys as soon as we've had a chill-out, got our heads around it and we're ready to go for it.'

Then, in a heartwarming moment, the reality star turned to his daughter and said: 'Let's go champ. Let's go champ. Likkle lion. Likkle lion. You've got this.'

Ashley was left in tears last week when he marked the moment his daughter Azaylia left hospital to go home for the first time in five months.

The reality star described it as a 'miracle blindsided by heartbreak' after doctors delivered the news her leukaemia had returned- just 10 minutes before the family were due to leave the children's ward.

Azaylia is battling a rare and aggressive form of leukaemia and had recently undergone a stem cell transplant.

Taking to Instagram, Ashley shared the moment of Azaylia 'ringing the bell' so he and his partner Vorajee could finally take her home, with Azaylia continuing her treatment as an outpatient.

You've got this! Earlier in the day they had visited hospital and he told fans he'd update them on the situation 'when we get our heads around it,' before telling his daughter: 'You've got this'

Doting: Ashley documented their journey to hospital, with Azaylia looking adorable in her car seat, while he told her: 'Hello princess, off to hospital, aren't we?

He penned: 'Today was supposed to be a day of unquestionable happiness. However, it turned out like most days on this journey; A miracle blindsided by heartbreak!

'We got told a few days ago that's Azaylia would be ringing the bell today and coming home with us, as a family to resume treatment 2 days per week as an outpatient.

'However, 10 minutes before the moment we have been praying for over the last 5 months...

'We got urgently informed that Azaylia's leukaemia had returned. We crumbled and cancelled the celebration as we felt broken and numb to the core before seeing her beautiful face telling us, the show must go on and us then realising how far our little girl has come and how much she deserves this moment.

Emotional: Ashley was left in tears last week when he marked the moment his daughter Azaylia left hospital to go home for the first time in five months

'She has battled against the odds, she has overcome every obstacle in her path and she has done it all with remarkable spirit and the biggest smile on her face!

'For now we are enjoying precious moments at home until we return to hospital on Friday! Thank you for your support and please keep our beautiful daughter in your prayers!'

The moving video showed the corridor lined with nurses and doctors applauding the family as they prepared to go home.

Through tears Ashley said: 'I want to say thank you for all the care you've given us. For looking after her but also just the care for us has been amazing.

Sad: The star said it was a 'miracle blindsided by heartbreak' after doctors delivered the news her leukaemia had returned- just before the family were due to leave the children's ward

Devastating: 'We got urgently informed that Azaylia's leukaemia had returned. We crumbled and cancelled the celebration as we felt broken and numb to the core', Ashley wrote

'We got some news today that Azaylia's leukaemia has come back but that just means that we stay positive and we get back to ring that second bell and get out of here.'

The couple had faced an agonising two week wait to find out whether the stem cell transplant managed to clear out the leukaemia from her bone marrow.

Ashley said he was devastated to learn Azaylia was at a higher risk of complications going into the transplant after her cancer returned, following two rounds of chemotherapy.

When Azaylia was diagnosed with leukaemia she had a soaring white cell count of 200, and also had tumours on her lungs, kidneys, and stomach.

Poignant: Taking to Instagram, Ashley shared the moment of Azaylia 'ringing the bell' so he and his partner Safiyya could finally take her home

Keeping positive: Ashley's partner Safiyya Vorajee also commented on Ashley's post saying that their 'special little girl' will 'beat this'

What are the symptoms of leukaemia in children? Fatigue and pale skin - this is because leukaemia can cause anaemia which makes a child feel weak, tired and light-headed. Infections and fever - children with leukaemia lack normal white blood cells which would normally help fight infection. Rash - children may have small, dark spots that look like common rashes if the leukemia cells spread to the skin Easy bruising or bleeding - this includes frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums and bleeding a lot from small cuts. Bone or joint pain - this is caused by a build up of leukaemia cells near the surface of the bone or inside the joint. Swelling of the abdomen - leukaemia cells may collect in the liver and spleen causing them to enlarge. Loss of appetite and weight loss - if the spleen and liver swell, they can press against the stomach causing loss of appetite. Swollen lymph nodes - some leukaemias spread to the lymph nodes causing them to swell. Source: American Cancer Society Advertisement

Ashley revealed that a normal person's white cell count is five, while adults who are suffering from the blood cancer tend to have a white cell count of 40, so it was alarming that Azalyia's was so high.

The star explained that being told the news left him a 'broken man', and he claimed it was an 'absolute miracle' that she has been able to fight the cancer.

Through publicising Azaylia's battle, Ashley has helped the NHS get 80,000 people to sign up to become stem cell donors in just 48 hours after he appealed for help.

Saying that he was 'forever grateful' to the members of the public who had ordered test kits to be added to the stem cell register, Ashley claimed the charities usually get 30-40,000 people registering in a single year.

Ashley, who made his appeal to find a donor on social media, said he thought it was 'beautiful' how people could come together for a good cause in spite of negativity that is often prevalent online.
In Joe Biden's caretaker administration, it's amazing how many misdeeds can be erased through the useful tool of identity politics.

Take his nomination of Deb Haaland, a congresswoman representing greater Albuquerque, who's a registered member of a Native American tribe...and a tax cheat, energy ignoramus, persistent welfare recipient, and marijuana-booster, who has now advanced in the Senate as his nominee to run the $12-billion U.S. Department of the Interior. Her trump card in qualifications after all those red flags? That she's half-Native American and has mastered the identity politics games of victimhood.

What could go wrong?

Unlike, say, Neera Tanden, her deficits for the cabinet post she's nominated for don't involve slippery political operativestyle maneuvers or an acid tongue targeting Democrats as often as Republicans.

In Haaland's case, she's in over her head.

Start with her management of her personal life:

She's apparently not a big payer of taxes. In December, she just filed her taxes for the first time for her 2018 returns:

According to John Solomon's JustTheNews:

"I filed my 2018 federal income tax return in December 2020 without an extension. In 2018, my income was $2,250," she wrote in a supplemental answer filed on Feb. 12 after Barrasso pressed for more information.

The $2,250 income figure she provided for 2018 in the supplemental answer is different than the various totals she reported in her congressional ethics forms and subsequent amendments.

This is pretty disturbing, given that nobody could actually live on such an amount. She claimed on some forms income from a retirement fund, but how she got hold of that is unknown.

Prior to that, she identified herself as a hardscrabble single mother who'd lived paycheck to paycheck if not on food stamps and public assistance, but also founded and ran a small business called Pueblo Salsa, before getting involved with tribal affairs through the Laguna Development Corporation Board of Directors, which then led her to springboard into politics. She got elected to Congress in 2018. She went to college in 1988 at the age of 28, graduated six years later, and became a single mom shortly after in 1994, apparently never marrying. She completed her law degree in 2006.

Her daughter, whose name is Somah and is some kind of an actress, reports that she lived a nomadic existence, stating in this piece that she went to nine different elementary schools (approximate years 20002006). One of them was in wealthy Santa Monica, California, probably the most far-left fringe city in America. She apparently got the wokester victimhood shtick down pat from there. Sonah's pronouns are they/them/she/her on Twitter and they/she/captain on Instagram, however that works.

This brings us back to her mom. Despite a law degree and a personal business and various sinecures on New Mexico business boards, she couldn't make more money than $2,000 in 2018? Sounds a little disorganized, for sure.

Haaland's Wikipedia page says she doesn't have a license to practice law in the State of New Mexico. That could be based on some kind of moral turpitude, or maybe laziness, but it also raises questions as to whether she had the smarts to pass the state bar during all these years since her 2006 graduation. Maybe there's an innocent explanation. Maybe she was making more money doing other things. But then there's that $2,000 income, which doesn't add up easily to someone all that poor.

And that's not the half of it.

Solomon notes that she reports four different salaries for the same year on different forms, with no explanation given in congressional hearings. At a minimum, she might be incompetent and inattentive to details. At a maximum, she might be a tax evader. Bottom line, taxes for her are for little people and she only pays them when she's nominated to a major government leadership position. Sound like the best person to run a $12 billion agency with 70,000 federal employees?

This isn't even getting near her other problem, which are her ignorant views on economics, which would presumably become Interior department policy.

Asked about Biden's stroke-of-the-pen shutdowns of oil drilling and hydraulic fracking on federal lands, as well as the sweeping shutdown of the Keystone XL pipeline, she said she was all in for Joe Biden's ignorant policies, which are costing thousands of Americans their jobs.

The Boston Globe began its glowing coverage of her here, emphasizing her identity politics over her knowledge of energy production, calling her a "champion of the land":

Of all the groundbreaking appointments President Biden has made to his administration, perhaps the boldest is his choice for secretary of the interior. Representative Debra Haaland of New Mexico, whose Senate confirmation hearings began this week, would be the first Native American appointed to a Cabinet post. And not just any post. The significance of an indigenous American being in charge of federal lands  cruelly wrested from Native people over centuries and rapaciously exploited for their resources  is hard to overstate. Most of Haalands hearing before the Energy and Natural Resources Committee this week focused on fossil fuel issues, with pointed questions from Republican senators about her stated opposition to drilling and hydraulic fracking on public lands. Haaland emphasized her record of bipartisanship in the House and said that, as secretary, she would be implementing the Biden administrations agenda, not her own. Biden has issued a pause on new drilling leases as part of a transition away from fossil fuels, but current operations can continue.

As for energy production, she says she will defer to Joe Biden, apparently since she knows little of the energy industry or how it fuels the rest of the U.S. economy. She's apparently unaware of how closely its revenues fund many Indian nations, and how some of them have raised protests against Biden's anti-energy production decisions, which undercut their finances. Fox Business reported this exchange:

Risch pressed Haaland to explain why she supports a move that Republicans have said will kill thousands of jobs. "One of the reasons why is, I support President Biden," she told the hearing's panel. "I think he;s thought deeply about these things, and I think that he cares deeply about our environment, and I do as well."

Asked about how these measures empower petrotyrants abroad, she said she knew nothing.

And asked about Biden's replacement plans for the energy industry, which fuels much of New Mexico's state government, and much of Montana's and Wyoming's, she said pot growing and the tax revenue that comes of it (little of which has materialized in the West Coast states that have counted on it) could replace the energy-derived tax income as well as lost jobs.

According to MarijuanaMoment, which hailed Haaland's position, her confirmation hearing exchange went like this:

Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) was pressed on her 2018 remarks during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the panels ranking member, asked whether it was still her position that tax revenue from cannabis sales could be used to support schools as a replacement for oil and gas royalties as part of a plan to shift away from fossil fuels. Well, I think the point of that, ranking member, was to say that we should diversify our funding streams for education and not just rely on one, she replied. Is selling marijuana among what the Biden administration calls better choices that the Biden administration has promised to give displaced oil and gas workers? Barrasso asked. Is that the better choice? Marijuana? I honestly dont know what President Bidens stance is on cannabis currently, the nominee said.

Which doesn't sound like she knows much about the economics of either industry.

Energy jobs are among the most highly skilled and highly paid in the U.S. The pot industry, in contrast, is mostly unskilled agricultural labor with pay so low the pot industry often uses illegal aliens.

Sound like the right person to be running a $12 billion federal agency?

She's in way over her head. And sadly, it's come to this because Biden wants to check off a box, claiming she's going to be the first Native American to be running the U.S. Department of the Interior? Biden views all of his cabinet appointments through an exclusively identity-politics lens, and leaves the running of the country to whoever can grab power in the void. That's a sad reflection on his coming legacy. Haaland can't even manage her bankbook or tax records and thinks pot sales can take the tax place of oil production in the economy. She has no idea what she's doing and belongs at a poetry festival or a remedial personal finance class. She shouldn't be anywhere near the levers of power.

Image: New Mexico Mercury via Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0.
A child has died following a fire in a block of flats in south London.

Firefighters rescued a woman and two children from the top floor of the building and all three were taken to hospital on Saturday morning, London Fire Brigade said.

One child died shortly before 8am while the woman, 34, and the second child remain in a serious condition, police said.

The fire service said six engines and around 40 firefighters were called to the blaze at the block of maisonettes in Russett Way, Greenwich, at 5.44am on Saturday.

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Part of the top floor of a split-level maisonette was damaged by the fire, London Fire Brigade said.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus rescued a woman and two children from the top the floor of the property.

They have all been taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews, where sadly one of the children passed away.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: Three people, a 34-year-old woman and two children, sustained injuries and were taken to south London hospitals.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services and hospital staff, one of the children sadly died shortly before 8am.

The 34-year-old woman and the second child remain in a serious condition.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-07 00:16:40|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING/HOHHOT, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Throughout his life, Zhou Yizhe, 57, has worked with trees in a number of ways, each time using different tools.

For 35 years, he worked as a logger, cutting down trees with an ax and a saw. He then picked up a shovel and got involved in tree planting. Now, as a national lawmaker, he uses his pen and laptop to draft suggestions, calling for greater efforts in protecting trees.

At the ongoing annual session of China's national legislature, President Xi Jinping praised Zhou for his transition.

"Your identity shift from a logger to a forest ranger epitomizes our country's transformation in industrial structures," Xi told Zhou during deliberations with fellow lawmakers from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Friday.

Zhou works on a forest farm in the Greater Hinggan Mountains of Inner Mongolia, along the country's northern border.

In 2012, as the country raised the vision of building a "Beautiful China," with ecological progress included into its integrated plan for development, some 16,000 loggers in the region shifted their roles to forest rangers in the Greater Hinggan Mountains.

NEW LIFE

Inner Mongolia has more than 100,000 square km of state-owned forestry zones, roughly the same land area as Iceland. It used to be a major timber-production base, fueling the country's construction in infrastructure and other sectors for decades.

In peak times, the timber Zhou and his colleagues produced could fill 400 train carriages every winter.

"Buyers from all over the country came here for our timber," Zhou recalled.

Amid the increasing awareness of environmental protection and sustainable development, China started capping timber production in the late 1990s and natural forest logging in the Greater Hinggan Mountains was fully banned in 2015.

Tree fellers like Zhou turned into rangers. As part of the country's green transformation, China has created tens of thousands of state-funded posts focused on protecting grasslands, forests and wetlands.

Unlike in the past, when farm workers only got six months' pay for logging in autumn and winter, these people now have work all year long. Their income of up to 60,000 yuan (about 9,234 U.S. dollars) a year is three times the amount in 2015.

Zhou takes a two-hour ride by shuttle van to get into the forest and walks five to six hours a day. His job includes planting trees, patrolling, spotting fire risks and protecting trees through pest- and disease-prevention measures.

"With our afforestation efforts, we have built a green 'Great Wall'," Zhou said, adding that more wild animals, including roe deer and bears, are found roaming in the woods.

Over the past five years, the country has added 36.33 million hectares of afforested land, bringing the country's forest coverage rate to 23.04 percent from 21.66 percent.

NEW IDENTITY

In the eyes of his colleagues, Zhou, who now leads hundreds of workers, is diligent and capable, caring for his team members.

"Under his leadership, we now have paved roads on our farm," said Li Wenzhong, one of his co-workers.

Zhou was elected a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, in 2018.

NPC deputies are from all walks of life and work part-time. Of the nearly 3,000 national lawmakers, more than 15 percent are grassroots workers and farmers.

Before Zhou headed to Beijing for the annual session of the NPC, he had visited the Inner Mongolia Agricultural University to consult on questions about building fire barriers in natural forests.

"We discussed planting fire-resistant trees, and I advised him on cultivating new breeds with biotechnology and genetic-engineering methods," said Bai Yu'e, a forestry professor at the university.

This year, Zhou plans to offer suggestions about road construction for fire control, as well as improved telecommunication networks in forests.

He said natural forests are often hit by lightning, and it is necessary to ensure that fire trucks can access forests using paved roads.

Some years ago, he witnessed a pine forest being engulfed by fire. "I was heartbroken, like a farmer seeing his year-long toil torched to ashes."

Zhou's busy schedule doesn't allow him to spend much time with his family. His grandson has become a first-grader in the regional capital Hohhot.

Zhou will retire soon, but he is glad to see more young graduates being recruited to the forest farm, as part of the country's state-owned forest farm reform to attract talent.

"With the younger generation taking over the job of forest ranger, I'll have more time to spend with my little one after retirement," he said. Enditem
PHILADELPHIA (AP)  Two Philadelphians have been indicted on allegations they tried to use explosives to rob a Wawa convenience store amid unrest and protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in late May.

Desiree Adorno, 65, and Michael Fields, 34, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to use explosive devices to steal lottery tickets and money from the safe in the Wawa on Richmond Street near the Betsy Ross Bridge  far from where the protests against police brutality and racial injustice were centered. Fields was also charged with possessing an unregistered firearm.

Fields had his initial court appearance Friday, while Adorno is due in federal court Monday, according to federal officials. Attorney information was not listed in court documents for either Adorno or Fields.

According to the arrest affidavit, police allege Adorno, Fields and two other unidentified people broke the glass window at the store on June 5 and entered and stole merchandise from the shelves. Finding the cash registers were empty, officials say Fields distributed several explosive devices to be placed near a safe, inside the lottery machine and in other areas of the store where money might be kept.

Police arrived at the store before the devices were detonated. The two unnamed participants fled in a car. Police said Fields attempted to run away, hiding under a car and in bushes and discarding the explosives and other items as he ran.

Fields was eventually apprehended by police. Adorno was taken into custody inside the store. It was unclear from the federal court documents if either had been charged locally.

More medical workers in Tokyo were inoculated against COVID-19 on Friday as further consignments of Pfizer vaccines arrived in Japan.

Japan began vaccinating health care workers on Feb 17 with just over five months until the the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's rollout has been slower than some other countries because it asked Pfizer to conduct clinical trials with Japanese people, in addition to trials already conducted elsewhere.

The request was part of an initiative to boost trust in the process, in a country where confidence in coronavirus vaccines is low.

The government also announced a two-week extension of a state of emergency in the Tokyo region on Friday, because its medical systems are still strained by COVID-19 infections.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Emily Mieure covers criminal justice and emergency news. She also leads the News&Guides investigative efforts. She has reported for WDRB TV in Louisville, Ky., WFIE TV in Evansville, Ind., and WEIU TV in Charleston, Ill.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 17:31:13|Editor: Yurou

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BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China's national lawmakers are considering measures to ultimately form in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's realities and with Hong Kong characteristics.

A draft decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR was submitted to the ongoing fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress, the top legislature, for deliberation.

Over the past few years, the anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical localists in Hong Kong -- with the support from external forces -- have been taking advantage of the long-standing loopholes in the HKSAR's electoral system to enter its governance structure. They even attempted to manipulate elections in a bid to grab the power to administer Hong Kong.

Such activities put China's national sovereignty, security and development interests into serious jeopardy and severely disrupted social stability of the HKSAR. Therefore, there should be no delay in improving HKSAR's electoral system.

As Hong Kong is a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, the central authorities hold a leading role in and have the power of decision on the region's political system and political structure, including its electoral system.

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the central authorities have been fostering the region's democratic system with unswerving determination and utmost sincerity. Meanwhile, the central authorities have strived to ensure that Hong Kong residents can fully exercise their democratic rights. All these remain unchanged.

Improving the HKSAR's electoral system is a measure to safeguard the sound and smooth development of Hong Kong's democratic system within the institutional framework of "one country, two systems," and on the right track which is in line with the Constitution and the HKSAR Basic Law.

It is hoped that the general public of Hong Kong will fully understand and recognize the significance and sincerity of the central authorities' efforts in facilitating the improvement, voice their support and work together to thwart the political manipulation plotted by anti-China disruptors and the foreign forces behind the scene.

Taking into full consideration the practical needs of improving the electoral system in Hong Kong and the specific situation in the city, the central authorities will no doubt form a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's realities and with Hong Kong characteristics ultimately. Enditem

New Delhi, March 6 : Singapore-based fund house, Bank Julius Baer, has upgraded India to overweight as it will be the fastest growing major economy in 2021.

"We change our stance on India from market-weight to overweight and see 15% upside from current levels with a Sensex price target of 58,450," it said in a note.

"An economic recovery is underway, and we look for 9% y/y GDP growth this year, followed by 7% next year. We look for earnings per share to grow on average over 25% over the next 3 years. It would be unprecedented for the stock market to fall in an environment of such strong growth," it added.

Scientists think "herd immunity" has been achieved in large parts of the country, which would explain why daily new cases have fallen from almost 100,000 in September to less than 15,000 presently.

Lockdowns are imposed still in specific areas that experience Covid outbreaks, but high frequency data shows that has not stopped a continuous recovery following the nation-wide lockdown from March to July of last year. For example, anonymized data gathered shows the mobility of people using Android-based smartphones is almost back to pre-Covid levels, it added.

An Initial Public Offering of LIC, India's largest insurer with $464 billion in assets, is planned for the second half of FY2022. The divestment of this company in particular will enable the government to manage its fiscal position.

The budget has set up a special purpose vehicle to sell the idle/non-core assets (especially land) of SOEs. Much of the idle land is well-situated and could be made productive, benefiting economic growth. Divestment of LIC and BPCL remains the key to meet the fiscal deficit target without compromising spending in FY22E, the research said.

With only the brief exception at the bottom of the Global Financial Crisis, in recent history India's stock market has always traded at a premium to its emerging market counterparts. The current premium of 40% is around the long-term average, it added
A MAN got a wheel brace from the boot of his car and "ran at" another man when a row on a street in west Dublin escalated, a court has heard.

Wesley Gibbons (41) was under the influence of drugs when he got the tool out and brandished it during the dispute.

He was put on a six-month peace bond for a weapons charge after Blanchardstown District Court heard he had no history of violence.

Gibbons, of Mayfield Court, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to producing a steel wheel brace in the course of a dispute.

The court heard the incident started at Rowlagh Park, Clondalkin, on July 3 last year, while gardai were dealing with a separate incident at Rowlagh Avenue.

A garda heard shouting and saw Gibbons get a wheel brace out of the boot of his car.

The accused "ran at a male he was having a verbal dispute with", Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan told the court.

The garda got into his patrol car and made his way towards the dispute but the accused got into his own car and drove off.

The garda had to remain at the scene because the officer he was with was in another house.

Gibbons returned, shouted at his sister and made threats to men who were also there.

While he had previous convictions, he had no history of violent offences.

There had been no further difficulties since then, Sgt Callaghan said.

The accused had a drug addiction and was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.

On the day, Gibbons's sister had been involved in an argument.

"It was a situation where one word borrowed another," defence solicitor Lorraine Stephens said, adding it was not a case where the accused had brought the wheel brace to the scene of the dispute.

This was an implement that was already in the boot of his car, Ms Stephens said.

She asked Judge David McHugh not to fine the accused as he was a licensed security guard and hoped to get back into employment.

Judge McHugh told the court he was satisfied Gibbons, who had gone for treatment, was taking sufficient steps to "conquer his demons, which are ongoing".

As well as the peace bond, he told him to make a 150 charity donation.




Violent fighting has resulted in at least 90 casualties in the past 24 hours on both warring fronts in Yemen, specifically in Marib, in the north, a strategic region that Houthi rebels are trying to wrest from loyalist forces.

Government military sources report this.

32 fighters between government forces and loyalist tribes were killed in the clashes, while 58 rebels were killed in Saudi air strikes.

(Unioneonline / F)
A few weeks ago, management of a downtown office building sent out a group email that got right to the point: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a long-time tenant of the 200 Market Building, Mr. Jin Choo

For the people who worked in or visited the 18-story office building just south of Keller Auditorium, his death, of a heart attack at age 62 while getting ready to go to work that Thursday morning, is a reminder of something vital.

Choo was part of a community, that nebulous thing that has nothing to do with our families, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Instead, its made up of strangers who slowly and unexpectedly become part of our daily life.

Think of the barista on the morning shift, the bus driver on the way home, the security guard behind the desk in the lobby, the man in the weight room, the woman who eats lunch the same time you do in the cafe.

We took them all for granted until COVID-19, with its isolation, worries and shutdowns that upended them all. We hope the community is awaiting our return, but for now we feel lonely, sensing the loss of something hard to articulate that made us all feel  if only for the briefest of moments in our day  that we were living in a small town.

No community is the same.

You had yours.

I had mine.

The people in 200 Market had Jin Choo.

***

Some of whats available inside the Choo familys sundries shop at 200 Market in downtown Portland, March 3, 2021. (Beth Nakamura/Staff)The Oregonian

I met him in 2014 after someone suggested I walk into a small sundries store  200 Gift Shop  in the 200 Market lobby and see what happened.

Hello, hello, hello.

I wrote a story, which Choo later framed, proudly pointing it out to everyone who walked into his place, a 450-square-foot space he considered his kingdom. He held court from behind the counter. When a customer walked in, he turned toward the door, raising his hand in a salute, shouting Hello, hello, hello.

After learning of his death, I returned to the store. The lights were off, the door locked. I peered inside. The store isnt much to look at. Most sales were for less than $10. To keep costs down, Choo ran the store, bought items, stocked products, paid bills and cleaned. He brought a sack lunch each day and ate behind the counter.

Choo worked five days a week, from about 6 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. He never took a vacation. He never shut down for a snow day. The store was closed only once: Jan. 9, 2012, the day he buried his father.

The email notifying tenants about Choos death shocked Kayla Williams, who has worked for an insurance company in the building for the past decade. Never before, she said, has building management sent out an email about the death of a tenant.

That tells you something, she said. He was an integral part of this building. He never talked about himself and in that way we really didnt know him. But you dont need to know everything about a persons life to know they are a delightful human. That was Mr. Choo.

One item at a time, the store had provided a better life for his family, the same thing Choos father had sought when he started the store. His father had been an executive at a construction company in South Korea. When he moved the family to Portland in 1977, he had to start over.

He found a job welding, and eventually saved enough to start looking for a home for his wife and three children. One day, he went to the 200 Market Building to visit a real estate agent whose name hed been given. On the way out of the building, he spotted a room in the lobby being used for storage.

At that moment, he decided to start a business. He talked with building management, signed a lease and opened the sundries store. In time, he owned a home, and started a second and then a third store. When it came time to slow down, Choos father sold the other stores, but continued on at 200 Market.

Jin Choo, the oldest son, took it over in 1988. Hed spent most of his adolescence in South Korea before immigrating to Oregon with his family. After graduating high school, he attended Oregon State University, where he majored in mathematics. His hard work allowed him to send all three of his kids  two girls and a boy  to college, and to then pay for two of them to attend graduate school.

Five years ago, Choo and his wife, who would occasionally drop in at the store to work with him, divorced. He didnt make a grand announcement. He carried on with his life, going for walks, trying new healthy recipes, and listening to classical music.

But his true passion was the small store.

The last time I talked with Choo he told me he planned to work every day until he died.

Thats where he was headed the day his heart stopped.

***

David Choo, whose father, Jin, died last month of a heart attack, in the Choo familys sundries shop at 200 Market in downtown Portland on March 3, 2021. (Beth Nakamura/Staff)The Oregonian

His son David Choo was with him when he died in their Beaverton home on Feb. 18.

Cardiac arrest, said Choo, 22. So unexpected. He was healthy. He ate organic stuff and never drank soda. He collapsed and I called 911. The medical team worked on him for 25 minutes, but they couldnt get a pulse back. I was glad I was with him in those last moments.

Choo said his father considered the store to be more than a business.

He made connections there with his customers, said Choo. He looked forward to seeing them. COVID was a big hit financially to him because so many people were working at home. But what he really missed was seeing the people.

He was part of a community, and those within it mourned his passing, sending tributes to the family.

Jin brightened up my afternoons with his smile. He was kind to absolutely everyone. Our building will not be the same without him. Rest in Peace, Jin. Condolences to his family.

The messages arrived hourly on an online tribute board set up by the funeral home.

The one thing I missed the most about working from home was Jin. You could always count on kindness and happiness from him each time you saw him. Even today on a rare occasion I buy a lottery ticket I hear his voice in my head saying Bye, Bye Cambia. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Heaven has one special greeter to welcome you to the other side.

The family read each one.

Mr. Hello Hello was one of the best benefits of working at Regence. His unflagging upbeat demeanor and commitment was a comfort. I loved how he would finalize payment and change with a sweep of his arm and DONE or Tamaneo to my feeble attempts at thank you in Korean. I will carry his memory forward.

In reading the tributes, David Choo said he learned something about his father.

I never heard the stories from his customers, he said. My father had another life. He had his family life, and his life with the people who came into his store.

They call it community.

I used to see Jin every morning around 6:45 or 7:00 AM, bringing a wagon full of re-supplied food. He was always such a hard worker, who understood that he was more than just a shop  he was a hub for the people who worked in the building, a reprieve from the stress of daily work, and an essential part of what made work life (where many of us spend more hours in the day than with our own families) real. To Mr. Choos family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words that any of us can say to make that feel less. I hope that in time, you heal. And know that your Jin made hundreds of peoples lives happier and brighter. I will miss him.

***

Jin Choo was buried in Portland in a graveside service on a rainy day on Thursday, February 25.

This past week, on Monday, his son David unlocked the door to the small store, turned on the lights and got to work. For the time being, he will run the store, the long-term future not decided.

Workers are slowly returning to the building after months of working remotely, and Choo expects business will start to improve. Customers walk into the store and ask him if he is related to Jin Choo.

I tell them I am his son, he said.

He looked around the small store.

I feel my fathers presence here, he said. He is with me.

-- Tom Hallman Jr; thallman@oregonian.com; 503-221-8224; @thallmanjr

The government released its 'Resilience and Recovery' living with Covid-19 plan last week, which was met with a mixed response by business owners who may be operating behind closed doors or closed completely during level 5 restrictions.

The 58-page document presented a 'cautious and measured approach' to the reopening of society over the coming months, with no large changes expected before April 5 except for schools and childcare reopening along with further non-Covid healthcare taking place.

Business owners in north Wexford were understanding of the situation for the most part, with pub owner Joe Browne describing the Covid-19 vaccine as the lifesaver.

'Since March 15, 2020, Browne's was open for a total of two weeks and it's not easy. It's not just a case that we'd be ready to open straight away, we'll have to order in and get things ready so we need certainty on when we going to be allowed to open. Of course we'll go by the government's guidelines and open when it's safe to do so. The vintners do not condone those who think they can open when they like; we'll go by what the state and health tells us to do.

'I hope that when we open, all pubs will be the same and we'll all be open at the one time. I hate this idea of "wet pubs" as we're all the same, we have seven day license. The sooner we get more people vaccinated the better and then things will start easing. We have to rely on the vaccine as it's our only hope, I can't see any other way. People are afraid and even though Wexford isn't doing too bad at the moment, we still have to go by the rules'.

He described the uncertainty for members of staff with responsibilities like families and mortgages as desperate.

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'They're getting the PUP but it doesn't pay for most of them, but we try to keep in touch as much as possible to keep moral up. It's a whole new way of life that we never thought we'd be doing and there is a lot of depression out there. For us, Browne's as a pub is a community and there's no question about that, customers are part of the family. If somebody is sick and we don't see them for a while, we ask ourselves where they are and we'll investigate it to make sure that they're okay but now we don't know as it's all closed. We hope to get back open later this year because if the summer goes again, we could be in trouble'.

Imelda Willoughby of the Taravie Hotel in Courtown said that the announcement last week wasn't a disappointment.

'We're more disappointed that the vaccine isn't being rolled out quicker. We're looking after Maureen and she doesn't go outside the door but she'll have another two or three weeks to wait. She has had her business for over 40 years and it's hard, as she has never seen the likes of this and the business has been hit hugely. It's a old building and we had hoped to do work on it and had different projects lined but we couldn't possibly go to the bank when the doors are closed. We thought we might have a good summer coming but now it's so uncertain. We get lots of calls, people are ringing asking about bank holiday weekends and all we can do is take a name and number as we can't take the bookings as we don't have the guidelines. We're hopeful that we might get from the end of June like last year but I don't think the government are going to be kind to hospitality.

'It's not that they aren't placing value on us but it's very hard to constantly wear a mask if you're having a pint or eating food. Even though I'm in the business, it's a hard one to call as it doesn't compare to going into a shop with a mask on for five minutes. It is hard for businesses and this is our livelihood we depend on to pay our mortgage and feed our children, but I think loss of life is worse'.

Having picked up Covid-19 herself last year, she said that safety is her main concern.

'It's a desperate thing and I was so sick. Even though I'm nearly a year over it now, I would have had side effects from it and the long Covid isn't a lie either. Trying to keep people safe and getting through it with everyone we love around us, that's more important.

'As a business we've used every amount of government support that we could get for the business and our staff. It's a help and it pays our ESB but that's it and as it's an old building, we still have to come in every day and put on heating to keep it.

'We did receive our business and water rates, and that has put pressure on us and has caused sleepless nights, and they should be squashed again this year. We've had to pay the same insurance as well which is totally wrong, and all of these things should be looked at as they'll be the first pressures we have when we get a date to reopen on. We'd like to be able to open up with a clean slate and start again, or there will be businesses that won't open again. But still if we opened up now, we know the case numbers would be back where we started so we'd like to stay in lockdown now and open to stay open rather than this opening and closing. In this business, we lose so much that way and we couldn't open at Christmas as we'd taken two hits as it was. If we go to level 4, which is 15 for outdoor dining, we won't be able to open as we wouldn't be able to afford that.

'We feel very sorry for our neighbours and the wet pubs and when we finally reopen, we'd like to see all hospitality open with no differentiation. We did everything to a tee when we were open for three months in terms of distancing, prospects on tables, no bar stools, taking details and constantly cleaning and sanitising. Thankfully we were never contacted by the HSE to say that we had a case or close contact on our premises. We're on to our staff all the time and they want to get back to work. Some of our staff have been with us over 30 years, and they've always worked like ourselves and it's their routine'.

Hairdresser Keith Hennell, who opened his Esmonde Street salon for the first time last summer, said that he feels his industry is being penalised.

'I only set up my business just after the first lockdown, so everything was set up for Covid with masks and hand sanitiser and I made all the allowances to protect us. I thought I had proofed my business for everything, I thought the last lockdown would have been the last one, but obviously not. I know we're in close contact with clients, but I go see my physio once a week and that's a half an hour session. I'm annoyed that other industries have been allowed to keep on going and there seems to be different rules for different people when there should be one rule for everyone. There have been very little Covid-19 cases in the hairdressing industry, while there have been outbreaks in others like factories but they've stayed open. It seems to me that the government are targeting certain industries and that bugs me. I'd like if the government could provide us with some proof as to why they're closing us all the time, it would make things a lot more tranparent.

'I've a small business in town here and the most that would be in during a day would be eight people, so there are more people going in and out of the supermarket than there would be in my business. I don't understand why my small business would be compared to a salon operating in Dundrum Shopping Centre. I'm hoping that we can back and start fresh at the end of April but when people aren't following the rules, it knocks us back and it's annoying to see people not following the rules when you're stuck. .'

Having contacts in the industry overseas, Keith has seen that the industry can operate safely.

'I lived in Australia for five years, so I've contacts over there that have never stopped working throughout the pandemic. Some days you accept it and others you get annoyed. I don't agree with the Dublin salon owner who opened up last week, but I understand why people are struggling to cope.

'I didn't get a restart grant as I hadn't been trading before 2020, and the only reason I started the business was because the place I was working closed after the first lockdown. I'm not the type of person to go on the dole, but the 350 does help with food shopping and mortgages. I hear people who are working for cash and still getting the 350, and I don't think that's fair. The black market hairdressing is a big thing and just last week I got two phone calls from different clients asking me to go to their house. I haven't even gone to my mother's house who is over 70 so of course I said no. One woman's response to that was to ask me to give her a number for someone who would come. I told her what the restrictions were under level 5, but that's happening more and more that people are pressuring you to break the rules and getting upset when you won't. I've heard of it happening with beauticians as well, and there's huge pressure we're being put under, but that needs to be policed as well as we all know people doing it. The sooner that people start getting fined, it might change things'.

Opposite Keith's salon is Marian McKenna's Le Creme Boutique, which is operational behind closed doors.

'Collectively as a country, we have to all come together and do our bit so I wasn't disappointed in any way with last week's announcement, I expected it. The incidence of the disease is still rampant in the community and when I look at the number of deaths, I realise how this is all about saving lives. It's very difficult for everybody, including retailers, but especially for those who are cocooning or bereaved, and we can't just say as a retailer that the restrictions shouldn't be on us, when we all know that we need to stay apart.

'Until more people are vaccinated, we'll be in continued lockdowns and I'm in total agreement with what the government are doing. The only thing I'd like to see more of is restrictions on those coming in from countries with high levels of cases and carrying new variants, that should be looked at as I feel that is disrespectful to everyone in terms of what we've been through as a country, to allow people in for whatever reason especially if it's non-essential. Whatever we have to do now is fine, I just focus on where we are and every country to themselves to manage Covid as they've all been hit at different times. A lot of places where shops are open now, it seems that the government there was far stricter in the beginning or they lockdown again as soon as there's a case. As long as this time next year, we will look back and say that we've done it and come through it.

'We have some staff in for our online part of the business but we're really looking forward to seeing everybody back, as well as people being able to travel again but it's too soon to say yet when that will be. We're here to save lives and if we were to open when the cases in the community are too high, we put ourselves at risk as well as family members of staff and that is something that I would never do as our staff are like family. We will not risk it in any way, nor would most retailers and it's the minority that have broken the rules, and we take that on the chin.

'Covid has been a huge learning experience for us as we do business totally differently now with our website and videos on social media. One part that has been very successful is our mother of the bride and groom section, and before this I would have thought it impossible to sell an outfit online in such a specialised area which could require pinning, tucking and adjustments but we're able to cater for people from start to finish in a matter of days whether online or over the phone. Weddings are still going ahead, and our phone never stops ringing here so we're making it work for people and we've a system in place. I'm enjoying it as we're broadening out the shipping in Ireland and to other parts of the world, it's really a new way of doing business and in many ways this will change the business market as people embracing buying online, many who have never used it before'.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/03/05

We know that Ki-kang (played by Son Ho-jun) isn't going to have a great time straight from the opening when the older version of the character (played by Jung Ho-bin) starts a speech for a bunch of prisoners about how his time in prison filled him with regret. Then the story flashes back thirty years, to when Ki-kang was just a dumb teenager living in an obscure island off the coast of Mokpo. Right away we get contrasts. Ki-kang might be a troublemaker, but he does have heroic moments.

Mainly in thatKi-kang sticks up for his friends even if his ideas are always terrible and illegal. Ki-kang's chief positive guidanceis his mother Soon-ok (played by Kim Hae-sook), less in the sense that she can actually influence his behavior and more because in his mother's presence Ki-kang is capable of feeling shame. That aspect of their relationship, alongside the prison opener, builds up an inevitable sense of dread when Ki-kang runs off to make his fortune in Seoul.

"A Diamond in the Rough" pulls no punches when it comes to Ki-kang's spiritual degradation. We see him start to act like a gangster, not because Ki-kang actually knows any gangsters, but because he finds the instant rewards gratifying. It's a neat contrast to the more recent "Double Patty" which saw a simpler, more morally grounded country bumpkin far more successfully resist the lure of thug life in the city because he felt no need to prove himself clever.

Once one of Ki-kang's schemes inevitably goes horribly wrong, the kid's checked out. Ki-kang fails to adjust to prison life because he resents the idea of not being charge as well as the implication that he's a failure. You can probably guess what happens next. "A Diamond in the Rough" is not a surprising movie by any means. It's actually pretty functional in depicting Ki-kang's rather rote rise and fall, every scene leading to the next logical step of the redemption narrative.

So I'm not giving screenwriter Kim Chang-woo much credit in the original screenplay department. But I do have to give director Kang Ji-eun credit for crafting a compelling aught style melodrama, where the predictable structure actually ties in quite well with the sense of foreboding doom. Ki-kang is an excellent exemplar of the concept of cringe. He is the shame of our past years, trying to live his life as if he were cool and never appreciating that outside his closest family and friends nearly everyone just thinks of Ki-kang as an obnoxious pest.

This ties well in to the humility necessitated by Ki-kang's redemption arc, where he finally stops trying so hard to be the protagonist of the story and finally comes to appreciate the people who care about him. Kim Hae-sook doesn't have much screentime, but successfully looms large over the story as Ki-kang's unwavering support whose tragic flaw is her passive personality's inability to serve as a stronger authority over Ki-kang's behavior. As the elder Ki-kang weeps over his lack of appreciation, so do we.

Review by William Schwartz

___________



"A Diamond in the Rough" is directed by Kang Ji-eun, and features Kim Hae-sook, Son Ho-jun, Kang Ki-doong, Nam Bo-ra, Lee Won-jong, Park Won-sang. Release date in Korea: 2019/04/18.
Egypt is closely following up on investigations into the murder of one of its nationals in Saudi Arabia, a statement by the foreign ministry read on Saturday.

Assistant Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs and Expats Ambassador Amr Mahmoud Abbas said the Egyptian Embassy in Riyadh has been following up on the investigations to determine the circumstances of the incident.

According to the statement, Ashry Mohamed Hassan, an Egyptian national, was killed in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Friday. Another national, Hassanen Samy Mohamed Hassan, was injured during the incident.

It did not provide more details on the incident, however the statement did mention that the suspect had been arrested by Saudi authorities shortly after the crime.

In December, an Egyptian teacher in Saudi Arabia was murdered in the Saudi capital after he was reportedly shot by one of his teenage students following an argument.

According to local reports, a 13-year-old student - accompanied by his older brother, 16 - shot the teacher in the head.

They were both arrested.

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Harry and Meghan had just moved out of Kensington Palace and into Frogmore Cottage when I first got together with my English husband. The Sussexes were very much in the headlines then, as now.

I turned to my fiance  as he then was  in a London cafe, and casually said: Those two will wind up in Los Angeles. I give it three years.

At the time he laughed off this hasty prognostication. How could I possibly know?

But he wasnt laughing when, all-too-soon, it became clear that Harry and Meghan would be leaving their official duties and moving to North America in what would become known as Megxit. And he wasnt laughing, either, when I correctly predicted that their stay in Canada was no more than a pit-stop on the journey to Los Angeles.

B-list actress: Meghan Markle pictured above in a photoshoot for Suits as Rachel Zane

I have neither a psychology degree nor a working crystal ball but Meghan Markle is of type. I could see her coming from some distance. And thats because Im an American  and she is the dreaded Hollywood-kind.

Im not alone in having little time for Hollywood personalities and the predictable politics of those who sit within gated communities preaching to the rest of the working world about topics that will never truly affect them.

For all too many of these people, social issues are like fashion trends  to be worn in front of a camera lens, to garner heaps of attention and praise. As to the social issues they espouse, sometimes they prove surprisingly ill-informed. But who cares about that when the real goal is publicity?

Hollywood personalities believe themselves to be the future and, accordingly, view history as not merely inconvenient but loathsome. They take the same view of traditions and the people that uphold them.

Thats why I was confident that Meghan, a relatively unknown B-list actress, would somehow find a route back to Los Angeles. Because there is nothing more traditional, and therefore more repugnant to a Liberal than the concept of a monarchy and all of the broken traditions that come with it.

And however much of a caricature it might seem, this is Meghans world.

I could see Meghan coming from some distance. And thats because Im an American  and she is the dreaded Hollywood-kind, writes Candace Owens (pictured above)

Im not saying that Meghan would explicitly ask Harry to move away from his family and friends. But she is certainly persuasive  enough, even, for him to believe the decision was entirely his.

He was a man who needed to protect his family, after all. And Meghan, as we know from the teaser clips to advertise tonights interview with Oprah, believes that the pressures that came with being a Royal were almost unsurvivable.

With his own mothers sad experience very much in mind, how could Harry not respond?

If peace and quiet really were the Sussexes goal, then the woods and lakes of Canada were perfect. But Canada is not Hollywood. And for someone who has spent a lifetime trying to make it, Los Angeles was always going to be the final destination.

Mingling amongst A-list actors and calling A-list actresses her best friends  that was the sort of dream she recognised.

And what better companion to have by her side than a genuine Prince, helping secure admission to the sort of social circle shes unlikely to have entered through her own talent alone. Yet even life as a Royal Duchess has proved inadequate for her ambitions.

I do not intend to watch Meghan and Harrys interview tonight. I hardly need to, writes Candace Owens

The global pandemic can hardly have helped, with lockdowns in Los Angeles and elsewhere making it difficult for them to maintain the profile she desires.

Hollywood types, after all, need a very specific kind of attention  the kind unavailable when accompanied by Royal press officers, or surrounded by Canadian forests.

The attention they crave is found among the Hollywood Hills, where an ecosystem of paparazzi, parties, and producers await  the sort of thing that might go global when you sit down to give a tell-all exclusive to your dear friend, Oprah Winfrey.

I do not intend to watch Meghan and Harrys interview tonight. I hardly need to. If Meghan is who I believe her to be, she will not-so-absentmindedly stroke her burgeoning belly throughout because there is nothing which inspires more sympathy than an expectant mother under duress.

With gentle coaxing, viewers will come to believe how difficult it was for her to come forward with her truth while carrying child. Viewers might even come to believe their conclusions were entirely their own.

Is the purpose of this interview to blow the lid off The Firm as so many believe? Im not so sure.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, pictured in conversation with Oprah Winfrey

Meghan never cared to be a Royal. The purpose is to justify the amount of publicity she and Harry will pursue on a go-forward basis. Meghan will want us to believe that she is a wounded bird, just finding her voice. Hollywood-types will praise her and Harry as brave and inspiring for having the courage to speak out against such a powerful institution.

People will come to understand that Meghan and Harry are pursuing a Hollywood existence  not because she had planned for them to do so all along  but because women, black women in particular, need to find their voice in this important historical moment.

The interview is also meant to assuage the signs that Harry has been isolated from his friends, his family, his countrymen and even his hobbies  but worry not, for this was all his idea.

It isnt hierarchy that Hollywood types hate. In fact, there is little more monarchical in style than hiding yourself within a 11 million mansion in California, while appealing to the public for love.

Yet Meghan continues to cast herself before the world in the leading role of a victimhood series  against the media, The Firm, her sister, her father and now the United Kingdom. If you are as exhausted as I am with these perpetually under-whelming performances, then Id invite you all to tune out tonight, and watch something else instead.
The author says that, in 2021, the smize is one of the only ways we can show warmth to the folks with whom we rub socially distant shoulders in our communities.
New Delhi, March 6 : Agitated farmers are slated to block the 135-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway, also known as Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, from 11 a.m. to till 4 p.m. on Saturday to mark 100 days of protest against the Centre's farm laws.

The farmer agitation against Centre's farm laws, had begun on November 26. The step to block the expressway is a part of the strategy to intensify the ongoing protest.

Those protesting at Singhu border will reach Kundli and block the toll plazas falling on the way. Besides this, farmers from Ghazipur and Tikri borders will block Dasna and Bahadurgarh toll plaza, respectively. Those sitting on the Shahjahanpur border will block the KMP Expressway touching Gurugram-Manesar.

Their plan of action includes freeing up the toll plazas from collecting fees. Farmers have also said that the toll plaza nearest to the border area will be blocked.

Rajvir Singh Jadaun, Uttar Pradesh President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union stationed at Ghazipur border told IANS, "These toll plazas will be blocked in a peaceful manner and passers-by will not be troubled. We will keep water for the passers-by. They will also be apprised of our issues with the farm laws." He went on to say, "Emergency vehicles will not be stopped, whether it is an ambulance, a fire brigade vehicle or foreign tourists. Military vehicles will also not be stopped." The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protests, has also requested the common people to wave black flags at homes and offices to support the movement, and protest against the government.

The 53-km Manesar to Palwal section was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in April 2016. The remaining 83-km-long Kundli to Manesar section was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 2018.

It is a six-laned, with ten tolled entry and exit points, 52 underpasses and 23 overpasses.

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping at the various borders of Delhi, including Ghazipur, Tikri and Singhu to protest against the three farm laws. In these 100 days, the farmers have braved harsh weather conditions, but remained firm on their demands.

They want the repeal of the contentious laws and a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP).

The farmers claim that the laws will weaken the MSP system. The Centre, however, has touted the laws as historic, long-needed reforms in the agriculture sector and said that it will bring investment to the market. It also assured that the MSP system will remain as it is.

The agitated farmers, however, fear that the laws will leave them at the mercy of the big corporates and end the 'mandi system', where farmers are assured of a minimum support price for their produce.

Multiple rounds of talks have taken place between the government and the farm leaders, but so far it has failed to end the deadlock.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
In its annual report on the "freedom of religion and belief" in the largely Muslim country of Tunisia for 2020, the Attalaki Association indicated that even a decade after the Tunisian Revolution, Christians continue to be persecuted and receive a different kind of treatment compared to other groups.

The Attalaki Association for Liberty and Equality Committee on Religious Freedom is a non-profit organization in Tunisia founded in 2016 whose goal is to defend religious freedom and give voice to the oppressed religious minorities.

"We will seek to work more and more openly in order to participate in building a nation that can accommodate all ideas, religions, and beliefs. A homeland in which human dignity and rights are protected," the organization wrote on their website.

The Tunisian Revolution, also known as the Jasmine Revolution, is a protest against the corrupt and oppressive administration led by then-president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was forced to step down from the position in 2011.

The Tunisian Revolution also resulted in the Arab Spring protest across the Middle East and North Africa to fight for democracy in Tunisia.

However, all these efforts in the past decade are still insufficient to combat religious oppression in the country, which is seen in the annual report published by the Attalaki Association, the Christian Post reported.

The report also mentioned Tunisia's 2014 Constitution which supposedly should "enshrine freedom of conscience" and free their country from "tyranny."

In Article 6 of the 2014 Constitution, it states that:

"The state is the guardian of religion. It guarantees freedom of conscience and belief, the free exercise of religious practices and the neutrality of mosques and places of worship from all partisan instrumentalization."

And in Article 21:

"All citizens, male and female, have equal rights and duties, and are equal before the law without any discrimination."

However, despite their claims of freedom and equality, they only allow Muslim citizens to run for the presidency and other government and military positions.

It clearly states in Article 74 that a person's religion must be Islam in order to be president:

"Every male and female voter who holds Tunisian nationality since birth, whose religion is Islam shall have the right to stand for election to the position of President of the Republic."

Religious minorities in Tunisia are also being subjected to different forms of oppression, that is why a lot of Christians in Tunisia often hide their religious identity to avoid being discriminated against.

A report also claims that some citizens are being excluded from basic citizenship right because of their religion even though the country's constitution states that every citizen is subjected to all the constitutional rights, regardless of their religious identity.

In addition to the report, the state often disregards the safety and freedom of religious minorities like Christians, Jews, Baha'is, and others, as these groups are often subjected to discrimination.

As an example of these oppressions, a Christian family in Southern Tunisia was harassed last March, and a family member was dragged by her hair as she was being tortured repeatedly by her neighbors. They were also called hateful names by the neighbors.

The family went on to file a report against their neighbors who attacked them, but the police officials did not entertain them until they submitted a medical charge.

After being obviously harassed, the police officials only questioned them regarding their religious identity and didn't really care much about the attack.

Thankfully, the Attalaki Association is currently helping the family with their case and appointed a lawyer for them.

There have been numerous reports of attacks and oppression on Christians in Tunisia like the Christian girl who was arrested for wearing a cross necklace, a Christian pastor who was threatened on Facebook, and a woman who was beaten by her brother for not having the same religion (Islam) as his.

There are more incidents like these that are being left unattended because authorities don't give much attention to cases relating to Christianity.

"The threats faced by non-Muslim Tunisians and Muslims from sectarian minorities in Tunisia are a product of the legal disregard for the status of these semi-marginalized minorities," the report read.

Open Doors USA reported that there has been an increase in violence against the Christian minorities in Tunisia where Tunisia ranked No. 26 for Christian persecution.

Priscilla Hwang, a Canadian journalist commented on the issue saying, "Tunisian Christians face discrimination and targeting that is often obscure and hidden to the public eye," Hwang said. "It affects their day-to-day lives. Because of their Christian identities, many experience job insecurity, abandonment from family, friends and even fiances; they are victims of verbal, mental and physical abuse."
Fox News host Tucker Carlson has argued that the threat from QAnon conspiracy theorists is overblown, ridiculing a new service ribbon for National Guardsmen who deployed to the U.S. Capitol since January.

'Guadalcanal may have been horrible and bloody, but it just didn't justify its own ribbon,' Carlson said in his monologue on Friday night, referring to the bloody Pacific theater campaign in World War II.

'The Imperial Japanese weren't as fanatical as Trump voters and not half as dangerous,' the conservative commentator added sarcastically.

On Friday, the DC National Guard revealed a new 'Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon' for Guard members who have surrounded the Capitol in a ring of high security since January.

Fox News host Tucker Carlson has argued that the threat from QAnon conspiracy theorists is overblown, ridiculing a new service ribbon for National Guardsmen deployed in DC

In all, some 26,000 National Guard troops deployed to DC before, during and after President Joe Biden's inauguration. The mission was extended this week after being set to expire

The 'Presidential Inauguration Support Ribbon' features blue, white and red bands and a miniature of the Washington, DC flag in the center

In all, some 26,000 National Guard troops deployed to DC for President Joe Biden's inauguration, compared to the roughly 7,800 Guard members who participated in Donald Trump's 2016 inauguration.

The Emergency Service Ribbon already exists to recognize Guard members who serve in a non-war emergency or crisis, but the new ribbon is specifically dedicated to those who participated in the DC deployment.

'Other federal decorations are also being considered' for the DC deployment, Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Carver, spokesman for the Virginia Air National Guard and director of Joint Task Force-DC Joint Information Center, told Military.com in a statement.

Despite the violence on January 6, when five people died including a Capitol police officer and a woman shot by cops, Carlson argued that the threat from QAnon is overblown, and that its adherents seem like 'gentle' people.

'Do you ever notice how all the scary internet conspiracy theorists -- the radical QAnon people -- when you actually see them on camera or in jail cells, as a lot of them now are, are maybe kind of confused with the wrong ideas, but they're all kind of gentle people now waving American flags?' he said.

'They're not torching Wendy's. They're not looting retail stores. They're not shooting cops. No, that's not them, it's the other people doing that,' he said, referring to scenes from Black Lives Matter demonstrations last summer.

Last summer, demonstrators in Atlanta set a Wendy's on fire after Rayshard Brooks was fatally shot by cops during a confrontation in the parking lot of the restuarant

Thousands of Guardsmen have surrounded the Capitol since the deadly riot on January 6, but so far further threats have failed to materialize.

Most recently, bulletin by U.S. security agencies this week said an unidentified group of 'militia violent extremists' discussed plans to 'take control of the U.S. Capitol and remove Democratic lawmakers on or about March 4.'

March 4 is the day when adherents to the farcical QAnon conspiracy theory believed that Trump would be sworn in for a second term in office. Until 1933, March 4 was the date of the presidential inauguration.

QAnon is an elaborate conspiracy theory whose adherents believe Trump is locked in a secret battle with a global cabal of Satan-worshiping pedophiles.

In his monologue, Carlson skewered media coverage of the purported threat, which never materialized, ridiculing MSNBC in particular.

'So why wasn't there anyone there? Where was the QAnon battle? 'What?!' said MSNBC. 'What QAnon battle? Nobody really thought there was going to be a QAnon battle,'' said Carlson.

The Capitol Police have asked the Pentagon to extend the National Guard's mission in Washington for an additional two months, a U.S. defense official told Reuters on Thursday. The mission had been set to end on March 12.

The Capitol Police have asked the Pentagon to extend the National Guard's mission in Washington for an additional two months. The mission had been set to end on March 12

National Guard walk on the Capitol grounds on Thursday, March 4, the day that US secruity services had warned of a plot to attack the complex, which never materialized

Carlson in his monologue accused security services of seizing on random online comments to justify the massive military presence in the nation's capital.

'Remember, the FBI isn't concerned with what's actually going to happen. They're concerned with what one or two random people write online or put on TikTok,' he added.

'And as long as what those people put on TikTok justifies more power for the people in charge, the FBI, their slavish servants will put it in a terror alert and scare the crap out of the country to justify even more power for their bosses,' he continued.

Federal prosecutors have charged more than 300 people for involvement in the storming of the U.S. Capitol in January.

Those arrested include members of armed militia groups such as the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters. Trump supporters sporting QAnon flags and accessories were part of the mob that stormed the building.
Protesters hold up signs during a demonstration outside the Myanmar Central Bank against the military coup in Yangon, Feb. 16, 2021.

U.S. President Bidens executive order freezing U.S. $1 billion of Central Bank of Myanmar foreign currency reserves at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Feb. 10 was a first step to keep cash out of the hands of the military that requires other countries to follow up, activists said.

With further reserves estimated at U.S. $5.7 billion stored in other countries, activists campaigning for justice and accountability for the Feb. 1 coup in Myanmar say other countries should follow the Fed and stop the junta from using state funds to blunt the impact of economic sanctions.

The military now has control over the Central Bank and the Treasury, and they can repurpose the legitimate revenues of the government for their own use, said Paul Donowitz, Global Witnesss campaign leader for Myanmar. He noted that soon after the coup, the army detained the Central Bank governor and replaced the bank leadership with their own people.

The question for the international banks and banking regulators is how they can ensure that Myanmars state revenues held in the account of the State cannot be misappropriated by the military, he added.

A Washington-based trade and commerce expert told RFA that Bidens executive order cleared the way to target the bank following an attempt to access the $1 billion on Feb. 4 that was blocked by Fed safeguards after triggering a red flag.

They made it a point to clarify that entities within the government of Myanmar after the coup detat include the Central Bank. That was a very deliberate addition, the source added, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Reuters news agency cited two sources familiar with the transaction in a report on Thursday that said Bidens executive order was designed to grant the New York Fed the legal authority to hold the $1 billion of Myanmar reserves indefinitely.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimated the countrys gross reserves at $6.7 billion in January.

The Washington banking expert said three Singaporean banks hold the Central Bank of Myanmars remaining foreign reserves.

The Central Bank of Myanmar manages its foreign reserves through its reserve accounts in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the three main commercial banks of Singapore, namely DBS [Development Bank of Singapore], UOB [United Overseas Bank], and OCBC [Overseas Chinese Banking Corporation], said the expert.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in a Feb. 23 statement said that its regular surveillance of the banking system has not found significant funds from Myanmar companies and individuals in banks in Singapore.

MAS expects financial institutions to remain vigilant to any transactions that could pose risks to the institution, including dealings with companies and individuals subject to financial sanctions by foreign jurisdictions, MAS said.

RFA sought further comment from the MAS on the three banks, but received no reply.

RFAs expert called the statement by MAS evasive  saying it covers only Myanmar companies and individuals and not Myanmar government funds or the Central Bank, which is a government entity whose independence and integrity were compromised by the coup and military appointments.

If Singapores monetary authorities and banks are seeing suspicious transactions, they should definitely take action to prevent the looting of the State resources from Myanmar. They should respond to these suspicious transactions by flagging them, freezing the account, and investigating them, said Donowitz.

Yadanar Maunga spokesperson for the rights group Justice For Myanmarsaid Without an immediate response now, the military will continue to commit atrocities against the people and transfer assets into their private hands.

The international community and the banking industry must support the peoples struggle by taking immediate action, she said.

Attempts to contact the newly appointed officials of Central Bank of Myanmar for comment were unsuccessful.

Reported and translated by Ye Kaung Myint Maung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Written in English by Richard Finney.
A woman accused of murdering William Pat McCormick had her bail revoked after falling out with her father, a court was told on Saturday.

Lesley Ann Dodds appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court after surrendering herself to police on Friday.

A police officer told the hearing the defendants father had agreed to provide a cash surety as part of her bail conditions.

Following a breakdown in their relationship, however, he withdrew the surety and said that he no longer wanted her at his address.

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Asking for Dodds to be readmitted to bail, her solicitor said that her grandmother was willing to allow her to stay at her home in north Belfast and would provide a 750 cash surety.

He added this was the first breach of bail since it was granted by the High Court in July 2019.

District Judge George Conner agreed to release Dodds on bail and adjourned the case to Newtownards Magistrates Court on March 10.

Dodds and her partner, David Gill (28), are charged with the murder of Mr McCormick, while four men are accused of withholding information in the case.

They are Gills older brother, 41-year-old William Gill, also from Terrace View in Waringstown; Andrew Leslie (22), from Mourne Crescent in Moneyrea, Co Down; Jonathan Montgomery (22), from Castle Espie Road in Comber; and Jack Rowden (20), c/o Hydebank Young offenders centre.

Gill, Leslie and Montgomery are also accused of assisting the alleged killers, while Rowden faces two charges of perverting the course of justice.

Mr McCormicks body was recovered from a lake near Ballygowan, Co Down, with post-mortem results showing multiple rib fractures.

He was last seen alive at an address in Comber on May 30, 2019.
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Before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex married, a professional creative, well used to the intricacies and diplomacy involved in working with Royal households, was interviewed for a role by Meghan.

A mutual friend ran into the candidate immediately after the interview and asked excitedly how the experience had been.

The reply did not sound encouraging. Well. Lets just say it was like The Devil Wears Prada. And I was not Meryl Streep.

Judging by the bullying allegations that have now emerged in a leaked email from the Royal couples then communications secretary, Jason Knauf, this was not an uncommon reaction.

It turns out that Meghan did not want guidance or support, or certainly not of the kind she was getting. No, as we later learnt in her interview with Tom Bradby on the South Africa tour, she wanted to be asked how she felt

I have met Knauf many times and I have to say that he must have felt pretty hard-pushed to do something that could undermine any of his bosses.

With her beautiful son Archie, current pregnancy, dashing Prince, stonking commercial deals, Montecito mansion and now her global fame, you would think that the Duchess of Sussex might feel job done.

What more could she possibly wish for? But as we will be hearing on her Oprah interview (and how I wish I was strong-willed enough not to watch it), that is very far from how she feels.

She is aggrieved. She is a woman much misunderstood. She was, until she was able to flee to Santa Barbara, a voiceless victim like so many of the abused women she constantly tells us she supports.

And who were these tormentors? Well, first up are, apparently, the British media, whom her husband has long also disliked. But a close second are those Royal courtiers and aides who peopled the world she was expected to operate in when she arrived to live here.

One of the striking things about Kensington Palace  the centre of ops for both the Cambridges and Harry when Meghan Markle moved in  is how very old-fashioned it is; think brick-walled cloisters, Jammie Dodgers and hunting prints, strangely muted and dim.

She is aggrieved. She is a woman much misunderstood. She was, until she was able to flee to Santa Barbara, a voiceless victim like so many of the abused women she constantly tells us she supports. Meghan is pictured above with Harry while the aide whose email exposed bullying claims is seen left

KP, as everyone calls it, is actually a labyrinth of small rooms and neatly proportioned apartments with battalions of young staff steering visitors around the corridors to their final destination.

Like many palaces, it is literally inward-looking with not much of a view and a little bit claustrophobic. As a confirmed California girl, Meghan no doubt found it so. And probably a bit depressing.

The staff who work at KP, like those at Clarence House and Buckingham Palace, are a hugely industrious bunch, happy to put in incredibly long hours for comparatively low salaries because they enjoy the status of working for the Royal Family. And they care. They care a great deal about protecting the Royals in every way, from organising the details of daily life to their image and security.

I remember meeting Knauf for the first time. He was a good-looking young American (a direct contemporary of Harry) wearing a formal grey suit and the requisite palace lanyard, and I found him quite daunting.

He didnt seem big on small talk or even the smallest joke, and clearly took the view that this meeting was mine to lose. He was the one in control. As I got to know him better, I discovered he has a great sense of humour but, even off-duty, he was implacably loyal to his bosses.

The idea that he, or anyone working alongside him, would have had any interest in not supporting the incoming Meghan Markle as she tried to navigate this new world is simply not credible.

In truth, the opposite is true. Even before Meghan arrived, I know for a fact that the KP team were busy rallying a group of interesting and influential people who might be helpful and friendly to her in a new country.

They had learnt from the sad story of Princess Diana that letting a newcomer flounder in the somewhat archaic Royal pool, where they could feel isolated and unsupported, could be disastrous.

But herein lay the problem. It turns out that Meghan did not want guidance or support, or certainly not of the kind she was getting. No, as we later learnt in her interview with Tom Bradby on the South Africa tour, she wanted to be asked how she felt.

Knaufs email raising concerns about Meghans intimidating behaviour came about after a growing number of complaints  all from women  in Kensington Palace.

At that time in 2018, the corporate world was finally beginning to take accusations of bullying and bad workplace practice seriously  and Knauf, an accomplished corporate professional, had his ear close enough to the ground to know that such things couldnt be allowed to fester, even in a palace.

The decision to confront this toxic situation would have been nightmarish to make. The last thing Knauf would have wanted was the idea that he and his colleagues were ganging up against Meghan.

In addition, Harry and William were still linked by their joint foundation and a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work had been put into developing the notion of the two brothers as emotionally literate, empowering, modern Princes  and nobody wanted the whole thing to fall apart because of the new wife on the scene.

So, no doubt to begin with, allowances would have been made for Meghan being used to a different workplace culture. The serried ranks of polite young women in KP, with their unassuming clothes and understated make-up, all used to working quietly and cautiously in a certain way, may have appeared lacklustre to her.

But reports that staff were bothered by her sending 5am emails from her yoga mat, as if that were too demanding, would have been wide of the mark. Employees in the Royal offices know they have signed up for 24/7. Pretty well every day of the year. Its less of a job than a vocation involving a big slurp of the Kool Aid and being prepared to put your own life on the back-burner.

Although we might think that we Brits have a more hierarchical culture than the Americans, the US workplace is far more status-led, with much more visible deference expected from juniors to seniors.

Meghan would have been used to the noisy can-do ethos of that arena in contrast to the measured but often more effective British approach.

In the States, at least until very recently, it was not uncommon for employers to scream and shout when they couldnt get what they wanted  right now. Harrys What Meghan wants, Meghan gets admonishment, so jarring to our ears, would have been an entirely acceptable mantra in many an American institution.

But perhaps more difficult than a clash over working styles for the team who worked for Meghan, and possibly for Meghan herself, is that they seemed unable to provide her with what she wanted. Or even to know what that was.

What was clear though was what she didnt want: being told what she could and couldnt do.

I have always thought that an American woman I know found me patronising because, on our first meeting when she was new in town, I suggested places and people she might be interested in. She lost no time in telling me that she knew it all already. Meghan clearly felt similarly.

One of the striking things about Kensington Palace  the centre of ops for both the Cambridges and Harry when Meghan Markle moved in  is how very old-fashioned it is; think brick-walled cloisters, Jammie Dodgers and hunting prints, strangely muted and dim

Unlike the Princess of Wales, Meghan arrived on the scene as a woman in her 30s, with friends and connections, experience and opinions all bedded in. She knew what she liked and wanted, and had no interest in anyone thinking there might be any gaps where she would appreciate a bit of advice.

And unlike Catherine Middleton, who, by the time she married Prince William, had experienced years of living in the Royal goldfish bowl with its oxygen of protocol and precedence, Meghan would have been confounded by what might seem ridiculous prohibitions and rules.

Maybe its not surprising that she shot the hapless messengers, venting frustration on the team trying to help, and drove them away. Her lawyers deny bullying ever took place, but I dont think Ive ever heard a bully acknowledge themselves as such. Often they dont even recognise they are doing it.

You have only to hear the way Meghan refers to The Firm (Prince Philips term for the working Royals), as if it were a cross between the Cosa Nostra and the Scientologists, to know that Team Sussex will no doubt regard the timing of the release of these accusations as directly targeting Meghan in revenge for the Oprah interview. And they may well be right.

But such is the Oprah machines build-up of the revelations of this interview (and lets not forget one being broadcast as Prince Philip lies in hospital, which unless the Sussexes had rubbish lawyers, they would have reserved the ability to postpone), it was probably too much too expect, of even our usually buttoned-up Royals, to sit back and take it.

After all, they, like Meghan, are only human.
Whether intentionally or unintentionally, I dont think anyone can deny that there are some (or many) words in the Indian lexicon that are distasteful, to say the least, and outright racist in many cases.

While the seriousness of their usage depends, theres no doubt the mental harm it can cause to the recipient of such words, which the society, at large, seems hellbent on ignoring.

From the early days in the school to right inside our very homes and offices, these words have been commonplace for years and normalised to the degree that calling out their usage, generally leads to the shaming of the very person pointing it out.

via GIPHY

Well, for whatever good it would do, here is a small, non-exhaustive list of words that Indians really have got to stop using:



1. The N Word

I dont know who told you that being brown gives you a free pass to use the n-word, but Im sorry to say youre gravely mistaken.

Even if youve got a black friend. Even if they once said you could use it, becausenewsflashblack people are not a monolith

I remember when BLM protests broke out last year, this one Indian dude living in India, made a video where he said brown people can use the n word because we use it as a term of endearment???? and he also said that people "shouldn't read too much into it" and everyday I wish  Ammz (@ammsosickofyou) January 26, 2021

And no, the other variations of this word, even words like h*bshi that directly translate to the n-word and have somehow become socially acceptable substitutes, arent it either. We know what youre referring to, and its not cool.

Also, if you were wondering, yes, calling someone kallu is racist.

2. The R Word

If you dont know what Im referring to, its the word ret*rd, which is so common in our lexicon, globally, that youll find it in books, literature, shows, you name it.

The word has, for years, been used to put down individuals with intellectual disabilities, and has become a part of our everyday language.

If youre not autistic or any other disability



can you stop using retard as a slur? because it was used against autistic people, people with downsyndrome and many more people!! Theres other words to describe someone  Myles is married to Riker  75 days (@beetwtinnit) March 4, 2021

Whether youre using it lightheartedly or are actually referring to someone with a disability (even if not in a malicious manner), the use of this word is unacceptable. So the next time you want to lovingly curse out your friend, try to go for something that doesnt reinforce stereotypes about an entire group of people.

3. OCD

Oh, Im so OCD. No, youre not, youre just talking about something you havent the slightest clue about.

But, you protest if you hate messes and love keeping things clean and organised, so you must be having OCD, no? NO. And please stop saying you have it, or even Monica from Friends has it.

In simple terms, someone who has OCD suffers from excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions).

Now, this might manifest as an obsessive need for cleanliness and organisation, but it is certainly not the same as liking to colour-code all your notes and files, please give me a break.

People saying Youre being so OCD or Wow im acting really OCD right now dont have a clue what OCD is



OCD is fucking horrible... its having intrusive thoughts that can be violent/sexual/etc in nature and dealing with them through internal/external compulsions



It is pure hell  Fey Vercuiel (@feymakes) March 1, 2021

This perception of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is, in fact, pretty harmful to individuals who actually suffer from it.

Stereotyping an actual illness as a perfectionist or as just someone who obsessively keeps things tidy just serves to diminish the seriousness of the condition.

4. Ch*nk*

The word may now land you in jail but tell that to the hordes of Indians, children and adults alike, who oh-so-lovingly refer to their Northeastern friends as ch*nk*, momo, chow mein, or any other racist BS in the name of friendly banter.

 YRF

By using this word, youre actually insulting the multiple communities of Northeastern individuals and essentially calling them Chinese.



And no, its not okay even if your friend isnt from the Northeast and merely has small eyes or Chinese-looking eyes, no matter how you might want to reason it. It's wrong. Period.

the way my relatives call my sister chinki because she has small eyes,,,,, itna normalised racism???!!!!!??  Bhavika (@bubblewrap101) September 18, 2020

And as a piece of advice in the pandemic: Equating Northeast Indians or Northeast Asians to the coronavirus is definitely racist and you are walking around saying so, you clearly need help.

Bonus:

5. "Its Just A Joke!"

Not funny, didnt laugh.

If your definition of a joke serves to put down someones self-worth, reinforce harmful stereotypes, or even aid in creating a dangerous environment that can lead to violence against a community, then you need to evaluate your sense of humour.

Its the 21st century, and we really have to stop accepting ignorance as a way of life and start expecting better from each other.
The air show at Galle Face, Colombo, saw the participation of an IAF contingent comprising the Suryakiran and Sarang aerobatic display teams and the Tejas LCA. Indian Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria arrived in Colombo on a two-day visit and attended the inaugural ceremony of an air show celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Sri Lankan Air Force (SLAF). The SLAF celebrated its anniversary on March 2 and it conducted an air show to commemorate the occasion.

In a Twitter statement, the IAF said, Flying along the coast at #GalleFace with immaculate skills and executing precise manoeuvres, Team IAF has won the hearts of the Lions for a second day in a row.

READ: In Pics: IAF, SLAF Planes Soar High At Celebratory Air Show In Colombo

READ: IAF To Take Part In SLAF's 70th Anniversary Celebrations, Fighters Arrive In Sri Lanka

About SLAF

That SLAF was founded in 1951 and it had even played a major role throughout the Sri Lankan civil war. It operates more than 160 aircraft and has a projected trained strength of over 27,000 airmen and 1,300 officers. The SLAF has expanded to specialise mainly in providing air support to ground forces, troop landing, and carrying out airstrikes on rebel-held areas in the Northern and Eastern theatres, but is also capable of high-and-low-level air defence.

READ: IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria Meets PM Mahinda Rajapaksa During 2-day Visit To Sri Lanka

IAF and SLAF relations

IAF and SLAF, for a number of years, have been seen sharing space for diverse field interactions including operational exchanges and training. Ministry of Defence informed that the IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) had taken part in an air display in Sri Lanka in 2001 for the 50th-anniversary celebration of the SLAF. An official statement issued by the IAF stated, "IAF & SLAF have seen active exchanges and interactions for a number of years in diverse fields like training, operational exchanges and through professional military education courses. IAFs participation in the 70th-anniversary celebration of SLAF is a further manifestation of the strong professional bonds that the two Air Forces share. The IAF Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) had earlier toured Sri Lanka in 2001 for the 50th-anniversary celebrations of SLAF."

(Images: @IAF_MCC/Twitter)

READ: In A First, IAF To Participate In Exercise Desert Flag VI In UAE


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan secured 178 votes against the 172 which is required to win confidence, the speaker of the house declared. The National Assembly in a heating session was marked by boycott and protests from the opposition.

On Saturday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan won a vote of confidence in the lower house of the Parliament, the National Assembly in a heating session which was marked by boycott and protests from the opposition. He was able to obtain 178 votes, against the required count of 172 to win confidence, as announced by the speaker of the house.

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), which is an alliance of 11 parties boycotted the voting due to which the floor test commenced without the opposition. a total count of 172 votes was required in the 342- member house for a simple majority. Earlier the ruling coalition had 181 members but due to the resignation of Faisal Vowda, one of the lawmakers in the house, the strength got reduced to 180. The opposition coalition constitutes 160 members and one seat remained vacant.

Followed by the defeat of the governments finance minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh in the senate election earlier this week, The Prime Minister himself volunteered to take a vote of confidence in the lower house of the parliament. the opposition laid out a demand asking Khan to resign from the position after the fiasco.

Also Read:

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, foreign minister of Pakistan proposed a resolution in the house which read that the house reposes confidence in the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Mr Imran Khan, as required under clause(7) of Article 91 of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

As per reports, Prime Minister Khan had called for a meeting of parliamentary parties at the PM House (PMH) which was attended by all members of the National Assembly (MNAs) of the ruling alliance. a cabinet member stated that 175 lawmakers of the ruling coalition had attended the meeting at the PMH where they were asked to vote for the Prime Minister otherwise they could get disqualified.

Also Read:

A year after South Carolina officials first announced that COVID-19 had been detected within state borders, confirmed cases in the state have reached nearly 450,000.

On March 5, 2020, leaders at the state Department of Health and Environmental Control urged residents not to panic at the prospect of coronavirus cases in the Palmetto State.

The next day, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed two South Carolinians had tested positive for the novel coronavirus: an elderly patient in Kershaw County, and a Charleston County health care worker who'd recently returned from a trip to Italy.

On the anniversary of that announcement, the state has administered over 6 million COVID-19 tests and more than 1 million vaccines, and seen a marked drop from January's peak of new confirmed cases.

While great strides have been made to enhance access to vaccines in South Carolina, we recognize that our response to COVID-19 is not yet over, State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said. The COVID-19 vaccine is our light at the end of the tunnel. Until enough of us can get vaccinated, we need everyone to do your part by continuing to wear your mask and stay 6 feet apart from others.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 792 confirmed, 137 probable.

Total cases in S.C.: 449,151 confirmed, 75,306 probable.

Percent positive: 5.7 percent.

New deaths reported: 15 confirmed, six probable.

Total deaths in S.C.: 7,711 confirmed, 1,008 probable.

Percent of ICU beds filled: 70.5 percent.

How does S.C. rank in vaccines administered per 100,000 people?

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44th as of March 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hardest-hit areas

Of newly confirmed cases, Greenville (106), Spartanburg (69) and Charleston (62) counties saw the highest totals.

What about the tri-county?

Charleston County had 62 new cases on March 6, while Berkeley counted 17 and Dorchester had 20.

Deaths

Four of the new confirmed deaths reported were among people age 35 to 64, and the remainder were patients age 65 and older.

Hospitalizations

Of the 623 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of March 6, 157 were in the ICU and 86 were using ventilators.

What do experts say?

Experts at DHEC said getting tested for COVID-19 is one step people can take to slow the spread of the virus in the community. It is also recommended that people wear a cloth face mask that covers the mouth and nose when around others and in public, physical distance when possible and get vaccinated.

People should take daily precautions to protect against the virus until 70 to 80 percent of the population is vaccinated, DHEC said.

Representatives with the DHEC Care Line answer general questions about COVID-19 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day at 855-472-3432.
IRISH white sliced pan, pizza dough and wholemeal bread all face price hikes because of Brexit-related tariffs.

It is feared pleas from the Government for an exemption from the rules will fall on deaf ears in Brussels.

Although the EU agreed a trade deal with the UK in December, a particular blend of UK flour used by Irish bakers has been caught in the tariff net.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar recently wrote to EU vice-president and trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis asking him to "consider any flexibilities that can be applied".

A Commission spokesperson said this week that they were "looking into the matter, as it is technically complex".

Read More

However, the bloc has said previously that it does not grant opt-outs from trade rules.

The EU fears it would set a precedent and open a back door to its market for UK products. The British government's unilateral decision this week to extend grace periods for food and parcels bound for Northern Ireland has made Ireland's request even more difficult.

The Brexit small-print caught many businesses and Government officials unaware when the trade deal came into effect on January 1.

Food Drink Ireland, an Ibec group, has warned about price rises and called for an opt-out for the Irish bakery sector.

It estimates tariffs will push up production costs by 50pc and force bread prices up by 9pc, making Irish products more expensive than those produced in the UK or the EU.

Ireland imports around 90pc of its flour from the UK, according to Bord Bia. But some of that flour contains 45pc Canadian wheat.

And complex 'rules of origin' limits allow for a maximum of 15pc grain from outside the EU or UK. Any amount above that threshold incurs a tariff of 172 per tonne.

Read More

"Supermarkets may say, 'we're not increasing prices'. That's when the bakers will have to suck it up," said Edgar Morgenroth, professor of economics at Dublin City University's Business School. But he said Irish bakers can find alternative suppliers within the EU.

Enterprise Ireland has been working with Irish companies to help them source different suppliers, but it takes time.

Canadian wheat is what gives Irish products their distinctive taste, said Alex Waugh, of UK Flour Millers.

"We're a bit stuck," said Mr Waugh. "Nobody eats sliced pan in mainland Europe. In general, the millers have no experience of the flour to make that kind of bread."
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TV series

Pretend Its a City

Netflix

Martin Scorsese and Fran Lebowitz in Pretend It's a City. Credit:Netflix

New York. Its not just my favourite city, its one of my favourite things. Ive visited almost every year since 1991  my new novel, Driving Stevie Fracasso, is partly a love letter to it  and Ive seen radical changes take place there, for better and worse.

Fran Lebowitz would say for worse. The six-part series Pretend Its a City finds the 70-year-old professional curmudgeon eloquently and hilariously outlining her complaints about the city, with director Martin Scorsese occasionally butting in with questions  thats when he can stop guffawing long enough to do so.

Whether shes kvetching about slow-walking tourists or detailing the horrors of a sanitised Times Square, Lebowitz is never less than caustically loveable. She walks the streets like a little grey thundercloud, glaring at people who get in her way, but gazing with unabashed awe at the vaulted ceiling of Grand Central Station. Of course, Lebowitz adores New York; thats why she complains about it so much.
Q. Your father, James, and mother, Lillie, were in the RAF, and as a boy you travelled extensively as they moved to different postings.

A. We lived around the UK and, for three years, lived in Singapore where Id a dingo, an Australian dog, and a spider monkey called Suki. When I was nine, my dad was sent back to Bishopscourt in Northern Ireland and we lived in Newcastle. From there we moved to Wales.

Q. Youve never spoken publicly about getting a juvenile caution... what happened?

A. I dont know whether I should be quoted about this... okay, I got into a bit of trouble with the law in Wales. I was 14 and continually being provoked and bullied by young people on my way home from school about what was happening in Belfast. That led to a confrontation. I was foolish to respond. I received a juvenile caution and part of the condition of that was that Id leave Wales and stay with my aunt in east Belfast. Later, working in law enforcement, Id tell the story and joke: So you take a child with some aggressive tendencies and anger issues and send them back to 1970s Belfast. Mum, dad and my sister, Dawn, moved back six months later when they got their transfers sorted out. We settled in a council estate in Bangor, where I was very happy. I went to Bangor Boys Secondary School. As a young police inspector handing out my first juvenile caution, I told the culprit: Its not what youve done that matters, its what you do next. Everyone is entitled to make mistakes and everyone is entitled to a second chance.

Q. Despite that brush with the law, you joined the Army.

A. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. I was on a train to Belfast with my best friend, Marty Rodgers, a Catholic. Suddenly, we decided to go to the Army recruiting office at Palace Barracks. That was a Wednesday, and the following Sunday night we were on the boat to England, over to Sutton Coldfield. Marty joined the Parachute Regiment but suffered an injury during training, went home and was tragically killed in a motorbike accident when he was just 19. At Sutton Coldfield, they put you through psychometric tests. My aptitude tilted towards policing, so I joined the Royal Corps of Military Police. After six months training in Chichester, I was posted to West Berlin. The wall was still there, so it was an ideal place to do your apprenticeship in policing a divided society.

Q. Two years later, you asked to be transferred to Northern Ireland. Why?

A. I wanted to be nearer family. I was attached to a unit that worked with the bomb squad. I was engaged to Jean, and it seemed a natural progression to join the RUC.

Q. You began your policing career as a uniformed constable in Andersonstown, before moving to Londonderry, first as a sergeant with the Mobile Support Unit and then in the Strand Road barracks. After a stint as an instructor in the training centre, you were an inspector in Fermanagh before becoming head of Special Branch in Belfast, latterly with the PSNI. Did you fear for your life?

A. Everyone thinks it will never be them, but you worry about your family. Youd a mirror to check under your car for booby-trap bombs. It was surreal. As an instructor at the end of new recruits first week, youd show them a video called The Next Target. It included footage of families whose lives had been destroyed after a loved one was killed. In some instances, young children too. One story on The Next Target that resonated with everyone was that of the policeman who got into the car with his young, blond-haired son. As they drove off, the car bomb exploded. The child was killed and thrown hundreds of yards from the vehicle, and in the video you could see where that had happened. Usually, four or five recruits didnt return the following week. Those who stayed shared a close bond. In an organisation under siege, whose members were being hunted down and killed because of the uniform they wore, there was a great comradeship.

Q. Did you lose close friends?

A. You couldnt be in the RUC and not do so. On the night of the IRA mortar attack on Newry RUC station (in 1985), when seven men and two women went to work and never went home, I was on patrol in west Belfast. We were called back to the station to be briefed about it by a senior officer. The sense of loss was awful. We were told not to stop anyone or engage with street disorder in case our emotion was such that we over-reacted and let down colleagues. After horrible events, people did awful things. Youd get vicious, cruel, malign phone calls into the station and yet youd go out in the heart of west Belfast, where people, when they felt no one was looking, would say: That was terrible. Look after yourself, son. We live in a country where nothing is black and white.

Q. Working in Special Branch must have brought huge pressures.

A. It was difficult, complex and very, very complicated. You were combating what was one of the most ruthless terrorist organisations in the world, the IRA, and one of the most bloody-minded outfits, loyalist terrorists. You had a number of assets: technical and human surveillance  either police or Army street patrols  and informers. Analysis of the information they provided would indicate what might happen. Ronnie Flanagan said that we were stopping four out of every five terrorist incidents, but when you got it wrong, the results could be devastating. Often those who worked in Special Branch got no credit for saving Catholic and Protestant lives because you wouldnt want to draw attention as to how that information came into your hands.

Q. Do you think the Troubles will ever give up much of its secrets?

A. We need a process where the truth is told, whereby Catholic or Protestant families, families of security force members or others are able to access as much of the truth as they can about what happened to their loved ones. Should files be released? Yes. You can redact details that would identify a human source, but theres also lots of intelligence that came from other means, where its the horses mouth that damns the individual that committed the act. The only people with anything to fear should the Government press play on those transcripts would be some of those who pontificate today about human rights and wrongs but whod be blushing if the things they said or did were exposed. Lets have an honest reflection on who did what, where and when, and then draw some kind of line and move on. Until then, well have different factions wanting to rewrite the part that they played because, when they look at themselves in the mirror, they cant face the horrible reality of who they are and what they did.

Q. After being promoted to Assistant Chief Constable, you became deputy director general of the National Crime Squad, where you oversaw Operation Ore, a review into the distribution of online child abuse images, then were appointed first chief executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) centre.

A. The experience I had in Special Branch locating missing terrorists paid dividends in CEOP. Our precursor, the UK Serious Sexual Offenders Unit, had a 7% success rate locating missing high-risk sex offenders. When I finished in CEOP, we had an 87% success rate.

Q. Seeing how some abused children must have felt like staring into the heart of darkness

A. Its difficult. When you viewed those images, you looked beyond the brutalisation to the furniture in the room to try and get a clue to help you to locate where that child was so that you could rescue them. We used counter-terrorist methodology. Ive seen mans inhumanity to man, what organised gangsters will do to others in pursuit of money, what terrorists will do to one another and to innocent civilians, but Ive never seen anything as brutal, as inhumane, as the images I was exposed to when I was in CEOP.

Q. Of course, the most high-profile missing child case youve been involved in is that of Madeleine McCann (3), who went missing in Praia da Luz in Portugal in 2007.

A. During the Operation Ore prosecutions, Id experienced trolling. Someone asked me what kind of person was I to name my two daughters, Holly and Jessica, after the murder victims of Ian Huntley. My girls had been born long before those children perished. But the trolling with the McCann case is on a different scale. All those people pouring bile onto the internet about Kate and Gerry are creating a digital swamp that Sean and Amelie, Madeleines brother and sister, will have to wade through as they become digital citizens.

Q. What do you think of the German suspect, Christian Brueckner?

A. Hes the best suspect in the 13 years that Ive been involved. The circumstantial evidence gives him opportunities, and his previous history provides evidence that hed be motivated. Only time will tell, but I believe the case will be solved in my lifetime.

Q. You lost your sister, Dawn Coulter, last August to lung cancer.

A. Dawn was the salt of the earth. Shed have done anything for anyone. She married a guy from Bangor. They got married, had their family and built their lives in the town. My dad died at 64 from stomach cancer and mum died at 62 from a cardiac arrest, so there was just the two of us. We didnt need to see each other every day, but there was a huge bond. Death during the pandemic was particularly challenging. Dawns family and I will be forever grateful for every act of kindness the nursing staff at the Ulster Hospital showed us. She was diagnosed at stage three but moved rapidly to stage four. Fortunately, her husband and I could wear PPE and be with her at the end. We were allowed around 30 at Roselawn, though much of that is a blur.

Q. Are you religious?

A. At different times in my life, Id have given you different answers. Am I a church-going person? No. Do I believe in God? Yes. Like everybody else, when something goes badly wrong, I want someone to blame. If theres no one else, God will do. Faith is about hope things can improve for the better. Ive seen awful things but also amazing things, like people on both sides who suffered in the Troubles but who have forgiven one another and formed friendships. That speaks to the real nature of humanity.

Q. You were one of three candidates short-listed for the job of Chief Constable in 2009, when Matt Baggott was appointed. Hows current incumbent Simon Byrne doing?

A. People say to me Youd a close call, but I really wanted it. I worked with very strong Chief Constables, like Jack Hermon and Ronnie Flanagan. Without him, the peace process couldnt have been delivered in the way it was. Hugh Orde knew what needed to be fixed. George Hamilton understood politics but also the fundamental independence needed to navigate policing in Northern Ireland. Simon has come in at a difficult time and I dont think hed in-depth experience of Northern Ireland. He came in to modernise policing, which is always difficult, but I dont see clarity of leadership or the consistency thats needed in Northern Ireland. Mind you, whod want his job in the current environment?

Q. You run the INEQE Safeguarding Group, which works to make the online world safer for children.

A. This business started as two retired people talking about what they might do in someones kitchen. We began with two staff and now have 34. Were the largest independent safeguarding company in the UK and Ireland. Weve contracts with the biggest education providers in the country, are delivering the Safer Schools app across Northern Ireland and are signing up a major sporting body. We carried out the review of Oxfam Great Britain and have just finished a review of the Princes Trust.

Q. Tell us something surprising about yourself?

A. Ive a black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. I dont like TV detective shows like Line of Duty  Im always complaining that would never happen in real life  but I like Jimmy Nesbitt and am recording Bloodlands, so Ill give it a go. Im a big Downton Abbey fan and have watched it three times. I also have a Crossmaglen all-Ireland GAA shirt signed by the team on my office wall. I was a guest at the club and was welcomed with open arms. I learnt a lot too. Its an environment primarily about family and community. More recently, they asked me to support a bid for European funding to transition the old security force base into something new, and I was happy to do that.

Q. Do you feel hopeful for Northern Ireland?

A. Weve got to get past where we are. Politics has got to move more to the centre ground. I see myself as a small-U unionist, and I cringe at some DUP politicians, I wish theyd park the unhelpful, provocative rhetoric. I also find it very difficult to listen to the rhetoric from some Sinn Fein politicians that rewrites a narrative. You simply cannot justify the unjustifiable, no matter how hard you try. We all need to do what we can to leave the past behind us. Were facing a more tense period than we have in a long time and I hear lots of people calling for calm heads and for appropriate language, yet in the same sentence theyll point the finger of blame and provoke. But things have been worse, much worse. We will get through this, too.




By Jonathan Stempel and Chris Prentice

NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - John McAfee, the software pioneer whose former company still bears his name, has been indicted on fraud and money-laundering conspiracy charges stemming from two cryptocurrency schemes, the U.S. Justice Department said on Friday.

Authorities accused and his bodyguard, Jimmy Gale Watson Jr., of exploiting McAfee's large Twitter following to artificially inflate prices of "altcoins" through a so-called pump-and-dump scheme, and concealing payments received from startup businesses to promote initial coin offerings.

The Justice Department said and his accomplices reaped more than $13 million from the schemes. The charges were brought in Manhattan federal court.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed related civil charges concerning the alleged pump-and-dump scheme.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said in a statement: "As alleged, McAfee and Watson exploited a widely used social media platform and enthusiasm among investors in the emerging cryptocurrency market to make millions through lies and deception."

Lawyers for McAfee could not immediately be identified. McAfee is being detained in Spain following his arrest there on tax evasion charges announced in October, the Justice Department said.

Watson was arrested on Thursday night in Texas, the department added.

Watson's attorney Arnold Spencer said in a statement: "Jimmy Watson is a decorated veteran and former Navy Seal. He fought for other people's rights and liberties, and he is entitled to and looks forward to his day in court to exercise some of those very rights."

Both also face civil charges by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which in October accused McAfee of concealing more than $23.1 million he made from boosting seven cryptocurrency offerings on Twitter.

In the cryptocurrency cases, authorities said McAfee touted assets including Verge, Reddcoin and Dogecoin as part of a "Coin of the Day" or "Coin of the Week" tweet from around December 2017 through February 2018.

Authorities said McAfee held himself up as an expert on cybersecurity and cryptocurrency through his tweets, speeches and his role as a CEO of a publicly traded cryptocurrency company. They also accused him of telling followers he had no stake in the coins, even as he touted how they "will change the world."

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York and Chris Prentice in Washington; Editing by Matthew Lewis and Will Dunham)

(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.)
[March 05, 2021] The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz Announces Investigation of Range Resources Corporation (RRC) on Behalf of Investors

The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces an investigation of Range Resources Corporation ("Range Resources" or the "Company") (NYSE: RRC) on behalf of investors concerning the Company's possible violations of federal securities laws. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, click here to participate. On February 10, 2021, Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (the "DEP") announced that Range Resources had paid a $294,000 civil penalt to the agency on January 8, 2021 for violating the 2012 Oil and Gas Act. According to the DEP's investigation, "between Tuesday, July 16, 2013, and Monday, October 11, 2017, 42 of Range Resources' conventional wells were placed on inactive status but were never used again" and that several of the Company's "wells had not been in use for 12 months at the time Range Resources submitted its applications for inactive status," even though "after 12 consecutive months of no production, the well would be classified as abandoned and must be plugged." In addition to paying the DEP's civil penalty, Range Resources was ultimately required to plug the wells the agency identified as having no viable future use to remediate the issue.



On this news, Range Resources' stock price fell $0.62 per share, or 6.08%, to close at $9.57 per share on February 11, 2021, thereby injuring investors. Follow us for updates on Twitter (News - Alert) : twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

If you purchased Range Resources securities, have information or would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Frank R. Cruz, of The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, 1999 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 1100, Los Angeles, California 90067 at 310-914-5007, by email to info@frankcruzlaw.com, or visit our website at www.frankcruzlaw.com. If you inquire by email please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005611/en/

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New Delhi:

A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student was allegedly molested and her six male friends were assaulted by a group of more than half-a-dozen men in Faridabad, police said on Thursday.



The 27-year-old student and her friends, who were on a fun trip, were reportedly held hostage at a lake in Asola Wildlife Sanctuary in Surajkund area on August 14.



On August 15, the Vasant Kunj (North) police had registered a Zero FIR in the case and then transferred it to Faridabad police through Surajkund police station.



According to the student, she and her friends, including one from Delhi University, had gone to Bhardwaj Lake and around 8:30 pm, they decided to return to Delhi. She rode a motorcycle with two of her friends, while the other four started to walk down towards the taxi waiting for them outside the sanctuary.



"While me and my two friends were driving towards the main road, two inebriated men carrying bamboos sticks blocked our path and started questioning us. They called six to seven of their accomplices who used filthy remarks against us. When we tried to avoid them, they attacked us with lathis," the victim said in the FIR.



"When we threatened to call police, they pulled me inside a temporary shed, tore my clothes, molested me, and tried to gang-rape me, but I resisted their attempts. They also tried to tie us up with a rope and threatened to cut us into pieces and dump in the lake," the JNU student said.



"They hurled offensive religious remarks against one of my friends. They slapped us repeatedly, saying we were cattle thieves," she said. She said they escaped after their group members, who had also reached the spot, called up another cab driver and pleaded with him to call police to rescue them.

The student said the police officers at Surajkund police station promptly refused to register their complaint.

"Our ordeal and trauma did not end there. Police there abused us in filthy language and forced us to write an apology letter," the woman said in the FIR.

ALSO READ | National-level weightlifter Heena Usmani harassed, family assaulted in Agra



"We have received the FIR from Delhi Police on Thursday regarding molestation, holding hostage, assaulting and attempt to rape on a JNU student and her six friends," Deputy Commissioner of Police (NIT) Faridabad Astha Modi told IANS. "We are investigating and will call them to record their statements at Surajkund police station. We are in the process of recreating the sequence of crime to identify the accused," he added.

ALSO READ | Greater Noida: Security guard attempts to rape 19-year-old girl, arrested by police

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Aoife Butler, who moved to Australia in 2019, can't wait to return to Ireland, where she will savour time spent with loved ones.

Like many Irish people, moving to Australia was always a big dream of mine. When my brother Matthew moved there in 2013, I knew it was possible for me also. Finishing my nursing degree would be my ticket to amazing opportunities.

Sadly, Matthew passed away in August 2016. It was a devastating time in our familys life. The goal for getting to Australia had changed, and was put on hold  until September 2019. Instead of seeing my brother, I would try to follow in his footsteps and see the life he lived and loved.

For my family at home I can only imagine that this was hard, to see another one of their own go. I promised that I would be able to get home often to visit. And then the pandemic happened. The one thing that comforts you leaving your home and making the journey abroad is the saying: Sure, youre only a flight away. If you dont like it, come home.

Until youre not only a flight away any more. The safety net that now ties me to home and my family is gone. I get a hole in my heart when I think of home.

In Australia, we have been extremely fortunate with the quality of life that we have had during this pandemic.

But as they say, the grass is not always greener on the other side, and we long as a community to know when will be the next time we can visit our homeland.

Its funny for me as its the simple things that make me feel close to home. Attending GAA matches, meeting up with friends from home, Barrys Tea and a trip to the Irish convenience store. Luckily there is a massive Irish community in Australia and you are never far from an Irish bar and a roast dinner.

When I get back to Ireland, I cannot wait to take in the feeling of home. Ill celebrate my best friends engagement, my sister building her first home, my little cousins communion and older cousins wedding. I will hug my nanny tight and tell her how proud I am of her getting through the last year confined to the walls of her nursing home. I will celebrate pregnancies and births, squeeze my friends and remember those who have sadly passed due to Covid-19.
The Roofing Alliance, celebrating 25 years as the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proudly announces this years winners of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards, Best of the Best Award and Gold Circle Awards who were recognized at NRCAs Virtual Awards Ceremony held March 5, 2021.

Most Valuable Player Awards

In the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards 21st year, seven winners were recognized for outstanding on-the-job performance and workmanship and other noteworthy contributions outside the workplace. This years winners are:

Heath Baker  Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship; Outstanding Performance and Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Workplace

Superintendent with KPost Roofing and Waterproofing, Dallas

Riann Cayaban  Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship

Foreman with Commercial Roofing & Waterproofing, HI, Inc., Waipahu, Hawaii

Mike Crawford  Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship

Foreman with ABC Roofing, a Tecta America Company, LLC, Portland, Ore.

Jeffrey Doll  Outstanding Performance and Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Workplace

Warehouse Employee with CentiMark Corporation, Canonsburg, Pa.

Tim Hollo  Outstanding Performance and Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Workplace

Field Worker and Foreman with 1st Choice Roofing, Cleveland

Arturo Lopez  Outstanding On-the Job Performance and Workmanship; Outstanding Performance and Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Workplace

Foreman with Stiles Roofing, Inc., Lebanon, Mo.

Bakay Omorov  Outstanding On-the-Job Performance and Workmanship; Outstanding Performance and Other Noteworthy Contributions Outside the Workplace

Foreman with Deer Park Roofing, Cincinnati

Best of the Best Award

The MVP Program goes a step further, one of the MVP winners is chosen as the Best of the Best winner. The Best of the Best award is an honor co-sponsored by OMG Roofing Products and Professional Roofing magazine. This years winner was Arturo Lopez, Foreman with Stiles Roofing Inc., Lebanon, Mo.

Gold Circle Award

The Roofing Alliances Gold Circle Program recognizes excellence in the roofing industry. Each year Roofing Alliance and NRCA members are encouraged to submit their best work to be eligible to win a Gold Circle award in the following two categories: Outstanding Workmanship and Innovative Solutions; and Safety Preparedness and Performance. More than 100 winning companies have been recognized for their achievements since the awards inception. This years Gold Circle Award winners for outstanding contributions and unique roofing-related jobs and services are:

Outstanding Workmanship and Innovative Solutions  Low Slope

Douglass Colony Group Inc., Commerce City, Colo., for Sie Welcome Center at Denver Art Museum (View photos)

Outstanding Workmanship and Innovative Solutions  Steep Slope

F.J.A Christiansen Roofing Co. Inc., a Tecta America Company, Milwaukee, for St. Stanislaus Bell Tower, Milwaukee (View photos)

Safety Preparedness and Performance

CFE, Inc., Elmira, N.Y., for International Paper Power Plant, Augusta, Ga. (View photos)

Student Competition

Normally the Roofing Alliance Construction Management Student Competition winners are announced during the NRCA Awards Ceremony, but this year the winners will be announced during a separate virtual awards ceremony on April 16, 2021. Be sure to register for this exciting new event. Details will be available soon.

For more information on the Roofing Alliance and all the awards and award winners, visit https://www.roofingalliance.net or contact Bennett Judson at bjudson@roofingalliance.net.

About the Roofing Alliance

The Roofing Alliance is committed to shaping the industrys future by funding education, research, scholarships and philanthropic initiatives, all for the purpose of securing the industrys future excellence. Composed of 174 members representing extraordinary leaders from the contracting, manufacturing, distribution and service provider communities, the Roofing Alliance has committed $13 million to enhance the performance and long-term viability of the industry and allocated more than $5.9 million to fund 51 research, education, technical and philanthropic programs and projects. Serving as the foundation of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Roofing Alliance members are focused on giving back and supporting high-quality educational programs and ensuring timely and forward-thinking industry responses to major economic and technological issues. For more information about Roofing Alliance initiatives, visit http://www.roofingalliance.net.
In Iraq, in ancient Babylon, there is an historic site dear to Jews, Christians and Muslims: the tomb of the Prophet Ezekiel, a symbol of visions and prophesies; the Popes journey to Mesopotamia carries a vision of coexistence quite necessary in the Middle East and in Iraq. Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Grand Master of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and former Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq, offers a reflection inspired by this sacred place that he knows well, having visited it on pilgrimage.

In the Spring of 2002, accompanied by some Iraqi friends, I went on pilgrimage to Kafel-al-Hilla. The remains of ancient Babylon of Chaldeans were not far; further to the south at al-Najaf now lives the high spiritual authority of the Shiites, the Grand Ayatollah al-Sistani, whom Pope Francis will visit on 6 March. In Kafel-al-Hilla there is an ancient synagogue with visible Hebrew writings, the destination of Muslim pilgrimages and of the few Christians who venture up to there, but of no Jewish person, since the last communities were expelled from Iraq following the Arab-Israeli wars of the 1980s. Here tradition indicates the existence of the tomb of the prophet Ezekiel. The place is sacred. The sepulchre is surrounded by a metal grill that protects it. This is the site of prayer, much loved by Shiite women who go there to ask for help with a pregnancy in its early or final phase. Thus, here the prophet Ezekiel is venerated. If it is said that the spirit of Jonah, the preacher of conversion, lingers in Nineveh, then in the ancient region of Babylon lingers that of Ezekiel, a priest deported in 597 b.c. with Jehoiachin, King of Judah. Ezekiel was the life companion of the deported.

Biblically speaking, he is the prophet of the Spirit of God who, with grand visions exhorted the exiles, comforted and educated in hope, remembering that God himself will give a new heart and a new spirit (cf. Ez 11:19). It has been written that Ezekiel preached divine benevolence, which averts remorse: we are on the cusp of grace (P. Auvray). But what is remembered in particular of the prophet is his grand vision of the valley of dry bones (cf. Ez 37:1-14) which animate and take on human features, to the extent of forming a boundless multitude of living beings; this vision carries with it forever an oracle of Almighty God.

In the dark days of Isis, when Mosul and then the Nineveh Plain were occupied in the summer of 2014, and thousands of Christians, Yazidis and Muslims fled, seeking refuge in eastern and northern Kurdistan, the Pope conceived the idea of a journey among those desperate people. The instability of Iraq long delayed this apostolic visit. Still today concerns are not lacking; Covid-19 has added to them. But one cannot go to manifest solidarity by waiting only for happier times. The hope of peace, harmony, coexistence in a land that too often has been shaken by hatred, brings to mind the hopeful words of Jonah to Nineveh (8th century b.c ., of Nahoum to Assyria (7th century b.c.) and of Ezekiel to Babylon (6th century b.c. ).

Solidarity is appreciated especially in difficult times. In the time of affliction God visits his people, recalls the Book of Exodus (4:31), and in the time of Jesus, the crowd, noting the good he had done, commented: God has visited his people (Lk 7:16).

In Iraq still today there is a need for vision and prophecy; there is a need for the Popes visit, for this life event that the Pontifical visit - which is not a personal act, but one of the entire Church  brings with it. It is a warm breath that gives back life to the many martyrs and to the faith of the many Christians that have been killed, persecuted and discriminated against; but also to the many men and many women of other ethnic and religious expressions that have equally suffered violence. There is a need to recompose the countless fractures of this people and of this land. There is a need for Christians, Yazidis, Mandaeans and all the other minorities together with the Shiites and Sunnis to find a civil coexistence that respects the rights of all. It is possible to be brothers and sisters if there is the Spirit of God. The Popes visit, as John Paul ii wished (2000), can be the seed rich with life that will bear fruit. It is up to the people of Iraq first of all to take on the responsibility, and then to everyone to contribute.
The Canadian Cancer Society applauds a controversial move by the Pallister government to extend a ban on smoking in indoor public places to First Nations communities.

The Canadian Cancer Society applauds a controversial move by the Pallister government to extend a ban on smoking in indoor public places to First Nations communities.

The organization, which tracks tobacco legislation across Canada, says Manitoba is the only province that exempts reserves from provincial smoke-free legislation.

Manitoba moves to expand public smoking ban to First Nations Click to Expand no smoking sign Posted: 7:00 PM Mar. 4, 2021 Opening itself to a likely court challenge, the Pallister government has introduced legislation that would extend a ban against smoking and vaping in public places to First Nations communities. The province's mental health, wellness and recovery minister, Audrey Gordon, says Bill 56 would ensure all Manitobans are be able to live and work in a smoke-free environment, including those employed in First Nations casinos. Read Full Story

"From a health perspective, all Manitobans should have health protection. Second-hand smoke is second-hand smoke, and everyone deserves protection from second-hand smoke," said Rob Cunningham, the society's senior policy analyst.

"Right now, in parts of Manitoba, it's legal to sell tobacco and e-cigarettes to nine-year-olds," Cunningham said Friday in an interview from Ottawa. "That shouldn't be the case."

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs opposes Bill 56, which was introduced in the legislature in November but only distributed to MLAs and the general public Thursday.

The proposed Smoking and Vapour Products Control Amendment Act infringes on First Nations' jurisdiction, Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said. The AMC leader has said the chiefs will challenge the bill in the courts, if it proceeds.

"I have family members who have had cancer. I don't smoke and many of our chiefs don't smoke," Dumas said Friday. "But this is a jurisdictional issue."

It's not true children on reserves can purchase cigarettes, he said, calling Cunningham's comment "very ill-informed."

"I have family members who have had cancer. I don't smoke and many of our chiefs don't smoke. But this is a jurisdictional issue."  Grand Chief Arlen Dumas

"Minors aren't allowed to buy cigarettes, but it's because the (First Nation) leadership supports these rules and regulations."

Dumas said if the provincial government were concerned about First Nations health, it would work co-operatively with Indigenous leaders to curb smoking and vaping  and not dictate to them.

Manitoba should take the same constructive, respectful approach with First Nations on smoking that it has in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program, he said.

Bill 56 would repeal a provision in Manitoba law, introduced in 2004, that exempts First Nations and certain federal jurisdiction areas from provincial tobacco control legislation. Once passed, legislative provisions on smoke-free places, retail display bans, and sales to minors would also apply to reserves.

Several First Nations in Manitoba have already passed their own bylaws restricting smoking in public places.

Cunningham said other provinces have smoke-free legislation similar to Manitoba's that apply across the board. Those laws have not been challenged in the courts, he said.

ADRIAN WYLD / CANADIAN PRESS FILES "From a health perspective, all Manitobans should have health protection. Second-hand smoke is second-hand smoke, and everyone deserves protection from second-hand smoke," said Rob Cunningham, the society's senior policy analyst.

Cunningham, a lawyer, said the ability of the province to regulate smoking on reserves is no different than it is to enforce highway speed limits. "You can't drive 200 kilometres per hour through a reserve," he said.

The Manitoba Tobacco Reduction Alliance also supports the government's bill.

"Improving legislation to protect the health and well-being of Manitobans is crucial as big tobacco and vaping companies continue to look for ways to profit off the health of individuals," the group said.

Provincial law currently allows exceptions to smoking rules for Indigenous ceremonial or traditional uses of tobacco. The government said passage of Bill 56 would not change that.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca
By Leonardo Benassatto and Ueslei Marcelino

YAUARETE, Brazil (Reuters) - An army helicopter flew to two isolated indigenous villages in Brazil's Amazon jungle this week with a welcome cargo - coronavirus vaccines.

The Hupda communities lined up to get their shots.

Traditional medicine prescribed by a shaman is highly respected here, but there was no resistance to receiving the vaccine by China's Sinovac Biotech.

"We are grateful for the vaccination, so we will not catch the disease," said Hupda chieftain Jorge Pires in the village of Santo Antanasio, near the Colombian border and a 25-minute helicopter flight from the nearest military outpost.

Following criticism by indigenous leaders that echoed internationally last year that their vulnerable communities were being "decimated" by COVID-19, Brazil's Health and Defense ministries have mounted a vaccination campaign reaching remote reservations and villages.

So far 265,244 indigenous people have had a first dose, and 124,063 the second dose, of 400,000 covered by the ministry's indigenous health service Sesai.

According to the service, 50,000 indigenous people have been infected and 589 have died from COVID-19.

That does not include half of Brazil's 800,000 plus indigenous population not covered by Sesai because they have moved off traditional lands and reservations.

Brazil is battling a COVID-19 outbreak that is worsening, with record deaths reported in the last three days, reaching 1,910 dead in 24 hours on Wednesday. So far, 260,000 people have died and 10.8 million infected, the second-deadliest after the United States.

In the second village of Taracua Igarape, there have been no cases of COVID-19 thanks to its isolation, but preventing coronavirus from taking hold is paramount to protecting indigenous communities that live under one roof and cannot practice social distancing.

The challenge of reaching 20,000 indigenous people living in a jungle area the size of Portugal is enormous, and requires helicopter travel, because travel by meandering rivers takes days, said Army Colonel Sylvio Doktorczyk.

Story continues

"When we talk about Amazonia, everything is superlative, including the difficulties! Particularly the great distances and long rivers," the colonel heading the mission said.

It was a return visit to the two villages to inoculate those that missed the first dose because they were out hunting or fishing, and to gives other their second shot of CoronaVac.

"My people liked to have the vaccine. My community like the vaccine and like when medical people come here," said Jovino Pinoa, after getting his second shot.

(Reporting by Leonardo Benasatto and Ueslei Marcelino, writing by Anthony Boadle; editing by Diane Craft)
New Delhi, Mar 6 (UNI) Ambassador Vikram Misri met Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui in Beijing on Friday and stressed the importance of complete disengagement in eastern Ladakh, noting this would help restore peace and tranquility and create conditions for progress in bilateral relations.

Ambassador Misri told Luo, former Chinese envoy to India, that maintaining peace & tranquility in border areas had always been the basis for development of bilateral relations.

"Ambassador @VikramMisri met H.E. VFM Luo Zhaohui today at MFAChina. Amb emphasised that maintaining peace & tranquility in border areas had always been the basis for development of bilateral relations," said a tweet of the Indian embassy in Beijing.

In February, Indian and Chinese troops completed a pullout from the glacial Pangong Tso lake area of the Line of Actual control in the western Himalayas.

The Ministry of External Affairs also on Friday said it expects China to work with it through existing bilateral consultation mechanisms between their diplomats and military commanders to ensure early completion of the disengagement process in the remaining areas in eastern Ladakh to allow both sides to consider de-escalation of forces.

Ambassador Misri also flagged outstanding consular issues pertaining to Indian nationals and requested Ministry of Foreign Affairs' facilitation in seeking a resolution, said another tweet.

UNI SRJ JW1636
Massachusetts received federal approval to provide Pandemic-EBT benefits to households with children under age 6 receiving food assistance, expanding benefits to an estimated 96,000 children statewide.

Households with children under age 6 who are receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program will get either $68.20 or $136.40 a month, depending on whether theyre in a remote or hybrid learning environment.

P-EBT benefits can be used anywhere SNAP benefits are accepted, including online purchases from Walmart, Amazon and ALDI.

Massachusetts is the third state to get federal approval to include children under age 6 who are receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. The Department of Transitional Assistance, which announced the change Friday afternoon, estimates the expansion of P-EBT for children under age 6 will bring in an estimated $100 million in federal funds to Massachusetts families.

These increased and extended benefits will help thousands of low-income households with young children stretch their limited resources to keep food on the table while meeting other basic needs, said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders, who runs the COVID-19 Command Center.

These households will also see a one-time payment in early April meant to retroactively cover payments for October through January, according to DTA.

Current P-EBT recipients will also see a 15% increase in the benefit amounts, according to DTA. Eligible students who are solely learning remotely will now get $136.40 a month, and those in hybrid learning environments will get $68.20.

They will also get a one-time payment in early April accounting for the increase, dating back to October, according to DTA.

Created in April as the pandemic shuttered schools, the P-EBT program in Massachusetts has offered $396 million in federal funds to families enrolled in SNAP or otherwise eligible. The funds have supported families of more than 500,000 students, according to DTA, which worked with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on the program.

P-EBT is an incredibly effective tool during the COVID-19 pandemic to help families directly purchase healthy, culturally appropriate food and support our local retailers and their employees, said DTA Commissioner Amy Kershaw. The approval of our plan to extend P-EBT to families with young children will support our youngest learners, for whom access to nutritious food is vital for healthy growth and development.

Families can check their P-EBT balance on DTAConnect.com. The DTA also has a mobile app called, DTAConnect, and recipients can call the number on the back of their card.
Denmark has become the first European country to strip Syrian refugees of their residency permits, saying they must return home as Damascus is now safe to go back to.

In total, 94 Syrian refugees have had their permits removed, with Denmarks immigration minister Mattias Tesfaye last month insisting that the Scandinavian country had been open and honest from the start about the situation, reported The Telegraph.

Mr Tesfaye added: We have made it clear to the Syrian refugees that their residence permit is temporary. It can be withdrawn if protection is no longer needed.

Denmarks immigration minister went on to say that although the country would give people protection for as long as it is needed, but highlighted: when conditions in the home country improve, a former refugee should return home and re-establish a life there.

This comes as the countrys immigration department decided to extend the area of Syria it considers safe to include the Rif Dimashq Governorate, which includes the capital.

The organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) told The Independent that they assume given the scale and duration of the Syrian conflict and the impact of the war on infrastructure and the health system that the population might or would face similar challenges to the ones that people are facing in areas where we operate, in northern Syria.

MSF said they cannot operate in areas controlled by the Syrian government, such as Damascas and Rif Dimashq Governorate, so based their assumptions on what they have seen in the north of the war-torn country.

Germany has said that criminals can be deported back to Syria, but Denmark is the first European country to say that the same applies to ordinary refugees.

The Scandinavian countrys centre-Left Social Democratic Party has taken a strong anti-migration stance, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen promising to aim for zero asylum seekers applying to live in Denmark.

About 900 Syrian refugees from the Damascus area had their temporary protection permits reassessed last year.

Now, the Danish governments decision about the Rif Dimashq area of Syria will mean the same applies to a further 350 Syrian residents in the country.

In December 2019, Denmarks Refugee Appeals Board ruled that conditions in Damascus were no longer so dangerous that they gave grounds for temporary protection to be given to asylum seekers.

Amnesty International UK told The Independent that they felt that this decision was appalling and a reckless violation of Denmarks duty to provide asylum.

Steve Valdez-Symonds, Refugee and Migrant Rights Director at Amnesty International UK, said: The Danish government seeking to force people back into the hands of this brutal regime is an appalling affront to refugee law and peoples right to be safe from persecution.

Mr Valdez-Symonds underlined concerned that Denmarks actions risked increasing incentives for other countries to abandon their own obligations to Syrian refugees.

Not only will this put the lives of even more women, men and children at risk. It will add to reasons that cause people to travel ever further afield in search of safety and security for themselves and their family, he added.

The refugees will be moved to a deportation camp, where they will have no access to education.

Denmarks right-wing opposition party, the Liberal party, has called for the repatriation to be sped up through an agreement with Bashar al-Assads regime in Syria.

Mads Fuglede, the foreign spokesperson for the Liberal Party said on Sunday that a deal with the Syrian government could be used to prevent Syrians becoming stranded in deportation camps.

He told the Jyllands-Posten newspaper: I can imagine an agreement that will only extend to the framework for sending people back, with some guarantees that you can return without being persecuted.

However, Social Liberal spokesperson for immigration Andreas Steenberg did not agree, tweeting: It is completely wrong to cooperate with one of historys worst dictators just to look tough (on immigration). These are people were talking about.

Mr Fuglede later stressed in a Facebook post that his suggestion of the deal did not mean that he recognised the criminal dictatorship led by Mr Assad in Syria.

The news comes as UN investigators released a report on Monday saying that tens of thousands of Syrians arbitrarily detained since the conflict began remain forcibly disappeared.

Thousands more have been subjected to sexual violence and death in detention as well as inhumane treatment and torture, the report said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-05 22:59:24|Editor: huaxia

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A foreigner is shopping for the Spring Festival with the help of his Chinese friend in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Xiong Qi)

"China has definitely made a lot of strides in opening up its economy" and improving its business climate for foreign investors, said Shane Tedjarati, president of Global High Growth Regions of U.S. industrial conglomerate Honeywell.

NEW YORK, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Buoyed by its robust economic growth and continuous efforts to improve business environment, China, a longtime popular destination for foreign investment, is becoming increasingly attractive, a senior executive from Honeywell has said.

China's economy is "very dynamic" and has huge potential to grow further, Shane Tedjarati, president of Global High Growth Regions of the U.S. industrial conglomerate, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

"Along that path, it's also becoming a very, very attractive market to invest (in). It has been attractive for the past 30 years, and it becomes more and more attractive as China decides to open up its economy even more," said Tedjarati, who has worked and lived in China for more than 20 years.

Currently, China is Honeywell's largest single market outside the United States, and one of the company's most important sources of growth, according to the multinational corporation which primarily operates in four areas of business: aerospace, building technologies, performance materials and technologies, and safety and productivity solutions.



A worker operates at a workshop of the Dongan Auto Engine Co., Ltd. in Harbin City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, March 2, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Honeywell's core business aligns with China's market demands, Tedjarati said.

The senior executive said when he looked at China's blueprint for the next five years, "it's almost as if we had written it for each other," adding that a lot of what Honeywell does is very much in line with China's vision.

"I think that the areas where we're really excited about are e-commerce, safety, security, healthcare, energy efficiency, environment, climate change all together, and everything that relates to it," Tedjarati said.

Honeywell's business operations in China can be traced back several decades ago. Since China introduced its reform and opening-up policies, Honeywell's investment has been on the fast track to join hands with local Chinese partners in building a connected, smarter, safer, and more sustainable world.

"China has definitely made a lot of strides in opening up its economy" and improving its business climate for foreign investors, said Tedjarati.

China's recent moves such as shortening negative lists for market access and pushing ahead an investment agreement with Europe and other areas of the world "continue to show that China wants to open up," he added.

Staff members are seen at Bayer HealthCare Company Limited Qidong Branch in Qidong, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 2, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Yuwei)

Multinational companies operating in China for a long time and those who have become local as Honeywell did "are part of the local artery of China," he said.

In 2004, Honeywell introduced the strategy of "East for East" in the Chinese market to meet local market demands through local product development and innovation, and the "East to Rest" strategy to bring China-developed innovations to the rest of the world.

Tedjarati said Honeywell will continue to follow its "East for East" and "East to Rest" development strategies, further expand its business presence in China, and join hands with local partners to meet the demands of Chinese businesses and consumers.

Thanks to China's effective measures to bring the COVID-19 pandemic under control, Honeywell began to see its Chinese business become more normalized in the second half of last year, he said.

Meanwhile, the senior executive said he expects that China will lead the way for the company's overall recovery this year.

Honeywell currently operates more than 50 joint ventures or wholly-owned subsidiaries in over 20 Chinese cities.

In 2020, the company established a wholly-owned subsidiary in the central Chinese city of Wuhan as its headquarters for mass-mid segment business in China, one of its latest moves in response to China's growth and development. 
One of the main reasons attributed for the positive growth in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam is stated to be the move to set up administrative capital in Visakhapatnam. (Representational Photo: AFP)

VIJAYAWADA: Registration of properties has declined dramatically across the State barring in some districts like Visakhapatnam and Kurnool, and have dealt a major blow to the exchequer.

The state received cumulative collection of revenue through registration of properties worth nearly Rs 4,753 crore from April 1, 2020 to March 2 of this year as against Rs 4,895 crore generated for the corresponding period in the previous fiscal, showing a shortfall of 2.89 per cent in revenue collection.

However, some districts registered a good growth in revenue collections for varied reasons: Srikakulam 5.37 per cent, Vizianagaram 1.86 per cent, Visakhapatnam 2.02 per cent, Prakasam 6.77 per cent, Anantapur 5.53 per cent and Kurnool 8.01 per cent.

Districts showing negative growth in revenue collections include: East Godavari 1.96 per cent, West Godavari 9.12 per cent, Krishna 10.75 per cent, Guntur 8.43 per cent, Nellore 8.93 per cent, Chittoor 7.80 per cent and Kadapa 2.40 per cent.

One of the main reasons attributed for the positive growth in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam is stated to be the move to set up administrative capital in Visakhapatnam. Registration authorities maintain that open lands located in Anandapuram, Bheemili and Madhurawada and other regions were developed and layouts established. This resulted in people going on a buying spree assuming that the land value of the plots would increase in the days ahead.

As Visakhapatnam is closely linked to Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, the same trend prevailed and there was a rise in registration of properties fetching handsome revenue.

The upswing in Kurnool is reportedly because of the proposed High Court. Local registration authorities maintain that the upward revision of market value last August, where a minimum of `2 lakh was fixed as market value for an acre of farmland in areas falling under the jurisdiction of Kalluru sub-registrar office and also in villages falling under the purview of Kurnool Urban Development Authority. In Anantapur too, real estate gained momentum. Open lands are being converted as layouts and there is anticipation of speedy construction of houses and their registration.

However, on the flip side, Krishna district registered negative growth of 10.75 per cent and Guntur district, which hosts Amaravati, also registered a negative growth of 8.43 per cent.

Registration sources maintain that the move to relocate administrative and judicial capitals is impacting the negative growth. However, there is no matching rise in revenue collections in Visakhapatnam and its two neighbouring districts to offset negative growth. One of the prime reasons for the phenomenon is that big players are venturing into safer zones like Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and other metros while some are unwilling to risk an investment following the sudden boom in land value.

A senior official from registration department said, We are expecting registration of properties to rise as all deferred agreements for registration of properties during lockdown due to Covid-19 are getting materialized. The real estate industry is also slowly picking up overcoming initial hiccups due to RERA, 2016. Revision of market value of properties is expected to come in handy.
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The two Nigerians, Samuel Udoetuk Wills and John Oji have been found guilty of kidnapping and killing the four Takoradi girls.



They have subsequently been sentenced to death by hanging.



They have been given 30 days within which they can appeal the sentence.



The two were found guilty by the seven-member jury at the Sekondi High Court on Friday [March 5, 2021] reports Graphic Online's Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu from Sekondi in the Western Region.



The High Court presided over by Justice Richard Adjei-Frimpong, a Court of Appeal Judge with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, gave the sentence after the 7-member jury found them guilty.

Source: Graphiconline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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At least 20 people were killed and 30 wounded in a suicide bombing outside a restaurant near the port in Somalia's capital Mogadishu late on Friday, emergency services said.

Somalian police said a three-wheeler rickshaw, fitted to carry a load on the back, had been packed with explosives when it hit the popular Luul Yemeni restaurant at dinner time.

Witnesses and state-owned media said the blast sent plumes of smoke into the sky and triggered gunfire, while at least one building near the restaurant collapsed, with people feared to be trapped in the rubble. The blast occurred at dinner time when the restaurant was full.

The attack was claimed by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab terror group, which has been waging a long and violent insurgency seeking to unseat the internationally-backed government in Mogadishu.

Security in Mogadishu had been especially heavy, with thousands of government forces deployed in anticipation of a planned demonstration on Saturday by an alliance of opposition leaders over the country's delayed national election. The demonstration was later postponed.

A general view of the scene of a suicide bomb blast outside the popular Lul Yemeni restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia

Somalia security forces investigate the scene of a suicide bomb blast outside the popular Lul Yemeni restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia

People assist an injured person outside Madina Hospital after a blast at the Luul Yemeni restaurant near the port in Mogadishu

Ambulances on the scene of a suicide bomb blast outside the popular Lul Yemeni restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia

A general view of damages at the scene of a suicide bomb blast outside the popular Lul Yemeni restaurant in Mogadishu, Somalia

People assist an injured person outside Madina Hospital after a blast Luul Yemeni restaurant near the port in Mogadishu

A view of the explosion site after a bomb-laden vehicle exploded in front of a restaurant near Mogadishu seaport, Somalia

Dr Abdulkadir Aden, founder of AAMIN Ambulance services told Reuters: 'So far we have carried 20 dead people and 30 injured from the blast scene.'

Security officer Mohamed Osman told AFP: 'The blast was very heavy and caused massive destruction and civilian casualties, the operation is still going on to establish the exact number of casualties but initial information security officials obtained indicates more than 10 people died.'

Ahmed Abdullahi, who lives near the site of the explosion, said: 'A speeding car exploded at Luul Yemeni restaurant. I was going to the restaurant but ran back when the blast shook and covered the area with smoke.'

Somalia's state-controlled Radio Mogadishu reported there was also destruction of property and that police had cordoned off the area.

Islamist group al Shabaab frequently carries out bombings in Somalia and elsewhere as part of its campaign to topple the African country's central government and establish its own rule based on its interpretation of sharia law.

They were driven out of Mogadishu in 2011, but still control swathes of territory from where they plan and launch frequent, deadly strikes against government and civilian targets.

A view of the explosion site after a bomb-laden vehicle exploded in front of a restaurant near Mogadishu seaport, Somalia

A man walks past a destroyed vehicle at the scene of a blast at a popular restaurant in the capital Mogadishu, Somalia

A view of the explosion site after a bomb-laden vehicle exploded in front of a restaurant near Mogadishu seaport, Somalia

An injured civilian stands outside Madina Hospital after a blast at the Luul Yemeni restaurant near the port in Mogadishu, Somalia
Libya's designated prime minister Abdelhamid Dbeibeh has proposed a large unity cabinet with 35 members, his office said on Friday, ahead of a planned parliament meeting on Monday to debate ratifying his government.

The Cabinet list has been subject to intense negotiation among Libya's warring factions and powerful regional and political leaders, but an official said talks continued over whether to reduce the number of ministers.

Two slightly different versions of the list shown to Reuters by Libyan officials named a former culture minister, Lamia Bosidera, as foreign minister and Khaled Mazen as interior minister.

Dbeibeh would act as defence minister according to the lists. The names also include two deputy prime ministers from the east and west of Libya.

Dbeibeh was selected via a U.N. talks process in Geneva early last month to head an interim unity government to oversee the run-up to a planned election at the end of this year.

Libya has been split for years between the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and Khalifa Haftar's eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA).

The divided parliament aims to meet on Monday in the frontline city of Sirte, held by the LNA. However, some western-based members of parliament have cast doubt on attending, citing the presence of Russian mercenaries there.

A LNA source said the mercenaries had pulled back from the frontlines and the airport. The main coast road across the frontline at Sirte has not yet opened, though some members of parliament had said they expected it would be on Saturday.

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Government of Sri Lanka Welcomes Funding From WFP and Republic Of Korea to Help Supply Thriposha To Children And Mothers

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) are supporting the Government of Sri Lanka with funding worth USD 600,000 (LKR 117 million) to procure maize for the production of Thriposha.

The funding will be used to produce Thriposha, a maize-based fortified food product, which will be provided to 1.1 million mothers and children. The grant from Korea helps ensure continuation of the Thriposha programme, which the Government of Sri Lanka has been conducting for almost 50 years to provide nutrition to undernourished children and pregnant and lactating women.

Thriposha, which means triple nutrients, is a locally produced supplementary food product, provided free of charge to children below 5 years of age who are underweight or with a slow rate of weight gain and pregnant and lactating women with a low body mass index (BMI), through the public health system.

The world is facing unexpected circumstances while battling with the pandemic, says Kang Youn Hwa, KOICA Sri Lanka Office Country Director. The contribution from KOICA for the Thriposha National Programme was extended with the objective of improving the nutritional status of vulnerable people, especially children and pregnant/lactating women who are disproportionately affected by Covid-19. KOICA stands in solidarity with the Government of Sri Lanka during this difficult time."

This latest contribution forms part of the activities carried out by KOICA -- the Official Grants Division to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea -- in response to Covid-19. KOICA has been present in Sri Lanka for over two decades, with programmes that support a variety of sectors including education, health, rural development, water management and transportation. One such intervention is the R5n programme, a joint project conducted with WFP since 2019. R5n aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of rural smallholder farmers by strengthening their resilience to recurring climate shocks, especially drought. KOICAs support for the procurement of maize to produce Thriposha complements its on-going assistance to the Government of Sri Lanka.

Covid-19 has brought about fresh challenges in the country, including an estimated rise in unemployment and reduced incomes. This affects a familys ability to access nutritious food and threatens to have long-lasting impacts on the health and nutrition standards in the country. The Thriposha programme provides a readily accessible source of nutrition to mothers and children when they need it the most.

The Ministry of Health requested WFPs support in ensuring a continuous supply of Thriposha. In response to this, WFP together with KOICA, arranged to provide funding to bolster the Thriposha programme and help safeguard the health and nutrition of women and children.

WFP has been supporting the Thriposha programme for over a decade, as part of its efforts to improve nutrition standards in the country, says Andrea Berardo, Deputy Country Director of WFP Sri Lanka, highlighting that Sri Lanka ranks among the countries with the highest rates of wasting, known as thinness, among children under 5 years of age (15 percent). This latest contribution reflects our long-standing support to the government to not just treat, but also prevent these high rates of malnutrition and importantly, safeguard development gains made within the country.

In 2021 and beyond, WFP will continue to work with the government to enhance the national health system as part of its efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 of enhancing food security and improving nutrition in the country.





Charleston, WV (25301)

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Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

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Europe recorded 1 million new cases last week, an increase of 9 per cent from the previous week and a reversal that ended a six-week decline, according to the World Health Organisation.

Among the hard-hit places is the Milan suburb of Bollate, where the virus swept through a nursery school and an adjacent elementary school with alarming speed. In a matter of just days, 45 children and 14 staff members tested positive.

Genetic analysis confirmed it was the highly contagious variant first identified in England late last year.

The surge is leading to new restrictions across the continent.

Dr Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, says the spread of variants is driving the increase, but so is the opening of society, when it is not done in a safe and a controlled manner.

The British variant is spreading significantly in 27 European countries monitored by WHO and is dominant in at least 10 by the agency's count: Britain, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Israel, Spain and Portugal.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)


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Samantha Armytage tied the knot with Richard Lavender in a romantic New Year's Eve wedding.

And on Saturday, the 40-year-old Sunrise host revealed that she had an unusual thought during her hens party.

In a column for Stellar magazine, the TV presenter explained that while she was watching the male strip show Magic Mike Live, it made her ponder sexism in the workplace - for an unusual reason.

Deep thinker: Samantha Armytage (pictured) told this week's issue of Stellar that while she was watching the male strip show Magic Mike Live at her hens party, it made her ponder sexism in the workplace - for an unusual reason

The TV presenter revealed that the thoughts were sparked after the MC revealed that one of the dancers was a 'CEO, who pays his women as much as he pays his men'.

Sharing her opinions with her readers Samantha wrote: 'You don't need me to tell you, ladies: we still have a long way to go till equality.'

Ideas: The TV presenter revealed that the thoughts were sparked after the MC revealed that one of the dancers was a 'CEO, who pays his women as much as he pays his men'. Pictured at her hens party

Samantha wrote: 'You don't need me to tell you, ladies: we still have a long way to go till equality. Confident women who ask for what they want in the workplace are called "difficult"'

She added: 'Confident women who ask for what they want in the workplace are called "difficult".

'And I'm appalled to say I still hear the word "b**ch" bandied about (usually by a threatened male).'

She went on to say that the world needs more women in 'leadership positions', in 'politics' and in 'business and companies'.

Party time! Six weeks after her wedding, Sam enjoyed a 'reverse' hens party with her friends at Magic Mike Live in Sydney. She described the event as 'the most fun night ever'

Six weeks after her wedding, Sam enjoyed a 'reverse' hens party with her friends at Magic Mike Live in Sydney.

The TV presenter as joined by socialite Skye Leckie - at whose party she first met Richard in 2019 - as well as Channel Seven journalist Adene Cassidy and producer Sarah Stinson.

In footage shared by Sam on Instagram, half-naked men flaunted their rippling muscles while grinding on the table in front of the flustered ladies.

Don't miss it: Read more in this week's Stellar Magazine with the stars of Magic Mike Live on the cover

She described the event as 'the most fun night ever', then uploaded several more videos of the dancers gyrating on stage.

Sam married Richard, 66, at his 40-hectare property in the picturesque Southern Highlands on New Year's Eve, with just close friends and family as their guests.

The pair tied the knot at his home at about midday, then moved to a luncheon at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant in Bowral.
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Australia's marine World Heritage Sites are among the world's largest stores of carbon dioxide according to a new report from the United Nations, co-authored by an ECU marine science expert.

Australia's marine World Heritage Sites are among the world's largest stores of carbon dioxide according to a new report from the United Nations, co-authored by an ECU marine science expert.

The UNESCO report found Australia's six marine World Heritage Sites hold 40 per cent of the estimated 5 billion tons of carbon dioxide stored in mangrove, seagrass and tidal marsh ecosystems within UNESCO sites.

The report quantifies the enormous amounts of so-called blue carbon absorbed and stored by those ecosystems across the world's 50 UNESCO marine World Heritage Sites.

Despite covering less than 1 per cent of the world's surface, blue carbon ecosystems are responsible for around half of the carbon dioxide absorbed by the world's oceans while it is estimated they absorb carbon dioxide at a rate about 30 times faster than rainforests.

Australia a 'Blue Carbon' hotspot

Report author and ECU Research Fellow Dr Oscar Serrano said Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Coast and Shark Bay World Heritage areas contained the vast majority of Australia's blue carbon ecosystems.

"We know Australia contains some of the world's largest stores of blue carbon due to the enormous size and diversity of our marine ecosystems," he said.

"However here in Australia and around the world, these ecosystems are under threat from human development and climate change.

"While they're healthy, blue carbon ecosystems are excellent stores of carbon dioxide, but if they are damaged, they can release huge amounts of carbon dioxide stored over millennia back into the atmosphere."

Climate change turns up the heat on seagrass

In 2011 seagrass meadows in the Shark Bay World Heritage Site in Western Australia released up to nine million tons of stored carbon dioxide after a marine heatwave devastated more than 1000sqkm of seagrass meadows.

The UNESCO Report's authors have outlined the potential for the countries including Australia to use the global carbon trading market to fund conservation and restoration efforts at marine World Heritage Sites including here in Australia.

Dr Serrano said both Shark Bay and the Great Barrier Reef ecosystems are at risk due to climate change and human development.

"There are significant opportunities for both the Great Barrier Reef and Shark Bay to be protected and restored to ensure they survive and thrive in the future," he said.

"Australia also has plenty of marine ecosystems in need of protection not contained within a World Heritage Site which are worthy of our attention.

Money to be made in carbon market

Dr Serrano's previous research has highlighted the millions of dollars in potential conservation and restoration projects of blue carbon ecosystems while also helping Australia and other countries achieve their commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement.

###

The report was led by Professor Carlos Duarte and a team of collaborators from Australia, Saudi Arabia, Denmark, the United States, Kenya and the United Kingdom.

The UNESCO Marine World Heritage report is titled 'Custodians of the globes' blue carbon assets' and can be accessed at the UNESCO webpage.
With a vaccine rollout underway, it's finally feeling like the days of being stuck at home could be drawing to a close. People are dreaming of (and booking) summer travel; airlines are adding exciting new routes instead of having to cut them. But before we had hope, we had travel television shows that kept us fantasizing about all the places we couldn't go.

For some people, travel shows are a way to adventurously explore or culturally immerse ourselves without leaving the house. For others, they're a planning resource for future trips. The travel TV that debuted during the pandemic enabled us to do all of that and more.

Here are five fan favorites, and what they meant to homebound travelers.

- "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy. " Stanley Tucci. Where do we even begin. Former model, Oscar-nominated and Emmy Award-winning actor, viral cocktailian. America's favorite supporting actor finally has his time to shine in his CNN series, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." In this role, Tucci gets to bon vivant his way around Italy, sampling prosciutto di Parma in Emilia Romagna, eating his favorite pasta on the Amalfi Coast and drinking from the country's centuries-old wine windows.

From her home in Washington D.C., Savannah Wormley has been watching Tucci's show since its premiere in February. It fit in with the other travel and food shows she has been drawn to this year, like "Chef's Table" and "Foodie Love." So far, Wormley has loved the show's cinematography, and she didn't expect Tucci to be such a suave travel TV natural.

"I think it's such a great escape from everything that's going on right now," Wormley says. "I especially love the food shots, and I think it's great to watch Stanley interact with Italians and learn about the food they eat. You can tell it brings him so much joy."

- "Men in Kilts." For a spotlight on Scottish culture and landscapes, there's "Men in Kilts" on Starz. The show follows "Outlander" actors Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish as they dive into the food, drinks and traditions of their native land. It's a love letter to Scotland told through banter-filled road trips.

For Angel Lunsford in Salem, Ala., "Men in Kilts" has felt both helpful and hilarious. Since before the pandemic, Lunsford and a friend have been planning a trip to Scotland for 2022. They've both been watching "Men in Kilts," as a way to discover more points of interest to see and cultural experiences to try. They have also found new restaurants and types of food they'll seek out on their trip.

"It shows you a lot of places you might want to go that weren't on your list," Lunsford says. "We wouldn't have known about them had we not seen the show."

- "Taste the Nation." On Hulu, "Taste the Nation" follows award-winning cookbook author and longtime "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi as she travels around the United States telling the country's food stories. The show, which stops in places like El Paso, Milwaukee, Las Vegas and Honolulu, is a celebration of the immigrant communities that shape American culture.

Andrea Alexander started watching the show in May 2020 at a time when travel seemed far, far away. She loved learning about food and the people who make it, as well as the show's focus on their struggle with marginalization. While staying at home with her family, Alexander says, Lakshmi's show helped her travel vicariously in a way other television shows couldn't.

"I couldn't go to restaurants. I couldn't, like, see the world on a plane, so it helped in that regard," says Alexander, who lives in Rochester, N.Y.

- "Down to Earth with Zac Efron." People familiar with Zac Efron may know him as Troy Bolton from the "High School Musical" trilogy. But with his Netflix show, "Down to Earth with Zac Efron," the actor has reintroduced himself as a champion for the natural world. Efron travels to places such as Costa Rica, Sardinia and the Amazon rainforest to bring awareness to environmental issues, and he dives into unique experiences - like ayahuasca tourism - along the way.

At home in Santa Barbara, Calif., where she raises her young family and a brood of chickens in the backyard, Katherine Guzman Sanders and her husband got into Efron's show after watching the trailer by mistake.

"Their traveling was really hardcore," she says. "But sometimes those are the kinds of shows I like to watch, where they do what I don't necessarily want to do, but at least I feel like I had that experience."

- "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi." PBS debuted a two-part special of "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi" in February highlighting Carnival in a year without Carnival. Host Mickela Mallozzi traveled to the French Caribbean to showcase the holiday in the Guadeloupe islands, exploring the music, dance and Guadeloupean Black identity.

Jason Watson, a self-proclaimed "PBS geek" in New Hyde Park on Long Island, was already a fan of the station's food and travel shows, such as Eating In with Lidia. When "Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi" came on, he loved the show's travel, music and dance concept, which reminded him of Anthony Bourdain's work.

"I think it's important for people to be able to have that when you can't go anywhere; you can become so within yourself," he says. "I think it's good for people to see that gradually things will come back, and people will be able to travel and explore the world and see other people and learn about other people."

Carnival fans can find the episodes on local PBS stations, Create TV, PBS.org and the PBS app, as well as the show's older seasons on Amazon Prime Video.
New Delhi: Popular television actress Erica Fernandes has raised the mercury levels with her breathtaking pictures from celeb-favourite vacay spot - Maldives. Yes! the tall and talented Erica is seen chilling by the beaches at the picturesque locales while she stuns fans in a bikini.

Erica Fernandes took to Instagram and shared her Maldives photo album, looking absolutely stunning. Take a look here:

Erica was first seen in Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi and later became a household name for portraying Prerna Sharma in Balaji Telefilms' Kasautii Zindagii Kay reboot.

Not many know that Erica made her movie debut first in 2013 with a Tamil venture titled Ainthu Ainthu Ainthu. In 2014, she made her Kannada debut with Ninnindale and later was seen in the Hindi film 'Babloo Happy Hai', directed by Nila Madhab Panda.

She was worked in the Tamil venture Virattu and made her Telugu debut with Galipatam in 2014.

Her filmography and television work has surely made her one of the most sought-after names in the showbiz world.

Erica bagged the 13th spot in Eastern Eye's 50 Sexiest Asian Women of 2019 List.
Union Minister launched a scathing attack on former Congress president here on Saturday, accusing him of "insulting" the people of Amethi by comparing voters in north India with those in Kerala.

Irani, who laid the foundation stone for a bus stand in Tiloi here, said the people of the town gave Gandhi, the former Amethi MP, immense love for 15 years despite him "not doing anything for its development".

Irani wrested Amethi from Gandhi in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"It is wrong for to say that there is a lack of understanding among the people of Amethi as compared to those in Kerala. I believe that there is no lack of understanding among the people of Amethi. Rather, it is in (who lacks understanding)," she said.

Gandhi has "insulted the people of Amethi in Kerala. He will not be forgiven", she added.

Gandhi, at a public gathering in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, had recently said, "For the first 15 years, I was an MP in the north, I had got used to a different type of For me, coming to Kerala was very refreshing as suddenly I found that people are interested in issues, and not just superficially, but going into detail."



Without naming the Gandhi family, Irani said a political family of the country ruled Amethi for 30 years but never thought about its development.

"Instead of developing Amethi and opening a medical college here, they continued to get their guest house constructed," she said.

Talking about farmers, Irani said in 2013, when the Congress was in power, only 800 farmers in Amethi got the benefit of the minimum support price while in 2020 23,800 farmers benefitted from it.

The Union minister said it is a matter of concern that there was not a single fertiliser rack centre in Amethi and claimed that farmers had to face lathis for fertilisers.

She said after the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh, a fertiliser rack centre came up in Amethi's Gauriganj and the construction work for a bypass and an overbridge was started.

Irani said the benefits of development schemes are directly reaching the common man.

The 'Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' scheme has made farmers financially stronger and people have benefitted directly from Ayushman Bharat scheme, 'Ujjwala Yojana' and 'Saubhagya Yojana', she said.

Later, Irani also laid the foundation stone of a building to be constructed at a cost of Rs 7.50 crore in the junior high school campus of Nagar Panchayat, Amethi.

Without naming anyone, Irani accused the Gandhi family of getting the land for a medical college transferred in the name of a foundation and building a guest house on it.

A special family of the country, holding on to politics, acquired the land for the medical college in Amethi, she said.

Irani also praised the ruling BJP for working for Amethi's development.

With the support of the Modi government and the Yogi government, the BJP is completing development works in Amethi that had been pending for the last 30 years, she said.

A bus stop had not been constructed in Amethi in the last 30 years. Now Amethi is developing rapidly, she 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.)
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has accused former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder of additional campaign finance violations, according to a complaint his office filed on Friday.

In a letter to the Ohio Elections Commission, a staffer in LaRoses office said the former House speaker from Jan. 1, 2019 through March 17, 2020 accepted campaign contributions from five separate donors -- two people and three political groups -- that exceeded per-donor limit under state law.

The only one whom LaRose identified is Juan Cespedes, a former lobbyist who like Householder was arrested and charged last summer as part of a federal corruption probe into the passage of House Bill 6, the nuclear bailout law.

The other four donors are unnamed -- LaRose said he would identify them after the review is complete. The five donors exceeded limits, which are set for each election period, by a total of $21,156. The donors arent necessarily accused of wrongdoing related to the corruption probe, Brian Katz, LaRoses director of campaign finance, wrote in the letter.

Our Office reserves the right to file a subsequent referral if evidence is presented in the future to substantiate violations of Ohios campaign finance laws, Katz wrote.

Generally, when campaigns accept excessive contributions, they are given a chance to refund them.

Householder and his attorneys previously havent responded to questions about Householders campaign spending.

The new complaint adds to the campaign finance allegations LaRose has made against Householder with the state elections commission. Like Householder, LaRose is a Republican.

LaRose, the states top elections official, last July filed 162 different campaign-finance charges against Householder and four political operatives arrested as part of the HB6 probe -- Cespedes, Jeff Longstreth, Matt Borges, and Neil Clark.

The elections case hasnt proceeded, since officials are waiting for the criminal case to finish.

Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, also has accused Householder of campaign-finance violations in connection to the HB6 probe. Yost and LaRose in October accused Householder of violating state elections law after Householder used $950,000 of his campaign funds to pay his defense lawyers. State law bars officials from using their campaign funds to pay for their criminal defense.

That case also hasnt progressed, since Elections Commission Director Phil Richter has said he needs Householders lawyers to formally respond in order for them to do so. Householders lawyers have yet to do so.

Householder and the four other men were arrested last July and charged with racketeering. Prosecutors said they accepted more than $60 in bribes from FirstEnergy and its affiliates in exchange for helping pass HB6, which would have sent more than $1 billion to two nuclear plants owned by a former FirstEnergy subsidiary. The money, funneled through political groups, was spent to help Householder gain his leadership position, to pressure lawmakers to pass the bill, and to defend the bill against a repeal effort.

Householder, Borges and Clark have pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. Longstreth, Householders former top political aide and Cespedes, who lobbied for the nuclear plants that HB6 subsidized, both have entered guilty pleas.

Householder was removed as House speaker but remains in the state legislature. He was re-elected last November. State lawmakers are going through the process of repealing HB6 in stages.

Judges will be able to impose whole life sentences on anyone who murders a child as part of a law coming into force next week.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill will also bring allow extended sentences for sexual and violent offenders.

Until now judges could only impose whole life sentences, where criminals can expect to die in prison, on crimes where there is a sadistic or sexual motive.

But from next week new powers mean they can be applied to anyone who murders a child, including offenders aged 18 to 20 for the first time, the Times reported.

Mr Justice Jeremy Baker lamented he was unable to give Manchester Arena bomber Hashem Abedi a whole life sentence

Whole life sentences came to the fore in 2020 when the Manchester Arena bomber's brother Hashem Abedi was given life and a minimum term of 55 years- the longest in history- for playing an integral part in the attack at an Ariana Grande concert.

His brother, Salman Abedi, killed himself and 22 others in the attack, injuring hundreds.

In sentencing Mr Justice Jeremy Baker lamented he was unable to hand the terrorist, who was given 24 concurrent life sentences, a harsher sentence because he was under 21 at the time.

He said at the time: I have no doubt that if the accused, like his brother, had been 21 years of age or over at the time of the explosion at the Manchester Arena, then not only would the appropriate starting point have been the imposition of a whole-life order but, despite such mitigation as would have been available to the defendant including his relatively young age, this would have been the just sentence in this case, bearing in mind the exceptional seriousness of his offending, including the young age of many of the intended targets and the large number of those both killed and very seriously injured."

Terrorist Hashem Abedi was given 24 concurrent life sentences and a minimum of 55 years behind bars - but the judge wanted more

Life sentences will also be able to be imposed on those found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving or under the influence.

Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, said in the Times the reforms would shut the revolving door of crime.

About 70 criminals in the UK are currently serving whole life sentences.

Among those are notorious killers Rose West, Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright, Levi Bellfield, Dale Cregan and Lee Rigby killer Michael Adebolajo.
Protect, Detect, and Respond to Supply Chain Cyber Attacks (e.g. Solarwinds) Using Splunk Enterprise Managed Security Services

Date: Tuesday, March 23rd at 11am PST / 2pm EST

Cyber Risk in the supply chain has existed since the beginnings of cybersecurity as a discipline. The SolarWinds cyberattack campaign also called Solorigate or simply the SolarWinds hack leverages vulnerabilities in SolarWinds Orion software to accomplish a supply chain attack. Malware was embedded into the digitally-signed software and multiple organizations were compromised as a result.

Join BlueVoyants Chairman of International Business, Robert Hannigan, Mike Scutt, Director of Hunt Operations at BlueVoyant along with Ryan Becwar, Sr. Security Consulting Solution Engineer at Splunk for an in depth discussion about the SolarWinds attack, and learn best practices and strategies to strengthen your defenses. We will talk about the use of Splunk Enterprise Security to identify risks, and to actively detect and respond to these emerging threats. We will then explore how BlueVoyant responded to Solarwinds, highlighting the key advantages of using a Managed Splunk Security Service.

During this webinar, you will learn:

What risks supply chains pose to businesses in todays threat landscape

About the nature of current and advanced adversarial strategies for exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities

How to mitigate exploits from supply chain vulnerabilities

The key advantages of working with a Splunk Enterprise MSSP/MDR provider to combat todays security challenges and prepare for tomorrows threats

Register now!

About the presenters:

Robert Hannigan, Chairman of BlueVoyant International



Robert Hannigan is Chairman of BlueVoyant International. Until 2017, Robert was Director of GCHQ, the UKs largest intelligence and security agency and NSA equivalent. There he led the creation of the UKs National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) and oversaw the UKs pioneering Active Cyber Defense Program. During his 20-years of public service, Robert was Prime Ministers Security Adviser and created the UKs first cyber security strategy. Prior to that, he worked as principal adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair on the Northern Ireland peace process. He was awarded the U.S. Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal in 2017 and honored by Queen Elizabeth for services to UK national security in 2013.



Mike Scutt, Director of Hunt Operations, SOC, BlueVoyant



Mike Scutt leads Threat Hunting services at BlueVoyant, assisting clients in uncovering advanced adversaries, cutting edge malware, and attacker infrastructure. With a lengthy background in responding to breaches by nation-state threat actors and hundreds of incident response engagements, Mike applies threat intelligence, forensics, and malware analysis techniques in the search for attackers. In his role at BlueVoyant, Mike oversees the creation of analytics to identify malicious activity commonly unseen by traditional security tooling and implementation of threat intelligence for Managed Services clients.



Ryan Becwar, Sr. Security Consulting Solutions Engineer, Splunk



Ryan Becwar is a Sr. Security Consulting Solutions Engineer at Splunk. He joined Splunk in 2018 and has 6 years Splunk experience. He has 18 years of experience at a Fortune 100 Retailer, was a SOC Team Lead, a Security Project Manager, and a MITRE ATT&CK contributor. He is an active member of InfraGard NIST COI Member and Educational advisor.
The Governments latest plan for living with Covid lacks details, lacks conviction and most of all it lacks even a shred of hope for most people.

Ever since it took office, the coalition Governments communications strategy has been roundly lambasted, but last week it reached its nadir with Micheal Martins woefully tone deaf address to the nation.

More than two months into a strict lock-down that now looks certain to last well into the summer, and maybe beyond, the people are tired, beaten down, frustrated and increasingly angry.

Theyre not angry at the lock-down per se  most reasonable people understand that its necessary  but angry that Micheal Martin and his Government continue to treat us all like recalcitrant children.

When the Taoiseach stepped up to his podium last week, no-one expected much good news  that the lock-down would be extended was generally accepted  but most will have been hoping for even a hint of positivity.

Covid cases and hospitalisations are still worryingly high but we have a vaccine and case numbers have fallen massively since their post Christmas peak. It surely wasnt unreasonable to expect some indication as to when this might all end? Was it?

Instead the people got almost nothing. Aside from details about schools reopening  which was very welcome news  there was precious little.

The situation will be reviewed in early April, we heard, and some, limited, loosening of the lock-down rules might follow. Or restrictions might last until May. Or June. Or July. Or even longer.

Most bafflingly of all, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar  and subsequently several other Ministers  added that the Government wasnt entirely sure what metrics to use in deciding how and when the country can be opened up once more.

After a year of Covid-19, the dogs on the street are familiar with every Covid metric imaginable. How can it be that our leaders still dont know what theyre looking for?

That all this came so soon after Boris Johnson unveiled his plan to reopen the UK  extremely slow and cautious but clearly explained and targeted  made it all the more frustrating to watch our chaotic coalitions latest shambolic PR exercise.

In recent weeks the Taoiseach has been repeatedly asked if there is a problem with the Governments Covid communications strategy. He thinks its fine and the message is clear.

Heres a free PR tip for Mr Martin. If people are asking about your poor communications strategy then you either dont have one or its woefully inadequate. Denying theres a problem will not help you fix it.

The people know the Government dont have all the answers to Covid  nobody does  they just want to be reassured and to know their leaders have some sort of handle on the crisis and are doing the very best they can.

Instead, were left feeling like children, cocking our ears outside a cracked kitchen door, while mammy and daddy talk about the big issues.

KABUL  The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammad Haneef Atmar met with the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Ms. Deborah Lyons.

The two sides discussed the Afghan peace process emphasizing the constructive role of the United Nations in strengthening and facilitating peace talks.

Speaking about his working trips to regional countries, Mr. Atmar stated that the regional consensus was growing on achieving a political solution that guarantees lasting peace in Afghanistan.

Stressing the vital role of the international community in ensuring a lasting peace in Afghanistan, Ms. Lyons assured the Foreign Minister of the United Nations' continued efforts to expand regional and global consensus.

The two sides also termed the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2513 vitally important for reducing violence, securing ceasefire, preventing terrorist activities, pursuing meaningful negotiations, and achieving a peaceful settlement leading to a permanent peace in Afghanistan.
A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre in west Belfast on Saturday.

Three men have been arrested in west Belfast following the discovery of a firearm and ammunition, as police investigate criminality linked to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA).

The males were arrested in the Northumberland Street area on Saturday by detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force. It is understood they were attempting a robbery when they were stopped by police.

Images from the incident show one male being restrained on the ground, while one officer - dressed in civilian clothing - points a rifle at him.

A spokesperson for the PSNI explained that at around 9am, as part of a proactive policing operation into criminality linked to the INLA, a car was stopped in the west Belfast area - resulting in the recovery of the firearm and ammunition.

Two men aged 23 and 27 were arrested at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery, encouraging or assisting an offence, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Expand Close A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre, Northumberland Street off the Falls Road, Belfast. / Facebook

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Whatsapp A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre, Northumberland Street off the Falls Road, Belfast.

A short time later, a 30-year-old male was subsequently arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and encouraging or assisting an offence.

All three are currently in police custody at this time.

Following the arrests, Detective Inspector Hamilton said: I am pleased to report the seizure of this firearm and ammunition to the people of west Belfast and indeed the wider community.

We have removed the ability of these criminals, hiding behind the guise of paramilitarism, to terrorise members of the community and our city is undoubtedly a safer place today as a result.

Expand Close A man is arrested by armed security forces outside Greggs at the Twin Spires Centre. / Facebook

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Todays search provides further evidence to the community that we care about what is important to them, we will listen to what they tell us and we act on the information they provide us.

I would therefore encourage members of the community who may have information that could assist our efforts to tackle criminality linked to paramilitaries, to please get in touch.

Those who involve themselves in this kind of crime should be under no illusion as to our commitment and determination to identify, pursue and arrest anyone suspected of involvement in criminality and see them convicted for their crimes.

Police also appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information about criminality in their area.

Anyone with information can call police on 101. Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 2800 555 111.
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A number of religious and ethnic groups have experienced terrorist acts following the military coup in Myanmar, denying them their basic human rights.

The International Christian Concern (ICC) reported how these terrorist acts affected the lives of some of the Christian communities in the country.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar Armed Forces, or more commonly called "Tatmadaw," have had conflicts in the past which resulted in the loss of lives of many people. Both sides then agreed on a single ceasefire from 1994 but ended abruptly in 2011.

Since the ceasefire between the two broke down, over 100,000 Kachin Christians fled their homes to avoid the damage caused by the conflict.

The Tatmadaw has caused serious damage to Kachin churches, and even killed and terrorized the Kachin people just to stop them from spreading their identity.

In 2015, two ethnic Kachin teachers, Maran Lu Ra and Tangbau Hkawn Nan Tsin, were raped and murdered by the Tatmadaw. Until now, justice has not been served for the perpetrators of the two Kachin teachers.

Moving on to the Ethnic Chin, an ethnic group in Western Burma composed of 90% Christians, who are being forced to convert their religion into Buddhism as part of the policy imposed by the government in what they call "Burmanization."

The Chin Christians are, however, not new to the whole experience of being forced to do something they do not like. They are also forced to work while they are being tortured which is part of the reason why a lot of them, just like the Kachin Christians, also fled their homeland.

The ethnic Chin also often gets caught between conflicts among other military groups, like the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army, as they are being tortured by these military groups.

The Rohingya Christians, on the other hand, are often discriminated and belittled due to their small population as compared to the Rohingya Muslims.

In a previous report of Christianity Daily, it is seen that thousands of Rohingya was left with no basic necessities to survive as they were left stranded at sea after they left their country to escape persecution.

The Christian minority still faces persecution, even from their fellow Rohingyan Muslims, to this day and still goes unrecognized because of their minority status.

Next is Ethnic Karen, the first-ever ethnic group to be converted into Christianity in Myanmar, which is primarily based in the Kayin State of Myanmar.

The Karen Christians were considered by the Myanmar military as a state enemy because of their plans to withdraw from the parliament system and become an independent and free people.

Karen Christians only compose 20% of the overall ethnic Karen population, which is a very small portion, but still, they are being targeted and repressed by the government. As a result, thousands of them also fled the country and migrated to the border of Thailand and Myanmar. They are now being labeled as Internally Displaced People (IDPs).

Lastly, the Ethnic Indians and Chinese. These ethnic groups do not face as much oppression as other minority groups but they still face some form of discrimination every now and then.

For example, the processing of their legal documents would take much longer than normal because of discrimination on their religious beliefs.

Wa State is a de facto state in Myanmar that is entirely independent from the rest of Myanmar as it is self-governed. Their army, the United Wa State Army (UWSA), is one of the many armies in Myanmar to have oppressed Christians. They have close ties with China, so it is not a surprise that they take after China's crackdown on Christianity.
New Delhi, March 6 : To mark the 100th day of the agitation on Saturday, the farmers are preparing to block the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway among others, while at the Ghazipur border the peasants will register protests by sporting black bands on their ploughs.

The farmers sitting on the hunger strike have also wore the black bands. Thousands of farmers started collecting at Delhi's borders on November 26 last year demanding roll back of three contentious farm laws passed by the Centre in September.

As the farmers protest entered the major milestone, to mark the day the protesters planned to block the KMP Expressway which connects all the agitation sites at Delhi borders, for five hours. The blockade will start from 11 a.m. and will continue till 4 p.m.

The toll plaza will also be made 'toll-free' during the protest.

The farmers, however, have said that the entire exercise will be a "peaceful protest". Farmers will reach the Expressway from Singhu borders and block the road and other toll plazas.

Similarly, farmers protesting at the Ghazipur border will march towards Dasna toll plaza and protesters at the Tikri border will block Bahadurgarh toll plaza.

Meanwhile, farmers at Shahjahanpur border will block the KMP Expressway which touches Gurugram-Manesar.

Farmer said that the nearest toll plaza from the protest site will be blocked.

The farmers sitting on the border, while tying the black band, said thrir hunger strike is a protest against the government. The fight will continue till the government agrees to the protesters terms.

Farmers will travel from Ghazipur border towards Dasna toll, while the protersters will be present at Duhai, Kasna, Noida and other tolls and all these places will encounter major traffic snarls.

According to the farmers, "These toll plazas will be closed in a peaceful manner, passers-by will not be disturbed, we will keep water for the passers-by, the agitators will also narrate their problems about the agriculture to the passers-by." The farmers will also ensure that emergency vehicles are not stopped, whether it be ambulances, fire brigade trucks, or even if there are foreign tourists. Apart from this, military vehicles will also not be stopped.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
A pipeline rupture that caused fuel to spill into and catch fire on the Ob River in western Siberia poses "no risk to the population and environment," according to a spokesperson for SiburTyumenGas.

The spokesperson told Interfax on March 6 that the rupture of the underwater pipeline in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug sent "light hydrocarbons" -- highly flammable fuels that include propane and butane -- into the river.

The fuel then ignited on the surface and was burning over an area of about 1,000 square meters.

The pipeline between two processing plants was reportedly shut down and being emptied.

The nearest population is about 45 kilometers from the scene of the fire, and Russia's environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, is reportedly monitoring the situation.

In February, a court in Siberia ordered the Russian metallurgical giant Norilsk Nickel to pay more than 146 billion rubles ($1.9 billion) for a spill that dumped thousands of tons of diesel fuel into the Russian Arctic last year.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
Children across China participated in various themed activities, including sports challenges and parent-child games, over the last few days to celebrate the International Childrens Day, which falls on Tuesday this year. China established the day in 1949 and made it a full-day holiday for children under 14 in 1956 as an occasion to celebrate the spirit of youth

Jun 01, 2021 05:38 PM
Help India!

Labour rights activist and President of Mazdoor Adhikar Manch (MAS) was released on March 4 after being incarcerated for 48 days in a case filed by Haryana Police. Before being taken for treatment, Shiv Kumar smiled to the crowd gathered outside the Sonepat District jail in Haryana and raised the slogan of Inquilab Zindabad.

Suprakash Majumdar, TwoCircles.net

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Sonepat: Slogans and chanting could be heard outside the Sonepat District jail in Haryana. Everyone had their eyes on the main gate. The chants and the slogans got suddenly louder and a scooter was seen approaching the gate. When the scooter was near the gate, a man got off. The policeman who was driving the scooter quickly handed over a bag to one of the persons standing in the crowd and then drives away.

The man who got off the scooter was Shiv Kumar, a Dalit labour rights activist and the president of Mazdoor Adhikar Manch (MAS) who was arrested on January 23, according to the police. He was granted bail and released from jail 48 days after his arrest on March 4.

Shiv has alleged that he was arrested on January 16 by the CIA (Crime Investigation Agency) of Haryana Police.

Shiv has three FIRs against him  FIR no 649 dated 28/12/2020 and 25 & 26 dated 12/01/2021. He has been charged under IPC sections 148 (Rioting, armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (a member of unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 332 (voluntary hurt to public servant), 384 (extortion), 379-B (theft), 454 (trespassing), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 307 (attempt to murder).

As soon as Shiv got out of the gate, media surrounded him and started questioning him on his condition and what happened in the jail. No mainstream media was present.

Shiv looked exhausted and in pain. His leg was covered in bandages.

I will talk to the media later. Right now, I need treatment. I cant even stand on my legs, Shiv Kumar said to the media.

Nodeep Kaur, another Dalit labour rights activist was present there to receive Shiv Kumar. Nodeep was granted bail on February 26 after 45 days of custody.

Shiv was immediately taken to Chandigarh hospital for his treatment. Earlier, a medical report had said that at least eight injuries were found on Shiv Kumars body with two fractures on the left and right feet that were caused by a blunt object/weapon.

MAS and Shivs family accuses the police of custodial violence. The police have remained silent and have not given any statement on the medical report even after repeated calls and messages dropped to them.

It was only the first bail petition we filed and he has got bail in that. We are happy about that, said Advocate Harinder Singh Bains, who is counsel for Shiv Kumar.

The matter of custodial violence is already before the High Court and the next hearing is on March 16. The medical report speaks for itself, he added.

Despite having visible injuries on his body, Shiv did not lose his smile. He raised slogans of Inquilab Zindabad before getting into a car and drove off to Chandigarh to get treatment.
Her ex Pete Wicks recently claimed that she and 'half the TOWIE cast' have 'unfollowed' him since their explosive split.

And Chloe Sims brushed off the drama on Saturday as she shared a sizzling throwback bikini snap from her 'work trip' to Tulum, Mexico.

The TOWIE star, 38, looked sensational as she flaunted her toned figure in a zebra print off-the-shoulder South Beach Official top, paired with black bottoms.

Cheeky! Chloe Sims, 38, flaunted her toned figure and peachy posterior as she shared a sizzling throwback bikini snap from her 'work trip' to Tulum, Mexico on Saturday

Chloe flashed a coquettish look at the camera as she showed off her perky rear in the skimpy swimwear.

She wore her caramel tresses in loose waves that cascaded down her back, while she accentuated her features with a dewy make-up palette.

The star appeared to be in her element as she posed up a storm in Suytun Cenote - a subterranean swimming hole.

Captioning her post, Chloe penned: 'BE AMBITIOUS. NOT THIRSTY. . This was a beautiful moment, I was blown away.'

Claims: It comes as Chloe's ex Pete Wicks claimed that she Chloe Sims and 'half the TOWIE cast' have unfollowed him since their explosive split (pictured in 2019)

Chloe's jaw-dropping snap comes hours after her former fling Pete claimed she has unfollowed him and admitted that he hasn't seen or spoken to her since their relationship came to an end.

The reality star, 32, and his co-star embarked in a secret two year romance with the dramatic revelation and break-up playing out on the ITVBe series last year.

Pete added that he 'doesn't have a problem' with anyone and that it is 'their choice' if they want to unfollow him.

He told The Sun: 'Chloe and I haven't seen each other or spoken at all. She has unfollowed me on social media as have half the cast.

Secret romance: The reality star, 32, and his co-star, 38, embarked in a secret two year romance with the dramatic revelation and break-up playing out on the ITVBe series

'Chloe unfollowed me, her sisters Demi and Frankie have unfollowed me and apparently Tommy and Georgia have too.'

Pete added: 'I don't have a clue why. I didn't even know they had until someone told me. It could just be they are sick of seeing me being a d**k on Instagram with Sam Thompson all the time or it could be something a lot deeper.'

Yet despite his claims, it only appears to be Chloe, Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet that unfollow him. With the reality star still showing on both Demi and Frankie's social media.

Sad: Talking about their turbulent romance, Pete admitted that he hasn't seen or spoke to Chloe since their split (Chloe pictured with her sisters Frankie and Demi in 2019)

He insisted that he 'doesn't have a problem' with anyone and that it is 'their choice' if they want to unfollow him.

Pete also revealed that he hasn't spoke to Chloe since since filming the last series but insisted he is 'not nervous' about returning to TOWIE next week.

The reality star, who was good friends with Chloe before their romance, insisted that he still loves her 'to bits' and he thinks that she is an 'amazing person'.

Unfollow? Pete added that he 'doesn't have a problem' with anyone and that it is 'their choice' if they want to unfollow him, he said Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallet have unfollowed him (Georgia and Tommy pictured last year after announcing their baby news)

MailOnline has contacted Chloe, Georgia and Tommy's representatives for comment.

Just last year it was revealed that Pete had secretly been seeing his co-star and close friend Chloe for two years with the dramatic revelation played out on TOWIE.

Their relationship has been rocky in recent months after the Celebs Go Dating star admitted that they had 'blurred the lines' between friendship and something more.

During their romance, the blonde had a fling with ex Dan Edgar, 30, which she's since claimed was 'revenge'.
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Olivia Culpo shared some sizzling behind-the-scenes updates from an undisclosed project on Instagram this Friday.

The 28-year-old supermodel could be seen in what appeared to be a dressing room pouting up a storm for a few selfies.

She hinted at her cleavage in a sheer white top that slid beguilingly off her shoulder as she reached up toward her Ruslan Nureev hairdo.

Terrific: Olivia Culpo shared some sizzling behind-the-scenes updates from an undisclosed project on Instagram this Friday

Olivia also took the show to her Insta Stories where she revealed that the project involved a photo-shoot on a docked boat.

The 2012 Miss Universe winner showed off her assets in a plunging black swimsuit as she struck a pinup pose near the edge of the vessel.

She got in touch with her animal instinct by modeling a zebra print shirt that she wore in a fashionably disheveled style over her bathing suit.

For another part of the shoot she decked herself out in a floor-length pink tulle gown that was keenly reminiscent of Old Hollywood.

Glam: The 28-year-old supermodel could be seen in what appeared to be a dressing room pouting up a storm for a few selfies

Looking fab: Olivia also took the show to her Insta Stories where she revealed that the project involved a photo-shoot on a docked boat

Beauty queen: The 2012 Miss Universe winner showed off her assets in a plunging black swimsuit as she struck a pinup pose near the edge of the vessel

Walk on the wild side: She got in touch with her animal instinct by modeling a zebra print shirt that she wore in a fashionably disheveled style over her bathing suit

Throwback chic: For another part of the shoot she decked herself out in a floor-length pink tulle gown that was keenly reminiscent of Old Hollywood

The frock could be seen fluttering in the sea breeze while Olivia held onto a rope and a member of the crew adjusted her hairdo.

She then flaunted her sensational legs while strutting her stuff around the deck and wearing a massive cream life jacket.

'Olivia how do you feel in this outfit?' asked a man behind the camera to which she replied: 'Well I kind of feel like a very large chic marshmallow if Im being honest.'

She added: 'And I also feel like as a marshmallow I just might fly off into the water and I may sink with this or I may float.'

Exquisite: The frock could be seen fluttering in the sea breeze while Olivia held onto a rope and a member of the crew adjusted her hairdo

Out and about: She then flaunted her sensational legs while strutting her stuff around the deck and wearing a massive cream life jacket

Banter: 'Olivia how do you feel in this outfit?' asked a man behind the camera to which she replied: 'Well I kind of feel like a very large chic marshmallow if Im being honest'

Whoops: She added: 'And I also feel like as a marshmallow I just might fly off into the water and I may sink with this or I may float'

Chuckles could be heard behind the camera and Olivia for good measure decided to poll her 4.7 million followers - sink or float?

As the photo-shoot wore on Olivia slipped into a high-waisted white lace skirt and a complementary bandeau that played up her enviably trim midriff.

She stretched herself across the side of the boat in a pose that brought back memories of Cleopatra for that portion of the shoot.

Olivia and the crew had the benefit of a little bit of mood music as well as the Ariana Grande song God Is A Woman could be heard in the background.

Putting it to the people: Chuckles could be heard behind the camera and Olivia for good measure decided to poll her 4.7 million followers - sink or float?

When you got it: As the photo-shoot wore on Olivia slipped into a high-waisted white lace skirt and a complementary bandeau that played up her enviably trim midriff

Hello, gorgeous: She stretched herself across the side of the boat in a pose that brought back memories of Cleopatra for that portion of the shoot

What a workday: Olivia and the crew had the benefit of a little bit of mood music as well as the Ariana Grande song God Is A Woman could be heard in the background

The smoldering sensation made sure to give credit on Instagram to some of the talented professionals behind her look.

Sam Visser who has worked with the Kardashians was the man in charge of Olivia's makeup for the sizzling photo-shoot.

Tan artist Isabel Alysa was involved in the project as well, along with stylist Marc Eram and German photographer Dennis Leupold.

Making it happen: The smoldering sensation made sure to give credit on Instagram to some of the talented professionals behind her look

Vital: Sam Visser who has worked with the Kardashians was the man in charge of Olivia's makeup for the sizzling photo-shoot

Just as San Francisco public school officials and the teachers union seemed to be inching toward an agreement on reopening schools, a rift has opened over 2 feet of social distancing.

According to a letter from the San Francisco teachers union, district officials proposed late Wednesday that students be seated 4 feet apart  a distance that has been approved by the citys health department  instead of 6 feet, which the state health department recommends when feasible.

The union contends the school district must follow the states guidelines.

But the San Francisco Department of Public Health said the 4-foot distance reduces the risk of transmission of COVID-19 and meets state health guidelines when 6 feet of space is not possible. Those standards have been in place for private and parochial schools since October and there has been no significant transmission within the 114 schools that have reopened, the department said.

Its unclear whether the dispute will stall or slow negotiations over reopening San Franciscos public schools after a year of distance learning, but for parents eager to get their children back into classrooms, it came as yet another disappointment.

Its crazy to me that now were adding a fight over 2 feet, said Meredith Dodson of Decreasing the Distance, a San Francisco parents group fighting to get public schools reopened to in-person education.

Dodson said that the officials at the Public Health Department who are making this decision are guided by science.

Theyre not some crazy group thats just making suggestions that will put our teachers and kids at risk, she said.

Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle

The letter came after news that all of the teachers scheduled to return in the first wave of schools will receive their first vaccine dose within days, but despite progress on the vaccine front, theres still no date to return students to school. The union and district are fighting over how many hours and days students will return and the schedule is related to how many kids can fit in a classroom. Thats determined partly by how far apart desks are spaced.

The letter, from California Teachers Association attorney Bryan Lopez on behalf of the teachers union, says United Educators of San Francisco only learned about the 4-foot plan at 10:45 p.m. Wednesday. It requests more information from the district and asks that it stop planning for 4 feet of separation.

It says the district has failed to explain why it cannot meet the states 6-foot guideline and demands that it cease and desist from its refusal to comply. It demands the district explain whether it has considered alternatives such as hybrid learning, staggered schedules, and outdoor learning.

After months of pressuring the school district to announce at least a plan to reopen its schools, parent activists saw a glimmer of hope when the district on Feb. 23 approved a health and safety agreement with labor unions allowing the reopening of schools before the end of the academic year. The agreement was seen as a major step toward a plan to reopen schools. It calls for in-person classes to resume when San Francisco moves into the red tier, which it did last week, and vaccinations are made available to on-site school staff, which they now are.

Once San Francisco moves into the orange tier, schools could open without vaccinated teachers and staff.

COVID Resources Coronavirus Map Tracking COVID-19 cases across the Bay Area and California.

Despite that agreement, negotiations over what the school day will look like have continued. The district wants five hours a day, five days a week at schools with low demand for a return to in-person learning, and for pre-K and special education students. In those cases, children would be in school for 25 hours a week. The union wants fewer hours with no more than four half-days of in-person schooling totaling 14 hours weekly at those schools.

No plan, not even tentative opening dates, has been set, and Supervisor Shamann Walton was called in to mediate in the negotiations.

We had heard there was progress, had heard things are getting closer, Dodson said. But then you hear things like this and you think theres no way were going back before the fall.

Representatives of United Educators of San Francisco and the San Francisco Unified School District did not return requests for comment Friday.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan
Prince Philip yesterday underwent a 'successful procedure' for a pre-existing heart condition, Buckingham Palace confirmed today.

But exactly what treatment the Duke of Edinburgh  who had a stent inserted during heart surgery in 2011 and has battled a secret heart ailment for 30 years  received remains a mystery.

The 99-year-old has spent 16 nights in hospital so far after being admitted to a private facility with an undisclosed infection on February 16. His infection was not related to coronavirus.

He was transferred to leading cardiac centre St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on March 1 for 'testing and observation' for a pre-existing heart condition.

Cardiologists told MailOnline today the most recent operation may have involved having a second stent fitted, getting one replaced or having a pacemaker inserted.

Buckingham Palace representatives said although the Duke  who will turn 100 in June  remains comfortable, they expect him to remain on the wards until 'at least the end of the week'.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, said yesterday during a visit in south London that Prince Philip was 'slightly improving', adding: 'We keep our fingers crossed.'

The Duke of Edinburgh has already spent 16 nights in hospital for an un-named infection and 'observation' of an underlying heart condition. He was moved to leading cardiac centre St Bartholomew's Hospital in the city of London on Monday

A stent is a small tube that is used to clear a blockage in an artery. It is inserted and expanded with a balloon to expand the artery and ensure blood can flow normally again. Dr Aseem Malhotra, an NHS cardiologist, said it was possible that Prince Philip was having another installed

Above is an explanation of how a stent is fitted

Is Prince Philip getting a second stent fitted while in hospital to treat a heart blockage?

An NHS cardiologist has suggested Prince Philip may be getting a second stent fitted while he is in hospital, arguing his infection may have put strain on his heart and triggered a partial blockage in his coronary artery.

Stents are tiny tubes used to clear arteries and allow blood to flow normally again. During an up to two-hour operation, they are inserted into a blockage and inflated to widen the blood vessel.

They are then left in place with doctors saying the procedure is permanent, although in some cases they may need to be replaced.

There are three coronary arteries flowing to the heart, and the Duke has already had a stent fitted to one of them ten years ago at the Royal Papworth Hospital in London.

Dr Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, said it was possible the Duke could be getting a second stent fitted to a separate coronary artery.

'The infection could have put strain on his heart and either triggered a minor heart attack or unstable angina (when the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen because of blood flow problems),' he told MailOnline

'There are three coronary arteries, it is more likely he suffered a new blockage and needed a second stent.

'He is fortunate to be in a country home to some of the best cardiologists in the world.'

The Duke pictured leaving King Edward VII hospital in central London on Christmas Eve in 2019, where he spent four nights before heading home to Sandringham for Christmas. Buckingham Palace said the stay was for a 'pre-existing condition'

Could doctors be replacing his stent or clearing a blockage that could have formed inside it?

It has also been suggested that the Duke could be in hospital because doctors are replacing the stent he had fitted ten years ago, or clearing a blockage that has formed inside it.

Experts said, however, that it is extremely rare for any stent to need to be replaced - and any blockages within it would only appear within the first six months.

The Harvard Medical School says online in response to a question asking whether they 'wear out' after a few years: 'What's important for the future is that you needed a stent in the first place. Other arteries, or spots in the same artery, almost certainly have cholesterol-filled plaques that could cause blockages, or worse.'

They said it was possible for a blockage to form inside the stent, but that this usually occurs within the first six months. If they are in place for longer without problems it is a 'sign it has done its job well'.

After Prince Philip had his fitted in 2011, he was not readmitted to hospital with further heart problems until this year, according to Buckingham Palace. This suggests the operation was successful.

When the stent is implanted tissue grows over it, making it part of the artery wall. But, if damage tissue grows instead, this can spark a further blockage and mean further operations are needed.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip pictured in the quadrangle of Windsor castle ahead of his 99th birthday in June last year

Could the Prince be having a pacemaker installed to treat his underlying heart condition?

It has also been claimed that the Duke is having a pacemaker installed to treat his heart condition.

The heart beat is normally controlled by electrical signals from the body's internal 'pacemaker', which triggers between 60 to 100 beats a minute. But the pulse can be disrupted - in a condition known as arrhythmia - by other heart conditions, smoking or stress.

A pacemaker stops this from happening by emitting regular electrical signals. They can be fitted just under the chest in an hour long operation, which would then require a day of rest in hospital to ensure the procedure worked.

Dr Malhotra told MailOnline: 'A less likely option instead of a stent would be he needed a pacemaker, if he had a problem with his heart rhythm.'

There has been no previous suggestion that the Duke has suffered from an irregular heartbeat, although he does have an underlying heart condition which can spark this.

Palace officials have remained tight-lipped as to the cause of his time in hospital.
NEWARK, N.J. (AP)  An American Airlines Boeing 737 Max made an emergency landing Friday afternoon at Newark Liberty International Airport after pilots noticed a possible problem with an engine oil pressure indicator.

An airline spokeswoman said the plane from Miami landed safely and taxied to the gate under its own power. She said there were no injuries among the 95 passengers and six crew members.

The Boeing Max was grounded worldwide for nearly two years after two crashes that killed 346 people. Investigators have focused on a flight-control system, not the engines.

Federal regulators approved changes Boeing made changes to the flight system, and American resumed flying its Max jets in late December. Since then, United and Alaska Airlines have put passengers on Max planes, and Southwest Airlines plans to resume flights with the planes next week.
The Luxembourg Federation of Funeral Services and Cremation Companies issued a plea for their staff to be vaccinated as a priority in January.

The reason behind this plea is that the funeral home staff is in frequent contact with hospitals and care homes to pick up the deceased.

Paulette Lenert responded to this by underlining that funerary staff is not part of the priority groups. Apart from the health and care sectors, no other professional groups would be prioritised. She continued by stressing that the staff of funeral homes does not circulate in the Covid-19 units, but in the mortuary.

17 per cent of the deceased Covid-19 patients pass away in their own homes. Since the start of the pandemic, 30 of 640 deaths occur at home, which makes up 4 per cent.

The plea made by the Luxembourg Federation of Funeral Services and Cremation Companies will therefore not be acted upon for the time being, Health Minister Lenert replied to the urgent parliamentary question posed by CSV deputy Nancy Arendt.
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 52F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy early with increasing clouds overnight. Low 52F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
The door of the library in Dundalk may be closed due to Covid restrictions but they still have plenty of events online.

The LMETB Laegis (Local Adult Education & Guidance Service) in association with Louth Libraries will hold an information event via Zoom on Education, Training & Upskilling Opportunities available to adult.

Looking for your next job or a career change?

Upskill while in your job. Join this free Zoom event on Thursday 11th of March at 12 noon.

To book your place email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie. This is an LMETB event for Work Matters at Your Library.

Louth Library service is also hosting a Scratch Coding Workshop with the Code Lab.

This fun creative coding workshop will introduce children to coding with scratch.

Learn how to create your own animations and games.

Explore new ideas in this fun coding language.

The workshop is suitable for children age 8 to 12 years. Numbers are limited so booking is essential.

To book email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie

Louth Library Service is hosting a Zoom workshop on Feeding Your Children and Yourself- Saturday 27th of March at 12 noon with Nutritionist  Foodee Denise Wogan

The Healthy Ireland event will focus on healthy meal planning for all the family with tasty food choices and practical tips that make healthy eating interesting and easy. To book your place email libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie
In 1885, Jo Niijima (sometimes romanized "Neesima") gave an address at the tenth anniversary convocation of Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan. During that address he declared, "A single individual is important." That might seem like a bland truism to many people these days, but in nineteenth-century Japan, it was a radical assertion. At that time almost everyone in Japan subsumed his individuality under some form of corporate allegiance, such as the family clan.

Niijima himself had escaped overseas from the constraints of feudal Japan, closed to foreign contact and Christianity at the time. Japan has changed dramatically since then, but this strong sense of group identity still operates as a powerful force. Niijima's words on that occasion about individual worth made such an impression that they were eventually engraved outside a walkway on the Doshisha campus. They are still often quoted. Some years ago, posters in our Sapporo subway tunnels prominently displayed Niijima's words as part of an ad campaign to recruit students for Doshisha.

Jo Niijima was a Christian who had returned to Japan from study at Amherst College and other institutions in America. He became a pastor and eventually founded Doshisha. During his time in the U.S., he was influenced by the writings of Jonathan Edwards, and I once made use of Niijima's copy of Edwards's collected works in my own research. Niijima learned to value individuality as a result of his religious and American influences. That also helped to inspire his affection for his wife Yae, who was a unique individual herself. A gunnery expert, she fought as a soldier in the Boshin War and later became a prominent educator like her husband. In 2013, a TV drama celebrated her unusual life.

In societies untouched by such influences, people often are not considered to have much individual worth. In particular, children are not accorded much value apart from the family unit. For example, in ancient Rome, before the advent of Christianity, a father had the right to kill his own child. In 374, the Christian emperor Valentinian finally made infanticide illegal under Roman law.

Similarly, Hawaiian parents frequently killed their children before Christianity's influence on the islands, and the widespread infanticide often shocked Western visitors. For centuries, infanticide was widely practiced in Japan as well. During those times, girls sometimes fared better than boys, but this was only because they could be sold into prostitution and other forms of servitude.

In our own time, collectivist regimes do not grant individuals much consideration. In Nazi Germany, a Jew was treated as a Jew, regardless of his own personal actions, and in Soviet Russia, a class enemy often suffered the punishment due his class status in brutal imprisonment or death. In North Korea, even the grandchildren of those who defected or fought the communists in the Korean War are looked upon as part of a tainted, suspect group.

As a result of similar collectivist thinking, Americans these days frequently find their individuality eclipsed by the group identity assigned to them. Furthermore, the cost of offending a designated victim group is often instant condemnation and punishment without the possibility of self-defense. Nevertheless, even members of victim groups are not safe. Those considered traitors to their assigned collectives (often called "communities")  conservative blacks and women, for example  receive the worst treatment of all.

So it is truly pathetic to see people like ministers pleading for mercy before the Woke Court. Little mercy can be expected from such offenders. At best, they may be allowed the second-class status of perpetually abject penitents who are never really forgiven. However, in a Christian worldview, an individual sinner can receive mercy from fellow sinners, since they are all in the same boat. As Jonathan Edwards puts it, "we are by nature, companions in a miserable helpless condition; which, under a revelation of the divine mercy, tends to promote mutual compassion."

Niijima proclaimed his belief in the value of individuals in reaction to the news that seven Doshisha students had been expelled during his absence in America. He was worried about those seven individuals. Unlike Niijima, many modern American educators and journalists often do not seem to recognize people as individuals with significance. Were the journalists at CNN, The Washington Post, and other news outlets thinking of 16-year-old Nick Sandmann as an individual when they defamed him? Probably not  until he brought lawsuits against them. After all, he was only a white male and a Trump-supporter.

Bruce W. Davidson is a professor at Hokusei Gakuen University in Sapporo, Japan and a contributor to the The Jonathan Edwards Encyclopedia.

Image via Max Pixel.
Patna, March 6 : Facing criticism over the controversy surrounding Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Mukesh Sahani, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday requested the media to forgive him, saying that Sahani became a minister for the first time and will not repeat the mistake again in future.

The controversy erupted after special privilege was accorded to Mukesh Sahani's brother Santosh Sahani, who went to attend a state government event in Vaishali district on Thursday and gave vehicles to some people belonging to the SC/ST and Mallah communities.

The event was organised by the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department in Vaishali where Mukesh Sahani was the chief guest. But instead of attending the event, he sent his brother Santosh Sahani there as the chief guest with the local administration giving the latter VIP treatment.

The issue was raised by the RJD leaders in both the Houses of the Vidhan Sabha, who demanded Mukesh Sahani's resignation.

While interacting with the media on the sidelines of an event at the TPS College in Patna on Saturday, Nitish Kumar said: "I forgave him yesterday after he accepted his mistake and I appeal to the media to do the same. He has become a minister for the first time and didn't realise the implications of such a mistake. (Mukesh) Sahani will not repeat the mistake again."


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Police in Myanmar again opened fire on protesters against the military coup, killing one man, as international condemnation rained down on the junta ahead of a United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the crisis.

The violence took place as the military lost a tussle over leadership of its UN mission in New York and the United States announced new sanctions targeting military conglomerates after the deaths of dozens of civilian protesters.

Activists demanding the restoration of the elected government of veteran democracy champion Aung San Suu Kyi held more demonstrations in several towns and cities, with a crowd of thousands marching peacefully through the second city of Mandalay.

The stone age is over, were not scared because you threaten us, the crowd chanted.

Police opened fire and one man was killed, witnesses and a doctor told media by telephone.

In the main city of Yangon, police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse protesters who had been joined by about 100 doctors in white coats, witnesses said.

Crowds also gathered in the town of Pathein, to the west of Yangon, and in central Myingyan, where dozens of women in straw hats held up signs calling for Suu Kyis release.

On Thursday, police broke up rallies with tear gas and gunfire in several cities but their crackdown was more restrained than on Wednesday, when the UN said 38 people were killed in the bloodiest day of protests.

At least 55 people have been killed since the February 1 coup.

Read More

UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet demanded the security forces halt what she called their vicious crackdown on peaceful protesters. Ms Bachelet said more than 1,700 people had been arrested, including 29 journalists.

Singapore has been the most outspoken of Myanmars neighbours and its foreign minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, said it was a national shame for armed forces to use weapons against their people.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said some of its volunteers had been injured and wrongfully arrested and Red Cross ambulances had been damaged. It called for a halt to the violence.

The military seized power on February 1, saying the landslide victory of Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) in an election in November was fraudulent. The electoral commission has said the ballot was fair.

The junta has promised to hold new elections at an unspecified date, but activists have rejected that and demand the release of Ms Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the coup.

Condemnation of the coup and subsequent violence has come largely from the West, with Mynamars Asian neighbours, including India, mostly more restrained. The junta can count on some support from Russia and China  a major investor  at the United Nations.

The military has weathered isolation and sanctions during previous eras of rule by generals and has indicated it will not be swayed this time round.

The UN human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, urged the Security Council  which meets to discuss the situation later on Friday  to impose a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions on the junta.

The US has told China, which has declined to condemn the coup, that it expects it to play a constructive role. China has said stability is a top priority.

Having ruled directly for nearly 50 years until it embarked on a tentative transition to democracy a decade ago, the military has been struggling to impose its authority. Many people abhor the thought of a return of army rule.

A campaign of strikes running parallel with the protests has been supported by many government workers including a trickle of policemen. Nineteen officers crossed into India fearing persecution for disobeying orders.
OAN hits back at House Democrats who sent letters to carriers because they cannot handle the bad press release against them. The OAN network charged that DEMS stepped on their constitutional rights with threats implied in the letters.

OAN Charges House Democrats of Misleading TV Carriers

The Democrats have been going all out to do what they can to cancel anything that does not agree with their agenda. Even to the point of reinterpreting the constitution and weaponizing it.

One America News Network (OAN) ask the two-House Democrat lawmakers to recall their offensive letter addressed to the TV carrier. OAN says that the lawmakers acted unconstitutionally and violated rights guaranteed. The wayward Democrats were leaning on carriers and outlets against them allegedly, reported the Epoch Times.

Since the Biden administration took power, the DEMS have been trying to find ways to silence conservatives and free speech avenues. It is like a witch hunt that is after those against the left-leaning liberals.

According to OAN's counsel, Eric Early sent demanding letters to the DEMS, who sent the letters implying backlash. Reps. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) and Anna G. Eshoo (D-Calif.) last Thursday got his demand to retract the letter, or they will subject to legal action.

McNerney and Eshoo, House Democrats, are affiliated with the House Energy and Commerce Committee, decide to take things into their own hands. They sent letters to 12 cable, satellite, and streaming companies a month ago and blamed these carriers for spreading misinformation. It was odd that the DEMs were accusing them when during the sham trial, they introduced alleged doctored videos but verified to edited later on.

Also read: WaPo Reporter Gets Attacked Online Because of Tweet About Neera Tanden

If that was not enough, the two DEMs insisted that Fox, OAN, and Newsmax were all spreading fake information after November 2020 elections. They added even peddling lies about COVID-19 without proof. Worse, they asked for reasons why they are hosting these outlets.

Early said the lawmakers were harassing and implying threats to get rid of OAN from their service. He explained the two DEMS were trying to affect the status of OAN by forcing the carrier not to re-contract. This action would affect more potential platforms to work with OAN, Newsmax, and Fox networks.

These two DEMS are hindering free speech in the national cable news marketplace by favoring who they want. They have no right and are not constitutionally correct; they are out of their jurisdiction. To them, only viewpoints that don't dismantle the narratives are allowed.

A copy of Early's allegation said it is an attack on freedom of speech of the three outlets that tell the truth, not alleged falsehoods. This is a bold move to cancel those against them. Presently these news organizations are thrashing biased media in the rating too.

Early said the Democrats are violating the first amendment that states a right to free speech. This means they are trying to muffle the free press that doesn't agree with DEMs. These lawmakers are no better than lawless dictators who don't follow the rules. The House Democrats are using the honorable Congress for something illegal and not lawful.

Related article: Biden Officials Including John Kerry, ex-Obama Officials, Undermine then President Trump on Iran Policy

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Iran and Qatar are allies. Qatar for years has sided with Iran in one proxy fight after another, whether in Bahrain, Yemen or in backing Hamas terror against Israelis and Palestinians.

by Anwar A. Khan

Al Jazeera Satellite Channel, now known as AJA, was launched on 1 November 1996 following the closure of the BBC's Arabic language television station, a joint venture with Orbit Communications Company in Qatar.

At Al Jazeera they claim they stand in solidarity with all their colleagues in the media. They further add, We believe that no journalist should be intimidated, persecuted or imprisoned for carrying out their duty. We believe in the fundamental truth that freedom of speech is the very basic building block to uphold the values of democracy, but in fact, they act diametrically just the opposite.

It is just a most spoilt den of worst criminals!

Al Jazeera has lost reporters and anchors in London, Paris, Moscow, Beirut and Cairo. Ali Hashem, the organization's Shia Beirut correspondent, resigned after leaked emails publicized his discontent with Al Jazeera's unprofessional and biased coverage of the Syrian civil war at the expense of the Bahraini protests of 2011.

Since the Bahrain government was supported by the Gulf Cooperation Council (of which Qatar is a member), the protests were given less prominence than the Syrian conflict on the network. Longtime Berlin correspondent Aktham Suliman left in late 2012, saying that he felt he was no longer allowed to work as an independent journalist in Al Jazeera.

It was committed to the truth, but it is bent. It's about politics, not journalism. For the reporter that means: time to go ... The decline in 20042011 was insidious, subliminal, and very slow, but with a disastrous end.

According to Walid Phares, Al Jazeera became the "primary ideological and communication network" for the Muslim Brotherhood during the 2011 Arab Spring in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. Phares noted that after democratic forces had begun the rebellions, Al Jazeera played a tremendous role in supporting Islamist elements of the revolution.

One of the organization's largest resignations was that of 22 members of Al Jazeera's Egyptian bureau. The group announced their resignation on 8 July 2013, citing biased coverage of Egyptian power redistribution favouring the Muslim Brotherhood, a killing outfit like Jamaa-e-Islami mass-murderers in 1971 in Bangladesh.

During the visit of the Qatari delegation to the 2017 UN General Assembly, anonymous critics commissioned what ostensibly appeared to be a news website, authoring a variety of articles calling Al Jazeera a "state-run propaganda arm", criticizing the Gulf state's link to terror groups or to Iran, and promoting a dark view of the Qatari economy in response to the diplomatic crisis that year.

The organization commissioned to launch this website was later identified as a conservative-leaning PR firm, Definers Public Affairs, which was also hired by Facebook to attack the social network's opponents, including Apple, Google

BANGLADESH

In 2012, Al Jazeera faced criticism from Bangladeshi human rights activists and relatives of those killed in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The news channel is often accused of downplaying the 1971 Bangladesh genocide, in which Islamist militias assisted the Pakistan Army in targeting Bengalis who sought independence from Pakistan.

In response to the Al Jazeera Investigates Documentary All the Prime Minister's Men, the Government of Bangladesh described it as "a misleading series of innuendos and insinuations in what is apparently a politically motivated smear campaign by notorious individuals associated with the Jamaat-e-Islami extremist group, which has been opposing the progressive and secular principles of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh since its very birth as an independent nation in 1971.

The foreign ministry stated that the Bangladeshi government "regrets that Al Jazeera has allowed itself to become an instrument for their malicious political designs aimed at destabilizing the secular democratic Government of Bangladesh with a proven track record of extraordinary socio-economic development and progress".

The ministry also stated that "the fact that the reports historical account fails to even mention the horrific genocide in 1971 in which Jamaat perpetrators killed millions of Bengali civilians" was "one reflection of the political bias in Al Jazeeras coverage". The Bangladesh Army called the documentary a "concocted and ill-intended report by a vested group in the news channel Al-Jazeera", according to a statement by ISPR.

Responding to allegations by Al Jazeera that Israeli surveillance equipment is used by Bangladesh UN Peacekeeping Forces, United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric said that UN agreements with Bangladesh on peacekeeping deployments did not include the "operation of electronic equipment in the nature described by Al Jazeera in its documentary, and such equipment has not been deployed with Bangladeshi contingents in UN peacekeeping operations".





The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists demanded a ban on Al Jazeera transmission within Bangladesh citing similar bans in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan and the UAE.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3946749368709315  this face-book link must uncover the ugly faces of Al-Jazeera, David Bergman and many more

One voice, one message is what the executives of Irans Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) and Qatars Al Jazeera had in mind when they signed a cooperation agreement over summer.

But while these supposed news agencies and their sponsoring nations officially entered into formal cooperation only a few months ago, the reality is that these working partnerships were announced so soon after Qatars high-profile fight with some other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members because the executives were merely formalizing what had already been in place for years.

Iran and Qatar are allies. Qatar for years has sided with Iran in one proxy fight after another, whether in Bahrain, Yemen or in backing Hamas terror against Israelis and Palestinians.

Even when Qatar officially joined GCC positions against Iran, its real foreign policy  the so-called news pumped out by my former employer Al Jazeera  was on full display to anyone with a satellite dish or Internet, showing unquestionably that the emirate was firmly aligned with the mullahs, not with its Arab neighbours.

It is clear that the Qataris learned their current diplomatic strategy by following the Iranians lead of using their governmental mouthpiece, masquerading as a news organization, as a weapon to achieve their goals.

Since IRNAs inception, its objective has been to secure Irans national interests, pit Sunni Arab communities against each other, fuel sectarian conflict, incite against Western nations and Israel and obtain hegemony at any cost  a terrifying design Qatar has unwisely duplicated with Al Jazeera, particularly with the new agreement.

What Al Jazeera continues to do is far more and far worse than simple bias. The Pan-Arab network has a deliberate agenda that serves as Qatars actual foreign policy, one that costs lives and promotes violence.

Al Jazeeras open sponsorship of the agendas of terrorist groups including Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, Al-Nusra Front, Al-Qaeda and the Muslim Brotherhood under the guise of so-called press freedom must no longer be tolerated.

The US and the West believe that Al Jazeeras one-sidedness is a reflection of the freedom of press. That belief, however, is dangerously wrong!

What actually happened with that coverage was the result not just of Al Jazeera siding with the Iranian axis, but also of Qatars leadership directing the network to do so.

Evidence of this collusion come from an authenticated audio recording released months ago of a 2011 phone call between Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Attiya, the adviser to the Qatari emir, and Hassan Ali Sultan, who has close ties to Iran and Hezbollah.

The networks open sponsorship of the agendas of terrorist groups including Al-Qaeda and Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps under the guise of so-called press freedom must no longer be tolerated.

Al Jazeeras coverage of the war in Yemen fueled by an Iranian-backed Houthi insurgency is another horrifying example of how the network has become an active player in the regional struggle rather than maintaining an independent role of an unbiased news organization.

Amjad Taha, an Iranian dissident living in exile and the head of the British Middle East Center in London, has been outspoken about Qatars financing of terrorist groups and Al Jazeeras dubious role in the region.

Al Jazeera hardly reports on the crimes committed by the Iranian-aligned Houthi criminals who recruit women and children, target coalition forces, disregard human rights and have zero political legitimacy. Iranian media cannot relay its views to the Arab viewer mainly because of the language barrier, Taha said in a phone interview from his home in Bahrain.

Iran does not want to portray what is happening in Yemen as a war, or case of good versus evil. They want to present it as a work of their nemesis  Saudis war. Al Jazeera translates this idea through its Arabic and English language channels  an exact duplication of the message broadcast day and night on Al Alam, the Iranian TV channel controlled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, or IRGC, which could potentially be designated as a terrorist organization.

The use of Al Jazeera as a weapon to push Qatars agenda resulted in imprisonment of many.

Egypt suspected that Al Jazeera reporters would be engaged with supporting terrorists. It was because, quite simply, Al Jazeera uses the cover normally granted to members of the press to aid and abet terrorists in war zones.

In prison, when Brotherhood members and non-journalists were interviewed, they told that they had received production resources from Al Jazeera Arabic  a systematic technique - the network applied in conflict zones, such as, Syria, Libya and Iraq.

In a recent interview, Canadian scholar and Simon Fraser University professor Adel Iskandar described Al Jazeeras unethical and at times illegal newsgathering tactics, including the distribution of technical equipment that would allow for satellite uplinks for distribution of footage.

This gave Al Jazeera an advantage over its competitors as the network essentially was recruiting protesters and fighters to become journalists and information gatherers for its news programming. And since the Syrian opposition (particularly those aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood and similar groups) was ideologically harmonized with the Qatari policy in the Levantine country, the coverage often went straight to air without verification, clarification or corroboration.

Al Jazeera long ago disposed of any pretense that it was anything other than a weapon used by its Qatari masters to promote a dangerous agenda  one that is firmly in line with Irans, and directly opposed to the Arab allies.

The behaviour of Al Jazeera does not represent the worthy of reliance or trust journalism.

The End 

The writer is an independent political analyst based in Dhaka, Bangladesh who writes on politics, political and human-centred figures, current and international affairs.
Phuket Music Scene: Rocking in Rawai

In a previous article in The Phuket News, I described how the live music scene in Phuket has changed dramatically as a result of COVID-19. Some live venues have closed, others are hanging on, but some are thriving again and well worth a visit.

Phuket-Music-Scene

By Andy Tong Dee

Saturday 6 March 2021, 02:00PM

Take Rawai for example. The Freedom Bar at the north end of Rawai Beach has been a live music venue for 20 years now, the last seven under the management of Rung and her British partner Keith Popeye Starr.

They would love to see live music every night once again, but for now, from 8pm onwards on a Friday or Saturday night, you can listen to the excellent Filipino band February Cherry playing. This band played at the Hard Rock Cafe in Patong pre-COVID, so as you can imagine their standard is top-class and the bar is packed. However, the Freedom Bar now has some new and very strong competition from the other end of the beach.

The Coconut Bar first opened in August 2008 under the management of Tip. Her British husband Ken Guy felt that life post-COVID in Rawai was somewhat dull and needed some uplift. So Ken sought the help of one of his friends, retired EMI rock and pop talent scout Stuart Watson, also from the UK. Stuart got busy checking out local musical talent while the bar was extended and reconfigured to suit live music. Now the Coconut Bar is often so full it is wise to reserve a table.

Stuart discovered Filipino band Naughty 5, which plays soft rock and pop there on Monday and Wednesday nights. Nick, a Filipino solo guitarist, performs on Tuesdays from 8 to 11pm. My friend the rock veteran Colin Hill plays classic rock on Thursday nights, supported by Nick, with a short quiz during breaks. With Thai tourists now increasingly frequenting Rawais bars, a Thai duo, Aya and Nong, play Thai music on Friday and Saturday nights. This means customers can now choose what type of music they want to hear from some of the very best musicians on the island.

Stuart told me about when he first heard Aya sing: I was hugely impressed by her relaxed, natural approach and beautiful voice. Singing was then a mere hobby for her, but we encouraged her to find a guitarist to accompany her. The talented AYA & NONG duo is the result. Who knows what future stars Stuart will discover and promote next?!

But that is not all there is to live music in Rawai. Take the Promthep Cape turning at the south end of the beach. After 200 metres youll find the Paradise Beach Bar run by Annie and her daughter Waan  one of my former English students as it happens! They have started Sunday live music from 5pm onwards with February Cherry mentioned before. When I last visited, there was also free food of a good standard. Again, this weekly event is proving so popular it is best to book a table.

Finally, although I usually only hang out in live music venues, there is one Rawai bar where I make an exception. This is the Sunshine Bar about a third of the way down the beach. This bar has a lot of staff  rather more than needed. Why? Because they like to dance the night away! But dont worry, its the kind of bar you could take your grandmother to. Get there early about 9pm and you will be rewarded by the staff doing KPOP-style dance routines to Isan music. Later on, and the staff are too busy serving customers to dance much.

Strangely, I find it is here that all my time spent climbing up things with the Royal Marines before I retired was not wasted. This is because there is a pole in the center of the bar with a bell at the top. Climb up and ring it and you get a free beverage.

Ok, Im usually up for it, and I always get a cheer and a kiss or two, but I find getting up that damn pole harder now with every passing year!

Expat Andy Tong Dee is a live music enthusiast and musician living in Phuket. Follow him on his Facebook page Phuket Music Scene.
Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva in an exclusive interview with Lanka Courier opens up about his upbringing and what was it that led him to be where he is today.

While the name Lanka Courier may not be familiar to all, its first ever documentary titled Truth behind Dare has sent shockwaves and captivated viewers around the world. On data assimilated by the editors of the magazine, within 24 hours of the documentary being aired on February 23rd, nearly 2 million views were recorded, making it a thumping record for a documentary of this nature, done on a very small scale with zero budget.

It begs the question as to why the documentary is so widely shared, forwarded and talked about in many political and non-political circles. The answer is simple. The documentary, a collection of never before seen footage brought to light the type of atrocities and the extent that these inhumane activities were carried out by the Liberation of Tamil Tigers Eelam (LTTE). The documentary spoke to the hearts of the Diaspora and Tamils alike, because it revealed, in raw and uncensored manner, the acts that the LTTE is most proud off, which is sanctimoniously endorsed by those sympathizing with the terrorist group. The video since its launch has been produced in Sinhala, Tamil, Hindi, French, Chinese, German and many more languages.

Lanka Courier on its crusade to expose the truth, in its second edition which was published today reveals information pertaining to the last and final phase of the war against the LTTE which had been hidden from public domain. Rubawathy Keetheeswaran, the District Secretary of Kilinochchi, was the first witness after a bloody protracted war. She talks to Lanka Courier on what it was like to work in a ghost town and receive the first influx of innocent civilians who had fled for their lives. She reminisces of the missing children and talks candidly to Tamils living here and abroad.

Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva in an exclusive interview with Lanka Courier opens up about his upbringing and what was it that led him to be where he is today. Despite being served a travel ban, after risking his life in one of the most daring humanitarian operations, he talks candidly about the war, the army and his duty.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena calls on the general public to heed to health warnings. He clears the air on the misconceptions regarding immunization and why it remains important for Sri Lankans to take the jab.

While Sri Lanka continues to be debated before the United Nations Human Rights Council, questions have arisen regarding the global bodys commitment to human rights. The Security Council couldnt even call for a ceasefire in conflict zones due to the prevailing pandemic. Has the UN failed in its mission? Dr. Thomas G. Weiss, a Presidential Professor at the City University of New Yorks Graduate Center and Director of the Ralph Bunche Institute for International Studies talks of the UNs relevance in todays world talks to Lanka Courier.

In this second issue Lanka Courier continues to shed light on the Presidents novel program Discussion with the Village, following the President as he embarks on every visit. The articles put locations on the map that had been largely ignored prior to the Presidents visit, bringing to life the people of each village and their stories that make them unique.

Lanka Courier is a non-profit and volunteer-based media initiative with a mandate to disseminate accurate information on national issues in Sri Lanka while paying attention mutual benefits and mutual sensitivity in regional and global context. Lanka Courier edited by Nilantha Ilangamuwa and Rukshana Rizwie and designed by Dhammika Rajapaksha with multimedia by L.A.V. Lakshman Dias.

The digital edition of the magazine is online on www.lankacourier.org. We welcome all our readers opinion, suggestions, and any form of feedback to improve this new endeavour. Readers can be contacted Lanka Courier editorial team at lankacourier@gmail.com.
On the anniversary of the first recorded case of COVID-19 in Ireland, community vaccinations began as a Swords GP practice swung into action and began to vaccinate patients over 85-years-old and give them a chance at escaping the isolation they've endured for the past 12 months.

Dr Stan Natin of Salus Medical Clinic in Swords and his colleagues were delighted to finally start the community vaccination programme and deliver some hope to its long-suffering patients.

Dr Natin told the Fingal Independent: 'Firstly and most importantly, it was amazing to see the joy and happiness and raw emotion from the patients, the vast majority of whom had not been outside their house in a year. This was the first anniversary of the first case in Ireland and to have a vaccine one year on, is a spectacular achievement globally and we should realise that.'

It was a huge logistical operation for the clinic as it began vaccinations on Saturday and Dr Natin even roped his daughters Kate (20) and Alexandra (16) to help manage the flow of patients in and out of the practice on the big day.

He said: 'As two girls who have basically had their lives put on hold for the past year and should have been out meeting friends and doing normal stuff, they've found it hard. Especially listening to Mum and Dad who are doctors and consumed by COVID. By 3.30pm on Saturday, the girls were in awe of all the over 85s and the positive energy and cheer and spirit of determination. It was amazing to see.'

The Swords doctor said: 'These patients gave us all a massive lift yesterday and that needs to be recognised- we owe it to them to let them know they are valued members of our society and by coming, they gave us great hope for the future.'

Speaking about the logistics of the operation, he said: 'It was a massive undertaking and required extra staff, car park attendant to prevent illegal parking and ensure access for patients only. Euro Car Parks came to oure rescue, and Dave Cullen MD personally supplied breakfast to us all too. It involved re-purposing all clinical rooms and spaces and waiting areas, and creating cubicles per patient. Michael O'Leary of Ryanair came to my rescue supplying screens to act as dividers when I could not locate any and we are very grateful for that.'

Speaking about the team at the clinic, he said: 'Everyone in the practice doctors nurses and admin have been working flat out for 1 year under rapidly changing conditions and they stepped up to the mark as usual.'

Several other local businesses lent a hand on the day and everyone at the clinic is heartened by the support for their efforts.

It was the first step in a long road for all those on the frontline delivering vaccines.

ABC NewsBy MARTHA RADDATZ and LUIS MARTINEZ, ABC News



(WASHINGTON) -- In an interview with ABC News, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. is still assessing who was responsible for the recent rocket attack on a base in Iraq that houses U.S. forces.



Austin said that if the U.S. decides to respond to the attack it will be "at a time and place of our own choosing."



He made his comments in a wide-ranging interview with ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz set to air on Sunday.



On Wednesday, 10 rockets were fired at the sprawling Al Asad airbase in western Iraq that is home to many of the 2,500 American troops still in Iraq. No service members were wounded, but a civilian American contractor died from a heart attack while sheltering during the rocket attack.



"We want to make sure that that, again, we understand who's responsible for this," Austin told ABC News.



"The message to those that that that would carry out such a such an attack is that, you know, expect us to do what's necessary to defend ourselves," he added.



"We'll strike if we, if that's what we think we need to do at a time and place of our own choosing," Austin said.



The rocket attack followed a U.S. airstrike in eastern Syria last week that targeted a compound used by two Iranian-backed Shia militias that the U.S. and Iraq had assessed were responsible for a deadly rocket attack on another U.S. facility in Erbil. That rocket attack killed a civilian contractor and injured several Americans, including a U.S. military service member.



The airstrike in Syria was the first U.S. military action of the Biden administration and U.S. officials have said it was intended to send a message that the U.S. will defend Americans in the region.



"You can't act with impunity. Be careful," President Joe Biden said last Friday when asked what message the airstrike was meant to convey.



A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News that Biden called off an airstrike on a second target in Syria after it could not be conclusively determined that women and children were not in the target area.



Copyright  2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.
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The Delhi government has planned to celebrate the 75th Independence Day next year in a big way, sources said on Saturday.

The government is expected to announce special provisions for celebrating the 75th Independence Day on a grand scale across the national capital in its annual budget to be tabled in the assembly session beginning Monday, they said.

The government has also planned to celebrate birth anniversaries of Bhagat Singh and B R Ambedkar on a big scale during the 75th year of Independence, government sources said.

The government is likely to hoist the national flags across the city on high masts like the one at Connaught Place as part of the 75th Independence Day celebrations, they said.

The Arvind Kejriwal government has also announced its plan to launch a curriculum to instill patriotism among students.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a separate school board of Delhi that will aim to prepare "fiercely patriotic" and self-dependent students.

The Budget Session of Delhi will commence on Monday. The budget is expected to be tabled on Tuesday while the session is scheduled to conclude on March 16.

Also Read: School principals, experts welcome Delhi govt's decision to form DBSE
Washington, March 6 : US President Joe Biden has agreed that Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) that justify American military operations, need to be updated, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

In her daily press briefing, Psaki told reporters on Friday that Biden agreed the AUMFs are "long overdue for update", reports Xinhua news agency.

She said Biden wanted to discuss "a narrow and specific framework moving forward" and would cooperate with Democratic Senator Tim Kaine on this issue.

Her comments came two days after Senator Kaine and Republican Senator Todd Young introduced a legislation to repeal the 1991 and 2002 AUMF to curb the President's war power.

US military conducted airstrikes against facilities used by Iranian-backed militant groups in Syria last week, which killed one militia member and injured two others.

Lawmakers from both parties were dissatisfied with the Biden administration's lack of consultation before the operation was carried out.

"We're confident in the legal authorities for that strike, and they were the self-defence of U. military personnel who were threatened overseas," Psaki said.

The US Constitution gives the power to declare war to Congress, not the President.

The Pentagon said the airstrikes were authorised in response to recent attacks against American and coalition personnel in Iraq.

Syria and Iran strongly condemned the US strikes.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
People hold a banner at the Amazon facility as members of a congressional delegation arrive to show their support for workers (Photo : REUTERS/Dustin Chambers)

A group of U.S. lawmakers visited an Amazon facility in Alabama on Friday to lend support to a growing push to unionize its workers, in what labor leaders and lawmakers called one of the most important union elections in United States history.



Workers at the Amazon fulfillment center in Bessemer, Alabama, are voting on whether to become the first employees in the U.S. to join a union at one of the country's largest employers.



Advertisement

The visit comes on the heels of President Joe Biden's recent statement defending workers' rights to form unions. While he did not mention Amazon, he referenced "workers in Alabama."



The move by the Alabama workers, which is being backed by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), is a critical one for the U.S. labor movement that has struggled with declining membership in recent years. It is also a watershed moment for a growing unionizing drive within the tech industry that has long been hostile to organized labor.



The congressional delegation includes U.S. Representatives Andy Levin, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Terri Sewell, and Nikema Williams.



"This is the most important election for the working class of this country in the 21st century," Rep. Levin said, addressing workers in Bessemer. "This is the biggest election in the south in a generation."



Rep. Sewell, whose district includes Bessemer, likened the fight to the civil rights struggles in the area's past.



"I know that Amazon workers stand in the same tradition as John Lewis...as those foot soldiers that dare to change the world by having the audacity to stand up for their rights."



Bowman went a step further and urged Amazon workers around the country to pay attention to their working conditions.



The lawmakers also privately met with workers and organizers from the facility.



"We just want what's owed to us," said Kevin Jackson, an Amazon worker at the Bessemer warehouse who attended the meetings. "We want a seat at the table."



Michael Foster, a lead RWDSU organizer, said workers at the facility reached out to the union for help, not the other way around. "We know we have people walking on egg shells because they have no sense of job security," he said.



Amazon spokeswoman Heather Knox said she does not believe the RWDSU represents the majority of employees' views and that Amazon offered "some of the best jobs available everywhere we hire, and we encourage anyone to compare our total compensation package, health benefits, and workplace environment to any other company with similar jobs."



Knox also said the company hopes "these members of Congress will spend this same amount of energy on raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour -as Amazon did for all of our employees in 2018."



A NEW CHAPTER



The vote could also help kickstart a new chapter for the labor movement in the southern states, where unions have long struggled to gain a foothold, labor experts said.



One of the main reasons for this has been fewer job opportunities in the region and political hostility toward unions, said William Gould, a labor law expert at Stanford Law. Gould is also a former chairman of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).



"But that is changing because of how companies such as Amazon have really tested the limits of workers' endurance," he said, adding that the pandemic had exacerbated existing health and safety issues.



Bessemer, which is about 15 miles (24 km) away from Birmingham, the most populous city in the state, is majority African American - a fact that has also made the fight an important one for several lawmakers.



Levin separately told Reuters Amazon's policies are "egregious", especially those such as "trying to force an in-person election in a pandemic hotspot."



The NLRB decided on Jan. 15 to not allow in-person voting due to safety concerns during the pandemic. Earlier this month, close to 6,000 workers began voting by mail on whether to join the union.



Amazon spokeswoman Knox maintained that "Amazon proposed a safe on-site election process validated by COVID-19 experts that would have empowered our associates to vote on their way to, during and from their already-scheduled shifts."


GARDAI arrested two anti-lockdown activists who were trying to travel from Dublin to Cork for todays protest.

Gardai have put a major operation in place for the anti-lockdown protest which got underway in Cork this afternoon following scenes of violence at last weekends protest in Dublin.

Organisers went ahead with the Rally for Truth event at 2pm this afternoon despite numerous calls to cancel it.

There was a significant garda presence on duty in Cork today to prevent a repeat of last weeks scenes in Dublin and gardai set up checkpoints on all major roads leading to Cork to ensure those travelling were within their 5km or on an essential trip.

Read More

Gardai stopped two known anti-lockdown protestors on the N7 in Kildare this morning who told gardai they were travelling from Dublin Cork for the protest.

Gardai told them they were beyond their 5km limit and did not have reasonable reason for travelling. They turned their car back towards Dublin but then later tried to drive back to Cork again and were arrested by gardai.

Gardai also arrested two male motorists in Cork and Kerry who told officers they were on the way to the protest.

As part of the operation gardai will arrest anyone beyond their 5km who refuse to comply with a direction to turn back.

Read More

Gardai arrested two people in Cork this afternoon but neither were arrested in relation to the protest itself.

Numerous videos were posted to social media showing gardai arresting a street performer on Patrick Street in Cork earlier today.

Gardai said the man was not involved in the protest but was arrested for breaching Covid guidelines.

Gardai arrested a man in the Patrick Street area of Cork earlier today, 06/03/2021, for breaches of the Health Act 1947, as amended, gardai said in a statement.

"Gardai implemented the 4 E's (engage, educate, encourage and as a last resort enforce), a garda spokesperson said.

The man was arrested and taken to Anglesea Street Garda Station.

"On this occasion the male in question refused to comply with Gardai.

A second man was arrested in relation order offences.

Organisers of the protest said they did not want any violence at the event and said people should social distance.

Businesses in the city boarded up their premises ahead of the protest and business owners expressed concerns the rally could lengthen the lockdown.




New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 82F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy...isolated thunderstorms developing late. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
ROXBURY  Nearly $12,000 worth of personal protective equipment has been donated to the Roxbury Fire Department after its stockpile was destroyed last week during an intentionally set fire at the facility.

Ocean State Job Lot, a discount retailer that operates in the Northeast, delivered boxes of KN95 and medical masks, hand sanitizer, protective gowns, face shields and more to the fire department Thursday  five days after a disgruntled emergency medical technician allegedly set fire to Roxburys firehouse, as well as emergency services facilities in Meriden and Old Saybrook.

The 37-year-old suspect was taken into custody late Saturday in Pennsylvania.

Police said Richard White, of Torrington, got into a fight with a fellow Hunters Ambulance Services employee earlier that day after being placed on administrative leave during a disciplinary hearing.

What happened at the Roxbury Fire Department was a despicable act against the entire community, said Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundations executive director, David Sarlitto.

Ocean State Job Lots PPE donation not only replaced all the equipment Roxbury Fire Department lost in the fire, but added new items to its supply, as well.

Our first responders are doing most of the heavy lifting in our communities, so anything we can do to support them, we are eager and happy to do, Sarlitto said.

Ocean State Job Lot started organizing the donation to Roxbury within 24 hours of the fire at the suggestion of Rich Stomski, a Torrington resident and team leader of Ocean States Seymour store.

According to a news release from the company, Stomski heard the news and knew that the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation had the resources to provide the needed supplies in a timely manner.

Its truly horrible what happened in Roxbury, but Im glad that we were able to provide relief so quickly, said Stomski, who will be transferring to Ocean State Job Lots new store in Danbury once it opens.

The charitable foundation has provided about $25 million in financial and product donations during the pandemic, including $15 million in PPP to schools, hospitals and health care facilities, the organization said. The chain has 142 stores and close to 5,600 employees.
Kolkata: With the BJP on Saturday (March 6) announcing Suvendu Adhikari's candidature from the Nandigram seat, the stage is set for the Battle Royale between him and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in the most high-profile constituency in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections.

Nandigram, the cradle of the anti-land acquisition movement that catapulted Banerjee to power in 2011, will witness her once protg Suvendu Adhikari taking on her on April 1, in the second of the eight phases of polling.

The 66-year-old TMC supremo, while announcing the party's candidate list on Friday, reaffirmed her name from Nandigram.

She had declared in January that she will contest the seat in Purba Medinipur district.

The BJP announced the names of a majority of its candidates for the seats going to polls in the first two phases of the elections on March 27 and April 1.

For 50-year-old Adhikari, the contest in Nandigram will be a fight for his political survival as he had vowed to defeat Banerjee by over 50,000 votes in the seat or quit politics.

"The stage is set for the fight of the year. We will see who is more popular, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee or Suvendu Adhikari. Suvendu is a son of the soil and a popular leader. We don't want an outsider in Nandigram," Adhikari's close aide Kanishka Panda said.

Reacting to the development, TMC MP Sougata Roy said Adhikari will be defeated as people of West Bengal dislike "traitors".

"People of West Bengal dislike traitors. It is good that Suvendu is contesting the Nandigram seat. Once he loses, he will get to know his stature and that he was overrated," he said.

Adhikari won the Nandigram seat in the 2016 assembly election, while another TMC candidate emerged victorious from the constituency in 2011.

Adhikari had quit the TMC and resigned from the MLA post last year to join the BJP after having differences with the ruling party in the state.

Banerjee, on the other hand, will contest the Nandigram seat for the first time, after relinquishing her Bhowanipore constituency in Kolkata. She has rented a house in Nandigram and will campaign from there.

Reports suggest that Abbas Siddiqui-led Indian Secular Front (ISF) is likely to be given the constituency in the seat-sharing agreement with CPI (M) and Congress.

Both Banerjee and Adhikari were prominent figures of the anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram in 2007 that catapulted the firebrand TMC supremo to power in West Bengal in 2011 after ending the 34-year-long rule of the Left Front.

The little-known rural area changed the political landscape of West Bengal after witnessing one of the bloodiest movements against the government's land acquisition for industrialisation.

After years of peace, Nandigram, with 70 percent Hindus and 30 percent Muslims, however, is now witnessing political and communal polarisation, with the latter firmly backing the TMC that had controlled the area for the last decade-and-a-half.

The constituency comprises two blocks, Nandigram I and Nandigram II, with the first having 35 per minority population and the second almost 15 percent.

Suvendu, a bachelor, is the heir apparent of the powerful Adhikari family of Purba Medinipur district. He has taken over the political legacy of his father, Sisir Adhikari, a three-time TMC MP.

One of his younger brothers, Dibyendu Adhikari, is the sitting TMC MP from Tamluk, while another brother Soumendu recently joined the BJP after he was removed from the post of administrator of Kanthi Municipality.

Suvendu was baptised into politics as a student leader in the late 80s. He became a Congress councillor in Kanthi Municipality in the 90s.

He and his father joined the TMC in 1999, a year after it was formed after breaking away from the Congress.

Suvendu had twice unsuccessfully contested elections -- the 2001 assembly and the 2004 Lok Sabha polls.

He first won the assembly elections in 2006. After becoming one of the prominent figures of the Nandigram anti- land acquisition movement, there was no looking back for him.

In 2009 and 2014, he had won the Lok Sabha polls from the Tamluk seat. However, in 2016, Banerjee nominated him from the Nandigram assembly constituency and inducted him into her cabinet.

But Banerjee's nephew Abhishek's meteoric rise in the TMC did not go down well with Adhikari, and he felt sidelined in the party. In December last year, he switched over to the BJP at a rally of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Medinipur. Elections to the 294-member assembly will be held in eight phases from March 27 to April 29.

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In a maritime industry where size increasingly matters, the Port of Charleston is getting ready to take things up a notch.

The CMA CGM Marco Polo is scheduled to call on the port in May, eclipsing the French line's Brazil vessel as the largest container ship to visit Charleston and the entire East Coast.

The Marco Polo can carry up to the equivalent of 16,022 20-foot long containers measured. The Brazil, which first visited the port in September, can hold 15,072.

The Marco Polo, named for the famed 13th Century explorer and inspiration for a popular swimming pool game, is roughly 100 feet longer and 10 feet wider than the Brazil.

It will be a part of the Columbus Loop service, which originates in China and also stops at ports in New York, Norfolk, Va., and Savannah. The Brazil and another similar-sized ship are also also a part of that service, which travels via the Suez Canal and is part of the Ocean Alliance of cargo vessels.

When it made its debut in 2012, the Marco Polo was the largest container vessel in the world. It has since been overtaken by ships able to carry 20,000 or more cargo boxes. Jim Newsome, president and CEO of the State Ports Authority, has said one of those bigger ships  able to haul 18,000 or more 20-foot containers  will eventually call on the maritime agency's new Leatherman Terminal, scheduled to open this month.

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Among the Marco Polo's superlatives:

It is longer than five Airbus A380 aircraft placed nose to tail;

It has a 21-knot thrust equivalent to 10 jet engines;

It produces enough power for a town of 16,000 residents; and

It can fit an aircraft carrier in its hull.

The Marco Polo's specific arrival date hasn't been set, and port officials will provide further details when its dock time is confirmed.

The SPA has invested $1.7 billion in upgrades to Charleston's port  including taller ship-to-shore cranes, a refurbished wharf at Wando Welch Terminal in Mount Pleasant and the new Leatherman Terminal  to accommodate the bigger and heavier container ships that haul cargo around the world. That's in addition to $558 million the state and federal governments are spending to deepen Charleston Harbor to 52 feet so those vessels can visit at any time, regardless of tide.

Newsome said the deployment of ultra-large container ships has been the dominant theme of the industry in recent years. He noted that the biggest vessel to visit South Carolina 20 years ago or so had about a quarter of the cargo capacity that the modern-day mega-carriers have.

"Every aspect of a port changed with the need to handle those ships efficiently. ... We couldn't have done it if we hadn't invested in the new terminal and at Wando," he told legislators during a Senate Transportation Committee hearing this week.
January 13

Graham Bell's partner Yebin Mok sustains 'a very nasty wound from an ice blade' during rehearsals.

While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced by Karina Manta. They were voted out the following weekend.

Ouch! Graham Bell's partner Yebin Mok suffers a freak accident after suffering 'a very nasty wound from an ice blade'

Out! While it was initially thought she would return to the competition, the injuries were worse than anticipated and she was replaced

January 26

Denise Van Outen announces she's quit Dancing On Ice after learning she'd fractured her shoulder in an accident during training.

The presenter, 46, shared an Instagram statement telling fans she'd withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training.

Denise was replaced by retired Olympic gymnast Amy Tinkler, 21, who made her debut on the ice the following weekend alongside pro Joe Johnson. Amy and Joe were voted off on February 14.

Injury! Denise Van Outen announced she'd quit after fracturing her shoulder in training

Gone! The presenter told fans she'd withdrawn the show after being told by doctors the injury would leave her severely limited in training [pictured with pro partner Matt Evers]

January 28

Billie Shepherd reveals her grandmother Wendy has tragically passed away. She died age 77 from pneumonia.

In the wake of the news it was revealed that the former TOWIE star wouldn't appear in the next episode of the ITV skating show following the death.

January 31

Rufus Hound misses the live show due to coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.

Positive! Rufus Hound quit the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19

February 3

Rufus Hound quits the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19.

The comedian, 41, took to Twitter to announce the news. He posted an accompanying video message explaining why he regretfully had to withdraw from the ITV skating competition.

Show bosses confirmed that Rufus and his professional partner Robin Johnstone would be both be stepping down and replaced by Matt Richardson, 29, and his pro-skater partner Vicky Ogden.

They were voted out after just one performance.

Tragedy! Billie Shepherd's grandmother died, after which she suffered a concussion and had to pull out [pictured with pro Mark Hanretty]

February 6

Billie Shepherd is forced to quit the show after suffering a concussion following a fall in training.

The Mummy Diaries star, 31, reportedly went to hospital for an MRI scan after being left unconscious following the accident.

The next day, Billie shared a photo of herself with professional partner Mark Hanretty from their 'first and last' dance as she confirmed her exit.

An ITV representative also confirmed to MailOnline that Billie would not be replaced for the remainder of the competition.

Crestfallen! The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was 'disappointed' to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was 'heartbroken'

February 12

Joe-Warren Plant becomes the fourth celebrity forced to bow out after he tested positive for coronavirus.

The Emmerdale actor, 18, said he was 'disappointed' to not be able to continue with the show, while his skating partner Vanessa Bauer, 24, said she was 'heartbroken'.

The professional skater revealed the pair got the 'shock' phone call during rehearsals on Thursday evening and said they 'both feel fine'.

February 14

Jason Donovan, 52, pulls out of the Valentine's Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain.

The former Neighbours actor said in a statement: 'I've had back pain the past couple of days and I'm under doctor's orders to take it easy and sit this week out.

'I'm resting up, I'll be watching from home and cheering everyone on and I look forward to returning next week.'

He sent a video message into the show wishing his fellow contestants luck for the episode.

Painful! Jason Donovan, 52, pulled out of the Valentine's Day live show with the star being advised to rest after suffering from back pain

Another one bites the dust! Hamish Gamin was forced to bow out after injuring his hand 'whilst putting on a sock'

February 15

ITV announce that Dancing On Ice will not air on February 21, but will be back, live on February 28.

The purpose of the break was to allow the stars a week off to give both cast and crew a chance to 'recharge and rest up'.

In a statement from an ITV spokesperson, it was revealed that show bosses felt it 'prudent to take a week's break at this juncture' to protect 'the welfare of all of those involved.'

February 16

Pro skater Hamish Gaman quits what is increasingly being referred to as the 'cursed' show.

Hamish, 37, is forced to bow out after injuring his hand 'whilst putting on a sock'.

An ITV spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition.

'We thank him for all his hard work and wish him the very best as he takes some time out to allow his injury to fully heal.'

Faye remains in the competition but is instead partnered with Matt Evers, who was previously partnered with Denise Van Outen.

Bye! An ITV spokesperson told MailOnlin - 'Sadly we can confirm that Hamish Gaman, who has been partnered with Faye Brookes, has had to withdraw from the competition'

February 22

Jason Donovan quits the show after failing to recover from a back injury.

The Neighbours star, 52, had pulled out of the Valentine's Day live episode to recover but on the advice of medics is not returning to the competition.

He announced the news on Facebook, saying he's 'completely gutted' to leave as he thanked his pro partner Alexandra Schauman for all her support.

Jason said: I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issue which occurred on DOI about 10 days ago and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I cant continue the competition and therefore have to withdraw.

'It's a nightmare and I'm completely gutted, we put so much work into getting to this point, but I have to respect my health and body moving forward and that's my biggest priority.'

February 26

ITV confirmed that the show's finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21

A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: 'ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week.

'The competitions final will now take place on Sunday 14th March. Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.

'Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.'
Mumbai, March 6 : A 20-year-old youth was found dead due to fall from a high rise society building. His father and grandfather were also found stabbed to death in the family flat, police said here on Saturday.

According to an official of Mulund Police Station, a wireless van got a message that a youth had fallen from a building and was lying badly injured in the compound.

The police van rushed to the spot at the Vasant Oscar Society on LBS Marg and found the victim, Shardul M. Mangle, lying in a pool of blood.

He was rushed to the nearby Agarwal Hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission.

Making further enquiries, when the police team reached the victim's flat in the same building, they came across two men including a senior citizen, stabbed to death.

They were later identified as Milind S. Mangle, 55, and Suresh K. Mangle, 85, the father and grandfather of the deceased Shardul.

The motives behind the multiple crimes are not clear and police teams led by top officers are investigating the incident which sent shockwaves in the Mulund suburb.

Prima facie, the police suspect that the boy may have stabbed his father and grandfather with a knife before jumping to his death from the multi-storied building.
On a January day two years ago, an emaciated whale washed up dead on Sandy Key, at the southernmost reaches of Floridas Everglades National Park. The 38-foot-long male had the long white throat grooves characteristic of baleen whales, which are rare in the Gulf of Mexico. A team of biologists soon gathered to examine the whale.

During the necropsy, a sharp piece of stiff plastic, not much bigger than a credit card, was removed from its second stomach chamber. The whale had probably swallowed the shard while feeding near the ocean floor, and it had perforated the stomach lining. There were no other injuries. Plastic had killed this whale.

The animals DNA matched that of a small population of endangered whales that resides off the Florida Panhandle, thought to be a subspecies of the Brydes whale, found in warm waters of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. Scientists from the National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, examined the bones, and after making skull measurements and reviewing genetic data from other similar whales, they came to an exciting conclusion: These gulf whales were not a subspecies of the Brydes whale at all, but a new species unique to the Gulf of Mexico.

Here was Darwins mystery of mysteries at work: These whales apparently diverged from other baleen whales because of their long isolation in the gulf. With limited opportunity for gene flow with other related whales, they evolved in their reclusion into a species of their own.
Fewer women giving birth in the private hospital system due to rising gap fees is now an existential threat to private obstetrics that risks overloading public hospitals, specialists say.

Only 10 per cent of privately insured mothers didnt have to pay a gap fee when they gave birth last year, federal health department data shows. The average gap was $800 for a caesarean and $700 for a vaginal delivery. This cost, which only covers the birth, varies by the complexity of birth, state, hospital and specialist.

Lou Rytmeister, who didnt use her private health insurance when her third child, Ruby, was born at Gosford Hospital. Credit:Steven Siewert

The proportion of women electing to have a baby using their private health insurance has fallen from 33 per cent in 2010 to 29 per cent in 2018, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare found.

High numbers of caesarean births are adding to the cost of insurance with about 45 per cent of all births in private hospitals by c-section, compared with 30 per cent in the public system. The World Health Organisation recommends a rate of 10-15 per cent. Private health insurers also say gap fees for obstetrics are high because legislation prohibits covering some costs.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the "resolute dedication" shown by the Indian armed forces over the past year, in the context of the "challenging situation on the northern border" and while facing the pandemic.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Combined Commanders Conference at Kevadia in his home state Gujarat, Modi also asked the Indian military to develop as a "future force," an official statement said.

"Modi stressed on indigenisation of national security system not just in sourcing weapons but also in the doctrines, procedures and customs," the statement said.

The prime minister was briefed by the Chief of Defence Staff about the discussions during the conference. Modi expressed his appreciation for the structure and agenda of the conference, the statement said.

Modi appreciated the inclusion of Junior Commissioned Officers and Non Commissioned Officers in the three-day long conference organised by the Defence Ministry.

"Speaking to the highest civilian and military leadership of the national defence system, the Prime Minister conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication shown by the Indian Armed Forces over the past year, in the context of the COVID pandemic and the challenging situation on the northern border," it said.

Modi emphasised the need to optimise manpower planning in both military and civilian parts of the national security architecture and called for a holistic approach, focused on breaking down civil-military silos and on expediting the speed of decision making.

He advised the Services to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that have outlived their utility and relevance, the statement said.

Taking note of the rapidly changing technological landscape, the prime minister highlighted the need to develop the Indian military into a 'future force'.

He said the country would be celebrating 75 years of its independence next year, and asked the armed forces to use the occasion to undertake activities and initiatives that would inspire the youth.

Earlier in the day, after landing at Ahmedabad airport, Modi left for Kevadia, which is around 200 km from the state capital.

At Ahmedabad airport, the prime minister was received by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.
Venice is a city like no other. Beautiful, romantic and formed of 118 islands linked with spectacular bridges and canals, its ornate palaces and piazzas have to be seen to be believed.

On this exclusive cruise of the islands in the Venetian lagoon, youll get to see the City of Water in the company of designer and TV presenter Kevin McCloud.

Youll have plenty of time to discover the Unesco World Heritage site, where gondolas replace cars and the canals are lined by elegant Renaissance palaces, on included excursions and also visit the lovely surrounding islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello.

Venice's ornate palaces and piazzas have to be seen to be believed. Pictured is one of the citys busy waterways

Suite spot: A room with a view on Super Ship La Venezia

OUR SPECIAL GUEST You will be joined by Kevin McCloud Kevin McCloud MBE is a British designer, writer and television presenter. He has presented Channel 4s Grand Designs since its debut in April 1999 and has also fronted Grand Designs Abroad, Kevin McCloud: Slumming It, Kevin McClouds Man Made Home and Kevin McClouds Escape To The Wild. He is also the author of several books on design. Advertisement

You will be joined by Kevin on your tour of Venices famous Rialto Bridge and the historic Fondaco dei Tedeschi merchants house, and hell give a talk on design and architecture on board your luxury Uniworld Super Ship.

Gourmet meals and unlimited drinks are included, as is a range of curated excursions to bring Venice and its islands to life.

At the end of your fantastic trip, there is also the option (at a supplement) to add a three-night stay in Lake Garda followed by an overnight return journey on the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

REASONS TO BOOK

Meet Kevin McCloud: Kevin will give a talk, then host a question-and-answer session. The next day, he will board a water taxi with you on the Grand Canal to the Rialto Bridge and Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Visit Venice: Built on tiny islands in a lagoon on the Adriatic Sea, this incredible city is truly breathtaking. Join a secret tour of hidden spots usually reserved for locals, visit the Doges Palace and see St Marks Basilica without the crowds.

Sail in style: Uniworld is one of the worlds most awarded luxury river cruise lines. Youll be sailing on one of the most luxurious cruise ships in Italy, Super Ship La Venezia, new for 2021, inspired by Venetian culture and offering a choice of three dining venues.

Explore the Veneto: Youll also see the waterfront shops, colourful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. And you will stop at Chioggia, a charming southern port loved by fishermen and sometimes called Little Venice.

Peace of mind: Uniworld is ABTA-bonded and the trip ATOL-protected, so you can book with confidence, as it is 100 per cent protected.
FRANKFURT, March 5 (Reuters) - German city Osnabrueck fears it will lose 14 million euros ($17 million) invested with Greensill Bank after the country's financial regulator warned this week of "an imminent risk" to the lender.

Osnabrueck is the third German municipal authority to disclose this week that it faced possible losses from the bank based in Bremen and a local finance official demanded the German government step in.

"I call on the federal government to assume these losses incurred by the municipalities," the official, Thomas Fillep, said in a statement.

A Greensill Capital spokesman declined to comment on Osnabrueck and similar investors with Greensill Bank, or the amount of unsecured funds the lender holds.

German regulator BaFin warned on Wednesday of the risk that Greensill Bank would become over-indebted and imposed a moratorium on it making disposals or payments.

BaFin's move was another blow to the bank's owner, Greensill Capital, which said on Tuesday it was in talks to sell large parts of its business after losing the backing of two Swiss asset managers.

Founded by Lex Greensill, a former Citigroup and Morgan Stanley banker, Greensill Capital is the largest non-bank provider of supply chain finance. It says its technology-driven approach provided $143 billion of financing in 2019 across 10 million customers and suppliers.

Germany's deposit protection scheme protects individuals but not institutional investors. Greensill Bank has about 500 million euros in unsecured funds, such as those from Osnabrueck and other towns, a person familiar with the matter said.

Like the German towns of Monheim am Rhein and Bad Duerrheim that have announced similar concerns about Greensill Bank, Osnabrueck was attracted to the lender because it helped them avoid paying negative interest rates on deposits elsewhere.

Osnabrueck, which has a population of 170,000, opted for Greensill Bank because its very good credit rating meant the city could assume it was a very safe investment, local official Fillep said.

Story continues

He criticised BaFin for not informing towns when concerns about the bank emerged last year, saying Osnabrueck would have scaled back its involvement if it had been aware.

BaFin said in a statement that it acted decisively in 2020 on Greensill Bank, taking various enforcement actions including the installation of a special monitor. However, BaFin said informing the public would have broken confidentiality laws.

Germany's finance ministry declined to comment. German credit ratings agency Scope did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Parliament's finance committee has put the Greensill Bank case on the agenda of a meeting later this month.

Osnabrueck began investing in time deposits with Greensill Bank last year and currently has nearly 14 million euros with maturities of between April 2021 and March 2022. Its most recent investment was 11.5 million euros in November.

Osnabrueck tried to withdraw the funds after a credit downgrade but was unable to, the city said. ($1 = 0.8382 euros)

(Reporting by Tom Sims and Christian Kraemer; Editing by Hans Seidenstuecker and David Clarke)

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Pope Francis has urged Iraqis to respect the nations Christians and reject longstanding religious conflicts and violence.

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church arrived Friday in Baghdad on a historic trip. He is the first pope to ever visit Iraq.

During his weekend visit, the popes main aim is expected to be to urge the nations decreasing Christian population to stay in Iraq to help rebuild the war-torn country.

Pope Francis told reporters aboard his plane he was happy to be traveling again after a yearlong break because of the coronavirus crisis. He said the trip to Iraq was an important one and represented a duty to a land tormented by many years.

Pope Francis was met at the airport by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Hundreds of people gathered in small groups to see him being driven into Baghdad. He rode in what Iraqi security officials said was an armored black BMWi750, surrounded by numerous police vehicles.

It was believed to be the first time a bullet-proof car was used to transport Pope Francis, who often travels in an open-sided popemobile and is known for meeting crowds.

In a speech upon arrival, Pope Francis urged Iraqis to look beyond their differences and see each other as members of the same human family. Only then will it be possible to begin an effective process of rebuilding and leave future generations a better, more just and more humane world, he said.

The 84-year-old pope wore a face mask during the flight from Rome and throughout his official visits, as did the people he met. But the masks came off when the leaders sat down to talk.

The popes first main event was a ceremony held at the presidential palace inside Baghdads heavily armed Green Zone. He told President Barham Salih and other officials that Christians and other minorities should not be considered second-class citizens in Iraq. They should be given the same rights and protections as the countrys Shiite Muslim majority.

Iraq today is called to show everyone, especially in the Middle East, that diversity, instead of giving rise to conflict, should lead to harmonious cooperation in the life of society, the pope said.

Salih praised Francis for coming to visit even as the pandemic continues and with security concerns. The East cannot be imagined without Christians, Salih said.

Christians once made up a sizeable minority in Iraq, with an estimated 1.4 million. But the numbers began to fall after the 2003 United States-led invasion that removed Saddam Hussein from power. The conflict opened a wave of unrest during which Islamic militants repeatedly targeted Christians.

The Christian population was reduced further in 2014, when Islamic State militants spread across northern Iraq, including traditionally Christian towns. Less than 300,000 Christians are believed to remain in the country.

Later Friday, Pope Francis prayed at the Baghdad church that was the site of one of the worst massacres of Christians, an attack in 2010 by Islamic militants that left 58 people dead.

On Sunday, he will honor the dead in a Mosul square surrounded by destroyed churches. He will also meet with the small Christian community that returned to Qaraqosh, home to a church that was used as a shooting range by the Islamic State.

The pope is also set to visit the city Ur, birthplace of the prophet Abraham, who is honored by Christians, Muslims and Jews. He will also meet with Iraqs top Shiite Muslim cleric, 90-year-old Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Im Bryan Lynn.

The Associated Press and Reuters reported on this story. Bryan Lynn adapted the reports for Learning English. Hai Do was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

torment  v. to make someone suffer or worry a lot

mask  n. a covering used to hide or disguise your face

second-class  adj. less important than other people

diversity  n. a situation in which many different kinds of things or people are included in something

harmonious  adj. friendly and peaceful

massacre  n. an act of killing a lot of people

church  n. a building where Christians to to worship God

cleric  n. a member of the clergy: a group of people authorized to perform duties in a Christian church
Copperas Cove, TX (76522)

Today

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 63F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Matchmaking for Publishers and Distributors

Several organizations in Spain have launched the Publishing Distribution Platform (PDP), a website intended to help match publishers and distributors. The project is run by the Madrid-based International Publishing Distribution Association (IPDA), in collaboration with Federacion de Asociaciones Nacionales de Distribuidores de Ediciones. PDP aims to help foster greater collaboration among the international publishing community and offers two online databases: one for publishers to search for distributors for their books in foreign countries, and one for distributors to search for clients overseas. The website is in English so as to appeal to the widest possible audience. At present, the databases currently have only a handful of listings but will build up over time, and the IPDA is encouraging publishers and distributors to add their information.

IPDA has become more active in recent years and has run several high-profile events in Europe focused on distribution, including Readmagine, an annual conference about the future of books in Madrid, and the International Publishing Distribution Forum during the Frankfurt Book Fair.

Argentinas Newest Publishing House

Publishing industry veteran Trini Vegara has launched Trini Vegara Ediciones, a publishing house focusing on genre fiction. Vegara was the longtime force behind Vegara & Riba Editoras, a leading publisher in Latin America, but sold her shares several years ago. Prior to launching Trini Vegara Ediciones, Vegara had been running publishing courses in Buenos Aires.

Initially, Trini Vegara Ediciones will have two imprints: Motus, focused on thrillers, and Gamon, focused on fantasy books. The press will offer titles by Spanish-language writers as well as translations. Among the first being published this spring are several by Americans, including Miracle Creek by Angie Kim and Line of Sight by James Queally.

In a recent interview published by Buenos Airesbased literary consultancy Proyecto451, Vegara reflected on the current state of the industry and noted that with much of the international book trade shut down, publishers will be dependent on local resources. What we see as a result of the pandemic is also going to happen in the economy: we have to take care of ourselves and be self-sufficient, she said, adding that one can no longer rely on printing and importing books from abroad. So maybe the future of books is going to be where there is a printing industry. Instead of sending a ship or a plane, we have to print locally.

Vegara added that the growth of online book sales is what will enable startup companies like her own to compete against conglomerates. Digital democratizes, she said. One of the most difficult fights against the big groups was for counter space in bookstores, which wasor iscrowded. But with digital there is no physical restriction.

Fortunately for smaller publishers, online sales boomed in Argentina last year, growing 124%, according to the Argentine Chamber of Electronic Commerce.

Denmarks Podimo Focuses on Latin America

One of the fastest-growing audiobook companies in the world is Podimo. Based in Denmark and cofounded by Morten Strunge, who also cofounded Mofibo, an audiobook company subsequently sold to Storytel, Podimo focuses on short-form fiction and podcasts and offers a freemium subscription model and more than 600 original productions. The company was founded in 2019 and has since raised some 26 million, including an 11.2 million round of financing announced in February.

Podimo started in Denmark and Germany, but what makes it different from other audiobook companies is its aggressive growth in the Spanish-language market. At the start of the year, it began a Spanish-language version of its app aimed at Latin American audiences, highlighting local podcasts and offering original content from notable authors.
February 24

Criminal mischief was reported at the 600 block of N. Interstate 27 on Feb. 24. Damaged business property was reported. According to the Police Department, an upset customer who was escorted from the building struck a door and broke it.

An assault was reported at the 2400 block of W. 16th St. on Feb. 24.

Burglary of a residence was reported at the 1400 block of Galveston St. on Feb. 24.

A crash resulting in vehicle damage was reported at the 1200 block of N. Columbia St. on Feb. 24.

A theft was reported at the 1200 block of W. 21st St. on Feb. 24.

February 25

Criminal mischief was reported at the 1300 block of Portland St. on Feb. 25.

Police arrested 23-year-old Carlos Arthur Tafolla at the 1200 block of Quincy St. on Feb. 25. Officers initially responded to the location in reference to an assault. According to police, Tafolla assaulted a female and held her against her will after a verbal argument. She got away and called police. Tafolla was charged with assault of a family/house member impeding breathing/circulation, which is a felony, and with unlawful restraint.

Harassment was reported at the 1100 block of W. 29th St. on Feb. 25.

Police arrested an 18-year-old woman at the 2800 block of Joliet St. on Feb. 25 for an active misdemeanor warrant.

While investigating a report of a possible missing person that originated in Lubbock, a suspect fled from police from the 200 block of Beech St. on Feb. 25. Officers attempted to detain the suspect, who did not comply and fled in a vehicle.

A theft was reported at the 3400 block of Olton Road on Feb. 25.

A burglary was reported at the 300 block of W. 16th St. on Feb. 25. Unauthorized use of a vehicle was reported in the same callout.

An assault was reported at the 1400 block of Travis St. on Feb. 25.

Police arrested 28-year-old man at the 300 block of Juanita St. on Feb. 25 after responding to the location in reference to an assault. While officers investigated the assault, they found a baggie with white substance determined to be meth. The individual was charged with assault causing bodily injury, family violence. No charges were filed for the controlled substance since it was not in anybodys immediate possession.

An assault was reported at the 1300 block of Dallas St. on Feb. 25.

February 26

A 21-year-old woman was arrested on Feb. 26 at the 500 block of Ash St. She was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Damaged property was reported at the 700 block of W. 21st St. on Feb. 26.

A burglary was reported at the 800 block of W. 16th St. on Feb. 26.

Police arrested a 42-year-old man at the 3400 block of Olton Road on Feb. 26. He was charged with public intoxication.

An 18-year-old man was arrested at the 1000 block of Ash St. on Feb. 26. He was charged with public intoxication.

February 27

Criminal trespassing was reported at the 600 block of Fresno St. on Feb. 27.

Police arrested 23-year-old Dalx Charles Gary on Feb. 27 at the 300 block of W. 16th St. Gary was charged with possession of a controlled substance, unauthorized use of a vehicle and burglary of a building, all of which are felonies. Gary was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Police responded to the 1100 block of Thunderbird St. on Feb. 27 in reference to a theft. The police report notes silent or abusive calls to the 9-1-1 system.

An assault was reported at the 900 block of Ash St. on Feb. 27.

Police arrested a 26-year-old man at the 200 block of NE Alpine St. on Feb. 27. The individual was charged with assault causing bodily injury.

An assault was reported at the 500 block of Utica St. on Feb. 27.

February 28

Officers arrested 35-year-old David Perez at the 3000 block of Dimmitt Road on Feb. 28 after responding to the location in reference to criminal trespassing. According to police, the individual was observed trespassing and had been previously reported for it. Police arrested and transported Perez to the Hale County Sheriffs Office where he was found to be in possession of marijuana. Perez was charged with criminal trespass and with having a prohibited substance or item in a correctional facility, which is a felony.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 2200 block of Houston St. on Feb. 28. Damage to private property was reported.

A crash resulting in injury was reported at the 1500 block of Quincy St. on Feb. 28.

A theft was reported at the 200 block of SE 6th St. on Feb. 28.

Fraud and abuse through a computer were reported on Feb. 28. According to police, a suspect lured a victim via Snapchat by promising money. The victim responded to the chat and ended up giving the suspect information to access the account in question. The suspect logged in and changed the password and took over the account. The suspect is now portraying themselves as the victim.

Monday, March 1

A hit-and-run crash resulting in damage to public property was reported on Monday at 24th and Kokomo St.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 2200 block of Houston St. on Monday. Damaged property was reported.

A burglary was reported at the 1200 block of N. Columbia St. on Monday.

Police arrested 19-year-old Lanie Danae Lawrence on Monday at the 1600 block of Yonkers. The individual was charged with possession of a controlled substance, which is a felony.

A theft from a vehicle was reported Monday at the 800 block of Ash St.

A burglary was reported at the 1300 block of Walter Griffin St. Monday.

A theft was reported at the 200 block of SE 6th St. Monday.

An assault was reported at the 3300 block of Quincy St. on Monday.

Police arrested 36-year-old Jesus Rodolfo Duran at the 2500 block of Sabine St. on Monday. Duran was charged with possession of a controlled substance, which is a felony, and with criminal trespassing. Officers initially responded to the location in reference to a theft.

Criminal mischief was reported at the 1400 block of W. 12th St. Monday. Damaged property was reported.

A stolen vehicle was reported at the 300 block of W. 5th St. on Monday.

Harassment via electronic communication was reported Monday at the 1500 block of W. 14th St.

Tuesday, March 2

A hit-and-run crash was reported at the 1500 block of N. Interstate 27 Tuesday.

Criminal mischief was reported Tuesday at the 1500 block of Houston St. Damage to a vehicle was reported.

An assault was reported at the 600 block of W. 24th St. on Tuesday.
On March 6 last year, everything changed.

At least, in South Carolina it did.

Other states had already reported their first cases of COVID-19, the strange new strain of coronavirus that would soon spread much more quickly than our capacity to contain it.

But that was before we knew. Before we started wearing masks to go grocery shopping. Before children were pulled from school or ICU beds started filling up or hundreds of thousands of people had died.

On that morning in 2020, though, South Carolina was still in a holding pattern, much the same as it had been for weeks. Because even though no one fully understood what was coming, it wasnt a question of if  but when.

And then that evening, Gov. Henry McMasters office announced an unexpected news conference. Two patients in South Carolina, one of them in Charleston and the other in Camden, had tested positive for the virus.

These were states first two official cases, but it would soon become clear that COVID-19 had already taken hold here, silently slipping in front of a virological surveillance system that wasnt even up and running yet.

For this grim one-year anniversary, The Post and Courier interviewed six hospital employees as they were each coming off a shift, all of them having become intimately aware over these past 12 months what the worst of this virus looks like.

Below, they share some of what they've seen in their own words. The following Exit Interviews have been lightly edited for length.

We wait and we wait and we wait.

Anna Carol Landry is a nurse at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley.

"Its hard to describe, but we have learned to recognize it in their eyes. They get this extremely, extremely fatigued  almost like they cant hold on anymore  they get that look.

"They sit there, sometimes for three and four days, on the max amount of oxygen that we can give them without intubating them and they sit there and they struggle and they fight. Usually, they cant even say more than few words. They cant eat at that point because even eating, chewing takes their energy, takes their breath. We try to do the best we can to give them protein shakes, to keep their energy up, and talk to them. A lot of them are trying to do everything we ask them.

"Watching them try so hard for days, its a whole new beast. With any other disease process, most of the time, when a patient gets that labored with their breathing and gets that tired, you normally have them go to the ICU and they get intubated and they get that rest and they let the machine breathe for them.

"But with COVID patients, the research is typically that your chances are not very good when you get intubated and you might not come off. Chances are you wont come off. And they have to tell these patients that up front. They have to make that decision. And so we wait and we wait and we wait as long as we possibly can before reaching that, and that is something that Ive never experienced as a nurse, watching that prolonged struggle. And it is awful and hard to watch that.

"And sometimes were trying to update their families on the phone and youre trying to convey how serious it is without taking away their hope, you know? Often, the patients cant even talk to them at that point because theyre so exhausted. But just to see them try to rally for their family members, thats the piece, too. If they can see their family and see what theyre fighting for, sometimes I feel like it makes a difference."

'It was too much.'

Michael Benson is an ICU nurse at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital.

"In the ICU, were a little different in that we see a lot of bad things. We see a lot of death. We see a lot of sad stories. We see a lot of happy ones, too, but thats kind of the thing. You always get a win here and there. Every once in a while you get to send someone home or your patient comes walking back in a few months later, thanks you and hugs you. And those are great. We didnt get any of that this year, at least not in the COVID ward.

"When theyre sick enough to get to us, the end result has not been good as a general rule.

"At this point, Ive learned to cope with it and Ive learned to deal with it, but there was a point where it was too much. There was a point where I didnt think I was going to hang in there a whole lot longer. Then, luckily, it kind of abated and we got a little breather and had a couple months where we werent really inundated. And then it came back. This run hasnt been as bad. Im vaccinated now. That makes me feel better.

"We still have bad cases. We still have deaths. All those things still exist. However, its not quite as overwhelming. I wouldnt say that I got numb to it or I got used to it. Its still there. But I think just having a years experience and having a little understanding of the virus and being around it for so long, at some point, you develop a familiarity with it and its not as big as it felt."

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'I actually caught it.'

Ariel McKnight works in environmental services at Medical University Hospital, cleaning patients' rooms in the COVID-19 unit.

"I work there every day. At first, I was kind of skeptical about it. But I dont know, I became accustomed to it and I kind of like it now.

"Its actually like one big open space and everybody is separated by curtains. I clean all beds, all floors, wipe down everything around them. Killing germs.

"Most of the time, they are sleeping. But when I go in in the morning, I still say good morning. They can hear you. The ones who are up? I speak to them, too. Really, they cant say much because of all the coughing. But I ask them how theyre doing, how theyre feeling. The majority of them say theyre feeling all right for the most part. But sometimes they get worse and sometimes they get better. It does sadden me when someone gets worse.

"There was actually someone who didnt make it and I was at work that day. That was pretty scary. He passed away on the unit. That was the first time I experienced something like that.

"Really, just trying to stay away from COVID has been the hardest this year. I actually caught it. I didnt even know I had it. I went to the doctor for something else. Anytime you go to the doctor, they have to test you. That's how I found out I had it. I didnt even have any symptoms, no fever, no loss of anything."

'I'm coming.'

Megan Higbie is a charge nurse and a rapid response nurse in the ICU at Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital.

"Its a 12-hour shift. We come in at 7. If youre a COVID nurse, you just take care of COVID patients. So in our ICU, youre provided scrubs, we change into the scrubs. We pull our hair up and usually put some kind of bonnet on. And then you get your N-95 out and ready for the day. We try to gather all our supplies and medications before the day, before we go into the room, because when you go into a COVID room, youre considered what we say dirty and youre not allowed to go anywhere else in the unit. Theres actually tape on the floor and thats how weve stepped up our measures to try to keep people from contracting COVID. Its just another kind of safety barrier.

"Its two pairs of gloves. Its a gown. We usually put a hair net on top of the bonnet, then the mask and a shield. What becomes challenging, if the patient is really desperately wanting you to run into the room  whether theyre confused or need to go to the bathroom right that minute  you have to explain to them, we have glass doors where you basically have to knock on the door and say Im coming as you gown up to go into the room to try to take care of them. Because ultimately, they want you safe before you run into the room. We were told from the beginning, if someone was coding, we were all to look out for ourselves. Everybody doesnt go running in.

"A lot of the patients, if theyre sick enough to be in the ICU, theyre very short of breath typically. Coughing a lot. They either become confused or agitated or anxious because theyre so short of breath. Some will say they feel like theyre suffocating. They cant catch their breath. At times, theyre trying to get out of bed to maybe reposition themselves or theyre just confused and dont know where they are. The challenge, again, is to get yourself protected to go in there and reorient them and tell them its going to be OK.

"We get to know our patients quite a bit. Once they come to the ICU, they could be in there for a week to three weeks to a month. I think the toughest days are when you know your patient is headed towards a ventilator. As nurses, what weve learned is once you get on a ventilator, its very hard to get off. When these patients are struggling to breathe and were calling the family and the family and the patient are basically talking and saying I love you, it truly could be the last time they talk to each other."

'I was nervous. Still am nervous.'

Hannah Burchard is a patient care technician in the COVID-19 unit at Trident Medical Center in North Charleston.

"My dad actually passed away from cancer a year and a half ago and ever since I took care of him, along with my grandparents, I fell in love with helping people and being able to be there when their families arent.

"Ive been on second-floor oncology since I started here and our floor just happened to get turned into a COVID unit. I definitely threw fits at times, like I dont want to be here! Im going to catch it!

"I was scared. It's turned into a normal thing now. Its weird. Its like an everyday thing. Im always on that floor. I dont get floated to other floors or units. But I was nervous. Still am nervous, but Ive become more comfortable and confident. There are people whove come from other floors, who dont work with the COVID patients, and I have to say, Woah, woah, woah. Stop. This is what you need to do. These are the protocols."

'It kind of broke my heart.'

Haylee Seidenberg is a charge nurse in the emergency room at Trident Medical Center.

"Its been really challenging. Its been really difficult. But I dont think that nurses have ever felt so supported in their lives. Its been rewarding in some sense, kind of getting the recognition that we dont always get. Its been nice to hear thank yous. But it comes at a cost.

"The holidays were really difficult. I worked Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. That was really hard because people dont come in on the holidays unless they absolutely have to. Theyre hard to work anyway, but it was extremely difficult because we had a lot of really sick patients come in on Christmas, specifically. Its a holiday. Most of their families couldnt be with them. It was just really sad. It kind of broke my heart. For selfish reasons, too. I wanted to be with my family and couldnt.

"It comes in waves. There are some days where its just, I dont know if I can come back tomorrow. I dont know if I can take another loss. I dont know if I can keep working this hard and this hard. And some days, its like I did a really good job today. I actually helped somebody.

"Its overwhelming. Every day, you feel a sense of overwhelming."
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday, March 6, 2021

Jim Garrison was convinced that Kerry Thornley was the second Oswald. Here is a memo regarding an interview with yet another felon about Oswald and Ruby.

You can see the Garrison notations throughout the document, and right at the top right of the first page, there is checkmark next to Thornley. On the left of the document, I can't fully make out Garrison' scribble, but is noting that Oswald leaving New Orleans on September 25, while Thornley arrived in New Orleans after passing through Dallas. In another scribble, on the first page, Garrison wonders if it is Oswald or Thornley.

And, of course, Oswald was hanging out with Ruby at the "hangout for homosexuals." Now, that sounds like Thornley! Or Oswald? Or the second Oswald?
A man is in custody for a murder in Florence on Feb 14.

Florence police arrested Roydricker Lamar Bullock, 36, on Friday for the murder of Patrice Denice Lott, 48. The United States Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Task Force helped in finding and arresting Bullock at his home in Greene County.

Bullock will be transferred to the Lauderdale County Detention Center to be held on a $150,000 bond.

Lott was found by Florence police officers on Feb. 14 at a home in the 800 block of North Royal Avenue after receiving a call for medical assistance.

Police said at the time of the murder that Lotts family members hadnt spoken to her since Feb. 12. Her body was found when they came to check on her at the home.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Rev. William Myers had never sent money to a politician before, but the recent Georgia runoff elections were too important. Myers, the pastor at New Mount Zion Baptist Church, wanted the Democrats to gain control of the U.S. Senate.

So he sent money to the campaigns of Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff. He encouraged his congregation and current and former students at Ashland Theological Seminarys Cleveland branch to do the same.

We needed to not just get the presidency back, we needed to get the Senate if the president was going to be able to get anything done, said Myers, 73, of Middleburg Heights. So its like this needed to be a national movement and supported by Black people nationally.

For the one-year anniversary of the coronavirus pandemic, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer interviewed Northeast Ohio residents about their experiences, and what theyll take away from these strange 12 months. Find all stories from Glimmers of light in a pandemic year here.

During the pandemic year, Myers realized the importance of urging people to grow their political activism, emphasizing the importance of voting not only in presidential elections but also midterms and local elections. Myers knows Warnock personally because both are in theological circles, with Warnock the senior pastor at Atlantas Ebenezer Baptist Church, the same church Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached at.

Related: Apathy, poverty and changing population dynamics contribute to Clevelands low voter turnout

The major stuff happens with the courts, the governors, Congress people and all of that, major stuff happens in the off years, Myers said. And once you let that happen, the state legislators and all that, once you let all of those people get in, and then they can change the districting, the impact on the census. They can change everything.

Coming of age in the 1960s, Myers has seen social and political activism up close. During the 1966 Hough riots, Myers was 18 years old, watching with friends at chaos that stretched from about East 93rd Street to East 65th.

Myers saw National Guard members walking around with rifles ,and machine guns being set up on top of bus stations.

It was kind of amazing to us, Myers said. As kids youre sitting up there, watching all of these soldiers driving up and down the streets in these Humvees and these tanks, walking with machine guns and all of that. It was just kind of surreal.

The Hough riots were a result of years of buildup in the neighborhood, where Black people had been mistreated, Myers said. The police killing of George Floyd last summer was a similar tipping point, causing protests across the country.

As Myers does his part to create change, he has supported Cuyahoga County Council Rep. Shontel Brown and introduced her to his congregation. He thinks having young people like Brown as public officials, as well as having young people work in other fields, is important to create change.

We gotta raise up young people and encourage them to be engaged, Myers said. Not just in politics though, but also as entrepreneurs and business. Doctors and preachers, so that we are raising up these civil rights fighters. Martin Luther King was in his 20s. John Lewis was in his 20s. So we gotta do that again.

Myers has also encouraged his congregation to be vaccinated. He was hesitant about receiving the vaccine at first, but when he heard information from his daughter, a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, as well as other Black doctors, he felt comfortable taking the vaccine. He has received two Moderna doses and did not have side effects from either of them.

As Myers told his congregation about the vaccine, giving information from both sides so people could make their own decisions. Many of his congregants decided to take the vaccine.

We came around that this is going to be best for us, and we need to get in line too when our turn comes, Myers said. Because others are going to get in line and you may not have a chance.
Two area fires that occurred Friday evening and Saturday morning have displaced a total of 11 families, officials said.

A residential fire on Hobart Street in Meriden displaced two families consisting of eight adults, according to Meriden Assistant Fire Chief Brian Wysoki.

The Hobart street fire  which was called in at 4:49 a.m. according to WTNH  has been extinguished. The families are being relocated by the Red Cross and the fire remains under investigation by the fire marshals office, according to Wysoki.

Wysoki said he was unsure of the structural damage caused to the property.

Another fire, in New Haven on Peck Street, was called in at 5:01 p.m. Friday and was under control by 5:30 p.m., Director of Emergency Management Rick Fontana said Saturday. According to Fontana, it was a bedroom fire in a residential apartment structure housing approximately seven units.

This probably will not be a long-term displacement, Fontana said. Fontana said the buildings gas and water lines might have been shut off, leading to the nine families displacement.

The fires cause remains undetermined, and the fire marshals office has launched an investigation, according to Fontana.
Former President Donald Trump arrives on stage to address the Conservative Political Action Conference held in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 28, 2021. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Trump Endorses Sen. Crapo, Gov. McMaster, Lt. Gov. Griffin

Former President Donald Trump announced three endorsements on March 5, backing the reelection of Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, and the Arkansas attorney general bid by the states Republican Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin.

Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho has my Complete and Total Endorsement. Mike is tough on Crime, Strong on the Border, and fights for our Military and our Vets. He will continue to be a Champion for our Second Amendment and the great Outdoorsmen and Women of Idaho and the USA, Trump said.

Crapo has served in the U.S. Senate since 1999. He is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Henry McMaster has been a great Governor for the wonderful people of South Carolina. He is Strong on the Military, our Vets, Crime, and the Second Amendment. He has also been a fabulous Chief Executive for his State. Henry has my Complete and Total Endorsement as he runs for re-election! the president said in a statement released by his Save America political action committee.

McMaster, a Republican, became the governor of South Carolina in 2017. His predecessor was Nikki Haley, who went on to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under Trump.

Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, who is running for Attorney General, is a highly respected Army Veteran who will always fight for the great people of Arkansas. Tim will be tough on Crime, defend our Second Amendment, loves our Military and our Vets, and will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave Men and Women of Law Enforcement. Tim Griffin has my Complete and Total Endorsement!

Griffin represented Arkansass 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2015. He has served as the lieutenant governor of Arkansas since January 2015.

Trump, the de facto kingmaker of the Republican party, has been rolling out endorsement announcements since shortly after he left the White House in January. He endorsed his former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders for the governor of Arkansas and the reelection bids of Republican Sens. John Kennedy (La.), Tim Scott (S.C.), Jerry Moran (Kansas).

The former president endorsed former White House official Max Miller on Feb. 26 in the U.S House primary contest against Ohio Rep. Anthony Gonzales, one of the ten Republicans who voted in favor of impeachment. Trump also endorsed top Ohio Republican Bob Paduchik on Feb. 24 to lead the states GOP. Paduchik was elected for the post four days later.
New Delhi:

In a shocking incident, a 35-year old Dalit woman's nose was allegedly cut after she along with her husband refused to work as bonded labourers. Her husband was also allegedly beaten up by two members of an upper caste family at Renvjha village in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh.

"They deliberately hit my wife with an axe on the nose," said Raghvendra, Janaki Bai's husband. Two men have been arrested and the police are investigating the matter.

The state government, however, has dismissed the case as a dispute between two families. "There was a conflict between two groups. The fight became violent and they cut off the nose of the woman with an axe. This was not intentional and investigation is going on," said state home minister Bhupendra Singh.

The woman has been hospitalised for treatment. The MPWC chairperson Lata Wankhede told reporters that the accused, who wanted to make the woman and her husband bonded labourers, had cut the womans nose.

Narendra Singh and his father Sahab Singh beat up the woman's husband on Monday when he refused to go to their house and do some work, inspector RS Bagri of Surkhi police station said.

He added that the police have registered a case under section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the IPC and also under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and were looking for the accused who are absconding.

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Japan Cablecast, based in Tokyo, is a distributor of digital television broadcasts for cable stations. It chose and implemented TAGs MCM-9000 in its Network Operations Center (NOC) to monitor 160 signals, working with DIGIcas, TAGs Japanese partner.

All the streams, including MPEG-TS and OTT, are monitored 24/7/365; errors and problems are logged automatically and recorded by the system. Error reporting, as well as full control of the MCM-9000 by third party devices are achieved via the MCM-9000s API.

Until now, we had to convert IP streams to SDI for monitoring on a Multiviewer, and that was a problem, explained Nishizawa, chief manager, Japan Cablecast. The TAG system allows us to bypass the IP to SDI conversion process and monitor the original MPEG-TS and OTT signals for video/audio compliance, as well as all other stream parameters, making the monitoring much more comprehensive and accurate while saving us time and increasing the efficiency of the staff.

Added Adi Itzhaki, TAG VP sales: We were delighted to work with our great partner, DIGIcas, on this exciting project. Japan Cablecast is a prime example of how TAG can save customers valuable time as well as money. The system streamlines the monitoring workflow process, addresses upgrades with ease and because it is all software, all IP, it offers JCC assurance that its investment is virtually futureproof.
[March 05, 2021] QUANTUMSCAPE 72 HOUR DEADLINE ALERT: Former Louisiana Attorney General and Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Remind Investors With Losses in Excess of $100,000 of Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits Against QuantumScape Corporation - QS

Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have only until March 8, 2021 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against QuantumScape Corporation (NYSE: QS), if they purchased the Company's securities between November 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020, inclusive (the "Class Period"). These actions are pending in the United States District Courts for the Northern District of California and Southern District of Illinois. What You May Do If you purchased securities of QuantumScape and would like to discuss your legal rights and how these cases might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-qs/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in these class actions by overseeing lead counsel with the goal of obtaining a fair and just resolution, you must request this position by application to the Court by March 8, 2021.



About the Lawsuit QuantumScape and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

On January 4, 2021, before market open, an investigative report issued by Seeking Alpha highlighted numerous measures of subpar performance discovered in the Company's solid state battery products that rendered them "completely unacceptable for real world field electric vehicle performance," contrary to the Company's prior statements touting its battery's performance data, as well as other significant challenges "to be overcome before they can put the first car in the fieldthat they have not solved yet and so remain silent about." On this news, the price of QuantumScape's shares plummeted to a close of $49.96 per share on January 4, 2021, a one-day decline of 41% and a decline of more than 62% from the stock's Class Period high of more than $131 per share on December 22, 2020. The first-filed case is Malriat v. QuantumScape Corporation, 21-cv-00058. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005604/en/

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She recently enjoyed a getaway to St. Barts amid the coronavirus pandemic.

And Victoria Silvstedt looked sensational as she enjoyed a beach stroll in Miami on Friday after jetting to the Florida hotspot.

The supermodel, 46, showcased her incredible figure in a tiny yellow crop top which she teamed with a beige mini skirt.

Wow: Victoria Silvstedt looked sensational as she enjoyed a beach stroll in Miami on Friday after jetting to the Florida hotspot

Adding some finishing touches, Victoria opted for a long silver necklace and a stylish beach bag to hold her essentials.

The supermodel styled her blonde locks into a tousled hairdo, adding a slick of make-up and oversized brown sunglasses.

Victoria knew how to work her best angles as she used the sand as her runway to proudly display her sensational figure.

In the romance department, the Swedish beauty is dating businessman Maurice Dabbah.

Work it: The supermodel, 46, showcased her incredible figure in a tiny yellow crop top which she teamed with a beige mini skirt

Details: Adding some finishing touches, Victoria opted for a long silver necklace and a stylish beach bag to hold her essentials

Gorgeous: The supermodel styled her blonde locks into a tousled hairdo, adding a slick of make-up and oversized brown sunglasses

The blonde - who was previously married to Chris Wragge - has been in a relationship with real estate expert Maurice since 2011 and the couple are often seen enjoying vacations on his yacht together.

Like a number of other stars, the media personality is among the set who faithfully travel to the Caribbean island annually to ring in the New Year in glamorous style.

The former E! star has enjoyed a lengthy stint in the spotlight after being chosen to represent her country in the Miss World pageant in 1993.

Work it: Victoria knew how to work her best angles as she used the sand as her runway to proudly display her sensational figure

After her pageant days, the Scandinavian stunner was spotted by Hugh Hefner and went on to become a Playboy Playmate.

Since her career rocketed, Victoria has modelled for some of the world's most prestigious fashion houses, including Chanel, Dior and Valentino.

Despite the glamorous veneer to her lifestyle as a young model, the former musician revealed there was a dark side in a recent interview with Female First.

She said: 'I started very young to model in Paris when I was 18, I remember like starving myself to fit into the clothes and it was an amazing experience but you know I did shows for Valentino, Chanel, so it was really prestigious.'
The White House COVID-19 response team said Friday that all coronavirus vaccines currently available were safe and effective and urged Americans to take whichever one they had access to, after the mayor of Detroit reportedly declined an allocation of the Johnson & Johnson drug.

At a news briefing Thursday, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said he was declining a shipment of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, adding that while it was a very good vaccine, he felt the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines were better and he wanted to get the people of Detroit "the best."

At a virtual news briefing Friday, coronavirus special adviser Andy Slavitt said that the White House reached out to the mayor and that there had been a misunderstanding. It was not Duggan's intent to refuse the vaccine, said Slavitt, adding, "In fact, he is very eager for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine."

National Institutes of Health infectious-disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci again said that all three approved vaccines were "extraordinarily" effective in preventing severe disease and death. He advised taking the first available vaccine because the important thing is to be vaccinated.

A motorist waits to be vaccinated by a health worker at the Forum, one of several mass COVID-19 vaccination sites in Los Angeles County. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Counties across California are increasingly pushing back against the states new vaccination program run by Blue Shield of California, with Los Angeles County officials the latest to ask for the ability to opt out amid a bipartisan chorus of concern.

Further complicating the rollout of the states new venture with the insurance giant is a lack of buy-in from counties, with none of Californias 58 counties having signed the Blue Shield contract yet, according to representatives of urban and rural county advocacy groups and local government leaders. Despite that, the state began to move ahead with the changes Monday beginning in 10 counties.

The hesitations and uncertainties span urban, suburban and rural parts of the state, said Sarah Dukett, legislative advocate for the Rural County Representatives of California. Its not always the case that everyone is in the same boat. I hope the state is listening to that, but they really seem to be full steam ahead.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in January that Blue Shield would take over as an independent overseer of Californias network of COVID-19 vaccine providers, a move that came as criticism mounted that the state was initially too slow in getting doses into the arms of residents. In an attempt to hasten delivery, Newsom said California would streamline the system under Blue Shield to create more efficient distribution, speed, and equity and transparency with vaccines.

Under an agreement signed Feb. 15, California began to outsource functions to Blue Shield that had previously been managed by public officials at the state and local levels. A separate deal allows for Kaiser Permanente to oversee doses within its own healthcare system and at additional vaccine sites independent of Blue Shields oversight.

On Friday, Blue Shield officials told the states Community Vaccine Advisory Committee that contracts with counties were being finalized, although no timeline was provided. Its unclear how a potential impasse with counties would affect vaccine distribution in those areas. Blue Shield is scheduled to take full management responsibility for the statewide network by March 31.

Story continues

Newsom cautioned on Thursday that the changes just started this week; therell be other waves in the next couple weeks. But a lack of support for the new system continues to pose a significant obstacle.

In a March 2 letter to Newsom, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda Solis and Chair Pro Tem Holly Mitchell asked that the county be exempted from Blue Shields oversight, requesting a similar carve-out as Kaiser Permanente. Solis and Mitchell wrote that Blue Shield officials have not demonstrated they have an adequate understanding of the unique needs and features of Los Angeles County, its diverse population, and where our residents go for health care.

Before the deal with Blue Shield was signed, Ventura County also asked the state to opt out of the system, saying insufficient supply, not poor oversight, was hurting vaccine distribution. State and Blue Shield officials told Ventura County that opting out was not an option, said Barry Zimmerman, chief deputy director for the countys Health Care Agency.

San Joaquin, Riverside, Fresno, Imperial and six other counties are the first to come under Blue Shield oversight this week.

Last week, the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors requested that the countys counsel explore options for opting out of the tremendous bureaucratic system supervisors said would be implemented under Blue Shield.

The terms of the contract and the ability to opt out are currently under review, said Jolena Voorhis, deputy county administrator for San Joaquin.

Riverside County is reviewing the Blue Shield contract and discussing options with other counties, but a county official declined to elaborate further.

The University of California Health system signed the Blue Shield contract last week, but only after changes were made to it. University officials said Blue Shield initially sought an expansive amount of medical data.

One key concern for counties is a requirement in the Blue Shield contract that all vaccine providers use the states My Turn appointment system, which has been hammered this week by complaints of glitches and compatibility issues. County officials have complained that the scheduling system is unable to set aside vaccine appointments for people living in underserved communities, one of the key components of the states efforts to ensure doses are being distributed equitably.

In addition, using My Turn has created more work for some vaccine providers, requiring them to enter data twice  once in their own systems for billing and record-keeping, and a second time into the states new system. State officials promised to create an interface between the two systems; however, that could take weeks or months to develop, county officials said. State officials said Friday its scheduled to be completed in two weeks.

Santa Clara County administration has very serious concerns about the Blue Shield contract, County Executive Jeffrey Smith said. The proposal doesnt make any sense for large counties with well-established healthcare delivery systems that already provide healthcare and vaccinations to a large, diverse population.

Smith said the requirement that vaccine providers use the states My Turn system, which he called an inferior system controlled by Blue Shield, is just another hurdle to equitably administering inoculations.

We believe that would disable our current vigorous equity outreach program, leaving our highest-risk population to fend for themselves, Smith said. All we really need from the state is more vaccine. We dont need a new and inferior delivery system.

Los Angeles County Supervisors Mitchell and Solis said in their March 2 letter to Newsom that they have concerns that vaccine providers in vulnerable communities will be excluded from administering doses under the new contract, and noted problems with the required transition to My Turn.

Mitchell and Solis wrote that Los Angeles County has administered 95% of vaccine doses allocated to the county, which amounts to nearly 2 million doses as of Feb. 26.

The supervisors wrote that the county has been limited by a scarcity of supply and variability in the amount of vaccine received from week to week. The county has the ability to administer 500,000 vaccines a week, they said, but available doses have limited appointments to 270,000.

The supervisors added that there is a lack of transparency in the calculation for determining how many doses a county receives, and in who is making the decision and what factors are being considered.

Under Blue Shields contract with the state, the insurer will create an algorithm to determine where to allocate COVID-19 vaccines statewide.

When the contract was released, Mitchell called the concept of relying on an algorithm extremely concerning.

Meanwhile, the state announced Friday that it had surpassed 10 million vaccinations, with 1.67 million doses administered in the last seven days. Its too early to attribute that uptick to changes under Blue Shield, a spokesperson for the California Department of Public Health said.

Counties are continuing to receive vaccine, despite the contract hang-ups. Erika Conner, a spokeswoman for Blue Shield, said vaccine providers who were already receiving doses before the new contract are continuing to receive them during the transition period.

Our aim is to enhance the state network to support the states goal to increase its capacity and be able to administer 4 million doses a week  and we are well on our way to meeting that milestone, Conner said in a statement.

Conner said the vaccine provider network being created under the new system includes clinics in underserved areas, hospitals, medical groups and pharmacies. The Times request to the California Department of Public Health for a list of vaccine providers that have signed on to be part of the system under Blue Shield was forwarded to the insurance company, which declined to provide the information.

Instead, Conner said in a statement that the company will provide more updates on the status of the network in the coming weeks.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Beirut, March 6 : The European Union (EU) has adopted a 130 million euros ($155 million) assistance package to support Syrian refugees and local communities in Jordan and Lebanon, according to an official statement.

The statement issued on Friday by the bloc's office in Lebanon said the package aims to support Syrian refugees in key areas such as social protection, healthcare services or waste management, reports Xinhua news agency.

For Lebanon, the funds will also help to alleviate the consequences of the Port of Beirut blasts last August, which affected both Syrian refugees and the local people.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said that the EU will continue to do all it can to support the Syrian people, civil society, refugees and their host communities in neighbouring countries.

He also noted that the EU will host the fifth Brussels Conference on "Supporting the future of Syria and the region" on March 29-30 to reaffirm international support for the UN efforts for a negotiated political solution to the Syrian conflict.

Lebanon, which remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, currently hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrian refugees, according to the UN.

Since the start of the conflict in Syria in 2011, Jordan has shouldered the impact of a massive influx of Syrian refugees.

Syrian refugees account for more than 10 per cent of Jordan's population today, placing immense pressure on the country's over-stretched resources, the World Food Program says.
By: Joe Dworetzky

Bay City News Foundation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on Thursday reversed the conviction of James Philip Lucero for engineering a scheme to dispose of dirt and debris on lands adjoining the Mowry Slough in Newark, near the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Lucero was a "self-described 'dirt-broker' who provided contractors and trucking companies with open space to dump fill material, or dirt, taken from construction sites for a fee," according to the court.

He was indicted in 2016 for "knowingly discharging a pollutant" into "navigable waters" in violation of the federal Clean Water Act.

The heart of the dispute was what the trial judge should have told the jury about the meaning of the word "knowingly."

There was no dispute that Lucero had discharged soil and debris at two sites near the slough and that the fill constituted a "pollutant" as the term is used in the act.

There was also no dispute that Mowry Slough was "navigable waters," within the meaning of the statute.

However, according to the indictment, Lucero dumped the soil and dirt at two areas near - but not in - the slough.

The dumping occurred in July and August of 2014. That time of year is normally "hot and dry," and 2014 was a drought year.

Moreover, the areas of disposal "were separated from the slough by a levee made of packed dirt to keep water in or out."

At the time of the dumping, the site was dry land. And while there was evidence that Lucero had visited the area in May of that year, there was no evidence about "the condition of the land at that time or evidence about whether Lucero would have known that the sites were inundated with water, rather than dry land."

The government showed that the sites included "wetlands and a tributary subject to the Act," and there was a "hydrological connection" between the wetlands and tributary and the slough.

It all came down to what Lucero knew at the time of the discharge.

In order for Lucero to be convicted, the prosecutors had to prove that he acted "knowingly." The question for the appeals court was what it was that Lucero needed to know.

There were three main possibilities.

The first was the one used by the trial court when he instructed the jury that to convict they needed to find that Lucero had knowingly discharged a pollutant.

The problem with that instruction was that the crime for which Lucero was charged was knowingly discharging pollution into "waters of the United States," a phrase that means "navigable waters."

The court had little trouble concluding that merely knowing that a pollutant was discharged was not sufficient.

The harder issue--and the one the court explored at length--was whether it was sufficient if the defendant knew that the pollutant was discharged "into water," or did he have to know that the discharge was into "navigable waters."

The distinction - though dry and technical - was important because, as the court observed, "most Americans would be surprised to learn that dry land might be treated as 'navigable waters' under the Clean Water Act."

On this fine point, the three-judge panel split.

Two judges found that knowledge that the pollutant was discharged "into water" was sufficient.

The other believed that the defendant had to have knowledge that the waters were in fact "navigable waters."

Despite their differing views on that point, all the judges agreed that the trial judge's instruction to the jury was incorrect. They also agreed the the error was not harmless. Therefore, they sent the case back for a new trial with instructions that the government must prove that Lucero knowingly discharged pollutants "into water."

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.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan rose to 3,21,356 on Saturday with 233 more people contracting the viral disease, according to a health department bulletin.

The death toll, however, remained unchanged at 2,789, it said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed concern over the rising number of cases in the state.

"Cases of infection are continuously increasing since the beginning of March. Last month, less than 100 cases were being reported each day. But the figure is now above 200. It is an appeal to people to follow COVID protocol as done previously else the government will have to act strictly," Gehlot said in a tweet.

Of the fresh cases, Jaipur reported 38, Jodhpur 25, Udaipur 23, Kota 13, Rajsamand 12 and Bhilwara 10, the bulletin said.

As many as 1,703 patients are under treatment and 3,16,864 people have been discharged so far, it said, adding Jaipur has so far reported 519 deaths, Jodhpur 307, Ajmer 222, Kota 169, Bikaner 167, Udaipur 123, Bharatpur 120, Pali 109 and Sikar 101.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A selection of the week's mining stories in snapshot

Rio Tinto PLC (LON:RIO) said its chairman Simon Thompson will step down at the Anglo-Aussie company's 2022 annual general meetings.

Sam Laidlaw, senior independent director of Rio Tinto PLC, and Simon McKeon, senior independent director of Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO), will jointly lead the search for Thompson's successor after he decided not to seek re-election.

"I am proud of Rio Tinto's achievements in 2020, including our outstanding response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a second successive fatality-free year, significant progress with our climate change strategy, and strong shareholder returns," said Thompson. "However, these successes were overshadowed by the destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters at the Brockman 4 operations in Australia and, as chairman, I am ultimately accountable for the failings that led to this tragic event," he added.

Rio Tinto destroyed the Juukan rockshelters in the Pilbara region of Western Australia in May 2020, damaging its longstanding relationship with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura People - the Traditional Owners of the 46,000-year-old caves.

Shanta Gold Ltd (LON:SHG) generated revenue of US$147.4mln from its gold production operations in Tanzania during the year to 31 December 2020, up significantly from the US$112.8mln generated in 2019.

Bacanora Lithium PLC (LON:BCN) has received 21.8mln from Sonora Lithium Ltd (SLL) after Ganfeng Lithium Co Ltd exercised a share option.

Galileo Resources PLC (LON:GLR) said it agreed to sell the Star zinc project to a local Zambian mining company for US$750,000, in a deal that could allow it to benefit from future royalty payments.

Metal Tiger PLC (LON:MTR) said progress was encouraging at the Kitlanya East copper-silver project in Botswana, operated by Kalahari Metals Ltd (KML).

Savannah Resources PLC (LON:SAV) said the ongoing metallurgical test work programme at its Mina do Barroso lithium project in Portugal has highlighted the potential for lower capital and operating costs.

BlueRock Diamonds PLC (LON:BRD) has raised gross proceeds of 1.5mln through an oversubscribed share subscription at 40p per share.

Metal Tiger PLC (LON:MTR) said it will vote in favour of all resolutions at an extraordinary general meeting of 19.99%-owned investee company Cobre Limited to decide whether Cobre should acquire 51% of the issued share capital of Kalahari Minerals Ltd (KML).

W Resources PLC (LON:WRES) said it successfully completed its plant improvement programme at the La Parrilla Mine in Spain, leading to improved efficiency and increased production of tin and tungsten concentrate.

Landore Resources Ltd (LON:LND) said drilling at the BAM gold deposit in Canada is proceeding as scheduled with results so far confirming the depth and length extensions of the west pit.

Mkango Resources Ltd (LON:MKA)(CVE:MKA) completed its flotation pilot plant programme for the Songwe Hill rare earths project in Malawi.

Strategic Minerals PLC (LON:SML)(USOTC:SMCDY) confirmed the rollover of access to the magnetite stockpile in New Mexico.

Emmerson PLC (LON:EML) has raised 5.5mln in a placing of shares at an issue price of 5.75p.
At least 415 companies of central



forces will be deployed for the first phase of polling on March 27 in West Bengal, a senior official said on Saturday.

So far, 200 companies of CAPF, including 30 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and five companies each of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have reached the state, he said.

"The rest 215 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be reaching the state in the next couple of days. These forces will be deployed in the assembly constituencies, which will be going to the polls in the first phase," the official said.

Each company of the cetral forces consists of 100 personnel.

In the first phase, elections will be held in 30 assembly constituencies in five districts. Total 10,288 polling booths have been set up for the phase, he said.

There will be 3,127 booths in Purulia, 1,328 in Bankura, 2,437 in Purba Medinipur and 2,089 in Paschim Medinipur, the official said.

During the day, EC's special observer Ajay Nayak and police observer Vivek Dubey held a series of meetings with senior officials of the administration in the districts.

Besides, they also met Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Jag Mohan, who is the state police's nodal officer.

"Most of the discussion was on the law and order, and the preparedness for the polls to be held in the first phase," the official said.

Special expenditure observer B Murali Kumar will be arriving in Kolkata on Monday, he added.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Drake's new song suggests that he had a wild affair with Kim Kardashian, only adding fuel to the whole KimYe flame.

In a new song he released on Friday, 34-year-old Drake got fans talking after mentioning Kanye West in his song, "Wants and Needs."

"Yeah, I probably should go link with Yeezy / I need me some Jesus / But soon as I started confessin' my sins / He wouldn't believe us."

Though he never mentioned the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" star's name on the track, social media immediately created a buzz that the Canadian-born artist referred to a possible affair with Kim Kardashian.

On Twitter,@Nobelisfly asked, "Did Drake basically confess to hitting Kim on 'wants and needs?'"

@Saltymusicstan said, "Drake basically admit he smashed Kim and told Kanye."

Meanwhile, @NoBiasSportsGuy admitted to expecting the "Hotline Bling" hitmaker to make some sort of diss at the Kim Kardashian and Kanye West situation.

"Wow Drake talking about Kim K after the Kanye divorce. Never would've guessed it...sike!"

Drake's Songs About Kim Kardashian

Several fan theories in the past have suggested several lyrics from Drake's 2018 album "Scorpion" alluded to the KKW Beauty mogul.

In his famous song, "In My Feelings," Drake sings, "Kiki, do you love me?" a reference to Kiki being a nickname Kim's family sometimes calls her.

In his other song, "Can't Take a Joke," Drake also rapped about taking an "UberX to Hidden Hills" to "give me something I can feel." The song seemingly poked fun at the proximity of his home and Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's mansion.

Kanye West Previously Hit Back

Though Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have yet to comment on Drake's new song, the "Jesus Walks" rapper addressed his fellow rapper in a video on his Instagram page.

Kanye said at the time, "The fact that there's people making rumors or thinking you f----d my wife and you're not saying nothing, and you're carrying it like that that doesn't sit well with my spirit."

Drake's Revenge

Rumors of Kim Kardashian and Drake had an affair dates back to 2018 when it was widely speculated they had a short fling after the "All of the Lights" rapper revealed to Pusha T that Drake had a secret son - later on, Pusha T exposed this information.

But it doesn't seem like Kim Kardashian had an affair with Drake at all because it looks like the "Hold On, We're Going Home" rapper is only singing about her to rile up Kanye West.

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West Divorce

After six years of marriage, KimYe is divorcing.

Kim Kardashian, whose kids are North, Chicago, Saint and Psalm, continues to be unbothered with her divorce and the new song after showing off her wedding-ring-free hand and pictures of girls night out with BFFs.

READ MORE: Kim Kardashian Wears Kanye West Related Item After Rapper Spotted With His Wedding Ring On

See Now: Famous Actors Who Turned Down Iconic Movie Roles
A former Michigan Attorney General, and the person to have held that title for the longest time, has died.

The family of Frank J. Kelley announced his death on Saturday, March 6. Kelley, Michigans longest serving attorney general who bore the nickname Eternal General, was 96 and had been living in Naples, Florida, since he moved there in 2020.

Kelley died late on Friday, March 5, of natural causes at an assisted living facility in Naples.

Kelley was born in Detroit and graduated from the University of Detroit. He served as Alpenas city attorney before Gov. John Swainson appointed him state Attorney General in 1961, replacing a vacancy left by Paul L. Adams when he became a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.

Kelley, a Democrat, retired in 1999 after serving as Michigan Attorney General for 37 years. He had been elected to the position 10 times.

Kelleys family said he was especially proud of setting up the nations first Consumer Protection and Environmental Protection Divisions. He was a leader in Michigan on Civil Rights issues as well.

Kelley worked under five governors of differing political parties.

Kelley was known for standing up for the little guy much to the consternation of the executives of utilities, insurance companies, companies that polluted and retailers, his family said in a prepared statement. He played a major role in helping to pass into law the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. He was active in the resolution of the national tobacco settlement.

He never forgot that he was the peoples lawyer.

Kelley was also a former president of the National Association of Attorneys General, which honored him by naming the associations award for outstanding service the Kelley-Wyman award .

Attorney Frank Kelley debates against oppenent John Smietanka before the Grand Rapids Bar Association in this 1989 file photo. (MLive file photo)BPN

After leaving office, Kelley returned to private practice joining with former House Republican Leader Dennis Cawthorne to form the Kelley Cawthorne firm.

Kelley is survived by three children  Karen Kelley, Frank E. Kelley and Jane Kelley-Schott.

He was a great dad and husband, who had a great sense of humor. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many, he considered public service as an honor, the siblings said in a joint statement. He loved the law and his loyalty to the people of Michigan was unwavering.

Frank J. Kelley was one of my absolute favorite people from whom to get advice, perspective, or humor, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in the press release. He was a never-ending fount of wisdom and fun. From his college days to the battles he fought as Michigans longest serving attorney general, he always had stories and insight into the human condition and generosity of time. I know I am among countless, fortunate people who had the honor of working with the brilliant and irascible Frank J. Kelley. He will be missed but his mark on Michigan will be felt  as generations were benefited by his leadership. His endorsement of and counsel to candidates like me meant as much to us as it did to the public we hoped to serve. Ill forever be grateful to my friend, Mr. Kelley.

Current Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel described Kelley as an extraordinary man, the quintessential public servant, and a legend in his own time.

Having served as Michigans attorney general for 37 years, he was, on his retirement in 1999, the longest serving state attorney general in the country, Nessel said. During those many years of service, he was a beacon to the State, a mentor to many, and a valued advisor to notable public officials. As extraordinary as his accomplishments were, many will best remember Mr. Kelley for his humor, friendship, and humanity. He will be sorely missed.

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said: Frank Kelley blazed the trail for all state attorneys general to become the peoples lawyer. He was the first to capture the full role of the AG in consumer and environmental protection, utility regulation, and civil rights. He was a wonderful person and a very close personal friend. And oh, yes, I will always remember the Kelley wit.

Former Michigan Governor and now U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer M. Granholm said: Frank Kelley was my first mentor in state government and what a teacher he was, with an Irishmans gift of humor and a fierce heart for the average working person. When I was governor, Frank would pop into my office every few weeks with humorous advice on how to fight and who to fight. He wasnt one to back down whether it was wrangling with the utility companies or corrupt officials. No wonder he held the record as the nations longest serving Attorney General for so many years. Voters loved him and he loved them back. And I loved him, too.

Former House Republican Leader Dennis Cawthorne said: Frank was one of the most kind-hearted, honest, ethical persons I have ever known, in both his public service and in his 15 years of practice with me in the private law sector. He was a true legend, recognized as such across the nation and deservedly so.

Jack Lessenberry, Kelley biographer, said: Frank Kelley didnt just serve as Michigans attorney general longer than anyone in state history -- he really invented the office in its modern form. adding consumer protection and environmental divisions before other states had them, and was a fierce defender of civil rights and the godfather of many a career, from Governor Jim Blanchard to Governor Jennifer Granholm. Most of all, he was defined by the title of our book -- The Peoples Lawyer.

The Kelley family will be announcing a memorial service at a later date.

Read more:

Michigans oldest resident dies at 114

Foot found in rural Saginaw County to undergo DNA analysis

Man accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from dementia-afflicted sister
Washington: Australia is set to play a major role in the rollout of millions of COVID-19 vaccines in the region as US President Joe Biden makes vaccine diplomacy a centrepiece of his foreign policy agenda.

The Biden administration is moving quickly to reinforce the strategic importance of the Quad - a security alliance between the US, Australia, India and Japan - starting by distributing vaccines across the Asia-Pacific.

US President Joe Biden will meet with Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the other Quad leaders via teleconference this month. Credit:AP

The ambitious operation is intended to act as a bulwark against Chinas growing assertiveness in the region.

Experts say the elevation of the once disparaged alliance could significantly increase Australias influence on the world stage.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
The failure of a newly elected president to face questions from the media for six and a half weeks (and counting) is so weird that even CNN's Brian Stelter is noting it.

There are many ways to measure an American president's accessibility. One way is by counting press conferences. Right now, by that count, President Biden looks invisible. CNN White House reporter Kevin Liptak shared this note with colleagues on Wednesday: "As we await word on when President Biden will hold his first solo press conference, an analysis of the past 100 years shows he is behind his 15 most recent predecessors, who all held a solo press conference within 33 days of taking office." Liptak pored through this university database to confirm the data.

Stelter is far from alone among Biden allies raising concerns. Tom Darnell of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution joined many conservatives in citing the worrisome cutoff of Biden's video feed. Darnell wrote:

On Wednesday, Biden appeared in a virtual event along with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic Caucus. Biden was speaking to lawmakers on COVID relief and the ongoing vaccine rollout. He closed his remarks by saying he was happy to take questions from the lawmakers. The White House feed was then cut, with no explanation.

You can watch it here.

The cutoff came so abruptly  and obviously unexpectedly  that the sign language translator was left standing there all by her lonesome self next to the White House icon on the video feed:



Rumble video screen grab.

Yesterday, press secretary Jen Psaki was asked about the "invisible" (Brian Stelter's term) president, and she did a lot of tap-dancing to soften the embarrassment, but allowed as how her boss would do a press conference...but not right away, by the end of the month (three and a half more weeks). The U.K. Daily Mail reports:

'Well, first as all of you know the president takes questions several times a week,' Psaki answered. 'He took questions actually twice yesterday, which is an opportunity for the people covering the White House to ask him about whatever news is happening on any given day.'

The Daily Mail fact-checked her:

During what's called a 'spray,' when reporters pop into a meeting with Biden for several minutes to take his photo and observe what he's doing, he's often answered a question or two, though often strains to hear what's being asked over the calls from his aides telling journalists to leave the room.

More tap-dancing from Jen:

Psaki also pointed to the current crises the president is tackling  the coronavirus pandemic and the economic fallout. 'So I think the American people would certainly understand if his focus, his energy and his attention has been on ensuring we secure enough vaccines to vaccinate all Americans, which we will do by the end of May and then pushing for a rescue plan that will provide direct checks to almost 160 million Americans,' the press secretary added.

Excuses, excuses. Maybe the dog ate his briefing book, too?

But Psaki conceded:

'We look forward to holding a full press conference in the coming weeks before the end of the month,' Psaki told reporters at the press briefing. 'And we're working on setting a final date for that and as soon as we do we will let you all know.'

It's pretty obvious that Biden's deteriorating mental condition is the reason he is not facing the media anytime soon. I don't know his real diagnosis, so I don't know what kind of time-consuming measures are necessary to implement before his handlers deem him ready. As Kayleigh McEnany, Psaki's predecessor, says, it must be the handlers (the ones who cut off Biden's video feed), not Biden himself, who are behind the Stelter-noted invisibility:

"I think his staff does not have faith that he can stand at the podium and have a press conference the way President Trump did many times," she said. (snip) "I don't think this is President Biden saying, 'I don't want to do this,'" she said. "I think it's those around him recognizing when he does speak, it doesn't always turn out so well, like calling Republicans 'Neanderthals,' as he did recently in the Oval Office."

One reason that weeks of planning and preparation may be necessary for Biden to face the media might be the desire to work with friendly media to program specific questions, so that Biden can rehearse and rehearse canned answers. Or it may be that some sort of physical conditioning, or possibly medication, may take time to have a positive effect on his performance.

The other aspect of Biden's invisibility, his missing State of the Union speech, may be a matter of timing. Dementia often takes its worst toll in the evening, the so-called Sundowner Syndrome or Sundowner Effect.

Bur former senior Trump adviser Stephen Miller suggests that eyesight may have something to do with it. Speaking to Sean Hannity, he pointed out that at his few campaign events, Biden often used a jumbotron-sized screen as his teleprompter, and in a joint session of Congress, that may not be possible.

It really is sad watching not just Biden, but his enablers like Psaki scramble to cover up the dimensions of the trick they pulled on the public, with the complete cooperation of the major media, running a rapidly declining shadow of the man he formerly was, using a pandemic as an excuse for keeping him away from scrutiny.

We'll see if another excuse emerges why Biden can't actually do a press conference by the end of the month. Or maybe he will, but it will turn out to be low-key and uninformative, with totally predictable questions yielding totally predictable scripted answers.

For the sake of the country, I'd like this prediction to turn out wrong. I'd like us to have a man in charge of the nuclear codes who can think clearly and who doesn't need shadowy others making his decisions for him.
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Islamabad, March 6 : Pakistan has reiterated its offer for dialogue and table talks to India, asking it not to shy away from negotiations on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Our only dispute is Kashmir and it can only be resolved through dialogue. Pakistan has never shied away from talks and has always called for peaceful resolution to all outstanding disputes, including the internationally recognized dispute of Jammu and Kashmir," a Foreign Office spokesperson said.

"The principle of negotiations stated that anyone who runs away has a weak position on the negotiating table.

"The way we have been articulating our position shows that we have a position of strength. Let me reiterate that there is no change in Pakistan's principled position on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

"Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognised dispute and needs to be resolved in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions that call for a free and impartial plebiscite under the UN auspices," he added.

Pakistan's latest calls for dialogue Echoes with Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement during his visit to Sri Lanka, where he stated that he approached India immediately after coming in power and "explained to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the way forward for the subcontinent is to resolve our differences through dialogue".

"I didn't succeed but I am optimistic that eventually sense will prevail. The only way the subcontinent can tackle poverty is by improving trade relations," Khan had said.

The Foreign Office spokesperson said that the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan was in line with Islamabad's consistent position.

The DGMO-level hotline contact between India and Pakistan was focused on discussions over the establishment mechanisms of hotline contact on consistent bases.

"While reviewing the situation along the LoC and all other sectors, the two sides agreed to observe all agreements, understandings and ceasefire.

"The agreement will help save Kashmiri lives and alleviate the sufferings of the Kashmiris living along the LoC. Pakistan has consistenly underscored the need for implementation of the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit for maintenance of peace along the Line of Control and for saving the previous lives of innocent Kashmiris. We have also maintained that escalation along the LoC is a threat to regional peace and security," the spokesperson added.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have severely intensified in the recent past with heavy exchange of firepower along the LoC, specially after the Pulwana terror attack, which led to the Balakot strikes by India and Pakistan's response on February 27, 2019.

However, with the DGMO-level contact and enforcement of ceasefire through mutual agreement, hopes of some positive movement in de-escalation of tensions between the two arch-rivals have gained momentum.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Taking a dig at the political turmoil in BJP Uttarakhand, ex-CM Harish Rawat on Saturday, took a dig at the saffron party asking what was BJP's formula for social welfare. Stating that some leaders were in Dehradun, some in Delhi, others in Mumbai, he slammed the unstable BJP government. Claiming the people will never forgive BJP for all their instability, Rawat sarcastically added 'Blessed is BJP'.

Ram Mandir Fund drive complete; Trust estimates Rs 2500 cr collected, 3 yrs to construct

Ex-Uttarakhand CM mocks BJP's instability

Suvendu Adhikari to battle Mamata Banerjee for Nandigram seat; BJP confirms 57 candidates

BJP: 'No leadership change'

After the BJP core committee meeting with top leaders, the state chief Bansidhar Bhagat assured that there will be no change in leadership adding that CM Trivendra Singh Rawat will complete 5 years. Top BJP observers like Dushyant Gautam and Raman Singh had rushed to the state as several MLAs have reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with Rawat. With Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, ex-BJP state chiefs Ajay Bhatt and Tirath Singh Rawat also attending the meeting, sources had reported that general secretary Suresh Bhat, Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni were front runners for the CM post, replacing Rawat.

BJP Uttarakhand chief Bansidhar Bhagat said, "Trivendra Rawat will complete 5 years as CM. There was no talks of leadership change. We talked about state programmes for completing 4 years."

"There was no question of leadership change. We are completing four years of government on 18 March and hence we were reviewing the work done till now. The fifth year is an election year. This was the agenda. We were discussing what programmes will be held in district-level booths," said ex-BJP state chief Ajay Bhatt.

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Rawat's replacement being discussed? Senior BJP leaders huddle

Trend of CM change in Uttarakhand

Since the formation of the hilly state from Uttar Pradesh in 2000, both BJP and Congress which have ruled the state have often changed their CMs, resulting in their electoral loss in the next election. As per reports, Nityanand Swami, who was the state's first CM was replaced with Bhagat Singh Koshyari in 2002. On coming to power, Congress chose Narayan Dutt Tiwari - who completed his full term. In 2007, 2009 and 2011, BJP had two CMs Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri and Ramesh Pokhriyal. Similarly, after the 2013 Kedarnath flash-floods, Congress replaced CM Vijay Bahuguna with Harish Rawat leading to its loss in 2017. Uttarakhand is set to go to polls in 2022.

Antilia bomb scare timeline: From explosive-laden SUV being found to car owner's death

Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-07 04:53:01|Editor: huaxia

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ALGIERS, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Saturday reported 156 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number in the North African country to 123,104.

The death toll from the virus rose to 3,010 after three new fatalities were added, said the Algerian Ministry of Health in a statement.

Meanwhile, 122 more patients recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries in the country to 79,006, the statement added.

China and Algeria have offered mutual help in the fight against the pandemic. In February 2020, Algeria sent medical donations to help China combat the coronavirus. In return, China has sent several batches of medical aid to Algeria.

In addition, a Chinese team of medical experts arrived in Algeria on May 14, 2020 for a 15-day mission to help fight the coronavirus, by sharing China's experience in curbing the spread of the contagious disease.

A donation of Chinese Sinopharm coronavirus vaccines arrived in Algeria on Feb. 24 to help the North African nation combat the pandemic. Enditem
MOSCOW -- Denis Karagodin has spent almost a decade compiling a meticulous record of evidence about the murder of his great-grandfather by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's secret police, running a website that lists, by name, every individual he deems complicit.

The Siberia-based designer has been tipped for prestigious human rights prizes, and leading Western publications have spotlighted his work and the website he runs.

The people he ties to the killing of Stepan Karagodin, a peasant swept up in Stalin's Great Terror in the 1930s, have passed away. But their relatives are now making sure Karagodin's accusations don't go unchallenged.

Karagodin was interrogated this week by police in Tomsk, the city where he lives and where his great-grandfather's murder took place on January 21, 1938. "Buckle your seatbelts, dear friends!" he wrote on Facebook after his questioning. "They've filed a police complaint against me."

Sergei Mityushov, the son of a deceased local employee of the NKVD secret police force that dispatched millions of Soviet citizens to frigid labor camps and the firing squad, confirmed that he had pressed charges against the amateur researcher for publishing what he says is inaccurate and defamatory information about his father, Aleksei Alekseyevich Mityushov.

Karagodin published a document citing the execution and bearing Mityushov's signature. But his son told the independent Belarusian news site Belsat that he had visited historical archives, retrieved documents relating to his father, and concluded that "half the facts on [Karagodin's] website are plucked out of the air." He didn't deny his father's complicity, but said "I don't like it when people pry into my life without permission."

It's unclear what specific charges Karagodin faces, but his work has courted controversy from the outset. The 38-year-old began the research in 2012, publishing on his website each document and every shred of evidence he could find about the case. The result is a detailed account of the fate of his great-grandfather, a Cossack farmer and father of nine who was executed on the trumped-up accusation that he was a Japanese spy.

Karagodin achieved a breakthrough in November 2016, when he received an envelope in the mail from the archives of the Federal Security Service (FSB), the successor agency to the NKVD and KGB. Inside was an original document in which his great-grandfather's executioners reported to a Soviet court that its verdict "has been carried out." The typewritten, stamped document featured the names and signatures of three NKVD agents.

Armed with the evidence, Karagodin announced his investigation complete. He claimed to have established a direct chain of responsibility that included the three executioners, members of the tribunal that rubber-stamped the verdict, local officials in Siberia including Aleksei Mityushov, secret police chief Nikolai Yezhov, and Stalin himself. He even identified the men who allegedly drove the black vans that shuttled the condemned around the city.

After Stalin's death in 1953, Russia never organized its own version of the Nuremberg trials, the military tribunals in postwar Germany that convicted almost two dozen senior Nazi officers. But Karagodin said he planned to prosecute "the entire criminal conspiracy" that led to his great-grandfather's death.

"We found out what several generations of my family have wanted to know: the names of the murderers," Karagodin told RFE/RL at the time. "I began in 2012, and it ended on November 12, 2016."

Eight days later, he was stunned by a letter of gratitude from the granddaughter of one of the three secret police agents who executed Stepan Karagodin. "Thank you for the enormous work you have done for the sake of these difficult truths," the woman wrote. "It gives us hope that society will finally come to its senses thanks to people like you."

But in a country where digging up dark pages of the past is a fraught activity -- and where Stalin, who oversaw show trials of his opponents and jailed or executed hundreds of thousands of Soviet citizens, is officially neither vilified nor excused -- not everyone is happy with Karagodin's work.

In a December 2019 interview on the radio station Ekho Moskvy, Karagodin said many relatives of people named in his investigation have contacted him to complain. He was defiant.

"What can they criticize me for? That I published official documents from the FSB saying their relatives took part in mass murders?" he said. "How am I guilty?"

He is also a controversial figure among professional historians and long-time researchers of Stalin-era repressions, some of whom say he lacks the training to draw accurate conclusions from the archival documents that come into his possession.

A section on Karagodin's website titled "Executioners" lists more than 150 names of people he says were tied to his great-grandfather's murder. A hyperlink with Aleksei Mityushov's name redirects to a page showing a signed statement listing the date of Stepan Karagodin's death sentence and the date his execution took place.

Yan Rachinsky of human rights NGO Memorial, which was founded in 1989 to document Soviet-era crimes, says written statements of this sort -- known in Russian as vypiski -- were often produced years after the crime and offer no proof that those who signed them took part in it.

"Such vypiski were folded into case files two years after the Great Terror, in 1939, when they were simply getting documents in order. And that process was carried out by people who had nothing to do with the executions," Rachinsky told RFE/RL. "These are standard pieces of paper. I've seen hundreds of them."

"I can't unequivocally say this person did not take part," Rachinsky said of Aleksei Mityushov. "But it's wrong to claim on the basis of this document that he did." He added that Mityushov, who joined the NKVD in 1932 and would have been 25 years old at the time of Karagodin's death, was most likely an ordinary clerk doing simple administrative work.

Sergei Mityushov said the "final straw" -- the development that prompted him to file charges -- was a phone call he alleges was from Karagodin or one of his associates, announcing that researchers had found his father's grave and posted video and images of it online. (Karagodin, who declined to be interviewed for this article, told RFE/RL he has never communicated with Mityushov.)

In the Belsat interview, Mityushov voiced general criticism about efforts to dig into Russia's past, citing the Defense Ministry's TV channel Zvezda, which often broadcasts propagandistic reports about wartime events and the country's armed forces, as a useful guide for learning about Russian history.

"We must acknowledge that we fell into this historical current," he said of the Stalin-era repressions, which some Russians justify as a necessary evil. "We need a great deal of time to find out what really happened."

But Karagodin, Mityushov said, "is staging his own private Nuremberg."
Since Saturday midnight, March 6, enemy forces have not attacked Ukrainian troops.

The Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces has reported one wounded in action (WIA) amid seven violations of the latest ceasefire agreement committed by Russia-controlled armed groups in the Donbas warzone on Friday, March 5.

"In the past day, March 5, seven 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 March 6, 2021.

In particular, the Russian occupation troops fired sniper rifles toward Ukrainian positions near the town of Maryinka.

"A serviceman with Ukraine's Armed Forces was wounded amid shelling. He was rushed to the hospital where he received medical assistance," the report says.

Read alsoDonbas talks in deadlock as Russia puts forward another demand  journalistAlso, the Russian Federation's armed formations used an under-barrel grenade launcher and automatic rifles near the village of Pisky.

What is more, the enemy fired hand-held anti-tank grenade launchers and heavy machine guns near the village of Shyrokyne, a hand-held anti-tank grenade launcher near the village of Vodiane, and rifles near the town of Avdiyivka, while an anti-tank grenade launcher was used against Ukrainian servicemen near the village of Talakivka.

The violations were reported to OSCE representatives through the Joint Center for Control and Coordination (JCCC) of the ceasefire in Donbas.

Since Saturday midnight, March 6, 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
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference to announce that he will sign a bill from the Texas State Senate to crack down on censorship of users by Big Tec. The bill prohibits censorship of Big Tech users based on viewpoint and allows them to sue Big Tech companies that censor them. Florida has similar legislation, backed by its governor, working its way through their legislature.

"We see that the First Amendment is under assault by these social media companies, and that is not going to be tolerated in Texas, said Governor Abbott. There is a dangerous movement spreading across the country trying to try to silence conservative ideas, religious beliefs, the governor added. We saw that first arise on college campuses, but now, these social media tech companies are using their tools to silence conservative speech on their platforms.

Texas is taking a stand against big tech political censorship. We are not going to allow it in the Lone Star state, Governor Abbott affirmed.
Sure, there are plenty of achievements related to the series that automaker can brag about, but we have to keep in mind that Dodge was the first to hit 200 mph on a closed course, with a Charger Daytona having achieved that feat on the Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama back in 1970.Well, Marcell Sebestyen, the designer we're talking about, has invested quite a few nights and weekends into the rendering that now sits on our screens, which portrays a modernized Dodge Charger Daytona in full NASCAR trim - the nickname in the title above is on us, with the artist actually attaching the RULEBRKR label to the creation.Those of you who are tuned into our Speed Shot tales (there's a tag for that below) might be familiar to this digital restomod, since we discussed a previous stage of the project last December.Nevertheless, the penning master has now envisioned a restomod take on a classic Daytona that could hit the banked oval as you see it here.The silhouette of the classic muscle icon is still recognizable, even though the front end approach used here is less radical than the nose cone of the original. Nevertheless, with the Cyberpunk styling of the new fascia, we wouldn't exactly call this tame.And the super-sized wing of the golden era has evolved into a boomerang design that extends on the quarter panels, while a transparent wickerbill adorns the posterior of the vehicle.Of course, Sebestyen has paid special attention to the battle colors: "I tried out different classic liveries but then I decided to go with one which is as fictional as the car itself, taking inspiration from the past, mixing it with present-day sponsor stickers and fictional logos. The base body paint is a smooth gradient from bright to dark, contrasted with the sharp stickers and carbon fiber."There's also an Easter Egg in there, which the artist does mention in the description of the post below, so make sure to check out the images before reading this if you wish to enjoy the search.As for Dodge potentially coming back to NASCAR, the company, which is now owned by Stellantis (the merger between FCA and PSA), has yet to deliver any clues on the matter.Nevertheless, as racing aficionados will tell you, the series, which currently involves Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, is set to welcome the Next Gen car for the 2022 series. While this will bring significant improvement on fronts ranging from aerodynamics to cost reduction, convincing new names to (re)join the battle would probably require the series to integrate a certain degree of electrification
YEREVAN.  Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: Distrust towards [opposition] PAP [(Prosperous Armenia Party)] leader Gagik Tsarukyan is deepening among the leadership of the Homeland Salvation Movement [which demands PM Nikol Pashinyans resignation]although Tsarukyan has not yet agreed whether he accepts Nikol Pashinyan's invitation to discuss the issue of early [parliamentary] elections. The PAP MPs informed about this yesterday.

However, Tsarukyan's opposition colleagues believe that after the announcement by the GS [(General Staff)] of the Armed Forces [(AF)] [demanding the resignation of Pashinyan and his government], it is necessary to categorically and unequivocally reject Pashinyan's proposal, and not leave room for bargaining.

The PAP leader, meanwhile, according to our information, sees the solution of the situation through snap [parliamentary] elections. He believes that he will at least maintainif not betterhis [parliamentary] mandate status quo. And coming to an agreement with Pashinyan, he will fall under the economic and tax amnesty, the criminal cases initiated against them will be closed.

However, he is not going to take the first step on the way to dismantling the Homeland Salvation Movement. So, he expects the movement's leaders to realize that they will not be able to change the situation by [taking to the] streets.
A panel appointed by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg to investigate how the city and its two utilities handled the devastating winter storm last month likely will set its sights on how the city and its utilities communicated with each other and the public before and after the crisis hit.

The panel also wants to know how the city, CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System prepared for the storm and the ensuing fallout.

Nirenberg, council members and residents have all complained they had little information to go on as the prolonged sub-freezing weather battered the region.

We need a central clearing house for communications to the public, District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry said at the panels first meeting Friday.

Hundreds of thousands of residents went hours and days without power, forcing them to huddle in their homes for warmth  and later went without water. It quickly became apparent that not all parts of the city were seeing power outages on an equal basis.

CPS officials have said some neighborhoods share circuits with critical infrastructure such as hospitals and fire stations and thus didnt see outages.

Making information public about what parts of town are on circuits deemed safe from outages could help residents keep themselves safe in the event of freezing weather, panelists said.

You cannot wait until the roads are icy to say, oh, I dont have heat. Maybe I should go to my mothers or my sons, Councilwoman Ana Sandoval said. It just leaves everybody extremely vulnerable.

Panelists also pointed to lasting economic and health impacts on residents  particularly vulnerable residents including the elderly and the homeless  resulting from the storm as a key area for the board to probe.

When we talk about damages, are those most vulnerable people today still sucking wind from this enormous kick to the gut? District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez said.

The panel already has plenty of feedback from the public to go on, judging by calls to 311 and posts on the citys social media pages, said Ben Gorzell, the citys chief financial officer who supervises San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy. The city plans to scrub that intel for potential areas to explore and hand it over to the panel.

In addition to former city councilman Reed Williams, the seven-member panel includes four sitting City Council members  Pelaez, Sandoval, Perry and Adriana Rocha Garcia; Lisa Tatum, former Bexar County assistant criminal district attorney; and retired Air Force Gen. Edward Rice.

Its not clear how long the inquiry will last. But Williams, whos leading the panel, said he doesnt want to keep residents waiting on the panels conclusions.

The public needs answers and they need answers now, Williams said in opening remarks.

At the same time, Williams cautioned members against rushing to conclusions as the panel pursues its inquiries.

Were going to recognize theres a lot we dont know and were going to learn, said Williams, retired oilman and former San Antonio Water System trustee.

The city has a basic emergency response plan last updated in 2015 that ranks the likelihood of potential disasters such as drought, heat waves and terrorism and what kind of damage they can wreak. The plan puts the likelihood of a winter freeze as occasional and the impact on public health and property as moderate.

Its time to revisit that assessment, Rocha Garcia said Friday.

This hasnt been revised since (Julian) Castro was mayor, she said.

jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFReports
Huntington, WV (25701)

Today

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
NASHVILLE  The Tennessee Wine and Grape Board will meet March 10, 2021 at 10 a.m. CST by electronic means.

The meeting is open to the public to attend via an internet-based teleconferencing system. There is no cost to participants. Instructions and alternative methods of communication are on page two of this notice.

The agenda includes approval of the previous meetings minutes and a quality assurance committee report, along with updates regarding the Coronavirus Agricultural and Forestry Business Fund and a consumer research study.

The Wine and Grape Board is comprised of seven members and their purpose is to support the growth of the wine industry in Tennessee.

For more information, contact the Tennessee Department of Agricultures Business Development Division at 615-837-5160.

WebEx instructions:

Click to join the meeting.

Or enter the URL in your browser:

https://tngov.webex.com/tngov/j.php?MTID=m365009fd1f6a42996760a34d572683c7

Enter your name and email and click Join.

The meeting password is weEPpMFh387.

For audio connection:

(Recommended) Choose Call Me and enter your phone number, including area code. The system will call you. If you are using your computers audio and video system, choose Call Using Computer.

Click the Raise Hand button to be recognized by the Chairman.

Connect to WebEx session at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting to make sure your connection works.

WebEx YouTube tutorials are available:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE5FnEUKtaE

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FCiXqFD1O4

To join the meeting via phone, dial 1-415-655-0003 and use access code 178 287 0960.

Agenda :

Call to order  Bill Sanderson, Chair



Roll Call and Minutes Rachel Sullivan

Committee Report



Quality Assurance Committee Update  Dr. Tony Johnston

Old Business



CAFB Fund Update  Kyle Hensley

UT Research Contract  Dr. Alicia Rihn



Responsibilities of the Board  David Waddell

New Business



Next Meeting

Adjourn

Video of Tennessee Wine and Grape Board meeting


By Lucila Sigal

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - In Buenos Aires on Friday night the doors of the Colon Theater reopened for the first time in a year since being shut because of the coronavirus pandemic, a sign of how the capital of Argentina is slowly letting its hair down once again.

In neighboring Brazil, however, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have gone in the opposition direction, both announcing tighter restrictions this week, a reflection of how the two regional powerhouses are on completely different tracks battling the virus.

"It makes me very happy, we have to go to the theater again, we have to lose our fear," Fanny Mandelbaum, a local Argentina journalist attending the inaugural concert at the famed opera house told Reuters. "It is so satisfying to be in a room and share culture with other people."

The symbolic opening of the opera house, which dates back as far as 1857 - though in a different building - comes hot on the heels of film buffs in the capital being able to return to cinemas at the start of this month.

Authorities have also eased restrictions allowing restaurants and bars to stay open later, with indoor dining, bringing a buzz back to the city which had one of the region's longest and toughest lockdowns last year.

But in Brazil, Sao Paulo state imposed a partial lockdown this week, underscoring mounting concerns about a surge in new infections. Rio de Janeiro, meanwhile, adopted new restrictions, including a nighttime curfew.

"We've reached a grave moment of the pandemic. The coronavirus variants are hitting us aggressively," Brazil's Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello said on social media.

The divergence of the region's urban nighttime revelers illustrates the different trajectories Argentina and Brazil are on in the race to tame COVID-19, even as inoculation programs are hit by delays.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has long sought to diminish the gravity of the virus, while Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez has taken a tougher stance.

Story continues

Claudio Mendez, Argentina manager for cinema chain operator Cinepolis, said that as vaccines were rolled out they hoped cinemas could return to normal after what had been an incredibly a tough year.

"It was a situation not imaginable even in the worst horror movie," he said. "We believe as the vaccination process advances ... film premieres will begin to flow more normally."

Back at the Colon Theater, many musicians still played with their masks on, while wind instrument players were inside transparent cubicles to avoid the potential spread of the virus. The audience was temperature checked and seating was spread out.

"We needed to go back and today was the day," said Maria Victoria Alcaraz, the opera house's general director. "The spirit was to reopen the doors as soon as possible so that the public and the artists could come together one again."

(Reporting by Lucila Sigal; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Diane Craft)
UR, Iraq  First Pope Francis showed up at the modest residence of Iraqs most reclusive, and powerful, Shiite religious cleric for a delicate and painstakingly negotiated summit. Hours later, he presided over a stage crowded with religious leaders on the windswept Plain of Ur, a vast and, now arid, expanse where the faithful believe God revealed himself to the Prophet Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths.

In settings both intimate and theatrical, in gestures both concrete and symbolic, Pope Francis on Saturday sought to protect his persecuted flock by forging closer bonds between the Roman Catholic Church and the Muslim world, a mission that is a central theme of his papacy and of his historic trip to Iraq.

By meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf, Francis threaded a political needle, seeking an alliance with an extraordinarily influential Shiite cleric who, unlike his Iranian counterparts, believes that religion should not govern the state.
Massachusetts Auditor Suzanne Bump, left, receives a tour from Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington of Harringtons office in 2019. Bump said in a Wednesday audit that the information system used by all 11 district attorneys is unable to collect data required by a 2018 law.

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If you're daydreaming of future travels while stuck at home during the pandemic, why fantasize about the beaches of Bali or the canals of Venice when vacationing in space could be in your future? As CNN writes, back in 2019, Californian company the Gateway Foundation released plans for a cruise ship-style hotel that could one day float above the Earth's atmosphere.

Then called the Von Braun Station, this futuristic concept -- comprised of 24 modules connected by elevator shafts that make up a rotating wheel orbiting the Earth -- was scheduled to be fully operational by 2027.

Fast forward a couple years and the hotel has a new name -- Voyager Station -- and it's set to be built by Orbital Assembly Corporation, a new construction company run by former pilot John Blincow, who also heads up the Gateway Foundation.

In a recent interview with CNN Travel, Blincow explained there had been some Covid-related delays, but construction on the space hotel is expected to begin in 2026, and a sojourn in space could be a reality by 2027.

"We're trying to make the public realize that this golden age of space travel is just around the corner. It's coming. It's coming fast," said Blincow.

Renderings of what the hotel might look like suggest an interior not dissimilar to a luxury Earth-bound hotel, just with some pretty specatcular out-of-this-world views.

When the initial designs premiered a couple years ago, Tim Alatorre, senior design architect at Orbital Assembly Corporation told CNN Travel the hotel's aesthetic was a direct response to the Stanley Kubrick movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" -- which he called "almost a blueprint of what not to do."

"I think the goal of Stanley Kubrick was to highlight the divide between technology and humanity and so, purposefully, he made the stations and the ships very sterile and clean and alien."

Instead, Alatorre and his team want to bring a slice of earth to space via warm suites and chic bars and restaurants. Guests might be in space, but they can still enjoy regular beds and showers.

That's not to say the hotel will ignore the novelty of being in space altogether. There are plans to serve traditional "space food" -- like freeze dried ice cream -- in the hotel's restaurant.

Plus there will be recreational activities on offer that "highlight the fact that you're able to do things that you can't do on Earth," according to Alatorre.

"Because of the weightlessness and the reduced gravity, you'll be able to jump higher, be able to lift things, be able to run in ways that you can't on Earth."

So how exactly would the physics of a space hotel work?

Alatorre told CNN Travel that the rotating wheel would work to create a simulated gravity.

"The station rotates, pushing the contents of the station out to the perimeter of the station, much in the way that you can spin a bucket of water -- the water pushes out into the bucket and stays in place," he said.

Near the center of the station there's no artificial gravity, Alatorre explained, but as you move down the outside of the station, the feeling of gravity increases.

The hotel's original name was chosen because the concept was inspired by 60-year-old designs from Wernher von Braun, an aerospace engineer who pioneered rocket technology, first in Germany and later in the US.

While living in Germany, von Braun was involved in the Nazi rocket development program, so naming the space hotel after him was a controversial choice.

This was partly why the name's been changed, Blincow told CNN Travel.

"The station is not really about him. It's based on his design, and we like his contributions towards science and space," Blincow said. "But you know, Voyager Station is so much more than that. It is the stuff in the future. And we want a name that doesn't have those attachments to it."

Space tourism is becoming an increasingly hot topic, and there are several companies trying to make it happen -- from Virgin Galactic to Elon Musk's SpaceX.

SpaceX's StarShip system could help get Voyager Station off the ground.

"We cannot call SpaceX our partner, but in the future we look forward to working with them," Blincow told a recent live event promoting Orbital Assembly, advising viewers to "hang tight."

For now, the space hotel isn't advertising a room rate, but expect it to come with a pretty hefty price tag attached.

Virgin Galactic, for example, plans to launch passengers into sub-orbital space at $250,000 per person, per trip.

However the team behind Voyager Station have said they're hoping to eventually make a stay at the hotel equivalent to "a trip on a cruise or a trip to Disneyland."


In Sandy Row, one of Belfast's loyalist heartlands, a lifelong resident becomes outraged at the very mention of a border in the Irish Sea.

"You can take the Good Friday Agreement and shove it," the man in his sixties tells the Belfast Telegraph in no uncertain terms.

It is a feeling echoed in multiple banners and graffiti on the road proclaiming that loyalism will never accept the Northern Ireland Protocol, the contested arrangements for post-Brexit trade.

This week the Loyalist Communities Council, a body which includes representatives of paramilitaries, issued a letter to the Prime Minister withdrawing their support for the 1998 Agreement while calling for unionists to peacefully oppose the protocol.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne called it a political move and said he did not believe loyalists wanted a return to violence.

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But tensions remain high. This week sinister graffiti appeared on Sandy Row with a veiled threat against Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove.

The messages included his name and an address above the words: "We don't forget, we don't forgive".

Speaking to Sandy Row residents yesterday, the majority said they did not believe the protocol would impact their daily lives while others said it had undeniably raised tensions.

Jacqueline Launchbury (61) was born and raised in Sandy Row before living in South Africa and England and returning to Belfast eight years ago.

Having lived through The Troubles, she said she wasn't convinced that an escalating threat from loyalists was likely.

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Instead her main concern was being able to bring her dog Lily on holiday.

"It affects me as a dog owner, if I want to go for a holiday in England I have to get her vaccinated. So the protocol does not cover animals," she said.

Referring to the LCC letter, she said: "Politically, I prefer to leave all those type of things in the past. I was a child of The Troubles and I don't think it does well to start bringing up paramilitaries.

"As for the Brexit thing, I don't think a border down the Irish Sea was a great idea. My only memory of a border is when I was younger and had my passport checked on the way to Dublin.

"Now I think Northern Ireland's stuck in the middle, the EU already flexed their muscles with Article 16. So personally, I think Northern Ireland is going to be used in all this.

"I voted for Brexit and to leave, but what I didn't vote for was this half in and half out."

Another man in his sixties, who did not want to give his name, said the current tensions could not be ignored.

"Protestant working class people believe that this is separating us further from the rest of the United Kingdom," he said

"We're being isolated. I didn't go to university but I'm not stupid, even I see that down the line we're going to be so tied up economically with the Republic of Ireland and Europe. What happens if they switch it off?"

He added: "The thing about all the notices (about Brexit) you see up on the walls in Sandy Row, that's not orchestrated. That's wee lads' feelings."

Backing the LCC's decision to withdraw support for the Good Friday Agreement, he said: "As far as I'm concerned you can take the Good Friday Agreement and shove it."

Richard Lee (48) agreed that the protocol had caused anger in the community but his main concern was the impact on businesses.

"It's not something I'm too worried about. But I know the haulage company that supplies our company had serious problems as they had 50 or 60 trailers tied up in Dublin with paperwork. So I think it already has raised tensions and Stormont hasn't a clue."
(Newser)  The Prince of Darkness is apparently looking for a date on the Boston subway system. A 20-year-old woman approached transit police at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Forest Hills station at about 10:45pm Monday to complain about an encounter with a man dressed all in black, including a mask covering his entire face and his hood drawn tight, police said on their website, per the AP. The woman told police the man typed something on his phone and extended his arm across to her, displaying a message that said I am Satan," then stared at her.

story continues below

The woman said the encounter frightened her, so she pointed out Satan to police. The 22-year-old man told officers he was only flirting and trying to be funny, and said I was going to try and get her number. He was told that his actions were not humorous and was ejected from the station. The woman was escorted by police to her destination. No names were released.

(Read more Massachusetts stories.)
Moderate mag. 5.5 earthquake - South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, on Thursday, 4 Mar 2021 8:25 am (GMT -12) -

This quake was likely an aftershock of the 6.8 quake South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand, 5 Mar 2021 6:41 am (GMT +13), which had occurred 2 hours and 44 minutes earlier.

Moderate magnitude 5.5 earthquake at 72 km depth

4 Mar 20:36 UTC: First to report: GFZ after 11 minutes.

4 Mar 20:41: Magnitude recalculated from 5.7 to 5.8. Hypocenter depth recalculated from 103.0 to 40.0 km (from 64 to 25 mi). Epicenter location corrected by 162 km (101 mi) towards W.

4 Mar 20:42: Now using data updates from GEONET (NZ)

I felt this quake I didn't feel it

Local time at epicenter: Thursday, 4 Mar 2021 8:25 am (GMT -12)

Magnitude: 5.5

Depth: 72.0 km

Epicenter latitude / longitude: 29.34721S / 178.19376W (South Pacific Ocean, New Zealand)

Nearest volcano:

Weather at epicenter at time of quake:

Light Rain 22.7C (73 F), humidity: 83%, wind: 10 m/s (20 kts) from NNE Light Rain(73 F), humidity: 83%, wind: 10 m/s (20 kts) from NNE

Estimated released energy: 1.1 x 1013 joules (3.12 gigawatt hours, equivalent to 2682 tons of TNT or 0.2 atomic bombs!) Date & time: 4 Mar 2021 20:25:26 UTC -Thursday, 4 Mar 2021 8:25 am (GMT -12)Depth: 72.0 kmEpicenter latitude / longitude: 29.34721S / 178.19376WNearest volcano: Raoul Island (28 km / 17 mi)Primary data source: GEONET (NZ) (Earthquake Commission and Geological Survey, New Zealand)Estimated released energy: 1.1 x 10joules (3.12 gigawatt hours, equivalent to 2682 tons of TNT or 0.2 atomic bombs!) More info

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please share your experience and submit a short "I felt it" report! Other users would love to hear about it!

Also if you did NOT feel the quake although you were in the area, please report it ! Your contribution is valuable also to earthquake science and earthquake hazard analysis and mitigation efforts. You can use your device location or the map to indicate where you were during the earthquake. Thank you! If you felt this quake (or if you were near the epicenter),Other users would love to hear about it!Alsoalthough you were in the area, please! Your contribution is valuable also to earthquake science and earthquake hazard analysis and mitigation efforts. You can use your device location or the map to indicate where you were during the earthquake. Thank you!

Data for the same earthquake reported by different agencies

Info: The more agencies report about the same quake and post similar data, the more confidence you can have in the data. It takes normally up to a few hours until earthquake parameters are calculated with near-optimum precision.

Magnitude Depth Location Source 5.5 72 km Kermadec Islands Region, New Zealand GEONET (NZ) 6.5 10 km KERMADEC ISLANDS REGION, New Zealand EMSC 5.8 40 km New Zealand GFZ 5.7 147 km Kermadec Islands Region, New Zealand BMKG 5.7 64 km Kermadec Islands Region, New Zealand GeoAu 6.1 10 km Kermadec Islands Region, New Zealand USGS

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Send your own user report! Auckland (1059.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : I was woken up when my bed was swaying for a few seconds. It was 02:29 at night in Auckland, Friday 05-3-2021. I knew immediately that it was an earth quake somewhere and it must have been Kermadec. Got emergency message from NZ Gvmt around 11:30 warning about magnitude 8 quake in Kermadec and potential Tsunami. I was surprised the warning was issued so long after the actual event ! | 4 users found this interesting. Three Kings Auckland Central / not felt : But we were told it was felt by childs friend in Kohimaramara suburb (towards beach) with intensity apparently just a tremor. Estimate that is about 12 kilometers distance.

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The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, Peter Igbifa, said political leaders in Nigerias Niger Delta region must learn very important lessons from President Muhammadu Buhari, instead of joining others to criticise the president.

The Niger Delta region has remained underdeveloped, despite producing the oil that sustains Nigerias economy.

Agencies like the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), set up to speed up development in the region, have been plagued by corruption scandals, while the people from the region continue to live in poverty.

Mr Igbifa told PREMIUM TIMES, Tuesday, I am one man who does not go about blaming Buhari for whatever.

He said people from the Niger Delta should make it a priority to develop the region whenever they have the opportunity to occupy political office.

Goodluck Jonathan was the first person from the Niger Delta to be elected president of Nigeria, but many people in the region feel he did not do much to develop the area.

I am sure if second term comes to us, we will learn from our mistakes and then make good use of this opportunity, especially in developing the region, Mr Igbifa said, apparently referring to Mr Jonathans era as president.

We all believe in rotational presidency in this country. And if you do, while you are in office, as you do for every part of Nigeria, you should not throw away the adage that charity begins at home.

Let the adage that charity begins at home not become useless when it gets to your turn. As you beautify Nigeria, beautify your home  and that is what I think the president is doing. If you take office, know that that office is not forever.

It is a message to all of us in the South-south, we shouldnt be carried away by the small office we occupied. I see President Buhari as being very intelligent, he is not carried away with the office of the president, but he is transforming the north. He is touching other parts of Nigeria, but he is paying critical attention to the north. It is not a crime. When we take over this position too, we should do justice to the region.

Mr Igbifa said he does not want to believe that President Buhari is not developing the Niger Delta region.

Take NDDC, for instance. Is it Buhari that is stealing the money in the NDDC? It is not Buhari.

We just have desperate politicians in the region. And this desperation comes with greed. It is not Buhari that is selecting people to be appointed (into NDDC).

We have an elderly man who is president who gives our political leaders at the top freedom to operate, but what they do with this freedom is what is very sad. Buhari does not get involved in selecting people for appointment.

Mr Igbifa also said the South-south should be allowed to succeed Mr Buhari in 2023 because we didnt complete our tenure when Mr Jonathan was president. It is just natural that we too should have our second term, he said.
The superintendent of Camden City public schools announced Friday confirmed that three schools will close down at the end of the school in June. The district has originally considered closing four schools as part of a cost-saving measure.

The fourth, 101-year-old Yorkship Family School, will remain open, district officials said. Sharp Elementary, Wiggins College Preparatory Lab School and Cramer Elementary are still slated to close.

Superintendent Katrina McCombs needed approval from state officials who oversee the district to finalize the closures, which were originally announced last month. McCombs said then action was part of a district consolidation and an effort to close an estimated $40 million budget gap.

Her car was surrounded by protesters at a city school days after her announcement last month. Many were angry about the closures.

It was an experience that was difficult, a painful experience, McCombs told NJ Advance Media on Friday. I understand the concerns about losing a school in their neighborhood. Things were said out of anger and frustration. But I was still saddened by some of the vehement things that were being said.

District officials said they had spoken to more than 700 parents and community leaders before announcing the closures to explain why they were needed.

But McCombs said she wasnt sure any amount of meetings would immediately quell anger.

There are no number of community meetings and engagement that will replace a family love for a school, she said.

The district was projecting a $40 million deficit in the next fiscal year before an additional $13.4 million in state aid was announced this week that McCombs said would help keep Yorkship open and close the deficit. She said Yorkship will remain open because it is the only school in the neighborhood it is in.

McCombs said district staffing and facilities still needed to be adjusted to reflect a decline in students. Enrollment in district-run schools has declined by nearly 60% since 2013, from 15,161 to just over 6,000.

The district was originally looking at cutting up to 150 jobs if all four schools were closed. Now McCombs said up to 75 positions may be eliminated.

I know the pain of seeing a school close, McCombs said last month. I was born and raised in this city and graduated from Camden High School. I grew up in these buildings, worked as a teacher, vice principal and a principal. We need to do this in order for us to move from surviving to thriving. When children feel valued, they soar.

The district will split $299.5 million in public school financing, mostly from the state, with eight charter schools ($55.916 million) and nine renaissance schools ($100.105 million), which are publicly owned and privately administered. The district also pays $19.424 million for out of district placement of students, including trade schools.

Keith Benson, president of the Camden Education Association, which represents 1,100 district workers including teachers, questioned how much will be saved by closing the schools.

The math does not work because you will risk losing students, Benson said last month. You risk losing money that goes along with it.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com.
Way to go, Kay, from an Alabamian who did not vote for you. You have proven to be a strong leader in a state that over the years has suffered from weak and sometimes corrupt governors.

Your detractors -- and, like all people in high political offices, you have your share -- question your age, your sharpness and your independence. They imply that in reality, youre just a nice little old lady who stumbled into the office, is in way over her head and leans heavily on her advisers in order to appear competent.

(Insert laughing emojis here.)

A few of your critics have even suggested that you enjoy the capital city cocktail circuit a little too much; and one retired legislator, whos openly gay, claimed back in 2018 that you too are gay.

(Insert Say what? emoji here.)

I dont know or much care about your personal life, although I would observe that if youre a bourbon drinker, Id be happy to share a bottle of Makers Mark. All you have to bring are the glasses and the ice. As for the accusation that youre gay, Ill make three points and then let it drop: I have at least one close relative who is gay, so Im comfortable with gayness, if there is such a word. Second, I put accusation in quotes because some people apparently consider being gay a bad thing, which I think is wrongheaded. And third, youve been married twice in your life, each time to a man, so  whatever.

Heres whats important to me: When the winds of politics start blowing a gale and other state leaders start ducking and weaving like Muhammad Ali, you are fearless.

Im specifically referring, of course, to your fellow Republican governors in Texas and Mississippi, both of whom recently did away with mask mandates and are allowing businesses to operate at 100 percent capacity. Why would they do such things, when public health officials across the country are urging cities and states to stay the course on masks and social distancing? Why flout scientific opinions which say that, in addition to vaccinations, those two tactics are key to the continued reduction of COVID-19 cases?

Anybody with half a brain knows the answer to both questions. (Hint: Its an eight-letter word that starts with P.) Those governors are tired of the pressure from their business communities, tired of the pressure from their partys so-called base voters, tired of the pressure from a certain former presidents circle of acolytes and, frankly, tired of having to be the grownups in the room.

Grownups, including grownup politicians, listen to people with expertise in specific matters. Grownups, including grownup politicians, solicit and weigh input from relevant sources. Grownups, including grownup politicians, solicit advice and opinions from people over whom they have authority.

Then grownups, including grownup politicians, make thoughtful decisions based on solid facts, solid advice and solid convictions. The P-word may play a role in their decision-making, but it is not the driving factor.

Being a grownup is hard for every adult and is perhaps harder for politicians, who must be mindful of pleasing enough of their constituents to get themselves re-elected. Yet you, who laugh it off when detractors call you Governor Mee-Maw, have resisted those pressures and once again have extended Alabamas Safer-At-Home mask and social-distancing order. You listened to the experts advice, you solicited the business communitys input, you ignored your ducking-and-weaving colleagues, and you said, in essence, No, we are not letting our guard down. Not yet.

You are betting that COVID-19 numbers will be down by April 9, when your extension expires. You say you wont extend the order again after that, which potentially will allow you to be criticized by masking proponents, but youll have to take on that criticism if and when you come to it.

As for why I didnt vote for you, when I seem to be such a fan, its simple. I met your opponent several times, liked what he had to say and was convinced that he had a good plan for governing.

As we both know, he was an underdog, and -- as underdogs generally do -- he lost. The good news, not just for me but for all of Alabama, is that he was beaten by a steady, competent woman with a solid political record. That woman, of course, was you.

Bravo, Gov. Kay Ivey. You have done good by your fellow Alabamians.

Frances Coleman is a former editorial page editor of the Mobile Press-Register. Email her at fcoleman1953@gmail.com and like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/prfrances.
Dubais Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the construction of two model bus stations at Oud Metha and Al Satwa.

These stations feature unique designs that form a blend of creative and practical solutions to engineering designs, along with introducing a new concept of mass transit.

"The construction of stations for public bus riders complements RTAs efforts to upgrade public transport infrastructure to encourage people to use public transit means in their daily movement," said Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, the Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA.

The new stations boast contemporary designs that cater to the needs of sustainability and people of determination, yet remain consistent with the identity and shape of RTAs stations, he noted.

The role of the new stations goes beyond the prevailing concept of commuting passengers, to encompass integrated services for passengers, offering retail outlets, service points, offices and others, he added.

Spanning an area of 9640 sq m, Oud Metha Station is located in a densely populated area and close to Oud Metha Metro Station, schools, community clubs and offices. It serves numerous bus routes, including the two routes from Dubai Mall and International City.

Oud Metha Bus Station comprises a ground floor and three upper floors, in addition to rooftop car parking.

The design of the station befits the public transit systems in the area. It has parking spaces for buses, private vehicles and taxis. The average number of riders using the station is expected to reach 10,000 riders per day.

Al Satwa station covers an area of 11,912 sq m and includes a ground floor, upper floor and rooftop parking. The design of the station is tailored to enhance the integration with public transit means in the area. It has a parking space for buses, taxis and private vehicles.

Al Satwa Bus Station can accommodate 7800 riders per day, which, in the future, can be increased to 15,000 riders per day. The station has 15 operational parking bays for buses, 14 parking slots for out-of-service buses, and 228 parking spaces for vehicles, said the RTA.

RTA has recently opened four bus stations, including Al Jafiliya, Al Ghubaiba, Etisalat and the Union. Al Ghubaiba Bus Station comprises six buildings with an area of 2,452 sq m and a capacity to serve 15,000 riders per day, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
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Aizawl, March 7 : The Myanmar authorities have requested India to send back their eight police officers, who have crossed into Mizoram since last Wednesday to take refuge after last month's military coup and declaration of emergency in the neighbouring country, officials said on Saturday.

In a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Champai district in Mizoram, Maria C.T. Zuali, his counterpart in Falam district in Myanmar, Saw Htun Win, requested to detain the eight Myanmar police personnel and hand them over to the country.

"Eight police personnel from Myanmar have crossed the borders to India. In order to uphold friendly relations between the two neighbouring countries, you are kindly requested to hand them over to Myanmar," said the letter available with IANS.

Zuali said that she has referred the matter to the higher authorities for appropriate action.

Mizoram's lone Lok Sabha member C. Lalrosanga said that 15 Myanmar police personnel came to Champhai district while eight policemen took shelter in Serchhip district.

"The Mizoram government has issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) with regard to the people entering Mizoram from Myanmar in view of the military coup. Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has already asked the people living along the borders to follow the SOP issued by the state government," Lalrosanga told IANS over phone.

Serchhip district Deputy Commissioner Kumar Abhishek and his Champhai district counterpart told the media separately that the district authorities have been providing food and shelter to the people who came from across the border.

Mizoram Home Department officials have said that the matter has been reported to the Union Home Ministry for necessary action.

Assam Rifles officials and the villagers of the border areas of Champhai, Serchhip and Hnahthial districts told the media that at least 35 to 50 people comprising unarmed police personnel and civilians from Myanmar have crossed over to the mountainous state since March 3.

A one-year state of emergency was declared in Myanmar and state power was transferred to Sen-Gen Min Aung Hlaing after President U Win Myint and State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi were detained by the military on February 1.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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On Thursday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 42-year-old Federico Klein for storming the US Capitol on January 6 and assaulting police with a weapon. Klein, a former State Department aide, was appointed by Donald Trump in 2017.

Federico Klein breaching the Capitol with a police riot shield [Source: FBI]

In an appearance before US Magistrate Zia Faruqui on Friday, Klein did not enter a plea. He was ordered to remain in detention until another hearing, scheduled for next Wednesday.

In addition to assaulting police, Klein is charged with unlawful entry, violent and disorderly conduct and obstructing Congress and law enforcement, offenses that carry a maximum twenty-year prison sentence.

An affidavit submitted by the FBI includes public video, body camera pictures from the police and security footage from the Capitol. Klein can be seen wearing a tan jacket and a red Make America Great Again hat, and using a police riot shield to wedge open doors and push back against police trying to keep the mob out of the Capitol.

The affidavit notes that multiple open-source videos captured Klein inciting the mob and trying to break through the police line. In one video, Klein was recorded calling multiple times to the crowd behind him, We need fresh people.

In a separate bodycam recording, Klein is heard refusing to move as police attempt to recover a fallen officer. No way, Klein tells the cop.

The FBI obtained Kleins phone records through a search warrant and confirmed that his phone was geolocated inside the Capitol on January 6. The FBI admitted last month that it had seized thousands of phone and electronic records of those who were at the Capitol on that day, including lawmakers, some of whom may have been in contact with rioters prior to or during the storming of the Capitol.

The FBIs seizure of phone records drew the ire of Republicans implicated in the coup plot during congressional hearings this past week. Republican Missouri Senator Josh Hawley was one of several senators who questioned FBI Director Chirstopher Wray as to what data had been scooped up in the investigation so far, which Wray declined to answer.

In an interview with Politico, Kleins mother, Cecilia Klein, said her son was a former Marine and had deployed to Iraq. The Marine Corps has confirmed that Klein was in the Reserve from January 2004 through November 2012, and that he deployed to Iraq from February to September in 2005.

Cecilia Klein said her son admitted to her that he was on the Capitol grounds that day, but claimed he had not entered the Capitol. She said she preferred not to talk politics or discuss Trump with her son because Freds politics burn a little hot.

As of this writing, a running tally by NPR shows that at least 42 people who have been arrested for storming the Capitol have a background in military or law enforcement. Fifty-three people have been identified as having ties to extremist or fringe groups. At least 17 members of the Proud Boys and at least 10 members of the far-right Oath Keepers are currently facing charges.

Federico Klein [Source: Facebook]

According to his LinkedIn profile, Klein had a top secret security clearance from 2014 through 2019. The FBI confirmed on Friday that Kleins security clearance was renewed in 2019. Previously charged Oath Keeper leader and retired Navy Commander Thomas Caldwell, 66, has also claimed to have worked for the FBI and held a top secret security clearance since 1979, which the FBI has yet to deny.

After storming the Capitol, Klein continued to work at the State Department through January 19, resigning the day before the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

On his LinkedIn page, Klein also listed his prior experience as a researcher at the Family Research Council (FRC). The FRC was founded in 1981 by James Dobson of Focus on the Family. The FRC is a Southern Poverty Law Center-designated hate group, which claims that being homosexual is a choice that leads to pedophilia. The current vice president of the FRC is retired Army Gen. William G. Jerry Boykin.

Boykin is a former Delta Force commander, who served as undersecretary for defense under President George W. Bush. Boykin, along with Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, was among the more prominent generals to endorse Trumps presidential campaign in 2016.

Boykin has previously stated that the US government is infiltrated by the Muslim Brotherhood, and that Holocaust survivor George Soros is part of a cabal, a group of very nefarious people, who very much want to create a global government.

The connections between the FRC and the Trump administration run deep. Trump-appointed officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, appeared regularly during Trumps presidency on Washington Watch with Tony Perkins, an FRC-hosted show.

Klein has been involved in Republican politics since 2008, beginning as a campaign volunteer coordinator for the McCain-Palin campaign. Klein also worked for the Romney-Ryan campaign and for Trump immigration official Ken Cuccinellis failed 2013 run for Virginia governor.

Klein began working for the Trump campaign in 2016 as a tech analyst, according to Federal Election Commission records, earning $15,000 according to a financial disclosure he filed before joining the State Department. At the State Department, Klein worked as a special assistant in the Office of Brazilian and Southern Cone Affairs, according to a ProPublica Database.

To date, Kleins arrest represents the closest official direct link between the Trump administration and the assault on the Capitol, although there are undoubtedly more to be found within the State Department, the Department of Defense and the intelligence and police agencies, underscoring the need for a full and public investigation into the former Trump administration and all those who aided and abetted the attempted putsch.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, U.S. Capitol Police push back rioters trying to enter the U.S. Capitol in Washington [Credit: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File]

Testimony this past week from D.C. National Guard Commander General William Walker made clear that officials within the Pentagon purposely delayed sending reinforcements in order to give far-right insurgents such as Klein more time to penetrate the Capitol and capture or kill lawmakers, so as to block Congress from officially counting the electoral vote.

There is no telling how many more fascists remain embedded throughout the government or in Congress itself. In a January 12 Facebook video, New Jersey Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill claimed to have witnessed Republican legislators giving reconnaissance tours to groups believed to be far-right militias the day prior to the attack on the Capitol.

It is an undisputed fact that Republican politicians such as former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor-Greene and Trump political cronies Roger Stone and Alex Jones enjoy business and personal connections to Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members, many of whom are current or former police or military.
In brief: China wants to become a dominant force in technology, but in the process they may have taken a few shortcuts, which explains why it's locked into a costly trade war with the United States. Semiconductors are among the biggest pain points however, which is why the country is investing $155 billion into research and development of advanced chip making technologies.

As the trade war between China and the US rages on, the Chinese government is doing everything in its power to prop up the local tech industry. Flagship chinese companies like Huawei no longer get access to American silicon or the software required for their products.

As of writing, China is capable of covering over 20 percent of the chips needed in the local industry, but the Chinese government plans to increase that number to 70 percent by 2025.

This is part of the country's famous "3-5-2" policy to replace all foreign hardware and software from its public infrastructure with homegrown solutions, which will inevitably impact some American tech giants such as Dell, HP, and Microsoft.

China is pouring exorbitant sums of money into local tech companies hoping to close the technology gap as soon as possible. In 2019 alone, the government approved $29 billion in subsidies for companies like Zhaoxin, Huawei, and SMIC.

Zhaoxin is currently developing x86 processors, while Huawei is working on Arm-based CPUs, as well as GPUs and AI accelerator cards. SMIC is by far the most important piece of the puzzle, as evidenced by last year's $7.6 billion share sale. It is, after all, the country's largest foundry, and key to reducing China's reliance on imported chips.

This will be a monumental task, as the country's appetite for silicon has been growing quickly, reaching 543 billion units worth $350 billion in 2020. This is why China is investing no less than $155 billion through 2025 in bolstering its local semiconductor manufacturing capacity over the next five years. And that's just one slice of the estimated $1.4 trillion budget that President Xi Jinping has pledged for China's digital transformation journey in the coming years.

Last year, the Trump administration tightened the screws on SMIC's ability to trade with photolithography equipment manufacturers that produce advanced EUV machines. As a result, China is now buying almost all of the used machines from countries like Japan for $1 million apiece even though they've been rendered obsolete by much more advanced equipment. At the same time, it's also purchasing $1.2 billion worth of old, deep ultraviolet lithography (DUV) equipment from Dutch manufacturer ASML.

The idea is to use this older equipment to make chips for automotive, industrial and military applications, where process nodes like 14 nm and 28 nm are mature and perfectly adequate for these applications.

In the meantime, SMIC is working to build more 300 mm wafer manufacturing plants and catch up with TSMC and Samsung on more advanced process nodes. It's a bold plan, and one that will undoubtedly take a decade to unfold and which will be peppered with failures along the way. It is, however, easier than trying to change how the Internet works, which is going nowhere fast.
TAMPA  Trading Adam Ottavino meant jettisoning a reliever who struggled mightily for the Yankees last year and who was set to make $9 million in 2021.

But it still wasnt an easy move for general manager Brian Cashman to make.

Cashman said Ottavino, who dominates righties, could back to haunt his team for the Red Sox.

Were completely righty in our lineup for the most part, the GM told reporters during a video conference call at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Friday. And we play Boston without our division more times than you want. So its going to create great lanes for him, and hes going to have a hell of a year for them.

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The 35-year-old had a 5.89 ERA in 24 appearances and manager Aaron Boone stayed away from him in the playoffs last year.

But in 2019, things were different.The Brooklyn native was actually quite good, posting a 1.90 ERA in 73 games before getting roughed up in the postseason.

Hell be a free agent after this season.

In exchange for Ottavino and eating all his salary, the Red Sox received righty relief prospect Frank German.

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The Yankees used the money that they would have paid Ottavino to sign relievers Darren ODay ($1.75 million) and Justin Wilson ($2.85 million) and outfielder Brett Gardner ($2.85 million).

But its not easy to make those types of decisions, Cashman said. I think Otto obviously is going to have a terrific year.  I think what Otto really is, is more like the year before, before the COVID season last year, and I think youre going to see the reemerge in Boston. But are excited about ODay and were excited about Justin Wilson and obviously having Gardy return as well.

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Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Most of us have a regular grocery store where we can reliably purchase meat and potatoes. But what about mangosteens and chrysanthemum greens? If your grocery list includes either of those or any other number of Asian ingredients, Vietnam Market is the answer.

This sprawling shops been meeting San Antonios Asian market needs for 14 years along Walzem Road on the citys Northeast Side. And its one of my favorites for a few ingredients that have become staples in my kitchen.

Ive long been a fan of several types of Asian greens. Chinese broccoli  imagine a bunch of broccoli thats all leaves and no florets  is a must. It has a mild broccoli flavor and the dense but tender leaves retain its texture far better than more delicate greens when cooked. I use this stuff in everyday cooking as a stand-in for spinach, chard and the like.

Chrysanthemum greens are another fave in a quick stir-fry, and they add a gorgeous floral note to green smoothies. I can find both and about a half-dozen other types of greens without fail at Vietnam Market.

On ExpressNews.com: See what recipes were creating and cooking here. Bookmark the page!

The produce selection in general has some familiar faces like carrots, cabbage and limes, but the real draw here is uncommon treats like green papaya, Chinese long beans, kabocha squash, bitter melon, fresh water chestnuts and other things seldom seen in a supermarket.

Paul Stephen / Staff

If its rice you need, there are few better spots in town to find a huge variety of grains in bags weighing up to 25 pounds. Same goes for noodles. The sum total of dried, fresh, frozen and instant noodles in this place may account for about 20 percent of the floor space, and a personal favorite are the fresh egg wonton noodles in the refrigerated section of the store.

Theres a small selection of fresh meat and seafood, including oodles of rosy pork bellies and enormous shrimp, and quite a few types of frozen fish. If you need fresh pork blood and all kinds of offal, this is your place.

Paul Stephen / Staff

One of the biggest joys here is the aimless browsing through shelf after shelf of condiments, sauces, seasonings, canned goods, snack foods and sweets you simply wont find at a Walmart or H-E-B. My latest haul brought home a nearly 1-pound tub of crispy, sprinkle-on-everything fried shallots; a jar of addictive fried chiles in oil; a bag of smoked bacon chips and coffee-iced cookies.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio's best secret discount grocery store is AAA Freight Salvage Groceries

Like many home cooks, I also have that vexing conflict of lusting for knives but no budget with which to buy them. Vietnam Market comes through there, as well. Browse through their selection of cutlery made by the Thailand-based Kiwi  these things are insanely sharp and carry a price tag around $5 for most blades. Youll also find a wide range of the kinds of utensils, dishware and flatware.

Vietnam Market, 5360 Walzem Road, 210-653-9911, no web presence. Hours: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday.

pstephen@express-news.net | Twitter: @pjbites | Instagram: @pjstephen
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After Dana Nessel won the Attorney General race in 2018, she got a note from incoming House Speaker Lee Chatfield congratulating her. She thought it was sarcastic.

Nessel had built her political brand as a tireless LGBT advocate and a progressive Democrat. Chatfield, R-Levering, was a conservative Republican who had gotten to Lansing by challenging an opponent who proposed extending civil rights to LGBT people.

Nessel mentioned the note to Sen. Jeremy Moss, D-Southfield, as sort of an oddity.

Hes like, Oh, youre gonna love Lee Chatfield. And I said, I hardly think that I am going to love Lee Chatfield, Nessel said in an interview.

Time would prove that instinct wrong. The note was genuine, and it turned into a genuine friendship. When Chatfield introduced his first bill as speaker on civil asset forfeiture, Nessel was by his side. The two worked together as one of the unlikeliest political pairings in Lansing.

Out of all the Republicans in the legislature, he was the one I was closest with and the one I worked best with, Nessel said.

Two years later, Chatfield and his stance on LGBT issues became the center of controversy after he left the legislature and was hired to be CEO of the Kalamazoo-based economic development group Southwest Michigan First. His selection sparked backlash, with some pointing to his record of opposing the inclusion of LGBT civil rights protections in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act as evidence he was out of step with the community.

Big partners cut ties with Southwest Michigan First, and the organization responded by issuing a non-discrimination policy. Chatfield told FOX 17 he would support the companys goal of amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act in his new role. But ultimately, he resigned.

Some, like Kalamazoo City Commissioner and Equality Michigan Director Erin Knott, framed it as a victory.

Mr. Chatfields resignation is indicative of the fact that the greater Kalamazoo community and the Southwest region have shown that we value diversity, equity and inclusion, Knott said at the time.

But in Lansing, LGBT leaders read the situation differently.

The resignation of Lee Chatfield did not advance LGBTQ rights. It was not a win for anybody involved, said Moss.

He first heard of Chatfield in 2014, when they were both running for the state House; Moss as an openly gay candidate and Chatfield as a conservative who opposed adding LGBT protections to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. As soon as they got to Lansing, Chatfield introduced himself.

When they ended up as Chair and Minority Vice Chair of the same committee, they worked closely together. At one point, Chatfield had Moss chair a meeting in his stead, Moss said -- a rare display of trust between members of opposite parties in Lansing.

Chatfield, who couldnt be reached for comment for this article, mentioned his connections with members of the LGBT community in his resignation letter.

Specifically, regarding the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, I came into the legislature with publicly-known beliefs, he wrote.

Since then, I have had many thoughtful and enlightening conversations and have built close friendships that, quite frankly, I did not have before I was elected in 2014. I sought out these opportunities to learn from LGBTQ+ advocates and allies to become more informed. Ive learned so much in the past seven years, and the meaningful relationships formed in the Legislature with members of different perspectives have guided and helped shape some of my personal views towards diversity and inclusion today.

Moss, Nessel and former Rep. Jon Hoadley, D-Kalamazoo, all had friendly, collegial relationships with Chatfield during his time in Lansing.

To be clear, they worked together on some issues but had a fundamental disagreement on a big one: Moss, Nessel and Hoadley all support adding LGBT protections to the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, full stop. Chatfield didnt, at least not without adding religious liberty exemptions advocates have long worried would undermine the point of the change.

Nessel often says knowing LGBT people changes how people react to and vote on LGBT issues. Shes played that role in peoples lives before, and thinks her friendship with Chatfield made an impression, too.

I know that from a political standpoint, there are certain things that Lee Chatfield probably always felt he had to do. But I suspect, I have no corroborating proof of this, but I suspect that he probably began to change his mind over time, just forming friendships that he had the three of us, as well as probably others that he met, Nessel said.

Hoadley, who is from the same area where Southwest Michigan First operates, was critical of the way the appointment was done, without transparency or the input of important parts of the community.

Frankly, I feel bad that the executive search process at Southwest Michigan First was so poorly constructed, that they set Lee up to fail in that regard, Hoadley said.

He said if Chatfields position on extending civil rights to LGBT people had evolved, and he took time to explain that as part of the normal vetting process, it could have been a powerful story.

And heres where LGBT leaders get conflicting feelings: the criticism Chatfield faced and his resignation sent a signal that taking anti-LGBT policy positions wasnt culturally acceptable, and reflects a growing support for LGBT civil rights.

Its a cautionary tale that were at this moment where people want to see more than personal evolution and want to actually see them results, Hoadley said.

But Moss, Nessel, and Hoadley worry it also sent a signal people couldnt change their minds.

Ultimately, LGBT leaders want Republicans to support extending the civil rights protections in the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act -- like protection from housing and employment discrimination -- to people based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

For years, legislation to do just that has been pending, but never passed, in the Michigan Legislature. Recently, the Fair and Equal Michigan ballot proposal gathered enough signatures to land it in the Legislatures lap via citizen initiative, too.

But advocates will have to win over some members of the Republican majority to make real legislative progress.

Oakland University Professor of Political Science David Dulio said whether or not to extend civil rights to LGBT Michiganders is sort of an either-or issue with not a lot of middle ground or room for negotiation, which makes it just more difficult, period.

Both Moss and Hoadley say theyve talked with Republicans and know theres more support for the effort than people are saying publicly. But without Republican co-sponsors or clout, its hard to get a proposal off the ground and to a full vote.

What we dont want to happen is for people to feel like whatever their initial thoughts were on LGBTQ rights, that there is no room for them to evolve. Because everyone should have that opportunity, Nessel said.

Moss was uncomfortable with what he described as a lot of glee over Chatfields resignation. Chatfield was engaging in conversations about LGBT rights and getting to know LGBT people, and was backing the non-discrimination policy at Southwest Michigan First.

And so we came a lot further than the 2014 candidate, and to club him over the head now sends signals to the next person that support Elliott-Larsen now, or you can never support it again in the future, Moss said. And thats not our stance at all. In order for me to find Republican cosponsors... Im depending on Republican lawmakers to change their stance for the first time.

Chatfield was talking regularly with Moss, Nessel and Hoadley during his brief stint at Southwest Michigan First. They all wish him well, personally, and will always take his calls.

Hoadley said he thinks Chatfield has an opportunity to make a difference on this issue as a private citizen by talking with other Republicans who are still in office about it, if he chooses to.

Hoadley said with the Fair and Equal Michigan ballot measure, theres an opportunity for people to support extending civil rights to LGBT people, and hes not going to be looking backward at peoples previous positions.

Im going to be ready to cheer all those folks on who rise to the occasion to say yes to fairness and equality if they take that vote, Hoadley said.

Note: This story has been updated to reflect Knotts title.

More on MLive:

Lee Chatfield resigns as CEO of Southwest Michigan First after criticism from Kalamazoo community

LGBT anti-discrimination campaign turns in nearly 500,000 signatures for 2022 ballot proposal

Michigan lawmakers reintroduce bill to add LGBT protections to civil rights act

Kalamazoo Promise latest to cut ties with Southwest Michigan First
Disasters are big to the people they affect, but amid all the headlines, theyre easy for others to miss. Weve rounded up the chaos that caught our attention this week in our new weekly roundup, This Week in Disasters.

Water disaster: Heavy rainfall has engulfed parts of Kentucky since Monday, causing historic floods.

Ash disaster: An Indonesian volcano spewed over 16,000 feet of ash into the sky Tuesday, sprinkling some on surrounding villages.

Quake disasters: A magnitude 6.0 earthquake rocked central Greece on Wednesday, collapsing buildings and destroying houses. A magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean northeast of New Zealand on Thursday, putting New Zealand and Hawaii on tsunami watch.

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Unprecedented disaster: Iceland was also hit by earthquakes18,000 of them, just this week. Experts worry that this record-setting string of tremors may set off volcanoes in the area. (Remember Eyjafjallajokull?)

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Fiery disaster: A 14-year-old girl in Louisiana was killed in an oil tank explosion on Sunday. Officials say the girls presence near the tanks right before the explosion has been identified as a contributing factor in the case.

Viral disaster: An explosion blasted windows off a Dutch COVID testing center Wednesday morning. No one was injured, and authorities suspect the blast was intentional.

Wartime disaster: Ten rockets struck an Iraqi airbase used by U.S. forces on Wednesday. An American civilian contractor died of a heart attack during the attack.

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Human rights disaster: Burma saw its bloodiest week since the military coup on Feb. 1, with 38 civilians killed on Wednesday alone. The victims were primarily young protesters, shot by military forces.

Averted disasters: A World War II-era bomb, discovered in the U.K., blew up in a controlled detonation Saturday.

Ancient disaster: Archaeologists on February 27th that they unearthed the Lamborghini of chariots from the ruins of Pompeii.

Ratings disaster: Viewership of Sundays Golden Globes tumbled to an all-time low.

Royal disaster: Teasers of Harry and Meghans Oprah interview roiled Buckingham Palace, amplifying familial tensions throughout the week. (We loved this one so much we wrote about it.)
The United States willingness to return to the original Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA, known as the Iran nuclear deal) is a pragmatic and right approach, Mikhail Ulyanov, Russias Permanent Representative to International Organizations, including the IAEA, in Vienna, said in a televised interview on Rossiya-24 news channel on Friday, TASS reported.

"Americans have shown a very responsible approach in this regard. They are ready at this stage to discuss the return to what it was. It is rational, pragmatic and correct," he said.

According to Ulyanov, "the ambitions" of Iran and the US are alarming.

"In this situation, we see that either Tehran or Washington starts saying that the other side must make the first step. It is a road to nowhere. The only way to make progress is to synchronize practical steps so that nobody could assume they have lost face," he added.

The diplomat pointed out that the synchronization and a certain roadmap with step-by-step instructions were the only way to success.
When Labour Party leader Alan Kelly stood up in the Dail last week and spoke about a Wexford childcare facility that may have 'put pressure on the HSE' to get staff vaccinated, it put the cat among the pigeons. There was a flurry of calls from media outlets to the HSE as they sought clarity on the alleged case of 'queue jumping'.

While the childcare facility was not mentioned by name in the Dail, it can now be revealed that the source of the apparent controversy was the vaccination of staff members at childcare facilities operated by the Ferns Diocesan Youth Service (FDYS) in Wexford.

The organisation, however, has pointed out that as a Section 39 organisation (a community agency provided with funding under Section 39 of the Health Act), its workers were covered on the vaccine priority list and thus were included in the roll-out last week.

An FDYS spokesperson dismissed claims that undue 'pressure' was placed on the HSE to deliver vaccines to its childcare workers as 'absolute rubbish', noting 'we are absolute minnows in the national picture'.

'Section 39 organisations have been prioritised and that's what been done,' the spokesperson said, frustrated at the week's events. 'Our staff were vaccinated as Section 39 workers to protect the vulnerable communities that they are working with.

All staff of Section 39 organisations across the country were requested by the HSE to register their details for prioritisation of the vaccine. To support this national campaign to protect service users from across Ireland's most marginalised communities, we complied with this request. FDYS is proud to serve those most at risk, and continues to provide quality services throughout this pandemic.'

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Despite this, Labour TD Brendan Howlin revealed a conversation he had with Chief Executive of the HSE Paul Reid last week, in which he was told that it was 'a mistake' and that FDYS workers employed in the childcare setting 'shouldn't have been included' in the vaccinations.

This was a point dismissed by FDYS who resented any kind of implication of wrong-doing on their end.

Deputy Howlin said: 'It was just a mistake. The point is we can't have different treatment for different people. People need to have confidence in the vaccine roll-out.'

He further acknowledged that the situation was by no means the fault of any of the workers vaccinated, but was rather a teething issue with the roll-out.

'I'm not blaming anyone for this,' he said. 'Everybody wants the vaccine. A specialist group determines the sequence in which it's administered. I think we need absolute confidence in the roll-out. Mistakes can be made and what we need to ensure is that no pattern develops and that we recognise mistakes when they happen. The people involved took their vaccine in good faith.'

Both Deputy Howlin and Cllr George Lawlor fielded a number phone-calls last week from childcare professionals, angered that workers at HSE funded facilities had been deemed more of a priority for a vaccine, while those working in a private childcare setting would have to wait a number of months to receive theirs, falling at number 11 in the priority list.

Eleanor Connolly, who runs Eleanor's Preschool and Afterschool in Coolcotts was upset by the decision taken by the HSE to vaccinate some childcare workers, but not others.

'It seems that the workers (in FDYS childcare services) were vaccinated under the HSE regulations,' she said. 'But there is no provision for childcare workers on that list. It was supposed to be section 38 and 39 workers.

'It should be rolled out as it was meant to be, but instead it seems the rules are being bent. Their workers aren't any way superior to mine. We all work in the same sector which carries the same risk.

'My staff now feel like they don't matter as much as those that operate under the HSE. We should all be the same. We all follow the same guidelines and we're all regulated by TUSLA. I'm fuming. I'm disgusted. I'd like to see the vaccine roll-out brought forward for all childcare settings equally. As you know, it's a setting where it's impossible to have social distancing and there's no such thing as cough or sneeze etiquette.'

This anger and frustration was shared by Elaine Dunne, Chairperson of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers.

'What we want to know is at whose discretion were these vaccines allocated,' she said. 'Surely there is protocol to be followed here. If you give it to one provider, it should be rolled out across the whole sector. What about the rest of us? We've been fighting for this since June. We're operating in a workspace where you can't social distance.'

Ms Dunne, however, was keen to stress that this was in no way an attack on those childcare workers who had been vaccinated, but a criticism of the HSE for the manner of the roll-out.

'I should add that I've no issue with the people who received their vaccine,' she said. 'They are the lucky ones in many ways. My issue is with the HSE. I'd like to see childcare workers bumped up the list. We're currently at number 11 and it could be months before we're vaccinated. We will be opening up fully on March 8 and will be nearly back to full occupancy. It's a big issue and nobody is talking about it. If we don't open, we don't get our funding. People are under huge pressure and we're high risk.

'It would be nice to be given a choice and respected enough for people to realise that the nature of our job means we're up close and personal with kids. That would be much easier and a lot of the anxiety would be gone if the option was there for vaccines. We don't want to take them from anyone else, but it's very disappointing to have a situation where services are being given vaccines (in this manner). It seems that it was all in the interpretation of what a section 38 and 39 worker is.'

Having spoken to a number of disgruntled childcare professionals, Cllr George Lawlor said that the utmost clarity was required going forward.

'Nobody has any objection to people being vaccinated,' Cllr Lawlor said. 'But it has to be fair and transparent and in line with the national roll-out or people will get fed up and lose confidence in the whole system. We're all delighted to see the numbers of people vaccinated going up, but we have to be fair to others working in the childcare sector too. They will have to wait months. It's not fair that one childcare setting seems to have been prioritised over another.'

In an official statement, the HSE explained 'Group 2' vaccinations are currently being carried out for 'all frontline hospital and community based healthcare workers'.

'This includes those directly employed by the HSE, those in HSE and HSE-funded organisations, private hospital or clinics and community based, not-for-profit or private healthcare providers not directly funded by the HSE.'

Addressing the vaccination of childcare workers under this grouping, the HSE spokesperson said that: 'whereas employees of childcare providers are part of groups due for vaccination at later stages, there are various (non HSE) agencies in the disability services, youth work and family resource sectors whose employees may be involved in aspects of childcare work as it relates to particular services and other community supports offered by those organisations.'

However, perhaps throwing things slightly back on the management at FDYS, the statement concluded: 'There is an expectation that each such entity, in its provision of candidates for vaccination, ensure adherence to criteria as frontline healthcare workers.'

FDYS maintains that details of all of their candidates for vaccination were furnished to the HSE in advance and were approved. Several other Section 39 organisations were also vaccinated last week.
Egypt stressed the necessity of launching a serious and effective negotiation process under the auspices of the African Union (AU) with the participation of international partners for a legally binding deal on the disputed Grand Ethiopian Dam before the upcoming flood season.

The Egyptian foreign ministry said on Friday that foreign minister Sameh Shoukry held a phone call with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to discuss the latest developments on the dam.

Shoukry expressed his worry over the latest collapse of AU-sponsored negotiations on the dam in January, reviewing a new Sudanese proposal backed by Egypt to develop the negotiations mechanism through involving international partners as mediators in the talks.

Khartoum has proposed last month to form an international quartet committee to mediate the stalled negotiations on the dam.

The proposed committee would include the US, the European Union (EU), the UN, and the AU, and would be under the auspices of Felix Tshisekedi, the president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the current head of the AU.

The Egyptian foreign minister affirmed the necessity of launching the new negotiation process to reach a fair and balanced legally binding accord on the dam that takes into account the interests of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan before Ethiopias planned second filling of the dam over the summer.

Such a unilateral move would have negative impacts and consequences that should be avoided through reaching a deal on the dam at the earliest opportunity, Shoukry said.

The phone call comes few days after Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Mariam Al-Saddiq Al-Mahdi called during a Cairo meeting for international mediation aimed at reaching an agreement over GERD.

They called on Ethiopia to show good will and resume talks over the GERD before the second filing of the dam.

Ethiopia rejects the proposal, arguing that inviting other parties as mediators in the over decade long talks is "demeaning" the efforts of the AU, which currently heads the talks.

The efforts to resolve the crisis come amid worries over controversial plans by Addis Ababa to complete the second filling in July without an accord with Cairo and Khartoum.

Egypt fears the project will significantly cut its crucial water supplies from the River Nile, while Sudan has concerns over how the reservoir will be managed.

Ethiopia says the massive project, which it hopes will make it Africas largest power exporter, is key to its development efforts.

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Her bag is packed and uniform pressed. They have been for the better part of a week. To say Delilah Genn is almost giddy with excitement about schools reopening tomorrow would be an understatement.

I love it there, says the 11-year-old, whos in Year 7 at a North London grammar school. Along with just about every other parent in Britain, her mother, Amber, 47, will also breathe a sigh of relief. There will, however, be one big change  or rather, yet another in a seemingly ever evolving list  Delilah and other pupils will have to adjust to: theyll all be expected to wear a mask. Not just in the corridors, as was the case last term, but any time they are indoors. So this means for almost the whole day. Even in the classroom.

Im not really looking forward to that, admits Delilah. Masks are itchy and quite irritating. But I know I have to. Its to stop germs spreading so that we dont get Covid.

School children across England will be returning to class this week but will be expected to wair face masks if social distancing is impractical, pictured Leah McCallum, left, and Rebecca Ross, right, from St Columba's High School in Gourock, Scotland, in August 2020

Mum Amber also reluctantly welcomes the measures. It means theyll be in masks for eight hours. That would be hard for anyone. But Delilah had Covid at the end of last year, which she picked up at school, so we know how easily the virus can spread. Kids arent great at keeping distanced.

When she wears a mask, she says she sometimes feels breathless, so its going to be difficult. But the alternative is that they all continue to stay at home, which no one wants. Mercifully, the school have said itll be reviewed at the end of term, in a month. I think it would be a problem if it went on for any longer.

Last week the Department for Education (DfE) issued guidance for the safe reopening of schools. Along with regular self-testing for secondary-school children, there are new mask-wearing recommendations. Now, every pupil in Year 7 (aged 11 to 12) or above must wear a face covering when they cannot guarantee at least a one-metre distance from others and there is widespread transmission in the area.

It does not make masks in the classroom compulsory. Indeed, the wording of the guidance leaves it very much open to the discretion of headteachers. But it means that many schools, due to space constraints, will indeed have to ask children to wear a face covering during lessons.

This week, The Mail on Sunday spoke to a broad range of scientists who say the measures will be vital to stop infection rates from rising.

Among them is prominent Oxford scientist Professor Trish Greenhalgh, who leads a research group thats been providing evidence that masks reduce virus transmission. Speaking to The Mail on Sundays Medical Minefield podcast, she said there was overwhelming evidence now that face coverings have an effect on infection rates.

She added that, while no child should be made to wear a mask, it should be seen as just another aspect of school uniform, like having to wear clean shoes.

Experts recommend the use of face masks by pupils in school to help reduce the transmission of Covid-19 - especially among asymptomatic people

The new school guidance has been billed as a temporary measure. Yet the move has ignited fierce debate, with MPs warning last week we could face mask anarchy if some parents reject measures, while other critics suggest masks could somehow harm youngsters.

Molly Kingsley, co-founder of the parent campaign group UsForThem wrote: We simply do not know of the long-term effects of face coverings on brain development, educational attainment, communication and indeed all other aspects of childrens physical and mental health.

Others pointed out that keeping children out of school for longer would have a far worse impact.

Still, with the roaring success of Britains globally acclaimed Covid-19 vaccine programme and the virus itself in retreat, are these measures really necessary? And does the science support them?

According to the Government, masks will play a pivotal role in halting the spread of the new variants of Covid-19, which are more transmissible than the original virus and may potentially be more likely to outwit current vaccines.

It says the key objective is to protect pupils at-risk relatives who may not have been vaccinated, rather than school children themselves.

Dr Stephen Griffin, virologist at Leeds University School of Medicine, backs the measure, saying: I agree that secondary-school children should be wearing face coverings because once kids reach adolescence, they are just as infectious as adults.

Professor Lawrence Young, virologist at Warwick University, agrees: We know that in terms of the spread of the virus, its those aged over 11 we need to worry about. Kids younger than that are not as likely to spread the virus because it appears that even when they do get infected, they do not produce as much of it.

But Professor Julian Tang, virologist at the University of Leicester, says he believes younger children should also wear face coverings. He said: Theres been conflicting studies over how likely it is that primary school-age children will catch and pass on the virus, but we know it is possible. So I think it makes perfect sense to get them to wear masks.

Oxford expert Professor Trisha Greenhalgh, pictured, believes children should not be ordered to wear masks, though recommends their use, suggesting the should be just another aspect of school uniform, like having to wear clean shoes

In South East Asia children have been wearing face masks in school since the start of the pandemic because mask-wearing is part of the culture. The children are still able to learn, so why wouldnt they be able to here?

Whether children should wear masks outside while at school, for example in the playground, is also a tricky question.

Prof Young said: We know that in well ventilated areas the chances of getting infected are minimal.

But kids will naturally crowd together. If they are breathing heavily and shouting across spaces, they are likely to shed more virus.

A turning point for mask-wearing came in the first months of the pandemic, when it emerged that the virus was primarily spread by people carrying it without symptoms.

The thing that caught everyone out was that we all assumed Covid-19 would spread much like SARS  only from people with symptoms, says Prof Young. What none of us knew at the time was that a lot of people  possibly 80 per cent or more  were asymptomatic.

At the same time, it emerged that, unlike similar viruses, Covid isnt just spread directly via coughs and sneezes in droplets. Studies have now shown viral particles can build up and hang in the air, sometimes for days, in unventilated spaces. And large amounts of the virus can be expelled simply by speaking.

Masks have been shown to block these particles, and so have the potential to reduce the risk of transmission, particularly indoors.

Prof Greenhalgh said: This virus can be spread whenever we share air. We all know what sharing air means. It means, for example, that if someones wearing perfume, you smell their perfume. For this reason, she argues that measures such as Perspex screens between the desks of school children are not enough to stop the virus spreading. She said: If the virus spread through droplets only, then the Perspex screens will be a really good way of protecting the children from the coughs and sneezes of other children because gravity will pull the droplets down and they wont go around or over the screens.

But if it spreads through shared air, then those screens are no good unless they go all the way up to the ceiling, which they dont.

In the early days of the pandemic, scientists say they were hampered by a lack of real-world data on how effective masks were at stopping the spread of the virus.

Usually in science when you want to look at how important certain measures are, you create a control group, says Prof Tang. This is where you compare one group following the measure and one who are not. But with masks, almost every nation has implemented them to some degree, so there isnt a control group.

In the United States, some school children have been using personal tents for band practice

This makes it incredibly hard to separate the impact of face masks from other measures, like lockdowns or social distancing. Thats not to say that some researchers havent tried. In January, a Boston University study suggested US states reporting high levels of mask-wearing had lower infection rates than states with low levels of mask-wearing. But the researchers concede this may be connected with the fact that people who wear face masks regularly are also more likely to social distance.

Scientists have otherwise based their knowledge of face masks on lab trials. These typically use artificial breathing machines to simulate human coughs and observe how effective masks are at limiting the travel of water droplets. One such study, from the University of Edinburgh published in May, found that a tightly sealed face mask could reduce the spread of virus-carrying water droplets by as much as 90 per cent.

Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine at the University of East Anglia, said laboratory mask studies should be treated with healthy scepticism.

He said: There is still a lot of uncertainty about the effectiveness of face masks. Lab studies test the effectiveness of masks on mannequins, like the ones you find in shops, and mannequins dont fiddle with their masks, or wear them the wrong way.

Yet even Prof Hunter believes that face masks alone could reduce the risk of Covid infection by 20 per cent.

Pupils, including Leah Anderson, pictured, are receiving regular lateral flow tests to track Covid-19

Those are still really important numbers, which is why we should keep wearing them, but its also the reason the Government tells us to keep our distance from each other even with masks on, because they cant be completely relied on.

Across the Atlantic, the mask debate has become even more polarised  and politicised. Last month, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, reported that masks could, in fact, offer the wearer a good level of protection against Covid-19  as long as two were worn at once. One cloth face- covering prevented 40 per cent of viral droplets from being inhaled compared to no mask, their study showed. But when they put a second mask on, it stopped 80 per cent of aerosols getting into airways. If the other person was also masked, it stopped 95 per cent of potentially infectious droplets getting in.

Indoor music lessons to resume with school restart The Government has said indoor music lessons should recommence when schools return, although Professor Trish Greenhalgh believes this is probably not the best thing to do right now. Perhaps UK schools might want to consider what one American high school did to allow its band to practise, left. At Wenatchee High School in Washington state, the young musicians were positioned in individual tents  along with their instruments and music-stands. The school said the idea was that it would stop any children who were harbouring the virus from spreading it during indoor lessons, particularly with wind instruments which can funnel virus particles around a room. Advertisement

The trend for double-masking has taken off in the US in a big way, at least among Democrats. Both President Biden and Vice President Harris are normally seen sporting two masks. However, the Republican governor of Texas has completely axed mask-wearing guidance in the state.

From a purely medical perspective, Prof Tang says double-masking makes a lot of sense. He said: The greaternumber of masks you wear, the more chance youll have of blocking virus particles from spreading. You could even wear three, as long as this doesnt negatively affect your breathing.

For Prof Young, the bigger issue is how masks are worn. I see people in supermarkets with them below their noses or hanging loosely off the face. They have to be close-fitting in order to work.

Schools are relaxed about the type of face covering worn. The Department for Education says a face-covering could be a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering  as long as they fit securely round the side of the face. But what does the evidence say? In France, home-made fabric masks have been banned amid fears they are ineffective and Germany has implemented even stricter measures requiring surgical-grade masks inside shops or on public transport.

Here, the Government simply suggests masks be made of at least two layers of fabric. But this is not a requirement.

While it is certainly true that surgical-grade masks in theory are more effective at stopping the spread of Covid, a recent University of Cambridge study concluded that the fit of a mask was just as important, if not more important, than the material.

Professor Cath Noakes, a specialist in airborne diseases at the University of Leeds, said: People need to think about how snugly the mask fits to their face. If there are gaps or it is loose, it doesnt matter what quality the mask is. Likewise, a clean mask is the most effective  they should be changed after five hours of continuous wear, and not worn damp.

One of the big questions over face masks is, if they are so effective and millions of Britons have been complying with the rules on wearing them since last summer, how come the second wave of Covid-19 over winter was so devastating?

Schools have come up with plans to reopen safely tomorrow with last-minute preparations to welcome back pupils

Office for National Statistics figures show deaths in the second wave topped those seen in the first phase of the pandemic  almost 60,000 between September and January, compared with 57,000 from March to August. The grim truth, according to some experts, is that the winter death toll could have been very much greater without compulsory face covering.

Thats the obvious conclusion, says Dr Griffin. If nobody wore masks, the R rate of this virus would be four or more. That would mean every one person infected would spread it to at least four more. As it is, although we had a huge epidemic over the winter, the R rate didnt really get above two. So the measures did work and did help to stop the virus running riot.

Prof Young agrees: I suspect masks have contributed to the slowing of infection and reducing the death toll, along with other measures such as social distancing.

While experts believe masks to be vital measure against Covid, they are also clear it is just one part of the fight. Another, according to Prof Noakes, is ventilation.

As early as May 2020, a study published in the Lancet medical journal concluded that poorly ventilated spaces would contribute to the spread of Covid. Prof Noakes says that, in schools, opening windows could be crucial to reducing the risk of infections: You need to inhale a lot of Covid particles to run the risk of catching the virus. If you have a window open then the incoming breeze will break up any clusters which have formed in the room.

As lockdown eases and some freedom of movement returns, its possible that millions more will be told they no longer need to wear masks in shops and on public transport  especially if mass vaccination really drives down transmission.

But should we continue to voluntarily use them as good practice, especially in the winter months? Recent data shows flu cases, for example, have virtually been eradicated in the UK, probably as a result of lockdown and facial protection.

Maybe we can relax mask-wearing once we know more about the effect of vaccines on transmission, says Prof Young. But I wouldnt be surprised if wearing them in the UK becomes a cultural norm.


Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 03:44:01|Editor: huaxia

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HAVANA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban Public Health Ministry on Friday reported 777 new COVID-19 infections and five deaths, amid a third outbreak of the virus that began in January on the island.

In his daily television address, the ministry's national director of hygiene and epidemiology Francisco Duran reported that currently, accumulated totals reached 54,085 cases and 341 deaths.

"This marks 11 days with less than 1,000 cases, but the epidemiological situation is still very complex," the expert stressed.

The resurgence has forced the implementation of measures such as the suspension of the school year and the closure of hotels, rental homes, bars and restaurants throughout the country.

In addition, since the beginning of February, travelers arriving in the Caribbean nation are required to quarantine, and the list of countries with restricted regular flights has been expanded. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 22:18:28|Editor: huaxia

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A staff member wearing a face mask works in a coffee shop in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 19, 2021. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

- China surpassed the United States to become the top trade partner of the EU in 2020

- Steady trade relations with China have boosted the economies of many countries



BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Steady trade relations with China have boosted the economies of many countries as they are trying to pursue a rapid recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the latest official data, as China's consumption demand continues to increase thanks to its ongoing high-level opening-up and economic rebound from COVID-19, many of the world's major economies have reported positive growth in exports to China against the backdrop of slowed global trade.

Despite a decrease of 9.4 percent in exports of goods in 2020, the European Union (EU) saw its exports to China grow by 2.2 percent year-on-year, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the bloc.

China surpassed the United States to become the top trade partner of the EU in 2020, with exports and imports both increasing despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Eurostat said.

Preliminary data released by Japan's Ministry of Finance in January showed that while the COVID-19 pandemic had hurt demand for the country's products, particularly automobiles, Japan's exports in 2020 tumbled 11.1 percent from a year earlier. However, its exports to China rose 2.7 percent year-on-year.

A security guard wearing a face mask stands by the building of Brazil's central bank in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on June 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Rahel Patrasso)

Brazil's central bank recently said in a report that the country's exports proved resilient in 2020, underpinned by strong sales of soya and iron ore to China.

Brazil's foreign trade in 2020 exceeded that of 2019 by 2.9 billion U.S. dollars, the report said, stressing that the Chinese market was becoming more important for exports of different regions in the country.

Analysts believe that as the world's only major economy to post positive growth in 2020, China has offered the pandemic-riddled world hope and impetus for the global recovery, and will continue to play the role of a locomotive driving forward global economic development.

The growth potential of the Chinese market is "still enormous," said Jost Wuebbeke, director at Sinolytics, a Berlin-based consultancy specializing in China and with a particular focus on China's technological and digital transformation.

Aerial photo taken on June 7, 2020 shows the Tawan Xingshun International Night Market in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

"European companies, especially from the automotive industry and luxury industry, benefit currently from the recovery of the Chinese market," said Wuebbeke.

Retaining its status as one of the world's most promising consumer markets, China has pledged to open up even further and share more opportunities for common development with other countries.

"China has definitely made a lot of strides in opening up its economy" and refining its business climate for foreign investors, said Shane Tedjarati, president of Global High Growth Regions at U.S. industrial conglomerate Honeywell.

As a longtime popular destination for foreign investment, China is becoming increasingly attractive, buoyed by its robust economic growth and continuous efforts to improve the business environment, he said. 
In honor of international womens history month, the Hershey Co. has released a small batch of specially labeled Hersheys bars.

Celebrate HerSHEys milk chocolate bars mark the first time the company has highlighted the SHE at the center of its iconic bars.

On March 8 for International Womens Day, the first 1,000 visitors at Chocolate World in Derry Township and the attractions in Las Vegas and New York City will receive a free HerSHEys bar.

Thousands of people walk through our doors at Hersheys Chocolate World every day and create lifelong memories. We couldnt think of a better place to put a smile on a face through the simple gesture of Celebrating SHE and honoring all the women in our lives by giving out these limited-edition chocolate bars, said Suzanne Jones, Vice President, The Hershey Experience.

Hersheys also released a short video featuring women including Gloria Steinem, Gilda Radner and Katherine Johnson. The brand is also asking fans to share photos on social media of women they are celebrating using the hashtag #CelebrateSHE.

Getty Images

En espanol | Federal authorization of Johnson & Johnson's COVID vaccine raises new hope for getting more Americans vaccinated sooner than expected. However, because the J&J vaccine has a lower efficacy rate than the two vaccines already in use, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, its authorization also raises questions about which shot to get. The answer, health experts say, is get the one you can get, and get it now.

Don't hold out for a preferred vaccine, says Aaron Richterman, M.D., a fellow in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia, because the earlier people are vaccinated, the better. The greatest risk for this infection and exposure to infection is now, Richterman says. Any immune protection that you can get as soon as you can is, on balance, going to be the best."
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under is set to premiere later this year, only on Stan.

And the 10 Australian and New Zealand contestants competing in the eight-part series were announced at Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday.

With host RuPaul Charles, drag icon Michelle Visage and Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson on the main judging panel, the queens fighting for the crown of Australia's first-ever Drag Race Superstar will include Art Simone and Coco Jumbo.

Sashay! Shantay! RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under queens were announced at Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade on Saturday night - as the 10 fierce stars get set to compete on the Stan Original series. Pictured: RuPaul Charles

Art Simone - Geelong, Victoria

The current reigning 'Queen of Australia' has played roles in Australian feature films, theatrical shows, television programmes, and commercials, as well as being awarded Drag Performer of the Year for the last two years running.

Last year, Art travelled to Los Angeles and New York, representing Australia in the world's largest drag convention, RuPaul's DragCon.

At the top of her game: The current reigning 'Queen of Australia', Art Simone, has played roles in Australian feature films, theatrical shows, television programmes, and commercials, as well as being awarded Drag Performer of the Year for the last two years running

Coco Jumbo - Sydney, New South Wales

Coco has performed on the Mardi Gras party main stage numerous times and is a multi DIVA (Drag Industry Variety Awards) award-winner.

She has worked with Absolutely Fabulous' Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, and Australia's very own Sandra Sully.

With the stars: Coco Jumbo has worked with Absolutely Fabulous' Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, and Australia's very own Sandra Sully

Etcetera Etcetera - Sydney, New South Wales

A striking non-binary drag artist, Etcetera, at only 22 years of age, has already made a splash within the Australian drag community for her aesthetic and activism.

Known as the 'glamour bug', she runs the shows at one of Sydney's iconic establishments, The Imperial Erskineville.

Set to dazzle: A striking non-binary drag artist, Etcetera Etcerta, at only 22 years of age, has already made a splash within the Australian drag community for her aesthetic and activism

Fierce queen: Having commenced drag in 2012, Elektra Shock is the Dancing Queen of Tamaki Makaurau!

Elektra Shock - Auckland, New Zealand

Elektra is the Dancing Queen of Tamaki Makaurau! Runner-up on season two of TVNZ House of Drag, and star of Pleasuredome The Musical, the New Zealand Herald describes her as 'utterly charismatic'.

She commenced drag in 2012 and is now a resident performer at numerous venues.

Jojo Zaho -Newcastle, New South Wales

Making a statement: In 2015, Jojo Zaho started her drag career as a political response to a council member stating that homosexuality is not part of the Indigenous culture

In 2015, Jojo started her drag career as a political response to a council member stating that homosexuality is not part of the Indigenous culture.

She made her first television cameo on Get Krackin, competed in the inaugural Miss First Nation Indigenous drag queen pageant, starred in the documentary Black Divaz, and hosted the VIP party for the Newcastle leg of Cher's Australian tour.

Karen from Finance - Melbourne, Victoria

Karen was one of the original members of the award-winning, cult queer cabaret 'YUMMY' and has built an international fan-base, touring the world with her singular brand of office-themed character drag.

She has appeared at RuPaul's DragCon in Los Angeles in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in headlining performances, as well as headlining shows all over the United States, including the Austin International Festival in Texas.

Popular: Karen from Finance has appeared at RuPaul's DragCon in Los Angeles in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in headlining performances, as well as headlining shows all over the United States, including the Austin International Festival in Texas

Maxi Shield - Sydney, New South Wales

Maxi won 'Entertainer of the Year' at the Drag Industry Variety Awards in 2015, and was named Madonna's national hostess for her Australian Rebel Heart Tour.

Not only has she closed the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, but will also open the Gay Games 11 in 2022.

Acclaimed: Maxi Shield won 'Entertainer of the Year' at the Drag Industry Variety Awards in 2015, and was named Madonna's national hostess for her Australian Rebel Heart Tour

Scarlet Adams - Perth, Western Australia

A burlesque performer, pole dancer, costume designer and self-proclaimed 'party girl', Scarlet has worked tirelessly to build her reputation and brand as a drag artist.

After only a year of drag, Scarlet won the prestigious title of Queen of the Court, Entertainer of the Year 2016, at the annual Proud Awards.

Dedicated: A burlesque performer, pole dancer, costume designer and self-proclaimed 'party girl', Scarlet Adams has worked tirelessly to build her reputation and brand as a drag artist

Anita Wigl'it - Auckland, New Zealand

Anita is the owner and resident queen of Auckland's famous Caluzzi Cabaret, the host of the TVNZ show House of Drag, as well as the monthly comedy show Drag Wars.

Over the last decade, she has wiggled her way into the hearts of many, winning both Vancouver's Next Top Drag Superstar and Drag Entertainer of the Year in 2013, before returning to Auckland.

In demand: Anita Wigl'it is the owner and resident queen of Auckland's famous Caluzzi Cabaret, the host of the TVNZ show House of Drag, as well as the monthly comedy show Drag Wars

Kita Mean - Auckland, New Zealand

Kita co-owns the iconic Caluzzi Cabaret and Phoenix Venue in Auckland.

She has been the host of TVNZ's House of Drag for two seasons, and has maintained her position as resident Drag Queen at Family Bar and Club.

The 10 fierce queens were introduced at the Mardi Gras parade by judges Michelle and Rhys.

Fierce: Kita Mean has been the host of TVNZ's House of Drag for two seasons, and has maintained her position as resident Drag Queen at Family Bar and Club

The countdown begins! The Stan Original Series RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will premiere later in 2021, only on Stan

Commemorating the first Down Under production for the franchise, Stan's Homecoming Queens float celebrated diversity, inclusion, love and everything else that RuPaul's Drag Race represents.

Production on RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under is believed to have started in late January in New Zealand, due to the unpredictable Covid-19 situation in Australia.

The Stan Original Series RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under will premiere in 2021, only on Stan. The British and American versions of RuPaul's Drag Race are available to stream on Stan in Australia.
After months of lockdown and not a little confusion on the part of the Department of Education some primary school pupils finally re-entered their schools this week.

From St Aidan's and St Senan's primary schools in Enniscorthy to rural schools like Marshalstown teachers and staff welcomed pupils back in through their doors for the first time in months.

There was great excitement as the children, from the younger classes, re-acquainted themselves with their school surroundings.

Frank Murphy, Principal in St Aidan's Primary School, said a lot of logistics were worked out to get everything ready to reopen this week.

However, he said everyone was eager to have the children back inside the school.

Speaking ahead the reopening Mr Murphy said: 'We will have 400 pupils back here so it's been very busy preparing for that.'

However, Mr Murphy said it was very important to have the children back in their classroom environment.

He also pointed out that teachers will be working both in-class and through online platforms for the next couple of weeks as the pupils who are still at home will taught online alongside the in-class tuition for the younger children.

The scenes of excitement in St Aidan's yesterday morning as the children arrived back were replicated in schools across the district where younger pupils finally got to re-enter their classrooms.

In Marshalstown National School the children had a great first day back with one of the teachers commenting: 'The children and staff were all delighted to be back in school. It was great to see everyone again.'

The children themselves also expressed delight at being back with one pupils commenting: 'I'm so happy to play with my friends.'

Another child said, 'I'm happy because I get to play games', while another pupils said she was to be back in school learning again.

* More photos in the March 2nd edition of The Enniscorthy Guardian
If you haven't been to the Rim lately, there's a new bar in the area to check out.

Last weekend, Don Marsh, owner of Southtown's Bar 1919, opened his newest business, Rock and Rye located at 17631 La Cantera Pkwy., Suite #103 (near The Rustic).

READ ALSO: San Antonio's taco experts dish on Taco Bell's new chicken sandwich taco

Marsh told MySA.com he's been trying to open a spot on the North Side for a while after noticing the Rim's growth over the years. He said he signed the deal for the Rock and Rye bar nearly two years ago but kept delaying the opening due to unforeseen circumstances, namely the coronavirus pandemic.

Opening night was a success, the San Antonio business owner said. Now, Marsh said he's excited for more of San Antonio to experience the speakeasy-atmosphere the new bar has.

Scroll below for 5 things to know about the new Rim cocktail bar.
WASHINGTON  Soon after President Donald J. Trumps inauguration in January 2017, the White House told State Department officials that they needed to find a job for a political appointee.

Federico G. Klein had been a low-level aide on Mr. Trumps 2016 campaign and a stalwart supporter of the president, outspoken on his religious and conservative views. When a senior State Department official tried to object, believing Mr. Klein to be out of his depth in the world of diplomacy, he was overruled, according to a former department official. Mr. Klein was stashed in obscure positions with little influence.

Four years later, Mr. Klein, 42, finally made his mark in Washington  as a leader of the mob that stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, according to a court document filed by the F.B.I., which arrested Mr. Klein on Thursday. He is the first known participant in the Capitol breach to have worked for Mr. Trumps campaign or held a political appointment in his administration.

Interviews with several people who know or worked with Mr. Klein suggest a man with increasingly fiery social and political views, but a forgettable professional record in government and the military. He had offered few public hints that he would be capable of violent political action.
BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- With the COVID-19 vaccinations underway amid dwindling daily counts of new cases and deaths worldwide, the epidemic has shown a downward trend.

But experts around the world pointed out that it is still too early to talk about when the pandemic will end and vigilance is still needed as the "turning point" has yet to come.

"It is premature to think that we're going to finish with this virus by the end of the year," Executive Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Program Mike Ryan said at a regular press conference Monday.

The WHO is now focusing on keeping COVID-19 transmission as low as possible, which will help prevent the emergence of variants and reduce the number of infections and hospitalizations, Ryan said.

Noting that countries and regions around the world are ramping up vaccine rollout, Stanley Perlman, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Iowa, told Xinhua that only when people across the world get immunized will the global pandemic be approaching a "turning point."

"Otherwise, the virus will always be lurking and potentially mutating," said Perlman.

"It's a great moment of optimism, but it's also very fragile in a lot of ways," said Wafaa El-Sadr, an epidemiologist at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. "We see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it's still a long tunnel."

Ryan said the world will accelerate towards controlling the pandemic "if the vaccines begin to impact not only on death and hospitalization, but have a significant impact on transmission dynamics and transmission risk."

His remarks were echoed by Perlman, who said that "people will be cautious for a year or two even assuming that herd immunity is reached."

After people see some semblance of normality, they should be alert to the re-emergence of the virus, the professor said, adding "we need better surveillance and intergovernmental trust and communication" to respond to challenges jointly.

Anthony Fauci, top U.S. infectious disease expert, said on CBS's "Face the Nation" that though the daily COVID-19 cases in the United States have dropped to 70,000 from the previous 300,000, the baseline level of cases is still very high.

The level needs to fall further before the country can confidently resume normal activities, even as the vaccine rollout accelerates, he said.

Fauci noted that in past periods of the pandemic, "when we started to pull back prematurely, we saw the rebound. We definitely don't want that to happen."

According to data released by the WHO Tuesday, more than 2.6 million new COVID-19 cases were confirmed last week, a 7-percent increase compared to the previous week, following six consecutive weeks of declines.

"We are seeing encouraging trends in terms of reduction in incidence, but last week ... tells us that this virus will rebound," said Maria van Kerkhove, technical lead on COVID-19 response at the WHO Health Emergencies Program.

"We need to have a stern warning for all of us that this virus will rebound if we let it," she said.

Chandra Kanneganti, national chairman of the British International Doctors Association, said, "it's not the time to lower our guard. It will take a considerable amount of time, before a large proportion of population is vaccinated to prevent its rapid spread."

It is crucial to "continue with all the necessary precautions that the various medical agencies have prescribed," said Kanneganti.
Check out news you should not miss today:

Society

 Vietnam on Saturday morning reported seven new cases of COVID-19, including six locally-transmitted cases in the northern province of Hai Duong and one imported in the northern province of Thai Nguyen, increasing the countrys tally to 2,501, according to the Ministry of Health.

 A total of 367 volunteers including 30 aged over 60 have been injected with Nano Covax, Vietnams first homegrown COVID-19 vaccine candidate, in the second phase of its human trials, according to the Military Medical University, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Friday.

 Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Planning and Investment is seeking approval from the municipal People's Council for a project to dredge, build infrastructure, and improve local environment along the 8.2km long Xuyen Tam canal which flows through Binh Thanh and Go Vap Districts with a total investment of VND9,352 billion (US$405 million).

 Many streets in Hanoi on Friday suffered heavy traffic congestion from early afternoon to around 7:00 pm due to a drizzle.

Business

 The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is discussing with the Vietnam Tourism Association to gradually open the international tourism market to specific groups of tourists and countries basing on numerous criteria.

Lifestyle

 An exhibition featuring photos of Vietnamese women taken by 15 local photographers will open from March 8 to April 11 at the Institute for Cultural Exchange with France in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 1, the French Institute in Vietnam announced in a press release on Friday.

 Vi (Taste) directed by Le Bao has become the only Vietnamese movie to join the 71st Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), which takes place in two stages, from March 1 to 5 and from June 9 to 20, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Friday.

Education

 Students from Fulbright University Vietnam on Friday met online with Facebooks Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg who gave them advices on what they need to prepare themselves to adapt with a future that is forecasted to be volatile.

 The Dai Viet Saigon College in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday morning donated VND219 million (US$9,491) to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspapers crowdfunding campaign for COVID-19 vaccination.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
(CNN)  The US Senate on Thursday released its version of the Democrats' massive coronavirus relief package, after the House passed its package last week.

Lawmakers made several changes throughout the legislation, but three were particularly notable -- narrowing eligibility for the stimulus checks, trimming the unemployment benefits extension and nixing an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Much of the Senate legislation, however, largely mirrors the $1.9 trillion package approved by the House and laid out by President Joe Biden in January.

Senate Democratic leaders have faced more hurdles to advancing the legislation since the party can't afford to lose a single member thanks to the 50-50 split in the chamber. Plus, they must adhere to the strict rules of reconciliation, which they are using to approve the bill without any Republican support.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer vowed Thursday to stay in session to finish the bill this week, though Republicans are trying to drag out the process. Once the chamber passes its version of the bill, it goes back to the House for a vote and then onto the White House for Biden's signature.

Time is of the essence. An estimated 11.4 million workers will lose their unemployment benefits between mid-March and mid-April unless Congress passes its next coronavirus relief package quickly, a recent study by The Century Foundation found.

Here's what's in the Senate bill:

Stimulus checks

The Senate bill amends the House bill on the $1,400-per-person stimulus payments to tighten eligibility.

Individuals earning less than $75,000 a year and married couples earning less than $150,000 will receive $1,400 per person, including children. That will get money to about 90% of households.

The checks will phase out faster than previous rounds, completely cutting off individuals who earn more than $80,000 a year and married couples earning more than $160,000 -- regardless of how many children they have.

The bill passed by the House set the income caps at $200,000 for couples and $100,000 for individuals. The Senate change leaves out about 7 million families, according to an estimate from the Penn Wharton Budget Model.

Unlike the previous two rounds, adult dependents -- including college students -- are expected to be eligible for the payments.

Unemployment assistance

Unlike the House bill, the Senate version calls for providing a $300 weekly federal boost to unemployment benefits through September 6, an arrangement hammered out after hours of negotiation on Friday.

The agreement would also make the first $10,200 worth of benefits payments tax-free for households with annual incomes less than $150,000.

This is a significant change from the House bill, which would provide a $400 weekly enhancement through August 29 and continue two pandemic programs for the same period. The House bill does not contain the tax provision.

It was not immediately clear late Friday whether the pandemic benefits programs would be extended through the same period. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides benefits to freelancers, gig workers, independent contractors and certain people affected by the pandemic, while the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation program increases the duration of payments for those in the traditional state unemployment system.

The President's plan had called for providing a $400 boost and continuing the benefits through the end of September.

Out-of-work Americans will start running out of benefits in the two programs in mid-March, when provisions in December's $900 billion relief package begin phasing out. The $300 enhancement that was part of the December deal also ends in mid-March.

Minimum wage

The Senate bill will not include an increase in the federal minimum wage, which House Democrats proposed raising to $15 an hour.

The parliamentarian ruled in late February that increasing the hourly threshold does not meet a strict set of guidelines needed to move forward in the reconciliation process, which would allow Senate Democrats to pass the relief bill with a simple majority and no Republican votes.

The House legislation would increase the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2025 in stages. It would also guarantee that tipped workers, youth workers and workers with disabilities are paid the full federal minimum wage.

Aid to states and municipalities

The Senate and House differ on how much aid they would provide to counties and cities, but both chambers contain the same infusion of funding for states, tribes and territories.

The bills would provide states and the District of Columbia with $195.3 billion, but counties and cities would share $120 billion in aid in the Senate bill, $10 billion less than in the House version.

Tribes would get $20 billion and territories $4.5 billion under both bills.

The Senate version of the bill also slightly revises the formula to help states with smaller populations and boost the minimum they will receive. And it contains a $10 billion Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund for states, territories and tribes.

Overall, both bills would funnel a total of $350 billion to states and municipalities.

Additional assistance to states has been among the most controversial elements of the congressional rescue packages, with Democrats looking to add to the $150 billion in the March legislation and Republicans resisting such efforts. The December package ultimately dropped an initial call to include $160 billion.

Nutrition assistance

The Senate and House plans both extend the 15% increase in food stamp benefits through September, instead of having it expire at the end of June.

They also contain $880 million for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, known as WIC, to help increase participation and temporarily improve benefits, among other measures. Biden called for investing $3 billion in the program.

And they would allow states to continue the Pandemic-EBT, which provides families whose children's schools are closed with funding to replace free- and reduced-price meals the kids would have received, through the summer.

Housing aid

Both bills would send roughly $20 billion to state and local governments to help low-income households cover back rent, rent assistance and utility bills.

About $10 billion would be authorized to help struggling homeowners pay their mortgages, utilities and property taxes.

The bills would provide $5 billion to help states and localities assist those at risk of experiencing homelessness and another $5 billion for emergency housing vouchers for those who are homeless.

Tax credits for families and workers

Both the House and Senate legislation beef up tax credits for families and certain low-income workers for 2021.

In an effort to combat poverty, lawmakers would expand the child tax credit to $3,600 for each child under 6 and $3,000 for each child under age 18. Currently, qualifying families can receive a credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17.

The credit would also become fully refundable so more low-income parents could take advantage of it. Plus, families could receive payments monthly, rather than a lump sum once a year, which would make it easier for them to pay the bills.

The bills also enhance the earned income tax credit for workers without children by nearly tripling the maximum credit and extending eligibility to more people. The minimum age to claim the childless credit would be reduced to 19, from 25, and the upper age limit would be eliminated.

This would be the largest expansion to earned income tax credit since 2009.

Optional paid sick and family leave

Unlike Biden's initial proposal, neither bill would reinstate mandatory paid family and sick leave approved in a previous Covid relief package. But they continue to provide tax credits to employers who voluntarily choose to offer the benefit through October 1.

Last year, Congress guaranteed many workers two weeks pay if they contracted Covid or were quarantining. It also provided an additional 10 weeks of paid family leave to those who were staying home with kids whose schools were closed. Those benefits expired in December.

Education and child care

Both the Senate and House bills would provide nearly $130 billion to K-12 schools to help students return to the classroom. Schools would be allowed to use the money to update their ventilation systems, reduce class sizes to help implement social distancing, buy personal protective equipment and hire support staff. Both bills would require that schools use at least 20% of the money to address learning loss by providing extended days or summer school, for example.

While the money provided by the House bill would go to both public and private schools, based on the number of low-income students enrolled, the Senate bill specifically carves out about $2.75 billion for private schools.

The bills are in line with what Biden proposed, but call for more than six times the amount of funding for K-12 schools than a compromise plan offered by a small group of Republican senators.

The Senate and House plans both include nearly $40 billion for colleges.

Altogether, $170 billion would be authorized for K-12 schools and higher education. Last year, Congress approved a total of $112 billion between two relief packages that went to K-12 schools and colleges.

The bills would also provide about $39 billion to child care providers. The amount a provider receives would be based on operating expenses and is available to pay employees and rent, help families struggling to pay the cost, and purchase personal protective equipment and other supplies.

Health insurance subsidies and Medicaid

Both the Senate and House bills would make federal premium subsidies for Affordable Care Act policies more generous and would eliminate the maximum income cap for two years.

Enrollees would pay no more than 8.5% of their income towards coverage, down from nearly 10% now. Also, those earning more than the current cap of 400% of the federal poverty level -- about $51,000 for an individual and $104,800 for a family of four in 2021 -- would become eligible for help.

In addition, the bills would bolster subsidies for lower-income enrollees, eliminating their premiums completely, and would do the same for those collecting unemployment benefits in 2021.

But the Senate bill provides more assistance than the House version to those who were laid off but want to remain on their employer health insurance plans through COBRA. The Senate calls for picking up the full amount of the premium, while the House would only cover 85%, leaving the former employee to pay 15%.

Both chambers would extend these subsidies through September.

Also, the Senate retains the House provision that seeks to entice states that have yet to expand Medicaid to low-income adults to do so by boosting their federal Medicaid matching funds by 5 percentage points for two years.

More money for small businesses

Both bills would provide $15 billion to the Emergency Injury Disaster Loan program, which provides long-term, low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration. Severely impacted small businesses with fewer than 10 workers will be given priority for some of the money.

They also provide $25 billion for a new grant program specifically for bars and restaurants. Eligible businesses may receive up to $10 million and can use the money for a variety of expenses, including payroll, mortgage and rent, utilities and food and beverages.

The Paycheck Protection Program, which is currently taking applications for second-round loans, would get an additional $7 billion and the bills would make more non-profit organizations eligible.

Another $175 million would be used for outreach and promotion, creating a Community Navigator Program to help target eligible businesses.

Vaccines and testing

The Senate and House bills provide $14 billion to research, develop, distribute, administer and strengthen confidence in vaccines. They would also put $47.8 billion toward testing, contact tracing and mitigation, including investing in laboratory capacity, community-based testing sites and mobile testing units, particularly in medically underserved areas.

Both chambers would also allocate $7.7 billion to hire 100,000 public health workers to support coronavirus response.

The Senate and House legislation also provide $50 billion to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with some of the funds going toward expanding vaccination efforts.

The President's plan called for investing $20 billion in a national vaccination program.

Rural hospital assistance

The Senate bill allocates $8.5 billion to help struggling rural hospitals and health care providers.

The House bill did not provide any additional funding for hospitals or nursing homes, which received assistance in previous relief packages.

This story has been updated with latest details from the Senate bill.

This story was first published on CNN.com "Here's what's in the Senate stimulus plan".
WASHINGTON - The Senate approved a sweeping $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan on Saturday, putting Congress one step closer to fulfilling an electoral promise from President Joe Biden and his Democratic allies to shepherd a swift, equal recovery to the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

With its massive price tag, and major expansion of federal social safety net programs, the package is set to count among one of the largest rescue measures in U.S. history, reflecting Democrats' pledges to erase disparities that long predate the deadly pandemic.

The bill authorizes $1,400 checks to millions of low- and middle-income Americans, bolsters families by providing new yearly child tax benefits, boosts unemployment payments for workers still out of a job, and invests heavily in the country's attempt to climb back from a public-health emergency that has devastated families, workers, students and businesses alike.

Senate Democrats adopted the measure entirely on party lines, muscling through a marathon, 25-hour debate that forced them to confront dissent from within the party's own ranks. The House is set to vote on the Senate's version of the stimulus on Tuesday, teeing up checks and other financial assistance to start to reach Americans as soon as this month.

"I promised the American people help was on the way," Biden said Saturday, celebrating the first legislative victory of his administration. "Today, I can say we've taken one more giant step of delivering on that promise."

The Senate passage of the measure, known as the "American Rescue Plan," provided a fresh burst of positive news for the White House. In recent weeks, the Biden administration has presided over an improving job market - even though there are still 9.5 million more unemployed workers than there were before the pandemic. The country also has witnessed a decline in coronavirus infections and an acceleration in a nationwide effort to vaccinate millions of Americans in need.

But the Senate's vote illustrated the harsh political realities facing Biden and his ambitious economic agenda. The president's early pledges for unity and bipartisanship collided with the reality of Capitol Hill, where Democrats opted against scaling back the stimulus significantly in order to attract GOP support. It also foreshadowed the difficulties Democratic leaders may face holding together their disparate caucus of progressive and moderate lawmakers during the even tougher fights on the horizon.

Ebullient party leaders still celebrated the stimulus bill's passage on Saturday, which they said showed Democrats can overcome obstacles - and advance other major priorities still to come.

"We promised them checks; they're going to get checks. We promised they were going to get a better availability and distribution of vaccines; that will happen," said Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., in an interview.

"All of that is going to happen, and that's going to change people's outlook . . . not just to be more Democratic, which I think it will, but to see government can work for them," he said.

Along with new stimulus checks and unemployment aid, the bill that passed the Senate includes a bevy of programs to lessen businesses' tax bills, improve city and state governments' finances, assist Americans in paying for child care and invest in transit and other infrastructure reforms. The aid for families and children could cut poverty by a third, analysts estimate, while making it easier for them to pay their rents or mortgages and purchase necessities including food.

Schools and hospitals are set to receive a major financial boost as the U.S. government labors to respond to the coronavirus while simultaneously preparing to return to regular life more than a year after the pandemic first arrived.

Senate lawmakers began considering the $1.9 trillion stimulus on Friday, embarking on a debate that quickly exposed the fissures in the Democratic caucus - between progressive-minded lawmakers, who are willing to spend big and act aggressively to achieve sweeping economic reforms, and their fellow party moderates, who have preached political unity and fiscal restraint.

Leading up to the vote, some moderate Democrats had secured changes to the coronavirus aid package that narrowed the number of Americans who receive one-time stimulus checks and rethought how some state and local aid might be distributed. An effort to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour ultimately faltered as well, after some centrist Democrats opposed an effort to override the Senate's parliamentarian, who had determined it was incompatible with the arcane rules lawmakers used to advance the legislation.

Yet tempers flared most around unemployment benefits, as one of the chamber's most influential centrist lawmakers, Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, sought to lessen the weekly benefits that had been approved by House lawmakers earlier in the month.

Democratic leaders at one point Friday thought they had brokered a deal to address his concerns only to discover Manchin prepared to side with Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio on an even more aggressive amendment to scale back the jobless aid.

Manchin's dissatisfaction around the unemployment payments soon left the Senate locked in a nine-hour standoff. The tense discussions spilled out onto the Senate floor Friday, as Portman sparred with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., over the need for some of the unemployment relief in the first place.

"Suddenly, if you're on unemployment insurance you don't have to pay taxes. But if you're working, you do have to pay taxes. How does that work?" Portman charged.

Wyden responded that the tax forgiveness only included modest relief for jobless Americans, adding of the GOP's opposition: "The party that claims to want to help workers on their taxes won't lift a finger."

Democrats ultimately resolved the stalemate with a deal that authorized the extra unemployment payments at $300 per week, a lower amount than the House approved, while extending the aid until early September. From there, party lawmakers banded together to jettison dozens of Republican amendments that would have dramatically slashed spending, struck funds set aside for transit systems and local governments or otherwise poisoned the bill.

In doing so, GOP lawmakers repeatedly faulted Democrats for failing to negotiate in good faith over the size and scope of the stimulus package - and for breaking Biden's promise for political unity in a post-Trump Washington.

"The Senate has never spent $2 trillion in a more haphazard way, or through a less rigorous process," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in a speech before the chamber adopted the measure.

"Voters gave Senate Democrats the slimmest possible majority. Voters picked a president who promised unity and bipartisanship," he continued, noting Democrats instead had opted to "ram through" their stimulus bill.

The relief plan nevertheless remained intact as it cleared the chamber on a 50-49 vote, with every Democrat backing it - and every Republican opposing the measure. Schumer, reflecting on the outcome, said the GOP had failed to support a law that many conservative-leaning voters appear to find popular, leaving Democrats no choice but to act on their own.

"The hope is Republicans see now we meant it," the Democratic leader said. "You don't work with us then we'll do it on our own."

Emboldened, Schumer pledged to return to lingering issues in the coronavirus aid debate, including raising the minimum wage. And he and his fellow Democrats soon are set to start considering new investments in the country's infrastructure, reforms to immigration laws and rewrites of the U.S. tax code - debates that touch on deep political divides within the caucus about the role of government to tax, regulate and spend.

Schumer, however said he had reason for optimism: "Democrats have more confidence we can get things done if we stay unified."
Last week, we wrote that the Left Party would use its party congress to set an even more direct course towards government participation and support for war. This assessment has been fully confirmed with the election of Janine Wissler and Susanne Hennig-Wellsow as new chairpersons and their public appearances since then.

At their first joint press conference on Monday, the two made clear what lies behind the new party motto Awakening in a new eraa government alliance with the pro-war and pro-austerity Social Democratic Party (SPD) and Greens now also at federal level. If we can negotiate it reasonably, we will be ready to take responsibility, Hennig-Wellsow said. In principle, she added, we are called upon to modify policies for people in the here and now.

Susanne Hennig-Wellsow and Janine Wissler (state parliament photo)

Wissler also advocated government participation. I just want to point out that the Left Party in Hesse had also negotiated an agreement to support the SPD and Green Party [state executive] in 2008. As is well known, this then failed, but not because of the Left Party. In 2013, she said, there had also been exploratory talks with the SPD and Greens in Hesse. She had been involved in both and was now ready to compromise. In the case of there being a majority for the SPD, the Left Party and the Greens after the federal elections, of course all three parties have a responsibility to talk about whether a change in policy direction can be created from this majority.

In fact, despite all the claims of the new party leadership, a so-called red-red-green coalition would not represent a progressive alliance for a change of policy but would continue the reactionary course of the present grand coalition of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats. A look at Bremen, Thuringia and Berlin is enough to prove this. Wherever the Left Party already governs with the SPD and the Greens, it is cutting education and health, deporting refugees, stepping up state powers and pursuing a murderous herd immunity policy.

Towards the end of the press conference, Hennig-Wellsow candidly stated that the Left Party was also prepared, if necessary, to push through its anti-working-class policies with the nominally right-wing parties. Asked whether a little more pragmatism was needed regarding government alliances, she said, In Thuringia, [our] red-red-green minority government is tolerated by the CDU. Due to the specific circumstances on the ground, cooperation was a must.

What followed was a declaration of bankruptcy by a party capable of anything. At the moment, the CDU in Thuringia is putting together a budget, which may mean that ... we will have to cut budgets next year. That means cutting social benefits. For the Left Party, this is not a reason to end cooperation with the CDU but to push through the cuts. In Thuringia, this is possible. We can organise it humanly, but politically, we have very, very big differences, Hennig-Wellsow said.

In another cynical attempt to distance the Left Party from its de facto government partner, she said that the CDU was not to be trusted when it comes to possibly working with the [far right Alternative for Germany] AfD on certain points and making sure that it possibly also gets into certain offices with AfD votes. In fact, in Thuringia the Left Party cooperates with the AfD and hoists the fascists into important offices. For example, the left prime minister Bodo Ramelow used his vote to make AfD man Michael Kaufmann vice-president of the Thuringia state parliament.

Janine Wissler at the Left Party Congress (Tobias Schwarz / Pool via AP)

The open support for the extreme right in Thuringia was not a mistake. In the Left Party, there is an entire wing around former federal parliamentary group leader Sahra Wagenknecht that stirs up AfD-style nationalism, agitates against refugees and mobilises against the existing protective measures in the pandemic.

The new party leadership supports this course. Wagenknecht will always play a prominent role in this party, Hennig-Wellsow stressed. Wissler also affirmed that she wanted to work well with all sections of the party. Sahra Wagenknecht is someone who can convey the message of the Left Party and criticism of political opponents very pointedly. And of course, it would be very good if she played this role in the Bundestag [federal parliament] election campaign as well.

In the face of the deepest crisis of capitalism since the 1930s and the growing radicalisation of the working class, all currents within the Left Party are closing ranks. In this, Wissler and Hennig-Wellsow personify the right-wing bourgeois character of the party and the sharp turn to the right of the entire trade union and pseudo-left milieu since the dissolution of the former East Germany (GDR) and the Soviet Union by the Stalinist bureaucracy 30 years ago.

Hennig-Wellsow (born 1977) comes from a family of state bureaucrats who first made their career in the police apparatus of the GDR and later reunited Germany. According to Hennig-Wellsows official profile on the party website, her father first worked as a forensics officer with the Volkspolizei (Peoples Police) and after reunification ... with the Thuringian police. Her mother was employed from the mid-1990s [in] the Thuringia Interior Ministry. She joined the PDS, the forerunner of the Left Party, as a student and has been a member of the Thuringia state parliament since 2004. She has played a key role in the right-wing Ramelow government as state and parliamentary party leader of the Left Party in Thuringia since 2014.

Wissler (born 1981) also comes from a Stalinist family. According to her statements, her mother was a member of the Stalinist German Communist Party (DKP) in the 1970s and later sympathised with the Greens. Her father was a trade unionist. Since Wissler comes from the Marx 21 group (the German satellite of the British Socialist Workers Party), she is regularly portrayed in the media as a left-winger or even a Marxist-Trotskyist counterpart to Hennig-Wellsow. This is absurd. As the partys long-time state chairperson in Hesse and now also Left Party federal chairperson, she is a leading bourgeois politician who agrees with Hennig-Wellsow on all central issues. This also applies to foreign and defence policy.

If Wissler, unlike her Thuringia counterpart, publicly opposes foreign deployments of the Bundeswehr (armed forces), this has nothing to do with anti-militarism. She is merely afraid that too openly militarist rhetoric in the election campaign will undermine the Left Partys ability to control the enormous opposition in the working class and youth against rearmament and war.

Marx 21 has long played a key role in the return of German militarism. Christine Buchholz, one of its leading representatives, has been sitting on the Bundestag defence committee for 12 years and is thus directly involved in war policy. Together with the defence minister, she has repeatedly visited German troops in war zones. Marx 21 also plays a central role in the trumpeting of German imperialism in the Middle East and against Russia. The grouping supports the imperialist regime-change operation in Syria. In 2014, it praised the right-wing coup in Ukraine as a democratic revolution and it aggressively promotes a pro-Western colour revolution in Russia.

The pseudo-lefts turn to the right is not limited to the state capitalists of Marx 21. Thies Gleiss, a member of the International Socialist Organisation (ISO), the German section of the Pabloite United Secretariat, is also a member of the new party executive.

Socialist Alternative (SAV), previously the German affiliate of Peter Taaffes Socialist Party, hailed the new party executive as altogether more movement-oriented and potentially more left-wing. Yet at the head of the party executive are figures such as former Berlin health senator (state minister) Katrin Lompscher and former finance policy spokesperson for the Left Party Axel Troost, who are notorious for their orgies of cuts (Lompscher) and public defence of the debt ceiling (Troost).

Mathias Hohn, the spokesperson on security policy, who had presented a war paper for rearmament and foreign military missions a few weeks before the party conference, did not make it to the party executive but received over 40 percent of the delegates votes. Tobias Pfluger, whom SAV describes as a consistent anti-militarist, was again elected in his place. In reality, Pfluger sits on the Bundestag defence committee together with Hohn and Buchholz and, like them, maintains close ties to the defence ministry and the army. On his website, he regularly documents his official visits to the German occupation forces in Afghanistan.

The topic of dog fouling is a huge issue in the west of the county, according to local councillors.

The issue was raised during the February meeting of Baltinglass Municipal District. Garvan Hickey, district adminitrator, told members that letters had been received about the issue of dog fouling, particularly in the Blessington area.

Cllr Gerry O'Neill (Ind) said he spoken to the environment section of the local authority as dog fouling was a 'huge issue for the area'.

'I suggest laws should be enforced, People have to be held accountable. It's only a small group as the majority of dog owners are responsible. No matter how many bins there are, we still have irresponsible dog owners. I'd ask for the dog wardens to be more active in carrying out summons and following through if people insist on taking their dog out and leaving dog dirt behind.'

Cllr Avril Cronin (FG) said she had raised the issue with Mr Hickey as it was an issue across the entire district.

'We need a campaign in the district to draw attention to the issue, but it's down to personal responsibility. We have role to play in encouraging and raising awareness which might begin to alleviate the problem.'

Mr Hickey told elected members the district had engaged with groups in Blessington, Baltinglass and Dunlavin about starting an awareness campaign, but this could be extended to the entire district. Other areas of the county had installed more dog fouling bins, but this appeared to have made no difference.

Cllr John Mullen (FF) highlighted that any proposed awareness campaign must include the south of the district. He asked about different measures that could be used to tackle the issue before asking if the council had taken a successful prosecution on the issue of dog fouling.

Cllr Vincent Blake (FG) recalled that the district had installed more bins several years ago, but this had not been as successful as hoped. A project to install additional signs to encourage people out walking their dog to clean up any dog fouling had been more effective and he suggested this was re-introduced.

Cllr Edward Timmins (FG) said money had been allocated for more signs around three years ago and the new signage had been successful. He suggested the district involve local schools in any planned initiative.

A representative from Wicklow County Council told councillors that the issue of dog fouling was not limited to the county, but a problem nationwide. Covid-19 restrictions meant that people were more restricted in their ability to travel, which had contributed to the increase in instances of dog fouling. Prosecutions were extremely difficult as the dog warden must witness an incident and the dog must be connected to a person at the time. Where members of the public report instances, they had to be willing to give evidence in court.

There was also an issue with funding as the county only had four dog wardens, which meant they may not be in the area where incidents are occurring. The local authority was considering a new awareness campaign using more striking images. Carlow County Council had had some success following an awareness campaign that used more vivid imagery. The environmental education officer was developing a new programme, which would include local schools. In relation to bins, she noted that irresponsible dog owners may not use a bin even if it is close to them.

People putting dog foul into a bag and hanging it from a tree was also an issue. Dog fouling left on paths would wash away in rain, but this did not happen where it was left in a bag.

She suggested the dog wardens could be asked to target problem areas to see if any improvements could be made, but it was ultimately the responsibility of the dog owner.

Cllr Patsy Glennon (FF) said he had raised the issue of dog fouling with the district manager. Later in the meeting, he raised concerns about dog fouling on the Blessington Greenway.

Dermot Graham, senior executive district engineer, asked about an alarm warning system that had been trialled previously. He noted there had been issues of dog fouling identifed in Baltinglass between the town centre and Baltinglass Hospital. Mr Graham also asked about the scope for the use of CCTV to deal with the issue.

The council representative said the system was not found to be effective. She noted a CCTV system could work, but GDPR had to be considered. There were issues currently with the use of CCTV to tackle littering in the Wicklow Uplands due to concerns about GDPR.
1. Saif Ali Khan Trolled For Taking The COVID-19 Vaccine, People Question Is He 60 Plus?

Once Saif's pictures of being spotted at Mumbai's hospital went viral, brutal trolling for the 50-year-old actor ensued. People were curious how did he manage to get the vaccine so soon considering he is not 60 years old and as per the government's guidelines right now only the population aged 60 to 45 with co-morbidities can be vaccinated.

2. Taapsee Pannu Finally Breaks Her Silence On IT Raid, Says She Is 'Not So Sasti' Anymore

3 days of intense search of 3 things primarily

1. The keys of the alleged bungalow that I apparently own in Paris. Because summer holidays are around the corner  taapsee pannu (@taapsee) March 6, 2021

Bollywood actor Taapsee Pannu has finally addressed the raid by Income Tax Officials at her residences and rebuked any claims of owning a house in Paris or taking Rs 5 crore in cash.

3. As Expected, Kangana Ranaut Hits Back At Taapsee Pannu After Her Tweets On IT Raid

You will always remain sasti because you are sab rapists ka feminist... your ring master Kashyap was raided in 2013 as well for tax chori... government officials report is out if you arent guilty go to court against them come clean on this ... come on sasti   Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 6, 2021

As it was truly expected, Kangana Ranaut has hit back at Taapsee Pannu soon after Taapsee had broken her silence on the income tax raids on her.

4. Finance Minister Says Taapsee Pannu And Other Celebrities Had Income Tax Raids In 2013 As Well

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman / ANI

Refusing to comment on individual cases, she said it is in the national interest to know if some tax evasion is happening even if that involves Bollywood celebrities.

5. 11 K-Pop Artists And Bands Who Have Globally Taken The Music Scene By Storm

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We're so glad to be living at this time and age where we are witnessing some of the coolest artists and bands. And K-pop is one such genre that we're grateful for. For the last couple of years, they have taken the music scene by storm.
103-year-old Anne Downey of Mountbagnal, Riverstown, Dundalk with her GP Alina Coroliu from Carlingord Medical Centre after receiving first jab of COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday last. Photo: Alex Coroliu

Anne Downey from Mountbagnal, who celebrated her 103rd birthday last June, was among the senior citizens who got their vaccines at the Carlingford Medical Centre last week. She was accompanied to the centre by her son Patrick, who returned home from Australia to care for her last March.

'It was really well organised. They sent a Red Cross mini-bus which can accommodate wheelchairs and she enjoyed the journey as she could see out across the countryside,' Patrick said.

His mother is still alert and knows what it going on and the importance of getting the vaccine.

'This is the second pandemic that she has lived through as she was a baby during the Spanish flu which went on until 1919.'

However, he said that Anne finds it difficult to understand why she can't have visitors and they are hopeful that her family, which includes sisters Bernie, Phil and Gretta, grandchildren and great grandchildren, will be to resume visiting her.

Patrick was very impressed by the way in which the vaccination clinics were held at the Carlingford Medical Centre.

Expand Close Staff of Carlingford Medical Centre with 103-year-old Anne Downey of Mount Bagnall, Riverstown, Dundalk and her son Patrick Downey after receiving the first vaccine jab for Covid-19 last Wednesday (24th). Photo: Alex Coroliu / Facebook

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Whatsapp Staff of Carlingford Medical Centre with 103-year-old Anne Downey of Mount Bagnall, Riverstown, Dundalk and her son Patrick Downey after receiving the first vaccine jab for Covid-19 last Wednesday (24th). Photo: Alex Coroliu

'They did a terrific job. It was highly organised.'

He is looking forward to getting the vaccine himself in the coming weeks, as he is in his seventies.

'We had a great couple of days. The mood was euphoric,' GP Dr John McKeown said.

The centre held two clinics last Tuesday and Wednesday morning to vaccinate almost 100 of their patients aged 85 years and over.

Two teams of one doctor and one nurse worked for three hours each morning delivering the first dose of the vaccine to the grateful patients who were delighted

'We had quite a few patients who had to come in their wheelchairs and there was a great show of enthusiasm by them all to get the vaccine.'

He said that they will continue with the vaccination clinics for the different age cohorts as they get supplies and they are notifying patients as to when to attend for their jabs.

The over 80s are next up to receive the vaccine.

'We have about the same number of patients in that age group.'

He welcomed the roll-out of the vaccine to the elderly living in the community.

'It's great news both from the patients' point of view and their families and for ourselves that we are able to give the vaccine and protect our patients.'
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Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney attend the Equinox Yorkville Dinner held at Kasa Moto on November 23, 2015 in Toronto, Canada. George Pimentel/WireImage/Getty Images

Meghan Markle's longtime friend Jessica Mulroney spoke out in support of the duchess.

She said Markle has "had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press" like no other.

She wrote she's never seen Markle "waver from kindness, empathy and love."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Meghan Markle's best friend Jessica Mulroney defended her amid Buckingham Palace's investigation into accusations that the duchess bullied staff members during her time as a working royal.

"I don't know that anyone has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press like this woman. In the face of it all, I have never seen her waver from kindness, empathy and love," Mulroney wrote in an Instagram post on Friday.

Mulroney and others associated with Markle have supported her after a report that she bullied royal staff members

In addition to Mulroney's post in support of Markle, several other people who worked with the duchess - from her makeup artist, Daniel Martin, to her former "Suits" costar Patrick J. Adams - have defended her in recent days.

On Tuesday night, The Times of London published a story citing senior palace staff members that told reporter Valentine Low hey were bulled by Markle.

"Staff would on occasion be reduced to tears; one aide, anticipating a confrontation with Meghan, told a colleague: 'I can't stop shaking," The Times reports in the article published on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Markle said that she was "saddened by the latest attack on her character" in regard to The Times' report. Buckingham Palace then announced in a statement on Wednesday that it's investigating the allegations that Markle bullied members of the royal staff.

The accusations came days before Markle and Prince Harry's "tell-all" interview with Oprah Winfrey will air Sunday on CBS.

Leading up to the segment, CBS has released a number of preview clips of the interview in which Markle said the royal family "perpetuated falsehoods" against her and that it's "liberating" to speak for herself now that she and Harry have left their roles as working senior royals.

Story continues

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Representatives for Markle told The Times that the timing of the bullying accusations - leading up to the Sussexes' highly anticipated interview with Oprah - is not a coincidence.

"Let's just call this what it is - a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet," a spokesperson for Markle told The Times.

"It's no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years," the spokesperson continued.

Mulroney reportedly met Markle when the duchess worked on 'Suits' - and her kids even had a role in the royal wedding

Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney attend an Instagram Dinner in Toronto, Canada, in May 2016. George Pimentel/WireImage

Markle reportedly met Mulroney, a Canadian fashion consultant, wedding stylist, and TV personality, when she moved to Canada to star in the drama series "Suits."

As Insider previously reported, the two became fast friends, and before Markle became a royal, they even took a few vacations together.

Mulroney helped Markle pick her bridal gown for her wedding to Prince Harry, according to Hello! Canada. Mulroney was also at the royal couple's wedding in May 2018, and her kids played a role in the ceremony. Her daughter, Ivy, was a bridesmaid, and her sons Brian and John helped carry Markle's train down the aisle.

Jessica Mulroney (left) is pictured in front of Kate Middleton with the young bridesmaids at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding in May 2018. Ben Stansall/PA Images via Getty Images

Read the original article on Insider
A Winnipeg firefighter and martial arts instructor has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman during a lengthy off-and-on relationship she claimed began when she was a teen.

A Winnipeg firefighter and martial arts instructor has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a woman during a lengthy off-and-on relationship she claimed began when she was a teen.

Manny Ruiz, 56, stood trial last year, charged with two counts of sexual assault, three counts of uttering threats, and one count of forcible entry involving a now 46-year-old woman.

While Ruizs testimony was at times "suspect," "somewhat evasive" and "not entirely believable," the evidence of the alleged victim did not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, said Justice Joan McKelvey.

"This matter presents, as do many of this nature, as a he said/she said situation," McKelvey wrote in a 49-page decision. "These circumstances are always difficult to discern, and particularly so when the matter is historic in nature."

McKelvey said inconsistencies and shortcomings in the evidence of both Ruiz and the alleged victim left her unable to determine who to believe.

"The Crowns evidence was not sufficiently compelling to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt," she said. "In all the circumstances, I am satisfied that it would be unsafe to enter any of the counts on the indictment."

At trial, the woman testified she met Ruiz when she was 12 and they were both taking classes at a taekwondo studio.

The woman testified they maintained a friendship throughout her teen years and into her 20s. She told court when she was 25, Ruiz sexually assaulted her in her apartment, and had sex with her against her will on other occasions at his home and Winnipeg martial arts studio.

Ruiz testified he didnt remember meeting the woman before 1997 or 1998, when she jogged past a Sherbrook Street patio where he had been sharing drinks with some of his jiu-jitsu students.

Over time, the two became friends, Ruiz said, with the woman making the first sexual overture during a visit to her apartment for tea in 2002. Ruiz said they stopped short of sex, with him telling the woman he had to go.

Some days later, the woman invited Ruiz to a Grosvenor Avenue bed and breakfast where she was working, and the two had sex, he said.

Ruiz testified the woman provided him with a booking schedule at the bed and breakfast, so he would know when it was clear to go over for sex.

The woman denied having consensual sex with Ruiz, telling court he threatened to burn her mothers house down and poison her dogs if she did not comply with his demands.

The woman alleged Ruiz forced her to lodge his teenage son at the bed and breakfast for a number of weeks. When, on her bosss order, she kicked the teen out, Ruiz broke down the door with a shovel, the woman said.

Ruiz told court he had asked if his son could stay at the bed and breakfast, and agreed to pay her $1,500 for a months rent. Ruiz admitted he was angry at the woman for kicking his son out, but denied forcing his way inside.

Ruiz suggested the incident was prompted by his reaction a week earlier, when, at a Corydon Avenue restaurant, the woman broached the topic of marriage.

"I laughed and she started crying and ran out of the restaurant," he said. "I thought it was just friends with benefits. It was never formalized. It was never anything else."

Ruiz stood trial accused of sexually assaulting a second woman, but was found not guilty in October after the Crown conceded there was not enough evidence to support a conviction.

Court records show three different women sought court-ordered protection from Ruiz in 2001, 2006, and 2010.

All three requests were denied by the court, including one made after the death of Ruiz's 21-year-old girlfriend, Melissa Nelson. She died while on vacation with Ruiz in Cuba in 2006. Cuban authorities ruled her death accidental.

dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca
A MAN who admitted storing a significant quantity of amphetamine in a fridge at his home in the city centre has avoided an immediate prison sentence, writes David Hurley.

Polish national Marcin Kryzwosznski, 31, had pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs, commonly known as speed, for the purpose of sale or supply.

Sergeant Mairead Hayes told Limerick Circuit Court, a property at Clare Street was searched on April 9, 2018 after gardai received confidential information that drugs were being stored there.

She said two large parcels containing a white substance were located in the fridge along with a shoe box which contained mixing agents. The drugs, she added, had a street value of around 20,000.

Following his arrest, Mr Kryzwosznski  a separated father-of-two  took responsibility for the drugs telling gardai he was holding them for a friend.

Barrister Pat Barriscale said his client was using drugs socially at weekends and was mixing with the wrong people. He has since moved out of the city and is remorseful and ashamed about what he did.

Judge Tom ODonnell was told there are mental health difficulties in the background and that Mr Kryzwosznski is at low risk of re-offending.

Imposing sentence, the judge said the quantity and nature of the drug was an aggravating factor but he noted the defendants personal circumstances and his excellent work ethic.

He also accepted he has no trappings of wealth.

A three year prison sentence was imposed. It was fully suspended.
Travel vouchers of up to $200 will be offered for Queenslanders to spend on tourist activities in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef in an effort to help the regions tourism industry recover.

Queenslanders who receive a voucher will be able to use it on travel experiences.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that 15,000 vouchers would be available from Monday.

Tourism has taken a hit during the pandemic, and those who depend on international visitors have been doing it particularly tough  especially up north, she said.

The voucher will give successful recipients a 50 per cent discount on eligible tourism attractions, up to the value of $200.

A popular Queensland milk brand has been pulled from shelves after the product was contaminated with a harmful bacteria.

E. coli, a bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals, has been found in The Kenilworth Dairies Full Cream Milk three litre, two litre and one litre sizes.

Consumers have been warned not to consume any bottles with the best before date of March 15, 2021, over fears the milk could cause serious illness.

Kenilworth Dairies Full Cream Milk (pictured) has been pulled from shelves over fears the product has been contaminated with a harmful bacteria

The products have been available for sale at independent grocers and Kenilworth Dairies Cafe in Queensland.

Food Standards Australia has urged consumers to return the products to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Anyone who may have consumed the milk and are concerned about their health are advised to seek medical attention.

E. coli is a bacteria that can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps usually three to four days after being exposed to contaminated water or food.

Anyone who may have consumed the 3 litre, 2 litre and 1 litre sizes of milk and are concerned about their health are advised to seek medical attention (pictured)
The fashion festival turns 25. Who better to tell its history than its participants?

JEFF KENNETT, Former Victorian Premier, Fashion Festival founder: The whole concept had never been thought of before. Between the period of 1992 and 1996, we were very much aware that we have to address the economic imbalance in the state, which was in a parlous condition, but on the other hand build up the things we thought our community would respond positively to. One of the things I have always been cognisant of is the creativity that exists within fashion. I made head of Just Jeans Craig Kimberley  an enthusiast and optimist beyond compare  our first chairman. We wanted to build up hope in the community and promote the concept of fashion in Melbourne.

Models Silvan Philippoussis in Jason Grech dress and Hanan Ibrahim in Leophil outfit for the Melbourne Fashion Festival. Credit:Eddie Jim

ROBERT BUCKINGHAM, Founding creative director/director until 2003: The most important people in the fashion industry were gathered together on the board, including Fiona Scanlan, Steve Bennett, Perri Cutten. It was part of Melbourne building its reputation as an event and cultural capital. We wanted to do something different by being more consumer-focused; it was quite revolutionary.

CRAIG KIMBERLEY, Founding chairman: From day one, anyone could go, and I think that was really important. It wasnt an internal trade show; it was for the people.
Air carrier Buta Airways will resume flights from Baku to the capital of Ukraine. Special flights on the route Baku-Kiev-Baku will be operated from April 1.

It is reported that the flights will be carried out to the Boryspil airport, and the planes will take off on Mondays and Thursdays.

Thus, the national air carrier of Azerbaijan will operate flights on this route only by Buta Airways.
FILE - In this Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 file photo, a pharmacist prepares a syringe from a vial of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine during preparations at the Vaccine Village in Antwerp, Belgium. A shipment of a quarter million AstraZeneca vaccines destined for Australia has been barred from leaving the European Union in the first use of an export control system instituted by the bloc over a month ago. An EU official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue, confirmed a report that first appeared in the Financial Times. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

BRUSSELS (AP)  Europe's vaccine solidarity got a boost on Friday after France said it could emulate Italy's move to block coronavirus vaccine exports outside the European Union if that's what is needed to enforce the bloc's own contracts with drugs manufacturers.

The European Union defended the Italian authorities' decision to stop a large shipment of doses destined for Australia as part of a longstanding feud with drug manufacturer AstraZeneca.

The EU's executive arm said the decision was not targeting Australia but that it had been taken to ensure that AstraZeneca delivers the number of doses it committed to dispatching to EU countries.

The fact is that the European Union is a major exporter of vaccine doses," said EU Commission chief spokesman Eric Mamer.

Faced with dose shortages during the early stages of the vaccine campaign, the EU announced in early January an export control mechanism halting deliveries of COVID-19 vaccines outside the bloc in a bid to force companies to respect their contractual obligations to the bloc first.

Since the mechanism entered into force on Jan. 30, the Commission said that 174 authorizations of vaccine exports to 30 different countries outside the EU have been approved.

The EU has been particularly upset by AstraZeneca because the company is delivering far fewer doses to the bloc than it had promised. Of the initial order for 80 million doses to the EU in the first quarter this year, the company will be struggling to deliver half that quantity.

We believe that this vaccine is an important element of our portfolio and we therefore are expecting the delivery of the agreed doses, Mamer said. We are working with the companies in order to ensure that they deliver the doses that are foreseen for the European Union. For all those companies that are doing that, there are no problem with exports."

As serum supplies remain scarce in the 27-nation region amid delays in deliveries and production issues, European nations have shown signs of divisions recently. Several countries have expressed their frustration over the slow rollout of doses and are looking for extra supply of vaccines outside of the joint procurement set up by the EU,

Story continues

But Italy's decision to block the shipment of more than 250,000 AstraZeneca doses destined for Australia closed ranks between member states. French health minister Olivier Veran said he understood the Italian's government decision and indicated France could do the same."

Believe me, the more doses I have, the happier I am as health minister," Veran said in an interview with BFMTV channel, adding that France and its European partners are determined to have their contracts with drug makers enforced.

Highlighting the EU's role in the vaccine research, development and production, the German government also justified the export restriction.

In general, vaccine exports arent stopped as long as the contracts with the EU are abided by," German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said. A lot of vaccines go from the EU to third countries, while nothing or almost nothing is exported from the United States and Great Britain."

Earlier, German Health Minister Jens Spahn said that it in general terms, it was right for the EU to ensure that vaccine makers followed through on promised deliveries. But he also said that it was important for EU-wide coordination on export restrictions.

The EU thought it had prepared soundly for the rollout of vaccines to its 450 million people. It has signed deals for six different vaccines. In total, it has ordered up to 400 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and sealed agreements with other companies for more than 2 billion shots.

But only 33 million doses have been given so far, and only 11 million Europeans have been fully vaccinated. Despite the current difficulties, the EUs goal remains to vaccinate 70% of the adult population in the bloc by the end of summer.

The Italian's government move marked the first use of the export control system, It frustrated the Australian government, which is seeking assurances from the EU's executive arm that future shipments of vaccines will not be blocked,

The world is in uncharted territory at present, its unsurprising that some countries would tear up the rule book," Australian Finance Minister Simon Birmingham told Sky News Australia on Friday. Birmingham acknowledged, however, that Australia received 300,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine last week, and that will see our current distribution plan work."

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Frank Jordans in Berlin contributed to this story.

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Follow APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak
The Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) has indicated it will not intervene to bring test cases in the courts over the meaning of business interruption clauses in insurance policies.

Struggling businesses have questioned why the regulator has not intervened in the same was as its UK counterpart, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which took a hugely significant test case against eight insurers.

A UK Supreme Court ruling in the case meant more policyholders affected by the Covid-19 pandemic could make valid claims. However, in Ireland businesses have had to bring their own litigation where they felt they were wrongly denied compensation for business interruption arising from restrictions.

The CBI outlined its position in correspondence with Dublin law firm Robinson Solicitors, which is representing a hotel that has been refused compensation under its policy with insurers Zurich.

It said the legal systems in Ireland and the UK were not the same and that the FCA had a specific legal mechanism through which to seek the court declaration it obtained.

The letter said given the difference in the respective legal systems, the CBI had decided to use a multi-faceted strategy. This involves identifying affected groups, making it clear to insurers what they were expected to do in respect of claims under specific policies, and monitoring the outcome of test cases taken by businesses.

It does not involve the taking of test cases by the CBI itself.

The letter was exhibited in High Court proceedings brought by the owners of the Headfort Arms Hotel in Kells, Co Meath, against Zurich Insurance Plc.

An insurance claim by the hotel was rejected on the basis the business interruption cover in the policy only applied in the event of material damage to the premises.

However, the hotel is seeking a declaration it is entitled to be indemnified for the disruption, including forced closure, resulting from the pandemic.

In its lawsuit it is also seeking damages for breach of contract and intentional interference with economic interests.

Richard Kean SC, for the hotel, yesterday sought and was granted liberty by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds for short service of the proceedings on Zurich. He said the application was an urgent one.

In an affidavit, hotel director Vincent Duff said that if it hadnt been for Government supports the business would not be open today.

The four-star hotel, which has 260 bedrooms, was originally built in the 18th century as a townhouse for the Marquis

of Headfort. Pre-Covid it employed 139 people, mainly from the surrounding area. But now its staff numbers had been reduced to just 40.

Mr Kean said it was a family business making heroic efforts to survive but there had been a blanket refusal by brokers Thornton Group to pay out on the claim or even make an interim payment.

This company is in danger of becoming insolvent as a result of the failure of the defendant to pay out anything on foot of a policy. The wording of the policy is very clear in terms of provision of compensation in respect of business interruption, he said.

Mr Kean said the hope was that by bringing the application matters might come to a head and lead to arbitration or mediation. In his affidavit, Mr Duff said the business had previously weathered the economic storm caused by the 2008 recession, but the last nine months had been the toughest challenge yet in terms of financial commitments and responsibility to employees.

Ms Justice Reynolds adjourned the case to next week.
Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
The distribution of vaccines is planned for three-days, beginning Friday, March 5 and will continue through Sunday, March 7. The On Top of the World distribution site received 3500 Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines in collaboration with the State and Marion County Emergency Management Departments and the Florida National Guard.

Governor Desantis explained the need for vaccines in Marion County, with under 50% of Marion county seniors having not yet receiving the vaccine.

The Governor went on with how impressed he was with On Top of the Worlds operation, saying, "How they did this logistically - we've seen hundreds of sites around the state and visited dozens of them, and they have this thing down, it's very seamless, they are doing a great job, and everyone was happy."

On Top of the World President, Kenneth D. Colen and his staff are happy to support efforts in the fight to combat COVID-19 and will be working to assist in future vaccine distribution to local residents and Ocala citizens.

Vaccine appointments are still available for Saturday, March 6, 2021. Please call the vaccine hotline at 352-479-3105 from 9 am - 4 pm to make an appointment. If you receive a busy signal, please keep trying. To view Governor Desantis's entire press conference, please visit www.facebook.com/ontopoftheworldflorida to view the live stream, hosted by On Top of the World.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE On Top of the World Communities

Related Links

https://ontopoftheworldcommunities.com


Mumbai: Actress Janhvi Kapoor turns 24-year-old today (March 6) and good wishes from friends and family have showered her way. Ever since her debut film Dhadak which released in 2018, she has grown immensely as an actor and created a name for herself in the industry. Moreover, looking at her releases lined up for this year, the star surely has an exciting future ahead!

On her birthday, we take a look at some interesting and lesser-known facts about the young actress:

- Janhvi Kapoor, the daughter of the late legendary first female superstar of Indian cinema Sridevi and the film producer Boney Kapoor.

- The actress has one biological sister Khushi Kapoor and two half-siblings actor Arjun Kapoor and Anshula Kapoor. She is the niece of actors Anil Kapoor and Sanjay Kapoor.

- She did her schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai and then flew to California to pursue an acting course at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute.

- Her debut film Dhadhak was a huge commercial success. She also won the Zee Cine Award for Best Female Debut for the film.

- Janhvi Kapoor is the current brand ambassador of the popular cosmetics brand Nykaa. She has featured in many of their digital, TV and print advertising campaigns.

Happy Birthday, Janhvi Kapoor!


Sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe in upscale Houston Heights, Evelyne Marcks shakes her head at the Texas governor's decision to scrap a mask-wearing mandate before the Covid-19 pandemic is under control.

"I don't know who he is trying to please," she said, sitting at a table at the Central City Co-Op, "but it's certainly not people like us from the big cities."

"He probably wants to please the right-wing people who live in places where, to be honest, there's no need for a mask," she added, referring to the roughly four million Texans who live in rural areas.

But some restaurant owners and clients in the state's largest city, Houston, were perplexed by or even against Governor Greg Abbott's recent decision to drop the mask mandate "and open Texas 100%" beginning Wednesday.

"We will continue to ask our customers to mask up," said Jessica Navas, an owner of the Central City Co-Op, which also sells fresh vegetables from area farms.

A fervent defender of eating locally and responsibly, Navas added that the Co-Op's mask requirement "will continue so long as CDC guidelines recommend it."

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website currently recommends that "people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people."

Not far from the Co-Op, at the Taco Stand and Burger Joint on Shepherd Drive, Houston Heights' central avenue, owner Matthew Pak has taken a similar stance.

- 'No-win situation for restaurants' -

"We are not going to change anything that we are doing," he said.

"We are going to require all our staff and customers to wear masks, continue sanitizing, keeping everything extra, extra clean, social distancing as much as we can enforce."

Those precautions will probably not end soon, he said.

"There's only a low percentage that have the vaccine" so far, Pak noted. "I mean, none of my staff has vaccine."

Story continues

So far, some 4.1 million Texans -- 14.2 percent of the population -- have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

That figure is about two percentage points below the national average, owing partly to the severe disruptions of the recent historic cold wave in the state.

Farther down the avenue, before an enormous Texas flag painted on the corrugated metal wall of Piper's BBQ & Beer, co-owner Richard Orozco ponders the position the governor has put him in.

"It's really a no-win situation for the restaurants," he said.

"If we choose to enforce the mask policy, there's going to be vocal critics about that. If we say no mask, there'll probably be even more vocal critics," he noted. "It really puts us in a tough spot."

He and his partners finally decided to let customers decide whether to wear a mask.

At Angela's Oven, in a quieter, residential part of the neighborhood, owners reached the same conclusion.

The bakery caters to an affluent and international clientele, part of the gentrification transforming parts of northern Houston.

Alex Harsema-Mensonides, a Dutch national who works in the natural gas industry, sips on a hot espresso. Angela's bread and croissants "remind me of my vacations in France," he says.

Before the pandemic struck, the bakery had indoor seating for a few customers.

Owner Angela, who would not provide her last name, foresees no early return to that practice.

"I think our employees will probably (continue to) wear a mask," she said. As for her customers, "I think we'll give them their choice -- but we still social distance."

bbk/jm

The much-lauded chronicle of the economic and social decline of a west of Ireland town by journalist and writer John Healy, No one Shouted Stop: Death of an Irish Town was first published in 1968.

It was written about his experience of emigration and the general degeneration of his hometown of Charlestown, Co Mayo, just 14 miles from my hometown of Kiltimagh, also in the heather county.

While Healys book could have been written about the decline of most rural towns of the time, the two towns had another shared experience this week when Bank of Ireland announced it was pulling out of both locations as well as Ballyhaunis, also in Mayo, and numerous other branches across the country.

And while the move will be a body-blow for the east Mayo town of Kiltimagh after the closure of AIB in 2012, the move had been anticipated by local customers and businesses for some time.

For a start, it had not been operating as a bank for a number of years with just one attendant dealing with a decreasing number of customers and offering limited facilities.

In some ways this became a self-fulfilling prophecy for the bank  the antithesis of if you build it, they will come, if you like.

Running down services, of course, means fewer customers. And this lack of footfall was one of the reasons used by the bank to justify the closures.

Expand Close The Bank of Ireland branch in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo which is closing. Photo by Michael McLaughlin / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Bank of Ireland branch in Kiltimagh, Co Mayo which is closing. Photo by Michael McLaughlin

According to Bank of Ireland, customers had switched over to online banking  in reality, of course they would if the services were not provided on site.

The banking sector, in general, has been undergoing a revamp to keep up with digital times and Bank of Ireland is no different. It is a business, even if it is still being supported by taxpayers money to the tune of 14pc (the State shareholding in the bank).

This week, the bank reported the plans to close more than 100 branches, as well as a 1.1bn toll in impaired loans and an underlying loss of 374m for 2020 against the backdrop of Covid-19, although it added that it expects its loan-loss impairments to be significantly lower for this year.

For many in Kiltimagh, though, history had told its story, so when AIB pulled out of Kiltimagh in 2012, many believed Bank of Ireland would follow suit.

It seems the banking crisis and the last recession was a wake-up call for onlookers.

Read More

Gary Smyth, a local pharmacist and community activist in Kiltimagh, whose business, Heneghans Pharmacy, is located just across the road from the historic Bank of Ireland building on the towns Main Street, says that the closure had been much anticipated.

Its not a surprise at all and I think if were all honest we knew it was coming. Business, communities and society are changing all the time and I am sure Bank of Ireland will argue that this decision was not personal but that doesnt stop the community from arguing that it certainly feels that way.

I think we can assume the bank decided a while back that this was a cost-cutting exercise and would enable them to invest in new technologies. At the same time, it should be mandatory that they do not ignore or marginalise the older members of our community and have them return to the days of hiding monies under the bed.

Croagh Patrick

Not so long ago we were told that banks were too big to fail and that they are one of the pillars of a modern society, Smyth says.

Meanwhile, further west, the town of Westport is retaining its Bank of Ireland branch.

Expand Close The bridge over the Carrowbeg River in the Mayo town of Westport, which is not losing its branch of the Bank of Ireland / Facebook

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Whatsapp The bridge over the Carrowbeg River in the Mayo town of Westport, which is not losing its branch of the Bank of Ireland

Not surprising, really. It has a population of more than 6,000 compared to Kiltimagh with just over 1,000.

And with natural resources like Croagh Patrick, locally known as the Reek, Clew Bay with its 365 islands  and assets like Westport House, few towns anywhere in the country would be able to compete  certainly in terms of tourism and its associated spin-offs like pubs and restaurants.

In many ways Westport is an anomaly with its tourism-based micro-economy on the Wild Atlantic Way that many other rural towns could only dare to dream of  and not forgetting a former Minister for Tourism in Michael Ring.

But Westport also has other advantages in terms of big employers like multinational Allergan and indigenous firms in specialist clothing firm Portwest and retailer Carraig Donn.

According to Roie McCann who runs Killadangan House, a 19th-century listed haunt overlooking Clew Bay, and the Clare Island Lighthouse Hotel, Westport indeed has its bonuses as a location for business and leisure.

Expand Close Location for business and leisure: Hotelier Roie McCann says Westport has good all-year round trade. Photo by Michael McLaughlin / Facebook

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Whatsapp Location for business and leisure: Hotelier Roie McCann says Westport has good all-year round trade. Photo by Michael McLaughlin

Having some large employers definitely is a big factor in the all-year round viability of the town. Unlike some other seaside towns it doesnt die a death in the winter but takes on a different feel with still plenty of business for the restaurants, cafes, pubs. In winter, its also a huge weekend destination.

I would say other Mayo towns do have to work harder as they dont have all of the amenities that Westport has and having train access is a big plus, she adds.

Having said that, its not like Kiltimagh is not punching above its weight in terms of drawing employers and investors for a town of its size.

IRD Kiltimagh, a rural development company, has been promoting the town for investment for many years and its Cairn business park is currently at over 95pc occupancy.

In addition, Kiltimagh Tourism is a vibrant community organisation as is the Kiltimagh Amenity Park Committee which recently purchased a 6.5-acre site to create a new green centre in the town which was raised through private donations of 150,000. There is also a potential greenway infrastructure that could be delivered to Kiltimagh via the local council bringing much-needed tourism to the town and area.

CMS Distribution, a distributor of IT and consumer technology products, employs 100 people in Kiltimagh while Genfitt, an agriculture supplies business has a staff of over 50  there are two hotels in the town as well as a post office, credit union, two supermarkets and five pubs although this is a far cry from when Kiltimagh was a market town in the 1950s and 1960s when there were 42 pubs, five butcher shops and five draperies as well as numerous other businesses.

Recession scars

The last recession, and indeed ones before it, has left its scars on the town including many vacant buildings on the Main Street although this is not uncommon in rural Ireland.

The Genfitt founder Larry McEllin, now a retired businessman, has high hopes for the future use of the Bank of Ireland building.

Expand Close Founder of Glenfit and Kiltimagh native Larry McEllin. Photo by Michael McLaughlin / Facebook

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Whatsapp Founder of Glenfit and Kiltimagh native Larry McEllin. Photo by Michael McLaughlin

McEllin, who emigrated to the UK at the age of 16 in the 1960s and worked as a labourer and later a foreman, grew Genfitt into a multimillion business when he returned to Kiltimagh, and later sold it in 2005.

I believe the Bank of Ireland building needs to have a community aspect to it. Ideally, it would house a workspace with internet services as well as community ones. It is also very important that the ATM would remain in situ, he says.

In any case, towns like Kiltimagh, where I grew up and have decamped to for Covid, need to reinvent themselves and capitalise on their unique selling points for survival.

I have great memories of Kiltimagh as a child and a teenager, although I was deemed a culchie, and a proud one, as I lived outside the town!

As a teenager there were three choices really: college, stay at home or emigration. Arguably, that is still the case but opportunities are much greater now.

And the residents of the town are resilient and believe that the credit union and post office can benefit from the loss of Bank of Ireland.

Gary Smyth says: I lodge all my monies in the local credit union each week and have done so for a few years now. The sad aspect of this is that it doesnt really benefit the credit union as they are not yet on a level playing field with the banks.

I am not naive enough to assume they should be; however, I do feel they deserve to be assisted in creating local circular economies where monies are saved and lent and that the profits stay in the community.

They should not be obliged to pay a pillar bank to hold their communitys money. Again, the Government should cover this cost.

Smyth says Kiltimagh should focus on becoming the best sleeper town out there.

Weve got most of it there already in terms of excellent educational facilities, good broadband within a kilometre of the town, a sense of community, lots of clubs and societies. We need to work to promote these assets and make it easy for young families to relocate here, he says.

Post-pandemic Ireland will contain fewer businesses in general and this has given online shopping a huge boost as consumers were forced to their keyboards.

The reality is that this is here to stay. I think society and the Government see it as an easier option. We have to accept that the trade-off is less retail presence in our towns, Smyth adds.

The sense of community is central to the survival of any town, whether its one with the natural advantages of Westport or Kiltimagh, which might have to work that bit harder  as many do.

If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to take care of its town.
An employee at a dentist's office in California received a scare when a large turkey came crashing through a window and into the patient consultant area.

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Donna McDonald, office manager at Gregory Hailey DDS in Fair Oaks, said she was the only person in the building when she heard the crashing sound that she initially thought might be an earthquake.

McDonald said she was shocked to see the cause of the ruckus was actually a turkey that crashed through a window into the empty patient consultant area and was clawing at the walls.

"It clawed up multiple walls to where we're gonna have to repaint in there. Some of the glass that came in cut the dental chairs ... and we'll need some deep cleaning," McDonald told the Sacramento Bee.

Animal control referred McDonald to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, which sent someone to the scene to evict the turkey.

"There was no wrangling this bird as an amateur. The wildlife lady kind of struggled with it," McDonald said.

The wildlife rescue said the turkey did not appear to be seriously injured and will be released back into the wild. Greg Grimm, treasurer of Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, said the turkey may have saw its own reflection in the window and attacked it, confusing it for a romantic rival amid the mating season for the birds.
The Royal Family is spending 2.5million per year on energy bills at their ten best-known palaces and castles, new research has estimated.

Buckingham Palace, with its 775 rooms, 77,000 square metres of floor space and swimming pool, is estimated to be the most expensive royal residence in the UK, costing 1.1million a year to power.

Meanwhile, Windsor Castle has the next highest energy bill of 393,523, with Kensington Palace third at 260,448.

The royal family's energy bill is estimated to reach 2.5m for 10 of their properties in the UK

The high cost is despite the Queen attempting to make her palaces more sustainable, with a network of 60 smart meters monitoring usage across the royal estate and more efficient LED lighting being trialed.

At Windsor Castle, the world's oldest occupied castle, electricity bills are reduced by 40 per cent thanks to a hydroelectric power scheme on the River Thames.

This saves the royals about 262,349 a year, reducing them from a potential bill of 655,872.

There are also plans to make Balmoral Castle more sustainable, after winning permission for a 2MW hydroelectric turbine to generate 650,000 worth of power, with any surplus energy sent to the National Grid.

Balmoral already has one hydroelectric turbine, providing 100kW of power.

Prince Charles, who has campaigned on environmental issues for decades, has installed solar panels at Clarence House, uses low-energy light bulbs and has improved the insulation at his properties.

HOW MUCH ROYALS ARE SPENDING ON ENERGY BILLS Property Area of property (sq m) Annual energy cost 1 Buckingham Palace 77,000 1,127,942 2 Windsor Castle 44,965 393,523 3 Kensington Palace 17,844 260,448 4 St James's Palace 16,482 240,590 5 Palace of Holyroodhouse 11,000 160,662 6 Balmoral Castle 8,160 119,255 7 Sandringham House 8,068 117,913 8 Hillsborough Castle 4,200 61,518 9 Clarence House 3,524 51,662 10 Frogmore Cottage 706 10,575 Source: Uswitch

Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan's former home, Frogmore Cottage, had the lowest energy costs of the ten royal homes surveyed, estimated at 10,575.

They are believed to have installed a green energy unit when they lived there to provide eco-friendly heat, hot water and electricity.

Sarah Broomfield, energy expert at Uswitch, said: 'The Royal Family have gone to great lengths to make their palaces and castles more sustainable, but the age and size of these homes mean they still require a lot of energy to run.

'Whatever type of home you live in, palace or not, there are lots of ways to keep our energy consumption down.

'Turning off lights when you leave the room, turning off appliances at the plug when they're not in use, and adding draught-proofing are small changes that can all add up to big savings on your energy bills.

'Switching tariffs is another great way to keep those utility bills down. If you're on a standard variable tariff, you can save money by switching, so it is always worthwhile doing a search online and comparing energy deals.'

The calculations are based on the assumption the properties are running on domestic tariffs. Uswitch worked out how much energy was needed for each property by the size and how much it would need to be heated.
New Delhi: The General Secretary of the Shree Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, Champat Rai on Saturday (March 6) said that the door-to-door fund collection drive for Ram Mandir has stopped but the devotees can still donate online by visiting the trusts website.

Champat Rai also added that the trust is in talks to acquire land for a ground in front of the temple, but nothing has been decided yet.

While making the announcement, he revealed that the temple will be ready in 3 years.

The new land, which is in talks, is adjacent to the 70-acre area designated by the Supreme Court for the construction of the temple. Earlier, the Ram Mandir trust had purchased an additional 7,285 square feet of land, adjacent to the proposed complex.

As per the IANS reports, the trust plans to expand the premises of the proposed Ram temple in Ayodhya from 70 acres to 107 acres, which will include the main temple complex in 5-acre area and rest of the 100-acres will be for different facilities like museums, library, Yagyashala and a picture gallery.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had questioned the launch of nationwide fund-collection drive stating that everyone has the right to know how the fund collected in the name of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is going to be used in future.
New Delhi: Moments after the Bharatiya Janata Party released its first list of candidates, Suvendu Adhikari launched a tirade against Mamata Banerjee, whom he will face in the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal.

He said that the TMC chief ran away from Bhawanipore to contest from Nandigram. He asserted she will still lose by over 50,000 votes.

Why have you deserted your Bhowanipore constituency? Why have you run away? Is it because the BJP had won in the booth at Mitra Institution in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections? You cannot even win in your own locality," Adhikary was quoted as saying by PTI.

Adhikari has been confirmed as the BJPs candidate contesting from Nadnigram against the TMC supremo. He said he will beat Banerjee by over 50,000 votes.

Nandigram is not a challenge for me. I am going to Nandigram to defeat her and send her back to Kolkata, he said at a rally in Behala area of Kolkata.

I will work to make lotus bloom in Nandigram and across West Bengal. She is going to lose this election (in Nandigram) by over 50,000 votes, he added.

He also labelled Banerjee as an outsider in Nandigram while calling himself son of the soil.

"I had defeated Lakshman Seth in Nandigram, I will defeat the honourable (Banerjee) this time. She is an outsider in Nandigram whereas I am a 'bhumiputra' of the area, he said.

He further said he is "200 per cent" sure of handsomely defeating Banerjee.

Adhikari also hailed Jan Sangh founder Syama Prasad Mukherjee at the event.

Without Syama Prasad Mukherjee's contribution, this country would have been an Islamic country and we would be living in Bangladesh, he said.

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Iran is one of the countries that tragically uses detention of foreign nationals and dual citizens for political leverage. Along with other foreign nationals, several U.S. citizens are currently held unjustly or wrongfully in Iran.

One of them is a former UNICEF official, Baquer Namazi. The Iranian government released the ailing 84-year-old Iranian-American from prison last year because of his serious medical problems, but has barred him from leaving the country.

Baquer Namazi was arrested five years ago after he flew to Iran to visit his son Siamak, a businessman who had been unjustifiably arrested and imprisoned in Iran in 2015. Both father and son were falsely charged with cooperating with an enemy power.

On the anniversary of Baquer Namazis arrest, Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens tweeted, Today is another sad day @FreetheNamazis as this American family continues to be separated. For five years, Iran has held U.S. citizen Baquer Namazi while his son Siamak is wrongfully held in Evin Prison. #Iran must allow them to be reunited and together in freedom.

In a television interview, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called the unjust detention of American citizens in Iran a complete and utter outrage. He said the Biden-Harris administration has begun to communicate with the Iranians on this issue and is sending a strong message: We will not accept a long-term proposition where they continue to hold Americans in an unjust and unlawful manner, said National Security Adviser Sullivan. It will be a significant priority of this administration to get those Americans safely back home.

Iran is not the only country to unjustly detain foreign nationals for political advantage, and Americans are not the only victims. Recently some 58 countries, including the United States, endorsed a Canadian-led declaration denouncing arbitrary detention in state-to-state relations.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that the practice of arbitrary detention is already prohibited under international human rights conventions. But some countries still do it, and we as a global community have to stand against it, he said. Its time to send a clear message to every government that arbitrarily detains foreign nationals and tries to use them as leverage: this will not be tolerated by the international community.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 02:31:11|Editor: huaxia

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HELSINKI, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Finland's Prime Minister Sanna Marin said on Friday that her country could "use all vaccines against COVID-19 that are efficient and safe."

Marin said that primarily the European Medicines Agency (EMA) should assess the sales permits, and thereafter also in Finland, such a vaccine could be taken into use.

The prime minister said that she wanted as many safe and efficient vaccines as possible to apply for a permit in Europe.

The possibilities of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V came up at a government press conference on Friday, following a confirmation by former Finnish President Tarja Halonen late Thursday that Russia would be willing to offer the production technology of the vaccine for use in Finland.

Halonen had been in contact with Russia in her capacity as the Finnish representative in a COVID-19 working group of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Krista Kiuru, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services, told the press conference that Halonen had contacted Russia with a view to the worldwide availability of Russian vaccines to combat COVID-19.

According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), 8.1 percent of Finnish people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The critical limit for herd protection is about 70 percent. Enditem
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The Guardian newspaper has apologised to an alleged IRA rape victim over an article written about her by ex-Fleet Street editor Roy Greenslade.

Ex-Daily Mirror boss and Guardian columnist Mr Greenslade, 74, sparked outrage after revealing his secret long-standing support for the IRA's bombing campaign.

The former professor of journalism at City, University of London was a friend of suspected Hyde Park bomber John Downey and from the 1980s wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht under the pen name George King.

Mr Greenslade, who lectured on ethics, was branded 'disgusting' for calling into question the testimony of an alleged rape victim in a 2014 column for the Guardian.

Mairia Cahill, great-niece of prominent Belfast republican Joe Cahill, says she was sexually abused as a 16-year-old by alleged IRA member Martin Morris - who denied all wrongdoing and was acquitted of rape.

IRA apologist Mr Greenslade wrote a column which said that the BBC, which investigated Ms Cahill's claims, 'were too willing to accept Cahill's story and did not point to countervailing evidence'.

Mr Greenslade said the former Sinn Fein member should have disclosed that she was previously a 'member of a dissident republican organisation with an anti-Sinn Fein agenda' and accused a BBC documentary outlining her claims as 'lacking political balance' - while hiding his own support for the IRA and Sinn Fein.

Ex-Daily Mirror boss and Guardian columnist Roy Greenslade, 74, sparked outrage after revealing his secret long-standing support for the IRA's bombing campaign. He was branded 'disgusting' for calling into question the testimony of alleged rape victim Mairia Cahill

Ex-Guardian boss hits out at the IRA editor: Roy Greenslade 'should have been frank about his beliefs', says Alan Rusbridger Ex-Fleet Street editor Roy Greenslade should have been more honest over his 'obnoxious' lifelong support for the IRA, the former editor of the Guardian said yesterday. Alan Rusbridger said Mr Greenslade, 74, who worked for him at the newspaper, ought to have been 'frank about his own political beliefs and attachments' when writing about Northern Ireland matters. He urged his former newspaper to include disclaimers on articles which remain online. Mr Rusbridger, editor of the Guardian from 1995 to 2015, said: 'All editors must wish he had been transparent at the time rather than leaving this until after he retired. 'The best route to trust is transparency and I suspect all the editors that Roy worked for, not to mention the readers, wish Roy had been more transparent about his own political beliefs.' Referring to the piece attacking Miss Cahill, he added: 'I think it would have been better for Roy to have been frank about his own political beliefs and attachments. 'I think it would serve readers well to append ... the articles that remain online, noting what he has now made public about his beliefs and attachments.' Advertisement

However, he added: 'That is not to say that she was not raped. Nor does it negate her view that the IRA handled her complaint clumsily and insensitively.'

Ms Cahill alleges that the republican movement's response to her claims was to subject her to an IRA interrogation.

She also accused Sinn Fein of engaging in a cover-up and waging a campaign to question her integrity since she waived her right to anonymity.

The Guardian, in an update attached to Mr Greenslade's 2014 piece, said: 'In March 2021, Mairia Cahill contacted the Guardian to complain that this article had been published and without disclosure of the writer's political affiliations.

'The Guardian's readers' editor considered the complaint and concluded that the columnist ought to have been open about his position.'

After concerns raised by a reader following publication of the article in 2014 that Greenslade had not disclosed his Sinn Fein sympathies, he started to declare his writing during the 1980s for the party's newspaper, An Phoblacht, including at the end of two more blogs relating to Ms Cahill.

The Guardian added: 'He now says he regrets that he did not add it retrospectively to this piece and offers his 'sincere apology for failing to disclose my own interests'.

'Columnists are hired for their opinions but the readers' editor considered that here the writer's political position should have been indicated openly.

'The lack of disclosure was especially unfair to a vulnerable individual, and the Guardian has now apologised to Ms Cahill.'

Ms Cahill had claimed that at 16 she was 'repeatedly raped by an IRA man'. She complained to police in 2010, but the case was dropped four years later when she withdrew her support for the prosecution.

However, a subsequent BBC documentary detailed her ordeal, only to be savaged by Mr Greenslade in The Guardian in 2014'.

Writing in The Spectator this week, Ms Cahill cited the lack of relevance of her political allegiance.

She added: 'After attacking the 'lack of balance' in the BBC NI piece, he then took it upon himself to list my political history - some of it inaccurate - which he viewed as highly relevant when discussing my brutal experience of abuse, and of the IRA and Sinn Fein's treatment of me as a result.

'Strange (and some would say hypocritical) that he did not disclose in the same piece, his own secret long-held support for the IRA.'

Ms Cahill hailed from a prominent republican family. Her great-uncle Joe was a notorious former chief of staff in the Provisionals.

Hitting out at Mr Greenslade for alleging her accusations were political, she added: 'That Greenslade chose the angle he did is not surprising, but it is disgusting.

'No abuse disclosures should be weighed against victims' previous politics.

'That The Guardian chose to print it is extremely questionable, given that by that time it was widely known that he had written anonymously for the Sinn Fein IRA supporting publication, An Phoblacht.'

Mairia Cahill (pictured), who has waived her right to anonymity, said that after she was interviewed for a BBC Northern Ireland investigation, Mr Greenslade wrote an article in the Guardian attacking 'the lack of political balance' in the report

Greenslade (pictured), 74, came out of hiding this week to reveal he backed the IRA

The former professor of journalism at City, University of London, was a friend of suspected Hyde Park bomber (pictured: The scene after the 1982 attack) John Downey and from the 1980s wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht

'Totally reprehensible and a slight on our industry': Outrage as Roy Greenslade claims he 'did nothing more than scores of journalists who keep political views to themselves' after revealing support for IRA A former Fleet Street editor sparked further outrage by attempting to defend his comments about his secret long-standing support for the IRA. The erstwhile Guardian columnist claimed he did 'nothing more than scores of journalists who keep political views to themselves' in sympathising with atrocities committed by paramilitary forces. But his attempts to defend his remarks sparked further fury from industry chiefs, who described his comments as 'totally reprehensible'. Toby Granville, the editorial director of local news publisher, Newsquest, said the remarks were 'totally reprehensible'. In a post on Twitter, he said: 'Roy Greenslade's claims that 'scores of journalists' secretly support terrorism just like him is totally reprehensible and a slight on our industry.' Advertisement

Mr Greenslade wrote in the British Journalism Review that he backed the IRA's armed campaign while he was working as a journalist during the Northern Ireland conflict.

He secretly wrote for the republican newsletter An Phoblacht and even provided bail surety for an IRA man accused of involvement in the 1982 Hyde Park bombing.

While his republican views first emerged some years ago, he came out of hiding' in an article this weekend for the British Journalism Review to say he was in 'complete agreement about the right of the Irish people to engage in armed struggle', adding: 'I supported the use of physical force.'

Mr Greenslade spent two years as editor of the Mirror, during which time he fixed a 'spot the ball' competition on behalf of the paper's owner Robert Maxwell so that no one could win the 1million first prize.

After joining the Guardian, he went on to become a noted mouthpiece for Tony Blair's spokesman Alastair Campbell, who had previously been his political editor. It is not known whether Mr Campbell was aware at the time of Mr Greenslade's IRA allegiance.

The former Guardian columnist retired from a full-time post at City University, where he lectured in ethics, in 2018, but he has 'occasionally' returned as a guest speaker.

In the article, which was published in the Sunday Times, Mr Greenslade, 74, who is now a member of Sinn Fein, said he had first become involved in republican causes shortly after Bloody Sunday in 1972, when paratroopers shot dead 13 demonstrators.

He went on to hold senior roles at The Sun and the Sunday Times, as well as the editorship of the Daily Mirror in 1990 and 1991, but 'regularly' contributed to An Phoblacht  contradicting his newspapers which denounced the IRA's campaigns.

Mr Greenslade guaranteed bail for convicted IRA member John Downey, who was accused of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers died.

Downey's criminal case collapsed when he produced a so-called 'on the run' letter, providing assurances that he would not be prosecuted for alleged past crimes. However, a judge at the High Court ruled in 2019 that he was an 'active participant' in the bombing. Despite this, Mr Greenslade wrote that all he knows of Downey is his 'dedication to peace'.

Downey is currently on bail accused of the murder of two Ulster Defence Regiment soldiers in Enniskillen in 1972.

Mr Greenslade added: 'I continued to keep my views on the IRA to myself. However much I believed its tactics to be valid, I could not hope to convince colleagues that the killing of civilians, albeit by accident, was justifiable.'

The journalism industry news website spoke to Mr Greenslade after he earlier this week revealed his support for the IRA in the British Journalism Review.

Asked whether his views on terrorism disqualified him from teaching ethics, Mr Greenslade said: 'The furore underlines the main point of my article: to have come clean in the 1970s with my beliefs would have rendered me unemployable.

'I did nothing more than the scores of journalists who keep their political views to themselves. My opinions did not affect my journalistic work, nor did they affect my university teaching.'
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Children play in front of their new houses inside a poverty-relief resettlement site (Photo/Xinhua)

On Feb.25, China declared a "complete victory" in its fight to eradicate absolute poverty. In specific terms, over the past eight years the final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents living under the current poverty line had all been lifted out of poverty. All 832 impoverished counties and 128,000 villages have also been removed from the poverty list during that time. With absolute poverty eliminated, China has created yet another "miracle" that will "go down in history."

Not surprisingly, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC), jumped back into the fray to whine and wrangle about China's success with its one-sided article  entitled "Has China lifted 100 million people out of poverty?"  which was soaked through and through with BBC's "sour grapes mentality."

Has China lifted 100 million people out of poverty? The answer is obvious. Ironclad figures revealed by the Chinese government are enough to provide a definitive answer to this question, though facts are not enough to stop the BBC's unseemly nagging over this issue, which manifests in its staunch demeanor of defaming other countries with whatever set of contrived logical fallacies it can get its hands on.

Here are two of the usual tricks that the BBC often uses to distort facts and concoct lies.

Double standards: everyone can have candy, except for China

According to the World Bank, about 66.3 percent of Chinese people lived below the international poverty line in 1990 while the number slumped to only 0.5 percent in 2016 (the most recent World Bank figure). Figures revealed by the World Bank prove the authenticity of China's statistics.

(Screenshot from the World Bank official website)

Instead of feeling happy for the Chinese people, the BBC has outlined a set of other countries' poverty alleviation work to imply that China's achievement is not as big of a deal since other countries have also had their achievements.

The fact is, the country's reduction in poverty is a big deal for both China and the world. Since adopting the Reform and Opening-up Policy in 1978, 770 million impoverished rural residents have been lifted out of poverty, accounting for more than 70 percent of global poverty reduction. Moreover, at least 10 million people in China have been lifted out of poverty annually for the past seven consecutive years, amounting to the entire population of a middle-sized European country. How could such an impressive number suddenly be reducible to such an easy task achievable by every and any country according to the BBC news?

For years, poverty alleviation has been one of the biggest headaches for a large number of countries, and every country's achievements, no matter how large or small, deserve to be praised. Why have other countries won their plaudits for poverty alleviation but China, the nation that through its efforts provided the largest reduction in absolute poverty worldwide, still remains subjected to unreasonable criticism?

And yet, such a childish trick cannot distort the facts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged the success of China's anti-poverty campaign over the past few years, calling it the "most important contribution" to the global poverty reduction cause.

If the number is unassailable, then make a fuss about the standard

As a professional media organization, the BBC can always cook up something to create a headline. The BBC claims that China, an upper-middle-income country as categorized by the World Bank, should set its national poverty line at 5.5 U.S. dollars per day, which is among the highest standards for upper-middle-income countries.

Apparently, BBC journalists are adept at storytelling but poor at mathematics. As everyone knows, the income level of a country is defined by its gross national income (GNI) per capita. Even a first-year undergraduate in statistics will know that any average number, which can be easily influenced by extreme outlying values, cannot provide a whole picture of the situation. Otherwise, the World Bank's poverty line is no more than a monetary threshold indicating the typical value of essentials needed to sustain one adult at or above that line. In China, however, the overall situation is quite exceptional, since China has developed a comprehensive, multi-dimensional standard that comprises not only per capita income but also a series of other requirements and supportive criteria.

In addition to net income per capita, China set another criteria called the "two assurances and three guarantees," which stipulates that before being delisted, the rural poor must be completely free from worries over food and clothing and have access to compulsory education, essential medical services, and safe housing. The overall standard is higher than the World Bank's 2015 benchmark of 1.9 U.S. dollars per person per day and is also higher that the UN's Sustainable Development Goals standard.

A farmer displays newly-harvested pumpkins in Xujiaba Township, Sinan County in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)

In many countries, people would be classified as a part of the middle-income class if they were "free from worries over food and clothing and have access to compulsory education, essential medical services, and safe housing."

Incomes are the basic but not the only indicators of China's anti-poverty campaign. While providing a boost to sustaining the incomes of impoverished rural residents, China has moreover implemented a raft of supportive policies, such as relocating people to more habitable areas, to guaranteeing better living conditions and public services for low-income families in rural areas.

Even if China's national poverty line does not in and of itself meet the World Bank's higher standard for upper-middle-income countries, the comprehensive standards reinforcing incomes ensure that rural Chinese residents can enjoy a better life, even when compared with spending only a hard target of 5.5 U.S. dollars per day. When BBC journalists can pinpoint any "flaw", however trivial or fantastical, they are all too eager to jump on the bandwagon to criticize China and deliberately neglect the need to actually dig deeper to discover the truth.

China's achievement in poverty alleviation is an indisputable fact, which embittered words cannot defame. It's high time that media outlets like the BBC set aside their petty games and acknowledge China's contributions to the world. And hopefully, they can join others to draw a few pieces of advice from Chinas own experience in poverty alleviation, helping to build a world completely free of poverty.

Villagers harvest fresh peppers at Qinggangba Village, Tangtou Township in Sinan County in southwest China's Guizhou Province, Aug. 12, 2020. (Xinhua/Yang Wenbin)
By Denis Slattery | New York Daily News

A handful of Gov. Cuomos fellow Democrats have called on him to step down amid mounting sexual harassment allegations.

New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D- Yonkers) said Thursday shes poised to join in the chorus should another woman come forward with claims against the governor.

Any further people coming forward, I would think it would be time for him to resign, she told Spectrums Capital Tonight. Quite honestly, I am so, so disappointed that here we are in 2021 and we are having these conversations on the heels of #MeToo.

Dozens of Dems have already said Cuomo should resign in recent days as three women have come forward and detailed allegations of sexual harassment against the governor.

Stewart-Cousins, who revealed she has not spoken with the governor since the allegations were made public, had previously said whether Cuomo steps down should depend upon the results of a probe being conducted by Attorney General Letitia James office.

Cuomo said Wednesday during a press conference that he is sorry for whatever pain Ive caused anyone. I never intended it. And I will be better for this experience.

The governor, who has denied physically assaulting anyone, said he felt embarrassed, but has no plans to resign.

Asked about her relationship with the governor as the Legislature prepares to negotiate the state budget ahead of the April 1 deadline, Stewart-Cousins said she struggles with the fact that allegations of harassment are an issue in 2021.

I am at a place, and we are all at this place, where its always hard when you think something is resolved, and find that there is still so much work to do, she said. I applaud women who have been through this for coming forward.

It wasnt clear how Stewart-Cousins determined that four accusers would be a turning point, which was noted by Sen. Thomas OMara (R- Chemung County) during a floor discussion Friday on a measure rolling back Cuomos pandemic authority.

Since when does zero-tolerance require four victims? OMara said.
New Delhi, March 6 : Two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturer TVS Motor Company on Saturday said that it has extended free Covid-19 vaccination for all employees and their immediate family members.

Accordingly, the company said that this vaccination drive is in line with the ongoing government guidelines and will cover 35,000 direct and indirect company employees across the country.

In the initial phase, the vaccine will be made available to all employees and their families above the age of 60 and 45 years or older suffering from certain medical conditions.

"We have strived to provide complete support to our employees and their extended family members through the pandemic, ranging from apps for emergency requirements, doctor-on-call, Covid-19 awareness communication and mental wellness programmes." "With this vaccination drive, we continue our endeavour to prioritise the health and safety of all our employees and their families."
New Delhi, March 6 : A 104-year-old man was administered the first dose of the anti-coronavirus vaccine at Sir Gangaram Hospital (SGRH) here on Saturday.

The beneficiary was given the Serum Institute of India's (SII) 'Covishield' vaccine which did not cause him any side effect, the hospital authorities said.

"Tulsi Das Chawla did not face any problem or adverse effects, after being vaccinated at our hospital," SGRH officials said.

Chawla is a resident of Delhi's Patel Nagar and at the age of 104, he leads an active life and does not suffer from any major comorbidities.

The centenarian said that he was in Indian Foreign Service from where he retired in 1975. He was posted in various countries like United States of America, Netherlands, Pakistan and Africa.

Chawla also appealed to everyone to come forward and take the vaccine shot.

"I urge everyone who is eligible to come forward and take the vaccine jab. It is totally safe." D.S. Rana, Chairman, SGRH said that the hospital has been witnessing a huge enthusiasm among citizens over 60 years of age.

"Chawla is an inspiration to all of us to come forward with out any hesitation for the Covid vaccination," he added.

Meanwhile, the hospital inoculated 476 beneficiaries on Saturday.

On Friday, a 101-year-old woman received her first Covid vaccine shot at New Delhi Municipal Council's (NDMC) Charak Palika Hospital.

The vaccination's phase III has been dominated by senior citizens.

So far, 1,94,97,704 doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the roll out of the immunization drive from January 16.
Statehouse Reporter

Danny Jin is the Eagle's Statehouse reporter. A graduate of Williams College, he previously interned at the Eagle and The Christian Science Monitor. Danny can be reached at djin@berkshireeagle.com or on Twitter at @djinreports.
An Army sergeant has died after he was injured in a live firing exercise in southwest Wales.

It is understood the incident - first reported by The Sun newspaper - happened at Castlemartin Training Area in Pembrokeshire on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the Army confirmed the death and said their thoughts were with the soldier's family and friends.

"The circumstances surrounding this death are being investigated and it would be inappropriate to comment any further," they added.

The soldier's next of kin have been informed, according to The Sun.

The newspaper reported the sergeant, who was part of the Welsh Guards, had served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was training ahead of a planned deployment to Iraq in the summer.

It added he had been awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct medal by Prince Charles, who is Colonel of the Welsh Guards, in 2019.

The Welsh Guards are Wales' senior infantry regiment but also take up a ceremonial role as "guardians of the royal palaces" such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, according to the Army website.

Soldiers have been killed in previous incidents at the Castlemartin ranges.

In 2017, Corporals Matthew Hatfield and Darren Neilson died after their tank exploded during a training exercise on a firing range.

Another incident claimed the life of 21-year-old Michael "Mike" Maguire, who died in 2012 when he was shot in the head while relaxing at a safe location just outside the training range.

He was hit in the temple by a single machine gun bullet fired by another soldier during a training exercise, an inquest into his death heard.

Ranger Maguire, who was a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, was ruled to have been unlawfully killed.
Observer: Improving Hong Kong's electoral system important for developing high-quality democracy

The fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) opened in Beijing on Friday. Wang Chen, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of NPC, explained a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region at the opening meeting of the session.

The explanation said that implementing the principles of patriots governing Hong Kong and filling up loopholes in the electoral system has allowed Hong Kong people to see hope for getting rid of their political conflicts, and let the world see Chinas determination to ensure the sound and steady development of the "one country, two systems" policy and maintain Hong Kong's stability.

It is the central governments power and responsibility to lead the improvement of Hong Kongs electoral system. The central government leads the improvement to ensure Hong Kong's democratic system will develop more smoothly in a healthy way. Hong Kong people have been tortured by endless political disputes and social divides for a long time, and they have long desired that the central government take action to solve these issues. This is for the welfare of Hong Kong. And it is a matter of internal affairs for China.

However, complaints came from the outside world. Some Western politicians jumped to make indiscriminate accusations, and some public opinion organizations followed, quickly accusing China of "suppressing Hong Kong's democracy." The trick that turns things upside down reveals their ideological prejudice and ignorance of Hong Kongs real situation. Who is the true defender of Hong Kong's democracy? Who is disrupting Hong Kong's political order, prosperity and stability? Slander cannot conceal the facts, and justice is in peoples hearts.

To comment on an issue, we must first figure out the ins and outs, otherwise the comment will be likely to be preconceived and not take into account other vantage points. Britain had ruled Hong Kong for more than 150 years. The 28 governors of Hong Kong were not democratically elected, and elections never sought out the opinions of the Hong Kong people. Governors were not responsible to the Hong Kong people. The Chinese who accounted for 98 percent of Hong Kongs population were not been able to enjoy equal citizenship and political participation.

The return of Hong Kong to the motherland has truly started the process of democratic development in Hong Kong. Under the policy of "one country, two systems, Hong Kong citizens have begun to be entitled to unprecedented democratic rights. If someone deliberately distorts historical facts, ignores the achievements of Hong Kong's democratic development, and makes comments with prejudice, his actions would be described as subjective speculation with ulterior motives.

Since Hong Kongs return to the motherland in 1997, the central government has always supported the development of democracy in Hong Kong, protecting Hong Kong residents to exercise their democratic rights in accordance with the law. However, anti-China instigators have deliberately distorted their understanding of the Constitution and Basic Law, wantonly undermining "one country, two systems," and blatantly advocating "Hong Kong independence" among other wrongful propositions. Colluding with foreign anti-China forces, anti-China instigators are exploiting the loopholes in Hong Kongs electoral system, instigating illegal and violent activities without scruple.

Their actions pushed Hong Kong's democracy into disorder. Turbulence over proposed ordinance amendments resulted in ordinary citizens being lynched on the streets, with black terror lingering within Hong Kong society. By spreading prejudice and hatred, anti-China instigators are poisoning the social atmosphere. They are doing everything possible to question and deny the central government's sovereignty over Hong Kong in spite of Hong Kong's overall and fundamental interests. They even demand foreign sanctions on the central government along with the HKSAR government. Is this the democracy Hong Kong people look forward to? What future will Hong Kong have, if these anti-China disruptors of Hong Kong unrest are acting unscrupulously?

The reform of Hong Kong's electoral system must be conducive to good governance in Hong Kong. The central government is taking decisive action to develop a democratic election system that conforms to the conditions of Hong Kong and reflects the overall interests of society, to ensure that patriots govern Hong Kong and kick out the disruptors from Hong Kong. This will push Hong Kong's democracy toward a healthy, orderly and higher-quality level.

Ultimately, improving the electoral system is aimed at the very small number of anti-China instigators in Hong Kong, and at safeguarding the legal rights and interests of the vast majority of Hong Kong citizens. The central government fully respects Hong Kongs pluralistic society, and shows understanding toward Hong Kong citizens. The central governments tolerance and openness in improving Hong Kongs electoral system is rare in the world. Some Western media say that emphasizing patriots governing Hong Kong means elected officials will all have the same views. This distorts the central governments intention and ignores the reality of Hong Kong. This nonsense should stop.

A scientific electoral system is conducive to the development of democracy and unity. A bad electoral system can cause social divides and even split the country. Countries like Spain, Britain, Italy and Russia have all witnessed local elections harming national security. The US has also experienced social turmoil after elections, and is busy revising its electoral system. China does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and we also advise other countries not to make irresponsible remarks about the democratic development of our local administrative regions.

There is no unified model for democratic development. Improving Hong Kong's electoral system in accordance with the original intention of the "one country, two systems" policy not only demonstrates the central government's firm determination to implement "one country, two systems" comprehensively and accurately, but also demonstrates the central government's sincerity in promoting the development of high-quality democracy in Hong Kong.




After Imran Khan's candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost to the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) nominee Yousuf Raza Gillani in Senate elections, the Pakistani Prime Minister announced to seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly on Saturday.

Imran is not the first Pakistani Prime Minister to face a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.

In fact, under the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, all prime ministers of Pakistan, from 1985 to 2008, received a vote of confidence from the National Assembly. These included the late Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat, Shaukat Aziz, and Yousuf Raza Gilani, reported Geo News.

But Imran Khan is also the second in the history of Pakistan who has sought for a 'voluntary' vote of confidence.

Prior to it, Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had sought a voluntary vote of confidence from the National Assembly after his reinstatement was granted by the Supreme Court in 1993.

In 2009, the 18th Amendment removed the provision for a vote of confidence from the Constitution.

Muhammad Khan Junejo was the first prime minister in the parliamentary history of the country to receive a vote of confidence from the National Assembly, which he received on March 24, 1985, under General Zia-ul-Haq's Revival of Constitution of 1973 Order (RCO), reported Geo News.

Under the RCO, the president appoints the prime minister at their discretion and the prime minister must obtain a vote of confidence from the National Assembly within 60 days of their appointment.

Pakistan's Constitution states that if the president feels that the prime minister has lost the confidence of the majority of the parliament's members, then he will direct him to seek a vote of confidence and this vote is taken through an open ballot.

Imran Khan, under all circumstances, must have the support of a simple majority of 172 lawmakers in the National Assembly, according to Article 91(7) of the Constitution.

However, since the NA-75 seat lies vacant after its by-election results were nullified by the Election Commission of Pakistan, he will need the support of 171, reported The News International.

(ANI)
Pilot Club of Jacksonville

President Karla Stice called to order at 6 p.m. the Feb. 24 monthly membership meeting of Pilot Club of Jacksonville. We were all excited to be back after not meeting for three months.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Martha Hauck. Clair Moos gave the invocation. Dinner was provided by Hamiltons Catering.

Peggy Davidsmeyer, executive director of JACIL, gave the evenings program. She talked to us about JACILs history, who it helps and its current programs.

Recording Secretary Shelle Allen led roll call, with 18 members present out of 30. With more than half in attendance, we had a quorum. The November minutes were approved by Karla Henderson with a second from Clair Moos.

Assistant Treasurer Letta Malcott gave a financial report for operating and project accounts for the months of November, December and January. Reports were filed for audit. A motion was made by Tina Young and second by Vicky Austin to approve February accounts payables.

Club nominations were presented by Chair Karla Henderson. All spots for the 2021-2022 year have been filled and approved. Those will be effective July 1.

Division reports were given for Membership (Carol Wallbaum), Fundraising (Sue Morrow) and Projects (Tina Young). The project for February and March involves members bringing in canned goods for the food pantry. March is membership month; please consider bringing a friend to our next meeting.

February Pick-Me-Up: Sue Morrow reported that she donated more than two dozen pairs of gloves and hats to the Pack the Purse Project out of Roodhouse .

President Karla Stice presented Carol Wallbaum with her 10-years-of-service certificate and Billie Summers with her five-years-of-service certificate.

Mark your calendars: Brain Awareness Week is March 15-21.

The MWD Convention will be April 17-18 in Rock Island. Shelle Allen will be installed as governor and Pilot of Jacksonville will be presented with the Governor Flag.

The Pilot International Convention will be July 7-10 in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrating 100 years.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.

 Submitted by Shelle Allen



East Side Juniors 4-H Club

The February meeting of East Side Juniors 4-H Club was held Feb. 1 at the Morgan County Extension Office.

President Emma Taylor called the meeting to order.

Roll call was answered by members telling what state they would like to visit.

Talks were given by Skylar Bartz, Ryan Hutchinson, Emma Taylor, Andrew McGath and Tyler Christian.

After Carolyn Bartz gave the leaders comments, refreshments were served by Katie White, Abby White, Brooke White and Tyler Christian.

The next meeting was set for 7 p.m. March 1 at the Morgan County Extension Office.

Submitted by Rose Marie Beeley



Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club

On a clear, cold Tuesday morning that hinted at the coming spring, 10 Rotarians gathered in the Holiday Inn Express meeting room as the sun rose.

President Jay Jamison rang the March 2 meeting to order at 7:01 a.m., Pat Pennell led the Pledge of Allegiance, Gordon Jumper led the recitation of the Four-Way Test and Sonie Smith gave the invocation.

Our Pass the Gavel party tentatively is planned for June 25 at the Elks Lodge. Jane Becker gave astonishing totals toward the Troop-on coupon project, announcing Linda Meece mailed more than $19,000 worth of coupons last week with more than $50,000 worth total so far. Rotations were made by Jane, Pat, Gordon and Debbie Hughes. Jane gave everyone the opportunity to donate to the scholarship funds via numerous Recognitions.

Pat gave an interesting program on the former insane asylum in Jacksonville. Basing her research on the recently published book by Joe Squillace, Pat told us how the program started; where the asylum was located; how the building was constructed; the sometimes bizarre treatments endured by inmates; the growing population there; how it became nearly self-sustaining, thus keeping the patients productively occupied; and ending with a humorous listing of what were considered signs of insanity in the 19th century that could land a person in the nut house. After chuckles and an appreciative round of applause, President Jamison rang the meeting to a close at 7:49 a.m. and all departed into the dazzling sunshine.

 Submitted by Sarah Edmiston



MJW 4-H Club

The MJW 4-H group had its monthly meeting on Feb. 28.

Ten members attended. Our club leader introduced four new members to the club.

The group discussed plans for future meetings and a couple of members gave their annual talks.

The meeting was adjourned and wrapped up with individually packaged refreshments.

 Submitted by Angela Kaylor
Patna:

The toll in Bihar floods rose to 153 on Friday while the number of those marooned in 17 districts of the state crossed the one-crore mark.



Araria district accounted for 30 deaths, West Champaran 23, Sitamarhi 13, Madhubani 8 and Katihar 7. 11 each have died in Kisanganj, East Champaran and Supual and 9 each in Purnea and Madhepura.



Four deaths each were reported in Darbhanga, Gopalganj and Saharsa, 3 each in Khagaria and Sheohar, 2 in Saran and 1 in Muzaffarpur, Special Secretary in the Disaster Management Department Anirudh Kumar said.



Around 1.08 crore people have been hit by floods in 17 districts and 1,688 panchayats, he said.



Saran was included in the list of affected areas today, taking number of districts under water to 17, Kumar said.

Read | Bihar Floods: Woman, two children washed away as bridge collapsed in Araria



The toll due to the floods triggered by rains in Nepal and northern parts of the state stood at 119 yesterday, and 98 lakh people in 16 districts were hit. A total of 3.92 lakh people are putting up in 1,289 relief camps in different parts of the state, he said.



The MeT office said Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Purnea are likely to witness rain or thundershower tomorrow.



Chief Minister Nitish Kumar reviewed the flood situation and gave necessary instruction to officials.



Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary in the Disaster Management Department Pratyay Amrit and his counterpart in the Health Department R K Mahajan were among those who attended the meeting.



During the meeting, the CM gave orders for intensive airdropping of food packets in Kursakanta, Palasi, Sikti and Jokihaat in Araria and the Sugauli area in East Champaran, an official statement said.



He directed the Road Construction Department to restore the road from Kisanganj to Araria via Bahadurganj by tonight to facilitate relief and rehabilitation work at a warfooting.



Kumar also instructed officials to establish contact with the Border Road Organisation for repairing of damaged roads and bridges.



A delegation of Rashtriya Lok Samata Party (RLSP), an ally of the BJP, under Union minister of State for HRD Upendra Kushwaha handed over a cheque of their one month salary to the CM.



Kushwaha and RLPS MP Ram Kumar Sharma gave cheques of Rs 50,000 each, while party MLA Sudhansu Sekhar and MLC Sanjeev Shyam Singh donated Rs 30,000 each to the CM relief fund.



Senior JD(U) leader Shyam Rajak also gave a cheque of Rs 81,000, including his one month salary and perks.



Train services continued to be hit due to floods.

Read | Flood situation in Assam, Bihar remains grim; Govt launches toll free number 104



An East Central Railways statement said the Guwahati Express ended its journey at Patna itself.



15667 Gandgudham-Kamakhya Express will run upto Barauni tomorrow, Chief Public Relation Officer Rajesh Kumar said.



Another baby was born on an NDRF rescue boat in Gopalganj district today. A baby was born Wednesday on an NDRF boat in Madhubani district.



A total of 28 National Disaster Response Force teams comprising 1,152 personnel are rendering services in the marooned areas with the help of 118 boats.



A total of 16 teams of the State Disaster Response Force comprising 446 personnel are helping people in the flood -hit areas with 92 boats.



Seven Army teams with 2,228 personnel are assisting relief and rescue operation with the help of 280 boats, a state Disaster Management Department release said.



The Special Secretary in the Disaster Management Department said 1,765 community kitchens are catering to 3.44 lakh people in several flood-hit areas.

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Billy Eichner is making Hollywood history with his first lead role in a feature film.

The 42-year-old Billy On The Street star has been tapped to star in the first romantic comedy produced by a major studio that will feature two male leads.

The actor will also co-write and executive produce Bros for Universal Pictures, the studio announced on Friday.

History: Billy Eichner (here in 2020) has been tapped to star in Bros, the first romantic comedy produced by a major studio that will feature two male leads. He will also co-write and executive produce the film for Universal Pictures, the studio announced on Friday

The film centers on two gay men with commitment issues who attempt a relationship, Variety reports.

Eichner took to social media to celebrate the development and what it means for the queer community in Hollywood.

'IM MAKING A MOVIE!!!! Coming to a theater near you Aug 12, 2022! In shocking news, BROS will be the first rom com about gay men ever produced by a major studio and, apparently, Im the first openly gay man to ever write and star in their own studio film,' he captioned a photo of the announcement on his Instagram account.

'Only took 100 years! THANKS HOLLYWOOD!!!,' he added.

Social excitement: The 42-year-old Billy On The Street star took to social media to celebrate the news, captioning his Instagram post: 'I'M MAKING A MOVIE!!!!!'

Fans of the funnyman can expect to see the Billy's hilarious work when it hits theaters on August 12, 2022.

The actor who will portray his on-screen love interest has not been announced yet.

The Lion King star will co-write the script with the movies director Nicholas Stoller, who also helmed the Neighbors films, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek.

Comedic team: Billy will also receive help from Judd Apatow, who is producing the movie. The 53-year-old comedy veteran (here in 2020) is responsible for hits like 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Trainwreck

Where he started: Eichner first garnered attention for ambushing New Yorkers on city sidewalks for his game show Billy On The Street

Billy will also receive help from comedy superstar Judd Apatow, who is producing the movie.

The 53-year-old comedy veteran is responsible for hits like 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Trainwreck.

The Friends From College performer first garnered attention for ambushing New Yorkers on city sidewalks for his game show Billy On The Street.

He will next be seen in the upcoming FX drama American Crime Story: Impeachment opposite Sarah Paulson and Beanie Feldstein.
Ahead of the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu, the AIAMDK and the BJP have established an alliance whereby the ruling AIADMK has revealed that it would be allocating 20 Assembly constituencies to the BJP.

The ruling AIADMK has revealed that it would be allocating 20 Assembly constituencies to the BJP for the elections along the Kanyakumari Parliamentary Constituency for the April 6 election. The agreement was signed between Chief Minister Edpaddi K Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, BJP national general secretary in-charge of party affairs in Tamil Nadu CT Ravi and BJP State president L Murugan. Earlier in the day, the DMK had signed a deal with the CPI, the fourth ally which engaged in a seat-sharing agreement.

Even on Friday, the identification of constituencies was underway as well as fixing the number of seats. Nonetheless, PMK leaders had been holding talks on identification of the seats with the AIAMDK. It is believed that the agreement had been signed just before the end of Sapthami Tithi at midnight as the days following it are regarded as inauspicious. It is no doubt that a larger number of seats had been expected by BJP and had been engaging a bargain from February 28, after which seat-sharing talks had began in the presence of the Home Minister, Amit Shah.

It was earlier in the day that the list of its candidates were released, including Palaniswami and Panseveeram. Out of the total 234 seats, AIAMDK has allocated 43 of them to BJP and PMK. The AIAMDK plans to contest at least 70 seats, whereas the DMDK has been demanding 25 seats. The AIAMDK is believed to have put forward the view that 15 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat could be allocated to the party, although it is still left to allocate seats to Tamil Mahila Congress which is led by GK Vasan and three other parties.

Also Read: India more developed than Pakistan, concedes Imran Khan

Also Read: China gears for annual parliamentary meet: Heres what to expect
SAN FRANCISCO, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman urges SOS Limited (NYSE: SOS) investors to submit their losses now. The firm is investigating possible securities law violations and certain investors may have valuable claims.

Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/SOS

Contact An Attorney Now: [email protected]

844-916-0895

SOS Limited (SOS) Investigation:

The investigation centers on the accuracy of SOS's claims concerning its cryptocurrency mining assets and capabilities.

Up until recently, SOS's financial results have struggled and its stock price has languished. But earlier this year, SOS has attracted investor interest by releasing a wave of press releases touting its purported entry into the bitcoin mining business. For example, on Jan. 21, 2021, SOS claimed to have purchased over 15,000 mining rigs for $20 M, and a month later, claimed that 5,000 mining rigs had already gone live. SOS's cryptocurrency promotion was well-received, as its shares skyrocketed 600%.

But on Feb. 26, 2021, Hindenburg Research and Culper Research released scathing commentary on SOS, claiming that SOS was an intricate "pump and dump" scheme that used fake addresses and doctored photos of crypto miners to create an illusion of success. The analysts pointed out that the company's SEC filings, for instance, listed a hotel room as the firm's headquarters. The analysts also questioned whether SOS had actually purchased the claimed mining rigs, as the firm SOS purportedly bought the mining rigs from was a fake shell company. Most damaging, the analysts alleged that the photos SOS had published of their "mining rigs" were phony. In particular, Culper noted that the photographed SOS "miners" weren't the A10 Pros the company claimed to own. Instead, they were pictures of Avalon's A1066 miners. Hindenburg went even further and found the original images from SOS's site belonged to a legitimate rival RHY.

In response, the price of SOS American Depositary Shares has significantly fallen.

"We're focused on investors' losses and whether SOS' purported entry into crypto mining is simply a false promotion scheme," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.

If you are a SOS investor, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding SOS should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a national law firm with eight offices in eight cities around the country and over eighty attorneys. The firm represents investors, whistleblowers, workers and consumers in complex litigation. More about the firm and its successes is located at hbsslaw.com. For the latest news visit our newsroom or follow us on Twitter at @classactionlaw .

Contact:

Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Related Links

https://www.hbsslaw.com


The 'Father of Capitalism' Adam Smith's grave has been included in Edinburgh City Council's 'ludicrously biased' dossier of sites linked to slavery and colonialism.

The Scottish council last year launched a review of Edinburgh's links to slavery and colonialism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, led by human rights activist Sir Geoff Palmer.

The Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group will consider how monuments and street names linked to 'oppression' could be 're-configured' or potentially removed.

The grave of Adam Smith at Canongate Kirkyard has been included on a list of sites linked to 'historic racial injustice', the Daily Telegraph reported.

Sir Geoff today told MailOnline the account in question was compiled as a list of street names and monuments which could have an association with slavery and colonialism in Edinburgh.

He stressed that the Group had not yet selected anything from the list for review.

The activist added that Smith had been included on the dossier 'as part of the slavery debate' rather than to 'denigrate' - as he had 'not campaigned for abolition but for slaves to be paid.'

'Smith is not there for any criticism as such,' Sir Geoff said.

Smith was a key figure in the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment, known as the 'Father of Capitalism' and hailed as a pioneer of political economy.

The grave of Adam Smith at Canongate Kirkyard (pictured) has been included on a list of sites linked to 'historic racial injustice'

His grave and a statue to the philosopher on the Royal Mile have been mentioned in a review of sites linked to racial injustice in the city.

It is understood this is due to evidence Smith had 'argued that slavery was ubiquitous and inevitable but that it was not as profitable as free labour'.

According to historians, the economist did not believe that empathy, politics or religion could motivate owners to liberate their slaves. He once said: 'It is indeed almost impossible that it should ever be totally or generally abolished.'

However, it is believed Smith was against slavery on 'humanitarian and ethical grounds,' telling his students: 'We may see what a miserable life the slaves must have led; their life and their property entirely at the mercy of another, and their liberty, if they could be said to have any.'

Slavery had existed all throughout Smith's life, and he appeared to harbour a deep pessimism towards the likelihood of abolition.

A statue to the philosopher on the Royal Mile has also been included in the review of sites linked to racial injustice in the city

Smith was a key figure in the 18th century Scottish Enlightenment, known as the 'Father of Capitalism' and hailed as a pioneer of political economy

He said in his Lectures on Jurisprudence in 1763 that he could not imagine slavery ever being abolished in a 'free' society because of 'the love of domination and authority and the pleasure men take in having everything done by their express orders.'

Historian Sir Tom Devine today criticised the inclusion of Smith in the dossier, saying: 'I personally would not agree that a gravestone above the remains of the dead should be treated in this way.'

He argued that the Edinburgh City Council argument is 'ludicrously biased and distorted by giving the impression that Adam Smith accepted slavery as a fact of life, and so was not reprehensible.'

'It is abundantly clear from his Lectures on Justice, Police, Revenue and Arms, several years before abolitionism took off, that he believed slavery to be evil and inhumane,' he added.

Sir Geoff Palmer (above) will lead the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group

The inclusion is reportedly due to evidence Smith had 'argued that slavery was ubiquitous and inevitable but that it was not as profitable as free labour'

Other monuments in the dossier reportedly include a statue of the Duke of Wellington, who led the British to victory when he defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

It is claimed the 'Iron Duke' Arthur Wellesley was 'pro-slavery' and 'supported West India interests.'

Memorials to Queen Victoria, Admiral Lord Nelson and poet Robbie Burns could also be altered or removed under the review, it was said.

Sir Geoff confirmed to MailOnline that Henry Brougham, who played a prominent role in passing the 1832 Reform Act and 1833 Slavery Abolition Act, is also mentioned.

He said: 'All we've done is collect street names and monuments, it's just a list and we've not selected anything from that list as of yet.

'We're looking at Edinburgh's association with slavery and colonialism, and collating any information that we've found.

'Smith is there because he said slaves would be more efficient if paid. It was a general concept, but of course that was ignored by the politicians at the time.

'He wasn't saying slavery should be abolished, he was saying if you paid them they would work more effectively.'

Sir Geoff added that Smith was not included on the list in an attempt to denigrate him, but as part of the debate on slavery.

'Smith is not there for any criticism as such, its just the concept wasnt academically valid and no one accepted it then,' he said.

'That is what we have and if we don't clear this thing up well never clear racism up.'

The Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review met for the first time at the end of last year, and is expected to return its findings in December.

Sir Geoff, a professor emeritus in the school of life sciences at Heriot-Watt University previously said: '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.'

Historian Sir Tom Devine today criticised the inclusion of Smith in the dossier, saying: 'I personally would not agree that a gravestone above the remains of the dead should be treated in this way'

It is expected he will recruit other members to join the group from a range of backgrounds and expertise.

On the formation of the Group, Edinburgh Council leader Adam McVey previously said: 'We have a responsibility to face up to our city's past, the good and the bad.

'While this review is about the story of our city, it's not about statues of people long gone. It's about people who live here now and their experience.

'The Black Lives Matter movement shone a bright light on structural exclusions faced by people in all areas of life.

'We are committed to investigating, with communities and partners, where any such exclusions might exist in Edinburgh.

'Through this review group we hope to build an improved shared understanding of our Capital's history by reviewing the origins of our public statues, monuments and street names and their context with events and meanings and making sure we share the true stories with future generations.'
At first glance it would appear that the coronavirus pandemic has knocked San Francisco flat.

But a major project that would transform an almost-forgotten piece of the southern waterfront is in the works. Its called the Power Station project, and it will turn 29 acres of San Franciscos industrial past into a new mixed-use community with offices, 100,00 square feet of retail, more than 2,600 units of housing, and a bayside hotel. The signature structure of the project is a 300-foot-tall old smokestack that once belched pollutants over San Francisco Bay.

Its a big deal and will mean big changes in a part of the city that has been essentially closed to the public for more than 150 years. It is a part of the city pretty much unknown to most San Franciscans  between the edge of the bay and Illinois Street, where 22nd, 23rd and 24th streets end. The area is called Potrero Point, a kind of new urban frontier south of Mission Bay and east of Dogpatch.

It was booming when San Francisco was one of the industrial centers of the West, with factories, shipyards, a sugar refinery and a huge electric power plant that ran 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The power plant was the last bit of heavy industry on Potrero Point. It was shut down 10 years ago. The plant, a source of significant air pollution, once supplied electricity for much of the city. It was replaced by an underwater cable bringing power from the East Bay.

So the Potrero Point area remained mostly empty, with railroad tracks that led nowhere, old and crumbling brick buildings, abandoned factories, dead end streets, and fences topped by razor wire.

It looked like San Franciscos version of the Rust Belt. But nothing stands unchanged in San Francisco for long. There were years of lawsuits, hearings and debates, but a Power Station project finally emerged. It got unanimous approval from the citys Planning Commission and sailed through the Board of Supervisors last spring, the first big project approved since the pandemic began.

Formal groundbreaking occurs later this year, said Enrique Landa, a partner in Associate Capital, an investment group that is developing the project.

Though the citys office market is moribund now, the developers are betting that times will be different when the Power Station comes online in five or six years. The deal with the city includes a significant amount of affordable housing.

Its hard to imagine a whole new neighborhood in this part of the city. Ive looked at the drawings and read the reports, talked with the developers about research centers, a grocery store, a community facility, a chance to stroll along the bay on a shoreline that has never been open to the public.

I felt the same years ago, when I walked past abandoned warehouses and a wilderness of rusty railroad tracks along King Street just after Mayor Dianne Feinstein and the Giants announced it would be the site of a new ballpark. I remember real estate signs on rundown houses in Dogpatch. I remember freight trains running down the middle of the side streets; smoke and noise and plenty of trucks.

I thought this part of the city was nowhere, and I bet a lot of San Franciscans would agree.

But the city began to move south, the ballpark and UCSF and Mission Bay, the Chase Center and all that. Every time I drive through the area its different. And now comes the Power Station, a multibillion-dollar investment.

A lot of the past is still there, notably much of an old brick building called Station A, part of the first power plant. Its more than 100 years old of sturdy and plain industrial design. Landa talks about making it into an office building with high interior spaces.

Landa is particularly taken with a long tall brick wall, several hundred feet long, part of an internal wall at Station A that was exposed to the elements a few years ago. It has acquired a patina, from the sun and the rain, like part of something ancient. We are preserving a ruin, he said.

There is one more old building, however, that is apparently not going to survive. It is a small brick building next to the Station A wall, once used as a gatehouse to a larger complex.

Peter Linenthal, a Potrero Hill historian, admires the small building; he thinks its an excellent example of bygone industrial style. Its not in the project plans, so it would have to be moved, perhaps a few blocks to nearby Warm Water Cove park. The move would cost $150,000 to $250,000  and a lot more to refurbish the building. But Linenthal has no money and no city agency is interested. Its a long shot. Its my hope theres an angel out there who will come up with the money, Linenthal said.

Landa offers what appears to be the bottom line: You cant save everything.

Carl Noltes columns run on Sunday. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Carlnoltesf
KELOWNA, British Columbia, March 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Corp. (the Company or Allied) (OTCQB: ALID) is pleased to announce that it has retained the services of IDR Marketing, Inc. to provide public relations strategies, brand awareness, financial and digital marketing services to the Company.



The marketing awareness services provided by IDR will be aimed at maintaining and building the profile of Allied Corp. through traditional press initiatives, advertising directives and social media strategies.

IDR Marketing has a proven track record of creating quality media and content across multiple platforms, married with wide-scale distribution, to get our story out to the science, health and investment communities. We look forward to working with the company to grow our profile in America. We believe its time to deliver our message to existing and prospective shareholders to maximize our value, said Calum Hughes, CEO and Founder of Allied Corp.

IDR is a leading marketing firm and ad agency located in Long Beach, California specializing in the marketing of small and microcap companies. IDR Marketing, Inc., including its principals, does not own any of the Companys securities.

About Allied Corp. - https://allied.health/

Allied Corp. is an international heath and technology company with a mission to address todays medical issues by researching, creating and producing targeted health solutions. Allied Corp. uses an evidence-informed scientific approach to make this mission possible, through cutting-edge pharmaceutical research and development, innovative plant and fungi based production and unique development of therapeutic products.

Investor Relations:

ir@allied.health

1-877-255-4337

About IDR Marketing, Inc. - Idrmarketing.com

IDR Marketing, Inc. is an independent ad agency providing full-scale integrated marketing and advertising services. Clients trust IDR for brand strategy and awareness, digital marketing, social media and advertising, newswire distribution, article marketing, financial journalism, public relations and more. IDR specializes in direct response marketing, delivering results to clients through its multichannel approach. While primarily specializing in financial services, the company provides results-oriented online and traditional offline campaigns across all sectors and industries.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada or forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, forward-looking information). Forward-looking information may relate to the Companys future outlook and anticipated events, plans or results, and may include information regarding the Companys objectives, goals, strategies, future revenue or performance and capital expenditures, and other information that is not historical information. Forward-looking information can often be identified by the use of terminology such as believe, anticipate, plan, expect, pending, in process, intend, estimate, project, may, will, should, would, could, can, the negatives thereof, variations thereon and similar expressions. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on the Companys opinions, estimates and assumptions in light of managements experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that management currently believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances. Forward looking statements in this press release include the following: that Allied is leveraging the conditions in its Colombia grow operation and future Kelowna location to support its Research and Development efforts; that Allied is making important strides forward to position itself as a leader in the medical cannabis space, that Allied intends to make a series of proposed trademark and other intellectual property protection filings, as part of the Companys Intellectual Property and Pharma Development (IP&PD) Strategy, statements respecting the joint development, manufacturing, and introduction of TACTICAL RELIEF branded products, and the use of proceeds from the offering of convertible notes.

There can be no assurance that the underlying opinions, estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information in this release include: the Companys exposure to legal and regulatory risk; the effect of the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Canada and Colombia on the medical cannabis industry is unknown and may significantly and negatively affect the Companys medical cannabis business; that the medical benefits, viability, safety, efficacy, dosing and social acceptance of cannabis are not as currently expected; that adverse changes or developments affecting the Companys main or planned facilities may have an adverse effect on the Company; that the medical cannabis industry and market may not continue to exist or develop as anticipated or the Company may not be able to succeed in this market; risks related to completion of the greenhouse construction in Colombia, risks related to market competition; risks related to the proposed adult-use cannabis industry and market in Canada and Colombia including the Companys ability to enter into or compete in such markets; that the Company has a limited operating history and a history of net losses and that it may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future; risks related to the Companys current or proposed international operations; risks related to future third party strategic alliances or the expansion of currently existing relationships with third parties; that the Company may not be able to successfully identify and execute future acquisitions or dispositions or successfully manage the impacts of such transactions on its operations; risks inherent to the operation of an agricultural business; that the Company may be unable to attract, develop and retain key personnel; risks resulting from significant interruptions to the Companys access to certain key inputs such as raw materials, electricity, water and other utilities; that the Company may be unable to transport its cannabis products to patients in a safe and efficient manner; risks related to recalls of the Companys cannabis products or product liability or regulatory claims or actions involving the Companys cannabis products; risks related to the Companys reliance on pharmaceutical distributors; that the Company, or the cannabis industry more generally, may receive unfavourable publicity or become subject to negative consumer or investor perception; that certain events or developments in the cannabis industry more generally may impact the Companys reputation or its relationships with customers or suppliers; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage in respect of the risks that it faces, that the premiums for such insurance may not continue to be commercially justifiable or that there may be coverage limitations and other exclusions which may result in such insurance not being sufficient; that the Company may become subject to liability arising from fraudulent or illegal activity by its employees, contractors, consultants and others; that the Company may experience breaches of security at its facilities or losses as a result of the theft of its products; risks related to the Companys information technology systems; that the Company may be unable to sustain its revenue growth and development; that the Company may be unable to expand its operations quickly enough to meet demand or manage its operations beyond their current scale; that the Company may be unable to secure adequate or reliable sources of necessary funding; risks related to, or associated with, the Companys exposure to reporting requirements; risks related to conflicts of interest; risks related to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; risks related to the Companys potential exposure to greater-than-anticipated tax liabilities; risks related to the protection and enforcement of the Companys intellectual property rights, or the intellectual property that it licenses from others; that the Company may become subject to allegations that it or its licensors are in violation of the intellectual property rights of third parties; that the Company may not realize the full benefit of the clinical trials or studies that it participates in; that the Company may not realize the full benefit of its licenses if the licensed material has less market appeal than expected and the licenses may not be profitable; as well as any other risks that may be further described in and the risk factors discussed in the Company's continuous disclosure including its Management's Discussion and Analysis sections in its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed under the Company's profile at www.sec.gov.

Although management has attempted to identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information in this presentation, there may be other risk factors not presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not material that could also cause actual results or future events to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking information in this presentation. 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 and viewers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this release represents the Companys expectations as of the date of this release or the date indicated, regardless of the time of delivery of the presentation. The Company disclaims any intention, obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws.
Despite the service shifting more resources toward the ARRW program last year, the missile failed its first flight test a few...
Chinese American Parents View Critical Race Theory as New Version of Chinese Exclusion Act

Commentary

A statewide survey of Californias K-12 education system indicates that nearly 90 percent of respondents are dissatisfied with the current quality of public education in the state, and more than 80 percent dont want ethnic studies to be a high school graduation requirement.

Californians for Equal Rights, a nonprofit organization that opposes racial and gender preferences in government programs, conducted the survey last month.

The result shows that 88.3 percent of survey participants are unhappy with Californias K-12 public education. Moreover, 85.1 percent dont want the Ethnic Studies Demonstration Course included as compulsory for high school graduates, and more than 77.7 percent disagree with the implementation of the course.

Furthermore, 91.5 percent think overall academic performance in the states K-12 classrooms needs to be improved; 75 percent want schools to pay more attention to students basic reading and mathematics skills; and 78.7 percent say high schoolers need to improve on academic competitiveness and college readiness.

Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum

The Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum (ESMC), voted as the most unpopular course by the survey respondents, is very different from genuine ethnic studies. High schools across the country have introduced ESMC, ethnic studies, or critical thinking courses in recent years. But, in essence, all these courses fall under critical race theory (CRT).

The Chinese-language Christian Post revealed that many of the 14,000 public school boards in the United States have accepted CRT as part of their curriculum.

More than 4,500 schools across the country have begun to incorporate the 1619 Project into their curriculum, the Jan. 25 article stated, adding that CRT has also made its way into Christian private schools, but parents have remained silent due to fear.

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance (CACA), the oldest Chinese civil rights organization in the United States, recently issued a statement that exhorts Chinese parents to mobilize against CRT.

Critical Race Theory is a hateful, divisive, manipulative fraud, the statement reads. Hate groups, with allies in politics, the press, and education, pass CRT off as anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion, but CRT is exactly the opposite. From its very roots, CRT is racist, repressive, discriminatory, and divisive.

The organization views CRT as a contemporary version of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which must be opposed.

The Chinese Exclusion Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur in 1882, was the first significant law restricting the influx of Chinese immigrants to the United States, particularly California. It blocked Chinese immigration for 10 years and declared Chinese immigrants as ineligible for naturalization.

CACA then shared a story of a Chinese third grader at an elementary school in Cupertino, whose father found out that the CRT course at the school incites racial conflicts, and so he organized parents to stop it.

The Chinese have come into the CRTs crosshairs as Chinese Americans advocate merit-based education, CACAs statement said.

In Walnut City, the mother of a student surnamed He believes that Californias ethnic studies curriculum based on CRT is meant to criticize and vilify American traditional values and indoctrinate students with the communist struggle theory.

She told The Epoch Times in a recent interview: It feels very familiar to me. Its totally communist theory.

Critical Theory Also Known as Cultural Marxism

The type of Marxism advocated by the communist party of the former Soviet Union in the past, and in mainland China to this day, is called economic Marxism. It pays special attention to citizens economic status, which, in turn, determines each citizens class. Citizens are then categorized as landlords, rich peasants, capitalists, workers, and poor peasants.

Marxism believes that the progress of human civilization is the result of class struggles.

Because the exploiting class has exploited the surplus-value of the working class, the working class, mainly industrial workers, must fight against the capitalists in order to improve their economic status. After the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) seized power in mainland China, it immediately carried out land reforms and divided people into different classes.

The regime encouraged open discrimination against the rich, such as landlords, rich peasants, and capitalists. These groups of people werent only deprived of their assets, but they were also denied political rights. Moreover, their children were also deprived of their rights to education, jobs, and promotions at their workplace.

All these struggles launched by the CCP in the early years revolved around the concept of classes, which seemed to be an economic concept only. But in actuality, they also included groups being suppressed based on ideology and culture, such as the counter-revolutionaries, and rightists.

Presently, the communist leftist movement in the United States mainly revolves around race and gender, but at the core is still the theory of struggle. This is one of the tactics used by communism and Marxism: divide society into various hierarchical factions and then use the differences among them to sow discord, provoke one group of people to fight against another group, and one faction to oppress the other.

The goal is to gain control and governance.

In mainland China, this kind of struggle reached its climax in the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 70s. It also began in the education system after Mao Zedong declared: The phenomenon of the bourgeoisie ruling our schools can no longer continue.

Subsequently, Red Guard youths suddenly emerged, killing more than 1,000 people in Beijing within three months. Many teachers and principals in middle schools were victims. Shortly after the mass killing in Beijings education system, the Cultural Revolution officially started throughout China.

During the 10 years of the Cultural Revolution, universities basically ceased operations, but there were still some sporadic enrollments.

In 1973, a student named Zhang Tiesheng from Liaoning Province took the college entrance exam. He scored only six points (out of 100) in physics and chemistry. He then wrote to the central government, saying that he was too busy working in agricultural production and didnt have time to prepare for the exam. He questioned for whom the school gate is open and said he wanted justice for his peasant status and the proletarian class.

Eventually, Zhang was upheld as a national model by the CCP to suppress the bourgeois who excelled academically, and schools managed by proletarians were promoted throughout the country.

Cancel Culture: A Chinese poster in late 1966 showing how to deal with the enemy of the people during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. (Jean Vincent/AFP/Getty Images)

Thats what happened in China under the CCP. Chinese people were equalized according to their class. Higher education became unavailable to the children of landlords and rich peasants, no matter how good their test scores were.

The critical race theory promoted in the United States is based on equal rights for different races. The concept is similar to whats presented in George Orwells book Animal Farmsome races are more equal than others.

In the classroom, the teacher will ask the students to classify themselves. Are you a white supremacist? A beneficiary of white society? In either case, you are an oppressor and need to be educated, reprimanded, and suppressed. If you are a Christian who believes that there are only two genders, you are basically the enemy of society. The school may organize a team to educate you, and other students will laugh at you and isolate you, or even openly discriminate against you.

Of course, if you are a person of color, you were born to be oppressed. But if you arent a Christian, and you approve of multiple genders and homosexuality, you are considered a social elite, just like the Chinese student Zhang. Everyone will believe that you have the innate ability to manage society and even have the privilege to oppress others.

Unfortunately, its difficult for the Chinese and most Asians to be recognized as the leftist elites of color. Most Asian students do well in school, especially at racist mathematics, and have a high percentage of college graduates among them. Many Asian families have high incomes and often have conservative values. Many of them are Christians.

Therefore, most Asian Americans, including the Chinese, will be identified by the left as the beneficiaries of white supremacy and will be rejected.

Of course, this kind of society cant remain stable, let alone sustainably develop.

In 1979, before the CCP began its reform and opening up of Chinas economy, the first thing the regime did was to abolish all the classifications of landlords, rich peasants, and rightists. And it restored everyones status as ordinary people. Its hard to imagine that without this rectification, Chinas subsequent economic reforms would have been successful.

So, while the current practice of putting people into racial categories by the extreme left in the United States isnt unfamiliar to many Chinese, they nevertheless are truly shocked by the emergence in the United States, a beacon of liberty and hope for the entire world.

The Chinese American Citizens Alliance believes that such racial preferences come at the expense of our children, at the expense of academic standards, and at the expense of basic fairness.

Alexander Liao is a journalist who covers international affairs, focused on the United States, China, and Southeast Asia. His work has been published in newspapers and financial magazines in the United States and Hong Kong.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
No Govt-appointed member in OTT self-regulating body: Prakash Javadekar

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar yesterday (March 4, 2021) held an interaction with representatives of various OTT platforms, including from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Hotstar, ALTBalaji, Jio, ZEE5, Viacom18, Shemaroo, MXPlayer, etc.

Leading OTT players meet to discuss Govts Code of Ethics for OTT & Digital Media

After the Government announced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 for OTT and Digital Media last week, leading OTT players met yesterday (March 1, 2021) to deliberate on the implications of these Code of Ethics.

Women Disruptors 2021: Industry celebrates leading women achievers of India

Adgully held the 2nd edition of its much appreciated endeavour, Women Disruptors, yesterday (March 4, 2021) on the virtual platform. The inaugural edition in 2020 was one of the last live offline industry events held last year before the global pandemic confined us to our homes and a nationwide lockdown was imposed to check the spread of COVID-19.

What ails the English genre on television and how it is fighting back

While Hindi and regional GECs thrived in the Unlockdown period, the story was different one for the English GECs, which also saw some shutdown of channels. The COVID-19 crisis and the subsequent lockdowns majorly hit the English GECs, which had already been reeling under the impact of the implementation of the TRAI mandated new tariff order (NTO). Post the NTO, consumers started choosing the channels that they wanted to have versus what was just good to have.

How Government impetus to health care sector is giving a leg-up to the industry

The captains of the healthcare industry are happy and delighted with the increased budget for the health care sector. This move will provide more access to medical care for all in the country, fuel job opportunities and finally boost the momentum of the economic growth especially in the pharma and health care sector which did not draw much attention earlier.

Wont build alternate identifiers to track users on the web, assures Google

Google has explicated said that once third-party cookies are phased out, they will not build alternate identifiers to track individuals as they browse across the web, nor will they use them in their products.

Facebook to pay $650 million to settle privacy lawsuit

A federal judge has approved a $ 650 m settlement of a privacy lawsuit against Facebook for allegedly using photo face tagging photo face tagging and other biometric data without permission of the users.

Video grew faster than any other format in the last one year: Anand Bhadkamkar

Anand Bhadkamkar, CEO  India, dentsu, maps the growth of digital during the pandemic era, and adds that for other mediums to reach pre-pandemic levels, it will take 18-24 months.

Prepare to meet the Women Disruptors of India today

Continuing from where we left off last year, Adgully is once again all geared for the second edition of our flagship Women Disruptors Summit & Awards. Given the current circumstances, it will be a virtual event. The overarching goal of Women Disruptors is to encourage Women Leaders across diverse fields and turn the spotlight on them as well as honour their outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry.

Future Generali has picked up 23% surge in health insurance search: Ruchika Varma

Adgully spoke to Ruchika Varma, Chief Marketing Officer, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, who elaborated on their campaign strategy, how they have been spreading awareness about mental health and in the process also kept the brand in a prominent position in the consumer mindspace.

Women in a crisis situation are naturally solution-oriented: Sukhleen Aneja

In conversation with Adgully, Sukhleen Aneja, CMO, Marketing Director, RB Hygiene, South Asia, highlights how women are adept and easily adapt to changes without any panic or pressure. According to Aneja, time management is a key to peace and productivity.

Connected experiential solutions to be a key trend in 2021: Ranjit Raina

Ranjit Raina, CEO, VMLY&R Commerce Encompass, lists the key trends that will dominate in the year ahead. He foresees more experiential focus on unifying digital capabilities and the physical world aimed at removing friction and eliciting emotion.

PR, today, holds as much importance as digital marketing: Bhavya Suri

In conversation with Adgully, Bhavya Suri, Director - PR & Corporate Affairs, India & MENA, Pearson, speaks about the transformation in the PR industry over the years, creating a positive outlook among the budding professionals towards PR as a career option, the growing significance of AI and other technological enhancements for the PR industry and much more.

We see new platforms & players entering the OTT market in 2021: Rohit Jain

Rohit Jain, Managing Director, Lionsgate South Asia and Networks - Emerging Markets Asia, is bullish on the OTT industry in the year ahead, where he sees more innovative collaborative models emerge, and even brands opting to use OTT platforms as a new medium to advertise their goods.

An effective leader is an extremely careful and patient listener: Anu Sikka

In this interaction with Adgully, Anu Sikka, Head  Creative, Content & Research, Kids TV Network, Viacom18, highlights the challenges that working women are facing in the pandemic era, as well as how they are adapting to the changing environment.

Weve seen 263%+ listening leap in GenZ for family-relevant podcasts: Arjun Kolady

Speaking at Spotifys virtual event, Arjun Kolady, Head of Sales - India, Spotify, remarked, This was a way for people to use their demand side platform to buy and run ads on Spotify. We were giving that flexibility and transparency capabilities that clients wanted. India is a very hot market for programmatic and were happy to say that our solutions are best in class.

Women are far better trained at being tenacious than men: Anindita Sarkar

Women are a stubborn lot, affirms Anindita Sarkar, Director, Corporate Communications India, dentsu. While she is yet to learn how to draw a line between work and home, the mantra that has worked for her during the pandemic era is empathy.

When it comes to mental toughness, in certain circumstances women have the edge

In conversation with Adgully, Divya Dixit, SVP, Marketing, Direct Revenue & Analytics, ALTBalaji, notes how organisations have started inculcating inclusive culture, opening up the path for women to pilot leadership positions and break the glass ceiling. But at the same time, she also laments the fact that womens participation in paid work is still considerably low compared to the male workforce.

Conduct your career like a stock and not a bond: Radhika Gupta

The very inspirational opening keynote address was delivered by Radhika Gupta, MD & CEO of Edelweiss Asset Management Company. Gupta began her career at McKinsey & Company. Later, she joined AQR Capital as a hedge fund manager. In the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, she came to Mumbai and launched Forefront Capital, which was acquired by Edelweiss. She was selected as LinkedIns Top Voices of 2020 and is a writer, storyteller, TEDx and Josh Talks speaker in her spare time.

Creating a more conducive work environment for women in the new normal

In the run-up to Womens Day this year, Adgully has been coming up with a series of articles, feature reports, interactions and #TwitterChat episodes highlighting the achievements of our formidable women in the workforce as well as women leaders who have been successfully steering their teams and organisations through the uncharted waters in the post-pandemic world.

Netflix strengthens its content strategy with 41 new Indian Originals & films

Netflix has announced its biggest slate of new Indian Originals in one go. Monika Shergill, Vice President, Content, Netflix India, shared a blog on the company website on Netflix - Coming soon: A universe of irresistible Indian stories. The blog details the upcoming line-up that features more variety and diversity than seen before on the OTT streaming platform  from the biggest films and series, to gripping documentaries and reality, and bold comedy formats.

Ad-Vantage - with Rajiv Gopinath!

Being at the forefront of advertising and media news coverage for the last decade, Adgully has launched an engaging quiz contest to reward readers who closely follow developments in A&M. Our quizmaster Rajiv Gopinath, Chief Client Officer, Starcom will share 10 topical questions every week on the latest developments in Business, Advertising and Brands.

Aaj Tak launches #AajTakSabseTez campaign with Classic Art Deco Styled Films

Aaj Tak marks the 20 year milestone in signature Sabse Tez Style. Bold and gripping, the new campaign #AajTakSabseTez is a satirical take on the current news environment in the country. With over two decades of unflinching viewer trust, Aaj Tak is a household name that has never shied away from calling a spade a spade.


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Baghdad: Pope Francis began his most risky foreign trip on Friday, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit to appeal to the countrys leaders and people to end militant violence and religious strife.

The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Pope Francis arrives at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Friday. Credit:AP Photo/Andrew Medichini

Even before he landed, Francis told reporters on his plane that he felt duty-bound to make what he called an emblematic trip despite the difficulties because the country has been martyred for so many years.

At the official welcome in the presidential palace, the 84-year-old Francis, limping from what appeared to be a fresh flare-up of his painful sciatica, made an impassioned call for Iraqi to finally give peacemakers chance.


Click here for updates on this story

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania (WPMT) -- A new study released Wednesday by the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center found that all 53 of waterways tested across Pennsylvania contained microplastic contamination -- including the Susquehanna River.

The report provides new data on the presence of microplastics in water samples taken at many of Pennsylvanias most popular rivers, lakes, and streams, including from the Susquehanna River, Codorus Creek, and Conodoguinet Creek, PennEnvironment said in a press release.

Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in diameter, which is smaller than a grain of rice.

A full list of waterways tested and the types of microplastics at each can be found in the report.

The results of this study should set off alarms for all Pennsylvanians who love our state's rivers and streams," said Faran Savitz, Conservation Associate at the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. "The staggering amount of microplastics we found likely means that no river, lake, or stream is safe from this increasingly common contaminant."

The reports findings were announced at a PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center virtual news conference with U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-5), State Reps. Tim Briggs (Montgomery County) and Perry Warren (Bucks County). Dr. David Velinsky, Vice President of Academy Science at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and Myrna Newman, the Executive Director of Allegheny CleanWays also spoke.

PennEnvironment's push to reduce and eliminate single-use plastic and microplastic use. Items like styrofoam containers, plastic bags, and other single-use plastic objects routinely end up in landfills and incinerators where they deteriorate our environment and exacerbate public health problems, said Scanlon. When we incinerate these types of products, harmful toxins and chemicals are released into the air we breathe, and this disproportionately affects our most vulnerable communities.

"This is unjust, and companies that produce these products must know that we will not stand for their rampant use that ends up harming our constituents in the process

Americans generate more than 35 million tons of plastic waste every year and less than 10 percent is recycled, according to PennEnvironment. The rest ends up as litter or gets sent to landfills or incinerators, where it will release microplastics over time that can get carried by wind or rain into the environment.

Microfibers, a type of plastic found in every waterway, come from textiles and are shed through normal wear and tear or routine machine washing, where they are then carried to waterways.

Its almost impossible for water treatment plants to filter these pollutants out, PennEnvironment said.

Results for each waterway and photos from sampling can be found in this map from the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. Locations are tagged at the approximate point where samples were taken.

River clean-ups and conservation efforts help with more visible forms of litter and pollution, PennEnvironment said, but the small size of microplastics makes it easy for them to travel from their source to waterways near and far, carrying contaminants and chemicals that work their way up the food chain through wildlife and humans alike.

If we don't want plastic in our bodies or in the bodies of fish, whales or birds, we need to stop the millions of tons of plastic that continue entering into the environment every day, every year, said Velinsky. As this report illustrates, the small microscopic bits and pieces of plastic are present throughout our local environment and can pose an impact to wildlife and humans.

The report outlines a broad range of policy solutions to tackle the problem. These include passing such federal bills as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which includes single-use plastic bans and producer responsibility provisions, and updating stormwater infrastructure to better capture rain and runoff laced with microplastics.

There is no silver bullet solution for the mini-menace of microplastics said Savitz. Fundamentally, we need to cut plastic pollution off at the source and change the way society deals with our waste."

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy. Very hot. High 104F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 74F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Anthony Kwan/Bloomberg via Getty

Eccentric antivirus millionaire John McAfee is facing federal charges againthis time, over a pair of alleged cryptocurrency schemes that allegedly raked in more than $13 million for himself and his accused band of scammers, including his ex-security guard turned CEO.

Manhattan federal prosecutors announced Friday that McAfee, 75, was being held in Spain on separate criminal charges by the Department of Justices tax division, while authorities cuffed his alleged accomplice, 40-year-old Jimmy Gale Watson Jr., in Texas.

Its the latest problem for the eponymous founder of the antivirus software company. In October, McAfee was indicted for federal tax evasion and willfully failing to file tax returns from 2014 to 2018, and accused of hiding assets including his yacht and real property in the names of other people. At the time, prosecutors in Tennessee claimed he earned millions from promoting cryptocurrencies and even selling his life story for a documentary.

Steven Seagal, a Missing Private Eye, and an Alleged Crypto Fraud

The new indictment states McAfee, Watson, and other members of McAfees so-called cryptocurrency team engaged in scalping, or a pump and dump scheme with the help of McAfees Twitter handle @officialmcafee. They face charges including commodities and securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and securities and touting fraud conspiracy.

According to the feds, McAfee and his team purchased scores of publicly traded altcoinsan alternative to bitcoinfor low market prices, then published false and misleading tweets via McAfees Twitter to artificially inflate their market price. McAfee and his supposed accomplices then sold their investments collectively for more than $2 million. The fraudsters allegedly scalped at least 12 publicly traded altcoins, which qualify under federal law as commodities or securities.

While McAfee and Watson gained illicit profits, the indictment adds, the long-term value of the altcoins purchased by investors plummeted as of a year after the promotional tweets. Prosecutors say McAfee falsely promised hed disclose whether he had a big stake in altcoin in his tweets and public statements during the scheme.

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In a second scheme, McAfee allegedly championed initial coin offerings, without disclosing that the startups behind the fundraising drives were paying McAfee and his team for the promotional tweets with a big chunk of the proceeds raised from investors.

The bizarro globe-trotting computer programmeronce suspected in the murder of a neighbor in Belize but never chargedbegan ramping up his Twitter profile in the years before the two schemes. Many of McAfees 784,000 followers were cryptocurrency investors, the indictment claims.

In his Twitter bio, McAfee described himself thus: Iconoclast. Lover of women, adventure and mystery. Founder of McAfee Anti-virus. His location is pegged as: Wherever I am.

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While the indictment doesnt identify the altcoin offerings, McAfee tweeted about multiple ICOs for emerging startups, including a health-care platform called Docademic and the UK-based women-only cab Pink Taxi. Possibilities are endless when Free Health Care is a reality. Docademic ICO ends on Sunday, not without monumental success! One of the best ICOs Ive seen, he tweeted in April 2018.

For the women in crypto: The pinktaxi.io ICO is the first safety coin that helps protect women in male dominated societies. One if [sic] the most promising ICOs since Docademic or Bezop, McAfee posted in June 2018. The tweet included a video of himself and a woman claiming to be a Pink Taxi investor.

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The indictment also names an alleged co-conspirator only revealed as McAfee Team Member-1, whom McAfee allegedly directed to buy large quantities of a specific altcoin which he would then endorse on Twitter and sell to reap a profit.

Several investors who took the bait lived in the Southern District of New York, where Team Member-1 tried opening an account with a digital asset exchange so McAfee could liquidate his proceeds of the alleged crypto conspiracy.

But in January 2018, the cryptocurrency exchange declined Team Member-1s application, prompting the man to fire off an email identifying himself as an employee of John McAfee and threatening to sue over the rejection.

Prosecutors say McAfee, Watson, and their helpers also orchestrated a second scheme, using McAfees Twitter to promote initial coin offerings, or a fundraising method startups use thats similar to an initial public offeringexcept investors receive new digital tokens, often in exchange for established cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.

McAfees team should have known federal securities laws required them to disclose any compensation from ICO issuers, the indictment says. Indeed, in November 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission specifically warned: Any celebrity or other individual who promotes a virtual token or coin that is a security must disclose the nature, scope, and amount of compensation received in exchange for the promotion.

The alleged scammers collected more than $11 million in undisclosed compensation, which they made sure to hide from investors.

McAfee lived in Lexington, Tennessee, during the alleged scalping and ICO schemes, which occurred from December 2017 to October 2018.

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Watson began working as a private security guard for McAfee in November 2017 and moved into the tech pioneers Tennessee home. McAfee would soon promote Watson from guard to executive advisor and later to CEO of the McAfee team before he left in October 2018, according to the indictment.

In January 2018, McAfee opened an account using his own name at a cryptocurrency exchange in California with assistance from Watson and Watsons then-wife.

McAfee and Watson, according to court papers, had Watsons former spouse use McAfees California exchange account to liquidate proceeds of the ICO touting scheme into millions of dollars of U.S. currency, before wiring more than a million dollars through a New York financial institution and routing it to a bank account registered to McAfee in Tennessee.

The feds say in April 2018, McAfee and Watson directed the wife to submit an application online to open an account at a New York exchange so the men could liquidate their ill-gotten cryptocurrency.

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If convicted on all counts, McAfee and Watson face 60 years behind bars.

As alleged, McAfee and Watson exploited a widely used social media platform and enthusiasm among investors in the emerging cryptocurrency market to make millions through lies and deception, said Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss in a statement. The defendants allegedly used McAfees Twitter account to publish messages to hundreds of thousands of his Twitter followers touting various cryptocurrencies through false and misleading statements to conceal their true, self-interested motives.

Investors should be wary of social media endorsements of investment opportunities, Strauss concluded.

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Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- A cyberattack on JBS SA, the largest meat producer globally, has forced the shutdown of some of worlds largest slaughterhouses, and there are signs that the closures are spreading.JBSs five biggest beef plants in the U.S. -- which altogether handle 22,500 cattle a day -- have halted processing following a weekend attack on the companys computer networks, according to JBS posts on Facebook, labor unions and employees. Those outages alone have wiped out nearly a fifth of America
Gov. Henry McMaster thinks its a good idea to lift the 11 p.m. curfew on alcohol sales and permit large groups of more than 250 to congregate.

Does he realize that the drop in COVID-19 cases is due to the large number of people 65 and over who have been vaccinated? And that this is not the demographic that typically crowds bars and congregates in large groups?

McMasters waffling and half-hearted efforts to manage the pandemic have been poor from the beginning and his lack of leadership is laughable.

CAROL HECKROTTE

Rice Field Lane

Mount Pleasant

Wadmalaw roadsides

Recent articles and letters in The Post and Courier suggest roadside litter is rampant in South Carolina.

While this true for much of the state, it is not accurate for Wadmalaw Island.

The amount of roadside litter on Wadmalaw has significantly decreased over the past several years because a group of residents, supported by South Carolinas Palmetto Pride program, formed Keep Wadmalaw Beautiful.

As a result, more than 130 volunteers remove litter from the main roads at least once a week. Each volunteer works about two hours a month on their own schedule.

Roadsides stay clean, and volunteers see the results of their work creating a culture of shared ownership and pride in Wadmalaws cleanliness and natural beauty.

The program co-publishes a quarterly newsletter sent to all island households that contains relevant information about community happenings and group activities.

Keep Wadmalaw Beautiful also supports anti-littering efforts. It has installed and maintains a trash can near the Church Creek Bridge for fishermen.

The groups main goal is to change the narrative from roads are always littered to roadside litter is not normal and is unacceptable.

This is accomplished by building pride in the community and encouraging residents and visitors alike to respect the natural beauty and charm of Wadmalaw Island.

FRED HOLLAND

Long Creek Road

Wadmalaw Island

Cruz a bad role model

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Sen. Ted Cruz flew to Cancun when his constituents in Texas were suffering from unprecedented cold without power and water. His excuse was that he was being a good dad.

He said he planned to drop off his kids and return immediately. In fact, he was planning to stay a few more days.

It seems a good dad would have tried to teach his children about responsibility and compassion by staying in Texas to help out at shelters and food distribution centers, while using any senatorial clout he had to get aid for his constituents.

At the Conservative Political Action Committee meeting in Orlando last month, Cruz mocked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for wearing a mask and for stating that she feared for her life during the Jan. 6 insurrection, which was certainly a legitimate fear.

AOC generated almost $5 million for Texans and she spent her weekend working at a Community Food Distribution Center in Houston.

Cruz mocked Sen. Bernie Sanders for wearing mittens in the cold weather during the presidential inauguration of Joe Biden.

By the end of January, these mittens had raised $1.8 million to provide food for the elderly and relief for low-income people.

This good dad mocked Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists for asking us to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and new strains by continuing to wear a mask. Apparently, its an inconvenience for Cruz to wear a mask when entering a restaurant.

Shouldnt a U.S. senator model a higher standard of behavior for us and our children than that of irresponsibility, mockery, selfishness, dishonesty and insensitivity?

CAROLYN ENGLE

Terns Nest Road

Charleston

China cant be trusted

It has been a year since COVID-19 arrived at our doorsteps, infecting and killing millions of people around the world.

Yet the word still treats China, which is a communist-run government, as a country that can be trusted even though leaders have taken no responsibility for the pandemic that originated in their country.

Late last year, most Asian nations signed economic treaties with China. Earlier this year, our European allies did the same, even as China continues to show little respect for the human rights of others.

The countrys leaders continue to imprison the voices of freedom in Hong Kong. They imprison and send Ughurs and Muslims to re-education camps.

Now, the strong arm of their government has banned the BBC from broadcasting.

I am wondering how much longer the worlds governments will be doing business as usual with China.

RAY DIMEO

Gallberry Street

Charleston
Pope Francis held a historic meeting with a senior Shiite cleric in Iraq Saturday and appealed for greater interfaith unity visiting the birthplace of Abraham, as part of his whirlwind tour of the Middle Eastern country.

Francis, 84, met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, 90, at his home in the holy city of Najaf in central Iraq, where the two elderly men of faith provided a highly symbolic moment of tolerance, for a country scarred by sectarianism and violence.

"Religious and spiritual leadership must play a big role to put a stop to tragedy," Sistani, the spiritual leader of millions of Shiite Muslims, said in a statement after the meeting.

He also called for "wisdom" to prevail and "erase the language of war."

The pontiff met with the ascetic, and somewhat reclusive spiritual figure, for 45 minutes at Sistani's humble home, along a narrow alleyway near the golden-domed Imam Ali shrine.

An official Vatican photo showed Sistani in his traditional black Shiite robe and turban sitting across from Francis, in his white cassock.

With an almost mythical stature among millions of followers, Sistani rarely appears in public but has intervened at critical junctures in Iraq's history. His edicts sent Iraqis to polls in 2005 and rallied hundreds of thousands to fight against ISIS in 2014.

"The Holy Father stressed the importance of collaboration and friendship between religious communities," the Vatican said in a statement, following the visit.

The meeting was an opportunity for the Pope to "thank" Sistani who had "raised his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted," during the violence of recent years, the statement said.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi called the meeting "historic" on Twitter and declared March 6 an annual 'National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence' in Iraq.

After the meeting, Francis travelled to the desert plain of Ur in southern Iraq, revered as the birthplace of Abraham  the patriarch of monotheism and a unifying prophet in Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

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Praising young Muslims for helping Christians repair their churches, Francis stressed the importance of interfaith coexistence and fraternity, in his speech.

"From this place, where faith was born, from the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful," he said. "Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion," he added.

With the desert wind blowing, Francis sat alongside Muslim, Christian and Yazidi leaders and spoke within sight of the ancient archaeological ruins of the 4,000 year-old city.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

The Pope's trip which began on Friday, will last four days. It comes amid a second wave of coronavirus cases in Iraq and a spate of rocket attacks, as a bitter U.S.-Iran rivalry plays out on Iraqi soil.

Greeted with white doves, folk dances, an honor guard and colorful street graffiti, Francis' visit boosts national pride and provides a rare opportunity for Iraqis to be at the center of a positive news story. The oil-rich country is still struggling after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003 plunged it into chaos.

Francis said he was also making the trip to show solidarity with Iraq's Christian community  one of the oldest in the world  which has fallen to about 300,000 from about 1.5 million 20 years ago.

"I'm more than happy for the visit of the Pope," Iraqi Christian Feras Ramzi, 46, told NBC News. "This is a message from the Vatican that it won't forget its sons and daughters in Iraq."

Fellow Christian Fadi Slewa, 39, a chef in Baghdad also welcomed the visit.

"The Pope came to Iraq offering peace," he said. "Peace is the language that all Iraqis should speak, no matter if they are Christians, Muslims or from other religions."

Flying back to Baghdad later on Saturday, Francis is expected to say mass at a central cathedral. He will then travel north to Mosul on Sunday, a former stronghold of the Islamic State.

Iraqi President Barham Salih thanked Francis for making the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, despite some calls for him to postpone the trip.

"Iraq has been through tough times," Salih told NBC News on Friday. "He has come to help us get to a better day."

Reuters contributed to this report.
A revived Army watercraft named for one of South Carolina's most prominent Black heroes will soon be sailing through Charleston.

While the ship was supposed to be decommissioned by the military, it was brought back into active service and named for Robert Smalls  an enslaved man from Beaufort who became a Civil War hero and congressman.

The Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls (LSV-8) is being recommissioned in Hawaii and "is the first Army watercraft to be named after an African American and will be making the longest voyage by an Army vessel since WWII," Maj. Oliver Schuster, an Army spokesman, said in a statement.

Smalls, a 23-year-old man from Beaufort whod been brought to Charleston a decade earlier, made his mark on history by his daring escape from enslavement.

While enslaved, he served as a deckhand and eventually pilot of The Planter, a lightly armed Confederate military transport. On May 13, 1862, he and a half-dozen other enslaved locals  along with their families  used the boat to escape Charleston.

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Smalls steered past Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor and headed for the nearest Union ship in the U.S. Navys offshore blockade. As he approached, the crew lowered the ships Confederate flag and raised a white banner of surrender. The Union sailors cheered.

In 1868, Smalls was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives. In 1874, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he was a member of the 44th, 45th, 47th, 48th and 49th Congress.

He died on Feb. 23, 1915, after buying and living in the home previously owned by his master.

Maj. Gen. David Wilson, a Citadel graduate and Charleston native, will be commanding the vessel.

The Army watercraft is scheduled to pass under the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge sometime between March 10 and March 11.
Debbie Monahan, a school nurse, pulls down Charles Robbins' sleeve after giving him his second shot of the coronavirus vaccine at Surry County High School in Dendron, Va., on Saturday Feb. 27, 2021. Getting the coronavirus vaccine has been a challenge for rural counties in the U.S. that lack medical facilities such as a pharmacy or a well-equipped doctor's office. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

When Charlome Pierce searched where her 96-year-old father could get a COVID-19 vaccine in January, she found zero options anywhere near their home in Virginia. The lone medical clinic in Surry County had none, and the last pharmacy in an area with roughly 6,500 residents and more land mass than Chicago closed years ago.

To get their shots, some residents took a ferry across the sprawling James River to cities such as Williamsburg. Others drove more than an hour past farms and woodlands - the county got its first stoplight in 2007 - to reach a medical facility offering the vaccine.

At one point, Pierce heard about a state-run vaccination event 45 minutes away, No more appointments were available, which perhaps was for the best: the wait there reportedly could last up to seven hours.

"That would have been a daunting task," she said, citing her father's health conditions and frequent need to use the bathroom. "I could not have had him sit in a car and wait for something that might happen. We're not in a Third World country."

As the nation's campaign against the coronavirus moves from mass inoculation sites to drugstores and doctors' offices, getting vaccinated remains a challenge for residents of "pharmacy deserts," communities without pharmacies or well-equipped health clinics. To improve access," the federal government has partnered with 21 companies that run free-standing pharmacies or pharmacy services inside grocery stores and other locations.

Charles Robbins celebrates getting his second shot of coronavirus vaccine at Surry County High School in Dendron, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Getting the coronavirus vaccine has been a challenge for rural counties in the U.S. that lack medical facilities such as a pharmacy or a well-equipped doctor's office. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

More than 40,000 stores are expected to take part, and the Biden administration has said that nearly 90% of Americans live within five miles of one, from Hy-Vee and Walmart to Costco and Rite-Aid.

But there are gaps in the map: More than 400 rural counties with a combined population of nearly 2.5 million people lack a retail pharmacy that's included in the partnership. More than 100 of those counties either have no pharmacy or have a pharmacy that historically did not offer services such as flu shots, and possibly lacks the equipment or certified staff to vaccinate customers.

Independent pharmacies that have traditionally served rural areas have been disappearing, casualties of mail-order prescriptions and more competition from chains like Walgreen's and CVS with greater power to negotiate with insurance companies, according to Keith Mueller, director of the University of Iowa's RUPRI Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis.

"There are a lot of counties that would be left out" of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, said Mueller, whose research center compiled the pharmacy data on the 400 counties. "In the Western states in particular, you have a vast geography and very few people."

Challenges to obtaining a vaccine shot near home aren't limited to rural areas. There is a relative dearth of medical facilities in some urban areas, particularly for Black Americans, according to a study published in February by the University of Pittsburgh's School of Pharmacy and the West Health Policy Center.

Co-owner of Creative Works Gallery and Cafe, Sarah Mayo, gestures during an interview in Surry, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Mayo opened the cafe and gallery in an old pharmacy which closed. Mayo kept the pharmacy signs to remind people of what was there. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

The study listed 69 counties where Black residents were much more likely to have to travel more than a mile to get to a potential vaccination site, including a pharmacy, a hospital or a federally qualified health center. One-third of those counties were urban, including the home counties of cities such as Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Detroit and New Orleans.

Additionally, the study identified 94 counties where Black residents were significantly more likely than white residents to have to go than 10 miles to reach a potential vaccination site. The counties were mostly heavily concentrated in the southeastern U.S.Virginia had the most of any state with 16and in Texas.

The shortage of pharmacies and other medical infrastructure in some of the nation's rural areas highlights the health care disparities that have become more stark during the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately affected members of racial minority and lower-income groups.

The former drug store in Surry County, where about 40% of the residents are Black, is now a cafe. No one seems to remember exactly when the Surry Drug. Co. closed, but cafe co-owner Sarah Mayo remembers going there as a child. Now, she drives 45 minutes to a Walmart or CVS.

"I don't know if more people would take the vaccine" if the pharmacy still existed, Mayo, 62, said. "But at least you would have a local person that you trust who would explain the pros and cons."

A sign informing customers that the pharmacy is closed sits in an empty store in Wakefield, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Getting the coronavirus vaccine has been a challenge for rural counties in the U.S. that lack medical facilities such as a pharmacy or a well-equipped doctor's office. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Surry County residents also used to pick up prescriptions at Wakefield Pharmacy in neighboring Sussex County until it, too, closed in November. The owner, Russell Alan Garner, wanted to retire and couldn't find a buyer.

"We've become dinosaurs," Garner said.

In January, Surry County officials saw vaccines arrive in other parts of Virginia that had more people or more coronavirus cases. Fearing doses might not arrive for months, if ever, they began to pressure state officials.

In a letter to the governor's office, Surry joined with surrounding communities to express concerns about vaccine "equity," particularly for low-income and other disadvantaged populations. Some of those communities said they had reallocated money to support vaccination efforts.

"The thing about living in a rural community is that you're often overlooked by everybody from politicians right on through to the agencies," said county Supervisor Michael Drewry.

Charles Robbins celebrates with his daughter Charlome Pierce, right, after getting his second shot of coronavirus vaccine at Surry County High School in Dendron, Va., on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. Getting the coronavirus vaccine has been a challenge for rural counties in the U.S. that lack medical facilities such as a pharmacy or a well-equipped doctor's office. Pierce and her father were relieved to get their second shots in late February. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

Surry County Administrator Melissa Rollins wrote to the regional health district, stating that driving outside the county wasn't practical for most residents. She said Surry was willing to sponsor a mass vaccination site, had devised a plan to recruit people who could administer shots and make sure that eligible residents would be ready.

The first clinic in Surry County was held Feb. 6 at the high school in the small town of Dendron. The school district was inoculating teachers and other staff members when officials with the county and regional health district staff learned of extra doses, prompting a rush to get the word out.

Surry already had a waitlist of eligible people through a survey it designed to reach vulnerable residents. It used its emergency alert telephone system, since internet access is spotty.

Pierce got the call and quickly headed out with her father, Charles Robbins. It was a 20-minute drive to the high school and a two-hour wait. Pierce, 64, also got a shot, along with about 240 other people that day.

Three more vaccination clinics have been held in the county. And the regional health district had administered 1,080 doses there as of March 2. The number makes up the majority of doses that county residents have received, although several hundred received their shots outside of the county.

Retired pharmacist, Russell Alan Garner, stands behind the counter in his empty store in Wakefield, Va., Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Getting the coronavirus vaccine has been a challenge for rural counties in the U.S. that lack medical facilities such as a pharmacy or a well-equipped doctor's office. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

All told, about 1,800 county residents have received at least one dose. That's about 28% of the population and was almost twice the state's average rate. About half the people who've received vaccines are Black.

The Virginia Department of Health said that vaccine distribution has been based on population and COVID rates. But moving forward, the department said it's considering tweaks to ensure more geographical and racial equity.

Pierce and her father were relieved to get their second shots in late February. But she said Surry's rural character placed it at a disadvantage in the beginning.

"I have close friends, people who are essential workers, who've had to go as far away as an hour to get a shot," she said. "You shouldn't be marginalized by your zip code."

But driving vast distances is a way of life for many in rural areas, said Bruce Adams, a cattleman and commissioner for Utah's San Juan County, which is nearly the size of New Jersey and overlaps with the Navajo Nation.

"I got both shots, and I had to drive 44 miles roundtrip for each one to a public health center," Adams, 71, said. "I don't think it's any more of a problem than anything else we do normally in our lives...going to the doctor, the dentist, getting your haircut."

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.
A street performer was arrested earlier today in the Patrick Street area of Cork city.

It is not believed the incident is related to a protest that is due to take place in Cork city centre later on today.

The man is currently detained at Anglesea Street Garda Station.

"Gardai implemented the 4 E's (engage, educate, encourage and as a last resort enforce), a garda spokesperson said.

"On this occasion the male in question refused to comply with Gardai.
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A Queensland coroner has ruled the sudden death of a gifted young university student was the result of a tragic accident that occurred when a driver tried to stop as she crossed the road on a rainy night in Brisbanes inner west.

University student Anna Damjanovic had attempted to cross Swann Road in Taringa just before 8pm on the night of May 19, 2017, as Vanessa Clark approached the bridge spanning the railway line below.

Two residents who raced to the scene could not immediately see anyone else as they called triple-zero. But on looking over the bridge railing, they then saw a person lying 15 metres below near the train tracks. Credit:Police Media

It was then that the lives of both women, aged 19 at the time, would be changed forever, the recently published inquest findings of Brisbane Coroner Christine Clements show.

Ms Damjanovics devastated family told the court she was artistic, a gifted dancer and pianist, fluent in German and learning Italian, Ms Clements wrote. She loved history and the arts, and travelling in Europe with her family.
Artist Susan Farrelly normally runs classes from her Abbey Arts studio beside her home in Reaghstown or with community groups Now, due to continuing lockdown restrictions, she has turned to on-line tuition so that she can reach out to students in their homes.

Going back to her school days, Susan always loved art. She attended St Louis Secondary School, where she remembers art teacher May Coyle as encouraging her to develop her creative talents, and she also took classes with artists Frances Lambe and Declan Honan.

On leaving school, she went to the National College of Art and Design graduating with a Degree in Fine Art in 1996.

'I stayed in Dublin and worked as an artist and also did a Diploma in Business. I got fed up with Dublin and came back home,' she said.

She grew up in Knockbridge and lives close by in Reaghstown with her husband and two daughters.

'I did a Start Your Own Business course with the Louth Enterprise Board which gave me the push I needed.'

She began teaching classes in painting, drawing and mixed media to adults and children from her studio in 2008 and also does a lot of work with community groups.

'My aim is to make art accessible to all.'

'I have a socially engaged practice. I work with a lot of marginalised groups through Louth Leader Partnership.'

She really enjoys this work which sees her engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds, such as the Men's Sheds,the Croabh Rua Mother and Toddler Group, and Tidy Towns volunteers.

Thanks to technology, she has managed to continue this work, delivering classes on-line.

'The course which I deliver with Louth Leader Partnership is part of programme called Inside Out and it includes mindfullness, creative writing and art. I attend the other classes as it's nice to be a participant as well as being a tutor.'

'I never really work on my own, I like working in partnerships, whether it's with community groups or other artists.'

In her own practice she works with a variety of materials and some of her most recent work has been site-specific.

'My art isn't made to sell. It's about culture, creativity and connection.'

She applies for funding which allows her to work on projects which she finds rewarding and which allow her grow as an artist.

Susan is a founder member of the Art As Exchange (AAEX) collective thanks to a meeting with her physiotherapist, whose brother-in-law is the artist Bernard Gaul.

'He said I should meet his brother in-law who is an artist and I did.'

It was a meeting of like-minded souls and they came up with the concept for AAEX, which now has a membership of around 40 artists from Louth and surrounding areas.

'Art really connects us and people can only benefit when we nurture our relationship with other artists.

The group have been keeping in touch via Zoom and are currently running online classes for young people with the Dee Hub in Ardee.

Susan is also in the final year of a Masters in Fine Art, Studio Practice with Open College of the Arts, London.

Like what seems the rest of the world, she has turned to ZOOM during lockdown, offering online classes.

'I have a hidden disability and not having to get into a car and travel has been a bonus for me. I can still do all my classes online and be at home to feed the cats,dogs, kids and chickens!'

She loves Dundalk's burgeoning arts scene. 'The SEEK Festival is fantastic. It's a partnership between the business community in BIDS, artists and the public. People are starting to see the value in art.

'I've always loved the creative energy in Dundalk. I can go to see punk bands from the UK in a pub in town. I love anything that brings people together to experience creativity.'

Susan is giving an on-line workshop for children on Friday as part of the Creative Spark's children's classes. She will be showing children how to create their own rockets and other space based items. Details on www.creativespark.ie
SIX people have been arrested during a garda operation which was put in place ahead of a an anti-lockdown protest in Cork city.

Around 500 people gathered for the event which took place this Saturday afternoon.

While there were no major incidents, gardai say a "an extensive and comprehensive policing plan" was put in place ahead of the event and promoted on social media.

In a statement, issued following the protest, gardai confirmed that members from the Cork City division and the wider Southern Region were deployed. Several national units the Garda Mounted Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Garda Air Support Unit and Garda National Public Order Unit provided support.

"In excess of 200 members of An Garda Siochana were directly involved in this policing operation," confirmed a spokesperson who added that a number of arrests were made during the operation.

Two males were arrested in Cork City, one for a breach of Covid regulations and one for public order offences.

Three men and a woman were also arrested over the course of the day and gardai say those arrest were linked to the event in Cork city.

"These arrests occurred in Kildare, Kerry and County Cork in respect of persons for failing to comply with Garda directions under section 31(a)(7) Health Act 1947, as amended," confirmed a spokesperson.

Under Operation Fanacht, the ongoing national operation in support of Public Health Regulations travel restrictions additional high visibility checkpoints were established on the M7, M8, N25 and other approach routes to Cork city this Saturday.
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US president Joe Biden plans to turn two border detention centres into Ellis Island-type entry points that will release migrant Mexican families into the US in less than 72 hours. New arrivals will undergo medical and criminal background checks, and then be released with instructions to later appear in court for their cases to be heard.

The possibility of giving them Covid-19 vaccinations when they arrive at the border is also under discussion.

There has been a surge in the number of people caught crossing the border illegally and Republicans have warned that speeding up releases would make the problem worse.

But Mr Biden is under pressure from many Democrats who argue unaccompanied children and families are not being let out of custody fast enough.

There were 4,500 arrests at the border on Wednesday, nearly double the average daily figure in January.

It also emerged that Mr Bidens administration was considering using Fort Lee military base in Virginia  1,500 miles from the border  to house unaccompanied migrant children.

Read More

James Comer, a Republican congressman, said: There is no question theres a crisis at the border. Its Joe Bidens fault. Joe Biden has signalled to the world that hes not going to take border security seriously.

Henry Cuellar, a Democrat congressman representing a Texas district on the border, said: We are weeks, maybe even days, away from a crisis on the southern border.

"Our country is unprepared to handle a surge in migrants in the middle of the pandemic.

In the early 20th century, millions of migrants entered America through Ellis Island in New York where processing took just hours.

The Biden administration will quickly process and release incoming migrant families at the Dilley and Karnes City detention centres in Texas.

Dan Klein, chairman of the Interfaith Welcome Coalition, which works with asylum seekers in Texas, said the detention process would become more about helping people on their way.

It is understood the aim is to process 100 families a day at the detention centres with some new arrivals placed in hotels if there is an overspill.


Right before the glass elevator sends tiles and wood splintering as it crashes through the roof in the childrens favourite, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, they have an argument.

Grandpa Joe shouts that it cannot be done because the elevator is made of glass and will break into a million pieces, while Willy Wonka cheerfully acknowledges that it might and admits he has been longing to press this button for years but just couldnt bear the thought of making a mess.

This is the situation, it seems, we find ourselves in as Justice Minister Helen McEntee looks forward to the birth of her baby, one of the happiest times in any womans life. She is young, at just 34 years of age.

That she is bright and capable is clear since she has attained a position of such high public office and, thanks to her role in the Brexit negotiations, her name is known throughout Europe. So she is someone we would do well to hold on to.

But she is also well-entitled to have a baby without sacrificing her political ambitions, or suffering the moans of those who think she is taking liberties simply by taking the same time off to be with her child that would be enjoyed by any other woman doing any other job.

And yet, we find ourselves in a bit of a pickle that is without a doubt an embarrassment for our country because this situation has been looming since the birth of the nation  and like Mr Wonka, somebody, somewhere, should have foreseen that if such an event should ever happen, it was likely to make a mess.

Read More

The simple fact is the old guard never thought it would. Women in politics are supposed to be doughty workhorses, wedded to the job and without a life outside.

The rate of female politicians attaining high office in this country has been described as glacial. Just 22.5pc of TDs are women, who represent one-quarter of appointments to cabinet and junior ministries. There has long been much weeping and gnashing of teeth over our abysmal female representation and  on top of the horrendous lambasting women politicians get on social media  this is the reason why.

Changes in the system havent come fast enough and the price is seen by many would-be female politicians as being too high. Anyone wondering why need look only at the impossible difficulties encountered these days by all women performing the head-spinning feat of juggling home schooling with working from home while also putting three meals on the table each day.

So, when the Justice Minister goes on maternity leave, the great glass ceiling the system did not realise existed looms because nobody had ever pressed that button before. But now somebody has. So what happens next?

All the options on the table present "difficulties  from slapdash temporary arrangements which may not be entirely satisfactory to barristers rubbing their hands with glee at the opportunity for a legal challenge dropped neatly into their laps.

But this is exasperating. And dispiriting. Women should be able to look to McEntee and her pregnancy as a shining light of what is not just possible but entirely reasonable.

Pregnancy is a fact of life, after all, not just a fact of life for women. Instead, she is in danger of being painted as a cautionary tale of what happens when you aim too high.

Perhaps we need look to our nearest neighbour for a timely example of what can be achieved. Google the name Suella Braverman and the first thing that comes up is that she is a British politician currently on leave.

The UK attorney general has this week become their first minister to take paid maternity leave, confirming that, like McEntee, she intends to take six months off.

They have solved the problem by temporarily moving her second-in-command up a notch.

In order for this to happen, they had to pass new legislation, with parliament passing the Ministerial and Other Maternity Allowances Act.

Without the legislation, Ms Braverman would have had to quit in order to take time off to spend with her baby.

This is encouraging as it shows that it can be done. The depressing part is that women must jump through tiresome hoops each time they wish to make any inroads towards improving the situation for those coming after them.

People have babies and babies need to be cared for. Women who attain high public office can have babies and those babies need to be cared for.

If we need to make a mess to come up with a solution then lets do so. But if we find this an insurmountable problem in the 21st century then we need to take a long hard look at ourselves.
Theres an argument to be made on behalf of Greg Abbotts decision to eliminate the states mask mandate and social-distancing restrictions.

Im not talking about the COVID-19 is a hoax dreamed up in the offices of the Democratic National Committee to destroy the nations economy and bring down the presidency of Donald Trump argument. That one seems a little lacking in solid evidence.

I mean the personal responsibility argument. This argument acknowledges the grim reality of a pandemic that has infected 29 million Americans and taken more than 500,000 lives in the span of a year.

It accepts the presumption that we should take precautions to slow COVID-19s spread, but contends that individuals should be trusted to self-govern; to make safe, wise decisions without power-mad politicians trying to dictate the details of our personal behavior.

Abbott suggested as much on Tuesday.

People and businesses dont need the state telling them how to operate, the governor said.

If Abbott believes that to be true, why did he impose a statewide mask mandate last July? Werent we wise enough to self-govern these past eight months?

Why did he shut down non-essential services (including in-person restaurant dining) last March and then regulate their occupancy levels for most of the past year?

For that matter, why did he say, last June, that he regretted letting bars reopen a month earlier?

After all, if you trust the wisdom of the people, you believe they can make the correct choices and keep themselves safe, right?

Abbott imposed those restrictions because he saw infection numbers spiking. He realized that when people started going back to bars, they didnt necessarily adhere to the strictest social-distancing measures.

He put those mandates in place for the same reason that our state imposes strict driving laws on us: Because self-governing is a concept meant for situations where the only life at risk is your own.

When you get behind the wheel of a car, just as when you walk into a store without a mask during the worst pandemic of the past century, youre playing around with other peoples lives. Personal liberty has to make some sacrifices to public health.

Thats why Abbott signed into law a 2017 bill banning texting while driving.

What Abbott either doesnt understand or chooses to ignore is that a statewide mask mandate actually benefited businesses. It gave them the cover of state law to force customers to do the safe thing during this pandemic.

No business owner wants an employee caught between angry customers on opposite ends of the mask-wearing divide.

Thats why business reaction has been so muted to Abbotts open-up-the-state order.

Monica Richards, the co-owner of Picos restaurant in Houston, told the Houston Chronicle she received horrific messages of abuse after announcing that her business would continue to require masks.

Abbott, with his latest order, didnt unshackle businesses as much as he put the onus on them  and removed it from himself.

Remember, Abbott took a lot of heat over the past year from his conservative base over his various COVID restrictions.

Last October, Allen West, the Texas Republican Party chairman, led a protest rally in front of the Governors Mansion. West read a resolution telling Abbott, No exceptions, no delays  open Texas now.

Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller appeared at the rally and said, Quite frankly, governor, your cure is worse than the disease.

Shelley Luther, the Dallas salon owner who defied Abbotts early executive orders by keeping her business open, so rattled Abbott that he took her side when a district-court judge tried to enforce the governors order.

Even with that bit of shameless gubernatorial pandering, Luther ran for the state Senate as an anti-Abbott Republican, calling him a tyrant governor.

Abbott relishes sparring with Democrats, but all the invective from his fellow Republicans clearly wore him down.

Thats why he jumped the gun last spring with a phased reopening of the state, despite the fact that Texas had failed to meet the governors own benchmarks when it came to COVID infection rates.

Now, hes doing it again. He wants us to believe that weve come so close to the finish line that the restrictions he deemed necessary for nearly a year are no longer useful.

Keep in mind, however, that he announced his state reopening at a moment when only 7 percent of Texans had received both doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine.

Over the seven days leading up to his March 2 announcement, Texas averaged 7,259 new COVID cases per day. By comparison, over the seven days leading up to last Julys executive order mandating masks, the state averaged 6,497 cases a day.

Abbott simply grew fatigued with the political stress of the pandemic. So he extricated himself from the whole situation. Hes good at that.

ggarcia@express-news.net | Twitter: @gilgamesh470
As the farmers' agitation over the three Central farm laws completed 100 days on Saturday, the Congress attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging that riding on the arrogance of majority, it has gone blind as it can't see anything beyond power.

In a statement, Congress General Secretary and national media in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Riding on arrogance of brute majority, the Narendra Modi government has turned blind. They are unable to see anything beyond power."

He said that democracy is not run like an authotarian regime, but it is governed as per the requirements of the people.

Surjewala also said that the defeat of the BJP in four states and one Union Territory in the coming Assembly elections will open the path for providing minimum support price to the farmers and repealing the three farm laws.

Targeting the government over the farm laws, the Congress leader said, "The farmers are being suppressed by the government for the last 100 days. The BJP leaders and ministers have used several words to demonise the farmers, who faced extreme harsh conditions on the borders of the national capital opposing the three farm laws."

Highlighting the plight of the farmers in the last 100 days, Surjewala said that the government brought the three black laws to favour its industrialist friends.

"The government passed these bills in the Parliament despite objections from the opposition parties," he said, adding that the government even filed a wrong affidavit in the Supreme Court over the three farm laws.

He said that before arriving on the borders of the national capital, the farmers held a meeting with the government for over seven hours on November 13 last year, but the government did not pay heed to their demands.

"Thus the farmers arrived at several borders of Delhi on November 26 last year to protest against the three laws. But when arrived here, they were welcomed with water canons, tear gas shells and baton charges by the police," he said.

Surjewala alleged that the government instead of listening to the demands of the farmers started a series of meeting with them. But even after 12 rounds of meetings, the issue has remained unresolved till date.

He said the government worked on three formulas to tire out the farmers.

"One of the methods was to tire out the farmers with no conclusive discussions during the meetings, so that they return back to their native places. Another method adopted by the government was to torture the farmers," he said.

Backing his claims, Surjewala said the Income Tax department carried out searches at the premises of several farmers and their leaders.

Explaining the third method adopted by the government to weaken the farmers' agitation, Surjewala said, "The government adopted the policy of defaming and demonising the farmers by describing them as Khalistanis, Pakistanis and Maoists, working with anti-national forces."
I know the CPD community is mourning, and that grief is deep and long-lasting. I know that its hard to take care of yourself and to reach out, Brown said. I also know that we need to do more to support each other  and we will.'
Gov. Greg Abbott still wants you to cover up.

After the Texas governor repealed the statewide mask mandate and declared Texas would "100 percent" open, perhaps one could assume Abbott is ready for all of us to openly breathe and cough on one another again.

'GET ME OUT': 'I hate it here' trends on social media as Texans react to lifted mask mandate

No, Abbott still wants you to wear a mask. He just won't uphold the statewide mandate that said so.

"We are still urging people to continue to wear the mask, to continue to use the safe practices that they have mastered over the past year," Abbott said in an interview with Houston's ABC13. "They know the right thing to do."

Abbott also told ABC13 that he does wear a mask and will continue to do so.

The Texas governor announced Tuesday that the statewide mask mandate would end March 10, Chron's Jay Jordan reported. Abbott declared that "state mandates are no longer needed" in a speech to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, citing recent encouraging COVID-19 data.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (and Abbott, apparently) still recommends wearing masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19 as vaccines continue to be administered across the state.

MASKS IN H-E-B: President Scott McClelland spoke with Chron about the store's policy

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed frustration toward Abbott for lifting the mandate as Texas was making progress against the virus, Jordan reported.

"Every time we start moving in the right direction the Governor steps in and sets us back and makes all of our jobs harder," Turner wrote on Twitter. "He minimizes the sacrifices of people and businesses. I just dont get it."

Despite Abbott lifting the mandate, hundreds of businesses and numerous school districts have clarified that they will still enforce mask-wearing and social distancing. So will the municipal buildings in Texas' largest cities.

In summary: Ignore the mixed messaging and wear the mask.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP)  The Latest on Pope Francis' historic visit to Iraq, aimed at rallying the country's dwindling Christian community after decades of war and unrest (all times local):

6:40 p.m.

Pope Francis is reminding Iraqs Chaldean Catholics of one of the core tenets of the Catholic faith: that those who are persecuted, poor and mourn are blessed.

Francis honored Iraqs persecuted Christians by celebrating Mass on Saturday at the Chaldean Catholic cathedral in Baghdad. It was the first time a pope has celebrated a Mass using the Chaldean rite that is known to most Iraqi Catholics.

Despite concerns about coronavirus infections, the church was full, stuffy with incense and a maskless choir sang hymns and chanted Scripture readings. Francis, who is vaccinated against COVID-19, did not wear a mask, but priests and faithful did.

For his sermon, Francis delivered a meditation on the Beatitudes, taken from Jesus sermon that in Gods eyes, those who are blessed are not the wealthy, powerful or famous, but the poor, those who mourn, the persecuted.

He said: Love is our strength, the source of strength for those of our brothers and sisters who here too have suffered prejudice, indignities, mistreatment and persecutions for the name of Jesus.

Francis is visiting Iraq to give a spiritual boost to its dwindling Christian communities who were routed from their homes by the Islamic State group and face continued threat from Shiite militias. Chaldean Catholics are believed to represent around 80 percent of the estimated 300,000 Christians left in Iraq.

___

6:30 p.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he is pleased to see the historic visit by Pope Francis to Iraq.

In a tweet, he says the U.S. believes his visit will inspire hope and help promote religious harmony and understanding among members of the different religions in Iraq and around the world.

Pope Francis is on a four-day visit to Iraq, brushing aside security concerns and rising coronavirus infections in the Arab country to show support for its shrinking Christian community.

Story continues

He and Iraqs top Shiite cleric delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence Saturday, urging Muslims in the war-weary Arab nation to embrace Iraqs long-beleaguered Christian minority during a historic meeting in the holy city of Najaf.

6:20 p.m.

Pope Francis is celebrating Mass in Baghdads Chaldean Catholic cathedral, which was full of mask-wearing faithful despite concerns about possible coronavirus contagion.

Iraqi and Vatican church officials had promised social distancing and other health measures would be enforced during Francis four-day visit to Iraq, especially at his indoor events. Organizers said an estimated 180 people could fit safely in the St. Josephs Chaldean Church.

They crowded toward the center aisle as a maskless Francis processed toward the altar, flanked by other priests. A choir sang and incense wafted around. Francis and the Vatican delegation are vaccinated, but the majority of Iraqis are not.

Francis is in Iraq to encourage its minority Christians to remain and help the country rebuild, despite having endured years of persecution by the Islamic State, discrimination by the Muslim majority and continued threats from Shiite militias.

He went ahead with the trip despite rising COVID-19 cases in Iraq, which went into a modified lockdown in mid-February.

___

5:15 p.m.

Iraq's prime minister has declared March 6 a National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence in Iraq after Pope Francis' meeting with Iraq's top Shiite cleric and a landmark inter-religious gathering,

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has announced the declaration in a tweet, saying it was in celebration" of the pontiff's two events Saturday, which al-Kadhimi called historic.

The central message of Francis' weekend visit to Iraq has been a call for the country to accept its diversity and ensure minorities equal rights. The pope hopes to ensure the place of Iraq's Christian population, dwindling under years of violence and discrimination.

Francis met Saturday with Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in the holy city of Najaf and attended an inter-religious gathering in the Plains of Ur, traditional birthplace of Abraham, the patriarch revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims.

___

12:15 p.m.

Pope Francis is urging Iraqs Muslim and Christian religious leaders to put aside animosities and work together for peace and unity during an interfaith meeting in the traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, father of their faiths.

He told the gathering: This is true religiosity: to worship God and to love our neighbor.

Francis traveled to the ruins of Ur in southern Iraq on Saturday to reinforce his message of interreligious tolerance and fraternity during the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, a country riven by religious and ethnic divisions.

With a magnificent ziggurat nearby, Francis told the faith leaders that it was fitting that they come together in Ur, back to our origins, to the sources of Gods work, to the birth of our religions to pray together for peace as children of Abraham, the prophet common to Muslims, Christians and Jews.

He said: From this place, where faith was born, from the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful and that the greatest blasphemy is to profane his name by hating our brothers and sisters. Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.

He said there could never be peace as long as Iraqis viewed people of different faiths as the other.

He said: Peace does not demand winners or losers, but rather brothers and sisters who, for all the misunderstandings and hurts of the past, are journeying from conflict to unity.

___

11:15 a.m.

Pope Francis has arrived in the ancient city of Ur for an interfaith meeting aimed at urging Iraqs Muslims, Christians and other believers to put aside historic animosities and work together for peace and unity.

Francis traveled Saturday to traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, revered by Muslims, Christians and Jews, to reinforce his message of interreligious tolerance and fraternity during the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.

The meeting was taking place in the shadow of Urs magnificent ziggurat, the 6,000-year-old archaeological complex near Nasiriyah in southern Iraq.

Francis interfaith meeting in Ur came after his historic encounter in nearby Najaf with Iraqs top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

After a Baton Rouge police officer was accused of purchasing stolen electronics several weeks ago, he sat down and drafted a memo alleging widespread corruption and rampant misconduct throughout the narcotics division, including among his superiors.

That memo was given to the police chief and other top brass. Just weeks later, another officer was arrested for drug dealing and four narcotics supervisors were reassigned to street patrols, effectively cutting the division in half.

While the department continues its investigation, The Advocate obtained a copy of the memo written by Cpl. Jeremiah Ardoin, which includes accusations that narcotics officers routinely stopped and searched Black people without probable cause, planted drugs on suspects and coerced prostitutes into setting up drug dealers.

Supervisors sometimes participated in the misconduct and actively tried to cover it up, Ardoin claimed while facing charges of his own.

BRPD officials declined to comment on the memo citing an ongoing investigation. While the department did not admit to taking action in response to the memo, department leaders recently arrested one narcotics officer, Cpl. Jason Acree, and transferred four supervisors into uniform patrol, including division commander Lt. Jeff Pittman.

1 BRPD officer arrested for stolen property, another for drug dealing: How the cases are connected When investigators with the Baton Rouge Police Department found evidence that a narcotics officer had purchased stolen electronics several wee

Officials have not said what this could mean for the future of the division, or whether more arrests are expected. The department has also released few details about the specific allegations underlying their investigation.

But the memo from Ardoin was sent to department leaders in late December, according to a source with knowledge of the case. After the written statement was provided to The Advocate, the newspaper verified its authenticity. The source spoke to the newspaper on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak publicly about the memo.

At least some of the allegations from the statement have been confirmed by BRPD investigators, including evidence cited in the arrest warrant for Acree, who faces accusations he stole marijuana seized as evidence and gave it to his friend. He was booked into jail last week on one count each of possession with intent to distribute and malfeasance in office.

The warrant says Acree told another officer about stealing the drugs. That officer was Ardoin, sources told The Advocate.

In addition to the allegations about mishandled evidence, the memo makes broader claims about how BRPD narcotics officers interact with members of the public. "The narcotics division has specifically targeted the urban community," Ardoin wrote in the statement.

He claimed supervisors would often direct officers to stop and search people without probable cause: "For instance, if a black male was seen walking in the street, they would instruct us to contact him and pat him down," Ardoin wrote.

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Before the department outfitted all officers with body cameras, narcotics detectives would make arrests after planting drugs on people, according to the memo. Once the body cameras were installed, the officers "complained that they could not do it anymore," the statement says.

All of those officers besides Acree were transferred out of the division on Tuesday. Acree remains on administrative leave since his arrest.

BRPD officials have said the corruption probe is ongoing but declined to comment on which officers specifically are included in the investigation.

4 high-ranking detectives removed from BRPD narcotics division amid ongoing corruption probe Several of the highest-ranking detectives in the BRPD narcotics division are being reassigned to other positions within the department after t

Ardoin also wrote that Acree and a supervisor would contact prostitutes on the internet and set up dates, then show up and threaten to book the women into jail for prostitution "unless they set up a drug dealer." Once the drug deal took place, the detectives would follow the dealer and stop him, according to the statement.

The officers would call these investigations "troll rips," Ardoin wrote.

Ardoin also described an alleged instance when Acree stole $800 that was seized during an investigation, but another officer reported the theft to supervisors. The supervisors recovered the money and told the complaining officer "that she better not say another word about the funds being stolen because if she does, then she will be transferred immediately," according to the statement.

Ardoin also alleges that other narcotics officers turned on him after he told department leaders last year that "leadership within the BRPD narcotics division needed to change."

Both he and Acree will likely remain on administrative leave until their criminal cases have been resolved, then receive a discipline decision from the chief. Discipline could include a suspension or termination from the department.

Federal investigators were contacted about the misconduct allegations, but a BRPD spokesman was unable to say last week whether that led to a formal probe. Federal officials declined to comment.

East Baton Rouge prosecutors are in the process of reviewing cases involving Acree and Ardoin since their credibility has now been challenged. The widespread corruption allegations documented by Ardoin raise questions about whether even more cases could be impacted in the future.
For most farmers in Nigeria, the use of traditional farm tools to cultivate is the most tedious part of the business. Some privileged farmers like Modupe Oyetosho can afford to use machines to grow their crops.

The 35-year-old graduate of Computer Science cultivates maize and cassava on a 5000-acres farm in Edo and Oyo States. Ms Modupe started farming seven years ago as a side hustle while working as a programmer before she resigned and focused on her farming.

Before she became a farmer, she considered Nigerias importation, hoping to help solve hunger in the country. As a technology person, she decided to bring technology into agriculture. Ms Oyetosho says farming is quite interesting.

She started with two acres of land which she got from my dad and she later got access to lease about 500 acres and now she has about 5000 acres.

Currently, she has about 25 core staff and almost a 100 casual staff.

Her success story did not begin immediately. The first three years were a failure until a friend came to her and explained an investment plan that would improve her business.

Ms Oyetosho agreed to crowdfunding idea after which she created an online platform to help investors, and thats how the crowd funding started. Which I used to grow and expand, she said.

Ms Oyetosho supplies the producers of the popular noodle, Indomie, with cassava and also poultry international.

She also produces soybean for flour mills and that makes it easy for her to pay people back after selling their produce.

She is the CEO of Anchor Farm but the platform is called smart farm which is the online part.

Ms Oyetosho said she uses devices like drones and satellite imaging to have clearer pictures of her crop to know their health status.

Drone has a multi spectrum camera that makes you know the health status of the crops. The problem with agriculture is until probably the leaves are yellow before you know that theres a problem there.

If you can predict some things ahead then you can prevent it and prevent loss. We came up with software to manage the farm and its resources, she added.

Aside, drones and satellite imaging,she uses software for her farm record to coordinate the farm operations.

Running a commercial farm is like managing a project. How do you manage all the workers, resources and other things on the farm so that there wont be clashes in operation? she said .

On my farm, I do not use drones only, satellite imagery also is employed where I could easily detect where there is an infection and contain it immediately. I also have a weather forecast but a more precise one. Like the exact forecast for the farm which can guide the operation on the farm, she said.

Her seven years experience has been bitter sweet. Apart from the farm challenges, Ms Oyetosho lost her fiance on her farm in 2020 but she feels close to her vision of becoming a farmer.

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The most spectacular thing that has happened negatively within the past seven years was my kidnapping and the killing of my fiance last year while I was on my way from the farm, while positively its the growth since we are making an impact and we are now able to serve international organisations looking for local substitute, she said

For example Indomie imports wheat flour which is their major material but now they substitute using cassava flour. We are still far from where we want to be but in seven years we have made good progress, she added.

For sustainability in Nigeria, the rate and way of food production has to change because by 2030 the population will rise to 450 million.

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We are about 200 million and we are depending so much on importation. Just imagine what will happen when we are 250 million. We need more young people to come into farming. We need to switch from smallholder farming and commercial farming, she said.

She compared the population of people farming in the United States of America and Nigeria, and said Nigeria needs to step up her game in the sector.

In the U.S., 30 per cent of their population is into farming and they produce not only what they eat but also what to export while in Nigeria, 70 per cent of the population are into farming and we cant even feed ourselves talkless of exporting, she said.

So its not about the number in farming. We need to maximise the yield per acre and we need more young people to be able to adopt innovative practices in agriculture to produce the food we are going to eat. And its not just farming, its the agriculture value chain. For example, yam, she added.

She harped on the importance of using technology on the farms. She said aside those who studied agriculture, other fields can also be useful in the farm.

When you see crops that are indigenous to us we hardly have machinery for them. We need our agric engineers, economists etc, to come to the farm, understand the process and come up with technology that will help farmers, she said.

Ms Oyetosho for example studied computer science and used that to create softwares to help in farm management. So whatever it is, there is always a role that every professional can play in the agricultural sector.

Some aspects include logistics, tractor and other machinery repairs etc. Imagine we want to ship our goods to the factory. We cant find a company to do that, she said

I recently wanted to buy a machine that has satisfactory features which included IT features but didnt because there is no means of maintenance or repair when needed. So, there are so many areas in the agricultural value chain that present lots of opportunities to the youth just in the primary production, she said.

Tuesday afternoon, on Texas Independence Day, #ihateithere started trending on Twitter, fueled by Texans who, yet again this year, were wondering whether our proud state had lost its ever-loving mind.

The hashtag followed Gov. Greg Abbotts announcement that he was ending the states mask mandate and reopening all businesses 100 percent. The number of Texans vaccinated was rising, he noted, and the number of severe infections was declining. Small businesses were struggling to pay their bills.

Never mind that the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had just warned against reopening too fast. Or that fewer than 7 percent of Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Or that all three of the scary, faster-spreading new COVID variants are loose in Houston.

This does not remove personal responsibility, the governor told his largely unmasked audience. Personal vigilance is still needed to contain COVID. Its just that now, state mandates are no longer needed.

To many both inside and outside of Texas, the announcement was boggling  almost as boggling as the near-collapse of the power grid and widespread loss of water that had plagued the state only a couple of weeks before, leaving millions of Texans shivering in the dark.

Many Houstonians laughed to keep from crying. One meme showed the outline of the state surrounding the kind of sign seen at construction sites: 0 days without being a national embarrassment. Another described the users status as In a toxic relationship with Texas, saying, Texas tried to kill me last week. And its trying to kill me next week as well.

Other people rolled with the one-two punch. On Facebook, Jake Walker of Sugar Land wrote that neither the outages nor the mask ordinances had dented his pride in Texas. Without heat or internet, he did what he figured his grandfathers must have done: He bundled up and read books. He doesnt think that Texas mask requirement was having much effect anyway.

But in much of the Houston area, this Texas Independence Day was different from the 184 that had come before it. This year Texans were #hatingithere.

The 21st century is catching up

The problem isnt Texas, said Mimi Swartz, senior editor at Texas Monthly. Its the government of Texas.

For decades, Republicans have so heavily dominated statewide elections that the real competition lies not in the general election, but in the Republican primary. Attracting moderates is a far harder path to office than revving up the base by railing against socialism and higher taxes. But will that pattern last?

The 21st century is catching up to Texas, said Rice University/Kinder Institute sociologist Stephen Klineberg, whos studied the Houston area for more than 40 years. The attitude used to be, Who cares if its ugly? Who cares if it smells? Were making money!

That low-tax, low-regulation attitude worked well enough for the citys economy, which relied on extracting oil from the ground. But now, Klineberg said, the states major challenges are the stuff of government, not individual responsibility. Individuals cant be responsible for educating the future workforce on their own, or for building infrastructure, such as an Ike dike, to protect the Gulf Coast from ever-more-threatening hurricanes and flooding.

Or to shore up our electric grid. Experts such as Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston, have long argued that the market structure of Texas deregulated electric system doesnt give power-plant operators enough incentives to weatherize or take other measures that would keep the lights on. Though energy prices spike when demand is high, for any given operator, theres often not enough guaranteed profit to make it worth preparing for the weather that causes those spikes.

And it turns out that Texans love of a free market has limits  as former Gov. Rick Perry found out. Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business, he said on a Republican blog.

On social media, Texans whod melted snow to flush their toilets begged to disagree.

Science and business

In the post-Trump era, politicians seem ever less tethered to verifiable facts. See, for instance, Abbotts incorrect statement that loss of wind power was largely to blame for Texas outages. And in choosing to reopen the state and drop the mask requirement, Abbott didnt seek the advice of most experts on his own COVID panel; no doctors or scientists stood beside him at the press conference. After Abbotts announcement, many Texas scientists seemed shaken.

At Texas A&M University, Ben Neuman, one of the worlds top coronavirus virologists, posted a video on YouTube in which he explains his deep opposition to reopening and lifting the mask order. Science is simply what works, he concludes. Thats all science is. Its things that work beyond a mathematical reasonable doubt. To turn away from that  to make policies that are possibly anti-science  does not seem a productive thing.

Of course, no one has ever believed that scientists run this state. Maybe more surprising is how much less power Texas business interests seem to wield these strange days.

When Abbott lifted state COVID restrictions, it was like watching water gush out of a pipe after the freeze, said economist Vivian Ho, of Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy. Texas has had these two big mistakes in a row. Theyre both setting back economic recovery.

Ho said that without the restrictions, COVID-conscious Texans who now feel less safe in public will be less likely to go out and spend money. And the likely post-opening increase in COVID cases will cause its own economic drag: Besides pain, suffering and lost work hours, the average COVID hospitalization costs $30,000. Taxpayers will pick up that bill for the uninsured, and insurance rate increases will cover it for those with policies. Either way, she said, the cost will be a drag on the economy.

Bob Harvey is president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, the heavy-hitting business advocacy group whose members include Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell, CenterPoint Energy, BP and JPMorgan Chase.

No, he said, the partnership wasnt pushing the governor to reopen Texas now or drop its mask requirement. The groups formal statement on the reopening encourages Houstonians to continue wearing masks and encourages businesses to require masks and limit crowding: Lets continue to be responsible, with or without state requirements.

Its simply a fact, said Harvey, that without the state mask requirement, its harder for businesses to make their customers wear masks.

For instance, though H-E-B will encourage customers to wear masks, it wont require them to. H-E-B President Scott McClelland told Chron.com thats in part to protect store employees from belligerent customers, who he said have caused nearly 2,000 mask-related incidents in H-E-Bs Houston stores alone.

As for the freeze outages, Harvey, who was previously an executive at Reliant Energy, is happy to explain in deep, wonky detail the many complex problems with Texas power market and electric system. The integrity of the power grid is important to Texas business, he said, but he worries that Texas legislators wont make the difficult changes that Texas businesses  and all Texans  need.

This stuff is boring, Harvey said. Its complicated. It doesnt lend itself to easy answers.

Hyperpartisanship, he said, has changed business relationship to Texas government. A decade or so ago, business interests traditionally aligned with Republicans, but lately, conservative ideology has more and more frequently been at odds with business practicality  see, for instance, the partnerships opposition to the 2017 Texas bathroom bill that targeted transgender people.

But at the same time as Republicans have moved right, Harvey said, Democrats have moved further left. Ten years ago, whatever party was in power at whatever level of government, generally business was able to sit down with them and arrive at a reasonable outcome. But these days many business people choose just to back away and not engage. I think thats problematic. It means that we dont get good outcomes. But thats where we are.

Oaxaca, maybe?

This past week, rattled by the double whammy of the outages and the lifted COVID restrictions, many Houstonians were rethinking their relationships with Texas. Philanthropy officer Rachel Dvoretzky said that sticking with the state these days is like living with a beloved family member whose self-destructive behavior makes it hard to hold on to why you still love them.

On Facebook, longtime Texans discussed whether maybe its time to move. To Oaxaca, maybe? Louisiana? Vermont? Elizabeth Sosa Bailey, a sixth-generation Texan, was considering California.

But for Rebecca Bass, another sixth-generation Texan, giving up on the state isnt an option. Shes not going to leave Texas, she said. Shes going to fight like hell to fix it.

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A vile paedophile who committed 'abhorrent crimes' against a child more than a decade ago has been jailed for 23 years.

Sean McConnell, 35, was convicted of nine counts of rape, sexual assault and attempted rape against a child in 2006.

Bradford Crown Court heard how the offences related to one child victim, who cannot be named, who came forward to report McConnell's offending in 2017.

Sean McConnell, 35, (pictured) was jailed for 23 years at Bradford Crown Court after he was convicted of nine counts of rape, sexual assault and attempted rape against a child in 2006

An investigation was launched by Calderdale specialist child abuse investigators and he was subsequently arrested and charged with 14 total offences.

The jury found him guilty of nine offences and he was sentenced to 23 years in jail on Feb 26.

He was handed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will be added to the sex offenders register for life. He is also barred from working with children.

Detective Inspector Victoria Lawrance of Calderdale Safeguarding Unit said: 'McConnell has been given a very lengthy sentence for his abhorrent crimes against a child.

'We welcome the sentence that reflects the seriousness of his actions, which happened decades ago.

'I would like to thank and praise the bravery of his victims who came forward and bravely sat through the trial giving evidence which has seen him convicted by a jury.

The offences related to one child victim who came forward to report McConnell's offending in 2017, Bradford Crown Court (pictured) heard

'We have supported the witnesses throughout the trial and I hope the sentence today can give them some closure and justice.

'I would also like to recognise the dedication and tenacity of the colleagues involved in this investigation which highlights our commitment to supporting victims of sexual assaults no matter how long ago they happened.

'I would encourage any victims of unreported sexual offences whether recent or non-recent to come forward and contact the police.

'All reports are treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. We will thoroughly investigate any reports and bring those responsible to justice.'
Pope Francis is to undertake the first-ever apostolic journey to Iraq from 5 to 8 March. We offer an overview of the nation's ancientand diverse Christian communities, of their plight and of their challenges.

By Lisa Zengarini

Christianity has been in Iraq from its earliest times, as the Acts of the Apostles testify. Its origins go back to the preaching of St Thomas the Apostle and his disciples Addai and Mari in the first century A.D., which extended to East Asia. Iraq is therefore, biblically and historically, an important land for all Christians who have played an important role in its history.



A history of persecution and discrimination



The Iraqi Christian community, that is composed today of Chaldeans, Assyrians, Armenians, Latins, Melkites, Orthodox and Protestants, has been marked by persecution and discrimination. Under Saddam Husseins secular regime, Christians had found a modus vivendi that allowed the Church to carry out its activities, also in the charitable field. However, already at that time - especially after the succession of wars started in the Eighties - more and more Iraqi Christians began to emigrate establishing a number of communities abroad.

Plunging numbers. The exodus after 2003 and between 2014 and 2017



The most massive exodus occurred after the US-led military intervention in 2003, due to insecurity, violence and attacks and between 2014 and 2017, after the establishment of the self-proclaimed Islamic State" (IS - DAESH) in the north of the Country.

On the eve of the second Gulf War, Christians in Iraq were estimated between 1 and 1.4 million (approximately 6% of the population). Since then, their numbers have plunged to barely 300-400.000, according to the most recent estimates of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Between 2003 and March 2015, approximately 1,200 Christians were killed, including Archbishop Paulos Rahho of Mosul of the Chaldeans, who was murdered in 2008, 5 priests and the 48 victims of the jihadi attack against the Syrian Catholic Church of Our Lady of Help in Baghdad on October 31 2010) and 62 churches were damaged or destroyed.

The IS occupation of the Nineveh Plain, which is the cradle of Mesopotamian Christianity, literally emptied this region of Christians. More than 100,000 were forced to flee their homes along with other persecuted minorities such as the Yazidis. Many of these families have found refuge in Iraqi Kurdistan, namely in Ankawa, the Christian quarter of Erbil, in refugee camps in Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Lebanon, or have sought asylum in Europe and other countries. In recent years, at least 55,000 Iraqi Christians have also expatriated from Iraqi Kurdistan. Many churches and Christian properties have also been destroyed or severely damaged. An important part of the Christian historical heritage was saved from destruction by Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa of Mosul of the Chaldeans, who managed to save over 800 historical manuscripts and for this, in 2020, was awarded the Sakharov Prize by the EU.

Insecurity and sectarianism an ongoing threat to Iraqi Christians



After the military defeat of the Caliphate in Iraq in 2017, Christians have gradually begun to return to the Nineveh Plain, with the help of the universal Church and, in particular, of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN). Today, almost 45% of Nineveh's Christians have returned to their homes, while 80% of the churches in the Plain are undergoing reconstruction (with the exception of Mosul, due to red tape problems).

To date, about 57% of the damaged homes belonging to Christian families in the region and included in the reconstruction plan have been repaired, 35% of with the financial support of ACN, who has also facilitated the establishment of the Nineveh Reconstruction Committee (NRC) with the aim of encouraging Christians to return to their communities and ensuring them and to other minorities protection.

Yet the lack of security and ongoing harassment, intimidation and exactions by local militias and hostile groups continue to threat the Iraqi Christian community, especially in this area. This was confirmed by the Report "Life after Isis: New challenges to Christianity in Iraq", released in autumn 2020 by ACN, and by Open Doors", a Christian organization which helps persecuted Christians around the world and has promoted the "Centres of Hope" initiative in Iraq.

The aspiration to full citizenship in a peaceful and pluralistic Iraq



Insecurity, political instability, sectarianism, but also corruption and the economic crisis, which has worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to discourage Christians from returning or staying in the Country. To ensure their future in a united and jihadi-free Iraq, they need above all recognition of their full citizenship. This is the reason why Christian Churches have long insisted for a secular Constitution and for a more active role in the Iraqi political and social life. The Constitutional Charter approved in 2005 formally guarantees respect for religious freedom, but Article 2 actually establishes Islam as the official State religion and a primary source of legislation. Islam continues to be a privileged religion in the Iraqi system to the detriment of minorities.

Chaldean Patriarch H.B. Louis Raphael Sako has repeatedly brought up this issue, insisting on the importance of an open dialogue between all parties involved to build a strong and pluralist State that respects all citizens, regardless of their religion and ethnicity. This was also reiterated at the last Synod of the Chaldean Church in August 2019, which called for a State based on "equality, justice, law" which recognizes a fair representation for Christians in government institutions.

The Iraqi Churches have found support on these issues from the Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. Since taking office on 7 May 2020, al-Kadhimi has expressed on several occasions the desire to stop the exodus of Christians and to involve them in rebuilding the Country, emphasizing that they represent an important component of Iraqi society. These words have been accompanied by action. One important gesture was the recent go-ahead from the Iraqi Parliament to the recognition of Christmas as a public holiday throughout the country on a permanent base. More recently, even the Shiite leader Muqtada al Sadr, head of the powerful Sadrist Party, has shown his willingness to dialogue with the Iraqi Christian community, by returning the properties stolen over past years by Shite groups to their legitimate owners.

The Holy See's concerns for Christians in Iraq



The plight of Christians in Iraq has always been of great concern for the Holy See, especially since the second Gulf War of 2003, which Pope Saint John Paul II strenuously opposed, as he did in 1991, warning about the tremendous consequences that an international military operation would have for the population of Iraq and for the balance of the Middle East region, and for the extremisms that could stem from it (Angelus, March 16 2003). The Pontiff was fully aware of the repercussions that this second armed conflict would have had on Christian communities in Iraq and throughout the region.

The establishment of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria in 2014 further precipitated their situation. In this context, Pope Francis too has constantly voiced his closeness "to the beloved Iraqi people". This concern was reaffirmed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, on the occasion of his trip to the Country in December 2018. During his visit, Vatican Secretary of State insisted on the importance of overcoming hatred and expressed the Church's gratitude for the Iraqi Christian witness which - he said - has become a living example for all Christians in the world".

Pope Francis The reiterated the hope that Iraq can face the future through the peaceful and shared pursuit of the common good on the part of all elements of society, including the religious on 10 June 2019, during the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), when he expressed his desire to visit Iraq in 2020.

The importance of preserving the historical presence of Christians in the Country and the need to guarantee their security and a place in the future of Iraq was once again highlighted on the occasion of the second official visit to the Vatican by President Barham Salih, on January 25, 2020, which focused on the challenges facing the Country and on the importance of promoting stability and the reconstruction process.

Pope Francis insisted on the need to protect the "Christian presence" in Iraq and in the entire region during an online meeting on the Syrian and Iraqi humanitarian crisis organised by the Vatican Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development with dozens of Catholic NGOs, on 10 December 2020. "We must work to ensure that the Christian presence in these lands continues to be what it has always been: a sign of peace, progress, development, and reconciliation between peoples", the Pontiff said in a video-message, calling on the international community to encourage the return of communities dispersed by war.

In this context, the announcement on 7 December 2020 of Pope Francis' pastoral journey has been welcomed with enthusiasm by the Iraqi Church. The papal trip takes place 21 years after Pope John Pauls IIs dreamed visit to the Country, on the occasion of his Jubilee pilgrimage in the footsteps of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Paul in year 2000, was cancelled due to the political situation in Iraq.



Local designer Niamh Gillispie has launched a beautiful new scarf as part of her Tidings range and is donating a percentage of the sales to the Irish Cancer Society.

The new pattern is called A Host of Golden Daffodils and she will present the proceeds to the charity on Daffodil Day on March.

'After the last 12 months, I feel many of us are so grateful for signs of spring and craving moments of brightness and optimism. For me the sight of daffodils creeping through, the pop of colour, the structured petals, they always put a smile on my face,' Niamh said.

'Daffodil Day always hold a particularly special place in my heart. I lost my Mum to cancer nine years ago and understand the invaluable work and support The Irish Cancer Society gives to families like mine. Perhaps in some way linked, William Wordsworth's poem 'A Host of Golden Daffodils' has long been my favourite, bringing back childhood memories.

Niamh is a huge supporter of Daffodil Day, the charity's biggest fund-raiser, and as it can't take place this year due to lockdown, she decided to look at another way of raising money for the amazing charity.

For this special collaboration with The Irish Cancer Society, Niamh wanted to create a bright colourful contemporary design with the bright yellow of daffodils to make a real statement piece.

'The daffodil symbolises rebirth and positivity. What more perfect a message to wear and to spread these days?' she said.

'We are donating 20% of all Daffodil scarf sales to the Irish Cancer Society,' she said.

Niamh, an established print designer and illustrator who has worked with leading fashion houses, launched her own range of luxury scarves, Tidings, last year.

Having worked in London for several years, she returned to Ireland in 2016 and lives in Dunany with her husband Hamish and daughters Freya and Margot. She is a member of Creative Spark Print Studio and Art as Exchange AAEX artist's collective.

A Host of Golden Daffodils is now available to buy exclusively from Niamh's webside www.tidings.ie
Muriel Smith said her volunteer work at nursing homes and a county jail was suspended for months during the height of the pandemic. It was a necessary move to prevent the spread of the virus and protect her and the vulnerable people she encountered, she was told.

What Smith said she will never understand is how Gov. Phil Murphy and the state Department of Health could adopt a policy that allowed nursing home residents treated for COVID-19 in the hospital to return to long-term care facilities.

When I heard in March the nursing homes were forced to take back patients from the hospital without tests, I knew something terrible was going to happen, said Smith, a Monmouth County resident.

Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli issued a directive on March 31 that said long-term care facilities should accept residents returning from the hospital, but only if the facility had the room and staff to create a separate wing. The state also offered alternative housing if nursing homes did not have the space to segregate residents, Persichilli has noted. Within a week of the March 31 directive, 200 nursing homes reached out to the state and said they could not accept residents back, according to the state Health Department.

Smith told her story to a panel of Republican lawmakers Friday who shared the view that the Democratic governors administration and its policies made the pandemic worse.

Trust us - the members of this committee are listening to you, Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, R-Morris, said at the conclusion of the four-hour virtual hearing.

The pandemic has taken the lives of 7,924 long-term care center residents and employees in New Jersey, representing nearly 38% of all coronavirus deaths, according to health department-confirmed figures. The state has ranked at or near the top for having the most per capita long-term care fatalities in the nation.

Last May, as the scope of the nursing home crisis grew and the death toll mounted, both Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and Senate Minority Tom Kean Jr., R-Union, promised a public examination. But the hearings never materialized. The governor and the entire Legislature are up for election this year.

Alyana Alfaro Post, a spokeswoman for the governor, called Fridays meeting a nakedly political stunt.

Mark Stratoti, the former administrator for Eastern Pines Rehabilitation & Nursing Home Center in Atlantic City, told the panel that he didnt agree with the health departments directive. He said he balked when the nursing home operators asked him to accept residents treated for COVID-19 discharged from the hospital.The residents ended up going to another home in the chain in Egg Harbor.

The virus had not entered the facility, which lacked the space to cohort residents recovering from the virus from others who were not infected, Stratoti said. Within a month I was let go, with no warning. I think it was due to the fact I would not take COVID residents, he said. The residents ended up going to another home in the chain in Egg Harbor, he said.

A telephone message left at Eastern Pines was not immediately returned.

Your effort saved lives, no? asked Sen. Michael Testa, R-Cumberland.

I believe so, Stratoti replied.

Richard Mollot, executive director of the Long Term Community Care Coalition, a national advocacy group, said both the state and nursing operators share the blame for any negative consequences as a result of the directive.

They did not force the nursing homes to accept residents. They counted on the (nursing home operators) only taking residents for whom they could provide safety and appropriate care, Mollot said.

Trusting the largely for-profit industry to do the right thing was a mistake, Mollot said. The issue here is the New Jersey Department of Health never holds facilities accountable, he added.

Others who testified asked lawmakers to demand the Murphy administration and long-term care facility operators reconsider visitation restrictions and the impact of the forced isolation has had on nursing home residents.

With the realities of staff shortages and other stretched resources, staff depend on family caregivers to fill in the gap, Ken Zaentz, president and CEO of Alzheimers New Jersey. Its especially true for people with dementia and Alzheimers disease who live in a world that is very confusing.

The health departments policy on allowing essential caregivers to visit once or twice a week is not enforced or even recognized by some facilities, he said.

Alzheimers disease is a terminal illness, Zaentz said. Making families feel as though they have abandoned their loved ones in the last stage of life cant be good policy.

Michele Saverino said her mother who lives in a West Orange nursing facility survived COVID-19. Both she and her mother have been vaccinated. Yet it doesnt seem the facility has made no preparations to allow visits to resume, she said.

When will it be out turn to get into to see our loved ones? Saverino said. I thought that was the end goal - vaccination and we can all be together again.

Pennacchio agreed visitation policies need to be revised and said he hoped the health department will give this issue more attention.

You could have more people dying from the isolation than from the COVID itself, he said.

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Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio.
It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

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Mumbai: Veteran actor-politician Hema Malini on Saturday said she has received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a post on Twitter, the BJP MP from Mathura shared that she got vaccinated at Cooper Hospital here.

"I have taken the Covid vaccine along with the public at Cooper Hospital," she wrote alongside three photographs from the vaccine centre.

I have taken the Covid vaccine along with the public at Cooper Hospital pic.twitter.com/PIUXCh2xnp  Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) March 6, 2021

On Thursday, the 72-year-old actor had revealed on social media that she had registered to get inoculated and urged others to do it as well.

The government announced on Wednesday that everyone above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine from March 1 for free at government facilities and for a charge at many private hospitals.

Citizens will be able to register and book an appointment for vaccination, anytime and anywhere, using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal or through other IT applications such as Aarogya Setu.
Cancer June 22-July 22 You may be under pressure from an invisible, self-imposed deadline. Be kind to yourself and complete what you can in one day. Structure and planning will help your cause. Leo July 23-August 22

Felines are independent but even you need help sometimes. Youll get more done by simply asking for a hand. Its also time to get out the megaphone and become more vocal regarding a cause youre passionate about. Virgo August 23-September 22 Virgo, you have arrived! Magnetic Mars has entered your sector of career and status, revving your productivity and ambitions. Your need to be noticed, coupled with your drive, will enable you to reach your loftiest goals. Libra

September 23-October 22 You have a strong need to rock the boat! If youve been trying to effect change, whether its local political issues or raising awareness for some sort of cultural affair, you might need to be a little more proactive. Scorpio October 23  November 22 Jealousy could catch you unawares, as hot-blooded Mars in your sector of intimacy awakens the green-eyed monster. You might also be the subject of anothers envy. You cant control that, but try to reel in your own feelings.

Sagittarius November 23-December 20 Have you become complacent about your love life recently? If so, sexy Mars in your relationship sector will provide you with the kick it needs. If youve been wavering about making a decision, your partner could force one with an ultimatum. Capricorn December 21-January 19

There is so much you can accomplish now that Mars has moved into your sector of industry and wellbeing. In fact, youll have so much pent-up energy that working  whether its at your job or exercising  is a must! Aquarius January 20-February 18 Your creativity is at an all-time high, as the stars increase your desire to paint, sing, make music, write and generally unleash the artist within. This is an excellent time to pitch ideas, but you dont need to force your agenda. Pisces
Continuing its legacy and commitment to positively impact the society, this International Womens Day, United Colors of Benetton, has joined hands with Nanhi Kali, an Indian non-governmental organization that supports education for underprivileged girls in India. On the prestigious occasion, Benetton India, enunciating a powerful message To give is the greatest joy will impart reward points to all the individuals making a purchase at the brand store. Benetton India will match the exact number of reward points any particular customer donates

Every reward point contributed, will enable gift essentials to Nanhi Kali young girls as the merchandise worth the total points generated will be donated to Nanhi Kali organization post the activation. Widening the reach, besides the stores, contribution can also be made via Instagram, wherein people can just share a thoughtful message on their story tagging Nanhi Kali and Benetton India. Each story will result in one essential item being donated.

The 5 day activation, rolled out on 4th of March 2021, has already garnered a phenomenal response in a short span of 24 hours and aims to reach at 3 million reward points towards its completion on 8th March 2021. Benetton India intends to encourage one and all to come and make their contribution and light up a Nanhi Kali life, Brighten her day, this Womens Day!
New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Saturday (March 6) said the government is ready to amend three new farm laws to respect the sentiments of protesting farmers, even as he attacked opposition parties for doing politics on this issue at the cost of agriculture economy and by hurting farmers' interest.

Addressing the 5th national convention of Agrivision here, the Union minister said the government has held 11 rounds of talks with farmer unions and has even offered to amend these laws.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at Delhi borders for over three months, seeking a repeal of these three legislations and a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP).

Eleven rounds of talks between the Centre and 41 protesting farmer unions have so far remained deadlocked. The government has offered concessions including suspension of the legislations for 12-18 months and setting up a joint panel to find solutions, but the unions have rejected.

Tomar said the government has passed these three laws to boost investment in the farm sector and give freedom to farmers to sell their produce wherever they want and at price determined by them.

The laws, which were passed by Parliament in September last year, would also enable to grow those crops that can fetch more prices in the market, he added.

Referring to the ongoing farmers' agitation, Tomar wondered how this agitation was going to benefit farmers.

"Main ye manta hoon, loktantra mein asahmati ka apna sthan hai, virodh ka bhi apna sthan hai, matbhed ke bhi apne mahatva hai. Lekin kya virodh is keemat par kiya jaana chahiye, jo desh ka nuksan kare (There is a place for disagreement in democracy and so is for opposition and difference of opinion, but should there be any opposition that can harm the nation)," he said.

No one is ready to talk on how these protests can be in the interest of farmers, the minister said.

Tomar regretted that farmer unions as well as the Opposition parties have failed to point out faults in provisions of these laws.

"Loktantra hai toh rajneeti karne ki swatantra sabko hai. Lekin kya kisan ko markar rajneeti ki jayegi, kisan ka ahit karke rajneeti ki jaayegi, desh ke krishi ki arthvybastha ko tilanjali dekar apne mansoobon ko pura kiya jayega, is par nischit roop se naye phidi ko vichar karne ki zaroorat hai (Everyone is free to have any political view in democracy, but the new generation must think, should there be any politics by sacrificing farmers or by hurting farmers' interest or at the cost of the agriculture economy)," he asked.

Tomar stressed that the government's proposal to amend laws does not mean that there were any deficiencies in these reform laws.

He said the government has made a proposal to amend these laws as farmers continue to be the face of this ongoing protest.

Stating that the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to farmers' welfare, Tomar said the government's priority is to upheld farmers respect and therefore, it is ready to make amendments in the laws.

The minister said there are always an opposition to big reforms, but people do accept changes if the intention and policies are correct.

The Supreme Court had on January 12 stayed the implementation of the three contentious farm laws for two months and asked the committee to submit a report after consulting the stakeholders.
MOSCOW - On Wednesday, March 3, the CHS Foundation announced it will gift the University of Idaho $272,676 to help boost the precision agriculture certificate program and fund expanded college classes and the summer workshop. The foundation donated a total of $1 million nationwide and is funded by gifts from CHS, the nations largest farmer-owned cooperative.

The new program at the University of Idaho expands on recent College of Agricultural and Life Sciences efforts to help Idahos farmers and ranchers operate more efficiently, improve yields and better protect the environment through precision agriculture.

We believe precision agriculture and diversity and inclusion are two of the most pressing issues facing the future of agriculture, said CHS Foundation President Nanci Lilja. The ag industry needs to be innovative in the way we attract talent and how we evolve our agronomic practices for the future. These seven colleges and universities are delivering on those innovations and have unique approaches to reaching the next generation of ag leaders.

The new certificate program will include five new or revised college classes to help students become professionals who better understand the technology, applications and benefits of precision agriculture. The college plans to submit the program to the Idaho State Board of Education for approval this spring.

Our interest in precision agriculture reflects its use by our researchers, requests from stakeholders to University of Idaho Extension professionals and our students need to graduate workplace-ready, said Jodi Johnson-Maynard, Department of Soil and Water Systems head.

While the new U of I precision agriculture certificate program will be available to students in all majors, the majority of students are expected to come from six different departments. Nearly 600 students in those disciplines are studying in areas specifically addressed by the new classes. The project is expected to include 11 high school agricultural teachers in the initial phase.

The CHS Foundation grant will fund work to revise existing classes and add new ones focused on hands-on experience with precision agriculture equipment, online learning experiences and integrating experts including farmers, equipment companies and data analysts.

The project aims to offer certification for both online and on-campus students. Certificate holders will be able to install, set up, operate, analyze and troubleshoot precision agriculture systems needed for profitable and sustainable food production systems.

The CHS Foundation funded the U of I project and six others across six states that will affect 10,000 students. More information is at chsfoundation.org.
New Delhi:

The Delhi Police has arrested the security manager of the 5-star hotel for allegedly molesting a woman employee, said Dependra Pathak, Chief PRO Delhi Police. He was later released on bail.

The manager was arrested following a police complaint of molestation by the victim. The entire incident was caught on the CCTV camera installed in the room.

In the CCTV footage, the manager is seen trying to pull the woman employee by her saree while she resists.

Security manager of 5-star hotel accused of allegedly molesting a woman has been arrested: Dependra Pathak, Chief PRO #DelhiPolice pic.twitter.com/0SI9M4tRbn  News Nation (@NewsNationTV) August 18, 2017

The victim said, "He pulled my saree, but I resisted. No strong action taken till now after the entire incident."

"I showed footage to my madam but she said only a warning letter will be given to him, he will then get you terminated I have been terminated from job now," she added.

The police officials have initiated a probe on the basis of victims statements. The accused has been suspended by the hotel authorities.

"We have suspended the accused security manager. Don't know whether the woman has been suspended too," said Raja Singh, hotel's PR officer.

The Delhi Police has also registered a case in the matter and recorded the statements of the victim.

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All 77 BJP MLAs in Bengal to have central security cover

Bengal polls: 415 companies of central forces to be deployed in first phase

India

pti-Deepika S

Kolkata, Mar 06: At least 415 companies of central forces will be deployed for the first phase of polling on March 27 in West Bengal, a senior official said on Saturday.

So far, 200 companies of CAPF, including 30 companies of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and five companies each of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), have reached the state, he said.

"The rest 215 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be reaching the state in the next couple of days. These forces will be deployed in the assembly constituencies, which will be going to the polls in the first phase," the official said.

Each company of the cetral forces consists of 100 personnel.

In the first phase, elections will be held in 30 assembly constituencies in five districts. Total 10,288 polling booths have been set up for the phase, he said.

There will be 3,127 booths in Purulia, 1,328 in Bankura, 2,437 in Purba Medinipur and 2,089 in Paschim Medinipur, the official said.

West Bengal elections 2021: TMC, Left candidates begin campaigning for upcoming assembly election

During the day, EC's special observer Ajay Nayak and police observer Vivek Dubey held a series of meetings with senior officials of the administration in the districts.

Besides, they also met Additional Director-General of Police (Law and Order) Jag Mohan, who is the state police's nodal officer.

"Most of the discussion was on the law and order, and the preparedness for the polls to be held in the first phase," the official said.

Special expenditure observer B Murali Kumar will be arriving in Kolkata on Monday, he added.
Donald Trump has sent legal warnings to the three biggest fundraising entities for the Republican Party, ordering them to stop using his name and likeness on emails and merchandise, according to a new report.

Trump's lawyers sent the cease-and-desist letters on Friday to the Republican National Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, and National Republican Senate Committee, a Trump advisor told Politico.

'President Trump remains committed to the Republican Party and electing America First conservatives, but that doesn't give anyone - friend or foe - permission to use his likeness without explicit approval,' the advisor said.

It follows reports that Trump, who made a fortune licensing his personal brand, is furious his name is being used to help raise funds in support of Republicans who voted to impeach him last month.

Donald Trump, seen Friday, has ordered the top three GOP fundraisers to stop using his name and likeness in donation drives in fury over Republicans who voted to impeach him

Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel is seen above. Trump, who made a fourtune licensing his personal brand, wants the RNC to stop using his name

On Friday, the RNC had sent out two emails asking supporters to donate as a way to add their name to a 'thank you' card for Trump. The umbrella group supports GOP candidates across the country.

Rep. Tom Emmer chairs the RNCC, another group target with cease-and-desist letters

Trump has spurred fears of a GOP civil war after vowing revenge on the 17 Congressional Republicans who voted to impeach or convict him on a charge of inciting insurrection.

Trump called them all out by name during his Sunday appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference, telling the audience, 'Get rid of them all!'

Politico Playbook reported Friday that House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has specifically asked Trump not to go after the 10 House Republicans who voted in favor of his second impeachment in January.

The ex-president's threat will likely lead to a series of MAGA-versus-moderate GOP primaries, and could cost McCarthy the chance to retake the House, which historically is in his grasp.

On Thursday Trump signaled that he's going to go forward with the so-called GOP civil war, as he issued another statement from Mar-a-Lago blasting Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Trump accused McConnell of blowing two elections in Georgia that cost Republicans the Senate majority.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy has been pleading with Trump, asking him not to go after the 10 House Republicans who voted in favor of his impeachment

The two incumbent Republican candidates, Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, lost their run-off races on January 5 as Trump was attacking Georgia's state election officials and sending out a confused message to potential GOP voters on whether their votes would actually count.

Many GOP strategists blamed the losses on Trump's refusal to concede the presidential election.

McConnell had given Trump breathing room to air out his election grievances in the run-up to the run-offs, as he pushed the then-president to campaign for Perdue and Loeffler.

In his statement, Trump slammed McConnell for yielding to his caucus and supporting $600 checks for Americans, rather than the $2,000 Trump backed late in negotiations of the December COVID stimulus bill  and ripped a Senate GOP group for its Georgia effort.

'Even more stupidly, the National Republican Senatorial Committee spent millions of dollars on ineffective TV ads starring Mitch McConnell, the most unpopular politician in the country, who only won in Kentucky because President Trump endorsed him. He would have lost badly without this endorsement,' Trump claimed.

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump went after, by name, every Republican who was pro-impeachment during his appearance at CPAC in Orlando, Florida

At CPAC, Trump also went after McConnell - and every senator who voted for his conviction.

'The Democrats don't have grandstanders like Mitt Romney, Little Ben Sasse, Richard Burr, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Pat Toomey. And in the House, Tom Rice, South Carolina, Adam Kinzinger, Dan Newhouse, Anthony Gonzalez, that's another beauty. Fred Upton, Jaime Herrera Beutler, Peter Meijer, John Katko, David Valadao and of course, the warmonger, the person that loves seeing our troops fighting, Liz Cheney. How about that?' Trump said.

The ex-president floated that the only reason why McConnell still had a job was because of the Trump endorsement.

'My endorsement of Mitch McConnll, at his request ... brought him from one point down to 20 points up and he won his race,' Trump said.

Prior to McCarthy getting involved, GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham, a top Trump ally, warned of the risks of a civil war in the party, and like McCarthy, flew to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump.

'Mitch McConnell working with Donald Trump did a hell of a job. They are now at each other's throat. I'm more worried about 2022 than I've ever been. I don't want to eat our own,' Graham cautioned.
Rank demagoguery from Gov. Greg Abbott?

Sad to say, its become quite a habit.

Give the governor some credit: unlike many high-profile Republicans, he didnt spend the week grandstanding about Dr. Seuss.

But thats about the best that can be said about his performance during last months winter freeze and ensuing blackout, which left dozens dead and millions of Texans without power or water for days. The breakdown of the power grid in the nations second most populous state is surely something Abbott would prefer others forgot about.

The governor on Tuesday announced that he would lift the statewide mask mandate he issued in July, as well as opening Texas 100 percent. This made Texas the largest state to reopen to date, and one of the few to do so completely, so far.

Some on the right  who for months have been chafing against mask requirements and the oppression they supposedly represent  were pleased by this news. But on balance, Abbotts announcement didnt go over as well as he might have expected, for the simple reason that  according to our exhausted public health experts  its simply too soon to stop wearing masks indoors and in public areas.

Luckily for the nation at large, most leaders can see that.

Texas  I think it's a big mistake, said President Joe Biden, wearing a mask as he spoke from the Oval Office on Friday. I hope everybodys realized by now these masks make a difference.

We are on the cusp of being able to fundamentally change the nature of this disease because of the way in which we are able to get vaccines into people's arms, continued Biden, who has a 70 percent approval rating for his handling of the pandemic, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The last thing  the last thing  we need is Neanderthal thinking in the meantime.

These comments gave Abbott occasion to take issue with Biden, a Democrat, and he seized the opportunity in a local TV news interview Wednesday evening.

President Bidens administration itself is exposing Texans and Americans to COVID-19 through illegal immigrants that they are allowing to come into the state of Texas who are positive for COVID-19 and being released into Texas communities, said Abbott, using his angry voice.

What President Biden is doing in Texas today is recklessly endangering the lives of Texans as we are trying to provide them vaccines, he continued. He must stop this practice now, exposing more Texans to COVID-19. It is completely unacceptable.

KPRC news anchor Kris Gutierrez began stating the obvious: I completely understand that you two have different opinions when it comes to immigration, specifically in our state

Abbott began shaking his head.

This  wait wait, hold on, wait, wait, Kris  no, Im sorry, Kris, you missed, you missed the point. You missed the point, said the visibly agitated governor. This does not involve illegal immigration. Hes bringing in people with COVID-19 and releasing them into our communities!

If thats the case, surely, we would probably all benefit from the measure of protection conferred by a statewide mask mandate.

But  and perhaps this goes without saying  it is not the case.

Biden is not bringing people with an infectious disease into the United States. Abbott is apparently referring to reports that 108 asylum seekers at the southern border, in Brownsville, tested positive for COVID-19, which is unfortunate, but to be expected: after all, its a pandemic.

To ignore those facts and opt for simple demagoguery may help Abbott with his political base. Its nevertheless not befitting for the governor of Texas to peddle nativist tropes about immigrants in an effort to deflect public attention from his own reckless decision-making.

All in all, one gets the impression that Abbott is not used to the kind of scrutiny hes been under in recent weeks.

Gov. Abbott led a fairly charmed political life moving up in the ranks and in his first several years in the top spot, observed Keir Murray, a Democratic consultant based in Houston. That ended with the COVID crisis a year ago.

Unfortunately, challenging times have revealed a leader making decisions based on political expediency, rather than the public interest, Murray added.

It would be nice if Abbott took his cues from peers in other states who are focused on public safety rather than politics as we head into the next, crucial months of the pandemic.

My job is to be the governor of the state of Ohio, said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, explaining why he didnt feel it was time to lift his states mask mandate yet. And I'm going to focus on Ohio and we're to follow the science.

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, also a Republican, took a similar stance. I dont know really what the big rush to get rid of the mask is, because these masks have saved a lot  a lot of lives, said Justice. Were going to do the smart thing in West Virginia. Were not going to do the thing thats politically correct.

It becomes almost a macho thing, he added.

West Virginia, incidentally, has emerged as a national leader in the COVID vaccine rollout. Texas has not.

It would be nice if Abbott had kept his eye on the ball to minimize the prospects for another uptick in infections, hospitalizations and deaths this spring. Instead, he jumped the gun and did exactly what experts such as Dr. Anthony Fauci were warning against. Perhaps Abbott failed to note that the state is not, in fact, out of the woods when it comes to this virus. On Friday Texas had 6410 new cases of COVID-19, and 256 newly reported deaths, according to the Chronicles tally. More than 44,000 people in Texas have died of COVID-19.

What we don't need right now is another surge, Fauci told CNN on Wednesday. So just pulling back on all of the public health guidelines that we know work  and if you take a look at the curve, we know it works. It just is inexplicable. Why would you want to pull back?

Well have to live with the mystery. As it stands, all we know about Abbotts decision is that it puts the onus on the rest of us to keep each other safe.

Wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Every Texan must now collectively say: The buck stops here, tweeted Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo Wednesday.

It doesnt stop with our governor, thats for sure.

erica.grieder@chron.com
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IFC and the State Bank of Vietnam are working to raise the number of women in leadership positions in the banking sector

In Vietnam, women comprise approximately 60 per cent of the entry-level workforce in banks but only around 20 per cent in top management positions. At a time when banks in the country face challenges in terms of attracting and retaining skilled people, a limited pipeline of women talent can prove to be expensive.

In addition to expanding the size of the labour pool, retaining women and promoting gender diversity in senior positions translates into other business benefits. These include improved financial performance, increased market share, greater investor confidence, a boost in innovation, and workforce productivity, among others.

For the banking sector, the SBV has put a strong emphasis on promoting gender diversity and womens leadership across the sector.

Our research has shown that gender diversity at the top provides better results for companies and better returns for investors. IFC is contributing to this drive by building capacity, raising awareness, and highlighting the value of gender-diverse boards and business leadership in emerging markets, said Kyle Kelhofer, IFCs country manager for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

We are delighted to work with SBV to promote a robust pipeline of female management talent in the banking sector, strengthening the results in Vietnams financial sector and boosting economic growth, he added.

Over the next 18 months, the IFC and SBV will work with lenders in Vietnam to understand the current status of womens representation in the sector and the perceived barriers to progress. With support from the Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services, the project also offers a peer-learning platform for knowledge sharing and learning from global good practices on talent development, succession planning, and creating more flexible and inclusive workplaces.

Under this partnership, the pair will organise the Women in Banking Award to celebrate individuals and organisations that demonstrate achievements in promoting females in leadership through transformational and impactful initiatives.
Investors risk getting burned by the 'frothy' market for so-called Spacs, the boss of the London Stock Exchange has warned.

David Schwimmer said putting cash into special purpose acquisition companies (Spacs) could 'end poorly' and caution was required.

His comments came as LSE shares tumbled more than 14 per cent as investors were spooked by the costs of integrating data and analytics company Refinitiv, which it bought in January for 20billion.

Spacs, or blank-cheque companies, are acquisition vehicles that list and then hunt for private businesses to buy and bring to the stock market.

Listings of these firms have rocketed in New York and exchanges elsewhere are keen to jump on the bandwagon. UK officials are considering overhauling the listing rules to make it easier for Spacs to float in London.

But sounding a note of caution, Schwimmer said: 'There is clearly some froth in the US market for Spacs. Some of that could end poorly for some of either those opportunities or some of those investors.'

He added that there have always been speculative cycles and Spacs did have a role to play in capital markets. But he warned that it was important investors use them 'thoughtfully and carefully'.

His comments came as the LSE hiked its annual dividend by 7 per cent to 75p, following the completion of its takeover of data company Refinitiv in January. LSE said revenues grew 3 per cent to 2.1billion in 2020, while profits rose 5 per cent to 685m.

But shares dived as analysts at Citi warned that costs stemming from the Refinitiv takeover could be higher than expected. The 300-year-old LSE hopes to transform into a one-stop shop for data, trading and analytics through the Refinitiv deal.

'While early days, the work we have done so far confirms the quality of the business and the extent of the opportunities across the group as we focus on integration and delivering the strategic and financial benefits of the transaction,' Schwimmer said.
Details still pending on third agreement between Emmet and Bay Bluffs
In the 1970s, "Ebonics" was the allegedly natural language of Black Americans. My father strongly objected to having Black students in his district taught in Ebonics. The only teacher in his district who supported him was an elderly Black woman who accurately said Ebonics would permanently relegate Blacks to an economic ghetto. Given how awful Ebonics was, it's inevitable that it's back. An associate dean at Arizona State University just wrote a lengthy book saying that proper English writing is inherently racist.

Asao Inoue is the associate dean for academic affairs, equity, and inclusion in the College of integrative Sciences and Arts at Arizona State University. With bachelor's and master's degrees from Oregon State University and a Ph.D. from Washington State University, he's a man steeped in modern American academia. Inoue's bio establishes that his job is to teach young people how to communicate through the written word:

He is the 2019 Chair of the Conference on College Composition and Communication, and has been a past member of the CCCC Executive Committee, and the Executive Board of the Council of Writing Program Administrators.

Within that discipline, Inoue is the recipient of multiple honors:

Among his many articles and chapters on writing assessment, race, and racism, his article, "Theorizing Failure in U.S. Writing Assessments" in Research in the Teaching of English, won the 2014 CWPA Outstanding Scholarship Award. His co-edited collection, "Race and Writing Assessment" (2012), won the 2014 NCTE/CCCC Outstanding Book Award for an edited collection. His book, "Antiracist Writing Assessment Ecologies: Teaching and Assessing for a Socially Just Future" (2015) won the 2017 NCTE/CCCC Outstanding Book Award for a monograph and the 2015 CWPA Outstanding Book Award.

Clearly, Inoue is advancing writing and discipline in academia  or is he?

Chrissy Clark caught up with Inoue's 2019 book, Labor-Based Grading Contracts: Building Equity and Inclusion in the Compassionate Writing Classroom. Clark slogged through this academic opus to reveal the mental degradation of academia and the appalling ideas that are oozing out of the academic and infecting  and destroying  America.

Inoue's central premise can be boiled down to one idea: teaching students the English language is inherently racist, something magnified when teachers expect non-White students to perform competently in English. In other words, it's Ebonics all over again.

Academic writing has the vaguest relationship to quality English, so one is always reduced to a bit of guesswork when trying to interpret an academic's meaning. Still, the passages of Inoue's writing that Clark quotes indicate that Inoue thinks that there are few things worse than imposing the horrors of the English language on students:

"This book focuses on one kind of grading contract, one that calculates final course grades purely by the labor students complete, not by any judgments of the quality of their writing," Inoue writes. "While the qualities of student writing is still at the center of the classroom and feedback, it has no bearing on the course grade." [snip] Critical race theory contributed to Inoue's idea that ranking things is a system rooted in racism. Because grading is a form of ranking, grading must also be a racist idea. In his book, Inoue dubbed grading and the education system writ large "racist" for their connections to ranking. "Ranking is a part of a much longer racist, and White supremacist, tradition in Western intellectual history," Inoue writes. "Ranking has been deeply embedded in racist thinking, discourses, and logics, mainly because it has been deployed as a way to justify a number of racist, empirical, and colonial projects over the last four hundred years." [snip] The crux of the author's argument is that grading calls for student uniformity and high-quality completed assignments, both of which are allegedly racist ideas.

Inoue's disdain for non-White students is apparent, for he assumes that any linguistic competence is beyond them. You have to read Clark's post in its entirety to grasp the enormousness of Inoue's racism. Reading the post also highlights the irony that, while the book is as badly written as any modern academic treatise, Inoue still wrote it in standard English.

I look forward to the day when all the White people constantly wittering on about systemic racism and white privilege do the right thing and remove themselves entirely from whatever positions they achieved due to their alleged privilege in a systemically racist system. Biden, Pelosi, Schumer, Bezos, Gates, Dorsey, Zuckerberg, Inoue (half-Japanese, half-White), Robin DiAngelo, and a whole host of other white leftists need to abandon immediately their jobs, their status, and their wealth.

Until they do, we can confidently and reasonably believe that everything they say is pandering garbage. They assert these ridiculous theories, not because they believe them, but to increase interracial hostility, render minorities helpless and dependent on these powerful White people, destroy political opposition from White people who won't get with the leftist program, and maintain and increase their own political power.
In the United Kingdom, a mystery person infected with the Covid variant found in Brazil has now been traced. This comes after a total of six cases of the P.1 variant were found in the UK. However, the identity of one of those cases remained unknown. According to the reports by BBC, the person lives in Croydon and his contacts have been traced as well.

As per UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock, the person stayed at home and has no sign of onward transmission. However, as a precautionary measure, local testing is still being rolled out. Dr Susan Hopkins from Public Health England said that she hopes that the vaccine will have a strong impact on the reduction of hospitalization and cases.

Read: Congress' Siddaramaiah Urges PM Modi To Provide COVID-19 Vaccines To All 'at Zero Cost'

'Most likely place..'

This comes after the UK was declared as the most likely place in the world where a mutant strain of the coronavirus will occur due to the prevailing conditions. The junior health minister James Nicholas Bethell said, If there's one place in the world where a mutant variation is likely to happen it will be in an area where you have a high infection rate and a large amount of suppression of the virus by either a lockdown or a vaccine programme. He added that around the world that country would likely be Britain.

He said, "If you look around the world that country is most likely to be Britain and we must be on the balls of our feet to be prepared for unhelpful news on that front." The health minister made this statement in response to the comments made by a top scientist who had warned the risk of a new variant against which there was no defence was "eventually likely to be inevitable". The health minister also talked about vaccination in the UK, "We are not post vaccine. We are at best mid vaccine - 20 million people is an enormous achievement but we have a long way to go.

Read: UK Most Likely Place In The World For Mutant Coronavirus Variant

In the meantime, British scientists have identified and are investigating a new variant of the COVID-19 virus in the United Kingdom. According to BBC, so far 16 cases of the new coronavirus variant have been detected in the country, the first of which was identified on February 15. The new strain of the COVID-19 virus is being referred to as VUI-202102/04, where VUI stands for 'virus under investigation'. The new variant was reportedly designated VUI on February 24, about ten days after it was first found.

Read: Dalai Lama Receives 1st Dose Of COVID-19 Vaccine In HP After Tibet Govt-in-exile's Request

Also Read: COVID-19: Scientists To Explain Mysterious 'brain Fog' Symptom Of The Virus
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It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

opinion

A 16-year-old girl described by her family as a 'gentle soul' has been pictured after being killed in a suspected knife attack at a Chinese takeaway.

Wenjing Xu lived above the Blue Sky takeaway in the rural Welsh village of Ynyswen, Treorchy, where police were yesterday called to reports of a stabbing.

South Wales Police arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder and a 38-year-old man has also been taken into custody, with both receiving treatment in hospital for injuries.

The force initially said Wenjing's death was 'sudden and unexplained' but after a post mortem examination they confirmed she was murdered.

Paying tribute, Wenjing's family said she was a 'very quiet person' who 'worked very hard at school'.

The talented teenager was known as Wenjing Lin at Treorchy Comprehensive School, where she was due to take her GCSEs later this year.

Her family said: 'Wenjing had a very gentle soul, she was a very quiet person. Wenjing helped the whole family, working in the family takeaway.

'She enjoyed school and worked very hard. She was loved by her family.'

Her best friend, who MailOnline is not naming, today visited the takeaway where a small police cordon remains.

The friend said: 'She was clever, lovely and so funny - I can't stop crying.

Wenjing XU (pictured above), 16, lived above the Blue Sky takeaway in the rural Welsh village of Ynyswen, Treorchy, where police were yesterday called to reports of a stabbing

The schoolgirl lived above the Blue Sky takeaway in the rural village of Ynyswen (pictured this morning)

Officers were called to a premises in Baglan Street (pictured this morning), at about midday. Two men have been arrested and are in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries

Flowers were laid outside the takeaway while a team of forensic officers continued their investigations today

'We were texting her yesterday about meeting up and then the messages suddenly stopped. We thought she'd fallen asleep then we heard what happened.'

Another friend today added: 'I am devastated at what has happened - she was lovey, an A-grade student who could have achieved anything in life.'

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis, Senior Investigating Officer, said: 'Following completion of the post mortem examination we are now able to confirm that we are treating Wenjing's death as murder.'

He added: 'This is a tragic and shocking incident - our thoughts are with Wenjing's family and friends at this extremely difficult time. I can reassure the community that at this time we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

'A 31 year-old man, known to the victim, is in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 38 year-old man is also in police custody in connection with the incident.

'Both are being treated in hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the incident. I remain grateful for the support we have received from the local community during our enquiries.'

Wenjings family are being supported by police family liaison officers.

Flowers were laid outside the takeaway while a team of forensic officers continued their investigations today.

Officers were called to the premises at about midday yesterday and said the incident is not being treated as a terrorist attack. It is understood that those involved are known to each other.

Superintendent Rich Jones, from South Wales Police, said: 'This is clearly a very serious incident which has caused significant shock and concern for both the local and wider community.

'We have a dedicated team of detectives working hard to establish the exact circumstances that have led to the tragic death of this young girl.

'While the investigation is still in its early stages, we can confirm that those involved are understood to be known to each other and we are currently not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.'

Supt Jones said there would be significant police presence in Baglan Street over the weekend while forensic inquiries continue. The main road outside the takeaway will be opened 'at the earliest opportunity'.

Police are trying to contact the victim's relatives both in the UK and overseas.

Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, said news of the death was 'absolutely tragic'. 'My thoughts are with loved ones this evening. You just don't think that something like this is going to happen in the Rhondda,' he said.

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford tweeted that news of the incident was 'deeply concerning', adding: 'I'm being kept informed of developments and my thoughts are with everyone in the community during this worrying time.'

A 31 year-old man, known to the victim, is in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder

A Chinese restaurant called The Blue Sky is closed off on Baglan Street, Treorchy, South Wales

An aerial view showing a police forensics team working at the scene in Treorchy, Wales

Police place a cordon around the scene of the multiple stabbing. Screams were heard coming from the Blue Sky Chinese takeaway shortly after midday in the village of Ynyswen, Rhondda, yesterday

Screams were heard coming from the Blue Sky Chinese takeaway in Ynyswen, Rhondda

A police forensics team works at the murder scene. South Wales Police said the incident involved a 'number of casualties' in the rural Welsh village

Police place a cordon around the scene. One of the victims was a woman who was sitting in a black car parked outside the restaurant, a witness claimed

Councillor Andrew Morgan, the leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said he had been informed of 'the major incident in Ynyswen' and thanked the emergency services for the 'significant attendance which is ongoing'.

He added: 'My thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident but please avoid the area until emergency services leave the location.'

A spokesman for the Welsh Ambulance Service said they had sent one rapid response vehicle, three emergency ambulances, the hazardous area response team and the Wales Air Ambulance to the scene.

The restaurant is run by parents with their two children also living above the shop and is rated 62 out of 74 restaurants in the Treorchy area of the Rhondda valleys.

Horrified neighbour John Belgrove, a 46-year-old builder, said: 'I was in my workshop when I heard sirens and saw police everywhere.

'There was a girl sitting on a pavement - she was in her pyjamas and they were covered in blood. I could see she was sobbing and in a terrible state.

Mr Belgrove said: 'It's shocking, it's such a quiet village. I counted 31 emergency vehicles here and two air ambulances.'

Forensics are seen on Baglan Street, Treorchy, South Wales, Britain

Police at the scene in the village of Ynyswen in Treorchy, Rhondda after a serious incident

A huge emergency response was underway in south Wales as police dealt with a 'major incident' involving a 'number of casualties' in Baglan Street near Rhondda yesterday afternoon

Police put a cordon of white security screens around the takeaway which has a three-bedroom flat above the shop area

A police forensics team works at the scene of the multiple stabbing in Treorchy, Wales

Police are seen on Baglan Street, Treorchy, South Wales, Britain

Mother-of-two Kirby England, 29, who lives opposite earlier told how a paramedic had to reach into the car to get her out.

She said: 'He laid her on the floor and was giving her CPR - I could see him doing the pumping actions on her chest.

'Other paramedics joined him while the police blocked off the road from both ends. They put screens around her and I didn't see her being taken away.'

Mrs England said she had lived in the street opposite all her life and there had never been any trouble at the restaurant.

She said: 'It was scary. there were armed police and all the emergency workers were kitted out for a major incident.'

Detectives worked with forensic officers and police outside the restaurant yesterday afternoon

The restaurant is run by parents with their two children also living above the shop and is rated 62 out of 74 restaurants in the Treorchy area of the Rhondda valleys

Police put a cordon of white security screens around the takeaway which has a three-bedroom flat above the shop area.

The air ambulances landed on a nearby rugby field to take two casualties to hospital. Locals said they saw two more ambulances going by road to the University Hospital of Wales 20 miles away in Cardiff.

Fellow neighbour Mavis Wakeford said: 'It is very serious. The police have stopped me going out the back and told me to stay inside.

'You don't expect anything like this to happen here - it is a quiet place. They seem like a nice family and close - but I don't know them very well.'

Neighbour, John Evans, 70, said: 'There was a lot of blood at the scene, it was a major incident with multiple victims.

'This is normally a quiet village I don't know what's happened to cause this.'

Two police officers seen standing in front of a cordon placed around the scene yesterday

Pictures from the scene showed a huge emergency service response with at least 20 vehicles

A resident in the area said: 'I live in the street, it was about half past 12 on my way to meet my friend.

'As I come around the corner there was loads of sirens getting passed and I saw four police at the bottom with guns telling people they couldn't come down the hill.

'They were saying can you get back. Then a couple of minutes later I saw someone getting stretchered off into the back of an ambulance literally outside the Chinese by the hill.'

Another neighbour said: 'A woman was heard screaming but I don't think she was one of the injured.

'She saw what happened which must have been awful. There was a lot of blood.'

The Winnipeg Police Association is calling for the Winnipeg Police Service to conduct a third-party workplace assessment, in response to reported low morale among members.

The Winnipeg Police Association is calling for the Winnipeg Police Service to conduct a third-party workplace assessment, in response to reported low morale among members.

Union president Maurice Sabourin made the request official Friday in a letter to WPS Chief Danny Smyth.

"I am deeply concerned over the state of morale in the WPS, and yet, at the end of the day, even all of the negative reports I just referenced are still only one data point. The WPA believes we need a complete picture of the problem," Sabourin wrote.

"We are proposing to move forward with an objective survey and assessment of the members and their morale. We know that Canadian-based expertise to assist in this sort of assessment exists, and we have already contacted one such organization to explore options."

The letter comes in the wake of revelations of infighting and strife among WPS members, following a summer of racial reckoning and growing anti-police protest movements.

Sabourin said there is a "clear, present and growing moral crisis," and pointed to two recent deaths of Winnipeg police officers  one of whom died by suicide  as underscoring the importance of addressing the situation.

"The WPS has a role to play in helping Winnipeg to grow and thrive, and our members cannot do this if their workplace is not safe and healthy, and if the leadership appropriate to the moment is not in place," Sabourin wrote.

"Yes, these are difficult times for our community, but that is not an acceptable basis to tolerate lack of execution The current morale crisis did not develop overnight, and it will not be solved overnight."

The letter came one day after Sabourin told the Free Press morale has fallen so low in the WPS hes not sure it can be repaired under Smyths leadership.

Smyth told the Free Press morale on the force was indeed low, but he also pointed to environmental factors  such as growing social justice movements critical of the police and novel coronavirus pandemic  as contributing causes.

The WPA represents more than 1,800 police officers and civilian support staff.

The Guardian

The potential consequences of the origins of the virus are shattering  if they can be proved My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters There was a time when the Covid pandemic seemed to confirm so many of our assumptions. It cast down the people we regarded as villains. It raised up those we thought were heroes. It prospered people who could shift easily to working from home even as it problematized the lives of those Trump voters living in the old economy. Like all plagues, Covid often felt like the hand of God on earth, scourging the people for their sins against higher learning and visibly sorting the righteous from the unmasked wicked. Respect science, admonished our yard signs. And lo!, Covid came and forced us to do so, elevating our scientists to the highest seats of social authority, from where they banned assembly, commerce, and all the rest. We cast blame so innocently in those days. We scolded at will. We knew who was right and we shook our heads to behold those in the wrong playing in their swimming pools and on the beach. It made perfect sense to us that Donald Trump, a politician we despised, could not grasp the situation, that he suggested people inject bleach, and that he was personally responsible for more than one super-spreading event. Reality itself punished leaders like him who refused to bow to expertise. The prestige news media even figured out a way to blame the worst death tolls on a system of organized ignorance they called populism. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a cult out of the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general But these days the consensus doesnt consense quite as well as it used to. Now the media is filled with disturbing stories suggesting that Covid might have come  not from populism at all, but from a laboratory screw-up in Wuhan, China. You can feel the moral convulsions beginning as the question sets in: What if science itself is in some way culpable for all this? * I am no expert on epidemics. Like everyone else I know, I spent the pandemic doing as I was told. A few months ago I even tried to talk a Fox News viewer out of believing in the lab-leak theory of Covids origins. The reason I did that is because the newspapers I read and the TV shows I watched had assured me on many occasions that the lab-leak theory wasnt true, that it was a racist conspiracy theory, that only deluded Trumpists believed it, that it got infinite pants-on-fire ratings from the fact-checkers, and because (despite all my cynicism) I am the sort who has always trusted the mainstream news media. My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month; a few weeks later everyone from Doctor Fauci to President Biden is acknowledging that the lab-accident hypothesis might have some merit. We dont know the real answer yet, and we probably will never know, but this is the moment to anticipate what such a finding might ultimately mean. What if this crazy story turns out to be true? The answer is that this is the kind of thing that could obliterate the faith of millions. The last global disaster, the financial crisis of 2008, smashed peoples trust in the institutions of capitalism, in the myths of free trade and the New Economy, and eventually in the elites who ran both American political parties. In the years since (and for complicated reasons), liberal leaders have labored to remake themselves into defenders of professional rectitude and established legitimacy in nearly every field. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a sort of cult out of science, expertise, the university system, executive-branch norms, the intelligence community, the State Department, NGOs, the legacy news media, and the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general. Now here we are in the waning days of Disastrous Global Crisis #2. Covid is of course worse by many orders of magnitude than the mortgage meltdown  it has killed millions and ruined lives and disrupted the world economy far more extensively. Should it turn out that scientists and experts and NGOs, etc. are villains rather than heroes of this story, we may very well see the expert-worshiping values of modern liberalism go up in a fireball of public anger. Consider the details of the story as we have learned them in the last few weeks:  Lab leaks happen. They arent the result of conspiracies: a lab accident is an accident, as Nathan Robinson points out; they happen all the time, in this country and in others, and people die from them.  There is evidence that the lab in question, which studies bat coronaviruses, may have been conducting what is called gain of function research, a dangerous innovation in which diseases are deliberately made more virulent. By the way, right-wingers didnt dream up gain of function: all the cool virologists have been doing it (in this country and in others) even as the squares have been warning against it for years.  There are strong hints that some of the bat-virus research at the Wuhan lab was funded in part by the American national-medical establishment  which is to say, the lab-leak hypothesis doesnt implicate China alone.  There seem to have been astonishing conflicts of interest among the people assigned to get to the bottom of it all, and (as we know from Enron and the housing bubble) conflicts of interest are always what trip up the well-credentialed professionals whom liberals insist we must all heed, honor, and obey.  The news media, in its zealous policing of the boundaries of the permissible, insisted that Russiagate was ever so true but that the lab-leak hypothesis was false false false, and woe unto anyone who dared disagree. Reporters gulped down whatever line was most flattering to the experts they were quoting and then insisted that it was 100% right and absolutely incontrovertible  that anything else was only unhinged Trumpist folly, that democracy dies when unbelievers get to speak, and so on.  The social media monopolies actually censored posts about the lab-leak hypothesis. Of course they did! Because were at war with misinformation, you know, and people need to be brought back to the true and correct faith  as agreed upon by experts. * Let us pray, now, for science, intoned a New York Times columnist back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The title of his article laid down the foundational faith of Trump-era liberalism: Coronavirus is What You Get When You Ignore Science. Ten months later, at the end of a scary article about the history of gain of function research and its possible role in the still ongoing Covid pandemic, Nicholson Baker wrote as follows: This may be the great scientific meta-experiment of the 21st century. Could a world full of scientists do all kinds of reckless recombinant things with viral diseases for many years and successfully avoid a serious outbreak? The hypothesis was that, yes, it was doable. The risk was worth taking. There would be no pandemic. Except there was. If it does indeed turn out that the lab-leak hypothesis is the right explanation for how it began  that the common people of the world have been forced into a real-life lab experiment, at tremendous cost  there is a moral earthquake on the way. Because if the hypothesis is right, it will soon start to dawn on people that our mistake was not insufficient reverence for scientists, or inadequate respect for expertise, or not enough censorship on Facebook. It was a failure to think critically about all of the above, to understand that there is no such thing as absolute expertise. Think of all the disasters of recent years: economic neoliberalism, destructive trade policies, the Iraq War, the housing bubble, banks that are too big to fail, mortgage-backed securities, the Hillary Clinton campaign of 2016  all of these disasters brought to you by the total, self-assured unanimity of the highly educated people who are supposed to know what theyre doing, plus the total complacency of the highly educated people who are supposed to be supervising them. Then again, maybe I am wrong to roll out all this speculation. Maybe the lab-leak hypothesis will be convincingly disproven. I certainly hope it is. But even if it inches closer to being confirmed, we can guess what the next turn of the narrative will be. It was a perfect storm, the experts will say. Who coulda known? And besides (they will say), the origins of the pandemic dont matter any more. Go back to sleep. Thomas Frank is a Guardian US columnist. He is the author, most recently, of The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
The cartoon was striking. A hapless Boris Johnson belatedly locking a barn door with a giant syringe, as an army of green Covid mutants ran amok behind him. Border Farce, said a sign drawn on the side of the ramshackle stable.

But even more significant than the message was the messenger.

The attack on the Prime Minister for being insufficiently swift in closing the nations borders appeared in Mondays Guardian. The in-flight magazine of the liberal elite was castigating a Conservative government for failing to construct Fortress Britain.

It was an image that again exposed the hypocrisy of Britains self-styled progressives. When Sajid Javid and Priti Patel moved to end the cross-Channel trade in human misery, there was outrage.

There was evidence that Britains black and Asian communities were being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic

Then Covid arrived, and it suddenly became clear it wouldnt just be Dover and Folkestone that bore the impact of a vaccine-busting coronavirus strain. At which point the plea for openness and tolerance was replaced with a demand to rapidly slam down the shutters.

But it has also highlighted another issue. Do we actually want an honest conversation about Covid, immigration and race? At the start of the pandemic, the answer was No. It was a national crisis and we would confront it together.

But then attitudes shifted. There was evidence that Britains black and Asian communities were being disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

A public inquiry was called for. London Mayor Sadiq Khan claimed the Government needed to look at the link between Covid deaths and a hostile environment created by Ministers.

Matt Hancock said the concerns were particularly timely because right across the world, people are angry about racial injustice. And I get that. Black lives matter.

But then the debate shifted again.

As the Government embarked on its whack-a-mole strategy, people began to perceive a connection between areas with large ethnic-minority communities and higher rates of Covid.

Tory MP Craig Whittaker broke cover, and claimed Test And Trace data showed that members of the Muslim community within his Calder Valley constituency were not taking the pandemic seriously enough.

Whittaker was duly pounced upon. Drawing a link between Covid and ethnicity was now deemed unacceptable. He was branded a racist.

That was until a few weeks later, when Greater Manchester Police suddenly declared a major incident as a result of soaring infections in its region. The biggest increase in rates were, according to local health officials, within the white community.

Manchester Covid outbreak a warning to complacent white middle class, screamed the headlines. Linking Covid and race was now legitimate after all.

The reality is that the truth about the spread and impact of Covid within Britains ethnic-minority communities is complex.

Matt Hancock said the concerns were particularly timely because right across the world, people are angry about racial injustice

For example, the latest Government data shows that during the first wave, the risk of death from Covid was greater for all minority ethnic groups.

In the second wave this was true only for those of Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani heritage. But some facts are uncontested. Infection rates and deaths have indeed been higher among Britains ethnic minorities, sometimes to a staggering level.

One Minister told me they have data showing infection rates of 67 per cent within the Orthodox Jewish community.

A number of the reasons for this disparity align comfortably with progressive sentiment. Low-income households. Poor-quality, high-density housing. Low-wage employment, where there is no opportunity to work from home.

But a number of others do not.

Cultural issues surrounding isolating and social distancing. An inability of non-English-speakers to understand Covid safety and health advice. An attempt to lump all ethnic-minority groups under a single convenient heading of BAME, and engage with them accordingly.

Workplace tensions created by a backlash against risk-assessments focused on black and Asian workers.

But regardless of these facts, the terms of the discourse have been set. So long as the discussion about Covid and ethnicity can be channelled through the prism of overt or structural racism, everything is fine. But as soon it strays towards cultural factors within the impacted communities themselves, a conspiracy of silence descends.

All of which would be another frustrating, but fairly typical, example of our skewed modern dialogue over race. Except for this. That conspiracy of silence is now leading us towards a catastrophe of silence.

Everyone has been lauding the vaccine rollout. But the vaccination figures within the black and Asian community are horrific. Black vaccine take-up is half of that of the white community. In the Asian community its two-thirds.

But again, these basic facts have to be channelled through a prism of political correctness. A BMJ report last week hit the usual liberal tropes. An erosion of trust through systemic racism and discrimination. Previous unethical healthcare research in black populations. Negative experiences within a culturally insensitive healthcare system. These, the paper claimed, were all legitimate concerns, before helpfully adding that a failure of public health messaging meant vaccine hesitancy was a legitimate viewpoint.

Its not a legitimate viewpoint. And the primary failure of public health messaging is now from those progressives who  in a reckless and self-serving effort to paraded their anti-racist credentials  keep pretending it is. This morning Britains black and Asian communities find themselves at the centre of a propaganda double whammy. From the anti-vaxxers who are targeting them as part of their deranged campaign. And from the preening liberals who want to use Covid as the latest super-weapon in World War Woke.

The anti-vaxxers are beyond reason. So the only hope is that for once in their lives the self-styled progressives will shut up, take a step back and stop infantilising Britains ethnic minorities. And grasp these three realities.

First, that time is almost up. On June 21, lockdown will end. The country will reopen. And at that moment any community  regardless of colour or creed  that has turned its back on the vaccine will have issued an open invitation for Covid to come ripping through it.

The second is that the cavalry is not coming over the hill. There will be no preferential treatment for anyone. Those who have been calling for black and Asian communities to be raised up the vaccine priority list, or for door-to-door vaccinations to reach economically and racially disadvantaged households, can save their breath. The opportunity for vaccination is there for all. And Boris Johnson and his Ministers are only too well aware of the political implications of being seen to change the rules now.

The final reality is this. The only way to defeat the anti-vax propagandists is the way we always defeat propaganda  with hard truths and harder facts. And this is the hard truth that needs to be delivered. Every single one of us who can, needs to take the vaccine. We live in a free society, one that will stop short of legal compulsion. But despite that  indeed because of it  we each have an even greater obligation to ourselves and to our neighbours.

There can be no excuses. No cultural excuse. No historic excuse. No religious excuse.

Because if people try to rationalise and embrace the argument that vaccine hesitancy is legitimate, then people are going to die. Some of those who reject the vaccine will die. Some members of their family will die. And a lot of people in their communities will die. This is the message that needs to be delivered. To black and Asian Britain, just as it has to be delivered to everyone else.

In 2021, we will not pursue multiculturalism at the expense of thousands of needless Covid deaths. And if we dont explain that patiently and clearly, but instead choose at this life-or-death moment to again suffocate our ethnic minorities beneath a blanket of victimhood, then Matt Hancock will have been proven wrong. Black lives wont matter after all.
Ireland is expected to reach the milestone of half a million coronavirus jabs administered this weekend.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin hailed progress in the pandemic.

Speaking in a video posted on Twitter, Mr Martin said he was inspired by recent visits to vaccination centres where thousands of front line healthcare workers are receiving the inoculation.

He said government and the HSE is doing everything it can to secure supplies and to give those vaccines to people as quickly as possible.

Over the coming days we will have administered half a million doses since the first vaccination was given to Dubliner Annie Lynch 63 days ago, he said.

Next week we will begin to vaccinate those with underlying health conditions as well as continuing to vaccinate the over-70s and healthcare workers.

Expand Close Annie Lynch (centre right), 79, is the first person to receive a coronavirus vaccine in Ireland (Marc OSullivan/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Annie Lynch (centre right), 79, is the first person to receive a coronavirus vaccine in Ireland (Marc OSullivan/PA)

The Taoiseach said the vaccines are reducing the impact of the virus.

This can be seen in the reduced levels of infection in our nursing homes and amongst our frontline healthcare workers, he said.

This brings hope, along with the continued fall in Covid numbers thanks to the sacrifices you have been making.

The 14-day incidence level fell below 200 this week for the first time since Christmas.

While our health services are still under pressure, the number of patients in our hospitals and ICUs is reducing significantly.

However, the Taoiseach added a note of caution, warning that variants of the virus mean people should not relax around restrictions.

A great sign as our #ICU numbers drop to 99 and hospitalisations to 401. Further protections will happen throughout this weekend as GPs continue to vaccinate more over 80+ year olds. Heading to the Helix @DCU to witness the joy again for almost 1,500 patients.@DCU #COVID19  Paul Reid (@paulreiddublin) March 6, 2021

On Saturday the number of patients with Covid-19 dropped to 99 with the number of cases in hospital at 401.

Paul Reid, chief executive of the HSE, described it as a great sign.

On Friday, one further death with the virus and 522 new cases were notified in the Republic of Ireland.

Expand Close Gardai talk to protesters during an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre (Damian Eagers/PA) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Gardai talk to protesters during an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin city centre (Damian Eagers/PA)

Meanwhile, protesters calling for an end of lockdown restrictions are set to gather in Cork city centre later.

It follows a demonstration in Dublin last weekend which saw chaotic scenes in the capital, 23 arrests and three Garda officers left injured.
Civilians massacred. Journalists arrested. People starving to death. Ethiopias government is under growing pressure to allow the world to see firsthand what has occurred in its embattled Tigray region as its Nobel Peace Prize-winning prime minister rejects partisan interventions.

That pressure is expected to spike this month as the United States chairs the United Nations Security Council and addresses the first major African crisis of the Biden administration. Millions of dollars in aid to Ethiopia, a key security ally in the region, are at stake.

Heres a look at the turmoil in Tigray as the Security Council meets behind closed doors on Thursday to discuss it:

WHAT ABOUT CIVILIANS MASSACRED?

Last month The Associated Press exposed the killing of an estimated 800 people in the city of Axum, citing several witnesses, and a week later Amnesty International reported many hundreds killed there, citing more than 40 witnesses. Soldiers from neighboring Eritrea, long an enemy of Tigrays now-fugitive leaders, were blamed.

Ethiopia continues to deny the Eritreans presence, even as senior officials with the interim Tigray government that Ethiopia appointed are increasingly outspoken about them. There is growing concern that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who won the Nobel in 2019 for making peace with Eritrea, has now teamed up with it in war. Eritrea called the AP story on Axum outrageous lies.

Amid the denials, untold thousands of civilians have been killed as Ethiopian and allied forces pursue the former Tigray leaders who once dominated Ethiopias government before Abiy took office in 2018. Each side came to regard each other as illegitimate, then turned to fighting.

Axum is far from the only massacre alleged in the Tigray conflict. More are now coming to light as telephone service resumes in the region and more people flee.

The Telegraph, citing witnesses, has reported one in Debre Abay. CNN, citing witnesses, has reported one in Dengelat. And Agence France-Presse further exposed the Dengelat killings during a rare visit to the scene.

On Thursday, U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said her office has corroborated information about incidents including mass killings in Axum and Dengelat, and warned of possible war crimes by all main armed groups. Victims must not be denied their rights to the truth and to justice, she said, urging Ethiopia to let independent monitors into Tigray.

After U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken over the weekend issued the strongest statement yet from Washington on Tigray and spoke with Abiy this week, the prime ministers office on Wednesday reversed its skeptical stance on the Axum massacre and said it was investigating credible allegations in the city and elsewhere in the region.

But human rights groups and others are calling for independent international investigations, ideally led by the U.N., arguing that a government accused of involvement in atrocities cannot effectively investigate itself.

CAN JOURNALISTS REPORT FROM TIGRAY?

Yes, at their peril. Ethiopia in recent days began allowing a limited number of foreign media outlets to visit Tigray  the AP did not receive permission  but several Ethiopian media workers with the outlets were quickly detained.

Even as it announced the limited media access, Ethiopia warned journalists to essentially behave themselves. The governments statement on Wednesday said Ethiopian defense forces would ensure the security of journalists in the parts of Tigray under their control, but those who leave the areas do so at their own risk. And journalists who break national laws, including by aiding and abetting criminal entities and perpetrators, will be held accountable.

The Committee to Protect Journalists this week criticized Ethiopias actions, saying that the scarcity of independent reporting coming out of Tigray during this conflict was already deeply alarming. Now, the Ethiopian militarys arrests of journalists and media workers will undoubtedly lead to fear and self-censorship.

Without unhindered access to Tigray, it is challenging to determine the fate of an estimated 6 million people four months after the region was cut off from the world.

ARE PEOPLE STARVING TO DEATH?

Yes, according to local officials, though its not clear how many. While humanitarian aid to Tigray has increased in recent weeks, aid workers have said it is far from enough and some 80% of the region remains unreachable.

In the starkest warning yet, the Ethiopian Red Cross last month said if humanitarian access didnt improve, thousands of people would be starving to death in a month, and tens of thousands in two months.

Ethiopias government on Wednesday said it had distributed food aid to some 3.8 million people, and it again asserted that humanitarian organizations now have unfettered access to Tigray.

But humanitarian workers say the reality is far different, citing obstacles from authorities and the insecurity. An access map published this week by the U.N. humanitarian agency showed much of Tigray inaccessible beyond major roads and cities.

The fighting, which is ongoing in parts of Tigray, erupted on the brink of harvest in the largely agricultural region and sent an untold number of people fleeing their homes. Witnesses have described widespread looting by Eritrean soldiers as well as the burning of crops, while forces from the neighboring Amhara region have reportedly occupied large parts of Tigray.

This week a senior interim Tigray official, Gebremeskel Kassa, told the BBC that we are not able to know the whereabouts of a million people.

The U.S. now says both the Eritreans and the Amhara forces should leave Tigray immediately.

Short link:


London:

Pakistani rights activist Malala Yousafzai on Thursday secured a place at Oxford University after getting her A-level results as the Nobel Peace Prize winner follows in the footsteps of numerous world leaders by studying philosophy, politics and economics at the prestigious varsity.

The UN Messenger of Peace, who lives in Birmingham since she was airlifted for a life-saving surgery after being shot in the head by the Taliban nearly five years ago, confirmed the news in a tweet congratulating all students getting their board level exam results today.

In March, the 20-year-old had revealed her conditional offer to study the three subjects at the world-famous university if she achieved three As in her A-level results. It would seem she has got the grades that she required.

So excited to go to Oxford!! Well done to all A-level studentsthe hardest year. Best wishes for life ahead! she tweeted.

Malala will be following in the footsteps of world leaders by studying philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) a course that has been dubbed the degree that rules Britain by the media.

Notable alumni of PPE at Oxford University include former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, someone Malala describes as her heroine. PPE is also one of the prestigious universitys most over-subscribed courses.

Other famous alumni include Myanmars pro-democracy campaigner Aung San Suu Kyi as well as former British Prime Minister David Cameron and his one-time Labour opponent Ed Miliband.

Malalas father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, tweeted: My heart is full of gratitude. We are grateful to Allah and thank you to al those who support Malala for the grand cause of education.

Malala was shot in the head on her way home from school after writing her anonymous diary about life under Taliban rule in the Swat Valley of northwest Pakistan.

Militants boarded her school bus and opened fire, also injuring two of her school friends. She became internationally known after the incident and relocated with her family to Birmingham for further rehabilitation.

In April, Malala was made the youngest ever UN Messenger of Peace. She was also the youngest person to win the Nobel Peace Prize aged 17 in 2014.

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After Republicans bolted from the 2020 legislative session and once again killed Oregons controversial bill to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, a frustrated Gov. Kate Brown issued an executive order for state agencies to draft carbon reduction rules that would achieve the same goals.

Namely, to reduce Oregons greenhouse gas emissions by 45% below 1990 levels by 2035 and 80% below those levels by 2050.

Those plans are now taking shape, and the heavy lifting will come from the Department of Environmental Quality, which has the authority to regulate emissions from transportation fuels, industry, and electric and natural gas utilities. The Environmental Quality Commission appointed a 34-member advisory committee to help hash out the rules with a goal to have a program up and running by the beginning of next year.

Its a potentially unwieldy panel with representation from environmental and community groups, affected industries and companies, tribes and local government. Regulated businesses are already raising concerns about the costs of complying with the program. Environmental groups, meanwhile, point to the industry-heavy makeup of the advisory council. Theyre concerned that electric utilities and some transportation fuel providers will escape any regulation under the program, and that it could allow industry to pollute at higher levels for longer.

The hope is that DEQ will be able to course correct and get this plan on track to be consistent with best available science, said Zach Baker, Oregon program manager for Climate Solutions, one of the environmental groups represented on the panel. The advisory group has through June to hammer out the details and land the plane, and the more exemptions we need to talk about, it starts to raise concerns about where this plane will ultimately land.

Its early days yet, but its clear this will be a simpler, stripped-down version of the program that ultimately blew up two sessions of the Legislature. Gone are the state auctions of emissions allowances to polluters, and the hundreds of millions of dollars they would have generated to reinvest in carbon reduction, adaptation and social justice programs.

In this program, DEQ would annually issue pollution permits to entities whose carbon emissions exceed an established threshold, then gradually ratchet down those annual allowances to force businesses to clean up their act. Some trading of those permits will be allowed, and its likely that companies will be able to meet some portion of their obligation by investing in projects that reduce emissions, say electric buses, as an alternative reducing their own.

Richard Whitman, DEQs director, says that in many ways, its a cleaner approach, not subject to the same kind of lobbying and horse trading that repeatedly watered down lawmakers proposal. He says the Environmental Quality Commission, a five-member citizens panel, has the ultimate authority to set the rules.

Were doing this much more intentionally than the Legislature was able to do, he said. This is not a vote. We are not looking for a decision from the (advisory committee). Theyre on there to give us their expertise and opinions.

But this process will hardly be divorced from politics. Business groups are already suing the state to overturn the governors executive order, which may provide them with negotiating leverage. All sides will be lobbying the Environmental Quality Commission on numerous issues, including who gets to fill open positions on the panel.

Whitman acknowledges that the process makes some groups uncomfortable. Theres going to be more noise going forward.

Electricity sector

A big gap in this program, one that DEQ acknowledges up front, is that greenhouse emissions from electric utilities would not be regulated. Its a big hole, as emissions of carbon dioxide and equivalents from burning natural gas for electricity accounts for about half of emissions from stationary sources statewide -- most of it from plants owned by Portland General Electric.

The problem is that a big chunk of Oregons electricity supply still comes from out of state sources, much of it from coal plants, and DEQ only has the authority to regulate in-state emissions. If it were to impose emission limits on in-state gas plants, utilities might simply import more power from out of state, much of it dirtier coal, a problem referred to as leakage.

There are bills in the Legislature, such as House Bill 2995, that would force electric utilities to supply customers with 100% clean electricity by 2035 and accelerate the existing deadline to transition off coal from 2030 to 2025. Thats an aggressive goal, and may be particularly onerous for PacifiCorp, which still gets a significant chunk of its electricity supply from coal, and is a co-owner of a gas fired power plant in Oregon.

PGE, meanwhile has an existing net zero plan that pledges to reduce its greenhouse emissions by 80% by 2030, and an aspirational goal for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. That glidepath is more aggressive than the statewide carbon reduction goals, though it remains to be seen if its achievable. The company still has an ownership stake in a Montana coal plant and operates four of the seven big gas fired power plants in the state.

Its not clear if any of the proposed legislation will pass, which would leave both imported and in-state electricity exempt from emission limits.

Ideally all electricity emissions would be covered, Baker said, but the plan should at least cover new plants in Oregon, making it harder to site them here. We know from the climate math and science that we cant be building news gas plants.

Whitman agrees that deep decarbonization of the electrical grid is necessary for the state to hits its targets. But its not something we can do without legislation. We have to work within our existing authorities.

Natural gas and petroleum

For natural gas companies in particular, the program may pose an existential threat to their business model as it incentivizes commercial and residential customers to move away from gas heating and cooking, and pushes gas utilities and suppliers to transition faster to so-called renewable natural gas and hydrogen energy.

Nels Johnson, government affairs manager for NW Natural, says the company has a plan to do just that by 2050. It was on board with the last version of the cap and invest legislation, and felt the Legislature was the appropriate venue to work out the details of the program.

The utilitys chief concern with the new program is the cost of complying, in part because Oregons program wont be linked to Californias, as it would have been under the cap and invest program. It also wont be generating huge sums of money every year to invest in carbon reduction projects within Oregons borders. Both would have generated a larger supply of alternative projects to invest in, and cheaper carbon offsets that could be used to satisfy the states emission reduction targets while it makes that transition.

The DEQ is considering scenarios that would allow companies to meet up to a quarter of their pollution reduction obligations by investing in such projects. But DEQ wants them to deliver benefits on the ground in Oregon, such as electric car charging infrastructure, electric buses, or high efficiency heat pumps for low-income residents. Johnson said the supply of such projects is likely to be far more limited in Oregon, and the offsets more expensive.

Do we want to do it the expensive way or cost-effective way, Johnson asked. Our hope is that the EQC will says lets do this in a cost-effective way, and thats the lens theyll look at these rules through.

Brad Reed, a spokesman for Renew Oregon, says using offsets from alternative projects should be strictly limited unless companies can prove the projects are really eliminating greenhouse emissions.

Thats the point of the whole program, he said. The fear is that companies are allowed to continue business as usual by trading things around. Overall, the future has to be primarily gas free to have any shot at meeting these goals.

The majority of Oregons greenhouse emissions come from the transportation sector. Fuel suppliers and truckers are among those suing the state to overturn the governors executive order as unconstitutional. They are also members of the rulemaking advisory committee.

One open question is how high the minimum emission threshold will be set for regulating fuel companies. Under the cap and invest legislation, it was all fuel suppliers with annual emissions of carbon dioxide equivalents greater than 25,000 metric tons.

Under one scenario the DEQ is considering, the level could be as high as 300,000 metric tons. That would capture large fuel suppliers, and 86% of related emissions, and make the program easier to administer. But environmental groups say that would still let some 80 companies and 14% of the emissions off the hook, and would open up the possibility of oil companies gaming the system by rejiggering their distribution.

Whitman insists that wont be the case, though he says the agency needs to be mindful about the equity issues of possible fuel price increases and how quickly Oregonians will adopt electric cars.

What were likely to propose to the (Environmental Quality Commission) will cover almost all transportation fuels, he said. Theres no plan to have any big exemption for fuel suppliers.

How far how fast

Another area of contention is where the commission will set the overall and interim emission reduction targets; in effect, how fast and how far it lowers the boom on greenhouse pollution. The science is clear: Reductions need to come quickly to avoid the worst impacts of global warming.

The DEQ is modeling three different scenarios, one that matches the targets in the governors executive order, one more aggressive and one less. But each of those scenarios also tweaks which sectors would be regulated or exempted, whether entities could trade their emission permits, and how much of their compliance obligation could be satisfied by investing in alternative projects.

Environmental groups are adamant: The caps should be as aggressive as possible, but clearly no weaker than the goals the governor has already laid out.

Kristen Sheeran, the governors climate and energy carbon policy adviser, says the goals in the governors executive order were just that, goalposts for emission reductions across Oregons economy. No one program, she said, was intended to carry the whole load.

State agencies and commissions are working on rules to achieve those targets. The states renewable portfolio standard is pushing utilities to transition to wind and solar. Its clean fuels program is generating emission reductions in the transportation sector. She said all those measures will act in tandem with DEQs carbon reduction plan.

Its a toolbox approach, she said. DEQ is working on one of those tools.
[March 05, 2021] Xiaomi's Strategic Investment into AMTD Capital under AMTD International (HKIB)

AMTD Group together with AMTD International Inc. ("AMTD International") (NYSE: HKIB; SGX: HKB) jointly announced that Airstar Digital (formerly named as Xiaomi Digital), a subsidiary of Xiaomi Corporation, invested in AMTD Capital, a subsidiary of AMTD International. AMTD Capital has obtained an approval earlier last year by the Chinese regulator to operate as a foreign-invested investment management firm in Hengqin. Xiaomi Finance (Hong Kong) Limited, a subsidiary of Airstar Digital, officially signed the strategic collaboration agreement with AMTD International. Under the agreement, Airstar Digital will invest into new shares to own 49.87% of AMTD Capital. Mr. Zhao Weixing, Vice President of Airstar Digital and former Chief Executive of XW Bank, will join the Board of AMTD Capital. AMTD Capital will also be renamed as AM Capital. Recently, Mr. Calvin Choi, Chairman and CEO of AMTD Group and founder of AMTD International, and Mr. Zhao Weixing, Vice President of Airstar Digital, in their capacity as representatives of the shareholders and members of the Board of Directors of AM Capital, met face to face in Hong Kong to discuss further cooperation opportunities and held the first Board meeting. The meeting focused on how the two shareholders can maximize synergies and support AM Capital to implement its "Enterprise+" strategic investment methodology, and its investment direction to focus into FinTech, ecosystem building, and smart manufacturing companies. The objective is to provide enterprises with long term but low-cost capital to support their long-term development, and at the same time provide multi-dimensional value-added services such as strategic modeling, process optimization, industry consolidation, financing support, and business development for the pre-IPO or listed companies. AM Capital is the second corporate level equity co-investment and collaboration between AMTD Group and Airstar Digial, following the joint establishment of Airstar Bank. AM Capital's management team will comprise of core members from both AMTD Group and Airstar Digital.



In addition, Mr. Feng Juwen, Deputy Director for Hengqin Financial Services Bureau, and Mr. Luo Hao, Assistant Director of Hengqin Financial Services Bureau, led a team to visit AM Capital. During the meeting, Mr. Feng firmly expressed that the Hengqin Financial Services Bureau would actively support and assist AM Capital's business development and promote its business in the Greater Bay Area. Serving as one of AMTD Group's key platforms in the Greater Bay Area, as well as aligning with Airstar Digital's strategic direction in the digital finance sector, AM Capital will follow the governments' lead in the region to promote financial openness and innovation, deepening financial cooperation between Hong Kong, Macau, and China, assuming the strategic role to bridge cross-border investment and financing.

About AMTD International Inc. AMTD International Inc. (NYSE: HKIB; SGX: HKB) is a premier Hong Kong-headquartered financial institution group connecting companies and investors from Asia, including China and Hong Kong as well as the ASEAN markets with global capital markets. Its comprehensive one-stop financial service solutions strategy addresses different clients' diverse and inter-connected financial needs across all phases of their life cycles. Leveraging its deep roots in Asia and its unique eco-system - the "AMTD SpiderNet" - the Company is uniquely positioned as an active super-connector between clients, business partners, investee companies, and investors, connecting the East and the West. For more information, please visit www.amtdinc.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at "@AMTDGroup." For the Company's announcements, please visit http://ir.amtdinc.com/News. Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to 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," "aims," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "likely to," and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about AMTD's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in AMTD's filings with the SEC (News - Alert) . All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and AMTD does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005630/en/

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Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

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New Delhi:

The government is considering to declare the result of university exam in two parts rather than waiting for an assessment of all the papers to be complete, said Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde.

To release university result in two phases of all the streams, the proposal had been sent to the university's examination department in order to check whether it will be legally permissible or not. The government and the University are under fire because of an inordinate delay in declaration of results this year. Tthe university is still struggling to declare results.

This year assessment of papers was delayed because Vice Chancellor had decided to switch to a new method in which answers papers were to be scanned and then assessed on computer screens to prevent tampering.

According to the MU's statement, 16,00,257 papers have been checked so far, while 1,50,674 papers are yet to be assessed. Although the varsity had promised to finish the assessment by August 15, it missed the deadline.

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Speaking to reporters, Tawde said, "Under the act governing Mumbai University, if 90 per cent papers are assessed, results can be declared.

The results of remaining papers can be released later." Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, who is the chancellor of universities, today held a meeting with Tawde and officers of examination department. "It was decided to explore the option of early release of results if the assessment of few papers is incomplete," the minister said.

Tawde also said that the varsity was expecting a spurt in a number of applications for revaluation this year. "We have increased the strength of revaluation team," he added.

About the difficulty which those seeking admission to MBA courses would face in the absence of results, Tawde said they would be allowed to take admission solely on the basis of CAT (common aptitude test) scores, and submit the graduation results later. "Necessary instructions have been given to the technical education department," the minister said.

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The Connecticut municipalities with the highest rate of COVID vaccinations tend to have few of what the state considers high-need residents, according to data released this week.

Only Waterford  ranked No. 18 in the state for vaccination rate  had a significant high-needs population among the top-performing municipalities as of Monday. High needs is defined as being at elevated risk of not having access to adequate health care.

The top municipalities also tend to be smaller, with around 20,000 people and populations consisting of mostly white residents.

The data also pointed directly to a continuing gap between the percentages of white, Black and Hispanic residents receiving vaccinations.

The three towns with the highest percentage of their populations vaccinated  Essex (32.9 percent), Old Saybrook (32.7 percent) and Woodbridge (29.7 percent)  each consist of at least 75 percent white residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

A total of 1,042,534 vaccine doses have been administered in Connecticut as of Thursday. Statewide, 681,488 people have received a first shot, or 19 percent of the population, while 361,046 have also received a second dose, state figures show.

A total of 155 Johnson & Johnson one-shot vaccines, which were delivered this week, were administered through Thursday.

Of those 75 and older, 74 percent have received at least a first dose, while 59 percent of those between the ages of 65 and 74 have received the first shot.

Of those between the ages of 55 and 64, who became eligible on Monday, 17 percent have received a first dose.

Officials have acknowledged the states vaccination equity gaps. The state Department of Public Health has identified 50 ZIP codes as having vulnerable populations and plan to allocate a quarter of Connecticuts vaccine supply to them.

Hartford and Bridgeport sit at the very bottom for the percentage of their populations vaccinated. Hartford has vaccinated 8.9 percent of its population, while Bridgeport sits at 9.3 percent, as of Monday.

These areas have a high social-vulnerability-index, which are metrics devised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track those most at risk to not have health care access.

Weve been meeting regularly with providers all around the state talking about strategies to make sure that people in those high-SVI have access to vaccine, said Josh Geballe, the states chief operating officer.

Geballe said the state has launched several initiatives, including outbound calling and dedicated call-in lines.

Many of our providers are now reserving appointment slots to make sure people in those ZIP codes have easier access to book an appointment, he said.

Health workers have also begun knocking on doors, along with more and more mobile clinics starting up each day, Geballe said.

The data released Monday also appeared to show significant disparities between the percentage of white people who have received their first dose of the vaccine in Connecticut versus Black and Hispanic residents.

Among those whose race was recorded, slightly more than 55 percent of white residents aged 65 and above had received at least the first dose of the vaccine as of Monday. Up until that point, this was the only group in the general population eligible for the vaccine.

In comparison, about 37 percent of those who identified as Hispanic received their first dose in the same group, and 34 percent of those who identified as Black residents.

However, about 17 percent were listed under racial categories that make it difficult to break down the states vaccination rate by race, either because they were listed as more than one race, other, or unknown.

As the state prepares to lift many of the COVID restrictions placed on businesses in the coming weeks, Connecticuts rate of positive test results remained below 2 percent on Friday, as the total number of people hospitalized with the virus declined slightly.

The one-day positivity rate stood at 1.84 percent after 830 new COVID-19 cases were found in 45,062 tests

There were five fewer patients hospitalized with COVID on Friday, dropping the statewide total to 428  the lowest its been since Nov. 6, according to the states data.

Another 11 fatalities attributed to the disease brought Connecticuts official death toll to 7,704 on Friday.
When Ireland was at its height of Level 5 lockdown last November, Safe Ireland, the national agency working with domestic violence services recorded its busiest period.

Over 2,180 women and 602 children in Sligo, Leitrim and across the country received support from a dedicated domestic violence service from September to December last year, figures which, Carmel McNamee, Manager of Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (DVAS) in Sligo/Leitrim and West Cavan, describes as "shocking".

Ms McNamee spoke to The Sligo Champion following the release of Safe Ireland's latest report, Tracking the Shadow Pandemic - Lockdown 2.

The report looked at the demand on 39 frontline domestic violence services, including DVAS.

Nationally, the report shows that over 2,445 new women and 486 new children contacted a domestic violence service for the very first time in these four months.

This equates to 611 new women and 122 new children every month, or 20 new women and 4 new children every day, who had, as far as is known, never contacted a service before.

The statistics for the latter part of 2020 were higher generally than those reported over the first six months of the pandemic.

Closer to home, in Sligo/Leitrim and West Cavan, DVAS supported 55% more women than in 2019, offering information and advocacy for over 200 women during the year.

In the first lockdown last March, Ms McNamee reported the service had been quiet, since then however, she says the service has been "unbelievably busy".

Explaining just how difficult the lockdown has been and the pandemic overall, on women who are either in an abusive relationship or who have escaped one, Ms McNamee says they face major challenges.

"The abusive partners in a relationship continue to be abusive and continue it when the relationship ends. The children are an opportunity for this, they [abusive male partner] prioritise being abusive over being a dad."

Other issues women face during lockdown is having to attend courts because their ex partner has stopped paying maintenance.

"Many men stopped paying immediately. Women were already in lockdown obeying rules, and now the money they depend on to feed children and for parenting was gone. He knows she will have to go back to court to make a difference, he's deliberately doing that, depriving his own children," says Ms McNamee, adding that some children are even being told their mother is acting 'dangerously' during the pandemic, by way of scaremongering.

With a greater demand on services, Carmel says the needs of frontline emergency professionals like those working in DVAS Support and Advocacy Service also need to be responded to.

"Since last March, we have been working under enormous pressure to respond to those fleeing domestic abuse," she said.

"This work cannot stop. It can take no breaks. Our message to survivors remains clear and steadfast. You do not have to live in an oppressive home. You do not have to endure abuse and control. There is professional support available right here in your community."

"However, it is also essential that our services are adequately resourced," she continued.

Another issue as a result of the pandemic is people who have fled and who are in recovery are being triggered by the lockdown, isolation from friends and family, and this is an area that DVAS needs resources to support, not just for women who are in, or fleeing an abusive relationship.

In the latest Safe Ireland Report it shows 808 requests for refuge could not be met by services with no space available, with an average of 7 requests per day.

What adds greater concern to those figures is, in Sligo/Leitrim and many neighbouring counties there is no emergency accommodation at all.

So what do DVAS do in this situation?

"We ring around refuges that are there [around the country]. When Covid hit us there were 18 refuges in the country, half of those were communal, they couldn't operate safely so half the number of emergency refuges were gone."

Ms McNamee says there has been some positive news however. During the course of the pandemic, DVAS has been offered accommodation by members of the public, be it, access to a holiday home or other properties. Also, philanthropic work was done with a hotel chain.

"So we have access to full accommodation, it's limited, but generous."

Another positive has been access to emergency rent supplements.

"People fleeing home due to domestic violence can access emergency rent supplement, that's a pilot programme. It's running fantastically. That was a direct result of Covid and the Department working with Safe Ireland. It has successfully supported a number of women, each month since it began last July."

With lockdown extended and school children home during this time, DVAS support workers are always concerned about children.

DVAS say it is supporting women around a parenting situation where they themselves may be being bullied by their partner or ex partner against the already worrying backdrop of Covid-19.

"Essentially ex partners are focusing on continuing to be abusive and not parenting the child. I think it's unforgivable"

Another great concern for DVAS is that women who already have a small circle of contacts because of coercive control, now have had to minimise those circles even further during the pandemic.

"She's already reduced severely in who she's contacting. Because we're asked to reduce [contacts] again it's making them feel very alone."

Ms McNamee says the pandemic has meant that women are trying to cope under immense tension and pressure.

"Women who use the service and are in a relationship with a level of tension and threat could have had a coping strategy where they would have a lovely day out with children to try and balance what they're living with, that cannot happen, so it's all concentrated. It's like a pressure cooker."

She adds, "All of us are weary and if you add a whole layer of tension and threat for women and children it's very pressurising."

Living in such a pressured environment, some women's way of coping is ensuring children do not trigger a response from an abuser.

"She's trying to keep everything to a minimum, to manage the children very firmly so there's no cause to react. The exhaustion of doing that."

With greater demands on the service with thus far no sign of abating, how do services like DVAS keep up?

The advocacy service manager says funding remains the issue, and, while domestic violence in society remains invisible, the funding of it will remain a major issue.

In January there was some funding for PPE and signage for services, but this falls way below what is needed.

"What we really need is to have really good support to include recovery, in addition to the helpline and immediate needs of women, we also need fully resourced recovery services."

Carmel believes investing in prevention of domestic violence is something that is also greatly needed, and also training of service staff.

"In Ireland we have excellent legislation which came into law in 2019 and it's really thorough, but statutory and voluntary agencies have received no training in coercive control which is now a criminal offence. We need a fully funded training programmes to deliver coercive control education."

With lockdown announced until April 5th, Carmel and her staff cannot help but think of service users.

"We really worry about loads of women, we do have women who find it very difficult to make their phone appointments, who are still living with abusers, and have to be really inventive to have their phone support. The hardest thing for them is maintaining their own wellbeing under such pressures. No one should suffer like this and help and support is out there."

You can contact DVAS on 071 914 1515, Monday to Friday. Email: support@dvas.ie or to send a non traceable message on the website visit www.domesticviolence.ie.
In this Saturday, Feb. 7, 2021 file photo, people crowd Via del Corso shopping street in Rome, following the ease of restriction measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP)

The virus swept through a nursery school and an adjacent elementary school in the Milan suburb of Bollate with amazing speed. In a matter of just days, 45 children and 14 staff members had tested positive.

Genetic analysis confirmed what officials already suspected: The highly contagious coronavirus variant first identified in England was racing through the community, a densely packed city of nearly 40,000 with a chemical plant and a Pirelli bicycle tire factory a 15-minute drive from the heart of Milan.

"This demonstrates that the virus has a sort of intelligence. ... We can put up all the barriers in the world and imagine that they work, but in the end, it adapts and penetrates them,'' lamented Bollate Mayor Francesco Vassallo.

Bollate was the first city in Lombardy, the northern region that has been the epicenter in each of Italy's three surges, to be sealed off from neighbors because of virus variants that the World Health Organization says are powering another uptick in infections across Europe. The variants also include versions first identified in South Africa and Brazil.

Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and a reversal that ended a six-week decline in new infections, WHO said Thursday.

Carabinieri officers patrol one of the main access road to Bollate, in the outskirts of Milan, Italy. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

"The spread of the variants is driving the increase, but not only,'' said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, citing "also the opening of society, when it is not done in a safe and a controlled manner."

The variant first found in the U.K. is spreading significantly in 27 European countries monitored by WHO and is dominant in at least 10 countries: Britain, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Israel, Spain and Portugal.

It is up to 50% more transmissible than the virus that surged last spring and again in the fall, making it more adept at thwarting measures that were previously effective, WHO experts warned. Scientists have concluded that it is also more deadly.

"That is why health systems are struggling more now," Kluge said. "It really is at a tipping point. We have to hold the fort and be very vigilant."

In this Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 file photo, people gather at the Darsena dei Navigli, in Milan, Italy. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

In Lombardy, which bore the brunt of Italy's spring surge, intensive care wards are again filling up, with more than two-thirds of new positive tests being the UK variant, health officials said.

After putting two provinces and some 50 towns on a modified lockdown, Lombardy's regional governor announced tightened restrictions Friday and closed classrooms for all ages. Cases in Milan schools alone surged 33% in a week, the provincial health system's chief said.

The situation is dire in the Czech Republic, which this week registered a record-breaking total of nearly 8,500 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Poland is opening temporary hospitals and imposing a partial lockdown as the U.K. variant has grown from 10% of all infections in February to 25% now.

Two patients from hard-hit Slovakia were expected to arrive Saturday for treatment in Germany, where authorities said they had offered to take in 10 patients.

In this Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 file photo, people gather at the Darsena dei Navigli, in Milan, Italy. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Kluge cited Britain's experience as cause for optimism, noting that widespread restrictions and the introduction of the vaccine have helped tamp down the variants there and in Israel. The vaccine rollout in the European Union, by comparison, is lagging badly, mostly because of supply problems.

In Britain, the emergence of the more transmissible strain sent cases soaring in December and triggered a national lockdown in January. Cases have since plummeted, from about 60,000 a day in early January to about 7,000 a day now.

Still, a study shows the rate of decline slowing, and the British government says it will tread cautiously with plans to ease the lockdown. That process begins Monday with the reopening of schools. Infection rates are highest in people ages 13 to 17, and officials will watch closely to see whether the return to class brings a spike in infections.

In this Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 file photo, a man wearing a face mask walks across the medieval Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

While the U.K. variant is dominant in France, forcing lockdowns in the French Riviera city of Nice and the northern port of Dunkirk, the variant first detected in South Africa has emerged as the most prevalent in France's Moselle region, which borders Germany and Luxembourg. It represents 55% of the virus circulating there.

Austria's health minister said Saturday the U.K. variant is now dominant in his country. But the South Africa variant is also a concern in a district of Austria that extends from Italy to Germany, with Austrian officials announcing plans to vaccinate most of the 84,000 residents there to curb its spread. Austria is also requiring motorists along the Brenner highway, a major north-south route, to show negative test results.

The South Africa variant, now present in 26 European countries, is a source of particular concern because of doubts over whether the current vaccines are effective enough against it. The Brazilian variant, which appears capable of reinfecting people, has been detected in 15 European countries.

In this Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, file photo, pedestrians pass a sign on a bus stop in West Ealing in London. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)

In this Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 file photo, a row of empty chairs is pictured along the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, southern France. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

In this Tuesday, March 2, 2021 file photo, a German help worker tests for COVID-19 a French national going to Germany at the German-French border near Saarbrucken. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias, File)

In this Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021 filer, people enjoy the view at the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, southern France. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

In this Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 file photo, a woman walks past the entrance of the vaccination center in Frankfurt, Germany. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Michael Probst, File)

In this Feb. 2, 2021 file photo, pedestrians wearing masks against coronavirus walk past an NHS advertisement about COVID-19 in London, Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant, File)

In this Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021 file photo, a man takes his own COVID-19 swab test at a newly built testing facility in a car park in West Ealing, London. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File)

In this Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 file photo, a man walks across the medieval Charles Bridge in Prague, Czech Republic. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek, File)

In this Wednesday Jan. 13, 2021 file photo, microbiologist Marielle Bedotto-Buffet prepares samples at the University Hospital Institute for Infectious Diseases in Marseille, southern France, to study the highly contagious COVID-19 variant that has been discovered in the UK. Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and ending a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday, March 4, 2021. The so-called UK variant is of greatest concern in the 53 countries monitored by WHO in Europe. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole, File)

WHO and its partners are working to strengthen the genetic surveillance needed to track variants across the continent.

The mayor of Bollate has appealed to the regional governor to vaccinate all 40,000 residents immediately, though he expects to be told the vaccine supply is too tight.

Bollate has recorded 3,000 positive cases and 134 deathsmostly among the elderlysince Italy was stricken a year ago. It took the brunt in the resurgence in November and December, and was caught completely off guard when the U.K. variant arrived, racing through schoolage children before hitting families at home.

"People are starting to get tired that after a year there is no light at the end of the tunnel," Vassallo said.

Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

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The Nigerian Army has redeployed 204 officers to new formations across the country, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

The redeployment, which sources said was effected on March 5, came the same day the Chief of Army Staff, Ibrahim Attahiru, was confirmed and elevated to the rank of lieutenant general.

The redeployment came a day after the Nigerian Air Force announced a similar exercise.

Out of the 204 officers redeployed, 120 are generals.

Out of the 120 generals, 68 are major generals while the other 52 are brigadier generals.

Others affected were 31 colonels, nine lieutenant colonels, 25 majors, 13 captains and five lieutenants.

Notable amongst the generals redeployed are C. C. Okonkwo, a major general, who was in charge of Operation Safe Haven in Jos, Plateau State and now transferred to the Army Welfare Limited/Guarantee as a Group Managing Director.

Another major general, D.C. Onyemulu, replaces Mr Okonkwo as the commander, Operation Safe Haven.

Most of the affected officers are expected to resume at theire duty posts March 10.

Rising insecurity

The redeployment of the officers is coming amidst rising cases of Boko Haram attacks on army formations in the North-east region, banditry in the North-west and crimes and killings across the country.

PREMIUM TIMES had exclusively reported that at least seven soldiers of the Nigerian Army were confirmed dead after an ambush by the terrorists.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave the service chiefs an ultimatum to secure the nation before the rainy season starts.

FULL LIST OF REDEPLOYED GENERALS

AS Maikobi  Major General DC Onyemulu  Major General HI Bature  Major General A Bande  Major General SA Yaro  Major General LA Adegboye  Major General OI Uzamere  Major General J Sarham- Major General OF Azinta  Major General JB Olawumi  Major General CO Ude  Major General G Oyefesobi  Major General BM Shafa- Major General NA Angbazo  Major General BA Akinroluyo  Major General HR Momoh  Major General KAY Isiyaku  Major General AT Hamman  Major General MO Uzoh  Major General AM Aliyu  Major General CC Okonkwo  Major General MA Masanawa  Major General JI Unuigbe  Major General JJ Ogonlade  Major General AN Dauda  Major General AA Jidda  Major General YI Shalangwa  Major General IN Yusuf  Major General JGK Myam  Major General SA Adebayo  Major General GA Umelo  Major General PB Fakrogha  Major General VO Ezugwu  Major General AB Omozoje  Major General EN Njoku  Major General SO Olabanji  Major Genera; GB Audu  Major General OA Akintade  Major General OT Akinjobi  Major General BA Isandu  Major General AM Alabi  Major General AA Adesope  Major General OW Ali  Major General MG Ali  Major General SS Araoye  Major General GS Abdullahi  Major General CG Musa  Major General US Mohammed  Major General KI Mukhtar  Major General KN Garba  Major General DH Ali-Keffi  Major General EV Onumajuru  Major General KI Yusuf  Major General BR Sinjen  Major General TA Lagbaja  Major General UU Bassey  Major General S Dahiru  Major General UA Yusuf  Major General KO Aligbe  Major General AK Ibrahim  Major General LA Fejokwu  Major General AB Ibrahim  Major General JO Ochai  Major General EAP Undiandeye  Major General OR Aiyenigba  Major General GU Chibuisi  Major General SG Mohammed  Major General IM Jallo  Major General IA Doma  Brigadier General IZ Ohiaka  Brigadier General AIM Lapai  Brigadier General A Adamu  Brigadier General V Ebhaleme  Brigadier General OO Odunuga  Brigadier General MO Jimoh  Brigadier General CU Onwunle  Brigadier General M Danmadami  Brigadier General ASO Onilema  Brigadier General AM Bello  Brigadier General SB Kumapayi  Brigadier General E Eji  Brigadier General LT Omoniyi  Brigadier General JO Ogwuoke  Brigadier General BA Muhammad  Brigadier General AA Eyitayo  Brigadier General HT Wesley  Brigadier General AG Fagge  Brigadier General JD Bulus  Brigadier General YK Musa  Brigadier General AU Kuliya  Brigadier General DI Salihu  Brigadier General OA Adenuga  Brigadier General CF Okafor  Brigadier General LG Lepdung  Brigadier General OA Fawole  Brigadier General MO Ihanuaze  Brigadier General SA Gumel  Brigadier General AR Bello  Brigadier General M Galadima  Brigadier General TT Sidick  Brigadier General AK Onasoga  Brigadier General IG Lassa  Brigadier General AA Adereti  Brigadier General JE Osifo  Brigadier General IO Olatunji  Brigadier General RI Odi  Brigadier General OM Bello  Brigadier General AJ Aliyu  Brigadier General AG Audu  Brigadier General IM Abdullahi  Brigadier General KO Ukandu  Brigadier General IA Ajose  Brigadier General OA James  Brigadier General GS Mohammed  Brigadier General IEE Akpaumontia  Brigadier General I Sule  Brigadier General EO Aduyebo  Brigadier General ST Shafaru  Brigadier General OS Obor  Brigadier General OA Fadairo  Brigadier General
The army bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion last Wednesday night (24th) at the scene of a hoax explosive.

Gardai were alerted to the matter at around 8 p.m. on Wednesday night. Two men were walking in the area and noticed a suspicious item which looked like an explosive device, placed on top of an electrical box on Albert Walk.

'They quite rightly made a call to us and gardai assessed the situation,' said Sargent John Fitzpatrick of Bray Garda Station.

The area was sealed off and homes and businesses along Albert Walk evacuated.

The army attended the scene and used a robot to inspect the item. They established that there was no risk danger to anyone in the area.

One of the men who reported the item said that he and his brother do not wish to be named.

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'We were walking the dog and at the top of the Albert Walk near Henry and Rose there's a little electrical box,' said the source. 'I spotted what looked suspicious. It was a home made device with lots of screws on the outside and three different compartments, as well as tube about six inches long. There was another plastic tube and a piece of wood and it was all taped together.'

The witnessed was concerned it could be dangerous. 'I said to my brother don't touch that. I got my torch out and had a look. We thought while it could be a hoax, if it wasn't and we hadn't called the gardai, and someone got hurt, how would we feel?'

They contacted Bray Garda Station and the operation got under way from there. Food businesses in the area Henry and Rose and Mizonnis were closed for the rest of the night.

'The bomb squad got there at around 10 p.m.,' said the witness. 'There were guys there with machine guns, and they brought out the robotic device to examine the item,' he said. People were moved back to the junction of Station Road and Quinsboro Road where they heard the controlled explosion.

'That was just after midnight and they left declaring the are safe. I saw gardai putting things into evidence bags. Hopefully whoever it was is caught because there was some amount of resources wasted, and residents put in fear.'

Sgt Fitzpatrick said that investigations are ongoing and anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. is asked to get in touch.

He said also that people should not hesitate to contact gardai if they have suspicions about an item or package.

He said that a procedure is put in place immediately on receipt of a report of such an incident, with the priority to protect life and property.

Bray Garda Station can be contacted on 01 6665300 and the garda confidential line is 1800 666 111.
The Playhouse in Derry has appointed a new chief executive.

Kevin Murphy has recently taken over the helm at the local arts centre.

The Playhouse said it was delighted to have a 'cultural leader and creative citizen' lead the organisation into a new era of its theatre, education and engagement work.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr Murphy said: In these complex and powerful times it is a privilege to lead a space and group of people so deeply rooted in the place Derry-Londonderry as well as being so centrally connected to global movements around art making, peacebuilding and social change.

My greatest hope, as I embark on this journey, is to enable a Playhouse that is best for the world.

Mike Moriarty, Playhouse chairperson, said Mr Murphy 'brings a host of knowledge and creative experience.'

He added: He is a cultural leader and creative citizen whose career has been about enabling people and encouraging positive change.

His journey began as a professional musician performing and facilitating music in London.

He has been artistic director of Music55-7, transforming Derrys classical music series to include a fully-fledged education programme, numerous festivals, BBC Radio 3 broadcasts and an international peace-building project, Apple Hill Playing for Peace.

He has led the national arts development agency, Voluntary Arts Ireland, as their chief officer as well as becoming deputy chief executive of Voluntary Arts, the network that provides a unifying voice for the voluntary and amateur arts across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

"He is a Clore Fellow, Common Purpose Graduate and an International Futures Forum practice advisor.

Mr Moriarty concluded: As chair of the organisation I welcome Kevin, and I look forward to creativity, growth and stability.

Sonya Whitefield, arts development officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: The Arts Council of Northern Ireland warmly welcomes the appointment of Kevin Murphy as the new Chief Executive at The Playhouse.

We are tremendously proud of The Playhouse and its work, and we look forward to everything his new vision will bring to this impressive organisation.

See Monday's Derry News for an interview with the Playhouse's new chief executive.

BALLSTON SPA  When police arrived, they found an agitated Daniel Satre yelling outside his home.

Officers quickly moved to subdue Satre, a 43-year-old father of two who was not armed. When Satre resisted, officers repeatedly shocked him as they wrestled him to the ground.

"Do they have to Tase him that much?" a neighbor in the village of Ballston Spa can be heard asking in the only publicly available video of the incident.

"That's enough," she said as the stun guns crackled in the darkness. "They're going to kill him."

The neighbor was right. Satre passed out and was taken to Saratoga Hospital, where he died just after midnight on Sept. 21, 2014.

Schenectady police propose mental health crisis team  with no police uniforms

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Plan would expand Schenectady police panel's investigatory clout

Albany council gives review board disciplinary powers

I thought of Satre a few days ago as I read the report by state Attorney General Tish James on the death of Daniel Prude.

Like Satre, Prude was in his early 40s and a father. Like Satre, he appeared to be having some sort of psychotic episode when confronted by police. And like Satre, he suffered a heart attack during the encounter and died soon after.

Prude, who was Black, was nearly naked and shouting last March when police in Rochester decided to subdue him. Officers put a mesh hood over his face when he resisted and spat at them, and they pressed his head into the pavement until he lost consciousness.

A grand jury, James recently announced, decided not to indict any of the seven officers involved in his arrest. The six officers who had subdued Satre were likewise never charged.

In her exhaustive report, James makes it clear that Prudes death was entirely preventable. But she also says the officers were trained to respond to Prude largely as they did, which may explain why the grand jury was unwilling to indict.

Prude and Satre were both found to be suffering from excitable delirium syndrome, a condition brought about by psychiatric illness or drug use that makes people particularly vulnerable to cardiac arrest and sudden death.

The syndrome is not uncommon, but the James report noted that police arent trained to recognize or deal with it. So, instead of trying to calm the agitated person, they too often do the opposite.

In the Satre and Prude cases, officers rushed to bring the men to the ground, though neither presented an immediate threat. Officers were not patient, in other words. They were aggressive.

Perhaps that's not surprising. As James notes, police in New York are extensively taught on how best to control and subdue unruly subjects  yet they receive hardly any training on de-escalation, she said.

Thats a glaring omission. And a dangerous one.

"Implementing de-escalation training has been shown to reduce uses of force and prevent injuries to citizens and officers alike," says the James report, which recommends a series of changes in how New York officers are prepared for their difficult jobs.

The report also asks that state lawmakers pass "Daniels Law," which would establish mental-health units that would respond to situations like the ones presented by Prude, for whom the law is named, and Satre.

James said Prude needed compassion, care, and help from trained professionals. He received none of those things, she said.

The same is true of Satre. In fact, if we had paid more heed to his 2014 death and acted on its lessons, Prude might be alive today.

"Nothing was ever done," said Satres mother, Lois Christie, when we spoke on Friday. "It was like everything was swept under the rug."

To this day, Christie doesnt know why officers decided to use stun guns on her son, whose apparently erratic behavior is also a mystery to her. She doesnt know why officers didnt employ more discretion and patience.

In fact, Christie knows very little about anything that happened on that September night. Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen steadfastly declined to discuss her investigation.

"I never got a report or anything," said Christie, who lives in Vermont. "I dont even know which officers were involved."

In Rochester, police officials initially tried to claim Prudes death was an overdose  he had consumed PCP earlier in the night  and withheld information about the incident for months.

But eventually the dam broke, leading to the release of body-camera footage that garnered national attention amid the wave of disgust following the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police in May.

Now, thanks to the investigation and 204-page report by James, we have detailed information about how and why Prude died. But all the information in the world means very little if it doesnt provoke changes in police training and culture.

Daniel Prudes death was preventable, just as Daniel Satres was. The death of the next person who dies in similar circumstances will be preventable, too.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
Former Officer Charged with Marijuana Possession

By West Kentucky Star Staff

BARDWELL - A former police officer is facing charges after a drug investigation by several law enforcement agencies.The Carlisle County Sheriff's Department says a search warrant was executed at the home of 63-year-old Thomas Lemons, who is a former Bardwell Police officer. The warrant was obtained as part of a multi-county investigation, and the sheriff's office was assisted by Mayfield Police, Kentucky State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.The 5pm search on Friday led to the seizure of marijuana, digital scales and drug paraphernalia. Lemons was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.Lemons was cited to appear in court, since marijuana possession is not a charge for which a person can be arrested.
Kravchuk: We are not asking Russia to resolve conflict, help us, there is no such appeal and never will be

Ukraine has not asked Moscow for help in resolving the conflict in Donbas, there will be no such appeal. Kyiv is ready to rebuff all kinds of scenarios from Moscow in the Donbas, Head of the Ukrainian delegation to the Trilateral Contact Group Leonid Kravchuk has said.

"Today Ukraine is not the same as it was five, six, seven years ago. Today we are ready, we do not want this, but we are ready to mess up the face of those who meddle in our affairs without our invitations," he said on the air of Ukraine 24 TV on Friday.

The first president said that Russia often changes its rhetoric on resolving the conflict in Donbas.

"If you listen to Putin, Lavrov, Peskov, Gryzlov, then at different times they say different things, but the conclusion is the same  they have nothing to do with it, they are some kind of observers, they, you see, help us resolve the issue of some kind of internal conflict. And do we ask them [for help]?.. We do not ask them to resolve the conflict, help us, there is no such appeal, and never will be," Kravchuk said.

He also said that Ukraine is not asking "the aggressor to help... resolve the situation with the aggressor. This is a kind of oddity."

"But they [the leadership of Russia] are so inadequate in their assessments, I follow their every performance, and it is difficult to understand them. They think that they are so cunning that they can outwit themselves," Kravchuk said.

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Tiger blocks elephant's path, what follows next will amuse you

Farmers' Protest: Farmers block KMP expressway for 5 hour to mark 100 days of protest

India

oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

New Delhi, Mar 06: Protesting farmers on Saturday blocked the 135-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway, also known as Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway, from 11 am to till 4 pm to mark 100 days of protest against the Centre's farm laws. It can be seen that the farmers agitation against Centre's farm laws, had begun on November 26.

According to reports, those protesting at the Singhu border will reach Kundli and block the toll plazas falling on the way. Besides this, farmers from Ghazipur and Tikri borders will block Dasna and Bahadurgarh toll plaza, respectively.

Their plan of action includes freeing up the toll plazas from collecting fees. Farmers have also said that the toll plaza nearest to the border area will be blocked.

Rajvir Singh Jadaun, Uttar Pradesh President of the Bharatiya Kisan Union stationed at Ghazipur border said, "These toll plazas will be blocked in a peaceful manner and passers-by will not be troubled. We will keep water for the passers-by. They will also be apprised of our issues with the farm laws."

He went on to say, "Emergency vehicles will not be stopped, whether it is an ambulance, a fire brigade vehicle or foreign tourists. Military vehicles will also not be stopped."

The 53-km Manesar to Palwal section was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in April 2016. The remaining 83-km-long Kundli to Manesar section was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 2018.

Farmers' protest internal issue of India, for it to resolve: British govt

It is a six-laned, with ten tolled entry and exit points, 52 underpasses and 23 overpasses.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

Tens of thousands of farmers have been camping at the various borders of Delhi, including Ghazipur, Tikri and Singhu to protest against the three farm laws. In these 100 days, the farmers have braved harsh weather conditions, but remained firm on their demands.
Bruce Meyers, who used his skills as a boat builder to invent the first fiberglass dune buggy, igniting the late-1960s craze for off-road riding, and thrived until copycats flooded the market, died on Feb. 19 at his home in Valley Center, Calif. He was 94.

The cause was myelodysplastic syndrome, a blood cancer, said his wife, Winnifred (Baxter) Meyers.

Mr. Meyerss invention got a big promotional boost after he and a friend drove the Meyers Manx (named for the cat with a stub of a tail) to a time record over nearly 1,000 miles of the rough roads of the Baja California Peninsula in 1967. The victory proved the vehicles viability and made an aging beach boy the darling of off-road devotees.

Go back to the lifestyle I lived when I came into this thing, he said in a 2017 interview with Motorward, an automotive website. It wasnt about higher learning or education, but just about having fun.

Mr. Meyers was a surfer in Southern California with a fine-arts education who in the late 1950s and early 60s watched four-wheel-drive Jeeps struggle for traction on sand dunes.

Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full 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 Officer (NO-B) FT Tunisia#103565, Tunis, Tunisia

Organization: Unicef

Country: Tunisia

City: Tunis, Tunisia

Office: UNICEF Tunis, Tunisia

Closing date: Wednesday, 17 March 2021

Finance Officer, (NO-B), FT, Tunis, Tunisia#103565

Job no: 537962

Position type: Fixed Term Appointment

Location: Tunisia Division/Equivalent: Amman(MENA)

School/Unit: Tunisia

Department/Office: Tunis, Tunisia

Categories: Finance and Administration

UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Hope..

https://www.unicef.org/tunisia/

How can you make a difference?

The Finance Officer is reporting to the operations Cheif. He/She is responsible for providing support to the supervisor and colleagues in the office by administering and executing a variety of professional and technical financial transactions and processes, applying theoretical skills and thorough knowledge of organizational goals, objectives, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to complete the tasks.

The Finance Officer when supervising support staff will be responsible for planning and guiding work in progress and for reviewing work completed by subordinate staff to verify accuracy and compliance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), UNICEF Financial Regulations and Rules, policies, procedures, guidelines, standards of accountability, and ethics.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Support to financial planning and management

Control of accounts

Treasury and cash management

Knowledge and capacity building

1. Support to financial planning and management

Provide support to the financial planning process for CPMP by preparing/analyzing financial data/estimates and documentations verifying relevancy, accuracy and completeness to support budget planning. Provide financial operations support throughout the financial planning and implementation process.

Review budget expenditures according to allotment and codes and verify compliance with guidelines and procedures. Keep stakeholders informed for timely action.

Provide technical and operational support on the application, interpretation and implementation of operational policies, procedures and guidelines to the Representative and CO colleagues and stakeholders. Resolve routine financial operational issues and/or recommend (and record) deviation from policies and guidelines to meet objectives

2. Control of accounts

Process and/or review (as per delegated authority) the accurate and timely processing submission of payments (e.g. MIP, travel claims, pension fund, advances to governments etc), journal entries and other financial transactions within scope to the Global Shared Services Center (GSSC), ensuring compliance with budgetary limits, IPSAS and organizational regulations, rules, policies, procedures, standards of accountability, and ethics. Take timely action on outstanding accounts to resolve pending issues. This includes dialogue and follow up with the GSSC to facilitate timely processing of financial transactions submitted to the center.

3. Treasury and cash management

Manage bank, petty and cash on hand accounts transactions and operations in accordance with UNICEF/UN financial regulations and rules, policies, procedures and local banking practices. Keep abreast of procedures and regulations regarding maintenance of bank accounts and exchange and interests rates. Keep supervisor and relevant colleagues informed for timely action.

4. Knowledge and capacity building

Promote a culture of highest ethical standards and behavior in management of UNICEFs resources.

Support initiatives for management improvement by capturing, institutionalizing and sharing best practices and lessons learned. Recommend improvements in processes and procedures to enhance productivity and performance including implementation of cost saving strategies.

The ability of the Finance Officer to effectively manage and execute financial transactions and services directly impact on meeting organizational/staff needs and program delivery of goals and objectives. This in turn contributes to maintaining/enhancing the credibility of UNICEF as an effective and responsible manager of resources entrusted to the organization and to furthering UNICEFs image as a competent organization for delivering cost effective and sustainable program results.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have...

A first level university degree in accounting, financial management or another related financial field is required. Supplemental formal financial / accounting training may be accepted if university degree is not in a related financial field. Diploma qualification in CIPFA is acceptable in lieu of relevant university degree, or its equivalent.

Tags accounting standards banking cash management central africa ethics finance officer financial management financial regulations public sector shared services

A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in financial management or audit is required.

Experience in an international organization and/or large corporation is preferred.

Experience in a UN system agency or organization some of which served in a developing country is considered as an asset.

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel required.

Experience in database packages, web based management systems and ERP systems (preferably SAP financial modules) is considered as an asset.

Experience with IPSAS and/or IFRS is considered as an asset

Fluency in Arabic, French, and English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEFs values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are...

Functional Competencies

Analyzing (1)

Applying technical expertise (2)

Planning and organizing (2)

Following instructions and procedures (2)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEFs values and competencies.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Finance Officer Level 2_rbm.pdf

Advertised: Feb 08 2021 W. Central Africa Standard Time Application close: Mar 17 2021 W. Central Africa Standard Time
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Islands annual Readers Are Leaders program, which begins Monday, will be held virtually this year amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Each year, the program -- sponsored by the borough presidents office -- challenges fourth-grade students in public, parochial and private schools to read as much as they can. Participants are expected to read a minimum of six books during the course of five weeks.

Students will be able to participate in the 2021 program through an app called Sora, which is a free book-lending program.

In a kick-off video to students, which can be viewed above, Borough President James Oddo acknowledged that this past year has not been easy.

Readers Are Leaders continues to be one of our favorite events with school-age children, said Oddo. While we have changed the program this year to meet the needs of at-home and blended learners, we feel strongly that the spirit and joy of reading isnt something that should be postponed or canceled due to COVID-19.

This years Readers Are Leaders program will run through April 9. For more information about the program, reading logs and book report submissions, click here.
New Delhi, March 6 : Farmer leader Darshan Pal Singh on Saturday informed that a nationwide agitation against corporatisation and privatisation would be held on March 13 where farmers and labourers would throng the railway lines and agitate there.

"This is our next move to intensify the ongoing protest," said Pal, who is the Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Spokesperson.

Pal was present at the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway which was blocked by thousands of farmers on Saturday to mark 100 days of the protest which started on November 26, 2020 with an intent to pressurise the Central government to repeal the three new Union farm laws.

While speaking to IANS, Pal shared the helplessness against the crackdown on the farmers' protest by the Centre, including Internet shutdown and FIRs against those showing sympathy for the farmers' cause.

"What can we do if such things happen to us. We can only face and resist apart from taking precautions that no anti-national elements infiltrate our agitation," he said.

The latest in the list of crackdown is the infamous "toolkit" case which names environmental activists from India such as Disha Ravi and international activists such as Greta Thunberg in the FIRs lodged by the Delhi police.

They were framed under charges of defaming the country after a toolkit was shared by Thunberg from her official Twitter account which mentioned methods to intensify the ongoing farmer protests beyond India.

Marking the 100th day of the farmers' agitation, the farmers blocked the 135 km long Western Peripheral Expressway also known as KMP Expressway, from 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. The event ended peacefully with no reports of violence anywhere.
Jaipur: A COVID-19 negative report from an RT-PCR test taken up to 72 hours prior to entering the state is mandatory for people coming from Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.

Citizens coming from Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat who need to enter Rajasthan will have to present a COVID-19 negative report on arrival, the state government said on Friday (March 5).

The announcement comes after a high-level meeting of the Rajasthan government, which was chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot himself. The high-level meeting was to evaluate the COVID-19 situation in the state.

The decision comes in view of the upsurge in the number of COVID-19 infections in the neighbouring states.

Rajasthans CM, Gehlot also emphasised upon the fact that the people are getting negligent in following the COVID-19 protocols and it is a matter of grave concern.

Adding to this, it was also decided in the meeting that anganwadi centres and schools for students up to Class 5 will remain closed till March 31.

The Chief Minister directed the departments of local self-government, and information and public relations to again accelerate campaigns for creating awareness about coronavirus, the statement said.

All precautions have to be followed, Gehlot added.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, former CM Vasundhara Raje and state medical health minister Raghu Sharma were on Friday (March 5) administered the first dose of the corona vaccine.

Appealing to the people, he said: "In Rajasthan, we should not lose the battle which we have won against Corona. So don't be negligent. As soon as symptoms appear, visit a hospital and seek treatment. The hospitals are giving free treatment for Corona." He also added that the state alone accounts for 25% of the vaccination done so far in the entire country.

Rajasthan's COVID-19 tally surged to 3,21,123 on Friday with 195 fresh cases while the death toll climbed to 2,789 as one more person succumbed to the disease, according to a health department bulletin.

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Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Springtime in Japan, 2019. After an icy winter, the country was ablaze with pink cherry blossoms, prized by locals as a symbol of lifes ephemeral beauty. But the serene landscape did little to loosen the knot in Kumi Taguchis stomach. Hurtling towards her destination on a bullet train, she decided to scrap the TV program shed travelled almost 8000 kilometres to film. I cant do this, she told her producer. My story is not for sale. It seemed like a good idea when we discussed it in the office in Sydney, says Kumi, the new host of SBSs flagship current affairs program Insight. But when you actually get there, the emotional reality is very different. I was just crying and crying. Kumi is sitting at her kitchen table inside the sunny home on Sydneys lower north shore she shares with her 15-year-old daughter, Coco, and their toilet-trained Netherland Dwarf rabbit, Miles. (He uses a litter tray.) Despite COVID-19 necessitating a Zoom interview, she prepares as though Im visiting in person, laying out a plate of freshly baked biscuits. In a broadcasting career spanning more than two decades, Kumis high-profile roles have included: co-anchoring the afternoon and evening shifts on ABCs news channel; filling in as host of 7.30, News Breakfast and ABC Radio Sydneys drive slot; emceeing the Invictus Games opening and closing ceremonies to a global audience of 60 million; and presenting various news and current affairs programs during a six-year stint in Hong Kong. Taguchi is the new host of SBSs flagship current affairs program, Insight. Credit:Tane Coffin In 2017, Kumi replaced Geraldine Doogue as the host of Compass, ABCs long-running religion and ethics series. Her father, Akira, had died in Melbourne two months prior  but by 2019, his family in Tokyo remained unaware of his passing. (After his parents died, he lost contact with family members in Japan.) Intrigued by Akiras complicated relationship with his homeland, Kumi vowed to track down his surviving relatives while documenting her journey for Compass.

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In 1943, 10-year-old Akira was sent to live with other children in the mountains outside Tokyo: an attempt by the Japanese government to preserve younger generations as bombs rained down upon its most populous city. In between foraging for food, the children practised escape drills by walking in a single file while maintaing physical contact with the boy in front. After a bomb exploded during one of these drills, sending shrapnel flying, Akira felt a hand slip from his shoulder. When he turned, he saw his best friends lifeless body on the ground. After marrying Mary, an Australian, and moving to Melbourne to work as

a journalist at ABCs Radio Australia network in 1974, Akira only returned to Japan three times. In his will, he specified that his ashes should remain in Australia. Kumi suspects her father didnt want his death to inconvenience the family hed left behind. As she gazed out the window of the bullet train, she worried she was making a mistake. Would news of Akiras death bring peace to his family or simply cause them distress? Would they object to her arriving unannounced with a camera crew in tow? Was she truly prepared to share such intimate scenes with a national television audience? After Kumi informed her crew that she wanted to stop filming, her producer listened to her concerns and convinced her to push on. My career is built on other people feeling safe enough to share their stories with me, Kumi says. I thought, If I dont go through with this because Im feeling a bit vulnerable, how hypocritical is that?  By the time shed finished interviewing those whod known Akira and his family, she knew shed made the right choice. I grew up in an environment where my surname was always questioned because my family had no history [in Australia], she says. To know that my family was known in Japan was an extraordinary thing. I think most people just want to feel known. Still, Kumi couldnt help wincing when SBSs management questioned her about this Compass episode during her Insight job interview.

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I was a bit apologetic because, as journalists, were taught to be unbiased and not let our personal stuff get in the way. But they were like, Oh no, we actually see this as a positive! Youll be asking people to share their stories in the studio and if they know youve been through that process yourself, it will be easier for them to open up.  In an increasingly frenetic media landscape, Insight  previously hosted by acclaimed journalist Jenny Brockie  is a rarity. Each hour-long episode

is devoted to a single topic, from insomnia treatments to wrongful court convictions, and the studio discussion format features a mix of experts and people with first-hand experience of the topic. The reason Im so excited is because Im involved in shaping something from the ground up. When you see that unfolding in the studio, and you have these little moments where people share a story that you didnt expect, its an extraordinary feeling. Kumi Taguchi A huge part of the appeal of this job is that Ive always been fascinated by the stories of everyday people, says Kumi. When they share their stories in front of other people, a beautiful kind of support emerges. Theres this sense of Hey, were not the only ones going through this.  Born in Melbourne in 1975  delivered via caesarean, three months premature  Kumi spent the first month of her life in a humidicrib. (The caesarean was necessitated by complications from a mistake in a blood transfusion her mother Mary had received years earlier in Japan.) You read all these articles about how important it is for a mother and child to bond and have skin-to-skin contact, and I never had that, Kumi says. I do wonder what my body learnt about the world when I spent my first month isolated inside a little box. I have no doubt that it massively shaped my character. When stressed, Kumi tends to daydream about escaping to a cabin in the woods. After COVID restrictions came into force last year, she spent

a month sleeping in a swag in her courtyard, reading or doing puzzles

at night and waking to the sounds of birdsong in the morning.

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Its all about creating a little box for myself that I can control, she explains. But there is a danger in confusing isolation for safety. Kumi wears Esse Studios top, Oroton pants, Holly Ryan earrings. Credit:Tane Coffin One of Kumis favourite quotes, from the late journalist Christopher Hitchens, concerns the need to scrutinise the things that are not happening and the dogs that are not barking. In other words, its a caution against overlooking whats important at the expense of whats urgent. This approach has guided some of Kumis best work, prompting her to spend two weeks inside a repatriation hospital, for example, while reporting on military personnel diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also encouraged her to think more deeply about her career. Once you accept youre replaceable, youre free to just do your job without attaching your identity to it  and thats liberating. When I was working in Hong Kong, Id feel this deep anxiety the day before the fortnightly rosters came out, she says. So one night, I went home and actually looked in the mirror and said, Kumi, dont gauge your value by the number of shifts youve been assigned on a spreadsheet. Dont ever attach your identity to your job. My advice to young journalists now is that everyone is replaceable. I know that sounds awful but once you accept youre replaceable, youre free to just

do your job without attaching your identity to it  and thats liberating.

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At the age of five, after her parents separated, Kumi moved with her mother and older sister, Maki, to Sydney before settling at a farmhouse in the Southern Highlands of NSW. A talented classical violinist, she earned a music scholarship at the University of Wollongong but her love of storytelling drew her towards a career in media. Kumi was briefly married to journalist Hugh Riminton, now the national affairs editor at Network Ten, in 2005-06. She prefers not to discuss her romantic life and is protective of their daughters privacy. Kumi wears Christopher Esber dress, Holly Ryan earrings. Credit:Tane Coffin For me, parenting is about putting aside your ego and short-term desires to raise an emotionally healthy young woman who has a real sense of who she is, she says. Coco is much stronger and more courageous than I am. Sometimes [Hugh and I] text each other to say, Isnt our girl great?  While Kumi is careful not to burden Coco with her problems, she does seek her advice on certain matters. I might look at an issue and see two options, she says, whereas Coco will look at things differently and come up with

a third option. When Kumi began working as a journalist, some of her colleagues told her she was too soft to succeed in such a tough industry. At first, she accepted these statements as fact.

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Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill now says he is against changing the state law to allow voters to cast absentee ballots without declaring an excuse.

Thats a switch from two weeks ago, at least based on the position his office presented to a key legislative committee.

On Feb. 24, a top aide to Merrill spoke at a public hearing in support of legislation that would have ended the requirement to provide an excuse to apply for and cast an absentee ballot. The bill, by Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, would have also made other changes to the absentee voting law, such as requiring voters to mail in their ballots earlier.

Probate judges and circuit clerks opposed the bill at the hearing held by the House Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee. The League of Women Voters of Alabama endorsed the bill. The committee did not take a vote.

Hall later asked the committee chair to put the bill on hold to give her time to talk to opponents of the legislation. It remains on hold.

This week, Yellowhammer reported that Merrill said in radio interviews he never intended to support the no-excuse portion of Halls bill. Merrill said he wanted to use the bill to make other changes to the law.

Hall said she was surprised to hear that. Removing the excuse requirement was the sole purpose of her original bill.

He had come to me and said hed like to work with me on the bill, Hall said. So thats how he was engaged and involved when we had the hearing, that we were working from a bill that both of us had agreed we would put forward.

At the Feb. 24 hearing, Grace Newcombe, director of communications and governmental relations for Merrill, told lawmakers it was the position of the secretary of states office that it was time to end the excuse requirement, saying voting officials almost never checked the validity of excuses anyway.

Newcombe told the committee that Alabamas elections ran smoothly last year with no-excuse absentee voting effectively in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Merrill issued an emergency rule allowing any voter to vote absentee by checking the box that says, I have a physical illness or infirmity which prevents my attendance at the polls. More than 300,000 Alabamians voted absentee in the general election, shattering the state record.

Therefore, because the excuses serve no real purpose and because Alabama successfully handled a very similar effort to use no-excuse absentee voting on November 3rd, we believe Alabama is fully prepared to make this change and provide a more accessible means of voting for our constituents, Newcombe told the committee.

Asked today about the bill, Merrill sent a statement.

In Alabama, we can always do more to make it easier to vote and harder to cheat, and this session, our intentions were to use (Halls bill) to do just that, Merrill said. However, this bill contains provisions such as no excuse absentee voting that I now believe would create the perception that its passage would weaken the integrity of our elections.

Merrill also said: Let me be absolutely clear: we do not support the passage of any legislation that provides for no-excuse absentee voting.

As for what prompted the change, Merrill sent another statement through Newcombe.

Following countless conversations related to the bill, Secretary Merrill believes the bill creates the perception that it would weaken Alabamas already secure elections, Newcombe said in an email. Given the issues observed in 2020 nationwide, restoring the publics confidence in elections is of paramount importance. Therefore, the Secretarys legislative agenda is aimed at securing our voting process and removing any possibility for fraud, or potentially perceived fraud, to occur.

The surge in absentee voting and voting by mail during the pandemic last year became an issue in the presidential election. Donald Trumps campaign claimed the flood of mailed ballots opened the door for irregularities in some states that helped lead to Trumps defeat. Lawsuits challenging results in those states failed. No one challenged the results in Alabama, where Trump got 62% of the vote.

Rep. Bob Fincher, R-Woodland, chairman of the Constitution, Campaigns and Elections Committee, said he read the reports that Merrill said he never supported no-excuse absentee voting, contrary to the message the committee received at the public hearing.

Ill let the secretary speak for himself, Fincher said. But as you said, his assistant Ms. Newcombe came before our committee and endorsed the bill at the public hearing. I would think she does his bidding. She works for his office.

Fincher opposes removing the excuse requirement from absentee voting. A former chairman of the Randolph County Board of Registrars, former chairman of the Randolph County Republican Party, and former poll worker, Fincher said he opposes loosening any restrictions on absentee voting because he believes that is where voting fraud is most likely.

If I wanted to buy somebodys vote and make sure I got their vote, I could watch them fill that out at the kitchen table, Fincher said.

Merrill said he intends to support new legislation that would accomplish the portions of Halls bill that he said he supported. Those changes would, according to Merrill:

Decrease the amount of time absentee ballots can be requested to help ensure the Postal Service can deliver ballots in a timely fashion.

Increase the amount of time absentee election managers have to open absentee ballots on election day to make sure that all ballots are counted before the end of Election Day.

Remove the postmark deadline requirement because it serves no purpose. The deadlines for absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots to be received are clearly defined in state law.

Merrill has previously supported legislation to allow no-excuse absentee voting. But that has only been for bills that also made other changes to the law.

Lastly, we have never been proponents of no-excuse absentee voting exclusively, Newcombe said in a statement. This is evident because in the six years Secretary Merrill has been in this office and in the four years he served in the Alabama Legislature, he has never introduced a bill allowing no-excuse absentee voting exclusively. Rather, we attempted to accomplish our goals of making modifications to the absentee process through Representative Halls bill.
China will keep its fiscal policy basically stable and make no sharp turns in 2021, the finance minister said Friday.

The country will lower the deficit ratio and quota of the local government special bonds from last year, Minister of Finance Liu Kun told a press conference on the sidelines of the annual national legislative session.

However, compared with 2019, China's total deficit will increase by 810 billion yuan (about 124.8 billion U.S. dollars) to 3.57 trillion yuan this year. The quota of the newly-added special-purpose local government bonds for 2021 will stand at 3.65 trillion yuan, up by 1.5 trillion yuan from 2019.

The general expenditure of the central government has decreased for two consecutive years. The money saved was used to expand transfer payments to the local governments, Liu said.

Liu vowed that China will continue to improve management of government debt, keep the macro leverage ratio basically stable, maintain the necessary support for economic recovery, and leave policy space to cope with future risks and challenges.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia has long proclaimed itself Almost Heaven, a nod to a song and soaring mountaintop vistas. Now some joke the state name-checked in Take Me Home, Country Roads could take things up a notch as Democratic U.S. Sen Joe Manchin bargains his way through Congress.

FILE - In this Feb. 25, 2021, file photo, reporters question Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., as he arrives for votes on President Joe Biden's cabinet nominees, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia has long proclaimed itself Almost Heaven, a nod to a song and soaring mountaintop vistas. Now some joke the state name-checked in Take Me Home, Country Roads could take things up a notch as Democratic U.S. Sen Joe Manchin bargains his way through Congress.

Maybe well get to heaven status, said longtime Democratic Party official Nick Casey.

Reviving West Virginias economically battered coal towns and reversing a persistent population decline is a tall order. But Manchin, who grew up in the mountain town of Farmington, has emerged as a key swing vote in a divided Senate. Now he has his best shot in years to steer federal dollars back home.

Manchin put himself in the middle of things again this week over the COVID relief bill making its way through Congress, singlehandedly halting work on the measure Friday as Democrats sought to placate his concerns about the size and duration of an expanded unemployment benefit.

As for his own agenda, Manchin has dropped hints publicly about common sense infrastructure investments sorely needed back home: expanding rural broadband and fixing roads among them. He declared that West Virginia could supply the manufacturing firepower to innovate our way to a cleaner climate. And more than once, he's said coal miners can build the best solar panels if given a chance.

Some wonder if his newfound clout might help him do something former President Donald Trump promised but couldnt deliver  reignite a state economy long overly dependent on a coal industry in freefall.

Manchin's Senate colleagues have good reason to study the needs of small towns beyond the Blue Ridge Mountains. Manchin, 73, was already a recognized dealmaker on Capitol Hill, but deference to the most conservative Democrat in a 50-50 Senate has ratcheted up since November. A senator from Hawaii recently teased him as your highness. The guessing game of which way he'll vote has become fodder for late night television.

In recent days, Manchin's opposition helped sink Neera Tanden as President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the federal Office of Management and Budget.

Not since Robert Byrds death in 2010 has a senator from West Virginia wielded this much influence. Over half a century, Byrd brought home billions of dollars in federal buildings, landmarks and roads, many bearing his name.

This is hardscrabble country, man  our population is dropping, the demise of coal, said Casey, an attorney and former chair of the state Democratic Party. We got a guy now who can maybe do something legacy-wise. And I think theres a lot of hope and some expectation that Joes going to do things that are significant, exceptional.

Pam Garrison, a retired cashier, said she told Manchin at a meeting seeking a $15 federal minimum wage that Byrd has universities and hospitals named after him because when he got into power, he used that power for the good of the people.

If you do whats good for the people, even after youre gone, youre going to be remembered.

Manchin, though, sees himself not as a seeker of pork-barrel projects but as a champion for policies that aid Appalachia and the Rust Belt.

What we have to do now, and I think its appropriate  we show the need, and that the base has been left behind, he said.

He started down that road by joining Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow in co-sponsoring a proposal for $8 billion in tax credits to boost clean energy manufacturing for coal communities and the auto industry.

Robert Rupp, a political history professor at West Virginia Wesleyan College, says Manchin can use his position in a 50-50 Senate to put his small state in the forefront of everyones mind.

Hes at the centre of attention, and he could assert power, Rupp said.

A former governor, Manchin has deep roots in West Virginia politics. That helps explain why he is the last Democrat to hold statewide office in a state Trump carried twice by large margins.

Manchin maintains an air of unpredictability. He opposed a $15 minimum wage provision in the $1.9 billion pandemic stimulus package, even after activists rallied outside his state office in Charleston, leaving some to question his future legacy.

Were either going to smell like a rose in West Virginia, or were going to smell like crap, and its going to be attributed to Joseph Manchin, said Jean Evansmore, 80, an organizer with the Poor Peoples Campaign in West Virginia.

Days later, the Senate parliamentarian ruled an increase couldnt be included in the COVID-19 relief bill. That was a win for Manchin and his reverence for Senate customs, including the filibuster, which helps sustain a 60-vote hurdle to advancing most legislation.

Manchin has vowed never to support ending the filibuster.

On a recent morning in Charleston outside the golden-domed state capitol, saving it was a rallying cry for anti-abortion advocates, who held signs stating, Thank you Senator Manchin.

We need to encourage him to stand strong, said Marilyn Musgrave, who works for the Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion non-profit.

Musgrave's group looks to Manchin now after campaigning against his 2018 bid for a second full term, which he won with just under 50% of the vote. Manchin opposes public funding for abortions but stops short of supporting an outright ban. Still, he typically scores a low rating from abortion-rights groups, which puts him more in line with West Virginians who collectively have sent mixed signals on abortion.

With his centrist instincts in such a red state, Manchin has occasionally been the subject of rumours he'll switch parties.

Republicans kind of have this day-dream that just because hes conservative on some issues that would mean he would jump parties, Rupp said.

That's unlikely, especially given Manchin's newfound clout, he said. And that's fine with Matt Kerner, a 54-year-old West Virginian who wants Manchin to never forget that 16% of the people in his state live below the poverty line, the sixth-highest rate in the nation, according to the U.S. Census.

We're hoping Senator Manchin remembers that he represents some of the poorest people in this country, Kerner said.
Stormont's finance minister has poured cold water on introducing legislation to prevent real estate agents from charging tenants "illegal" letting fees, leading to calls for "action, not words" on the issue.

It comes after Belfast City Council (BCC) passed a motion earlier this week calling for the practice to be stopped, with councils being given the power to enforce potential legislation.

Conor Murphy was questioned on whether he would bring forward regulations banning such fees by SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, however he said it would not be a matter for his department.

A landmark 2018 court ruling in the case of Loughran v Piney Rentals Limited and F5 Property Limited found that a fee levied by the letting agent to a tenant was, in fact, actually a contribution towards the cost of services that agents had commissioned the landlord to carry out.

In effect, this means the tenant was paying fees to the agent for work the landlord had already paid for.

Mr Murphy, in a written Assembly answer to Mr McNulty, said that: "The practice of charging letting fees on tenants is currently unlawful.

"In the absence of sector specific legislation, that would not be a matter for the Department of Finance, a successful challenge to this practice was brought in 2017, with the claimant arguing that such fees attract the relevant provisions of the Commission on Disposal of Lands Order (NI) 1986, which set out broad principles of land law that fall within the Department of Finance's general remit.

"I have, along with the Minister for Communities, previously issued a joint communique indicating that such fees are considered to be unlawful."

Green Party Cllr Anthony Flynn, who proposed the BCC motion on the issue that passed earlier this week, said he was "disappointed" by the minister's response.

"The minister is right in that, yes, it's unlawful, and the was previously proven in court, but the problem is there's no enforcement behind it.

"So landlords and estate agents know that is unlawful, but they also know that the only recourse for tenants is through the small claims court.

"In terms of local councils having powers of enforcement of regulations to tackle these illegal fees, that needs to be financed.

It's disappointing [Conor Murphy] hasn't committed to anything in his answer at all.

"While the joint communique was helpful, they need to go further. We need action, not words."
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In September 2012 Jim McSharry wrote to his old school The Line School on Pearse Road, now renamed Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, asking if they had any photos of his time at the school in the 1940s.

He received a prompt reply from the Deputy Principal Olivia Flannery who told him that the name of the school in the 1940s was Clocar Naomh Padraig - St Patrick's Convent; that he had started there in 1945 and there were 44 boys in the Low Infants class. She couldn't find any class photos but asked the school caretaker to see if there was anything stored in the school attic. Eventually, two photo albums were found, one of which was scanned by Alec Foley.

The school, originally a boys' school, has had many changes of name over the years: in 1890 the Albert Road Male Infant School was handed over to the Sisters of Mercy: In the 1940s it was called Clochar Naomh Padraig, popularly known as The Line School after the road it was on, the Albert Line. In the 1950s it was called Scoil Fatima and in 1974 it was rebuilt and renamed Scoil Caitriona, and in 1993 it amalgamated with the girls' school, Scoil Phadraig, and renamed Our Lady of Mercy Primary School.

When Jim finally received copies of the photos he was disappointed to find there were no photos of his class at the Line School but was pleased that a CD of the photos was given to Sligo Library by Alec and would be available for future generations. Sadly Alec, who had himself been a pupil at the Line School in the 1950s died in December 2013. He would be pleased to know that the work he did in saving part of Sligo's photographic heritage is continuing. Jim is still looking for that elusive photo of his class group circa 1946-47.

He wonders what happened to the antique mission boxes featuring two children from Africa which was in the entrance lobby to the school. When you put a penny into the money box the little boy and girl nodded their heads as if to say Thank You.

Like thousands of other boys who attended the old Line School Jim remembers the renowned head teacher, Sister Vincent who retired in 1959 and died in 1981 aged 90.

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* More photos in the March 2nd issue of The Sligo Champion
Six Ukrainians were killed and another 15 were hospitalized in a traffic accident in Poland, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleg Nikolenko has said.

"Poland: near the village of Kaszyce a regular bus Poznan-Kherson got into an accident. Six citizens of Ukraine were killed, 15 were hospitalized," the diplomat wrote to his Twitter account on Saturday morning.

He added that the consuls went to the scene, they are interacting with local authorities and hospitals to provide consular assistance to Ukrainians and clarify all the circumstances of the accident.

According to Polish media, the tragedy took place on the A4 motorway near Jarosaw in Podkarpackie region. The bus with Ukrainian registration plates fell from the viaduct into a ditch  six people were killed, 34 were injured, RMF FM reported.

The bus drove towards Przemysl, towards the border with Ukraine. A total of 57 people were in the bus. All of them are citizens of Ukraine.

Two helicopters were dispatched to the scene of the accident to transport the wounded: the Polish air ambulance service and the MI8 military service. Firefighters evacuated passengers from the overturned bus.

The unaffected participants in the accident were admitted to a local school.

At the moment, all the victims have been taken to hospitals or hostels. A total of 34 people were initially hospitalized. Eighteen people who did not need hospitalization were taken to a neighboring hostel.

According to information from https://radio.opole.pl, 26 people were injured. "The victims were taken to the regional hospital in Przemysl, the Medical Center in Jarosaw, the regional hospital No. 2 in Rzeszow, the hospital in Rudna Maa and district hospitals in Przeworsk and Lubaczow," Marek Janowski, spokesman for the Przemysl ambulance station, said.
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Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy. Very hot. High 104F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 74F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.


Natural Resources Minister Seamus O'Regan responds to a question during Question Period in the House of Commons in Ottawa, Canada, on Feb. 4, 2020. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Operation of Line 5 Is Non-Negotiable: Natural Resources Minister on Michigans Order to Shut It Down

Natural Resources Minister Seamus ORegan says the operation of Enbridge pipeline Line 5 is non-negotiable, and the federal government is prepared to invoke whatever measures we need to stop Michigan from shutting it down.

We are fighting for Line 5 on every front and we are confident in that fight, ORegan said during a testimony before the Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States on Thursday.

It is an operational pipeline that not only employs people in Ontario and in Alberta and in Quebec, but provides energy security to those provinces and to U.S. states as well.

The Line 5 pipeline, which crosses Wisconsin and Michigan, brings oil from Western Canada east, where it is refined in Sarnia, Ontario, into products like gasoline, diesel, and home-heating fuel. Shutting down Line 5 would have a major impact on the crude oil supply of Eastern Canada and cost thousands of jobs.

On Nov. 13, 2020, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered the shut down of Line 5 by May 2021, saying Calgary-based Enbridge posed an unacceptable risk of a catastrophic oil spill in the Great Lakes, which violates the terms of the 1953 easement that allows the line to cross the bottom of Straits of Mackinac, a waterway to her state.

But Enbridges Line 5 has served Michiganders safely without incident at the Straits crossing for more than 65 years, over nine different State Administrations, the company said in a statement following Whitmers announcement.

Enbridge has since taken the matter to court and said it wont stop operating the pipelines based on the States unspecified allegations and its violation of federal law.

Repeated offers by Enbridge over the past year to meet with State officials to discuss pipeline issues of concern to the State, provide technical information and discuss matters that might be helpful to the States review of the easement were consistently ignored and dismissed, said Enbridge in a statement on Jan. 12.

Consequently, the State made its claim on ill-informed, inaccurate, out of date and unsupportable opinion.

Kirsten Hillman, Canadas U.S. ambassador told the committee that diplomats and governments will play a role in finding a solution.

The solution to this will come about through diplomatic and advocacy means, but it will also come about through negotiations between the company and the governor of the territory through which its going, Hillman said.

Conservative MP Mark Strahl questioned how the federal government is fighting differently for Line 5 from Keystone XL.

It sounds an awful lot like the plan to advocate for Line 5 is a carbon copy of the plan to advocate for Keystone XL, Strahl said. Why are you expecting a different result than you got with Keystone XL?

These are very different, ORegan said as he defended Ottawas efforts on the Keystone XL, which President Joe Biden cancelled on his first day in the White House.

When asked if he agreed with Whitmers concerns that Line 5 poses significant environmental risks to Michigan, ORegan replied, No, I do not.

This is a safe pipeline, it has always been a safe pipeline, [and] the owner is taking further measures to make sure it has continued safe operation.

Omid Ghoreishi and The Canadian Press contributed to this article.
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Fogelson, who was the driving force behind the redevelopment of the massive Central Station project in the South Loop as the co-chairman and chief executive of Central Station Development Corp., bought the 4,800-square-foot duplex condo on parts of the 51st and 52nd floors of the building, 950 N. Michigan Ave., in 2006 for $2.2 million. He then listed the residence in 2016 for $3.49 million.
Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has issued a call to arms to staffers from across the political spectrum to participate in her view of Parliament Houses workplace culture, assuring them we absolutely want to hear from you and promising the inquiry will help map the solution.

A day after being announced as the person who would lead a cross-party review of the workplaces of parliamentarians and their staff, Ms Jenkins - an experienced lawyer who moved to her current role with the Australian Human Rights Commission in 2016 - was at pains to stress political staffers with stories to tell about workplace bullying, sexual harassment or worse would be able to do so safely and anonymously.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins at the International Womens Day parliamentary breakfast. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

In the past week The Sun-Herald and The Sunday Age have spoken to several current and former political staffers, all women, who have shared stories about bullying, sexual harassment and other complaints while working in Federal Parliament over the last decade.

However, these women all said they were not yet willing to come forward and make a complaint because of the distressing nature of what they had experienced, and the potential implications for them - including their families and their careers - if they went public.

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The water issue is "a matter of national security" for the people of Egypt and Sudan, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Vice-President of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Lieutenant General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo agreed during a meeting in Khartoum, according to an official statement by the Egyptian presidency

President El-Sisi embarked on a visit to Khartoum today during which he met with Dagalo and exchanged views regarding developments in the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) file.

El-Sisi and Dagalo stressed the two countries' adherence to reach a legally binding deal on GERD that guarantees clear rules for the filling and operation of the GERD and achieves the common interests of all parties.

For almost a decade Egypt and Sudan, with the help of various sponsors, have engaged in on-off negotiations with Ethiopia over GERD without reaching an agreement.

Though the last round of GERD negotiations, mediated by South Africa, the former president of the African Union (AU), stalled in January with no agreement, Ethiopia has announced that it would start the second filling of the GERD next Summer, just as it did last summer during the first filling of the dam.

In a press conference held in Cairo on Tuesday, Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart, Mariam Al-Saddiq Al-Mahdi, called on Ethiopia to show good will and resume talks over the GERD before the second filling of the dam.

Egypt supports a Sudanese suggestion, submitted to the Democratic Republic of Congo, the current chair of the African Union (AU), calling for an international mediation, involving a quartet committee comprising the UN, the AU, the EU and the US to reach a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia, Shoukry confirmed at the time.

Saturday's meeting between El-Sisi and Dagalo also witnessed a review of the latest developments in regional situations of common interest, including developments on the Sudanese-Ethiopian borders and a number of crises taking place in the region.

Egypt's presidential statement added that they agreed on the continuation of intense consultation and mutual coordination in this context during the coming period.

El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, hailing the strong and eternal fraternal relations between Egypt and Sudan.

Egypt's president arrived in Khartoum on Saturday noon and was received by Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan before meeting with Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

El-Sisi welcomed the advanced level of relations between the two countries at various levels during the recent period, expressing Egypt's aspiration to deepen and strengthen it, especially at the security, military and economic levels, based on the close connection to the Egyptian and Sudanese national security, and the historical ties that unite the peoples of the Nile Valley.

Dagalo, the statement added, welcomed El-Sisi in Khartoum, expressing the deep appreciation that Sudan has for Egypt at the official and popular levels, and its pride in the extended ties that bring together the two brotherly countries.

Dagalo affirmed his country's keenness to benefit from Egypt's development efforts in all fields through the exchange of experiences, as well as strengthening mutual cooperation on the security and military levels, the statement noted.

This is the first time El-Sisi visits Sudan following the formation of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council in August 2019.

It comes against the backdrop of various high-level meetings between Egypt and Sudan that have been held in recent weeks.

Last week, Cairo and Khartoum signed a military cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the visit of Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid to Sudan. Farid and his Sudanese counterpart stressed that the military cooperation agreement was set to strengthen cooperation in security issues and preserve the national security of both countries.

In November, Egypt and Sudan conducted Nile Eagles 1 Air force's drill for the first time, which took place in one of the Sudanese air bases and involved the Egyptian special forces Thunderbolt.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-05 23:36:46|Editor: huaxia

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Photo taken on March 5, 2021 shows AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines from COVAX vaccine sharing program being unloaded from a plane at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda. Uganda on Friday received the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from COVAX facility. (Photo by Hajarah Nalwadda/Xinhua)

KAMPALA, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Uganda on Friday received the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines from COVAX facility.

Ruth Aceng, the minister of Health, and Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Uganda, received the initial batch of 864,000 doses of AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines from COVAX vaccine sharing program.

The vaccines, part of the 3.5 million doses from COVAX to Uganda, were delivered by plane at Entebbe International Airport, which is about 40 kilometers south of the capital, Kampala.

Uganda will launch the phased vaccination against the novel coronavirus in the country on March 8.

"I am extremely delighted today as we receive the first consignment of COVID-19 vaccines. The doses will be used to vaccinate persons providing essential services and are high risk of exposure in line of duty," said Aceng. "This is just the beginning of our journey to vaccinate an estimated 22 million against COVID-19. We shall continue to encourage every Ugandan to patiently wait for their turn to receive this vaccine."

Uganda requires at least 45 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to vaccinate the 45 million population in the country and extra doses to cater for the refugee population, according to the Ministry of Health.

China donated some 300,000 doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines to Uganda and the ministry is working on technical processes for receiving it.

Uganda as of Thursday had registered 40,426 cumulative confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 15,052 recoveries and 334 deaths since the index case was reported on March 22, 2020, according to the Ministry of Health. Enditem

Chennai, March 6 : Government owned two banks and a general insurance company has decided to bear the Covid-19 vaccination cost incurred by employees and their dependents who are 45 years of age with co-morbidities.

While the two banks - State Bank of India (SBI) and Canara Bank - will reimburse the cost of vaccination - Rs 250 per dose per head - incurred by their employees who are above 45 with co-morbidities and their dependents.

On the other hand, city-based United India General Insurance Company Ltd. will reimburse the vaccination cost incurred by its employees who are above 45 years of age and suffering from co-morbidities.

In its circular, United India has also pointed out that at government hospitals, the vaccination is done free of cost and urged the employees to get their jab done there.

The insurer also said only in the case where eligible employees were not able to go to a government hospital they can get the vaccination done at private hospitals.

However, SBI and Canara Bank did not urge its employees to look at the government hospitals for vaccination.

Appreciating the decision of the two banks C.H. Venkatachalam, General Secretary, All India Bank Employees' Association (AIBEA) told IANS: "What is important is that the bankers should be vaccinated on priority basis and they should also be considered as corona warriors." "Despite being exposed to the coronavirus infection, the bankers attended to duty during the lockdown period and were handling currency notes, coins and others offered by their clients," Venkatachalam said.

According to him, many bank employees had contracted Covid-19 and had succumbed to it.

Venkatachalam also said the attendance in the bank branches is back to normal levels and the two banks' decision to reimburse the cost is mainly to show their concern towards their employees who are above 45 and exposed to higher risk of getting affected by coronavirus.

Venkatachalam added that the Finance Ministry has taken up with the Health Ministry for vaccinating the bankers on priority basis.

Meanwhile, the unions in the general insurance sector are urging the other three government companies - National Insurance Company Ltd, Oriental Insurance Company Ltd and New India Assurance Company Ltd - to follow United India's example.

"We are talking with the remaining three companies in this regard," K. Govindan, General Secretary, General Insurance Employees All India Association (GIEAIA) told IANS.

"No circular has been taken on the matter by Life Insurance Corporation of India," All India Insurance Employees Association (AIIEA) General Secretary Shrikant Mishra told IANS.

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in)

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
COVID-19 Vaccine Delivered across Continents Carries Profound Feelings of China toward Sierra Leone

By H.E. Hu Zhangliang, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone

2021/03/01

On February 25, 2021, 200,000 vials of COVID-19 vaccine donated by the Chinese government to Sierra Leone arrived in Freetown across continents through concerted efforts and close cooperation by both sides. This is a precious gift from the government and people of China to the government and people of Sierra Leone, who are currently making unwavering efforts battling the pandemic.

Presently, countries all over the world are striving to get COVID-19 vaccines, but the supply can by no means meet the high demand across the board at the moment. China is still faced with the pressure of pandemic resurgence at home and is in earnest need of the vaccines. Nevertheless, China has overcome the difficulties and donated the vaccines to Sierra Leone by special arrangement. The donation is one of the concrete actions in honoring H.E. President Xi Jinpings solemn pledge of making Chinas COVID-19 vaccine a global public good and contribute to the realization of the availability and affordability of COVID-19 vaccines in developing countries. It also vividly reflects the strong friendship between China and Sierra Leone as well as the decades-long practice of our two countries and peoples sharing weal and woe.

Over the past one year, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant adverse impact on Sierra Leones economic and social development as well as Sierra Leonean peoples lives. Under the staunch leadership of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio, the Sierra Leonean government and people have combated the pandemic with firm action and achieved commendable results. The Chinese side believes that the donated vaccines will substantially help beef up Sierra Leones tenacious fight against COVID-19, protect lives of the people especially the frontline medical and health workers, and contribute to Sierra Leones final victory over the pandemic.

Unity and cooperation are the international communitys most potent weapon to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. China always upholds that humanity is a community with a shared future. China actively promotes international cooperation against COVID-19 and makes concerted efforts with the international community to protect the life and health of people in all countries.

United Nations data show that as of early February, 2021, a total of 107.3 million vials of COVID-19 vaccines have been vaccinated globally. 6% of the population in North America was vaccinated, ranking first; Europe 3.6%, Asia 0.9%, South America 0.7%, and Africa less than 0.1%. Some developed countries have purchased huge amount of COVID-19 vaccines, but the vaccine needs of less developed countries have not been met in time. Against this backdrop, China is taking concrete actions to promote the fair distribution of vaccines. At the request of the WHO, China decided to provide 10 million doses of Chinese vaccines to the COVAX with a view to meeting the urgent needs of developing countries. China has provided vaccine assistance to more 50 countries including Sierra Leone, and made arrangements to facilitate the importation of Chinese vaccines by nearly 30 countries.

The Chinese government puts the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in the first place, and Chinese companies have been developing vaccines in strict accordance with laws and regulations. The Chinese National Medical Product Administration granted conditional approval for market use of the relevant vaccines based on strict and prudent evaluations. The safety and efficacy of the Chinese vaccines has been proven by scientific data. As of February 20, 2021, 34 million doses of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine have been administered among the Chinese people in China. The severe adverse reaction rate after vaccination is less than one in a million, which is much lower than the general influenza vaccine commonly used in the world. So long as the vaccines are stored and used in the prescribed appropriate way, there should not be serious safety issues. The effective rate of the donated Chinese vaccine was about 80% in China's Phase III mid term trial and 86% in the trial in the UAE. The effective rate of preventing mild symptoms from developing into severe cases was 100%.

Many countries such as the UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, Brazil, Argentina, Nepal, Hungary, Turkey, Serbia have approved the use of Chinese vaccines. Many countries sent chartered flights to China for vaccine collection, and many heads of state or government received the vaccines at the airport. At least nine heads of foreign state or government have publicly received Chinese vaccine jabs. These are all votes of confidence in the safety and efficacy of Chinese vaccines.

China does not pursue any geopolitical goals in its international cooperation on the COVID-19 vaccine, does not calculate any economic benefits, nor attaches any political strings in the cooperation. China wishes to make COVID-19 vaccines truly peoples vaccine. Accusations from certain people who try to raise doubt over and slander Chinese vaccines or Chinas vaccine cooperation are ill motivated, logically messed and baseless. China will continue to work with all parties including Sierra Leone to build a global community of health for all and achieve final victory over the pandemic.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, the 60th anniversary of independence of the Republic of Sierra Leone as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between our two countries. For a long time, China and Sierra Leone have been genuine friends enjoying mutual trust, mutual respect, mutual support, win-win cooperation and common development. In this special year of 2021, China will earnestly implement the important consensus reached by H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Julius Maada Bio on the development of our bilateral relations and work with Sierra Leone to elevate our Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new high for the betterment of our two countries and peoples.

Finally, I wish the Sierra Leonean government and people greater success in combating the pandemic and achieving socio-economic development.

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A former British soldier could face 20 years in prison in Afghanistan after he was allegedly caught with 50,000 worth of illegal alcohol.

Ian Cameron, 55, from Liphook, Hampshire, was arrested when counter narcotics police raided his villa in Kabul, reports The Sun.

Mr Cameron, who served 24 years with the Royal Miltary Police, was the city's main black market dealer for alcohol and ran a 24-hour service, according to police.

Officers claimed to have seized 1160 bottles of beer, 730 bottles of spirits and dozens of crates of boxed wine and champagne, which are illegal in the country.

They also reportedly seized the armoured Land Cruiser they claim he used to make deliveries and 10,000 in cash.

Ian Cameron, 55, from Liphook, Hampshire, was arrested and could face 20 years in prison after police seized 50,000 worth of illegal alcohol from his home in Kabul, Afghanistan [Stock picture of Afghan security police in Kabul in February]

An MP said: 'Police should should focus on terrorism and preventing suicide bombers. Why are they wasting time on a businessman when the Taliban are at the gates of the city?'

As well as making individual deliveries to people's homes, Mr Cameron allegedly supplied shops selling alcohol under the counter.

Alcohol is illegal for Afghan nationals but licensed outlets can sell it to foreign journalists and tourists.

But there is a prevalent black market for citizens in the country.

Mr Cameron left the armed forces in 2005 and went on to work in private security.

On Wednesday he was paraded in front of the haul of seized alcohol, including bottles of brandy, baileys, whiskey, vodka and champagne.

Mr Cameron is currently being held at a specialist detention facility and friends fear he will be transferred to Kabuls infamous Pul-e Charki prison, which holds Taliban insurgents.

The Foreign Office said it is 'supporting a British man after his arrest in Afghanistan and our staff are in contact with his friends and family'.

It comes as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today said his government was ready to discuss holding fresh elections, in a bid to push forward peace talks with the Taliban

It comes as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani today said his government was ready to discuss holding fresh elections.

The President insisted any new government should emerge through the democratic process, in a bid to push forward peace talks with the Taliban.

'Transfer of power through elections is a non-negotiable principle for us,' Ghani told lawmakers at the opening of parliament session in Kabul.

'We stand ready to discuss holding free, fair and inclusive elections under the auspices of international community.

'We can also talk about the date of the elections and reach a conclusion.'
Automatic adverse drug reaction extraction from electronic health records

Patients' electronic health records convey crucial information. The application of natural language processing techniques to these records may be an effective means of extracting information that may improve clinical decision making, clinical documentation and billing, disease prediction and the detection of adverse drug reactions. Adverse drug reactions are a major health problem, resulting in hospital re-admissions and even the death of thousands of patients. An automatic detection system can highlight said reactions in a document, summarise them and automatically report them.

In this context, the Basurto University Hospital and the Galdakao Hospital 'were interested in creating a system that would use natural language processing techniques to analyse patient health records in order to automatically identify any adverse effects' explains the engineer Sara Santiso, who also holds a PhD in Computer Science. After the hospitals contacted the IXA group at the UPV/EHU, several researchers started working to build a robust model with which to extract adverse drug reactions from electronic health records written in Spanish, based on clinical text mining.

To this end 'not only have we used techniques based on traditional machine learning algorithms, we have also explored deep learning techniques, reaching the conclusion that these are better able to detect adverse reactions' explains Santiso, one of the authors of the study. Machine learning and deep learning imitate the way the human brain learns, although they use different types of algorithms to do so.

Difficulties finding a corpus in Spanish

Santiso underscores the difficulties the team encountered when trying to find a large enough corpus with which to work: 'At first, we started with only a few health records, because they are difficult to obtain due to privacy issues; you have to sign confidentiality agreements in order to work with them' she explains. The research team has found that 'having a larger corpus helps the system learn the examples contained in it more effectively, thereby giving rise to better results'.

Through this study, which was carried out with health records written in Spanish, 'we are contributing to closing the gap between clinical text mining in English and that carried out in other languages, which accounts for less than 5% of all papers published in the field. Indeed, the extraction of clinical information is not yet fully developed due (among other things) to the potential for extracting information from other hospitals and in other languages' claims the researcher.

Although natural language processing has been of inestimable help in the computer-aided detection of adverse drug reactions, there is still room for improvement: 'To date, systems have tended to focus on detecting drug-disease pairs located in the same sentence.

However, health records contain implicit information that might reveal underlying relations (for example, information about antecedents might be relevant for determining the causes of an adverse event). In other words, future research should strive to detect both explicitly and implicitly-stated inter-sentence relationships'. Moreover, another issue that should be the subject of future research is the lack of electronic health records written in Spanish.

###

Complementary information

This study was carried out by Sara Santiso, under the supervision of Alicia Perez and Arantza Casillas, from the IXA research group at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU)

This story has been published on: 2021-03-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
'The biggest defender': Why Wolf's legacy matters in 2022

Gov. Tom Wolf's veto pen has frequently been the only thing to stop legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature from becoming law.
Emotional honesty abounded on this weeks special Holiday(s) episode of Superstore. Read on for my review of Deep Cleaning:

One year after the start of the pandemic, the Cloud 9 employees find themselves having to do a deep clean of the entire store. On such a bitter anniversary, the employees all reminisce on pre-COVID times, and express how sad they were that so many of their plans were laid by the wayside in 2020.

To counteract the doom and gloom, Glenn decides to throw a staff Christmas party to replace the one that got cancelled, and convinces Garrett to help in exchange for getting out of cleaning; "Neither of those sound appealing, but I'll go with the one with a lower chance of finding another severed foot."

When the staff gets upset that theyll still be missing all the other holidays of the year, Glenn decides to change his plan an All-iday party to make up for it, complete with Irish Soda Bread for St. Patricks day, Jack-o-lanterns for Halloween, mug painting for Valentines Day and a full Thanksgiving dinner, among others. When Garrett advises Glenn that hes taking on too much for the sake of the party, Glenn brushes him off.

Dina and Cheyenne, meanwhile, spend another episode together, when, after spending some time around the floor cleaners, Dina accidentally gets high on the fumes. This was mostly a fun filler plotline, but the one major thing we got from it is that although Dina was scared to tell Brian she was high, she was completely comfortable telling Garrett right away - a clear indication of their superior compatibility.

Jonah is supposed to be working curbside pickup, but when an order comes in for Amys parents and he is embarrassed to fill it, Mateo agrees to fill it instead. After all, hes barely met them and he wants to try and make a good impression on them for Erics sake. However, his plan doesnt start out particularly well, as he ends up yelling at their car, thinking its someone else's.

The employees continue to give over-the-top requests for the All-iday party, and Glenn tries to appease them the best he can. However, all of his hard work is ruined when raccoons get into the break room and eat all the food. Glenn, upset, explains to Garrett that he just wanted to give his employees something nice after they spent a year risking their lives and missing out on spending the holidays together.

Jonah encounters Amys parents while theyre waiting for their order and, while trying to defend Mateos honor, accidentally leads them to believe that Mateo wants to impress them because he's going to propose to Eric. Ron and Connie get so excited that they insist on talking privately with Mateo, prepared to give him their blessing. Too embarrassed to tell the Sosas the truth, Mateo forces Jonah to stick around with them so he has an excuse not to ask the question.

However, when Hannah - Carols lawyer who Jonah has been flirting with - shows up, Jonah has to try to indicate interest in her while still hanging around Amys parents. He's mostly successful but the momentary distraction allows the Sosas to ask Mateo if he and Eric were engaged, to which Mateo - spur of the moment - responds yes. Jonah also finds Hannah before she goes and, after a brief rapport, asks her out, to which she accepts (ughhhhhhhhhh...thats all Ill say on that one, folks).

Eric finds Mateo later that day and tells him that he understands Mateos blunder, and is fine with letting his parents think they want to get married, even if they dont. But Mateo lets him know that he has been putting it off because of his legal troubles, but he does actually want to marry him one day, and Eric agrees that they should start talking about it.

Garrett berates the employees for asking so much from Glenn, insisting that they come to the party and enjoy it for what it is (although, just to help it along, he agrees to put vodka in the punch). The All-iday party goes on (despite the fact that a huge, maskless work party has got to be an enormous COVID policy violation!), and everyone has a great time - it even snows!

This episode was very fun, although my predominant feeling from it is that the Hannah plotline was a huge misstep. Best case scenario, Amy comes back and then we encounter a last minute love triangle situation (bleh). Worst case scenario, we find a character weve spent 6 years with (many of those years, by the way, devoted to his developing relationship with Amy) ending up with a last-minute filler character. Im not ruling anything out, but dont see many scenarios playing out where this wasnt the wrong move.

At least all the other couples seem to be trucking along nicely. Seeing Mateos commitment to Eric this week was sweet, and the look Dina and Garrett shared at the end almost made me forget how much I miss Jonah and Amys dynamic.

As for the rest of the episode, I just wanted to note how sweet I thought Glenns storyline was. Im honestly shocked that Superstore hasnt exploited Glenns ultimate people pleaser attitude in more fun ways throughout the years, and this was a cute way to do it. Additionally - even though hes obviously not a real person - as a retail worker, to hear any person in power acknowledging and grateful for the sacrifices we have made really touched my heart. Between this and last weeks episode, Id say we need more Glenns in the world right now, dont you think?

What did you think of Deep Cleaning? Where do you think Mateo and Erics romance will end up, with this sudden shift in the dynamic? Will Jonah ever, ever stop being a punching bag (and do we want him to)? Let me know in the comments!
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-07 00:56:50|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits national political advisors from the economic sector, and joins a group discussion with them at the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Senior Chinese leaders Saturday joined national political advisors in different group discussions at the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

The leaders -- Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng -- are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

When joining discussions with political advisors from the economic sector, Premier Li Keqiang called for an accurate understanding of the new development stage, full application of the new development philosophy, and creation of the new development paradigm to promote high-quality development.

The premier also called for efforts to keep the economic operation within an appropriate range without major fluctuations, unleash domestic demand potential with a focus on improving the people's wellbeing, and consolidate the foundation for economic stability and recovery.

Li Zhanshu, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, called for a deep understanding of the political strengths of the CPC leadership, firmly sticking to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and giving full play to the institutional strengths of multiparty cooperation.

Wang Yang, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, called on non-Communist parties to strengthen their study and education of the CPC history at a time when the CPC celebrates its centenary, asking the non-Communist parties to carry forward their glorious tradition of cooperation with the CPC.

Wang Huning, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the joint group meeting of political advisors from the social science sector. He called on the sector to unswervingly adhere to Marxism as the guidance and take the study and research of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the top priority.

Zhao Leji, secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, called on national political advisors to actively offer suggestions on state affairs with a focus on implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). He also called for unremitting efforts to fight corruption to create a sound political ecosystem and development environment for implementing the five-year plan.

Vice Premier Han Zheng urged efforts to ensure that the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region suits Hong Kong's realities and reflects the overall interests of the society, so as to guarantee in accordance with the law the extensive and balanced political participation of Hong Kong compatriots. Enditem
EV

We already showed you the sprint potential of the RS version , but the regular e-tron GT is going to be fast enough for most people. Just like with the Porsche Taycan, you get a lot of that exoticexperience for 80% of the money.Both the regular and the RS feature a dual-motor setup with a two-speed transmission to mix performance and efficiency. The autobahn seems like the perfect place to test them, and it's where YouTuber Autmann-TV was able to test for maximum acceleration.But first, some specs. The e-tron GT is rated at 469 horsepower (476 PS) and 630 Nm (464.7 lb-ft) of torque, but there is an overboost function that frees up 522 hp and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) for short bursts (lasts 2.5 seconds). On paper, this is enough for 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph (245 kph).These numbers have frightening implications for the performance car market. Basically, this normal model will be about as fast as the old RS7 or any other V8 German muscle sedan from that era. Audi expects about half of the total sales to come from America, where the e-tron GT will start from $99,90 0. Obviously, we're not saying it's cheap, as you can have an S6/S7 for less. But do you want the same German sedan over and over or to be a part of the electric revolution?Of course, 3.9 seconds is just what it says on the box, but the independent tester only managed 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds. That's not that bad, and we presume it can do launches over and over again, just like the Taycan.The e-tron GT doesn't struggle as badly with higher speeds. On the de-restricted autobahn network, this test car is able to go from 62 to 124 mph (100 to 200 kph) in 10 seconds flat.
Isla Fisher proved to be her husband's number one supporter as she congratulated him on Instagram on Saturday.

Sacha Baron Cohen, 49, won the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in The Trial Of The Chicago 7 at Australia's 10th Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards on Friday.

Isla, 45, looked gorgeous as she dressed up for the ceremony in a red midi dress and proudly posed next to her dapper husband who showed off his golden gong.

Sweet: Isla Fisher proved to be her husband's number one supporter as she congratulated him on Instagram on Saturday after he won Best Supporting Actor at Australia's AACTA Awards

The form-fitting midi dress highlighted Isla's slender physique and featured billowing sleeves.

She added a boost to her height with black strappy sandals and complemented her striking dress with a matching rouge lip.

Sacha, meanwhile, was clean shaven for the occasion and was dressed to impress in a navy suit.

Thrilled: Isla captioned the shot: 'So proud as an Aussie, that the Australian Academy gave my hubby the Best Supporting Actor in film award for The Trial of the Chicago 7!!'

Stunning: Isla, 45, looked gorgeous as she dressed up for the ceremony in a form-fitting red midi dress

Film: Sacha Baron Cohen plays Abbie Hoffman, founding member of the Youth International Party in Aaron Sorkins The Trial Of The Chicago 7

Isla captioned the shot: 'So proud as an Aussie, that the Australian Academy gave my hubby the Best Supporting Actor in film award for The Trial of the Chicago 7!!'

Sacha played Abbie Hoffman, founding member of the Youth International Party in Aaron Sorkins The Trial Of The Chicago 7.

The film, which also won Best Screenplay, follows the Chicago Seven, a group of antiVietnam War protesters charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intention of inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Best actress: Other big winners on the night was Carey Mulligan who won Best Lead Actress in Promising Young Woman, which also took home Best Film

Other big winners on the night was Carey Mulligan who won Best Lead Actress in Promising Young Woman, which also took home Best Film.

The late Chadwick Boseman was crowned Best Lead Actor in Film for Ma Raineys Black Bottom.

Sacha and Isla have been together for nearly 20 years after they first met at a house party in 2002 and married in 2010 in Paris in a Jewish ceremony.

The couple have two daughters Olive, Elula and a son Montgomery.

Netflix hit: Anna Taylor-Joy won Best Actress in a Series for Queen's Gambit
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged all eligible Nigerians to get the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination so that we can be protected from the virus.

Speaking after he had received the jab, the President said, I have received my first jab and I wish to recommend it to all eligible Nigerians, (and urge them) to do same so that we can be protected from the virus.

He urged all state governments, traditional and religious leaders, to take the lead in the mobilisation effort within their environments and spheres of influence.

The vaccine offers hope for a safe country, free of the coronavirus.

I similarly urge all eligible Nigerians to present themselves to be vaccinated in accordance with the order of priority already mapped out, at the various authorised designated centres ONLY, he added.

Mr Buhari congratulated the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on the successful multi-sectoral approach to the management of the pandemic.

He also acknowledged and commended the support of governments, donors, development partners, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders as well as critical stakeholders who supported Nigerias response to the pandemic, assuring that all the resources provided would be equitably administered.

The president noted that since the beginning of the year 2020, humanity had remained under the burden of COVID-19 pandemic, an unseen but very potent enemy around the world.

Infection from the virus has resulted in over two million and five hundred thousand fatalities and destroyed several global and national systems.

The response in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region has been robust, collaborative, and united.

It was driven by a collective knowledge of the fact that no country is safe until every country is safe.

The speedy development of the COVID-19 vaccines is quite significant and underscores the collective resolve of humanity to overcome the pandemic.

Similarly, the collaborative effort to ensure equal access has brought relief to poor and developing countries, he said.

Mr Buhari spoke of the assurance by the PTF that the AstraZeneca vaccine which Nigeria has accessed would arrive in batches beginning with the four million doses already received.

The president said the roll out and administration plan would cater to more than 70 per cent of Nigerias population in 2021 and 2022.

He had described his decision to take the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination in public as a demonstration of leadership and faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

He expressed the view after he, alongside Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had received the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Saturday in Abuja.

Buhari and Osinbajo received the jabs live on TV, a day after the COVID-19 national vaccine programme began with the vaccination of healthcare and frontline workers at the National Hospital, Abuja.

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The Chief Physician to the President, Sanusi Raafindadi administered the vaccine to him while that of the Vice President was done by his Personal Physician, Nicholas Audifferen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the president and the vice-president received the first shots of the vaccine at the New Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja in the presence of members of the PTF on COVID-19, senior government officials, and journalists.

(NAN)
McDonalds Employee Turns 100 and Has No Plans to Retire: To Me, Its Just a Number

Turning 100 may be reason enough for many to adopt a slower pace of life, but not for one Pennsylvania McDonalds employee who became a centenarian on March 3, and really has no plans to retire from the job she loves.

I get paid. I pay my bills, and thats good. I never had a lot of money but I always have enough, Ruthie Shuster, who works at Irwin McDonalds in Westmoreland County three days a week wiping tables, told WTAE.

As for her milestone birthday? To me, its just a number, she said.

Ruthie has become well known at the popular eatery, also the site of the Big Mac Museum, for her smiles, songs, and dancing. I became a widow when I was 50. Ive been working ever, ever, ever since, and I like working, she explained. On Fridays, about 30 come and we all sing.

Before the pandemic, Ruthie was also busy with after-work activities like dancing. She said: I go dancing four days a week. Cant go dancing now, there are no dances around.

The 100-year-old great-grandma is one of the seven siblings and a former seamstress who has worked at the Irwin eatery for 26 years. I meet a lot of nice people, she told KDKA, everybody is nice to work with and we got a good manager.

Ruthie pictured with her late boyfriend on her 99th birthday (Courtesy of Elizabeth Jane Deslam)

Ruth is a very special lady, restaurant owner Michael Delligatti told the Norwin Star. If you didnt know Ruth, she made you feel like youve known her for all of your life.

On her 100th birthday, the beloved McDonalds employee drew huge crowds of socially-distant well-wishers, featuring balloons, cake, and an appearance from Ronald McDonald himself via television, who sang a favorite song of hers, You Are My Sunshine.

Ruthies neighbor, 29-year-old Elizabeth Jane Deslam, also organized a parade and a ceremonial ride in a fire truck for the centenarian.

Ruthie with her neighbor, Elizabeth Jane Deslam. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Jane Deslam)

We [had] the mayor [come] to give her the key to our city, Deslam told The Epoch Times via social media, [and] 20 fire trucks [came] from different areas.

Mayor Bill Hawley even declared March 3, Ruthie Shuster Day.

Mayor Bill Hawley came to give her the key. (Courtesy of Elizabeth Jane Deslam)

Irwin McDonalds staff presented an overwhelmed Ruthie with a huge stack of birthday cards from around the world, a plaque, and a bobblehead. Sadly, Ruthies boyfriend passed away just a few weeks before her milestone birthday, yet Ruthies party turnout proved that love and laughter remain ever-present in her life.

A great-grandmother of five, Ruthie is leading by example. I taught [my grandchildren] the most important thing in the world is love, and we all love each other, she said.

As to hanging up her uniform anytime soon, the elderly lady said: No way Im going to retire. I love it here. I like my job, meeting people.

Watch a video of her 100th birthday:

(Courtesy of Elizabeth Jane Deslam)

Share your stories with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com, and continue to get your daily dose of inspiration by signing up for the Epoch Inspired Newsletter at: TheEpochTimes.com/newsletter
The Baker administration has been quietly planning for a permanent hybrid work model for as much as half of the state workforce, and over the course of 2021 will be redesigning office space and equipping employees with the technology they need to be able to continue to work remotely after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Gov. Charlie Baker last week sent an email to all state employees outlining the Future of Work Initiative, which he described as a cross-secretariat planning effort that has been underway for months.

Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan delivered the bullet points of the plan Tuesday to a legislative committee after he was asked about the future of remote and online government services by Rep. Todd Smola, a Warren Republican.

For folks that are able to telework, were now going to have upwards of 20,000 of the 44,000 or so FTEs in the Commonwealth be able to telework as a default hybrid, come into the office some days, work from home, work remote the others, Heffernan said.

The secretary said the administration had a concurrent Modern Desktop Initiative underway to equip employees with similar, if not identical, devices to ensure universal network connectivity.

The plan was outlined in greater detail by the governor last week, who told employees that the administration was working with unions and agency heads to update telework policies, implement a new workplace reservation system to coordinate in-office work, and redesign less-crowded workspaces by by increasing collaboration spaces to ensure in-office time is valuable and effective.

Your ability to adjust over the last year accelerated important technology improvements and changed many long-standing work practices - and pre-conceived notions about work practices - through a spirit of innovation that is here to stay, Baker said.

Baker said many offices and positions will have to continue under their traditional work models due to the services and functions they provide, but others will permanently adopt the hybrid work model and office space in Greater Boston and elsewhere may be updated and reconfigured to adjust to a smaller footprint.

The government isnt the only place where the future of work is being considered as organizations like the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and the Massachusetts High Technology Council are fostering conversations with their members about how they will return.

The Baker administration is hiring a consultant to study the future of work in Massachusetts and what it might mean for child care, MBTA ridership and other sectors. Bids were due by March 1, and a contractor is expected to be hired by March 8.
A Woolworths customer was startled awake when she unpacked an early morning grocery delivery only to find a live spider wandering in a box of fresh strawberries.

The Sydney mum, Amber, found the creepy crawly alive and well while going through her bags from Woolworths and stopped when she went to pick up a punnet of Driscoll's strawberries.

The spider is believed to be a venomous but not deadly black house spider, a variety often found around the windows of a home.

Enter at your own risk: the black house spider in Sydney mum Amber's fresh strawberries made no effort to hide

A black or grey house spider bite can be painful and cause vomiting, swelling and sweating.

'It was something to remember - and I got the delivery at 7am half asleep so that woke me up,' Amber told 7News.

'When I got the delivery I brought the bags straight into the kitchen and started unpacking,' she said.

'As I grabbed the strawberries from the bag of cold items, I saw something black move inside. I then quickly saw it was a very live spider.'

A Woolworths spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia, 'We have apologised to the customer and are following up the matter with our in-store team.

'We take food quality and safety very seriously.

'If our customers have any concerns about the quality of the product they receive, we always encourage them to return the product back to their local store for a refund or replacement.'

Black house spiders are not usually the main offenders when it comes to spider scares in Australia.

Dr Lizzie Lowe said huntsmen spiders are not dangerous after a Sydney mum took photos of baby spiders infiltrating her daughter's bedroom (pictured)

Lately it's been huntsmen spiders terrifying householders as warm weather has seen millions hatch and head for shelter - inside our homes.

A giant huntsman spider was spotted sitting on an electricity meter surrounded by hundreds of its babies on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in February, while a Sydney mum took photos of hundreds of baby spiders infiltrating her daughter's bedroom.

But Dr Lizzie Lowe, an arachnologist at Macquarie University, said the 'beautiful' creepy crawlies are harmless as their eyesight is poor, they're usually confused, and they're not highly venomous.
The best of friends in the sight of Allah (Most High) is the one who is best to his friend, and the best of neighbours in the sight of Allah (Most High) is the one who is best to his neighbour.

Prophet Muhammad, from the hadiths of al-Tirmidhi

A mosque is not just a place of worship for a Muslim. Its our heart and soul.

Its a place we go to seek comfort and thank God for blessings. Its a place the community gathers in to meet, greet, rejoice and comfort one another in good times and bad. Its the basic community centre. We also use it to conduct weddings, funerals and celebrate births.

An Irish GP surgery is helping people with albinism in Malawi, as they face not only health issues but are also in danger of being kidnapped and murdered for their body parts.

Dr Mark Wheeler, of Edenpark GP surgery in Raheny in Dublin, works with people who have albinism in Malawi. The GP, along with his wife, set up a skin cancer prevention programme back in 2016. They were also aided by local campaigners and clinicians.

People with albinism who live in Sub-Saharan Africa face numerous issues. They have little to no pigmentation or melanin in their skin, which means they are at increased risk of sunburn, sun damage and skin cancer.

They are alsoat risk of getting kidnapped and being murdered, due to locally held beliefs that their body parts can be used in potions and charms by witch doctors.

Dr Wheeler says one of the people who attended the skin cancer prevention clinic for years was recently murdered and dismembered.

"He was abducted, and his torso was found dumped in a field and his other body parts were later recovered.

He had been completely dismembered. A week later there was an attempted abduction of a 12-year-old girl who also attended our programme.

"The perpetrators are local people generally, they are very poor people who are being offered a lot of money to do something like this."

Initially, the skin cancer prevention project started when Dr Wheeler took a sabbatical. "I always wanted to go back to Africa where I was as a student. In 2013, I worked with an inspiring woman called Mags O'Riordan, who runs a primary care project on Lake Malawi."

Dr Wheeler worked there for six months. His wife and GP practice manager, Carol, came with him, and she taught in the secondary school there. His daughter Molly, who was in TY at the time, worked in a preschool and taught computers to secondary school students.

"It was during this time I encountered a lot of people with albinism and became aware of their problems."

Dr Wheeler has a special interest in dermatology, and he says many people with albinism living in Malawi can have severe sunburn, as well as painful lips and eyes. "I was seeing people in their teens who had the sun damage of a 70-year-old Irish person."

This chronic sun damage can lead to skin cancer, so needs to be caught early.

Dr Wheeler then met Bonface Massah, the head of the Albino Association of Malawi. "He was sitting outside my surgery because he heard I had become interested in helping people with albinism."

Dr Wheeler then contacted Dr Kelvin Mponda, who is one of only two dermatologists in Malawi. The country has a population of 70 million people.

Read More Prophet preacher sparks diplomatic incident in South Africa

Dr Mponda and Dr Wheeler spoke about setting up a skin cancer prevention clinic in the area.

They then realised that Standing Voice, a London-based NGO, has a similar project running in Tanzania. Dr Wheeler partnered with them in 2016, allowing the project to expand into Malawi.

ESTHER Ireland funded the project, as did Standing Voice. This money, combined with private funding from friends, got the skin clinic up and running.

"We focus on skin cancer prevention and treatment, as well as advocacy and awareness. We started off in one region, now we are in six," says Dr Wheeler.

"We have 600 people on the programme. We work closely with the Department of Health, both locally and nationally.

It's not an NGO coming in and telling people what to do. We collaborate with Malawian clinicians, clinical officers, and we use health board facilities.

In Malawi, the majority of healthcare is delivered by clinical officers, and a dermatology course was devised for these clinicians so they can keep the programme going. The clinics are advertised locally, and people can sign up to attend.

Pre-cancerous conditions are treated with cryotherapy. If surgery is needed, Dr Wheeler and other clinicians can use a minor operating theatre in a local hospital to form biopsies and excisions on small cancers.

"Unfortunately a lot of people present too late. They might be embarrassed or afraid to come forward. It might not be able to be treated by us, and they can be sent for chemotherapy, which doesn't work, and they die," says Dr Wheeler.

"We have also set up a palliative care programme.

The tragedy is these people are only in their 20s and 30s, they have dependents, mothers, fathers and children. It is pretty shocking.

As part of the programme, Bonface Massah, who is also now the programme's in-country director, gives an educational talk about albinism, and how the condition affects people. "Oftentimes women who give birth to children with albinism are deserted by their husbands. Women who have albinism can be at risk of sexual assault, and people with albinism in general are at risk of being kidnapped and killed," says Dr Wheeler.

He adds that education is the only way to change deep-seated cultural beliefs. "It won't happen quickly. In Tanzania, Standing Voice do a lot of plays and education. There is one video where a person with albinism is standing alone, and they say 'I am a human being, come and touch me, I am not magic and I feel pain, I have children'."

Dr Wheeler adds that it is important to be culturally sensitive. "We have had enough of white people telling African people what to do, we have to be conscious of their culture."

Dr Wheeler says he and his wife Carol always wanted to make themselves redundant, meaning the clinic would become self-sufficient and be entirely staffed by local people.

Usually, the couple would take annual leave and go to Malawi every March and October, but couldn't last year because of Covid. "The Malawi team, under the direction of Dr Mponda and Bonface, were able to continue the programme," says Dr Wheeler.

Originally it was envisaged that the programme would register as a charity in Ireland, but this couldn't happen because of Covid. He is hopeful that Irish people will donate to Standing Voice in the UK instead, to keep their current programmes running, as well as aiding them with expansion.

He adds that unfortunately, the Irish government doesn't normally fund healthcare projects in Malawi, so Dr Wheeler is hopeful Irish aid funds can be diverted to education instead, to stop people from being killed.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  Cinemas and arcades will remain closed in Metro Manila amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases, the mayors in the region decided during a meeting on Saturday.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos, who was present in the meeting, confirmed this and said they are drafting a resolution that would formalize the decision.

The chairman said authorities will assess the COVID-19 situation for at least three weeks up to one month before deciding on when to reopen the establishments.

The development comes as the country recorded its second consecutive day of more than 3,000 new coronavirus infections and one of the highest daily case counts over the past four months. On March 5, Metro Manila topped the list of areas with the highest number of cases with 1,279. It also had 14,691 active or currently sick patients. The Department of Health has yet to publish the regional data for Saturday.

The OCTA Research Team earlier named one of the barangays in Pasay City as a coronavirus hotspot and warned that Metro Manila's cases were averaging more than 900 daily over the past week. This is an increase of 50% from the previous week and 119% compared to two weeks ago.

However, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III earlier maintained that it is too soon to tell if the country is currently under a second wave of cases.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Paolo Barcelon contributed to this report.
(Natural News) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government has imposed arbitrary detention on anyone travelling into Canada through a major airport.

(Article by Nicky Billou republished from PolitiCrossing.com)

The Canadian government is forcing travelers to pay $2000 to stay at a government-approved hotel for 3 days, while their Covid test results come back. These hotels are reportedly run by Rosa Krebs clones, with no empathy or caring for their guests. Some of the suites are reportedly filthy, and there have also been reports of sexual assaults on the detainees at these detention centres.

These mandates violates the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which forbid any government from arbitrarily detaining Canadians. The Trudeau-led federal government requires returning Canadians to pay $2,000 for their own forcible confinement, and yet it has not provided any empirical data supporting their arbitrary edict for why people with negative COVID tests cannot quarantine in their own homes. Governments like Canada allow people to freely come and go as they please. Governments like China and North Korea do not.

The Charter is the supreme law of Canada, recognizing in its preamble, the supremacy of God and the rule of law. Under the Charter, everyone has the Fundamental Freedoms of conscience and religion, thought, belief, opinion and expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Additionally, under the Charter, every citizen of Canada has the right to enter, remain in and leave Canada and to pursue the gaining of a livelihood in any province.

What is stupefying is that outside of PPC leader Maxime Bernier, no major party in Canada has stood up against this heinous assault on liberty by the Trudeau government.

Neither the Liberals, the Tories nor the NDP have satisfactorily explained why Canadians must still live in fear today, when the initial predictions from March 2020 about COVID being an unusually deadly killer have been thoroughly discredited by government data and statistics not just in Canada, but from all over the globe.

The Trudeauist government has provided ZERO scientific evidence to back up its belief that asymptomatic people are big virus spreaders. And finally, Justin Trudeau and his administration have not explained what link, if any, exists between international travel and deaths in long-term care homes, where over 80 percent of COVID deaths have taken place.

There is a seething undercurrent of discontent in Canada over the Covid restrictions, and Canadians are just now finding out about the international travel detention centers, and they are appalled that this is happening in Canada.

Read more at: PolitiCrossing.com and BigGovernment.news.
A Ukrainian official said a bus carrying dozens of Ukrainians crashed into a ditch in Poland, killing at least six and injuring 41.

The accident occurred early on March 6 near Jaroslaw, a town in southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine.

The private Polish TV station TNV24 said the bus had a Ukrainian license plate and was traveling with 57 Ukrainian citizens, including two drivers

Oleh Nikolenko, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, said six Ukrainian citizens were killed.

No immediate cause was given for the accident. Dozens of firefighters, paramedics, and helicopters were seen at the site later in the day.

Poland is a major destination for Ukrainian laborers, who make up a sizable portion of the country's workforce amid Poland's strong economic growth.


The virus swept through a nursery school and an adjacent elementary school in the Milan suburb of Bollate with amazing speed. In a matter of just days, 45 children and 14 staff members had tested positive.

Genetic analysis confirmed what officials already suspected: The highly contagious coronavirus variant first identified in England was racing through the community, a densely packed city of nearly 40,000 with a chemical plant and Pirelli bicycle tire factory a 15-minute drive from the heart of Milan.

"This is the demonstration that the virus has a sort of intelligence, even if it is a single-cell organism. We can put up all the barriers in the world and imagine that they work, but in the end, it adapts and penetrates them,'' lamented Bollate Mayor Francesco Vassallo.

Bollate was the first city in Lombardy, the northern region that has been the epicenter in each of Italy's three surges, to be sealed off from neighbors because of mutant versions that the World Health Organization says are now powering another uptick in infections across Europe. The variants also include versions first identified in South Africa and Brazil.

Europe recorded 1 million new COVID-19 cases last week, an increase of 9% from the previous week and a reversal that ended a six-week decline, WHO said Thursday.

"The spread of the variants is driving the increase, but not only,'' said Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, citing "also the opening of society, when it is not done in a safe and a controlled manner."

The so-called U.K. variant is spreading significantly in 27 European countries monitored by WHO and is dominant in at least 10 by the agency's count: Britain, Denmark, Italy, Ireland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Israel, Spain and Portugal.

It is up to 50% more transmissible than the virus that surged last spring and again in the fall, making it more adept at thwarting measures that were previously effective, WHO experts warned.

"That is why health systems are struggling more now," Kluge said. "It really is at a tipping point. We have to hold the fort and be very vigilant."

In Lombardy, which bore the brunt of Italy's spring surge, intensive care wards are again filling up as more than two-thirds of new positive tests are of the UK variant, health officials said this week.

After putting two provinces and some 50 towns on a modified lockdown, Lombardy's regional governor announced tightened restrictions on Friday and closed classrooms for all age groups. Cases in Milan schools alone surged 33% in a week, the head of the provincial health system said.

The situation is dire in the Czech Republic, which registered a record-breaking total of nearly 8,500 patients in the hospital with COVID-19 this week. Poland is opening temporary hospitals and imposing a partial lockdown as the variant has grown from 10% of all infections in February to 25% now.

Kluge cited Britain's experience as cause for optimism, noting that well-considered restrictions and the introduction of the vaccine have helped tamp down the variants there and in Israel. The vaccine rollout in the European Union, by comparison, is lagging, mostly because of supply problems.

In Britain, the emergence of the more transmissible strain sent cases soaring in December and triggered a national lockdown in January. Cases have since plummeted, from about 60,000 a day at the peak in early January to about 7,000 a day.

Still, a study shows the rate of decline slowing, and the government says it will tread cautiously with plans to ease the lockdown. That process begins Monday with the reopening of schools. Infection rates are highest in people ages 13 to 17, and officials will watch closely to see whether the return to class brings a spike in infections.

While the U.K. variant is dominant in France, forcing lockdowns in the French Riviera city of Nice and the northern port of Dunkirk, the variant first detected in South Africa has emerged as the most prevalent in the Moselle region, which borders German and Luxembourg. It represents 55% of the virus circulating there.

The South Africa variant also is predominant in a district of Austria that extends from Italy to Germany, with Austrian officials announcing plans to vaccinate most of the 84,000 residents to curb its spread. Austria is also requiring motorists along the Brenner highway, a major north-south trucking route, to produce negative test results.

The South Africa variant, now present in 26 European countries, is a source of particular concern because of doubts over whether the current vaccines are fully effective against it. The Brazilian variant, which appears capable of reinfecting people, has been detected in 15 European countries.

WHO and its partners are working to strengthen the genetic surveillance needed to track variants across the continent.

The mayor of Bollate has appealed to the regional governor to vaccinate all 40,000 residents immediately, though he expects to be told the supply is too tight at the moment.

Bollate has recorded 3,000 positive cases and 134 deaths - mostly among the elderly - since Italy was stricken a year ago. It took the brunt in November and December, in the fall resurgence, and was caught completely off guard when the variant arrived, racing through school-age children before hitting families at home.

"People are starting to get tired that after a year there is no light at the end of the tunnel," Vassallo said.

Also Read: China confirms outbreaks of African swine fever in two provinces Sichuan, Hubei



LIMERICK IFA chairman Shay Galvin said the Bank of Ireland closures are a slap in the face to farmers and rural communities who rely on local branches for banking services.

We estimate that over 80% of the branches identified for closure are in rural locations. The withdrawal of this vital service will discommode those without internet access and people whose preference is to do their banking in person, said Mr Galvin, who pointed to the branches set to cease trading in County Limerick - Abbeyfeale, Askeaton, Rathkeale and Bruff.

It is a hammer blow for all four towns and the decimation of the Bank of Ireland network in west Limerick has been keenly felt locally.

This will reduce banking services for farmers in those areas, said Mr Galvin.

Cathaoirleach of the Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district, John Egan said it was a massive blow to the town of Bruff which lost its AIB branch a number of years ago.

And what they are doing in West Limerick is scandalous too. They have no regard for farmers, rural business or communities. They have no regard whatsoever for rural Ireland.

It is total disrespect for elderly people. Where is the rural broadband for all this online banking? It is very sketchy where I am and who is going to train the people to use it? said the angry Murroe farmer.

Deputy Richard ODonoghue said this news is cruel and infuriating.

To think that a financial institution like Bank of Ireland, that was bailed out by the taxpayer at a time of crisis, would now repay the Irish public by closing almost half of its branches is disgraceful

This announcement is a hammer blow to rural Ireland, given that many of the branches selected for closure are in rural and regional towns, said Deputy ODonoghue.

The Independent TD said the silence of the government, as the largest shareholder in the bank, is truly astonishing.

The fact that the government, who knew in advance about this announcement, would not raise it with bank management and seek a review of any such ridiculous proposals, is deeply worrying, Deputy ODonoghue.

ICMSA president Pat McCormack said the mass closure of branches will have the net effect of penalising rural areas and the elderly. He said that the banks decision was effectively an announcement that it is abandoning physical person-to-person business in large areas of the state and the reality is that rural towns - already struggling - will be disproportionately hit.

The retreat by state services and commercial services from rural areas now seemed relentless and their disappearance from the ordinary day-to-day lives of rural communities inevitably meant reduced economic activity with fewer and fewer opportunities for people to meet and interact in the normal way.

This was undoubtedly contributing to increasing levels of loneliness and sense of isolation, said Mr McCormack.

He said that the suspicion that the majority of Bank of Ireland branches to be closed would be external to the bigger town and cities was reinforcing the feeling  already widespread in rural communities  that rural communities were somehow an encumbrance or burden to state agencies and Blue Chip corporations.

They want our money but do not want to provide the service or actually interact with us, said Mr McCormack.
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Dhangadhi [Nepal], March 6 (ANI): A massive fire broke out in a furniture shop near Nepal's city of Dhangadhi depot of Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Saturday (local time).

According to District Police Office, Kailali, a fire broke out at around 12 pm (local time) at Alok Multi Concern Pvt. Ltd. on Dhangadhi-Attaria road section near the NOC's main depot, Khabarhub reported.

It further reported that the locals were panicked lest the fire might spread up to the NOC depot lying about 10 meters away from the incident site.

However, no casualties have been reported in the incident.

The details about the cause of the fire and the damage it caused are yet to come. (ANI)
New Delhi: Dinesh Trivedi, who had resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of polling in the state. The saffron party is held a press conference to announce the same.

Trivedi had resigned from the Mamata Banerjee led party saying he felt suffocated. He also alleged that the party was "no longer in hands of" its chief Mamata Banerjee.

Dinesh Trivedi's resignation came two days after he had endorsed Prime Minister Modi's speech in Lok Sabha in which he called for a key role in the private sector. He had also applauded the BJP-led Centre saying the country is under the best leadership.

Trivedi, who represented West Bengal in Rajya Sabha for the third time and was a former railway minister, announced his resignation in the house during a debate on the Union Budget, saying he cannot speak about the violence in his state.

Meanwhile, on Friday West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee released a list of 291 candidates and announced that she will contest from Nandigram seat. The names included 50 women, 42 Muslim candidates.

Mamata Banerjee told reporters, "We have focussed on young people this time, and 27-28 seats will be given to youngsters," adding "Those above 80 years of age have been dropped in the wake of COVID-19 situation and in view Election Commission norms."

The BJP is likely to release its first list of candidates for West Bengal on March 7 after Prime Minister Narendra Modis Brigade Rally in Kolkata.
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The World Banks Board of Executive Directors approved a $440 million loan to support Egypts initiatives to enhance the safety and services of the countrys railways, the bank announced on Saturday.

The World Bank said that the Railway Improvement and Safety for Egypt (RISE) project will cost $681.1 million, including $241.1 million contributed by the Egyptian National Railways (ENR).

The project will focus on modernising the signalling of the Cairo-Giza-Beni Suef segment of the ENR network and supporting the reforms needed to enhance the ENRs performance and competitiveness, according to the World Bank statement.

Today, more than ever, there is a great need to develop sustainable infrastructure. Redefining smarter transportation solutions improves safety, enhances mobility, safeguards the environment, and strengthens job creation and economic growth, said Rania Al-Mashat, Egypts minister of international cooperation.

She added that the project supports the momentum for reform and the demand for urban mobility and reliable public transport, integral to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

The ENR network comprises over 5,000km of rail tracks and primarily offers passenger services for low-income Egyptians.

About 270 million passengers boarded trains in FY 2019/20, up from 228 million in FY 2015/16 and 247 million in FY 2010/11. Over the years, the ENR has faced multiple obstacles that show there is a margin for improving its performance, namely in the realms of operations, cost recovery, maintenance, and customer service.

This operation builds on the World Banks policy dialogue with Egypt in the transport sector, including on institutional and governance arrangements, and safety and regulatory aspects, said Marina Wes, World Bank country diector for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti.

She added that the World Bank is committed to continue to support this vital sector which provides critical services especially to low-income citizens, helping to increase access to employment opportunities and markets.

The newly approved RISE is a continuation of the Egypt National Railways Restructuring Project (ENRRP), which concluded in 2020 and focused on upgrading the signalling system of the Alexandria-Cairo and Beni Suef-Nag Hammadi segments.

Modernising and reforming Egypts railways is critical to meeting citizens travel needs and boosting the overall economy, said Kamel El-Wazir, Egypts minister of transportation.

He added that the service for millions of passengers per day is a priority, particularly because citizens depend on the ENR to access jobs and do other tasks, including fulfilling personal errands.

Increasing freight transport is also a critical objective, which will increase the economys overall competitiveness.

"Through partnering with the World Bank on this project, we aim to enhance the performance of this important sector," added El-Wazir.

The RISE project will modernise the signalling system and track upgrade works along the Cairo-Beni Suef segment, and will continue the ENRRPs works along the Alexandria-Cairo and Beni Suef-Nag Hammadi segments at a total length of 763km.

The project also aims to improve safety for ENR passengers and workers in a holistic and systemic manner by introducing an upgraded safety management system.

Service quality will also improve due to the improved punctuality, which is expected to increase from 75 to 90 percent of trains running on time. Additionally, the RISE project seeks to advance the railway modernisation efforts promoted by the Ministry of Transport to align ENR with international best practices by introducing performance-based funding.

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THE Government is scrambling to find a way for Justice Minister Helen McEntee to take maternity leave without having to resign temporarily or stand aside when her baby is born.

The minister's baby is due in May and she intends to take six months' leave.

Her announcement is seen as a hugely positive example for women in leadership roles and politics.

However, there is no provision for a politician to take maternity leave, not least a Cabinet member in a sensitive portfolio like justice minister.

With just weeks until Ms McEntee is due to take maternity leave, urgent discussions are under way to find a solution.

The unprecedented situation has arisen as no minister has ever had a baby while in office.

Several Government sources told the Sunday World the options being examined include Ms McEntee's duties being reassigned to other ministers at Cabinet - or her being replaced by a junior minister.

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To have Ms McEntee remain officially in her role during her leave would present clear legal difficulties.

But to reassign her duties, the minister would likely have to stand aside as justice minister, while still remaining a Cabinet minister.

And to fully replace Ms McEntee, even temporarily, she would have to resign fully as justice minister and from Cabinet.

Talks are ongoing to find a solution that does not involve Ms McEntee having to resign.

However, this solution is unclear at the moment.

She is among the most senior positions at Cabinet and among the key roles under the law is being briefed on urgent security matters by the Garda Commissioner.

But the portfolio also carries a range of other legal duties that cannot be carried out by another minister.

Legal experts say it has to be clear in the eyes of the law that there is one justice minister, and who specifically holds the role.

On the prospect of Ms McEntee having to resign, one senior Government source said: "That won't happen."

"There may be a scenario where her powers are vested in another minister and junior ministers act up," they added.

"That would be one solution."

But other sources say that all the options are still on the table.

One Fine Gael source admitted that it would not look good for the coalition to be in a situation where a woman who was having a baby was having to stand aside from their ministerial job.

But they acknowledged that a specific person would be required to take the justice minister role.

"Who does Drew Harris ring on a Friday night when he hears a subversive group is planning an operation?"

Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar, Attorney General Paul Gallagher and Department of the Taoiseach secretary general Martin Fraser have all been involved in talks with Ms McEntee for several weeks to find a satisfactory solution.

A spokesperson for the justice minister said: "All going well, Minister McEntee will take a period of maternity leave to care for her baby and is working with colleagues in Government to finalise how this can be done."




John McAfee, creator of the eponymous anti-virus software, has been indicted in Manhattan federal court on fraud and money laundering conspiracy crimes, stemming from two schemes concerning the fraudulent promotion to investors of cryptocurrencies, officials said on Friday.

McAfee and his bodyguard Jimmy Gale Watson Jr were charged for a scheme to exploit McAfee's large Twitter following by publicly touting cryptocurrency offerings and digital tokens that they later sold once prices rose on the promotions, according to the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

McAfee is being detained in Spain on separate criminal charges filed by the Justice Department's tax division, the department said. Watson, an executive adviser of McAfee's so-called cryptocurrency team, was arrested on Thursday night, the Justice Department said. Neither could be reached immediately for comment.

McAfee and Watson allegedly engaged in a scheme to exploit the "broad reach" of McAfee's Twitter account by buying cryptocurrency assets, concealing a plan to liquidate them and then selling most quickly after his endorsements boosted prices, the CFTC said in a court document filed on Friday.

Also read: Software mogul John McAfee arrested for tax evasion; faces 1-5 years jail in US
Chandigarh, March 6 : The Petrol Pump Dealers Association in Punjab on Saturday lamented the negative impact of higher prices of petrol and diesel on their business and the rising burden on the common man.

In a statement here, its President Paramjit Singh Doaba said Mohali is the most expensive in both petrol and diesel compared to cities in neighbouring states.

The reason, he said, is the higher state taxes (VAT and cess) in Punjab on both products.

In Chandigarh, the petrol price is Rs 87.71 a litre, while in neighbouring Mohali in Punjab it is Rs 93.01, a high by Rs 5.30. So is diesel that is Rs 2.85 higher per litre in Mohali compared to Chandigarh where it is Rs 81.15.

In Delhi, petrol is Rs 91.21 while diesel costs Rs 81.51 per litre.

He said a higher Value Added Tax (VAT) has stifled growth of both petrol and diesel. Since 2000, state's share in the petrol and diesel sales in northern India has progressively decline owing to the increase in VAT.

The association since 2017 has been seeking parity in VAT with the neighbouring states and Chandigarh.

That Haryana and Chandigarh have been gaining at the expense of Punjab by reducing VAT on both the products since 2000. Likewise, the growth in consumption of petrol and diesel In Himachal Pradesh has increased VAT collections, he said.

The association asked state Finance Minister Manpreet Badal to announce reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel in his Budget speech on March 8.
PLAINS OF UR, Iraq - Pope Francis walked through a narrow alley in Iraqs holy city of Najaf for a historic meeting with the countrys top Shiite cleric Saturday, and together they delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence in a country still reeling from back-to-back conflicts over the past decade.

The Pope caravan arrives to meet Shiite Muslim leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit.. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)

PLAINS OF UR, Iraq - Pope Francis walked through a narrow alley in Iraqs holy city of Najaf for a historic meeting with the countrys top Shiite cleric Saturday, and together they delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence in a country still reeling from back-to-back conflicts over the past decade.

In a gesture both simple and profound, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani welcomed Francis into his spartan home. The 90-year-old cleric, one of the most eminent among Shiites worldwide, afterward said Christians should live in peace in Iraq and enjoy the same rights as other Iraqis. The Vatican said Francis thanked al-Sistani for having raised his voice in defence of the weakest and most persecuted during some of the most violent times in Iraqs recent history,

Later in the day, the pope attended a gathering of Iraqi religious leaders in the deserts near a symbol of the countrys ancient past  the 6,000-year-old ziggurat in the Plains of Ur, also the traditional birthplace of Abraham, the biblical patriarch revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims. The joint appearance by figures from across Iraq's sectarian spectrum was almost unheard-of, given their communities' often bitter divisions.

The Pope caravan arrives to meet Shiite Muslim leader Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)

Together, the days events gave symbolic and practical punch to the central message of Francis visit, calling for Iraq to embrace its diversity. It is a message he hopes can preserve the place of the thinning Christian population in the tapestry. At a Mass the pope celebrated later in Baghdad, emotional worshippers sang hymns, ululated and shouted Viva la Papa!, or Long live the pope  a rare public moment of joy among a population weighed down by turmoil, economic woes and the coronavirus pandemic.

Still, his message faces a tough sell in a country where every community has been traumatized by sectarian bloodshed and discrimination and where politicians have tied their power to sectarian interests.

In al-Sistani, Francis sought the help of an ascetic, respected figure who is immersed in those sectarian identities but is also a powerful voice standing above them.

Al-Sistani is one of the most senior clerics in Shiite Islam, deeply revered among Shiites in Iraq and worldwide. His rare but powerful political interventions have helped shape present-day Iraq. Their meeting in al-Sistanis humble home, the first ever between a pope and a grand ayatollah, was months in the making, with every detail painstakingly negotiated beforehand.

The Pope caravan arrives to meet Shiite Muslim leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, in Najaf, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit. (AP Photo/Anmar Khalil)

Early Saturday, the 84-year-old pontiff, travelling in a bullet-proof Mercedes-Benz, pulled up along Najafs narrow and column-lined Rasool Street, which culminates at the golden-domed Imam Ali Shrine, one of the most revered sites in Shiite Islam.

He then walked the few meters (yards) down an alley to al-Sistanis home. As a masked Francis entered the doorway, a few white doves were released in a sign of peace.

A religious official in Najaf called the meeting very positive. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief media.

The official said al-Sistani, who normally remains seated for visitors, stood to greet Francis at the door of his room  a rare honour. The pope removed his shoes before entering al-Sistanis room and was served tea and a plastic bottle of water.

An aerial photo shows the 6,000-year-old archaeological site of Ur amid preparations for Pope Francis' visit near Nasiriyah, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jourani)

At one point in their 40-minute meeting, the pope gingerly cradled the ayatollahs two hands in his own as al-Sistani leaned in speaking, according to footage aired on Lebanons LBC. They sat close to one another, without masks. Al-Sistani spoke for most of the meeting, the official said. Al-Sistani, who rarely appears in public or even on television, wore black robes and a black turban, in simple contrast to Francis all-white cassock.

The official said there was some concern about the fact that the pope had met with so many people the day before. Francis has received the coronavirus vaccine but al-Sistani has not. The aging ayatollah, who underwent surgery for a fractured thigh last year, looked tired.

After the meeting ended, Francis paused before leaving the room to have a last look, the official said.

In a statement issued by his office afterward, al-Sistani affirmed that Christians should live like all Iraqis, in security and peace and with full constitutional rights. He pointed out the role that the religious authority plays in protecting them, and others who have also suffered injustice and harm in the events of past years.

Pope Francis, in the black car at right, arrives at an interreligious meeting near the archaeological area of the Sumerian city-state of Ur, 20 kilometers south-west of Nasiriyah, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Ur is considered the traditional birthplace of Abraham, the prophet common to Muslims, Christians and Jews.Francis traveled to the southern ruins of Ur on Saturday to reinforce his message of interreligious tolerance and fraternity during the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, a country riven by religious and ethnic divisions. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Al-Sistani wished Francis and the followers of the Catholic Church happiness and thanked him for taking the trouble to visit him in Najaf, the statement said.

Iraqis cheered the meeting, and the prime minister responded to it by declaring March 6 a National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence in Iraq.

We welcome the popes visit to Iraq and especially to the holy city of Najaf and his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said Najaf resident Haidar Al-Ilyawi. It is a historic visit and hope it will be good for Iraq and the Iraqi people.

Iraqs Christians, battered by violence and discrimination, hope a show of solidarity from al-Sistani will help secure their place in Iraq and ease intimidation from Shiite militiamen against their community.

An aerial photo shows the archaeological site of Ur amid preparations for Pope Francis' visit near Nasiriyah, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Pope Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday to urge the country's dwindling number of Christians to stay put and help rebuild the country after years of war and persecution, brushing aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to make his first-ever papal visit. (AP Photo/Nabil al-Jourani)

Al-Sistanis voice is a powerful one, often for moderation.

After the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, his opinions forced American administrators to alter their transition plans, and his approval opened the way for Iraqs Shiites to participate in force in post-Saddam Hussein elections. In 2019, as anti-government demonstrations gripped the country, his sermon led to the resignation of then-prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

But his word is not law. After 2003, he repeatedly preached calm and restraint as the Shiite majority came under attack by Sunni extremists. Yet brutal Shiite reprisals against Sunni civilians fed a years-long cycle of sectarian violence.

His 2014 fatwa, or religious edict, calling on able-bodied men to join the security forces in fighting the Islamic State group helped ensure the extremists defeat. But it also swelled the ranks of Shiite militias, many closely tied to Iran and now blamed for discrimination against Sunnis and Christians.

Later, Pope Francis evoked the common reverence for Abraham to speak against religious violence at the inter-faith gathering at the Plains of Ur, near the southern city of Nasiriyah.

From this place, where faith was born, from the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful and that the greatest blasphemy is to profane his name by hating our brothers and sisters, Francis said. Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.

Such interfaith forums are a staple of Francis international trips. But its sectarian breadth was startling in Iraq: From Shiite and Sunni Muslims to Christians, Yazidis and Zoroastrians and tiny, ancient and esoteric faiths like the Kakai, a sect among ethnic Kurds, Mandaeans and Sabaean Mandaeans.

The Vatican said Iraqi Jews were invited to the event but did not attend, without providing further details. Iraqs ancient Jewish community was decimated in the 20th century by violence and mass emigration fueled by the Arab-Israeli conflict, and only a handful remain.

Ali Thijeel, a Nasiriyah resident who attended the event, said he hoped the popes visit would encourage investment in the area to attract pilgrims and tourists. This is what we were waiting for, he said. This is a message to the government and politicians. They should take care of this city and pay attention to our history.

Francis visit  his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic  comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Iraq. Despite concern about infections, Francis celebrated Mass in a packed, stuffy Chaldean Catholic Cathedral later Saturday in Baghdad that featured chanted Scripture readings and a maskless choir singing hymns.

Love is our strength, the source of strength for those of our brothers and sisters who here too have suffered prejudice, indignities, mistreatment and persecutions for the name of Jesus, Francis told the faithful, who did wear masks.

Abdul-Zahra reported from Baghdad. Associated Press journalists Anmar Khalil in Najaf, Iraq, and Samya Kullab in Baghdad contributed.


The states antiquated paper-based system was overrun when daily case numbers hit the 200 mark during the second wave before buckling completely when infections rose to more than 700 a day. The government announced it would develop a digital system in September. Two department sources with direct knowledge of the digitised system detailed a series of technical problems with the software, which missed its scheduled December launch date by about a month. Loading One official said the system had difficulty identifying negative tests, which are required to release people from quarantine. Staff have also been unable to upload electronic lab reports into the new system at the pace required when an outbreak occurs, according to the source. The source said difficulty entering personal and medical information into the system had led to name duplication, wrong lists being provided to tracers and hundreds of erroneous text messages sent to close contacts and COVID-positive people.

In one case, a returned traveller blamed for spreading coronavirus through the Holiday Inn quarantine hotel by using a nebuliser for his asthma, received a text message from the department on February 13, after he had already been taken to hospital due to COVID-19, saying he had tested positive to coronavirus and that he must quarantine. He had tested positive to the virus nine days earlier and had been in isolation in hotel quarantine since January 23. A second government source said the paper system was initially being used alongside the Salesforce program because officials did not have full faith in the technology. A Health Department spokesman said the paper system was no longer being used to manage COVID-19. The source said the digitised system deleted a key hours-long interview with an infected person in the Black Rock outbreak, but the department spokesman said there was no indication this had occurred. There have also been problems with the new program using US date formats, which list the month before the day, the source said. Deakin University Chair in Epidemiology Professor Catherine Bennett said it was not unusual for there to be glitches with the rollout of a new program, but if the new system was not up to the job, it should be scrapped.

Pausing calls for a few hours really could be the difference between an infectious person being out and about and there being a whole extra band of potentially hundreds more people having to go into quarantine, she said. We have to be able to get this right. She wants the new contact-tracing system to be put to the test under mock outbreak scenarios to ensure it is effective. Particularly, with the new variants they are going to be tested under high pressure situations. Theyve been under pressure with the 3500 people theyve asked to quarantine ... but thats still not a lot. If that was enough to identify these breaks in the system then serious work needs to be done to make sure that they can cope with that and more. But she stressed the governments handling of the recent hotel quarantine outbreak was still a success story. The Health Departments newly appointed secretary, Euan Wallace, told a parliamentary inquiry in November last year that Victorias new digitised contact-tracing system could process up to 500 new coronavirus cases a day if the state was hit with a third wave.

Loading The department source said many errors were due to communication breakdowns between data and intelligence teams and staff not being trained properly on how to enter data. If there was a third wave, I wouldnt be confident with the system being used to deal with it tomorrow, the source said. Technical errors within Victorias contact tracing system in December saw hundreds of people who travelled from Sydney to Victoria mistakenly told by Victorias Department of Health and Human Services via text message that they were close contacts of a confirmed coronavirus case and must be quarantined. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said she had been told there was a reluctance within the Health Department to bring in Salesforce software developers who were based interstate to fix faults in the Victorian system. She said she had received a large volume of correspondence during the Holiday Inn outbreak from people who had received incorrect or outdated information from contact tracers.

Australian Medical Association Victorian president Julian Rait said Victorias contact-tracing system was vastly improved but he had heard of issues with the Salesforce system. He said IT systems were notoriously difficult to roll out perfectly, and the digitised model was inherently good, notwithstanding its hiccups. The department spokesman said the mix-up of outbreak contact lists was between the Grand Hyatt and Holiday Inn outbreaks, but internal department documentation seen by the The Sunday Age states contact tracers were calling people linked to the earlier Black Rock cluster. The department spokesman said there were systems in place to deal with name duplication. There is no inability to identify negative tests and it is normal for a citizens name to appear more than once  for example, where multiple test results are received or where a person is recorded in more than one exposure site. The [system[ has de-duplication processes in place to identify and resolve this.
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President Muhammadu Buhari will today take his first dose of the newly acquired Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

To increase public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, President Muhammadu Buhari will be vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine Saturday, March 6th, 2021 at the New Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa at 11:30 a.m., the NPHCDA, the agency at the centre of the vaccination for Nigeria, announced Friday evening.

Nigeria on Tuesday took delivery of nearly four million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine as part of an overall 16 million doses planned to be delivered to the country in batches over the next few months. The vaccines are being provided by COVAX, an unprecedented global effort to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Upon arrival, samples were handed to NAFDAC, the Nigerian food and drug regulatory agency, for further examination.

Nigeria on Friday commenced the vaccination, beginning with healthcare workers who are often at the risk of exposure to infections being the first responders to patients.

Cyprian Ngong, a medical doctor, became the first person to receive a jab of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines in Nigeria. Three other health workers were also vaccinated during the flag-off event at the National Hospital in Abuja.

The executive secretary of the NPHCDA, Faisal Shuaib, had on Monday announced that President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will pick dates on which they will be vaccinated publicly.

President Buhari is yet to officially issue a statement on the arrival of the vaccines and his own vaccination.

Weeks before the arrival of the vaccines, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, who addressed journalists in Abuja after meeting with President Buhari late January, said he and his colleagues will take the vaccines on live television.

We too will like to demonstrate to our citizens that we believe that vaccines would work, he said.

Dont forget, we have a lot of experience on this. Governors Forum managed the polio vaccines administration in the country and we have garnered a lot of experience, said Mr Fayemi, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

Health workers, frontline workers, COVID-19 rapid response team, laboratory network, police officers, petrol station workers and strategic leaders are among those to be vaccinated in the first phase of Nigerias vaccine rollout.

President Buhari last November had expressed delight with the successful human trial phase of the first set of vaccines including that of Pfizer and Moderna.

The president, who described the development as a major milestone in medical advance, warned that the world must unite in facilitating the equitable access and distribution of these vaccines to protect people in all countries.

Only a peoples vaccine with equality and solidarity at its core can protect all of humanity and get our societies safely running again. A bold international agreement cannot wait, the president said according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, speaking at the commencement of COVID-19 vaccination at the national hospital on Friday warned Nigerians against playing politics with the COVID-19 vaccines rollout.

We must not play politics with vaccines, we must not play politics with the health of our neighbours, we must be on the same page whilst we also, do what we need to do in terms of role in checking the government, Mr Gbajabiamila said.
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  The second batch of doses from AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine via the World Health Organization-led COVAX facility will arrive on Sunday evening, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. announced on Saturday.

Galvez said during a ceremony marking the vaccination of medical frontliners at the Ospital ng Paranaque that the remaining 38,400 doses from the British drugmaker will finally be delivered, three days after the arrival of the first batch.

"I would like to also tell the public na iyong 38,400 po na kulang ay darating po bukas (the remaining 38,400 doses will arrive tomorrow) more or less 7pm," Galvez said.

He added that the remaining doses, which were supposed to be part of the first batch, will arrive on a commercial flight.

"'Yung pangako po ng COVAX na 'yung buong 525,600 ay darating na po, dahil naantala lang kasi commercial plane po ang kanyang ginamit. So buo na po iyon," Galvez said.

[Translation: The promised 525,600 by COVAX will finally arrive, and was just delayed because they used a commercial plane. So that will be completed.]

The Philippines received 487,200 AstraZeneca doses on Thursday, less than the 525,600 doses that the government expected to receive.

RELATED: PH receives nearly half a million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines

Paranaque city health officer Dra. Olga Virtucio was first to receive the AstraZeneca shot on the first day of its rollout, also making her the first healthcare worker in the country to get a dose from the British drugmaker. Over 200 doses were allocated to Ospital ng Paranaque during the vaccine drive.

In another inoculation drive at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said authorities have started delivering the AstraZeneca vaccines to hospitals Friday night. Cardinal Santos received 500 doses, while the list of other recipients has not been disclosed.

Duque said it will take four to five days to completely deploy the AstraZeneca shots.

Our vaccines are far from complete. They are far from enough, Duque said, noting that the vaccines the country has so far are only around 30% of what is needed to inoculate more than 1.7 million health care workers alone.

The health chief, who said he may be vaccinated mid-March to give way to health workers, urged frontliners to take whatevers available, assuring them of the vaccines safety and efficacy. He added that health standards should continue to be followed since the vaccines are far from getting into the arms of the general public.

Earlier, 600,000 doses of vaccines donated by the Chinese government were the first to be rolled out, marking the much-awaited inoculation of health workers.

Galvez said over 300,000 doses from China's Sinovac vaccine were already deployed in over 100 hospitals, almost a week after the donation arrived in the country. He added that around 1.6 million doses purchased from Sinovac Biotech will likely be shipped within the month.

The Philippines is also set to receive 4.5 million more doses of AstraZeneca vaccines until May and 117,000 doses of Pfizer vaccines  possibly more  through the COVAX initiative.


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Jammu: The Jammu Kashmir Police arrested a man and busted a hideout with arms and ammunition from Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Friday.

Reyaz Ahmed, 21, was apprehended by a police team from Mahore town. During interrogation in the presence of the executive magistrate, he disclosed the whereabouts of a hideout located between Makhidhar and upper Shikari ridge of Mahore tehsil, with a cache of arms and ammunition.

A joint search operation by the Jammu Kashmir Police and the Army was launched in the area and two UBGL and MGL, five grenades, one RPG, three mortar bombs, 80 rounds of ammunition and explosive material were recovered.

As per the investigation, the consignment was sent by Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Khobaib (resident of Doda and now based in Pakistan) to be delivered to a person from Gool in Ramban district.

Khobaib has been continuously trying to send in money and arms to the Jammu region to revive terrorist activities in the Chenab valley by recruiting young boys for the outfit, the officials said.

This is the third big recovery of arms and ammunition from the area this week, officials added.

On Wednesday, a terrorist hideout in the forest area of Seer/Pastoona was busted by a police team along with 42 RR and 180 Bn CRPF.

After receiving information about terrorist hideout, a joint search and operation in the said area was launched.

Confirming the development, the police said that during the search, one hideout of the proscribed outfit Hizb-ul-Mujahideen was busted and subsequently destroyed.
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Jack Williams - who once served as town mayor - was nicknamed 'Mr Hungerford'

The funeral cortege of the late Jack Williams will pass through the streets of Hungerford on Wednesday, March 10, for the townsfolk to pay him their last respects.

Mr Williams  affectionately known as 'Mr Hungerford'  died, aged 92, on Thursday, February 25.

His was a life devoted to public service and on Monday, an online, full meeting of Hungerford Town Council observed a minute's silence to remember a true civic stalwart and former town mayor.

The current town mayor, Helen Simpson, told the meeting: "I've been asked to read the eulogy at the funeral, which is slightly daunting, but a huge honour and privilege."

She said she had sought input from residents and conceded it would be a challenge to distill "a whole lifetime of experience" into a few minutes.

Meanwhile, the neighbourhood police team said in a statement to the town council meeting: "It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Jack Williams.

"Jack was known to the longer-serving members of the Hungerford team who have great memories of times spent with him listening to stories of days gone by and his knowledge of Hungerford was second to none. Rest in peace Jack."

Coronavirus restrictions will mean the crowds that would otherwise have been expected to attend the funeral will be unable to do so.

Instead, the hearse will drive past the town hall at noon and then turn into Church Street on the way to St Lawrence Church.

Mrs Simpson said: "We would encourage people to pay their respects in Church Street, where possible."

Mr Williams' links with the local fire service go back decades and firefighters will turn out to pay their respects.

Last Post will be sounded outside the church in recognition of Mr Williams' service to the Royal British Legion.

Funeral director Neale Marney will accompany the cortege on foot, representing the people of the town.

Mrs Simpson said: "There were lots of people who expressed a wish to walk alongside the cortege.

"The family was concerned that this could put people at risk of breaking coronavirus restrictions so Neale will do it on their behalf.

"We'd respectfully ask people not to huddle in groups. The police will be there to ensure safe distancing."

The church service is expected to take place between 12.30pm and 1pm and then the cortege will proceed at walking pace past The Bear Hotel.

Mr Williams is survived by his two children and four grandchildren.

The Bank of Ireland is to close branches across the State. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

It was noteworthy how only last week when reporting on the winding down of the Ulster Bank operations which will include its Sligo branch, how people had been travelling in from Ballymote and Tubbercurry to do their business there.

This, of course arose after the Ballymote branch closed some three years ago. Now, that towns last remaining bank branch is to shut its door for the last time in September.

This latest closing of the door by Corporate Ireland on its rural communities is a sickening blow.

Therell be politicians up in arms but sure they have led by example themselves in the past with the closure of post offices and garda stations so how can we expect the so called pilar banks to act any differently?

Only last I had spoken about the raw deal for those living in South Sligo were getting, bad roads, loss of services, no water to drink for years and now that its back it is yellow in colour and now this week, another nail in the coffin, the closure of Bank of Ireland in Ballymote, Tubbercurry and Charlestown.

Not everyone is into e-banking. First of all, a reliable broadband service is needed and how many areas in rural Sligo can say they have that?

The latest bank closures will result in significant inconvenience for rural county Sligo and its elderly population in particular.

Bank of Ireland says An Post will be an alternative but it remains to be seen how this will work out.

The bank has been very cynical and cold in its announcement and its quoting of footfall drop off at its branches last year is disingenuous.given that for the most part we were all told to stay at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rural Ireland is once again being let down with the only suggestion from Government is to leave and settle in urban areas where increasingly the services will be located be they jobs or infrastructure.

Gone too will be the personalised banking relationships built up with customers though that too has been on the wane for many years now as technology plays a much bigger role.

Its a de-personalised banking system and in the coming years entering even a cash lobby is likely to become a thing of the past. A cashless society is being forced upon us.
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Roman Orthodox Church rejects demands for baptism changes after infant's death

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The leadership of the Romanian Orthodox Church has decided not to change its ancient practice of full-immersion baptism of babies despite public outrage that followed the recent death of an infant during christening.

The denominations decision-making body, Holy Synod, has announced that the baptism ritual will remain and that it will only urge priests to be more careful when they perform the ritual, according to Radio Free Europe.

We do not demand the [end] of the practice of baptism but its modification so [babies] are prevented from unnecessary and even absurd risks! reads an online petition that had gathered over 65,500 names as of Saturday.

The petition, arguing that the tradition involves brutality and should be abolished, was launched by a teacher, Vladimir Dumitru, in response to the death of a 6-week-old baby on Feb. 1 after suffering cardiac arrest while being baptized in a church in the northern town of Suceava.

The priest, identified as Alexandru Mazarache, fully immersed the baby in the water three times in the baptismal font, DW reported earlier. The child first cried, then became still, then the infants lips turned blue. The baby was taken to a hospital, where he died a few hours later.

The priest is a suspect in the investigation on charges of involuntary manslaughter. His lawyer, Marcel Balatchi, was quoted as saying that the priest had performed the ritual according to church canons.

Romanias ombudsman has suggested some health and safety measures to the church, including increasing the age of the child for baptism.

A spokesperson for the Orthodox Church, Vasile Banescu, earlier suggested the churches could sprinkle holy water over babies instead of immersing them.

It is, without a doubt, a tragic case, a case that will have to be investigated. Let's not imagine that a child can be put in water without covering his nose, mouth and ears, Banescu told Antena 3. There is a technique that an experienced priest always uses. This is how a baptism is celebrated with the utmost care.

Teodosie Petrescu, the archbishop of Tomis in the countrys southeast, had rejected calls for babies to be sprinkled with water. He was quoted as saying earlier that the tradition of immersing a child three times during baptism has carried on for 2 millennia and will continue.

Theres no way for the ritual to change. These canons of faith will be available for another 1,000 years. That is why we will not change. Were not intimidated, Petrescu said.

The archbishop added that babies should be immersed in cold water, which not only sharpens their spirituality, but is also suitable for their health.

Over 80% of Romanians are Orthodox Christians.
A victim of police abuse has approached the Judicial Panel of Inquiry in Lagos to seek restitution for the brutality she suffered at the hands of police officers.

Ebere Okpara was arrested on July 14, 2017, at Olowonla bus stop, Igando, after she received a call that she had a parcel sent to her from DHL.

I was called by a number (09033997455) that I have a DHL parcel that I should come to DHL office to collect my package, Mrs Okpara, 40, said.

I did not call the number back because I was not expecting any parcel. After some minutes, the same number called me back that where is my bus stop so they can deliver it.

Mrs Okpara said she gave the caller her bus stop, where she was accosted by four men in mufti who later identified themselves as police officers.

When I got to the bus stop, I ran into four men, they were on mufti. They told me that I should enter a car, there was no number on the car, it was a private number. I told them I will not get into their car because I cannot identify them and that saying they are police officers was not enough.

The petitioner said three of the men beat her up and bundled her into the vehicle, adding that one of the officers, Mr Idowu brought out a gun when she was shouting for help, threatening to shoot her on the leg if she continues shouting.

Mrs Okpara is the second petitioner to recount how police officers hide under the pretence of delivering DHL parcels to apprehend citizens.

In the early days of the panel, Nzube Obiechina, a schoolteacher, narrated how she lost a two-month-old pregnancy while being tortured by the police.

Mrs Okpara said she was taken to Area F Police station in Ikeja, where she was met Mr Philip, an officer of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT). Her offence was not stated by the police.

I asked him what I did and he said I will suffer. I told them I have a baby at home that was very sick because I gave birth to him through caesarean section when he was six months and two weeks old.

The victim told the panel that the officers turned deaf ears to her pleas, collected her phones and demanded N10 million as ransom from her husband who later got through to her.

She said on July 20, after spending six days in detention, Christian, a police officer called her out of the cell and took her to Mr Philips office where there were five other police officers.

When I entered, it was all-round beating, they started beating me, Philip brought out his belt and started beating me. When one officer hits me, he will push me to another to continue beating. Blood was gushing out of my body, I fell on the floor, she told the panel.

The victim said the police instructed her to lead them to her house at Igando and when they got there, they met one of her brothers and told him that her husband used her phone number to do fraud.

Mrs Okpara said she spent 11 days in detention and the police went back to her house on July 22 to arrest her husband.

She said the police took their Camry car with registration number AA110AHA, and seized original receipts of the car and other properties.

The vehicle is still in police custody, according to her, while Mr Okpara was charged to court after four months in police custody.

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Cross-examination

During cross-examination of the petitioner, Nosa Uhumwangho, the counsel representing the IRT, said the petitioner was arrested because the police were investigating a case of kidnapping involving Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike popularly known as Evans.

The counsel, who said the victim was deceived that she had a parcel with DHL, said her husband was connected to Evans.

He was arrested on June 23 and when he was interrogated, the petitioners husband was one of the people mentioned by Evans. Her phone number also featured and which was why she was deceived that she had a parcel from DHL.

Evans mentioned that there as a woman, a member of his gang. He described the female as fair in completion, that cooked for kidnap victims, the counsel said.

Mr Uhumwangho did not establish that the petitioner was the member of the gang.

The petitioner said she has never seen Evans before, neither did she know of any of the allegations of the counsel.

If my husband was working with Evans, why was he not charged with him? He was kept in detention for four months, it was after I reported to a Human Rights Group that the police were angry that I reported and charged him to court, Mrs Okpara said.

Demands

The petitioner said the monies, documents and other properties seized by the police should be returned to her, stating that her four children are out of school since the incident.

The landlord threw out our things when I could not pay rent. My children are with different relatives in the [south]east and out of school, I have four children, Mrs Okpara said.

Doris Okuwobi, a retired judge heading the panel, adjourned the matter till April 13 to allow the police to bring their witness before the panel.
A vial of some of the first 500,000 of the two million Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses that Canada has secured through a deal with the Serum Institute of India in partnership with Verity Pharma at a facility in Milton, Ont., on Wednesday, March 3, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Carlos Osorio - POOL
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 18:37:16|Editor: huaxia

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BANGKOK, March 6 (Xinhua) -- An estimated 14.7 million Thais and more than 1.5 million grocery stores, food stalls, restaurants and service shops throughout Thailand have benefited from the government's economic stimulus campaigns since last year, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Saturday.

In a podcast on the Thai government's Facebook page, the prime minister said some 14.7 million Thais have so far become eligible recipients to the economic stimulus campaigns while over 1.5 million grocery stores, food stalls, restaurants and service shops nationwide have joined in the campaigns, which have seen both sides benefit from them.

Prayut noted that the number of stores, food stalls, restaurants and service shops to join in the government's campaigns may increase to about two millions in the foreseeable future.

Those economic stimulus campaigns have so far generated about 92.41 billion baht (about 3.02 billion U.S. dollars) in purchases of goods and services nationwide since last year, he said.

In a co-payment campaign, the government provides one half of the price of a product or service bought by an eligible recipient, who pays the other half of the price at a designated store, food stall, restaurant or service shop. Enditem
(Newser)  The pandemic is changing not only our behavior but our language. The Conversation ticks off familiar examples including "quarantini," "covidiot," doomscrolling," and "zoombombing," while the Cleveland Clinic offers help dealing with "maskne," or mask-related acne. The Economist has a guide to new global slang, including "hamsteren," a Dutch reference to stuffing food in one's cheeks like a hamster that has turned into shorthand for panic buying. And on and on. But as the Washington Post reports, no nation has seen a linguistic influx as much as Germany, where more than 1,200 COVID-related words have been coined over the past year. German lends itself to long, compound words, explains the Post, leading to some real tongue-twisters. For example:

story continues below

Mindestabstandsregelung: minimum-distance regulation

Anderthalbmetergesellschaft: one-and-a-half-meter society

Mundschutzmode: mouth protection fashion

Gesichtskondom: face condom, aka mask

Gluhweinstandhopping: hopping between mulled-wine stands

"I can't think of anything, at least since the Second World War, that would have changed the vocabulary as drastically, and at the same time as quickly, as the corona pandemic," a linguistics professor at the Free University of Berlin tells the Post. Canada's CTV also takes note of the trend, with a linguistics professor at Western University in Ontario asserting that it isn't frivolous. The new coinages reflect a shared experience and help people cope with what he calls the "new normal." (Read more COVID-19 stories.)

This could be the year significant tax reform happens in the state Legislature, including finally establishing a centralized system to collect sales tax, the head of the Louisiana Business and Industry said.

Stephen Waguespack, president and CEO of the states business lobbying organization, told members of One Acadiana that more pro-business legislators who were elected in the last cycle are primed to make significant changes to the states tax system during this years session, which convenes April 12.

Changes could come with the states franchise tax, sales tax collections, income tax and severance tax on oil and gas, he noted, after years of attempts to do have fallen flat at the capitol.

Whats different this year is this new business-minded legislature  theyre coming to us this year and they say, Were ready, Waguespack said. Were ready to tackle these issues weve long talked about. Were ready to do something about centralized sales tax collection. Were ready to lower income tax rates across the board. Were ready to go and make us more competitive.

Lawmakers are officially revamping Louisiana's tax system; what that could mean for taxpayers The work of revamping the states tax system, which has been going on for weeks behind the scenes, became public Friday when Senate President 

The centralized sales tax collection issue has been raised in past legislative sessions, but this year its been identified by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder as the top issue of the upcoming session. Sales taxes are currently collected by school boards of each parish, making Louisiana only one of three states in the country  Colorado and Hawaii the others  that does not have a centralized sales tax collection system.

Whats different now, Waguespack noted, than in previous debates on the issue is the rise in online commerce and how those out-of-state companies make sales tax payments to the state and not to the local governing bodies.

Making local retailers jump through more hoops than the larger companies is unfair, he said.

In our opinion, this is the holy grail of this session, Waguespack said. If theres one thing you could choose, this would be it. If you pass this, it doesnt cost the state one dime. It doesnt cost local government one dime. So its really a no-cost issue to fix. This has to happen this year.

The matter will require voter approval through a constitutional amendment, and the logistics remain to be worked out. Past efforts to centralize sales tax collections failed for a number of reasons, one of which was it would eliminate local sales tax collection jobs.

Inside info on doing business in Acadiana We'll keep you posted on the Acadiana economy. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up

How the system would operate will have to be worked out before it goes to the voters.

The states income tax, meanwhile, could be reduced if the legislature removes the federal income tax deduction. Currently taxpayers can claim their federal tax payment on their state income tax return, and last year that total amounted to $870 million, he said.

If that deduction get tossed, the state could reduce the individual rate from 6% to possibly 4% and the corporate rate from 8% to possibly 5%, he said.

It makes sense, he said. No one gets hurt in the process, and we move up in the rankings, making us more competitive for big investments here in Louisiana.

The franchise and inventory taxes, Waguespack noted, should be wiped off the books. Texas does not have a franchise tax, and Mississippi is phasing its franchise tax out.

Inventory taxes, meanwhile, are hurting businesses to keep equipment in Louisiana and forces them to move it elsewhere.

Just drive down (U.S.) 90 to the bayou (region) and look at all those equipment yards, and youll see theres less equipment and less inventory, he said. Thats a direct result of a shrinking economy and burdensome inventory taxes that incentivize to send their inventory elsewhere. You cant punish someone for having inventory, especially in the last year.
A close up view of destroyed buildings at an Iraq-Syria border crossing after airstrikes are seen on Feb. 26, 2021. (Satellite image (copyright) 2021 Maxar Technologies/Handout via Reuters)

White House Committed to Working With Congress to Check Presidential War Powers After Syria Strike

White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday that the Biden administration is committed to working with Congress to replace the current presidential war power with a narrow and specific framework, to ensure the government both protects Americans and stops endless wars.

We are committed to working with Congress to ensure that the authorizations for the use of military force currently on the books are replaced with a narrow and specific framework that will ensure we can protect Americans from terrorist threats while ending the forever wars, Psaki tweeted.

Psaki also praised Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who co-sponsored a bill to repeal the current presidential war power, saying that Kaine has been a leader on questions of war powers, helping to build a strong bipartisan coalition that understands the importance of Congresss constitutional rights.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki speaks during the daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington on March 4, 2021. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

The commitment responds to the bill reintroduced on Wednesday by Kaine and Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), repealing the 1991 and 2002 Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMF) against Iraq. The senators were troubled by President Joe Bidens unilateral directive of an airstrike in Syria last week, retaliating against Iran-supported militants who have attacked U.S. assets in Iraqi military bases.

Last weeks airstrikes in Syria show that the Executive Branch, regardless of party, will continue to stretch its war powers. Congress has a responsibility to not only vote to authorize new military action but to repeal old authorizations that are no longer necessary. The 1991 and 2002 AUMFs that underpinned the war against Iraq need to be taken off the books to prevent their future misuse, Kaine said on Wednesday.

The Senate passed a similar resolution last year intended to require then-President Donald Trump to be authorized by Congress before taking any military action against Iran. It was vetoed by Trump.

Legislators from both sides of the aisle have also called for an end to the war in Iraq, and to curb the presidential power to continue military action in the country. It would not necessarily limit Bidens authority to use force in other Middle Eastern countries, however.

Congress has a responsibility to not only declare war but also to bring conflicts to a close.  Closing out U.S. authorizations for war in Iraq is long overdue, and Congress owes it to the men and women who sacrificed blood and treasure to declare victory and come home, co-sponsor Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) said.

Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill), Chris Coons (D-Del), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dick Durbin (D-Ill), and Rand Paul (R-Ky) also co-sponsored the bill.
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With the advent of OTT platforms and directors trying to experiment with their plots, we are getting to see new faces entering mainstream cinema. These new actors are putting their best foot forward and making sure that they carve their own niche in the industry.

Well, the men we are talking about have already made appearances in a couple of projects but are relatively new and are still trying to find their foot in the industry. Thanks to their rock-solid performances though, we wish to see more of them in the coming year as they have the capability to prove their mettle if given a chance. Here are five such fresh faces Bollywood has presented us with:

Rohit Saraf

Rohit Saraf is one of the most promising new faces in the film and web series space right now, thanks to his 2020 releases Ludo and Mismatched. After making his debut with Alia Bhatt and Shah Rukh Khans Dear Zindagi, he did make small appearances in Hitchki and The Sky Is Pink but he only got the right opportunity last year.

It wasnt easy for the actor as he had no connection in the industry and didnt come from any filmy background. In an interview with News18, he'd said, I started at the age of 15, I have been around for 8-9 years now. I have been through several rounds of auditions to bag each of these projects. When I landed in Mumbai, I had no idea where to start. Fortunately, one thing led to another and I was selected through these auditions by the directors. When Dear Zindagi came out, I got a chance to audition for Hichki, and while that was happening I also auditioned for What Will People Say. There has been no project so far that I havent auditioned for.

He credited Ludo and Mismatched for his success as people have finally started to recognise him. Suddenly there is this massive boom and the audience is recognizing me. It has made so much difference in my life because I feel like youre as good as your fandom. And I have people supporting me like I could never imagine, he added.

He has proved that he can entertain the audience and we would love to see him in 2021 in many more shows and movies.

Ishwak Singh

Ishwak Singh piqued curiosity when people noticed him in Veere Di Wedding but it was the Prime Video Original series, Paatal Lok, that gave him the opportunity to show his acting prowess. He surely has emerged as one of the gen-next actors to look forward to.

In an interview with ScoopWhoop, he'd shared, On stage, I started with being in the background. The first play that I saw that really impressed me was Ambedkar and Gandhi. It took me 7 years from upstage to downstage and I played Ambedkar. Since you're aware of the journey and you know why it took that long, it's not disheartening if it takes time in front of the camera too. I know what the process is not just for the actor but also for the guy who's giving you the job. I probably deserved the kind of thing I was capable of delivering at that time, as in smaller roles. I just kept picking up things and getting prepared for bigger parts, as I went along.

He also added, I always wanted to act, but I found studying architecture was pretty amazing, I had that kind of skill and knack for it. I was, of course, motivated and pushed into this direction by a family who is in that business. But while I was working, I got into theatre, started doing plays. One thing led to another... I started getting cast into films and then Paatal Lok happened much later. So it was an organic journey. It wasn't like shutting shop and moving.

He was also seen in a show called Unpaused. And thanks to all these appearances, we hope we get to see more of him in 2021 and the years to come.

Adarsh Gourav

If you have seen Priyanka Chopra and Rajkummar Raos The White Tiger, you cant deny the fact that Adarsh Gourav stole the show with his strong performance and perfect expressions. He played the role of Balram Halwai in Ramin Bahrani's critically acclaimed film and we just couldn't get enough of him.

In an interview with Film Companion, he mentioned that he was never influenced by big budget films and the commercial aspect of it. He had said, To be very honest, I was never majorly influenced by big Bollywood commercial films. I was always intrigued and in awe of gangster dramas and crime-related dramas and actors who portrayed such characters influenced me in a lot of ways. But I have a lot of admiration for people who can dance and sing and do the whole thing. Itll be a big challenge for me to do it and Id love to do it just to take it up. But I dont think Ill be very great at it initially. Ill have to work really hard at it. Im really in awe of people who can do it so naturally, all the big actors.

We wish he gets to be a part of many more such projects wherein he can show what more he has to offer as an actor.

Gurfateh Pirzada

We saw Gurfateh Pirzada in Netflix movie Guilty starring Kiara Advani. To play the character who is accused of rape, you really need to take a tough call and we salute Gurfateh for the same.

In an interview with Firstpost, he'd said that he had inhibitions playing the character of a rapist and how he found it challenging as he did have sleepless nights playing the part. He said that there were inhibitions to be playing a potential rapist. It was tough to humanise it and even more tough to comprehend how a rapist feels. How do people, after crossing the line and doing something so heinous and cruel, live life normally. The only way I could do it was by believing that I didnt rape. It was a revelation for my character that he committed the crime only during the climax when a fellow student says he witnessed it. That was the only way I could do it (play the part). It was tough among sleepless nights, losing my voice a lot of times and a lot of trauma.

He has been trying his luck in the industry for around seven years now. And talking about the risk he took, he said, Even as we talk about playing exciting characters, there are actors who would still not agree to do such roles. VJs part was offered to a lot of people but they refused probably because #MeToo is a very sensitive topic. I, too, was scared thinking that what if people hate me, what if I get typecast, but then, beggars cant be choosers. I dont belong to any film family and I have realised that there is a risk of waiting for too long. You might lose a good opportunity. I want to be liked by the audience first and I am glad that people are appreciating my performance. Performances are key in films like this one. People are talking about it and that is the best thing to happen. But at the same time, I dont believe there are any negative or positive characters. Every character has its own flaws and I play that character.

Well, he will next be seen in Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoors Brahmastra. And we hope he shines in the upcoming film too.

Pavail Gulati

It took 10 years of struggle and patience for Pavail Gulati to finally get noticed with Anubhav Sinhas latest project, Thappad.

Sharing his struggle in an exclusive interview with us, he said, There have been days when there were struggles. At times, you get opportunities and you think this would be your big break but it doesn't work out. I remember I did Yudh with Amitabh Bachchan and I was the lead there but sadly, no one saw it. It was heartbreaking and there were times you are thrown away because you aren't famous enough. Last two years, I didn't get any work because I didn't have many Instagram followers. I was like 'I can act', but then they used to say 'we need someone who can promote it'. I was actually irritated by it. I kept myself busy which helped me keep going. I was assisting Shanoo Sharma and my first project was My Name Is Khan. I never wanted to sit idle at home as I had to pay my rent.

With Thappad, he did get noticed but he still has a long way to go as his journey in the big league has only just begun.
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The police have begymun imposing fines online on traffic law violators following the launch by the Ministry of Public Security of the national population database system. However, this has not been done on a large scale.

With the system, traffic policemen just need to enter violators ID numbers into the system to see names, dates of birth and current residential addresses so they can make decisions on sanctions.

Violators can pay fines via a service system from the link guiding payments. The police will send back documents and complete the process of dealing with violations after they check the system and find if the violators have paid the fines.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Quang Vinh from the Hanoi Traffic Police Division said that online fine payment is convenient for people and ensures transparency.

However, this has only been applied to the violators who have a chip in their citizen identity cards and bank accounts. These kind are of violations are subject to on-spot fine payment, under decision of the policemen on the site. The fines for the violations are below VND250,000 and policemen wont seize drivers motorbikes and documents.

Only when all citizens have chip mounted citizen identity cards will the electronic signature system become operational. Then all violations will be dealt with online.

As for violations subject to heavier fines, to be determined by directors of provincial police departments or province chairs, this still cannot be applied because high-ranking officials are not always available to sign the decisions on sanctioning. And digital signatures are not accepted in these cases in accordance with the law on administrative violations.

If people commit serious violations and have their driving licenses revoked, they have five days to explain to appropriate agencies under the current laws.

Nguyen Van Thach from the Ministry of Transport said the online fining via citizen identity cards in connection with the national service portal is very convenient, which allows both violators and police to follow procedures quickly. Violators dont have to travel a lot to fulfill the payment procedure.

Colonel Do Thanh Binh, deputy head of the Traffic Police Department, said that previously, when dealing with traffic violations, policemen had to record information on paper, and decisions on sanctions were released seven days later. Violators had to go to agencies to pay the fine directly.

Now they can pay the fine immediately and do not have to go to the agencies to pay the fine.



Paperless sanctions will also help mitigate wrongdoings, because policemen will not be able to ignore violations.

Vu Diep

Highways open to traffic, Mekong Delta expects no more traffic jams More national highways were open to traffic in an effort to reduce traffic congestions in the Mekong Delta.
On Saturday (March 6) Meadowlands President Jeff Gural issued a statement regarding trainer Rene Allard.

The statement on Allard and his stable from Gural is as follows.

Meadowlands management has become aware that Rene Allard is training a stable of horses in South Florida. As a result, The Meadowlands, Tioga & Vernon Downs will exclude any horse being trained or that has been trained in that stable in any stake and is actively investigating who owns the horses that are or have been in his stable this winter.

Those owners who currently have or have had horses in Allard's stable this winter are advised that all horses owned wholly or in part by them will be excluded from participation in all Meadowlands, Tioga & Vernon Downs races and that all of horses owned wholly or in part by them will be deemed ineligible to for any/all Meadowlands, Tioga & Vernon Downs administered stakes races for a minimum of three years.

If owners affected by the above are a minority partner on horses with owners that are not affected by the above and are being trained by accepted trainers, they must legitimately divest their interest in those horses, which will be required to be done and demonstrated to the satisfaction of The Meadowlands before the March 15 stakes payments will be accepted on those horses.

The affected owners should notify their partners on the horses that fall into the above category immediately.

This news is particularly disturbing after the indictments of March and a later superseding charge in December of last year, said Meadowlands President Jeff Gural. We, along with the Thoroughbred Jockey Club, spent much time and money employing the Five Stones investigators to prepare a case to get the Feds interested which led to all of those indictments. We will continue to partner with the Jockey Club to fund the continuing investigation by Five Stones. We could use support in this initiative and welcome anyone who would like to aid in the funding of this necessary and important endeavour.

To learn that people actually give this guy horses to train after what was discovered by the Federal investigation boggles the mind. The only reason to do this, that I do this, is to clean up racing so we might have a future and to protect the guys that do try to follow the rules.

Horsemen seem to have this absurd unspoken bond that they protect each other. Well let me be perfectly clear, trainers that break the rules and use Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) are stealing from you, not me. They are beating your horse with a PED-enhanced horse then, they are buying or claiming your horse and them beating you with your own horse. I just dont get it.

Meadowlands investigator Brice Cote will respond to questions at [email protected]

(Meadowlands)
By Jon Taylor, March 5, 2021







WARRENSBURG, MO  Beginning March 1 and running through May 7, Warrensburg residents and University of Central Missouri students will have the opportunity to explore Missouris vital role in World War I in a traveling exhibit. Endorsed by the Missouri Bicentennial, the exhibit will feature stories, images, and artifacts from museums, libraries, archives and private collections across the state. The Warrensburg viewing of Missouri in the Great War exhibit is sponsored by the UCM History Program, the James C. Kirkpatrick Library and UCM Military and Veteran Services.

The Missouri Humanities Council and the Springfield-Greene County Library District developed the exhibit with funding provided by the Missouri Humanities Council, Friends of Springfield-Greene County Library District, and the RDW Family and Community Fund.

The exhibit will be on display at the Kirkpatrick Library, located at 601 South Missouri, Warrensburg. Due to COVID-19, all campus guests, as well as UCM students who visit the library to view the exhibit, must wear masks/face coverings and practice social distancing.

To tell these stories, the Springfield-Greene County Library District and the Missouri Humanities Council developed the traveling exhibit. The exhibit explores the many facets of World War I history through the perspective of Missouri and Missourians.

Guests of the exhibits will learn facts about Missouri during the first world war such as the Missourians who contributed to the war effort even before the United States joined the hostilities over 100 years ago in April 1917, Missouri industries supplied mules, munitions and other goods to Allied armies and more than 156,000 Missourians served in the war, including men like future president Harry S. Truman, Walt Disney and generals John J. Pershing and Enoch Crowder.

Guests of the exhibit can even expect to learn about the contributions of Missouri women and African Americans to the war effort. Discover the vital role Missouri horses and mules played in the war despite the military adopting new technologies such as motorized vehicles.

Jon Taylor, professor of history at UCM, noted that many Missourians contributed to the Great War and that many of those contributions came from Warrensburg and the surrounding area. The university has had a number of veterans who have comprised an important part of the student body since it was founded in 1871. Famed soldier John Barkley attended the institution prior to leaving to serve in World War I and he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in battle. Merchants from the city of Warrensburg participated in the war effort by providing mules, which were shipped from the Jones Brothers Mule Barn downtown. Other local communities like Lexington had graduates from the Wentworth Military Academy serve in the war and George Creel, who President Woodrow Wilson appointed to serve as chairman of the Office of War Information, spent some time in Odessa.

For more information regarding the exhibit, contact Taylor at jtaylor01@ucmo.edu, visit the official JCKL web page or visit the exhibit web page.
By Stefica Nicol Bikes

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Several hundred people gathered in Sydney on Saturday to protest against last month's military coup in Myanmar and urged the Australian government to take a strong stance against the junta.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged into turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, with daily protests and strikes in which least 50 people have been killed.

On Saturday, Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action.

With singing and holding up three fingers, a salute that has since come to symbolise solidarity and resistance across Myanmar, protesters in Sydney said they wanted to show their support to those who risked their lives in Myanmar.

"We are here to commit as much as we can do to help our country, to show the people that we are suffering together with them and we are with them, that we are fighting day after day," said protester Sophia Sarkis.

Protest organiser Thein Moe Win told the crowd that Australia and other countries must do more to make sure the coup in Myanmar fails.

"We would like to urge the Australian government to work closely with the U.S., U.K., and E.U. governments and take strong action against these Myanmar military dictators," he said.

(Writing in Melbourne by Lidia Kelly; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
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Afghanistan's president said he was open to holding new elections as a way to transfer power, but insisted any new government should emerge only through the democratic process.

The comments by Ashraf Ghani at the March 6 opening of the country's parliamentary session appeared to be a bid to push peace talks with the Taliban forward.

"Transfer of power through elections is a nonnegotiable principle for us," Ghani said.

"We stand ready to discuss holding free, fair, and inclusive elections under the auspices of the international community. We can also talk about the date of the elections and reach a conclusion," he said.

Ghanis comments came days after reports emerged that the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, suggested a new format for the countrys political future during his visit to Kabul this week.

Khalilzad is now in Qatar, where the Afghan government and Taliban leaders delegation have been holding peace talks since September 2020.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has begun a review of its strategy for Afghanistan. That includes the agreement reached with the Taliban a year ago that paved the way for the ongoing peace talks.

Under that agreement, U.S. forces are set to withdraw by May, but a surge in fighting in past months has sparked concerns that a speedy exit may spark greater bloodshed and chaos.

Based on reporting by dpa and Reuters


New police chaplain appointed to provide a listening ear forged his skills in South African politics

This article is old - Published: Saturday, Mar 6th, 2021

A new multi-faith chaplain appointed by North Wales Police to provide a listening ear and support to officers and staff has made a long and interesting journey to our part of the world which more than qualifies him to administer pastoral care.

Laurie Searle is a familiar face in Wrexham, having been a Street Pastor for nearly four years.

He co-ordinates the work of the team which was set up in 2006 alongside the council, police and the Night Safe team to make the town centre a safe place for people to enjoy and to offer assistance to people who might be at risk.

However, before moving to Wales with his wife Caroline in 2017 to take up the post of pastor at the Fairhaven Congregation neat Llanfynydd on Hope Mountain, Laurie had played a distinguished and important role in the run up to post-apartheid politics in his native South Africa.





During the unsettling times before the first post-apartheid free and fair democratic elections in 1994 he chaired the Northern Province (Limpopo) Peace Committee.

Recalling that time Laurie said: I advised the National Peace Committee on the causes of violence and intimidation in the region and negotiated with parties to settle disputes and monitor all peace accords applicable in the area as well as consulting regional authorities to limit or prevent violence and or intimidation.

These listening and negotiating skills are still being put to good use in the important, if less daunting, arena of Wrexhams night time economy.

Often working in cold, wet and icy conditions Laurie and other street pastors patrol the towns streets.

Lockdown has had an impact on their work for the past 12 months, but statistics covering 2019 clearly illustrate the good work that team carries out.

Laure explain: In 2019 our team of 30 volunteers undertook 77 patrols in which we made 2440 positive engagements with people on the streets and handed out 572 pairs of flip flops to women who needed them.

We also collected 1130 empty bottles as well as 1432 empty beer cans from streets, making the environment safer and cleaner and we provided 31 meals to vulnerable people and handed out 20 bottles of water.

On seven occasions we had to step into situations and arrange for an ambulance to provide emergency medical assistance to people in desperate need. We also took 53 vulnerable people to the Welfare Centre where the British Red Cross was able to provide medical assistance.

Now Laurie has volunteered to take up a new post offering pastoral and spiritual care for the police service in an increasingly challenging time.

Policing can be a demanding and difficult role, particularly as so many of the things that officers and staff deal with are of a sensitive nature which means they are often unable to discuss what they do even with their nearest and dearest.

Those wanting someone to talk to, whatever the situation or subject and irrespective of religious background now have a team from the chaplaincy service who will provide a listening ear.

Laurie said: We may not have all the answers, but we have learned to listen, to try and help the person identify what their need may be so that they can be helped or signposted to someone who has the necessary skill and expertise to help them.

As new chaplains in the North Wales Police we look forward to interacting with our colleagues and supporting them as they serve their local communities.

Citizens in Policing Manager, Chris Perkins added: Ensuring that our workforce is fit, healthy and happy in mind, body, and work-life will enable us to achieve our vision of making north Wales the safest place in the UK.

The service provided by our volunteer chaplains will complement other departments such as occupational health, welfare and counselling, wellbeing, and staff networks and associations. They can also signpost to other organisations if required.
The Leader and Founder of Alive Chapel International, Bishop Dr Elisha Salifu Amoako is showering praises on the seven Supreme Court Judges for pronouncing a good judgment on the 2020 election petition.



According to him, the Supreme Court judges deserve to be applauded for passing an unquestionable judgement based on the evidence available to them.



Speaking to the media after the Supreme Court final ruling on the 2020 election petition, Bishop Dr Salifu Amoako said that the seven Justices of the Supreme Court have demonstrated that they are experienced and capable of maintaining the peace the country is enjoying.



He added that the seven Justices of the Supreme Court have done well in the meticulous attention they attached to the 2020 election petition and coming out with a judgment that meets the expectation of about 70 per cent of Ghanaians.



He affirmed the decision of the seven Supreme Court judges to describe the petition of former President John Dramani Mahama as one without merit because the petitioner failed to provide evidence to convince the Justices of the Supreme Court.



He was of the considered view that the petitioner may have a case to pursue in the Supreme Court but due to lack of evidence which is the accepted norm in the court of law, the petition can be dismissed as witnessed last Thursday, 4th March 2021.



We will thank the judges for doing a good job; the time they spent for three months on the petitionthe way they handled the case, they did well because such a case is very sensitive to the extent that if you dont handle it well, the nation can be inflamed, he applauded.



I am happy with the way the judges handled the 2020 election petition and the outcome of the case. The judges said that the NDCs case is not all that strong as well as the evidence; based on that, they dismissed the case. I think that if you had followed the case attentively, the judgment is fair; they did the right thing. The judgment went well, he opined.



He added that even the star witness for the petitioner, Mr Johnson Asiedu Nketia in the witness box in his calculation affirmed that his Presidential Candidate, Mr John Mahama did not cross the threshold required to win the 2020 Presidential Election and in the same calculation, rather affirmed that Mr Akufo-Addo won the 2020 election.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









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You may have heard of Dr. J. Marion Sims, the so-called father of modern gynecology. Its less likely you know the mothers of gynecology.

In the mid-1800s in Montgomery, Sims conducted experimental surgeries on about 11 enslaved women. None of them gave consent to be operated on. None of them received anesthesia. Their suffering has largely been forgotten, overshadowed by Sims medical achievements.

Montgomery-based artist and activist Michelle Browder is building awareness for the forgotten mothers of gynecology  literally. Shes erecting a large-scale sculptural monument to the women to be installed in Montgomery  and she is asking for your help.

Browder will be passing through Los Angeles this weekend, after picking up the sculptures steel armature from a fabricator in Las Vegas and before heading to San Francisco, where she will build out the work. On Saturday morning, she will hold a free event at the North Venice Little League parking lot. Shes inviting Angelenos to meet her and to bring metal objects  brass candlesticks, copper pots, stainless steel silverware, spare bicycle parts  to be melted down as material for the 15-foot figurative sculpture commemorating the women.

Discarded objects represent how Black women have been treated in this country, Browder said. But it also represents the beauty thats in the broken and the discarded. And recycled materials  were being mindful of the planet. Its also about environmental justice.

The sculpture will feature three enslaved women that Sims mentioned in his notes: Anarcha, who endured 30 surgeries, as well as Betsey and Lucy. The work will sit on a pedestal of red bricks, each inscribed with the names of women who have suffered losses.

Women from the 60s civil rights movement and the new civil rights movement, Browder said. Women who have lost their children, like Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martins mom, and the mother of George Floyd  he cried out for his mom as he was dying. Mothers like Eartha Kitt, who lost her career because she stood for justice; Nina Simone, who didnt have the opportunity to be the classical pianist she wanted to be because of the color of her skin.

Saturdays event also will serve as a memorial to the women of gynecology. Browder will lead a discussion addressing racial justice, the legacy of slavery and reproductive rights, among other topics.

In addition to being a mixed-media artist  her work is on view at the Alabama Department of Archives and History in downtown Montgomery  Browder is the founder and director of the Montgomery-based nonprofit I Am More Than. The arts-based youth empowerment organization celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Browder also leads local truth tours, as she calls them, addressing the regions history, slavery and civil rights through her company More Than Tours.

Browder, who grew up in Verbena, Ala., first learned of the women of gynecology in college at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Their stories haunted her. She conceived of the monument about 10 years ago while leading one of her tours.

I was telling people about J. Marion Sims, how [his statue] still stands at our states capitol. Here we are in the 21st century and were still celebrating people who did these unspeakable crimes, Browder said. But Alabama is not a place where theyll remove statues. So I said, Well, what about the mothers? We need to do something to remember them, to speak their truths.

About six years ago, the women of gynecology began to weigh heavily on Browder, and she rededicated herself to making the monument. She refined the vision for the work in January 2020 when, while visiting San Francisco, friends introduced her to Bay Area artist Dana Albany, who creates enormous sculptures using recycled materials. Albany promised to teach Browder how to weld.

After Browder designed the work, she enlisted Montgomery sculptor Deborah Shedrick, a friend, to consult. She added her twist to the design and brought in the fistula, Browder said, adding that the vesicovaginal fistula  a tear between the bladder and the vagina that can occur during childbirth  was the focus of Sims experimental operations.

The Las Vegas armature fabricator and Browder will drive the skeletal structure from Las Vegas to L.A. on Friday. After Saturdays event, theyll continue on to San Francisco, where Browder will spend the rest of March  Womens History Month  with Albany laying the metal skin onto the work. Shedrick will join them for several weeks.

The weeklong journey home will include stops in six cities for outdoor events and fundraisers: Dallas and Austin, Texas; Greenville, Miss.; Baton Rouge and Shreveport, La.; and Africatown in Mobile, Ala., where the last slave ship from Africa to the U.S. landed.

The trip is about reclaiming history and envisioning a brighter future, Browder said. We wanted to make it a pilgrimage so that these women, theyll be reborn. We want to welcome them back to Montgomery but this time to be handled with care.

Word of Browders journey spread organically among her friends, colleagues and former tour customers. Now the hashtag #themothersofgynecology is gaining momentum on social media. Gloria Steinem tweeted about it last week, and on Wednesday, Browder got a call from actress Gina Belafonte to say she was coming Saturday.

Browder and Shedrick hope to finish the work in time to install it on Mothers Day. The sculpture will sit outdoors at the More Up Campus in Montgomery. The complex houses the I Am More Than organization and a small art gallery, a resource center and a 32-bed student travel center. The three buildings are nestled on greenspace on a corner lot that Browder plans to turn into a park.

The sculpture is Phase 1 of a three-part project. Phase 2, once funds are raised, will be to renovate the student travel center. Phase 3 will turn the resource center into the Creative Changemakers Museum dedicated to the mothers of gynecology.

But first: dialogue. In April and May, while Browder and Shedrick put the final touches on the sculpture back in Montgomery, Browder will host welding workshops for women as well as community discussions on slavery and systemic racism, reproductive rights, and the health disparities illuminated by the COVID-19 pandemic and infant mortality rates. Browder said Montgomery has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the nation.

Its that legacy of slavery, Browder said. Its shaped the structure of our healthcare system.

The events Saturday and in the weeks that follow make up a collective healing odyssey, she said.

Everyone talks about change and a reconciliation and a reckoning, Browder said. But its going to take all of us to get there. We have to start having these courageous conversations, lifting the veil of ignorance. And its going to take everyone to do that.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

___

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Wish you were there?: The beautiful Oia village on the Greek island of Santorini

The inhabitants of around 40 Greek islands are being vaccinated against Covid-19, meaning foreigners longing for a summer holiday under the Aegean sun can start booking now, the countrys tourism minister said yesterday.

The islands, scattered around the Aegean and Ionian seas, all have a population of less than 1,000 people, making mass vaccination relatively easy.

They include Halki, near Rhodes, Kastellorizo, barely a mile off the Turkish coast, Meganisi in the Ionian Sea and Kythira in the Peloponnese.

For lockdown-weary people dreaming of grilled octopus, dishes of taramasalata and all the other delights that a Hellenic holiday can offer, it is an encouraging step as Greece prepares to open up for what it hopes will be a busy tourism season.

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Once the countrys tiniest islands have been vaccinated, larger destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu will be targeted.

If youre going to send a medical team to an island with a small population, it makes sense to vaccinate not just the elderly and vulnerable, but everyone, said Harry Theoharis, the Greek tourism minister.

Were vaccinating everyone on islands that have a population of less than 1,000 inhabitants.

Greece hit the one- million vaccination mark this week, with 355,000 people now having received both doses  still a low percentage of the countrys 11 million population.

It is a priority to vaccinate the tourist islands, the minister said. We want to vaccinate people working in the tourism sector, from hotel staff and waiters to tourist guides and drivers. ( Telegraph Media Group Ltd 2021)

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
In new TN assembly DMK has most MLAs with pending criminal background, crorepatis

TN polls: AIADMK seals poll pact with BJP, gives Kanyakumari LS seat; 20 assembly segments

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Chennai, Mar 06: The ruling AIADMK has allotted 20 Assembly constituencies and the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha seat to its ally BJP for the April 6 Assembly elections, after several rounds of negotiations.

Following up with the release of its first list of six candidates for the polls on Friday, the AIADMK firmed up the electoral agreement with the Saffron party late Friday night.

An AIADMK release pledged its full support to the candidates of the BJP in the polls and the pact was signed by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami from the ruling party side and the saffron party''s national general secretary, C T Ravi and state unit chief L Murugan.

Days ago, the AIADMK concluded seat-sharing with the Pattali Makkal Katchi and allotted it 23 seats. Out of the 234 assembly seats, the AIADMK is keen to contest from at least 170 seats including 134 it won during the 2016 polls, sources said.

Tamil Nadu assembly polls 2021: AIADMK releases first list of six candidates; CM to contest from Edappadi

The negotiations on seat-sharing, initated in a meeting between BJP top leader Amit Shah and AIADMK''s Palaniswami and Panneerselvam here was taken forward by Ravi, and poll in charge for Tamil Nadu, G Kishan Reddy with the leadership of the state''s ruling party.

The BJP eyed a number of constituencies in the western belt of Tamil Nadu, considered the stronghold of the AIADMK and where the national party is also perceived to have pockets of influence.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

Shah visited Tamil Nadu and Puducherry recently and addressed public meetings. He is set to visit Kanyakumari on March 7 and hold a road show. Congress party''s H Vasanthakumar who represented the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha MP died due to the coronavirus last year and the constituency fell vacant.
PLAINS OF UR, Iraq (AP)  Pope Francis walked through a narrow alley in Iraqs holy city of Najaf for a historic meeting with the countrys top Shiite cleric Saturday, and together they delivered a powerful message of peaceful coexistence in a country still reeling from back-to-back conflicts over the past decade.

In a gesture both simple and profound, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani welcomed Francis into his spartan home. The 90-year-old cleric, one of the most eminent among Shiites worldwide, afterward said Christians should live in peace in Iraq and enjoy the same rights as other Iraqis. The Vatican said Francis thanked al-Sistani for having raised his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted during some of the most violent times in Iraqs recent history,

Later in the day, the pope attended a gathering of Iraqi religious leaders in the deserts near a symbol of the countrys ancient past  the 6,000-year-old ziggurat in the Plains of Ur, also the traditional birthplace of Abraham, the biblical patriarch revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims. The joint appearance by figures from across Iraq's sectarian spectrum was almost unheard-of, given their communities' often bitter divisions.

Together, the days events gave symbolic and practical punch to the central message of Francis visit, calling for Iraq to embrace its diversity. It is a message he hopes can preserve the place of the thinning Christian population in the tapestry. At a Mass the pope celebrated later in Baghdad, emotional worshippers sang hymns, ululated and shouted Viva la Papa!, or Long live the pope  a rare public moment of joy among a population weighed down by turmoil, economic woes and the coronavirus pandemic.

Still, his message faces a tough sell in a country where every community has been traumatized by sectarian bloodshed and discrimination and where politicians have tied their power to sectarian interests.

In al-Sistani, Francis sought the help of an ascetic, respected figure who is immersed in those sectarian identities but is also a powerful voice standing above them.

Story continues

Al-Sistani is one of the most senior clerics in Shiite Islam, deeply revered among Shiites in Iraq and worldwide. His rare but powerful political interventions have helped shape present-day Iraq. Their meeting in al-Sistanis humble home, the first ever between a pope and a grand ayatollah, was months in the making, with every detail painstakingly negotiated beforehand.

Early Saturday, the 84-year-old pontiff, travelling in a bullet-proof Mercedes-Benz, pulled up along Najafs narrow and column-lined Rasool Street, which culminates at the golden-domed Imam Ali Shrine, one of the most revered sites in Shiite Islam.

He then walked the few meters (yards) down an alley to al-Sistanis home. As a masked Francis entered the doorway, a few white doves were released in a sign of peace.

A religious official in Najaf called the meeting very positive. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief media.

The official said al-Sistani, who normally remains seated for visitors, stood to greet Francis at the door of his room  a rare honor. The pope removed his shoes before entering al-Sistanis room and was served tea and a plastic bottle of water.

At one point in their 40-minute meeting, the pope gingerly cradled the ayatollahs two hands in his own as al-Sistani leaned in speaking, according to footage aired on Lebanons LBC. They sat close to one another, without masks. Al-Sistani spoke for most of the meeting, the official said. Al-Sistani, who rarely appears in public or even on television, wore black robes and a black turban, in simple contrast to Francis all-white cassock.

The official said there was some concern about the fact that the pope had met with so many people the day before. Francis has received the coronavirus vaccine but al-Sistani has not. The aging ayatollah, who underwent surgery for a fractured thigh last year, looked tired.

After the meeting ended, Francis paused before leaving the room to have a last look, the official said.

In a statement issued by his office afterward, al-Sistani affirmed that Christians should live like all Iraqis, in security and peace and with full constitutional rights. He pointed out the role that the religious authority plays in protecting them, and others who have also suffered injustice and harm in the events of past years.

Al-Sistani wished Francis and the followers of the Catholic Church happiness and thanked him for taking the trouble to visit him in Najaf, the statement said.

Iraqis cheered the meeting, and the prime minister responded to it by declaring March 6 a National Day of Tolerance and Coexistence in Iraq.

We welcome the popes visit to Iraq and especially to the holy city of Najaf and his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said Najaf resident Haidar Al-Ilyawi. It is a historic visit and hope it will be good for Iraq and the Iraqi people.

Iraqs Christians, battered by violence and discrimination, hope a show of solidarity from al-Sistani will help secure their place in Iraq and ease intimidation from Shiite militiamen against their community.

Al-Sistanis voice is a powerful one, often for moderation.

After the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, his opinions forced American administrators to alter their transition plans, and his approval opened the way for Iraqs Shiites to participate in force in post-Saddam Hussein elections. In 2019, as anti-government demonstrations gripped the country, his sermon led to the resignation of then-prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

But his word is not law. After 2003, he repeatedly preached calm and restraint as the Shiite majority came under attack by Sunni extremists. Yet brutal Shiite reprisals against Sunni civilians fed a years-long cycle of sectarian violence.

His 2014 fatwa, or religious edict, calling on able-bodied men to join the security forces in fighting the Islamic State group helped ensure the extremists defeat. But it also swelled the ranks of Shiite militias, many closely tied to Iran and now blamed for discrimination against Sunnis and Christians.

Later, Pope Francis evoked the common reverence for Abraham to speak against religious violence at the inter-faith gathering at the Plains of Ur, near the southern city of Nasiriyah.

From this place, where faith was born, from the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful and that the greatest blasphemy is to profane his name by hating our brothers and sisters, Francis said. Hostility, extremism and violence are not born of a religious heart: they are betrayals of religion.

Such interfaith forums are a staple of Francis international trips. But its sectarian breadth was startling in Iraq: From Shiite and Sunni Muslims to Christians, Yazidis and Zoroastrians and tiny, ancient and esoteric faiths like the Kakai, a sect among ethnic Kurds, Mandaeans and Sabaean Mandaeans.

The Vatican said Iraqi Jews were invited to the event but did not attend, without providing further details. Iraqs ancient Jewish community was decimated in the 20th century by violence and mass emigration fueled by the Arab-Israeli conflict, and only a handful remain.

Ali Thijeel, a Nasiriyah resident who attended the event, said he hoped the popes visit would encourage investment in the area to attract pilgrims and tourists. This is what we were waiting for, he said. This is a message to the government and politicians. They should take care of this city and pay attention to our history.

Francis visit  his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic  comes amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Iraq. Despite concern about infections, Francis celebrated Mass in a packed, stuffy Chaldean Catholic Cathedral later Saturday in Baghdad that featured chanted Scripture readings and a maskless choir singing hymns.

Love is our strength, the source of strength for those of our brothers and sisters who here too have suffered prejudice, indignities, mistreatment and persecutions for the name of Jesus, Francis told the faithful, who did wear masks.

___

Abdul-Zahra reported from Baghdad. Associated Press journalists Anmar Khalil in Najaf, Iraq, and Samya Kullab in Baghdad contributed.
Russia's population shrank by over 113,000 in January, official data showed Friday, more than double its rate of decline over the same month last year, as the country is battered by the pandemic.

The Rosstat statistics agency released figures showing that in January Russia saw 219,769 deaths and 106,603 births, meaning its population shrunk by 113,116.

The decline was 2.5 times as much as the decrease of 45,255 people in January 2020.

The new figures came as Rosstat on Friday also reported that Russia saw 28,680 virus-related deaths in January this year.

Rosstat said that Russia this January saw slightly fewer births at 12,217 than in 2020, but 55,694 more deaths.

The statistics agency did not explain the reason for the other extra deaths.

The Russian population has been in constant decline since the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991, for reasons including a low birth rate, an unequal healthcare system and emigration.

The January population change figures did not take into emigration statistics, though borders have been mostly closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

At the beginning of this year, the Russian population numbered 146.2 million, 510,000 fewer than the previous year, Rosstat said.

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Rising Irish actress Aisling Franciosi is to star with Hollywood heavyweight Russell Crowe in a new movie, Rothko.

The film will tell the real-life story of how Kate Rothko, the daughter of revered U.S. painter Mark Rothko, was drawn into a well-publicised legal battle to honour her fathers legacy.

The Fall star Franciosi will play Kate while Oscar winner Crowe will portray her father.

The film will be directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, of Fifty Shades of Grey fame, and will also star Golden Globe-winner Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Nocturnal Animals), Golden Globe-nominee Michael Stuhlbarg (Call Me By Your Name) and BAFTA-winner Jared Harris (Chernobyl and Mad Men).

Adapted from the book The Legacy of Mark Rothko by Lee Seldes, the screenplay by Lara Wood focuses on the true story of the Rothko case.

This was a protracted legal dispute between Kate Rothko and the painters estate executors and the directors of his gallery, Marlborough Fine Art.

The revelations in the case of greed, abuses of power and conspiracy shocked the art world.

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Mark Rothko was the celebrated American painter of Lithuanian-Jewish descent who refused to adhere to any art movement, but is generally identified as an abstract expressionist and one of Americas greatest painters of the 20th Century.

He was born in 1903 and died in 1970 from suicide, leaving behind two young children, including Kate who had to take up the legal battle aged only 19.

Filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson told Deadline: Rothko is not just a movie about the great artist, but rather a timeless story about right versus wrong.

Its Kate Rothkos journey to protect the seminal paintings from the corrupt men who betrayed her father and stole his art.

It is a reckoning with men in positions of power who try everything to destroy her fathers legacy.

Producers on the movie are Jared Freedman (Rising Son), David Silverton (Rising Son), Sam Taylor-Johnson and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Jonathan Schwartz and Logan Lerman are executive-producing and the shoot is planned for this summer.

Dubliner Franciosi, 27, shot to fame playing Jamie Dornans besotted babysitter in The Fall and Gabriel Byrnes daughter in the Quirke series.

But she came to international attention for her role in The Nightingale which saw her named as one of Europes Shooting Star for 2019 following in the footsteps of Domhnall Gleeson and Ruth Negga.

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Franciosi is said to have stunned the jury with her great acting range and superb instincts" in The Nightingale.

In the film Franciosi, who also appeared in two series of Game of Thrones as Lyanna Stark, played a 21-year-old Irish girl indentured to a brutish British lieutenant in Tasmania.

When her family was killed she set out for revenge chasing the soldier through the Tasmanian wilderness with the help of an Aboriginal tracker called Billy.


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'Nothing replaces in class learning,' Horeswood NS principal Brian Flood happily reported after the first day back at school for his 285 pupils on Monday.

'Everything went great and everyone was delighted. It's great to see things returning slowly but surely after Christmas when we got such a shock with the high numbers. It's nice to see the tide turning a little bit,' Mr Flood said, adding that people still need to exercise caution.

Children were in their pods and playing separately throughout the day and staggered collection times remained in place. A colour coded system for infants was also used.

Mr Flood said there is a greater sense of awareness now about the transmission of Covid-19 and an onus on everyone, from parents, to the wider community to ensure numbers remain low in Co Wexford.

He said the teachers were like the children, all excited to be back. 'The enthusiasm is there but at the back of their minds they are a little bit cautious. They all have their own personal lives and they are all looking after people at home, some of whom may be vulnerable. Remote learning is not ideal. They were certainly putting the hours in. Everyone had to be flexible. With the help of God we'll never have to face this again.'

Mr Flood said all teachers embraced whatever was asked of them, adding that the school did a mix of live Zoom classes and Seesaw. 'It was amazing, we had a greater level of participation in Seesaw than in Zoom. Articles said people wanted live classes and they are fine if you are at home and you have two laptops and two separate spaces for children to learn in and parents who can be with them for the classes. There has to be a balance. Nothing replaces in class teaching. Having the children back in school; that is what people needed to realise.'

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Ramsgrange NS principal Lorraine Kennedy said all of the children were absolutely delighted to be back in their classrooms on Monday morning. 'So were we! They were thrilled to be there and there were no tears.'

The children found no changes to their classrooms and everything was as they left it on Christmas week. As 2nd and 3rd class pupils have the same teacher, 3rd class pupils also returned on Monday.

Ms Kennedy said teachers were happy to be back in the classroom as there is 'much less work' than working from home, when days are longer.

'There were loads of smiles, even to see their teachers meant a lot. When they run in the gates it's a good thing.'

Ms Kennedy said there is nothing like in class learning, as not all pupils will engage as well using technology. 'Parents have to sit beside them (when they are on Zoom classes). You are conscious that parents are there as well and they wouldn't interact the same as in class where it's more relaxed.'

Pupils went home with no homework and got to enjoy the afternoon's sunshine, those who weren't too exhausted from the day's excitement that is.
Authorities in New Zealand urged people evacuated to higher ground or inland to remain there until officials say it's safe to go home, after a series of earthquakes struck Friday off the country's coast.

The largest was a powerful magnitude 8.1 earthquake which prompted thousands of people to evacuate and triggered tsunami warnings across the South Pacific.

Emergency Management minister Kiri Allan praised New Zealanders for following advice to leave their homes.

"They felt the long or strong earthquakes and they knew to grab their bag and head into the highlands," she said.

The warnings caused traffic jams as people scrambled to evacuate.

But the quakes didn't appear to pose a widespread threat to lives or major infrastructure, because of the remoteness of where they hit.

The largest struck about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off the coast of New Zealand.

Allan said that people should remain inland or at higher ground until the all-clear was given.

"The official all-clear will be given when we have the advice that it is right to do so," she said.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

"I think at that time while we were taking aggressive action and very concerned, it was still unfathomable to so many of us that we would be sitting here a year later with over half a million people in this country alone having died from COVID-19."

Video Transcript

- I want to share with you a clip, so I'm going to share my screen and bring in for you a look at the first major press conference addressing COVID-19 last year in San Francisco. This is on the 6th of March, 2020.

- After we learned yesterday of two coronavirus cases among San Francisco residents, we had proof that the virus is spreading in our community. We are taking swift action today. We are making strong recommendations for social distancing that are intended to reduce the spread of the virus and protect individual and community health.

- I know when I watched that last week in preparation for this interview, I got chills when I heard you say, two cases of coronavirus in San Francisco. What are your thoughts seeing that video?

- Well I think, first of all, it's been such a challenging year. And I think at that time, while we were taking aggressive action and very concerned, it was still unfathomable to so many of us that we would be sitting here a year later, nearly a year later, with over half a million people in this country alone having died from COVID-19, unfortunately including over 420 San Franciscans who have perished from COVID-19.

So acknowledging that and also acknowledging that I think because of the early actions that San Franciscans took under the leadership of Mayor Breed that, fortunately, our death rate has been lower than many other comparable jurisdictions. The other piece that really stands out is that how our understanding of the virus has dramatically evolved over these 12 months, understanding how to slow the spread of the virus, how to slow the spread through the masking, through the social distancing.

We got virtually no federal support to do testing. And I think also, looking back at this, the PPE supplies, the personal protective equipment for our frontline workers, we were literally running out because there were no supply chains. And different counties were literally competing with each other to get face shields, face masks for people who are literally working in our hospitals. And that's what just pains me, and I think that we need to acknowledge that that is something that was a failure on the federal side.

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- I'm always curious when each person realized that COVID-19 was an emergency. Some people say it was when the NBA shut down or when I went to the store and nothing was there. Everyone has their own story. For you, what was that moment?

- Well, it was really the moment of looking at how quickly this virus took off in Wuhan, China and in certain parts of Italy very early on and the fact that it's what we call an exponential spread, so that once it takes off, it's incredibly hard to stop. And if you had told me a year ago that we would have three incredibly effective and safe vaccines now, I would have thought it was science fiction. So I think it's incredible how quickly we've advanced in that way.

And the vaccines may need to be adjusted and evolved as variants come in, but we have the technology to potentially do that. So I'm much more optimistic than I was just a few months ago. And that day that I woke up and read the news about that first vaccine study was just one-- I'm getting goosebumps now because it's such a game-changer.

- You don't want to say when or we will or will not be wearing masks or when we will be able to go on vacation. We're not quite there yet to have those discussions.

- Right. I don't think we're quite there yet, but I do think that when we get to a place where there are 70%, 80% of San Franciscans have been vaccinated, we look at the numbers of COVID-19 cases, we look at the number of people in the hospital, I am hopeful that we will be in a much better place a year from now.

- How are you? I don't think people probably ask that too much. But have you slept? What is keeping you up at night? How are you doing?

- Well, I think that one of the key things is we all need to make sure that we do self care and support our loved ones during this time from a social distanced way if they're not part of your household. But I also want to emphasize the importance of self care because this is a marathon. And we need to do the exercises, the healthy eating, the connecting that is safe to do during this year.

So I've really worked on that. So I'm doing well. I have an amazing public health team. And I think that across the city, the other city departments and the partnerships that have been developed help us all to be individually resilient and support our teams and our communities as much as possible. But I really appreciate the question. Thank you.
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The recent announcement by the Karnataka government to adopt two schemes to brighten the matrimonial prospects of the poor from the Brahmin community raises several fundamental questions about the social character of the state. One of the editorials in this issue of EPW has already expressed some of the most pertinent concerns in this regard. Following from the editorial, let us take the argument a little further and ask some more relevant questions in regard to the schemes under reference. Ideally speaking, if marriages are personal or private affairs, should the state interfere in such matters? If yes, what are the normative grounds on which such partisan initiatives can be justified? As a preface to these two questions, an equally important question needs to be raised here. Is the state inherently partisan? If not, what are the sociopolitical conditions that motivate the state to step into the domain which is personal or private.

The state, in a liberal sense, is considered non-partisan or impartial, and hence, it exists over and above the mundane matrimonial affairs of the society, which would want the state to stay away from matters, such as marriage, that exclusively belong to it. And yet, the state ventures into the private domain and tries to regulate it with its power of patronage. The questions that some people may raise are: Should the state try and regulate this domain on the grounds that it desires to achieve larger goals or should it regulate this domain with strictly partisan motives?

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.
Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 05:16:23|Editor: huaxia

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MEXICO CITY, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Mexico could return to "economic normality" by the end of June, with employment at the levels registered before the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday.

Before the pandemic broke out here in February 2020, the number of workers registered with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) was over 20.5 million, a figure that could be recovered by mid-year, the president said during his usual daily press conference.

According to Lopez Obrador, Mexico lost 1.1 million jobs due to COVID-19, after lockdown measures brought several economic sectors to a standstill, but in recent months some 600,000 jobs have been recovered.

"We believe that by the middle of the year we will have 20.5 million formal jobs again," the president told reporters at the National Palace in Mexico City.

"I maintain that by June, by the end, we will already be in economic normality. We are going to have greater growth and recovery in industrial activity, especially in tourism, which was very hard hit," he said.

Economic recovery is expected to go hand in hand with a decline in COVID-19 and progress in vaccinating the population.

Lopez Obrador said he hopes to have everyone over 60 years of age, about 15 million people, vaccinated against COVID-19 by April, as part of a gradual inoculation strategy that began at the end of December 2020.

Mexico has the world's third-highest COVID-19 death toll, after the United States and Brazil, with 188,866 deaths from the disease.

Some 2,112,508 people in Mexico have tested positive for the virus.

Mexico's economy, the second largest in Latin America after Brazil, contracted 8.2 percent in 2020, its worst performance since the 1930s, as a result of the pandemic.

The economy is expected to grow 4.8 percent in 2021, according to the Central Bank of Mexico. Enditem
A pro-Trump mob clashes with police on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

An AP review of law enforcement preparations before January 6 showed a fractured preparation.

Five people died, including one police officer, and two officers died by suicide after the attack.

Insider created a searchable database of every riot suspect who has been charged.

Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

A new investigation by the Associated Press showed that as Capitol Police were overrun by a violent pro-Trump mob at the Capitol on January 6, only two medics were on site to help and treat injured officers.

AP combed through materials received through 35 Freedom of Information Act requests made to law enforcement agencies in charge of securing the Capitol during and prior to the insurrection. The documents shed light on the disjointed nature of the security response on the sixth.

One of those documents was a memo from the only two medics tasked to help Capitol police officers in case things escalated.

The AP reviewed the memo written after the insurrection by the two medics, Arlington county firefighters Taylor Blunt and Nathan Waterfall, where they recounted the scene and how they and Capitol officers were overwhelmed.

"We were among the first mutual aid teams to arrive and were critical to begin the process of driving protestors off the Capitol," Blunt wrote in the memo.

He added that Police officers were "being pulled into the crowd and trampled, assaulted with scaffolding materials, and/or bear maced by protesters."

In the documents obtained by the AP, Blunt said that alongside injured officers, rioters also sought medical assistance and that some members of the mob "feigned illness to remain behind police lines."

During the storming of the Capitol, five people died, including one police officer, and two police officers died by suicide in the days after the attack.

More than 300 people have been charged in connection to the January 6 riot, with many facing federal and local charges. Insider created a searchable database of every riot suspect who has been charged.

Story continues

According to the documents reviewed by AP, the two Arlington firefighters were dispatched as medics after Washington Metro Police Chief Robert J. Contee requested help from Arlington County, Maryland, and Arlington County, Virginia, police departments.

Andy Penn, Arlington's acting police chief, said that their department would send backups for the "planned and unplanned first amendment activities."

The AP reviewed email exchanges between Federal Protective Service officers, who are in charge of securing federal property, on the day of the insurrection and Trump's rally.

As Trump's rally was concluding, a protective service officer whose identifying information was redacted sent an email saying, "POTUS is encouraging the protesters to march to capitol grounds and continue protesting there."

Another colleague had noted that by noon, hours before the breach, at least 300 Proud Boys had gathered in front of the Capitol.

The report made clear that alongside the Capitol Police's security assessment about militia members and white supremacists, federal agencies also prepped for violence at the Capitol.

Read the original article on Business Insider
YEREVAN.  Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Andranik Makaryan, Head of the General Department of Training of the RA Armed Forces-Deputy Chief of the General Staff [(GS)] of the RA Armed Forces, is involved as a defendant in the framework of a criminal case being investigated by the General Department of Military Investigation of the RA Investigative Committee. The Public Relations Department of the RA Prosecutor General's Office stated this in response to an inquiry from Zhoghovurd daily.

In particular, by sending an inquiry, we had asked to provide information whether there is a criminal case related to the 44-day [Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war ().

The prosecutor's office refused to provide any other information about the case, considering it an investigative secret.

Let us note that Andranik Makaryan is one of the four military who did not join the statement of General Staff chief Onik Gasparyan and other military demanding [PM] Nikol Pashinyan's resignation.

This very criminal case is the reason why Makaryan refused to sign the statement of his colleagues, fearing disclosures about him and possible arrest.

He hopes that once Onik Gasparyan is dismissed, he will be appointed chief of the GS, and the criminal case against him will be dropped, too.
The on Saturday said



that its women's wing chief Sushmita Dev was with the party, dismissing reports in a section of the press that she has resigned amid differences over seat-sharing.

The reports of Dev's resignation came amid differences with party leaders over seat-sharing with AIUDF.

"It has been brought to the notice of the Assam Pradesh Committee that a speculative news about resignation of President, All India Mahila Ms Sushmita Dev is doing the rounds on television and web portals. We want to make it clear that Ms Sushmita Dev has not resigned from the party," party spokesperson Bobbeeta Sharma said in a statement.

Earlier, Dev barged out of a Congress meeting on the selection of candidates at a city hotel, party sources said.

Her supporters also demonstrated against Congress leaders who favoured allotting more seats to AIUDF in the Barak Valley.

However, sources close to Dev said that though there were differences she was sure that those would be resolved soon.

The Congress-led 'Mahajoth' or grand alliance has AIUDF, BPF, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) and the Anchalik Gana Morcha as its constituents.

The Congress is engaged in hectic parleys with its alliance partners and also within the party over the seat- sharing.

The elections to the 126-member Assam assembly will be held in three phases, beginning on March 27.

(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.)
Barcelona cranked up the pressure on Sunday's Madrid derby by beating Osasuna 2-0 on Saturday night to edge two points behind leaders Atletico Madrid in La Liga.

Lionel Messi set up both goals in Pamplona as Jordi Alba hammered home in the first half before the 18-year-old Ilaix Moriba came off the bench to curl in an impressive shot late in the second.

"Thankfully Leo gave me the pass and I don't know how I cut in and shot with my left foot, I'm just glad it went in," Ilaix said. "I will never forget it, I will take that goal to my grave."

Ilaix's strike was his first goal in La Liga and another breakthrough moment for a Barca youngster, 24 hours before the club hopes a brighter future can begin under a new president.

Before the winner of the elections -- contested by Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Toni Freixa -- is confirmed on Sunday night, Atletico will face Real Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano, where Barcelona will surely be hoping for anything other than a home win.

A few weeks ago, Ronald Koeman's side looked too far adrift in the title race but 10 victories out of 11 have shot them back into contention, even if Atletico remain in the driving seat with two games in hand.

"Any result is good for us," said Koeman.

After coming from two goals down to beat Sevilla after extra-time in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, Barcelona now have one trophy, and perhaps even a domestic double, in their sights.

Their success in recent months has owed much to a talented crop of youngsters, with Ilaix -- a dynamic but technically gifted midfielder -- the latest to emerge.

"Every time he comes into the team he gives the team something extra," said Koeman. "Because of his personality, his energy, most of all he's good with the ball, and physically he's a strong boy. He's gaining ground and showing he can be more with the first team."

Barca faced some nervy moments early on as Jonathan Calleri tried an ambitious lob from distance before Ruben Garcia's curler from the edge of the area required an athletic save from Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Story continues

Messi shot wide and then set up the opener, drifting in from the right and spotting the scuttling Alba racing in behind on the opposite side. Messi clipped a pass through three Osasuna defenders for Alba to collect and he lashed it high and in from the angle.

Garcia deserved an equaliser soon after for his first touch alone, a sumptuous cushioning of a long ball forward, but Ter Stegen was again there to deny the finish.

There was more control about the second half but Barcelona needed a second to make it comfortable and substitute Ilaix seized his moment, shaping to shoot with his right before coolly rolling onto his left and whipping his shot into the corner.

While Barcelona sustained momentum from their midweek victory in the cup, Sevilla failed to bounce back, instead sinking to another loss away at Elche earlier on Saturday.

Raul Guti and Guido Carrillo sealed a crucial 2-1 win for Elche, with Luuk de Jong adding a late consolation for Sevilla, who have now lost three consecutive matches in eight days.

They sit six points ahead of Real Sociedad in fifth. Elche climb to 17th, two points above the bottom three.

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NEW YORK, March 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Westbourne Partners US LP, an Executive Search and Talent Advisory firm focusing on the Technology, Consulting, and PE&VC industries, is excited to announce their re-brand as The Tayler Group.

The US business started in 2017 under the Westbourne Partners UK brand, but since then its operations have evolved and taken on its own identity. "As our business enters its next phase of growth, we feel the need for a new brand that communicates our culture and value proposition more accurately," said Managing Partner, Richard Broomhead.

The team has worked to create a brand that communicates their Executive level focus, transparent and accountable approach, and emphasis on diversity while also promoting the partnerships they create within their client ecosystem.

The Tayler Group, based in the NYC Rise FinTech ecosystem, has generated deep expertise in the US market particularly amongst high growth firms in the FinTech, Management Consultant, and investor communities. The team advises their clients on brand positioning, talent strategies, and helps these firms hire top professionals that they would otherwise not be able to reach.

The landscape of Executive Search has shifted over the last decade. Platforms, like LinkedIn, have leveled the playing field from a candidate identification perspective but have also made it more difficult for companies to stand out in the pursuit of top-tier talent.

The firm's strength lies in their ability to provide lesser-known brands with top talent through a personalized and high-touch approach. "We support our client base of innovative, and high-growth organizations through their respective growth journeys by effectively constructing and communicating their story to the market," says Broomhead.

The Tayler Group also continually focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm's unique DEI offering provides strategies that have allowed its clients to make strides around diversity and ultimately add value beyond recruitment; this approach has proved to be effective in helping clients to not only embrace diversity but use it to their competitive advantage.

This, coupled with what clients have described as a unique "hustle and humility", has resulted in The Tayler Group disrupting the industry and displacing some of the more traditional global firms.

The firm also creates meaningful partnerships through its Future Talent Connector program which works with underprivileged young adults, educating them on the world of work and connecting them to their first professional internships.

Contact: Anai Wahl, [email protected]

SOURCE The Tayler Group / Westbourne Partners

Related Links

https://www.taylergroup.com



Trips to rubbish dumps in at least three south-east Queensland council areas rose sharply during the pandemic, with Brisbane City Council tips handling almost 20 per cent more traffic in 2020 than the year before.

The increase fuelled a call for the return of the citys kerbside hard-rubbish collection scheme, which was suspended for two years in the most recent budget.

Budget papers show Brisbanes kerbside collection is due to return in 2022. Credit:Ken Irwin

The program, under which suburban streets fill with trash and treasure awaiting collection on a rotating weekly roster throughout the year, has run since 2011.

But the decision by the LNP council in June to put it on hold for two years  saving council $13 million  sparked outrage and warnings about illegal dumping.
The disappearances of a 25-year-old mother and her two-year-old daughter are now being treated as a murder investigation, police have confirmed.

A 50-year-old man from Dundee has been charged in connection with the deaths of Bennylyn Burke and her daughter Jellica from Gloucestershire.

Officers are still searching for their bodies.

The 25-year-old mother and her two children were reported missing from their south Gloucestershire home on Monday March 1, having been last seen on February 17.

Bennlyn Burke, 25, from South Gloucestershire was reported missing on March 1

A 50-year-old man from Dundee has been charged in connection with the deaths of Bennylyn Burke and her daughter Jellica from Gloucestershire. Pictured: Police at the scene of the arrest today

Ms Burke's other child has been found and is being supported, according to police.

Avon and Somerset Police released an appeal for information on Wednesday.

On Friday, a man was arrested following a raid at a property in Dundee at approximately 3.20pm. Police have not confirmed his specific charge.

Detective Superintendent Graeme Mackie, of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said: 'We are now treating the disappearances as a murder investigation and I would urge anyone with any information to please come forward and speak to us.

'This is a complex inquiry involving both local officers in Dundee and specialist resources from across Police Scotland.

On Friday, a man was arrested following a raid at a property in Dundee (pictured) at approximately 3.20pm. Police have not confirmed his specific charge

Avon and Somerset Police released an appeal for information on Wednesday. Pictured: A police cordon at the scene of Friday's arrest

'Bennylyn's next of kin have been updated on the arrest and are being supported by colleagues from Avon and Somerset Police.

'Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this very difficult time.

'There will be an increased police presence in the area for a considerable period of time and I would like to thank the local community for their cooperation.

'Anyone with concerns or information can speak to a local officer or call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident 1434 of March 5 2021.'
Authorities in Inner Mongolia must "solve ethnic problems" and push the use of the Mandarin language, Chinese President Xi Jinping has said, months after the region was rocked by protests over a new rule that would reduce the use of the local language.

The region in China's far north borders the independent nation of Mongolia, with which it shares ethnic, cultural and linguistic ties.

Tens of thousands took part in demonstrations and school boycotts last year after an edict mandated Mandarin replace Mongolian as the language of instruction, part of a nationwide drive to assimilate China's ethnic minorities into the majority Han culture.

Rare mass rallies, the largest Beijing had witnessed for decades, were followed by a crackdown as armoured vehicles surrounded schools and police arrested dozens of protest leaders.

On Friday, Xi doubled down on the integration policies.

Speaking at an annual convention of political leaders in Beijing, he said Inner Mongolia should "unwaveringly promote the use of national common textbooks," to correct "wrong ideas" on culture and nationality, according to a readout of the meeting in state media.

Last year, parents who refused to send their children back to school were threatened with layoffs, fines and students' expulsion. In one district, officials offered cash to students who convinced their peers to return, according to official notices.

The clampdown echoed Beijing's moves in Xinjiang and Tibet, where similar assimilation policies have been implemented.

Xi, in a nod to the unrest, said Friday that local officials should "persist in taking the correct path of solving ethnic problems with Chinese characteristics."

He said Inner Mongolians should "learn by heart that the Han ethnicity cannot be separate from ethnic minorities and that ethnic minorities cannot be separated from the Han ethnicity."

Officials should "do a good job in popularising the national common language," he said.

Story continues

State broadcaster CCTV showed delegates, some in traditional Mongolian clothing, applauding Xi.

China this week opened its annual national meetings of parliament and the top political advisory body, with thousands of delegates travelling to the capital to rubber-stamp new legislation in a show of political unity.

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Missouri could become one of 14 states to take legislative action on media literacy, if lawmakers pass a bill to incorporate it into K-12 education. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)
Schuylkill County Sheriff Joseph G. Groody announced Friday that he will run for another term in office.

A 43-year veteran of law enforcement, Groody was elected in 2009 after having served two years following his appointment as sheriff.

Groody is seeking the Democratic nomination in the May 18 primary. The election is Nov. 2.

Its been an honor and a privilege to serve as Schuylkill Countys sheriff, he said. The sheriffs office continued to make progress in my third term. The courthouse is safer. Deputy sheriffs continue to be trained to handle all aspects of law enforcement. And our office strives to help improve and augment law enforcement in this county.

As sheriff, Groody has pursued undocumented workers illegally working in the area; assisted the district attorneys office and municipal police departments in tracking down fugitives; and provided assistance to the Schuylkill County Drug Task Force.

His office also does community outreach initiatives, including fingerprinting children during night-out safety events.

This past year, Groody implemented an online license-to-carry application system. COVID 19, he said, had compelled the sheriffs office to look for a safer, more efficient way for people to apply for such licenses, a privilege Groody supports for law-abiding citizens.

Serving in law enforcement is a calling, Groody said. The sheriffs office often provides that sweeping additional level of protection our citizens deserve and that first line of defense our courthouse needs.

This isnt just a job to me, its a responsibility to rein in lawbreakers, to keep residents safe and to administrate the important civic services the sheriffs office traditionally has provided.

Groody was born and raised in Ashland. He graduated from North Schuylkill High School and the North Vocational Technical School in 1976.

He joined the Ashland Police Department in 1977 and entered the Pennsylvania State Police Academy in Hershey, graduating in 1978 with Act 120 certification. Groody has since taken various law enforcement courses and earned additional certifications.

He is a member and officer of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 25 and was selected 2016 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

He is a member of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association and also served as vice president of the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association.

Groody is a member of Ashland Elks, where he served as district deputy grand exalted ruler of the northeast central district and exalted ruler, Ashland Lodge. He is also an active member of the Washington Fire Company and the Washington Fire Company Community Ambulance.

He attends St. Charles Borromeo Church, Ashland, where he resides with his wife, Ann Marie Fertig Groody, and two children, Faith and Joey.

MOVIE THEATERS RETURN! Touring the Atrium ... latest coronavirus updates and numbers to come. (Hot Zone) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Friday, March 5, 2021

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Movie theaters are open again in New York City!

The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down, and 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?

What other news is top of mind?

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 and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the 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 Friday, we visited the Atrium Theater on Staten Island, and got a guided tour from owner Gregg Scarola. Theaters have not been open for nearly a year, and Scarola told us about the difficulties faced by the Atrium, the only family-owned theater on the Island.

Meanwhile, Cuomo continued to take heat over allegations of sexual harassment and charges that his administration downplayed the number of people who died in nursing homes during the pandemic.

Were all in this together. Well all get through this together.
The commemoration of Bloody Sunday in Selma will look largely different this year. Sunday, March 7 marks the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the day peaceful protesters were brutally attacked and beaten by Alabama state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 while marching for their right to vote.

Events surrounding the commemoration, which normally take place the first weekend of March, will be mostly digital due to efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The weekends largest event, the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, will be completely digital this year.

In pre-pandemic times, commemoration events draw an average of 40,000 people to the citys downtown area over four days, says Sheryl Smedley, executive director of the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce.

While those numbers stand to be heavily impacted due to the public health crisis, organizers and tourism officials do anticipate an influx of people will come to the city this weekend, continuing a pattern of leisure tourism, or a population of people who are taking excursions throughout the year. And lot of those tourists come to see the Edmund Pettus Bridge.

The bridge is big. Its a monument, said Smedley. And when you come to Selma, youre going to get an experience. And thats what they want to do. They want to come and have an experience to detect something and take it back with them.

But, so far, the size of that potential influx is hard to predict.

Hotels in the city are usually full months, or sometimes a year, in advance of the commemorative weekend. This year, hotel managers say they have plenty of room. The concierge at Hampton Inn on West Highland Avenue says the hotel received a lot of cancellations when guests found out the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee was converting to a virtual format. The front desk manager at the Comfort Inn on Hightway 14 experienced a similar situation. As of late morning on March 5, the hotel was only booked to 50 percent.

The St. James Hotel on Water Ave across from the Edmund Pettus Bridge also had plenty of rooms. The manager of the historic hotel which reopened in January after a $5 million renovation, says the St. James is certainly not as full as operators had hoped. He hopes visitors coming to the city over the weekend will stop in to see the hotel and dine at its full-service restaurant. But the biggest challenge, he said: A lot of people still dont know the hotel is open.

In-person events

The city of Selma is strictly enforcing its mask ordinance and in-person celebrations are few and far between this weekend, but visitors to Selma do have a few options.

The Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast

The Selma to Montgomery March Foundation has adapted its annual Sunday morning Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast for social distance. This year, the buffet breakfast normally held in the gym of Wallace Community College will be a drive-in event in the colleges parking lot. Guests will remain in their cars while speakers address the crowd from a stage. Organizers will set up large screens and an FM radio signal to help enhance the experience.

With the theme Unity, Now More than Ever, the event will honor the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Rev. Joseph Lowery, C.T. Vivian, and attorney Bruce Boynton, four civil rights icons who died in 2020.

RELATED:

Selma bridge crossing 2021 to honor civil rights icons

Bloody Sunday 2021 to honor John Lewis, Joseph Lowery, C.T. Vivian, Bruce Boynton

The breakfast will host both in-person and virtual speakers, including Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Black Voters Matter Co-Founder LaTosha Brown, and President Joe Biden. After the breakfast, a caravan will drive from the college to the Edmund Pettus Bridge where organizers will lay a wreath in honor of the four civil rights luminaries before proceeding across the bridge to the spot where marchers met state troopers on Bloody Sunday, reports Alabama News.

Details: The Martin & Coretta King Unity Breakfast hosted by the Selma to Montgomery March Foundation is on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are available here.

Parks, Tours, and Outdoors Spaces

The National Voting Rights Museum and Arts Revive are not hosting guests indoors this weekend, but both institutions have adjacent parks.

Selma Interpretive Center

While the museum and exhibitions at the Selma Interpretive Center have been closed to the public since last March due to the pandemic, the gift shop and the bookstore are open to patrons from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The welcome center marks the beginning of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, and patrons are welcome to drive or walk the 54-mile trail commemorating the route of the 1965 Voting Rights March in Alabama.

The Selma to Montgomery National Trail is also sharing jubilee celebration links on its Facebook Page.

Footsteps Through Selma Tours

Several of Selmas civil rights history tour guides, including Joanne Bland, Lynda Lowery, Loretta Wimberly, and Diane Harris, have temporarily discontinued their tours due to COVID-19.

But Terry Chestnut is still giving his Footsteps Through Selma tours. A proud protege of Joanne Bland, Chestnuts tours cover the history of the city, including the Battle of Selma, the civil rights movement, and modern infrastructure. His father is the late J. L Chestnut, the first African-American attorney in Selma that represented Dr. Martin Luther King.

Chestnuts tours meet in front of the Selma Interpretive Center. This weekend, Chestnut will offer his tours at a special rate of $35.

Details: Terry Chestnut will offer his Footsteps Though Selma tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tour groups meet in front of the Selma Interpretive Center. Guests can call (334)419-8715 or email tchestnut@gmail.com. 24- hour notice is preferred.

DIGITAL EVENTS:

Free Thinkers Celebration Weekend

The Selma-Dallas County Friends of the National Historic Trail usually hosts its annual Free Thinkers Celebration at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, the worship hall where lauded voting rights activist and civil rights leader the Rev. F.D. Reese presided for 50 years. The recently re-elected James Perkins, who became the first Black mayor of Selma in 2000, is the current pastor of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church.

This year, the organization will adapt its event to a digital format, with live streams on the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Facebook page and Youtube channel. On Saturday, March 6 at 6:00, the church will host a discussion examining the power and future of Black voters in America, moderated by Candice Pettaway and featuring Alan Reese, the grandson of F.D. Reese, high school senior Antione Hasberry, Dr. Mae Richmond, Alabama State Representative Prince Chestnut, and Sheyann Webb Christburg, author of the book Selma, Lord, Selma.

On Sunday, March 7, the church will host its Free Thinkers Worship Service featuring Dr. Richard Arrington, the first Black mayor of the city of Birmingham, as well as a keynote address from the current mayor of Birmingham, Randall Woodfin.

The Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee

For his first year as Selma Jubilee principal coordinator, Drew Glover has adapted the massive annual celebration of Bloody Sunday and the Selma to Montgomery Marches into a virtual, yet tangible format.

With the goal of replicating the intimate workshops, music, and symposiums of the in-person event, Glover and a team of committee members, volunteers, and sponsors recreated the jubilee for a virtual stage using Hopin, a digital conference program, and Go West Creative marketing and production agency.

The result: a multiple room virtual experience with recorded and live video, chat rooms, and online vendors. (While this years event is free, the Jubilee always takes donations.)

Visitors can sign up for the three-day event on the Selma Jubilee website and access all of the content though the digital platform. Select videos will also be streamed on the Jubilees Facebook and YouTube pages.

This year, the theme of the Jubilee is " Beyond the Bridge, with an overarching message of continuing the conversation about activism and education beyond the Jubilee weekend.

Through months of Zoom calls and focus groups, the Jubilee committee has recreated the most notable programs of the annual celebration, including the Foot Soldiers Breakfast, which will feature a series of recorded interviews with the activists who marched during the 1960s. The breakfast will also host a live panel with the foot soldiers who helped to desegregate the Dallas County School System, including Joanne Bland.

On Sunday, the Jubilee will culminate with the main event, the reenactment of the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Instead of an in-person reenactment, the virtual ceremony will feature a filmed production of foot soldiers, community members, and activists.

With the digital production, Glover and his team hope to more than double the reach of this years jubilee event and attract an audience that would come to Selma next year.

I think theres a lot of opportunity to not only spread the awareness [and] consciousness around Selma and the relevance and significance that it plays in todays world, said Glover. But to inspire and get people excited should the pandemic be over and behind us in 2022.

Details:

The Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee is March 5, 6, and 7. Visitors can find the schedule and register for the event at Selma Jubilee website and access all of the content though the digital platform.

READ THE HOUR BY HOUR SCHEDULE

Select videos will also be streamed on the Jubilees Facebook and YouTube pages.

John MacArthur, pastor of Grace Community Church in California, said that he does not support the ongoing religious freedom advocacy by most evangelical groups because of its potential to allow idolatry - particularly that of pagan religions.

"I told our congregation a few weeks ago that I could never really concern myself with religious freedom. I wouldn't fight for religious freedom because I won't fight for idolatry. Why would I fight for the devil to have as many false religions as possible and all of them to be available to everyone?" says MacArthur as quoted by the Christian Post.

During his State of the Church address on Wednesday, MacArthur shared his thoughts on the issue. He equated evangelicals partnership with non-Christian groups to promote religious freedom as an unholy alliance which does not help advance God's Kingdom. His stance is that the Gospel is enough to bring favorable changes in a society.

"The Gospel offends the sinner and seeks to break the sinner's comfort and contentment by bringing him into stark realization of the eternal judgement of God. Evangelicals have become like Peter. They are looking for alliances with Satan that they think somehow can aid the Kingdom," MacArthur said.

Having fought for his congregation's right to continue on-site services despite litigation and threats, the renowned preacher said that religious freedom will not give Christians immunity or protection from "the hostility of sinners."

MacArthur maintained that Christianity will advance with or without a state sanctioned religious freedom. He also noted the downside of supporting the advocacy as believers.

"And there'll always be religious freedom for all the lies. Every false religion is going to be free because it's linked to the kingdom of darkness that operates in the world," he explained and added,

"The Apostles turned the world upside down with no help from it. No social action. No alliances. The evil kingdom of darkness hates what God loves and loves everything that God hates, and the kingdom of darkness is never a friend to the light."

The megachurch pastor also highlighted the "principalities of the air's" role on influencing government leaders by saying,

"Even rulers have exchanged the truth of God for a lie. ... They function under the liar Satan himself who [is] the liar and father of lies. There is absolutely no reason for us to make any alliance with him."

MacArthur quoted the apostle Paul's admonishment on Ephesians 5:5-8 to back his claims highlighting verse 7.

"Do not be partakers with them," he said. "You have no alliance with the kingdom of darkness."

What Other Evangelical Groups Think

Of course Pastor MacArthur's words do not mean relgious freedom shouldn't be fought for. In 2019, according to Religious Freedom Index: American Perspectives on the First Amendment, 60% said religious freedom remained important.

"While much changed in 2020, religious freedom continues to garner support across demographics through each of the Index's six dimensions, as reflected by this year's composite score of 66 on a 100 point scale," they said as per the data gathered.

"Our findings present a picture of Americans relying on religion and religious freedom to deal with the challenges of 2020, both reactively and proactively," the researchers concluded.

Religious freedom is also a major concern today, especially with the Biden administration's Equality Act, which, per Evangelist Franklin Graham, could force the LGBTQ agenda on people, especially children. Religious freedom will mean having the power to refuse things that violate a person's moral convictions.

MacArthur's assertion should encourage Christians to see religious freedoms in a different light -- that whether it is upheld or not, the faithful must continue advancing the Kingdom of God without resorting to compromise.
THE Government is aiming to reopen the construction sector on April 5.

Housing Minister Darragh OBrien said that while he could not guarantee construction sites would reopen on that date, the Government was looking at the construction sector specifically.

What were working towards is reopening of the sector from April 5. Were looking at construction specifically. We can only do that when its safe to do so, he said.

He said that the sector had operated responsibly throughout the pandemic.

Theres no guarantees and it will obviously be based on public health advice.

The Nphet advice that we made our decision on to extend the restrictions on was very stark.

Mr OBrien said that falling case numbers may mean that the sector would begin to reopen.

If you look at the trends right now, thankfully, hospitalisation is reducing, numbers in ICU are reducing, the positivity rate has reduced. But we can only make that decision when we come close to the date, he said.

Im not going to speculate one way or the other on it, only to say that it is a priority for me and the Government that we can move to get certain parts of the sector open.

Read More

Under Level 5, most construction sites have been closed.

Mr OBrien noted that there are about 30,000 to 35,000 workers who are still working on sites for strategic projects and social housing who have been operating safely.

That actually helps in our discussions because we have more data as we move forward, showing how we can operate with the virus still in the community, Mr OBrien added.

He said that for every week that the sector is closed, 800 homes are not delivered.

That is significant and that makes the challenges that I and the Government have in delivering homes for people even more acute.

He said that 73pc of the public housing target was met last year despite the sector being closed for a large part of the year.

He said that 21,000 homes had been built, when the Government needed to be building 33,000.

Theres no easy way of painting a positive picture on that, he said.

He said he wanted to expedite home building into 2022 and 2023.

Mr OBrien also launched an attack on Sinn Fein, saying party leader Mary Lou McDonald was politicising the pandemic by criticising the vaccine rollout.

On Thursday, she said she wouldnt have confidence in the Government to deliver a pint of milk, let alone a comprehensive vaccine strategy.

Its a pity that some like Sinn Fein use any opportunity to try and politicise the pandemic, I actually think its pretty crass, pretty disgraceful actually, Mr OBrien said.

This is serious business were dealing with, if she wants to be flippant with remarks about delivering pints of milk, its pretty pathetic.

He was speaking at the launch of 430m funding for eight regeneration projects in Dublin.

The projects aim to enhance urban areas to make them more attractive areas to live, work, visit and invest.

A total of 176.6m will be allocated to Clonburris, 121.3m will be allocated to the north inner city and 53m will be given to the south inner city. A rejuvenation project in Balbriggan will receive 25.4m, while Dundrum will receive 4m and Adamstown 9.7m. Dunsink in Castleknock will receive 41,250 for a surface water assessment.


Museum of the Bible offers free admission to National Guard members protecting nation's capital

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The Museum of the Bible is now offering free admission to members of the U.S. National Guard, while large numbers remain deployed in Washington, D.C.

The museums free admission deal for National Guard members began Monday and will continue until Easter Sunday, which this year falls on April 4.

We are so grateful to the servicemen and women of the National Guard for keeping us safe, as they are among the first to respond when crises arise, Harry Hargrave, the museums chief executive officer, said in a statement.

While free admission is but a small token of our esteem, we want to honor them for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make every day.

A museum spokesperson told The Christian Post in comments emailed Wednesday that they wanted to honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who are protecting all of us here in our nations capital.

The museum is located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, so we see National Guardsmen in our area every day, the spokesperson explained.

Last month, a private donor contacted us about providing tickets to the soldiers stationed here. This generous donation helped us to extend the free admission offer to all National Guard troops through Easter.

Thus far, around a few dozen members of the National Guard have taken advantage of the free admission to visit the museum, according to the spokesperson. The museum normally charges $24.99 per adult ($19.99 if ordered online) for admission to the museum.

Given the challenging circumstances, were really encouraged by the many people who want to learn more about the Bible with us, the spokesperson continued.

Weve seen our online engagement increase as we provide new virtual programs and ways to explore the Bibles history and impact, such as our podcast and Storytime series for kids.

Approximately 25,000 National Guard members were deployed to Washington in January in advance of President Joe Biden's inauguration to keep the peace during the ceremony.

The large deployment was spurred in part by the Jan. 6 protests, in which hundreds of Trump supporters and others stormed the U.S. Capitol on the day in which electoral votes were counted for the 2020 presidential election.

Last month, it was announced that nearly 5,000 National Guardsmen would remain in the District of Columbia until Mar. 12, per the request of U.S. Capitol Police.

The number was based on different missions that  the National Guard members would be supporting, response force, perimeter, security, those kinds of mission sets, explained Pentagon official Robert Salesses to lawmakers, as reported by CNN.

Were trying to determine with them is what is the right level of security that they need from the National Guard considering that the circumstances have changed.

Bruno Joseph Cua (left), 18, of Milton, Georgia

One of the youngest alleged rioters of the January 6 insurrection has begged a judge to go home to his parents.

Bruno Joseph Cua, 18, of Milton, Georgia, sent a letter to U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss on Thursday.

'I just want to go home to my Mom and Dad, I am truly sorry,' the letter from Cua said.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cua was arrested on February 5 and later denied bond a week later, leaving him jailed for a month.

Cua has appealed the initial bond denial.

He is the youngest person charged in the insurrection at the Capitol, among more than 300 facing consequences in riot that left five dead.

Cua allegedly managed to reach the Senate chambers, one of the few rioters to actually do so. Prosecutors claim he assaulted a federal officer while trying to reach the Senate floor.

Cua was one of the alleged rioters who made his way to the Senate chambers on January 6

He allegedly assaulted a federal officer en route to the Senate chambers

He is the youngest person charged in the insurrection at the Capitol, among more than 300 facing consequences in riot that left five dead.

Cua allegedly managed to reach the Senate chambers, one of the few rioters to actually do so. Prosecutors claim he assaulted a federal officer while trying to reach the Senate floor.

He is also accused of obstructing an official proceeding before Congress, which could lead to a jail sentence of up to 20 years.

'All I ask is that you please allow me to be reunited with my loving family so we can figure out the next steps before I stand trial,' Cua writes in his letter.

After entering a not guilty plea from an Oklahoma jail this week, Cua's trial date was set for May 10.

Cua posted about his desire to go to Washington DC ahead of the Capitol riot

On social media, he also appeared to admit to fighting to get into the building

Cua's lawyers have argued that he is 'an impressionable 18-year-old kid' arrested amid finishing online high school, but the judge noted violent rhetoric in Cua's digital past.

In the immediate aftermath of the insurrection, Cua posted this message on social media: 'We didnt attack American people. We attacked the swamp rats.'

He also said he wanted to 'lock the swamp rat tyrants in the capitol and burn the place to the ground.'

'Given how innaproprite [sic] my social media activity was, I truly understand your worries, and I appreciate you taking time to really consider the options,' Cua wrote.

More than 300 people have been charged for their involvement in the Capitol riot

'My posts were foolish, unnessacary, [sic] and untrue, thats [sic] not who I am or ever want to be, I have completely comprehended a very painful! [sic] Lesson over the last month in jail, including over two weeks in isolation.'

While Cua wants to be released to his parents, prosecutors have argued against it because his parents are the ones who drove him to Washington DC that day in the first place.

'We never would have gone to Washington if we would have know things would have turned violent,' the parents wrote in a letter to Judge Moss.

Cua is among the notable rioters who remain locked up as some others are receiving pretrial releases.

The QAnon Shaman and Richard Barnett, who put his feet up on the desk of Nancy Pelosi, remain in jail despite pleas for their own releases.

As for Cua, he is arguing that he is a changed man because of his stint in prison.

'I will never be the same person, jail has had its full effect [sic] me, I am completely humbled , deeply remoursefull [sic] and regretful!

'After all, thats [sic] what jail is for right? Teaching people a lesson?

'Lesson fully received, your Honor.'
The Guardian

The potential consequences of the origins of the virus are shattering  if they can be proved My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters There was a time when the Covid pandemic seemed to confirm so many of our assumptions. It cast down the people we regarded as villains. It raised up those we thought were heroes. It prospered people who could shift easily to working from home even as it problematized the lives of those Trump voters living in the old economy. Like all plagues, Covid often felt like the hand of God on earth, scourging the people for their sins against higher learning and visibly sorting the righteous from the unmasked wicked. Respect science, admonished our yard signs. And lo!, Covid came and forced us to do so, elevating our scientists to the highest seats of social authority, from where they banned assembly, commerce, and all the rest. We cast blame so innocently in those days. We scolded at will. We knew who was right and we shook our heads to behold those in the wrong playing in their swimming pools and on the beach. It made perfect sense to us that Donald Trump, a politician we despised, could not grasp the situation, that he suggested people inject bleach, and that he was personally responsible for more than one super-spreading event. Reality itself punished leaders like him who refused to bow to expertise. The prestige news media even figured out a way to blame the worst death tolls on a system of organized ignorance they called populism. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a cult out of the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general But these days the consensus doesnt consense quite as well as it used to. Now the media is filled with disturbing stories suggesting that Covid might have come  not from populism at all, but from a laboratory screw-up in Wuhan, China. You can feel the moral convulsions beginning as the question sets in: What if science itself is in some way culpable for all this? * I am no expert on epidemics. Like everyone else I know, I spent the pandemic doing as I was told. A few months ago I even tried to talk a Fox News viewer out of believing in the lab-leak theory of Covids origins. The reason I did that is because the newspapers I read and the TV shows I watched had assured me on many occasions that the lab-leak theory wasnt true, that it was a racist conspiracy theory, that only deluded Trumpists believed it, that it got infinite pants-on-fire ratings from the fact-checkers, and because (despite all my cynicism) I am the sort who has always trusted the mainstream news media. My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month; a few weeks later everyone from Doctor Fauci to President Biden is acknowledging that the lab-accident hypothesis might have some merit. We dont know the real answer yet, and we probably will never know, but this is the moment to anticipate what such a finding might ultimately mean. What if this crazy story turns out to be true? The answer is that this is the kind of thing that could obliterate the faith of millions. The last global disaster, the financial crisis of 2008, smashed peoples trust in the institutions of capitalism, in the myths of free trade and the New Economy, and eventually in the elites who ran both American political parties. In the years since (and for complicated reasons), liberal leaders have labored to remake themselves into defenders of professional rectitude and established legitimacy in nearly every field. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a sort of cult out of science, expertise, the university system, executive-branch norms, the intelligence community, the State Department, NGOs, the legacy news media, and the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general. Now here we are in the waning days of Disastrous Global Crisis #2. Covid is of course worse by many orders of magnitude than the mortgage meltdown  it has killed millions and ruined lives and disrupted the world economy far more extensively. Should it turn out that scientists and experts and NGOs, etc. are villains rather than heroes of this story, we may very well see the expert-worshiping values of modern liberalism go up in a fireball of public anger. Consider the details of the story as we have learned them in the last few weeks:  Lab leaks happen. They arent the result of conspiracies: a lab accident is an accident, as Nathan Robinson points out; they happen all the time, in this country and in others, and people die from them.  There is evidence that the lab in question, which studies bat coronaviruses, may have been conducting what is called gain of function research, a dangerous innovation in which diseases are deliberately made more virulent. By the way, right-wingers didnt dream up gain of function: all the cool virologists have been doing it (in this country and in others) even as the squares have been warning against it for years.  There are strong hints that some of the bat-virus research at the Wuhan lab was funded in part by the American national-medical establishment  which is to say, the lab-leak hypothesis doesnt implicate China alone.  There seem to have been astonishing conflicts of interest among the people assigned to get to the bottom of it all, and (as we know from Enron and the housing bubble) conflicts of interest are always what trip up the well-credentialed professionals whom liberals insist we must all heed, honor, and obey.  The news media, in its zealous policing of the boundaries of the permissible, insisted that Russiagate was ever so true but that the lab-leak hypothesis was false false false, and woe unto anyone who dared disagree. Reporters gulped down whatever line was most flattering to the experts they were quoting and then insisted that it was 100% right and absolutely incontrovertible  that anything else was only unhinged Trumpist folly, that democracy dies when unbelievers get to speak, and so on.  The social media monopolies actually censored posts about the lab-leak hypothesis. Of course they did! Because were at war with misinformation, you know, and people need to be brought back to the true and correct faith  as agreed upon by experts. * Let us pray, now, for science, intoned a New York Times columnist back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The title of his article laid down the foundational faith of Trump-era liberalism: Coronavirus is What You Get When You Ignore Science. Ten months later, at the end of a scary article about the history of gain of function research and its possible role in the still ongoing Covid pandemic, Nicholson Baker wrote as follows: This may be the great scientific meta-experiment of the 21st century. Could a world full of scientists do all kinds of reckless recombinant things with viral diseases for many years and successfully avoid a serious outbreak? The hypothesis was that, yes, it was doable. The risk was worth taking. There would be no pandemic. Except there was. If it does indeed turn out that the lab-leak hypothesis is the right explanation for how it began  that the common people of the world have been forced into a real-life lab experiment, at tremendous cost  there is a moral earthquake on the way. Because if the hypothesis is right, it will soon start to dawn on people that our mistake was not insufficient reverence for scientists, or inadequate respect for expertise, or not enough censorship on Facebook. It was a failure to think critically about all of the above, to understand that there is no such thing as absolute expertise. Think of all the disasters of recent years: economic neoliberalism, destructive trade policies, the Iraq War, the housing bubble, banks that are too big to fail, mortgage-backed securities, the Hillary Clinton campaign of 2016  all of these disasters brought to you by the total, self-assured unanimity of the highly educated people who are supposed to know what theyre doing, plus the total complacency of the highly educated people who are supposed to be supervising them. Then again, maybe I am wrong to roll out all this speculation. Maybe the lab-leak hypothesis will be convincingly disproven. I certainly hope it is. But even if it inches closer to being confirmed, we can guess what the next turn of the narrative will be. It was a perfect storm, the experts will say. Who coulda known? And besides (they will say), the origins of the pandemic dont matter any more. Go back to sleep. Thomas Frank is a Guardian US columnist. He is the author, most recently, of The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
Galveston, TX (77553)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Congress

TMF money, more leave in Senate's take on COVID relief

The Senate version of the massive $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill released on Thursday includes resources for technology modernization, paid leave for feds and money to fight unemployment insurance fraud.

The bill, which is being moved in the Senate through the budget reconciliation process so that Democrats can pass it without Republican votes despite their slim majorities, is currently being debated. If it passes, the House will have to hold another vote to account for changes between the House and Senate versions.

Democrats are looking to pass the bill by March 14, when a series of expanded unemployment benefits is set to expire.

President Joe Biden had initially requested a $9 billion investment in the Technology Modernization Fund as part of the American Rescue Plan. Some senators initially objected to that funding, but the latest Senate version of the bill includes a $1 billion appropriation to TMF that would be available through Sept. 30, 2025.

That amount would still be an significant hike for the revolving fund, which has received annual updates of around $25 million since it was created in 2017.

Industry groups have lobbied for the increased funding, saying that recent cyberattacks demonstrate the need for investment in technology modernization.

The Senate bill also keeps the 600 hours, or 15 weeks, of additional paid leave for feds that was included in the House version. It appropriates $570 million for an emergency leave fund to be administered by the Office of Personnel Management. Postal workers would also be covered by the provision, which would be available from when the bill becomes law through Sept. 30, 2021.

The extra paid leave could be used for a variety of pandemic-related reasons, like COVID-19 related isolation, self-quarantine mandated by a healthcare provider, vaccination, or COVID-19 symptoms that the employee is seeking a medical diagnosis for.

Federal employees could also use it to care for individuals self-quarantining, a child whose school is closed or doing virtual or hybrid learning, or an elderly or disabled family member whose place of care is unavailable because of COVID-19.

Although much of the basics are the same as those in the House version, the original House requirement that feds first burn through all other types of available sick leave is gone.

Feds wouldnt be able to use this pandemic emergency leave concurrently with other types of paid leave. Using the leave would affect the total service numbers that determine federal civilian retirement benefits.

Finally, the bill also includes additional funding for the Labor Department to help with unemployment aid rollout, which has been marred by massive amounts of payouts to fraudulent claims since the onset of the pandemic.

The Senate bill would give the Labor Secretary $2 billion for unemployment benefits administration.

The Labor Department has been taking a state-by-state approach, but a national approach to combat fraud is whats needed to respond to the dual attack of COVID-19 and fraud, Suzan LeVine, principal deputy assistant secretary for employment and training at the Department of Labor said DOL, said during a press call with reporters on Feb. 25.

The agency would be able to use those funds to give grants to states to create ID verification tools, implement federal guidance for fraud detection and prevention, or speed up claims processing. It could also use the funds for system-wide infrastructure investment or agency administrative costs.

Seismic analysis activities will be conducted in a 10,000-square-meter area in the Black Sea for new natural gas discoveries, Energy Minister Fatih Donmez told a group of journalists on March 3, Hurriyet Daily News reports. We are aiming to drill a new exploratory well in one of the gas fields that is deemed to have potential, Donmez said.

Deepwater seismic explorations for hydrocarbon resources in an area of 250 square kilometers in Turkeys Black Sea maritime zone have been completed, he added.

The 3D seismic exploration activities are currently underway, he said, adding that the upward or downward revisions for the previously announced 405 billion cubic meters of natural gas reserve in the Sakarya Gas Field were possible.

Kanuni to set sail in April

Turkeys first national drillship, Fatih, discovered the countrys largest natural gas find last year. It also marked the biggest offshore gas discovery worldwide in 2020.

Natural gas from the newly opened Tuna-1 well, which is located about 170 kilometers off the Zonguldak coast, will be brought ashore by the state-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).

We will drill another 30 to 40 wells in the Sakarya Gas Field. We will bring the gas ashore with at least two pipelines, Donmez said.

The Fatih drillship continued drilling appraisal wells in the region, the first of which was completed at the Turkali-1 in January. The drillship is currently working on the second well, the Turkali-2, in water depths over 3,000 meters.

Turkeys third drillship, Kanuni, will join drilling activities next month after completing its preparations at the Filyos Port, the minister said.

After joining the Turkish Energy Ministrys fleet, Kanuni departed Istanbul toward the Black Sea in November 2020.

The countrys second drillship, Yavuz, has been conducting exploration activities in the Mediterranean in cooperation with seismic vessels, including research vessel Oruc Reis.

Production to peak in 2028

The new pipelines will be connected to an onshore gas processing facility at Filyos Port in the northern province of Zonguldak, according to an environmental impact assessment application issued last month.

An industrial zone belonging to the Industry and Technology Ministry will be allocated to the use of TPAO, Donmez said.

We will bring the gas to the coastline by 2023, he stated.

In the first phase of the project, starting from the first quarter of 2023, a total of 10 million cubic meters (mcm) of natural gas per day will be produced from six to 10 wells at the Sakarya Gas Field.

This production volume will be transferred via pipeline to Filyos, where it will be processed, ensuring that its gas pressure level conforms with that of Turkeys Petroleum Pipeline Company (BOTAS).

BOTAS will then distribute the gas to its end users.

The facility will process around 3.5 bcm of natural gas from the Sakarya field annually to help meet Turkeys natural gas consumption of 50 bcm per year.

Total daily field production from around 30 to 40 wells will reach 40 mcm during the second phase of the project from 2023 onwards.

The year 2028 will see the field entering its plateau phase when Turkeys natural gas production will reach almost 15 bcm annually. This will allow the country to meet a substantial amount of its gas needs.

Currently, Turkey imports most of its gas needs from Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran via pipelines. Nearly a third of the countrys gas needs are met with liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, mainly from Qatar, Algeria, the United States and Nigeria.

In 2019, Turkeys total gas import bill was around $12 billion.

Kolkata: Six BJP workers were injured in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district in a bomb blast when they were allegedly manufacturing bombs in a residential area of Gosaba village, police said on Saturday.

The incident took place at the residence of one of the injured persons on Friday night, a senior police officer said.

PhotoThey are undergoing treatment at Canning Sub- Divisional Hospital, the officer said.

Family members of the injured people claimed that all the six workers were attacked by Trinamool Congress activists when they were coming from a marriage ceremony.

"We are aware of the claims of their family members. It seems that they were manufacturing bombs when the blast occurred. We are investigating the matter and talking to local people," the officer said.

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Finding a new job is a daunting task at the best of times, but add in relocating back to New Zealand amid a global pandemic and it becomes incredibly difficult.

Nicola Jones, her husband and their twins were planning to return from Japan early last year. Covid-19 prevented that, and they finally arrived in August 2020.

She lived in Japan for 15 years, where she met her husband, Tetsuro Kuchimura. He had only ever been here on holiday so there has been a lot of adjusting to life in Aotearoa.

The plan was to teach English as a Second Language, while Tetsuro would go to Toi Ohomai to study English himself.

Unfortunately, with the influx of Kiwis coming home and very few international students, Nicola found it tough to find teaching work.

It's quite daunting starting from nothing, says Nicola, especially because all the plans you've made suddenly aren't going to happen.

She came across the Ara Rau skills and employment hub after creating a job seeker profile with Priority One.

Ara Rau is a community-led organisation that provides an individual approach to help people find a job or study.

The hub opened in November last year, with plans to provide a drop-in service within the next month.

Ara Rau employment navigator Marissa Nikora says they support job seekers, employers and the education sector.

We differ from other employment services because we are trying to find the gaps and meet the need from that angle, says Marissa.

We're finding out from a community level what's not there, what's needed and then well fill those gaps.

Nicola was the first person to use the service and received help with her CV as well as ongoing support.

Their core focus is to work with youth who are not currently employed or in education or training, particularly Maori and Pasifika, says Ara Rau operations manager Jay Tihema.

We want to position Ara Rau as a safe space where people feel welcome, he says.

Whether you step into the workforce for the first time, or have had a big, long and successful career, people always need some sort of support.

Nicola says the hub have been professional and friendly and she feels valued. In her dealings with other organisations in the past, she has felt like a number.

Nicola is now working part time as a teacher aide at Aquinas College and also does two-and-a-half hours of ESOL teaching each week.

She didnt find her job through Ara Rau, but says their support gave her the confidence to try different things.
New Delhi, March 6 : The BJP on Saturday nominated former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan as its candidate from Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency.

The bypoll in Tamil Nadu, was necessitated after the death of Congress MP H. Vasantha Kumar in August last year. It is scheduled on April 6.

The BJP issued a statement saying that the BJP's Central Election Committee (CEC) has approved Pon Radhakrishnan's name as party candidate for bypolls from Kanyakumari parliamentary constituency.

"The CEC took the decision in a meeting chaired by BJP chief J.P. Nadda and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, besides Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari and other members of the committee," it said.

Radhakrishnan had won from Kanyakumari in the 2014 parliamentary polls and became Minister of State in the Modi government. He lost in 2019 Lok Sabha polls to the Congress candidate, who died of Covid last year.
MACAO, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday expressed its firm backing of, and support for, the major move made by the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR.

A draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR was submitted on Friday at the fourth annual session of the 13th NPC for deliberation.

The draft decision is a major move to fully implement the fundamental principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong," and to ensure the lasting prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, according to a statement issued by the Macao SAR.

Ensuring that the power stemming from a high degree of autonomy for SARs is in the hands of patriots is a crucial principle concerning the implementation of "one country, two systems," said the statement.

Since Macao's return to the motherland, the Macao SAR government and people from all walks of life in Macao have been paying great attention to carrying forward Macao's patriotic tradition and upholding national concept and patriotism. The core value of loving the country and Macao has been the mainstay of the Macao society, the statement noted.

Calling it a shared responsibility for people across Macao to safeguard the SAR's social stability and to consolidate the foundation for "patriots administering Macao," the statement said the Macao SAR will comprehensively implement the fundamental principle of "patriots administering Macao," and keep improving local electoral systems according to Macao's practical needs.

These efforts are to ensure the implementation of "one country, two systems" principle will not be distorted in Macao and to promote the enduring success of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics, according to the statement.

Tamaqua police reported the following:

 A 12-year-old Tamaqua boy will face disorderly conduct charges after police were told he pushed a grocery cart down South Lehigh Street (Stadium Hill) around 7 a.m. Thursday Tamaqua Middle School officials told police a teacher witnessed it, reporting that the car the teacher was driving was almost hit by the cart that eventually overturned at the bottom of the hill at West Cottage Avenue.

 Police were looking for Korey Gruver, 32, of Tamaqua, after a woman told them he punched her twice in the face around 1 a.m. Friday at 229 Pine St. After punching the woman he took off towards the area of Dutch Hill but police couldnt locate him.
The Guardian

The potential consequences of the origins of the virus are shattering  if they can be proved My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters There was a time when the Covid pandemic seemed to confirm so many of our assumptions. It cast down the people we regarded as villains. It raised up those we thought were heroes. It prospered people who could shift easily to working from home even as it problematized the lives of those Trump voters living in the old economy. Like all plagues, Covid often felt like the hand of God on earth, scourging the people for their sins against higher learning and visibly sorting the righteous from the unmasked wicked. Respect science, admonished our yard signs. And lo!, Covid came and forced us to do so, elevating our scientists to the highest seats of social authority, from where they banned assembly, commerce, and all the rest. We cast blame so innocently in those days. We scolded at will. We knew who was right and we shook our heads to behold those in the wrong playing in their swimming pools and on the beach. It made perfect sense to us that Donald Trump, a politician we despised, could not grasp the situation, that he suggested people inject bleach, and that he was personally responsible for more than one super-spreading event. Reality itself punished leaders like him who refused to bow to expertise. The prestige news media even figured out a way to blame the worst death tolls on a system of organized ignorance they called populism. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a cult out of the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general But these days the consensus doesnt consense quite as well as it used to. Now the media is filled with disturbing stories suggesting that Covid might have come  not from populism at all, but from a laboratory screw-up in Wuhan, China. You can feel the moral convulsions beginning as the question sets in: What if science itself is in some way culpable for all this? * I am no expert on epidemics. Like everyone else I know, I spent the pandemic doing as I was told. A few months ago I even tried to talk a Fox News viewer out of believing in the lab-leak theory of Covids origins. The reason I did that is because the newspapers I read and the TV shows I watched had assured me on many occasions that the lab-leak theory wasnt true, that it was a racist conspiracy theory, that only deluded Trumpists believed it, that it got infinite pants-on-fire ratings from the fact-checkers, and because (despite all my cynicism) I am the sort who has always trusted the mainstream news media. My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month; a few weeks later everyone from Doctor Fauci to President Biden is acknowledging that the lab-accident hypothesis might have some merit. We dont know the real answer yet, and we probably will never know, but this is the moment to anticipate what such a finding might ultimately mean. What if this crazy story turns out to be true? The answer is that this is the kind of thing that could obliterate the faith of millions. The last global disaster, the financial crisis of 2008, smashed peoples trust in the institutions of capitalism, in the myths of free trade and the New Economy, and eventually in the elites who ran both American political parties. In the years since (and for complicated reasons), liberal leaders have labored to remake themselves into defenders of professional rectitude and established legitimacy in nearly every field. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a sort of cult out of science, expertise, the university system, executive-branch norms, the intelligence community, the State Department, NGOs, the legacy news media, and the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general. Now here we are in the waning days of Disastrous Global Crisis #2. Covid is of course worse by many orders of magnitude than the mortgage meltdown  it has killed millions and ruined lives and disrupted the world economy far more extensively. Should it turn out that scientists and experts and NGOs, etc. are villains rather than heroes of this story, we may very well see the expert-worshiping values of modern liberalism go up in a fireball of public anger. Consider the details of the story as we have learned them in the last few weeks:  Lab leaks happen. They arent the result of conspiracies: a lab accident is an accident, as Nathan Robinson points out; they happen all the time, in this country and in others, and people die from them.  There is evidence that the lab in question, which studies bat coronaviruses, may have been conducting what is called gain of function research, a dangerous innovation in which diseases are deliberately made more virulent. By the way, right-wingers didnt dream up gain of function: all the cool virologists have been doing it (in this country and in others) even as the squares have been warning against it for years.  There are strong hints that some of the bat-virus research at the Wuhan lab was funded in part by the American national-medical establishment  which is to say, the lab-leak hypothesis doesnt implicate China alone.  There seem to have been astonishing conflicts of interest among the people assigned to get to the bottom of it all, and (as we know from Enron and the housing bubble) conflicts of interest are always what trip up the well-credentialed professionals whom liberals insist we must all heed, honor, and obey.  The news media, in its zealous policing of the boundaries of the permissible, insisted that Russiagate was ever so true but that the lab-leak hypothesis was false false false, and woe unto anyone who dared disagree. Reporters gulped down whatever line was most flattering to the experts they were quoting and then insisted that it was 100% right and absolutely incontrovertible  that anything else was only unhinged Trumpist folly, that democracy dies when unbelievers get to speak, and so on.  The social media monopolies actually censored posts about the lab-leak hypothesis. Of course they did! Because were at war with misinformation, you know, and people need to be brought back to the true and correct faith  as agreed upon by experts. * Let us pray, now, for science, intoned a New York Times columnist back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The title of his article laid down the foundational faith of Trump-era liberalism: Coronavirus is What You Get When You Ignore Science. Ten months later, at the end of a scary article about the history of gain of function research and its possible role in the still ongoing Covid pandemic, Nicholson Baker wrote as follows: This may be the great scientific meta-experiment of the 21st century. Could a world full of scientists do all kinds of reckless recombinant things with viral diseases for many years and successfully avoid a serious outbreak? The hypothesis was that, yes, it was doable. The risk was worth taking. There would be no pandemic. Except there was. If it does indeed turn out that the lab-leak hypothesis is the right explanation for how it began  that the common people of the world have been forced into a real-life lab experiment, at tremendous cost  there is a moral earthquake on the way. Because if the hypothesis is right, it will soon start to dawn on people that our mistake was not insufficient reverence for scientists, or inadequate respect for expertise, or not enough censorship on Facebook. It was a failure to think critically about all of the above, to understand that there is no such thing as absolute expertise. Think of all the disasters of recent years: economic neoliberalism, destructive trade policies, the Iraq War, the housing bubble, banks that are too big to fail, mortgage-backed securities, the Hillary Clinton campaign of 2016  all of these disasters brought to you by the total, self-assured unanimity of the highly educated people who are supposed to know what theyre doing, plus the total complacency of the highly educated people who are supposed to be supervising them. Then again, maybe I am wrong to roll out all this speculation. Maybe the lab-leak hypothesis will be convincingly disproven. I certainly hope it is. But even if it inches closer to being confirmed, we can guess what the next turn of the narrative will be. It was a perfect storm, the experts will say. Who coulda known? And besides (they will say), the origins of the pandemic dont matter any more. Go back to sleep. Thomas Frank is a Guardian US columnist. He is the author, most recently, of The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
The Victorian state Labor governments moves to amalgamate four secondary schools, in the Shepparton region, into one super-school has become a catastrophe for the students, teachers and parents.

Shepparton, 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, is the fifth-largest regional city in Victoria, with a population of 66,500. It has a significant refugee population from Afghanistan, and 3.4 percent of the population identify themselves as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. It is ranked in the worst 20 regions of Australia for youth unemployment. In January 2018, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, youth unemployment in Shepparton reached 16.1 percent.

Greater Shepparton Secondary School under construction (Source: WSWS Media)

At the end of the 2020 academic year, having endured the consequences of the initial stages of the amalgamation, teachers at Greater Shepparton Secondary College threatened to take action. One teacher, speaking anonymously to journalists, condemned the toxic culture that was impairing the mental health of both teachers and students. The media exposure, and the threat of teacher action, led to the resignation of executive principal Genevieve Simson on December 9.

Up until 2019, Shepparton had four secondary schools. In December that year, Shepparton High School was closed and demolished, to make way for a super school. The year 2020 was the first stage of a transition process, in which students from all four schools were packed into the three remaining schools (Wanganui Park Secondary College, MacGuire College and Mooroopna Secondary College) while construction of the new school began at the site of the former Shepparton High. By 2022, the plan is for all students (between 2,700 and 3,000) to attend the amalgamated school, with the three other schools closed.

Since the start of the amalgamation process in 2019, 54 teachers have left Greater Shepparton Secondary, and in 2020 six teachers took stress leave.

Teachers have been randomly ordered to teach unfamiliar year levels, due to the reshuffling of students across campuses. Teachers were forcibly shunted off to other school sites, against their wishes, despite promises to the contrary. At the start of 2020, Simson informed teachers that their teaching would be subjected to an observation and performance regime.

Students and parents have also borne the cost of this transition. Special needs programs, pastoral programs and subject choices have been slashed. Students who formerly walked or rode to a nearby school now have to be bussed for several hours each day. Some families have children attending several different campuses. During 2020, enrolments at Greater Shepparton Secondary College declined by about 200.

There were reports throughout 2020 of escalating fights between students. Tensions have been inflamed by the fact that students, formerly in four schools, are now crammed into three, uprooted from their familiar school environments and support networks. This culminated last week in a violent brawl at Wanganui campus. One student was hospitalised with a head injury, and paramedics and police had to be called.

In an Australian Broadcasting Corporation report last Tuesday, a teacher anonymously stated that incidents had been occurring since the start of the year and had escalated to the point where they were uncontrollable. He said no-one wanted to come to work anymore. We cant give the parents what they expect from us because were not getting the support we need. Asked if promised extra resources of teachers and security would assist, he said: It is a good start but the underlying problems have not gone away.

The teacher trade union bureaucracy, which backs the plan of Premier Daniel Andrews government, remained silent throughout 2020. After Simsons resignation, Meredith Peace, president of the Victorian branch of the Australian Education Union (AEU) said: The union will continue to work with members and the Department of Education to address specific concerns and ensure the school merger is successful.

In 2017, the government used lower than average results in NAPLAN standardised testing as a pretext to begin ramming through a pro-business restructure of public education in Shepparton. It appointed a Strategic Advisory Committee whose members included government officials, four school principals, the CEO of the Committee for Greater Sheppartonrepresenting local business leadersand the AEU state vice president. In other words, the AEU has worked with the government and businesss from the start.

Anti-democratic community meetings, fraudulently described as consultations were conducted in order to impose the merger. Colleen Jones, a member of the Stop the Shepparton Superschool Facebook group, recounted on the Save Our Schools website: Any questions were deflected, with this is happening, you need to get on board, or We cant answer your questions at this stage, but we are working on it.

Residents organised protest marches, a community crisis meeting and a petition to oppose the plan, but the Labor government steamrolled ahead regardless.

Shepparton community protest in 2019 (Photo source: Facebook)

The amalgamation is part of a decades-long process, which began under the Kennett Liberal government, with the closure of more than 350 schools in the 1990s. Later it was spearheaded by the Bracks and Brumby Labor governments. Between 1999 and 2010, over 150 Victorian public schools were shut down or amalgamated. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of public schools declined from 1,548 to 1,535, despite population increase. By contrast, the number of private schools increased from 703 to 712.

State governments, Labor and Liberal alike, are pushing amalgamations. Dressed up as innovative and revolutionary change, they entail an initial monetary outlay, but funding into the future is not guaranteed. This is proven by the experience elsewhere, such as the amalgamation of Warracknabeals public schools, which began in 2016 but abruptly ground to a halt in 2018, when only half complete, due to a lack of funding. Students have been forced to remain in poorly-lit rooms with leaking roofs and inadequate air conditioning since then.

The restructuring of education through the amalgamation of public schools is bound up with the refashioning of the curriculum in the interests of business. Students are increasingly channelled into programs designed to improve their job readiness. This limits students aspirations to a future of menial and precarious employment in local businesses, rather than any development of critical thinking or the pursuit of higher education.

Underpinning this regressive agenda is an educational model dominated by the imposition of a school and teacher performance regime, leading to increasing and untenable workloads, driving out the most experienced and knowledgeable teachers.

Chaotic transition processes, such as in Shepparton, undermine confidence in the public education system, and encourage the drift of students, whose families can afford it, from the public to the private system.

To halt the Shepparton amalgamation and similar mergers, a political struggle must be developed against the Labor government and the corporate elite. Parents, teachers and students in Shepparton need to form rank and file committees, completely independent of the AEU and all official political parties. They need to join up with other schools facing closure and amalgamation across the country.

A new perspective is required that rejects the dominance of the capitalist market over education, and defends the right of all to a high-quality public education. To take forward this fight, contact the Committee for Public Education below:

Email: cfpe.aus@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/commforpubliceducation

Twitter: @CFPE_Australia
A fourth correctional officer has been charged in connection with an assault on at least six inmates, and an attempted coverup of this attack, at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility in Clinton, New Jersey. The charges result from an incident that took place at the womens prison in January. The brutality of the incident and the seriousness of the victims injuries prompted the state attorney general to open an ongoing investigation. It is the latest in a long series of inquiries concerning the prison.

On February 24, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal charged Sgt. Matthew Faschan with two counts of second-degree official misconduct and one count of third-degree tampering with public records or information. Faschan, who has been suspended, was asked to film the extraction of several prisoners from their cells during the incident in question. One victim claims that Faschan deliberately did not record the process of her extraction, during which she was repeatedly punched although she was handcuffed and offering no resistance. Faschan is accused of failing to stop other officers from using improper force and of failing to report the unauthorized use of force. Both alleged actions violate Department of Corrections (DOC) policies.

Three other officers have been accused of participating in the incident. Officer Luis A. Garcia was charged with second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree official misconduct and third-degree tampering with public records or information. Sgt. Amir E. Bethea and Sgt. Anthony J. Valvano, both supervisors, were charged with second-degree official misconduct and third-degree tampering with public records or information.

The incident for which the four officers have been charged took place between approximately 10:30 p.m. on January 11 and 1:15 a.m. on January 12. The officers were carrying out forced cell extractions in the prisons Restorative Housing Unit (RHU), where inmates typically are placed as punishment. During cell extractions, unruly prisoners are removed from their cells as part of a search for contraband. These extractions are generally routine procedures, but in this case, the officers were wearing riot gear and carrying shields and pepper spray. Such equipment ordinarily is used as a last resort.

The incident began when one inmate returned from outdoor recreation to discover that officers had searched her cell, according to a letter that NJ Advance Media obtained from Faith Haines, who was housed in the RHU. In protest, the inmate began throwing garbage and food through the port in her cell door and into the hallway. Two other prisoners who shared the cell with her joined this protest.

In response, Valvano and Bethea led other officers into the RHU and sprayed pepper spray through the food port of the protesting inmates cell, according to prosecutors. They then dragged her into the hallway, even though she was wearing only her underwear. Two officers entered the cell and began throwing the prisoners belongings into plastic bags, as is common during searches for contraband. The prisoners say that some of their belongings were destroyed.

The officers next came to the cell of Desiree Dasilva, who complied immediately. After they handcuffed her, at least one officer struck her repeatedly in the head, according to state records. I was begging them, Please, Dasilva told NJ Advance Media. I was seeing stars. I saw black boxes. I was begging and crying for them to stop. An officer left a boot print on her arm, she added. Officers dragged her out of her cell, her nose and one eye bleeding, and inappropriately placed her in a unit for suicidal inmates. After a nurse examined Dasilva, she was sent to Hunterdon Medical Center and treated for a broken right orbital bone. Dasilva now fears for her life.

When officers reached her cell door, Emmalee Dent did not submit to being handcuffed at first, but she surrendered when the officers entered. Garcia nevertheless punched her in the head, according to a criminal complaint. As Dent pressed herself against a cell wall with her back to the officers, Garcia hit her at least 27 more times. When she subsequently passed out, officers claimed that she was pretending and refused to call for medical help. Medical staff later reported that Dent had sustained a concussion.

Prisoner Ajila Nelson told NJ Advance Media that several officers punched her and stripped off her clothes. One officer grabbed her breast and put his fingers into her vagina. Nelson was the first prisoner to make her accusations public.

Rae Rollins, a transgender woman, allowed herself to be handcuffed and knelt on the floor, facing away from the officers. One pushed her to the ground with a shield and others punched and kicked her. She did not fight back, but, likely for the benefit of the video being recorded, at least one officer shouted, Stop resisting! An officer attempted to throttle Rollins, and she was kicked in the head four times. She later was diagnosed with nerve damage around her left knee. Rollins now has persistent headaches and requires a wheelchair.

What the prisoners and prosecutors reports describe is nothing less than an atrocity. These accounts indicate that the correctional officers behaved like a gang of barbarians and sadists. They treated the prisoners not as offenders who can be rehabilitated, but as enemies who must be liquidated.

Throughout the rampage, Bethea and Valvano did not stop their subordinates from brutalizing the inmates, prosecutors say. Instead, Bethea later sought to persuade others that the use of force had been justified; Valvano falsely claimed that Dasilva had been banging her head into her cell door. Garcia claimed that Dent had been fighting him, but the video recording allegedly disproves this claim.

Rollins and other prisoners stated that Sean St. Paul, an associate administrator of the prison, was present during the beatings. Several prisoners quoted him as saying, This is gonna happen every night until the officers feel comfortable. St. Paul and more than 30 other prison employees were suspended after the incident.

On January 27, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy appointed lawyer A. Matthew Boxer, a former state comptroller, as special investigator to examine the assault. Murphy declared himself sickened by the allegations and proclaimed that any individual who acted improperly will be held fully accountable. He added that Boxers report should be finished in an expedited fashion and will contain recommendations for preventing future abuse.

Boxer has been enlisted before to provide the appearance of oversight and accountability. In response to complaints of discrimination, sexual harassment and other misconduct at a New Jersey National Guard base in 2015, Governor Chris Christie hired Boxer to investigate. After Boxer completed his report, Christie refused to make it public.

On February 19, the New Jersey Senate passed a unanimous resolution calling on DOC Commissioner Marcus Hicks to resign or be removed. The DOC noted that it had hired a consulting firm to propose reforms and that removing Hicks would slow their implementation. Previous accusations of abuse at Edna Mahan led to the removal of Hickss predecessor Gary Lanigan. This change of personnel did not prevent the assault of January 11.

The sexual abuse of prisoners at Edna Mahan has been a matter of public record for decades. After a two-year investigation, the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) found reasonable cause to believe that conditions at the prison violate the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. The DOC and Edna Mahan have been aware that their women prisoners face a substantial risk of serious harm from sexual abuse, and they have failed to remedy this constitutional violation, according to the DOJs report, which was published in April 2020.

The document records years of systematic and shameful abuse. Officers regularly demean prisoners with slurs such as dyke and bitch, it notes. Current and former prisoners describe ongoing sexual abuse as an open secret. Officers force prisoners into sexual acts and grope them during strip searches. They make efforts to watch prisoners as they shower, undress or use restrooms, according to the report. Prisoners who complain are placed in isolation, allegedly for their protection. Meanwhile, supervisors and administrators routinely turn a blind eye to this depravity.

Shortly after this damning report was released, the DOC scrambled to control the damage. DOC spokesperson Matthew Schuman blamed the Christie administration and reported that Hicks had assembled a third-party, all-female board of trustees to monitor Edna Mahan. He touted an early warning system that had been created to identify patterns of problematic behavior that can jeopardize offender safety. The January 11 assault reveals the worthlessness of these putative reforms.

The latest abuse at Edna Mahan takes place during the immense crisis for New Jersey working class families that has resulted from the ruling class criminal response to the pandemic. Nonprofit Table to Table delivered enough food for 38 million meals in the state last year, compared with 26 million meals in 2019. New Jerseys official unemployment rate reached 10.2 percent in November 2020, or about three times the pre-pandemic rate.

This mass immiseration is the basis for the enormous increase in wealth that a tiny elite has enjoyed. This layer includes hedge fund manager John Overdeck, a New Jersey resident who is worth $6.5 billion. New Jersey is not an outlier; it reflects nationwide trends.

The January assault at Edna Mahan is an acute expression of the ruling class need to suppress working class opposition mercilessly and by whatever means, especially during the current crises. The womens prison is part of the police apparatus that maintains the rule of the financial oligarchy and no reforms, however well intentioned, will change this fact.


Chanel Contos was in the back room of the converted London warehouse she lives in, her phone buzzing every few seconds with new social media notifications, when she decided to go public with her story of teenage sexual assault.

Her petition for earlier sex education in schools, which began as an Instagram poll, was just beginning to reveal hundreds of testimonies from former Sydney schoolgirls about sexual assaults they had experienced at the hands of their male peers. And it was showing no signs of slowing.

Chanel Contos has spent most of the last two weeks in her room in London, watching events in Sydney play out on her laptop. Credit:Liliana Zaharia

Running on adrenaline, Ms Contos made the call to put her face to the story. She rang her father first, to give him a heads up. He was at a party, and I said: I have to tell you something. Im about to do an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald. By the way, I got sexually assaulted when I was 13. Bye! He was like: What? It was confronting for dad at first.

Ms Contos didnt sleep that night. She stayed up until 11am, working on Sydney time, and had four hours rest before doing it all again. Hundreds more Instagram messages were rolling in and television stations were requesting live interviews. I did that for three or four days until I completely crashed, the 23-year-old says.

In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Elon Musk said he sleeps about six hours every night--by necessity, or else his work suffers. That admission by the data-driven Musk is one every overworked startup founder or business manager should take to heart. It applies not only to sleep but to how much you should work and rest in general.

Musk, who recently became the world's richest person and is remaking the auto industry while building tunnels under traffic-clogged cities and preparing to colonize Mars, spent more than two and a half hours talking with Rogan about everything from Neuralink to orbital space flight, to how he originally designed the Model S simply as a car he himself would like to drive.

About five minutes in, Rogan remarks on the many different projects Musk is leading. "How do you have time?" Rogan asks. He adds that he's never understood Musk's ability to build space-going rockets as only one of several businesses. "Well, I do work a lot," Musk answers. "Normally I'd be working until 1 or 2 in the morning." He doesn't usually do that on weekends, he adds, but sometimes he does.

"How much do you sleep?" Rogan asks.

"About six hours," Musk answers.

"For someone who does as much as you, that's impressive that you can squeeze that in," says Rogan. (He's known for getting eight hours a night himself).

"I tried sleeping less, but then total productivity decreases," Musk explains.

That's one way of putting it. In 2018, Musk famously went off the rails while trying to get Tesla Model 3 production up to speed. First he tweeted that he had "funding secured" for taking Tesla private when that wasn't quite true. The Securities and Exchange Commission sued, and Musk and Tesla each paid a $20 million fine. Musk also had to step down as chair of Tesla's board for two years, although he remained CEO. This was just after he'd earned widespread derision for calling a man involved in rescuing boys trapped in a cave in Thailand "pedo guy" during a Twitter spat over a rescue submarine Musk designed.

Working 120-hour weeks.

With his reputation in a downward spiral, Musk gave a confessional interview to The New York Times, in which he admitted that he was working 120 hours a week, went for days at a time without ever leaving the Tesla factory, and was depending on Ambien the rare times he did sleep. The combination of overwork, exhaustion, and Ambien was at least partly to blame for his self-destructive tweeting. Later that year, he reported cutting back his workload to a "sustainable" 80 to 90 hours a week.

Musk's admission that sleeping less than six hours a night made things worse instead of better is worth taking seriously. Even if your only priority is work (although it shouldn't be), that's still a good argument for getting as much sleep as your body and brain need. Musk seems to have conducted this experiment on himself, and found that sleep is necessary to his own productivity.

In the context of Musk's absurd work schedule and his habit of driving himself beyond human limits, getting six hours of sleep a night is both a healthy step and an admission that working past a certain point is counterproductive, even if you are a genius. And, he tells Rogan, six hours seems to be the right amount for him. "I don't find myself wanting more sleep," he says.

That doesn't necessarily mean he's sleeping enough, according to some sleep experts. They argue that most adults need between seven and nine hours a night and that we should aim to spend more than eight hours in bed, since some of our time there is spent either falling asleep or waking up. And, they say, people can feel perfectly fine but still be sleep-deprived.

Reality is that you need adequate sleep every night to be your most creative and most efficient, and also that you'll do your best work if you limit your work hours to a reasonable number and take frequent breaks. People who give themselves plenty of time away from work report getting more done--not less--than if they'd worked longer hours.

The Department of Health and Social Services website is currently unavailable. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available. Critical COVID-19 information  including vaccine appointment scheduling and the data dashboards  can still be accessed.

The COVID-19 vaccine helpline is available at 907-646-3322 from 9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekends.

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Detection means prevention. Our study shows that RGM selective culture media significantly improves the ability to detect NTM bacteria.

Special Pathogens Laboratory (http://www.specialpathogenslab.com) and NTM researchers from Freeman Hospital and Northumbria University at Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, conducted the first study of a new culture media to isolate Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from potable and non-potable water. The study, Evaluation of a new culture medium for isolation of Nontuberculous mycobacteria from environmental water samples (https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0247166), published in PLOS ONE, examines the efficacy of the new RGM media.

Previous studies have shown the success of RGM media in isolating NTM from human cultures. Unlike other methods used by hospitals, RGM was designed specifically for NTM detection. This new media formulation requires no chemical decontamination process, controls mold and bacterial overgrowth, and is a much faster process than other methods.

The studys authors include: Kimberly J. Alexander, Special Pathogens Laboratory; Jennifer L. Furlong, MSHS, MT(ASCP), Special Pathogens Laboratory; Julianne L. Baron, PhD, Special Pathogens Laboratory; John D. Rihs, Special Pathogens Laboratory; Dominic Stephenson, PhD, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; John D. Perry, PhD, DcS, Microbiology Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; and Janet E. Stout, PhD, Special Pathogens Laboratory, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA.

Unlike Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, NTM is a naturally occurring pathogen found in soil and water. Only a few of the 150 NTM species found in building water systems pose a serious risk to vulnerable individuals. The most vulnerable to infections, especially in healthcare environments, are those who are immunocompromised, such as transplant patients; have pre-existing lung conditions such as COPD, emphysema, cystic fibrosis; are smokers; and the elderly.

Each year 3.2  9.8 NTM infections occur per 100,000 persons in the United States. People become ill from NTM found in drinking water, ice machines, pools, hot tubs, water features, healthcare medical instruments, heater cooler devices, and cooling towers. Infections result from aspiration, aerosolization, and direct contact with medical instruments.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) lists NTM among the seven opportunistic pathogens found in healthcare water systems that require a risk assessment and a subsequent water management program. Because NTM is difficult to control in building water systems, even with secondary disinfection, the ability to isolate NTM bacteria is key to preventing infections.

There is growing evidence that the presence of Nontuberculous mycobacteria in hospital water is responsible for a variety of infections, says the studys co-author Dr. Janet E. Stout, president, Special Pathogens Laboratory. Detection means prevention. Our study shows that RGM selective culture media significantly improves the ability to detect NTM bacteria.

To analyze the effectiveness of RGM in environmental water samples, microbiologists analyzed 233 water samples from different facilities across the United States. Samples were placed on three different types of culture media: 1) standard acid decontamination followed by culture on Middlebrook 7H10 medium; 2) Standard acid decontamination followed by culture on Mitchison 7H11 medium; 3) Culture on RGM without acid decontamination.

The results showed that RGM increased the identification of samples that were positive for NTM, increased the isolation of pathogenic NTMs, gave higher average counts of NTM in positive samples, and was more efficient. Using the RGM media, a decontamination step was not required and overgrowth of other bacteria and mold were inhibited.

While more research is needed, the results of this study show promising results for NTM detection in building water systems, especially in hospitals, where the risk of infection from exposure to NTM from tap water used for showering, bathing, drinking, and medical devices is well documented, especially for the immunocompromised.

###

Special Pathogens Laboratory The Legionella Experts

Special Pathogens Laboratory provides evidence-based solutions to detect, control, prevent, and remediate Legionella and waterborne pathogens in building water systems. Internationally renowned for pioneering research and expertise in Legionnaires disease prevention, Special Pathogens provides laboratory services, water management, and education to all sectors, especially healthcare. Our mission is to end Legionnaires disease. The laboratory is accredited, and specifically accredited for Legionella testing, participates in CDC-ELITE and PHE Legionella testing proficiency programs.
A passion for dogs is the main reason MTU lecturer Maire OSullivan has dedicated her spare time over the past eight years to volunteering with Cork Dog Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).

Maire, who is originally from Douglas spent some time working in the UK but still maintained her commitment to the charity by looking after their website and social media from afar.

The Digital Marketing lecturer said the main reason she is involved in the charity is the dogs.

The best part is seeing a really broken dog heal, going from cowering to snoring on the couch! They are amazing animals, They always believe the best about people and they live in the moment. Ive also made great friends - I had DAWG people at my wedding.

Maire also said that it is a great boost when people who have adopted dogs from the charity get in contact and to hear their success stories about dogs that have settled into a new home and who are loved and adored by their new owners.

I meet people or get messages from people that have DAWG dogs and their love and enthusiasm for their dogs is wonderful. They always want to tell you about how special and how wonderful the dog is, and they all are!

The Digital Marketing expert said that volunteering has taught her about the broad spectrum of human behaviour and the power of everlasting love from a dog.

It has taught me that people are unbelievably cruel and callous and also unbelievably generous and giving.

Maire herself has had a number of dogs over the years, both pets and foster pets, that have given her a wealth of memories to enjoy and reminisce.

Her first two dogs, Suzie and Honey, were puppies when Maire and her husband Tom took them in twelve and a half years ago.

One of Maire's two dogs, Suzie, who is a golden retriever that Maire and her husband Tom have had for the past 12 and a half years since she was a puppy. Pic: Maire O'Sullivan.

Although Honey has since passed away, Suzie is still with them. Cal the hound was a foster dog that Maire remembers fondly. Cal was eventually adopted by her postman.

They were meant for each other. The first time they met, Cal was at the end of the stairs and I was telling the postman not to mind Cal as he didnt like men due to his history and Cal made a lier out of me, walking straight up to him and licking his ear. Maire and Tom took in numerous dogs over the years, but the next one they kept was called Tiny.

I had a very timid German Shepherd called Sheba for a few weeks and on the day she got adopted, I got a call to say would I take another dog. There was a picture included but when I got there I realised there hadnt been anything for scale in the picture. This was more pony than a dog. The dog, which I named Tiny had been hit by a car and brought in by two volunteers and the guards. He had been paralysed and in shock.

Maire said that it was around Christmas time and Tiny wasnt able to walk after the incident, but after some help, he eventually got up and running again although he did need consistent physiotherapy.

He was with me for five wonderful years. For three of those he served as DAWGs ambassador and went to school visits, company days, he had his own kissing booth at our events. He has been gone over two years now and so many people still talk about how special he was, Its lovely to be with people who understand what an important aspect of your life a dog can be.

Now Maire and Tom have two dogs at the moment, Suzie and Conan, a rescue they got in the UK.

He has an auto-immune disease, his spine is fused and twisted, he is blind in one eye and partially deaf. He was full on with Suzie at the start and she wasnt so sure, but now they are bets friends. She looks out for him because he doesnt think for himself. God bless him, he is not right, so Suzie takes care of him, she takes him around and reminds him to drink water and to pee, she is like his carer!

One of Maire's two dogs, Conan, who is a Dogue de Bordeaux canine. Conan has an auto-immune disease, his spine is fused and twisted, he is blind in one eye and partially deaf. Pic Maire O'Sullivan

Conan is a little anxious so since they took him in, they cant take in any more foster dogs.

He is frightened of everything, but he has no ill-will, he is just a messy dog!

Chatting about how things have changed for DAWG since the Pandemic, Maire said there are less fundraising opportunities, but the bills still needed to be paid.

The demand for dogs has gone through the roof. Any time we have puppies or small cute dogs we get hundreds of applications - a lot of which are not suitable and havent read the description of the dog.

Maire said there have been fewer owner surrenders over the past 12 months.

We used to get a lot of wonderful dogs where the family felt they didnt have time for them anymore, or they were moving etc. Now all anyone has is time. But we worry about the flood of covid puppies we may see needing rehoming next year.

Mentioning the other DAWG volunteers, Maire said everyone was very motivated and passionate about dogs and about the charity.

We are all in it for the dogs.

To find out more about DAWG or to donate to the charity, click here..
Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week
Tejas: Kangana Ranaut Wraps Up Mumbai Schedule; Will Head To Delhi And Rajasthan Next

Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut, who was busy shooting for her upcoming outing Tejas, recently revealed that she has completed the Mumbai schedule of the film. Kangana also shared that she will be moving on to shoot other portions of the movie in Delhi and Rajasthan.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kangana Ranaut (@kanganaranaut)

The actor took to Twitter on Friday to share some behind-the-scenes pictures from the shoot of the forthcoming film. An elated Kangana tweeted, "Successfully completed #Tejas mumbai schedule now heading to Delhi and Rajasthan soon for upcoming schedules... Thank you everyone for your love and blessings."

Kangana will be seen playing an air force pilot in the movie, which has been written and directed by Sarvesh Mewara. The film is being bankrolled by RSVP Movies, the production house that had also produced the blockbuster military drama Uri: The Surgical Strike. The Indian Air Force was the first of the country's defence forces to induct women into combat roles in 2016. The film takes inspiration from this landmark event.

Successfully completed #Tejas mumbai schedule now heading to Delhi and Rajasthan soon for upcoming schedules...

Thank you everyone for your love and blessings  pic.twitter.com/uZcRL3lFKV  Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) March 5, 2021

The Panga actor, who feels honoured to play the character of a fighter pilot, had earlier stated, "Very often the sacrifices made by our brave women in uniform go unnoticed by the nation. 'Tejas' is a film where I have the honour of playing the role of one such Air Force pilot who puts country before self. I hope we instill a sense of patriotism and pride in the youth of today with this film. I am looking forward to the journey with Sarvesh and Ronnie on this one."

Apart from Tejas, Kangana will also be seen in Thalaivi, a biopic on actor-turned-politician Jayalalithaa. Apart from this she also has Dhaakad and Manikarnika Returns: The Legend Of Didda in the pipeline. Kangana has also signed up to play the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in an upcoming political drama.
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood on Feb. 21. (Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: Gov. Gavin Newsom's Future of Work Commission called for a new "social compact" for workers  an aspiration that took a knife in the back from Newsom's silence on Proposition 22 last November.

On the report's goals for improving workers' wages, benefits and rights, increasing racial equity and unionization, Proposition 22 did the opposite. It institutionalized rideshare drivers' status as poverty-level, informal workers.

Under Proposition 22, drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft only qualify for 120% of minimum wage during the time they are picking up and driving a passenger in their car, not an easy feat. The companies do not have to contribute to Social Security, Medicare or unemployment insurance, and few drivers qualify for the paltry healthcare allowance.

As independent contractors, drivers can't form unions, and with two-thirds of Lyft drivers being people of color and one-third from immigrant families, racial inequality is widened.

Defeating Prop. 22 needed a champion in the bully pulpit to oppose the other side's $200-million advertising blitz. When workers have friends like Newsom, who needs enemies?

Mark Masaoka, Los Angeles

..

To the editor: Did it really take a 21-member commission 18 months to figure out that wages in the state are too low, there's a shortage of quality jobs, and workers of color are more likely to live in poverty? Anyone who's been living in California of late could have said the same thing in a short phone call.

The only surprise here is the commission's call to address these problems by 2030. With a Democratic governor and Democratic supermajorities in both houses of the state Legislature, it would seem that many of these issues could be addressed with bold and sweeping legislative actions much sooner.

The real obstacle isn't the intractability of these problems, but rather the lack of will among our elected officials. Until we get money and special interests out of our state politics, this so-called moon shot is sadly doomed to fail.

Stephen Bulka, Los Angeles

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

A CO. Clare welder accused of breaching Leinster House security has been granted bail after agreeing to stay away from Government buildings and all anti-lockdown protests.

Daragh OFlaherty allegedly branded gardai Nazis during his arrest on Friday evening.

A garda was injured in the incident, a judge has heard.

The metal worker, with an address at Tradaree Court, Shannon, Co. Clare was arrested at 7pm and taken to Pearse Street Garda station.

He was charged with trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear in another, engaging in threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour, failing to give his name to gardai, obstructing arrest, and being intoxicated contrary to the Public Order Act.

He is also accused of violent behaviour in a Garda station.

Mr OFlaherty has not yet indicated how he will plead and could face additional charges.

He was held at the Garda station overnight and brought to appear before Judge Grainne Malone at Dublin District Court on Saturday.

Garda Sean Tully gave evidence of the arrest.

There was no objection to bail but he requested that conditions would be imposed on Mr OFlaherty: to stay away from Government buildings and avoid any anti-lockdown or anti-mask protest.

Before making her order, Judge Malone asked what was alleged.

Garda Tully said the accused, breached the barrier at Dail Eireann, actively resisted arrest and used abusive language.

Garda Tully told the court he asked Mr OFlaherty for his name but he replied, F*** off, Ill see you in the High Court.

He continued to call us f***ing Nazis, Garda Tully said, adding that there may be a further charge. A garda was injured, he said.

Judge Malone heard Mr OFlaherty was by himself at the time of the incident.

Wearing a facemask, he spoke briefly during the hearing to nominate a solicitor's firm to represent him, give his occupation and agree to the bail terms sought by Garda Tully.

Defence counsel Kevin McCrave confirmed his client consented to the conditions.

Mr OFlaherty was ordered to appear again on April 16 next.

He qualified for legal aid after the judge noted he is in receipt of the PUP.
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This is an open letter to district court judges in Harris County, Texas. But, honestly, it could apply to any number of judges across the country.

Citizens from all walks of life are begging you to close the revolving door at the courthouse! In your zeal to embrace the idea of doing away with cash bail you judges are granting bond to too many dangerous criminals. Some are charged with murder and have extensive violent backgrounds, yet you let them walk free on bail while awaiting trial. What are you thinking? You put the public at serious risk, especially the witnesses who prosecutors convinced to testify against these criminals.

Are you Houston judges aware your local Crime Stoppers calculates that over the last couple of years 97 citizens have been murdered or killed by repeat offenders you allowed to roam free? Do you care that one man facing five felony charges got to post bail and then promptly strangled his ex-girlfriend to death? Eleven others killed by bonded-out suspects died in domestic abuse situations, including three unborn children. Yet another victim was a veteran Houston police sergeant. The oldest fatality was an 80-year-old woman who was stabbed to death.

Judge, the state law does not demand that you offer these repeat offenders a way around pre-trial detention, so why do you do it? If you think you are somehow protecting the minority community against systemic racism, think again. Most of the citizens murdered by your released suspects were Black or Hispanic.

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Houstons police chief, Art Acevedo, recently said, Our justice system is fast becoming a laughingstock. The criminals look at our officers and say, Ill be out in a matter of hours.'

Well, I bet citizens of Houston arent laughing, your honor. I also bet these bonded-out criminal suspects dont leave the courthouse and go into your neighborhood. No, they go back to neighborhoods you probably warn your children not to drive through.

Heres another quote from Chief Acevedo. This one is about the recent 44% increase in Harris Countys murder rate.

A big part is activist judges and activist district attorneys who dont understand that criminal justice has to be fair, timely and certain. And it has to come from a place of whats best for the victim. Amen to that.

Yes, there is a nationwide progressive push for bail reform these days. Activists believe criminal suspects, especially minorities, have been treated unfairly, left to languish in pre-trial lockup simply because they cant afford bail. I can sympathize, especially since COVID-19 made jails and prisons so dangerous. And I understand that your court has been closed for the better part of a year. But lets be honest, your docket was backlogged long before the pandemic hit, and theres no excuse to compromise public safety while everything gets sorted out.

Bail reform makes sense if it is applied to newcomer misdemeanor defendants or non-violent suspects. But it is sheer stupidity to bond out chronic career criminals who make a living victimizing innocent citizens. You recognize them, judge. They come through your courtroom every day.

This no-bail pandemic has wreaked havoc in several states from California, New Jersey and Vermont to Alaska and Georgia. And innocents, like Houstons 97 dead, pay the price.

In New York all hell broke loose after lawmakers gave in to the zero-bail fever. The resulting flood of career criminals being automatically released after arrest got so bad the legislature had to go back and reform its bail reform law. Illinois governor didnt get the message. He just signed a bill eliminating all cash bail by 2023.

We have a habit of over-correcting problems in this country, allowing the pendulum to swing way too far to one side or the other. I think you will agree, Judge, that giving in to outside pressure and releasing perps you know are violent is no way to run a justice system.

You judges need to get a backbone and stand up for whats right. Take back your power, demand more court funding if you need it and act in ways that keep the public safe.

Citizens are listening for your voice to be added to this national debate. They are watching you  and your re-election efforts  very closely.

www.DianeDimond.com; email to Diane@DianeDimond.com.
The Centre is mulling to launch a production linked incentive (PLI) scheme in the chemicals sector to bolster domestic manufacturing and exports. Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has said the government has adopted a consultative approach for forming policies aimed at the chemicals and petrochemicals sector of the country.

"Implementations of the Budget announcements can't be done only by the government. We should take our industry in confidence so that implementations can start from first week of April," Gowda said at FICCI's webinar on 'Implementation Strategy of Budget Announcement 2021-22'. The Union Minister said the biggest impediment for the government is to meet the suggestions of the industry with policy implementation.

Highlighting the Rs 35,000 allocation towards the development of COVID-19 vaccines in Budget 2021, Gowda said it is looked at as an attempt to reduce raw material imports widely used in local manufacturing. Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers Mansukh Mandaviya said that the industry has immense opportunities and the government is working towards providing necessary support. He also talked about India's Vaccine Maitri mission and said that we have potential and manpower to deal with the pandemic.

Mandaviya added it is due to medicine diplomacy that the entire world is looking at India for COVID-19 vaccines and there have been no complains of inferior quality medicine.

Mandaviya noted the Indian industry, its entrepreneurs and the Made in India branding have a set a global benchmark.

With PTI inputs; by Mehak Agarwal

Also read: NCPCR summons DCGI over lack of standard testing for carcinogens in J&J's baby products

Also read: Highway construction at all-time high of 33 km a day despite COVID-19: Gadkari

Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 02:15:32|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenya Airways said Friday it has partnered with the African Union and the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to implement the Trusted Travel Pass to enable safe and seamless international travel.

The Travel Pass, developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), is a digital platform to help passengers easily and securely manage their international travel in line with any government requirements for COVID-19 testing and vaccine information.

Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways acting chief commercial officer, said the Trusted Travel Pass enables Kenya Airways passengers to verify compliance easily and securely to COVID-19 test or vaccine travel requirements to their destination of choice.

"We are incredibly proud to be part of AU and Africa CDC journey ensuring hassle-free and compliant travel across the world, while preventing cross border spread of COVID-19 infection," he added.

The platform is designed to be incorporated into airlines' own apps, so travelers by air easily understand what they need before they fly. The travelers will also be able to share the test and vaccination certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel through the Trusted Testing Code (TT Code) which shows that the test was done in an approved Trusted Lab.

The TT Code is used as evidence of the test to generate a Travel Code (TC) for international travel. TT Code and TC are standard travel clearance requirements for international travel in a health emergency. Enditem
A 36-year-old registered sex offender is being sought by police after he failed to comply with his reporting obligations.

Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert said Robert Crilly is actively avoiding police and is known to frequent the Tatura area of Shepparton.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate registered sex offender Robert Crilly. Credit:Victoria Police

He knows hes wanted, he needs to hand himself in and he will be held to account for that, its inevitable he will be found and arrested, Mr Gilbert said.

Police dont believe he is dangerous. Authorities last saw Crilly in December last year when he was served with a court order.
ALBANY, N.Y.  As she closes in on the selection of an outside investigator to examine claims of sexual harassment against Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the state attorney general has asked members of his administration to safeguard any records germane to the inquiry.

The request was confirmed on Friday by a spokeswoman for the attorney general, Letitia James.

The move to seek the preservation of documents and other potential evidence is standard protocol in investigations, though such inquiries do not typically involve a governor. It underscores the intense scrutiny that has enveloped the Cuomo administration in recent weeks as it battles the sexual harassment claims and a separate controversy over its handling of data related to nursing home deaths linked to the coronavirus.

On Thursday, The New York Times reported that senior aides to Mr. Cuomo had rewritten a crucial Health Department report last July, omitting a full count of how many such deaths there had been in the state.

The elision allowed the governor to claim a more successful response to the pandemic, an assertion that now seems in question. The governors office has argued that the omission merely involved not including data that had not been adequately confirmed.
Over the past day, March 5, seven ceasefire violations were recorded in the area of responsibility of the operational and tactical group "East" of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) area in Donbas.

The armed formations of the Russian Federation opened unaimed fire from under-barrel grenade launcher and small arms near Pisky (11km north-west of Donetsk); hand-held antitank grenade launchers and heavy machine guns  outside Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol), the press center of the JFO Headquarters informs.

As reported, the occupiers opened aimed fire from hand-held antitank grenade launcher near Vodiane (94km south of Donetsk); small arms  in the direction towards Avdiivka (17km north of Donetsk); tripod-mounted man-portable antitank gun  on Ukrainian positions outside Talakivka (17km north-east of Mariupol).

In the suburbs of Marinka (23km south-west of Donetsk), the Russian occupation forces used sniping weapons to fire aimed shots on Ukrainian positions. As a result, one Ukrainian soldier received a gunshot wound. The serviceman was promptly taken to a medical facility, where he was provided with the necessary medical care. The wounded soldier is in serious condition," the statement reads.

The OSCE representatives were informed about the gross violations committed by the armed formations of the Russian Federation and its mercenaries through the Ukrainian side of the Joint Control and Coordination Center (JCCC).

"With a view to establishing an immediate ceasefire, the JCCC sent three requests through the OSCE SMM. However, representatives of the Russian occupation forces continue to show an unwillingness to comply with the previously reached agreements," the JFO Headquarters informed.

Today, March 6, the situation in the JFO area remains controlled by Ukrainian troops.

No ceasefire violations have been recorded.

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Oregon is one of just four states along or west of the continental divide that has yet to launch smartphone technology to aid in coronavirus contact tracing, leaving the state some two months behind schedule with no explanation from officials about the delay.

Gov. Kate Brown announced Oregon would test the Exposure Notifications Express technology last fall and state officials anticipated a wider rollout in January. The program allows users to opt-in to receive notice if theyve spent time in close proximity to someone who later tests positive, such as when dining at a restaurant or spending time at a college party.

California launched its notification system Dec. 10, with millions now using it. Washington started even earlier, Nov. 30, and more than 1.8 million residents have opted in.

Oregon officials have given only vague statements and shifting timelines. A spokesperson for the Oregon Health Authority in December said the agency was currently working towards a January 2021 launch. In early January officials said they were assessing the results of a pilot project at Oregon State University and would likely have an update by mid-month.

This week the health authority said those results are still being reviewed  and neither the agency nor Oregon State University responded to public records requests for documentation about the results or recommendations.

OHA is still assessing the results of a now-completed Oregon State University pilot of the application to determine a date for rolling it out, but as mentioned previously, we are looking at spring for go-live, Tim Heider, a spokesman for the health authority, said in an email.

The notification system is a complementary tool to traditional contact tracing, in which public health officials interview someone who has been infected, collect the names of people whove been in close contact with that person, and then contact those people to tell them about exposure.

The smartphone system allows people who opt-in to use their cell phones to anonymously ping nearby cell phones, with the data kept confidential. If someone later tests positive, they receive a code from local health officials that they can punch into their phone. That triggers a process for sending out notifications to people who were in close contact with the infected person  without disclosing anyones personal information.

While officials in many states have lauded the technologys potential to help slow coronavirus spread,

its unclear how successful those programs have been.

Washington officials say they believe the exposure app is a useful tool, though its hard to know for sure. The way WA Notify works is that no news is good news, Teresa McCallion, a state health spokesperson said in an email.

State officials said they werent able to provide detailed information on how many of their 1.8 million users have received a notification, saying there are multiple ways to be notified. The main source is through contact tracers, who ask residents if they use the app.

The University of Washington is studying the nascent state program and expects to release a report this month.

We are adding approximately 3,000 new users every week, McCallion said. That kind of response exceeds our wildest expectations.

King County, home to Seattle, estimated roughly 20% of contact tracing interviewees indicated they had WA Notify on their phone, local officials said.

Since December, the system has sent codes to 2,140 app users with infections so they could choose to trigger notifications for people who they came in close contact with.

The effect of WA Notify on curbing transmission is being reviewed at the state level, a county spokesperson said.

A United Kingdom study released last month determined more than 1.7 million smartphone users in England and Wales were told to isolate via an exposure notification app in the span of a few months. The study estimated more than 600,000 COVID-19 cases were prevented since the app launched in September.

Isolating and knowing when you have been at risk of catching coronavirus is essential to stopping the spread of this virus, and the app is the quickest way to notify you if you are at risk, Matt Hancock, the Health and Social Care Secretary, said in a statement last month.

Oregons information gap remains as cases this month plunged statewide to levels below last summers peak. But the technology could seemingly come in handy, as the governor has authorized indoor dining in 31 of 36 counties, including the entire metro area, and pledged to keep it that way at least until March 26.

According to state figures, just 50% of cases as of this week were traced back to a known source. Multnomah county falls far short of that mark, with just 41% of the countys rapidly declining cases traced back to a specific source, far below the states stated goal of 70%.

Contact tracers in the tri-county area were overwhelmed this winter amid surging cases and its not clear what role, if any, their challenges have played in the delay. In December, state health officials said they were coordinating with county health offices on the app rollout but offered no details.

In late November, tri-county health officials were so overwhelmed that they urged COVID positive residents to call close contacts and their employer and not wait for a contact tracer to reach out  suggesting new duties tied to a notification system werent feasible.

Beyond Washington and California, Hawaii, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada have enabled statewide notification systems. Arizona launched notification systems on some college campuses and New Mexico has a small-scale option in Santa Fe.

Oregon, Alaska, Idaho and Montana dont have notification systems enabled.

Colorado said it now has about 1.8 million users, with the technology so widely adopted because it is free, anonymous and easy to use on Android and Apple devices. It also comes in multiple languages.

A state spokesperson said the notification system has been a useful tool in helping slow disease transmission.

 Andrew Theen; atheen@oregonian.com; 503-294-4026; @andrewtheen
The Biden administrations top envoy to Afghanistan proposed forming a conference of Afghan and Taliban leaders to create an interim government in a sign that the White House would like peace talks to move faster. According to the Wall Street Journal, the idea was proposed by Zalmay Khalilzad, the governments top peace negotiator for Afghanistan. The new format would likely push aside a peace deal that was negotiated between the former US President Donald Trump and the Taliban and also likely to delay a troop withdrawal from the country.

While speaking to the media outlet, senior Afghan government negotiator Nader Nadery said that the Afghan government is reviewing any possible way to get to a dignified peace for the citizens. Nadery said that the country is built on the sacrifices of a large number of people and the citizens and international partners. He added that a dignified peace must protect these.

READ: Afghan Official: Car Bomber Kills Prosecutor, Bodyguard

When asked about Kalilzads offer, a Taliban spokesman said that the Afghan people have tried temporarily, transitional and participatory systems for 40 years. The spokesperson added that unfortunately, they have not solved the problems of the country and the people. It is necessary to focus on solving problems, not on formalities, the spokesperson said.

The White House, on the other hand, downplayed the proposal, saying that Khalilzad is merely exploring an array of options to move forward. In a statement, the US officials said that the report does not accurately capture the state of play and added that the US is not making any formal proposals and is continuing to review all relevant options for future force posture - and all means all. Further, the White House also said that Ambassador Khalilzad has discussed a range of ways to move diplomacy forward, nothing more.

READ: Afghan Suspected Of Stabbing 7 Held In Custody In Sweden

Afghan peace deal

Last year, the United States had struck a deal with the Taliban in Qatar and began withdrawing its troops in return for security guarantees from the militants and a commitment to kickstarting peace talks with the Afghan government. But now the Biden administration officials are to reevaluate the pact as violence across Afghanistan has increased despite the Taliban and Afghan government engaging in those talks since September in Doha. Taliban has also threatened to renew strikes on the US forces if the withdrawal does not occur.

It is worth noting that as part of the deal, the US committed to withdrawing its 12,000 troops within 14 months. There are currently only 2,500 American troops left in the country. The Taliban committed to preventing other groups, including Al Qaeda, from using Afghan soil to recruit, train or fundraise toward activities that threaten the US or its allies. The Taliban has stopped attacks on international forces as part of the historic deal, however, it continued to fight the Afghan government.

(Image: @AfgIntl/Twitter)

READ: 2 Afghan Women Held With US Dollars Worth Over Rs 55L At IGI Airport

READ: Funerals As IS Claim Killing Of Afghan Media Workers

The Indian Army has started training of Turkmenistan Special Forces in combat free fall as a precursor to a series of customized courses to follow and help build capability of the Turkmenistan Special Forces.

Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link



Indian instructors show the position to take after jumping from the HAL Dhruv helicopter (Picture source: Twitter account of the Indian army)

The Armed Forces of Turkmenistan, known informally as the Turkmen National Army, consists of the Ground Forces, the Air Force and Air Defense Forces, Navy, and other independent formations (Border Troops, Internal Troops and National Guard). Special forces appears to be a recent addition, hence the lack of details about their composition.

Turkmenistan's military is considered to be the most neutral of all former republics of the Soviet Union. The country's military did not sign the Tashkent Treaty in May 1992, becoming an observer in the Council of Ministers of Defense of the CIS. Turkmenistan's first military doctrine was adopted in 1994 enforcing this. The neutral policy of Turkmenistan was also emphasized in relation to the 1996 Afghan War, maintaining an even relationship with both the Taliban and the Afghan government. Following the events of 9/11, coalition troops did not appear on Turkmen territory, in particular, when President Niyazov refused to provide the German government with a base to store German aircraft, arguing that the country intends to continue to follow the principles of neutrality. In 2002, a "labor army" was created by Niyazov's orders which saw the creation of specialized labor military units. Soldiers in these units began to be sent from military units to enterprises, construction sites and hospitals as cheap labor, being removed from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense. Jane's Information Group wrote in 2009 that "Turkmenistan's military is, even by the standards of Central Asia, poorly maintained and funded."

Weeks after he was inaugurated for a first term, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced his decision to endorse the countrys second military doctrine, officially declaring neutrality and stating that the border with Afghanistan will be a national security priority. In 2016, a new military doctrine was adopted by Berdimuhamedov. In November 2018, President Berdimuhamedov reiterated this at a session of the State Security Council.



Indian instructor jumping from a HAL Dhruv helicopter (Picture source: Twitter account of the Indian army)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 20:49:34|Editor: Xiang Bo

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HONG KONG, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Friday started deliberating a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Why is it imperative?

In recent years, especially after the turbulence over the proposed amendment bill in 2019, anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical localists in Hong Kong have openly called for "Hong Kong independence."

They used the electoral platforms of the HKSAR and the deliberation platforms of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the District Councils or their position as public servants to blatantly carry out anti-China and destabilizing activities.

The rioting and turbulence that occurred in Hong Kong reveals that the existing electoral system in the HKSAR has obvious loopholes and deficiencies, which the anti-China, destabilizing elements jumped on to take into their hands the power to administer the HKSAR.

Necessary measures must be taken to improve the electoral system and remove existing institutional risks to ensure the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body.

What is HKSAR's current electoral system like?

The electoral system of the HKSAR includes the methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and for the formation of the LegCo.

According to the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the Chief Executive is elected by the broadly representative Election Committee and appointed by the central government.

The Election Committee is composed of 1,200 members from different sectors.

The LegCo has 70 seats, with 35 returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections, and the other 35 by functional constituencies.

What is the design?

The overall design will be centered around the reformation and greater empowerment of the Election Committee. The size, composition and formation method of the Election Committee will be adjusted and improved.

The Chief Executive will continue to be elected by the Election Committee. The Election Committee will be entrusted with the new function of electing a relatively large share of LegCo members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for the LegCo. Through the Election Committee, the balanced and orderly political participation will be expanded and broader representation ensured in the Hong Kong society. Relevant elements of the election will be adjusted as appropriate, and a mechanism of qualification review will be established throughout the entire process.

This design is aimed to form a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's realities and with Hong Kong characteristics.

How will it be carried out?

A two-step approach, namely, "decision plus amendment," was proposed.

In the first step, the NPC makes the decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, which lays out the basic principles for revising and improving the electoral system as well as the core elements of such revision and improvement. Meanwhile, the NPC authorizes its Standing Committee to amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law in accordance with the decision.

In the second step, the NPC Standing Committee amends Annex I: Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Annex II: Method for the Formation of the LegCo of the HKSAR and Its Voting Procedures of the Basic Law of the HKSAR.

The amended Annex I and Annex II will contain specific and express provisions on the new democratic electoral system of the HKSAR.

After the amendment of Annex I and Annex II at the state level is completed, the HKSAR will amend relevant local laws accordingly. Enditem

Kourtney Kardashian shared footage of a past hair dye disaster she suffered as a teenager, after going platinum blonde during her high school years.

In a throwback video on her Instagram Story, the stunning natural brunette, 41, looked unrecognizable with brassy, highlighter yellow tresses.

Not making the situation any better, her mom Kris Jenner asked Kardashian, who looked about 16: 'Do you have an appointment to have your hair fixed tomorrow?'

Throwback: Kourtney Kardashian shared footage of a past hair dye disaster she suffered as a teenager, after going platinum blonde during her high school years

'Yeah,' replied the mother-of-three, who is known for her beautiful brown hair, as she grabbed a few binders and schoolwork from the kitchen.

The very brief slip also showed her staring glumly at her mom, 65, who appeared to be packing lunches and wore a white zip-up hoodie.

In 2016, she spoke about lightening her locks as a teen on her website, which, now, goes under the name Poosh.

Natural beauty: In a throwback video on her Instagram Story, the stunning natural brunette, 41, looked unrecognizable with highlighter yellow tresses as she prepared for school.

Gentle nudge: Not making the situation any better, her mom Kris Jenner asked Kardashian, who looked about 16: 'Do you have an appointment to have your hair fixed tomorrow?'

'I kept this hair color for only a month before dying my hair light brown with highlights. When I was getting my highlights touched up, all of them fried off and I had spikes of hair that stuck up so I dyed my hair black and cut it short,' she revealed.

She explained that was the last time she underwent such a drastic transformation.

Now, whenever she rocks a blonde look for a magazine photo shoot or Halloween costume, she always uses a wig.

'Yeah,' replied the mother-of-three, who is known for her beautiful brown hair, as she grabbed a few binders and schoolwork from the kitchen

'The next time I went blonde, I wore a wig for a cover shoot for 944 Magazinein 2009,' Kourtney explained, at the time.

She elaborated: 'Even though I'll probably never do something this extreme with my hair againbecause it destroyed my hair and took forever to get healthyI'm happy I tried it once.'

Since that daring experience more than 20 years ago, Kourtney has pretty much stuck to her natural espresso-brown hair color.

Just temporary: When rocks blonde looks for magazine photo shoots or Halloween costumes, she always opts for a wig

Happy: Kourtney's post comes after her boyfriend Travis Barker gushed about his current flame on Wednesday's episode of The Drew Barrymore Show

She previously reminded People that she was 'the original sister with the blonde,' but stated that she believes her natural color looks best with her complexion.

'It just suits me. I like my dark hair,' she concluded.

Kourtney's post comes after her boyfriend Travis Barker gushed about her on Wednesday's episode of The Drew Barrymore Show.

'I am spending time with a woman who is a great mom, who is a great friend, and you don't have to worry about any of those things,' he said, referring to Kourtney.

'I am spending time with a woman who is a great mom, who is a great friend, and you don't have to worry about any of those things,' Barker said of dating Kourtney

Travis shares daughter Alabama, 15, and son Landon, 17, with ex-wife Shanna Moakler, while Kourtney is mom to daughter Penelope, eight, and sons Mason, 11, and Reign, six, with ex partner Scott Disick.

Barker also talked about the idea of absence making the heart grow fonder with Barrymore.

'I also really like missing someone and cherishing the time I spend with them instead of every day being with them,' he shared. 'Especially in the beginning of the relationship, I think missing someone is so important.'
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has restated his call for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria. The VP spoke on Saturday at an ...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has restated his call for the establishment of State Police in Nigeria.

The VP spoke on Saturday at an International Conference on Patriotism, Security, Governance and National Development.

The event was organized by the Global Patriot Newspaper in collaboration with the Nigerian Consulate in New York and the Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), New Jersey chapter.

Osinbajo said the task of nation-building was exerting, especially in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.

The Vice President urged citizens to accept that there is a need for greater decentralization of the Police Force.

I have been a frequent advocate of state policing and I believe this certainly must be the way we must go.

He said the National Assembly is in a position to consider some of the proposals with them for the purpose of devolving more powers on security to states.

On farmers/herders clashes, Osinbajo assured that the Federal and State governments are committed to the implementation of the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) as developed by the National Economic Council (NEC).

He described the initiative as a comprehensive strategy that will address the conflict if interested persons establish cattle ranches.

Osinbajo noted that ranching is essentially a business, and no community or state is compelled to give their land.

NLTP is not a land grab in any way. Already 22 States have indicated interest and pilots, with the support of the Netherlands government, are ongoing in 4 states of Adamawa, Nasarawa, Plateau and Gombe.

by Francis Khoo Thwe

Demonstrations continue in Yangon, Lashio, Loikaw, Myitkyina, Dawei, Myeik, Kyaikto, and Myingyan. Police resort to tear gas, grenades, and beatings. The economy could come to a standstill. Withdrawing cash from ATMs has become difficult. Some foreign businesses are planning to leave. A total lockdown is possible as an extreme attempt to block protests, communications and social media platforms. The UN special envoy to Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener, warns against providing legitimacy to the junta.

Yangon (AsiaNews)  As people continue their protest against the military coup, the junta tries to drench demonstrations in blood, while cutting power supplies and social media platforms.

This is having serious consequences for the countrys economy, already affected by strikes and the actions of the Civil Disobedience Movement. The situation is such that some foreign business people have told AsiaNews that they plan to leave the country.

Since the coup took place on 1 February, at least 50 people have been shot dead or beaten to death in prison by security forces. Hundreds more have been wounded.

Yet protests continue in Yangon, Lashio, Loikaw, Myitkyina, Dawei, Myeik, Kyaikto, and Myingyan, despite attempts by police and soldiers to disperse crowds with tear gas, grenades, and beatings.

Protesting is an act of courage because soldiers in uniform or plainclothes stop people, arrest them, drive them away into cars and beat them. A lot of people don't leave home and fear roadblocks.

As a result of civil disobedience, banks and offices are closed, communications have been blocked or curtailed. Withdrawing cash from ATMs is a struggle.

Yesterday, blackouts affected parts of the country. For many, this is an extreme attempt to block communications and social media platforms, which are already shut down at night.

Some rumours have it that the military plans a two-week total lockdown to be announced in the next 48 hours, with restrictions on Internet, electricity, water, travel, and retail businesses. This would bring the economy to a standstill.

A foreign businessman said that "for now I continue to work from home. However, my family and I have our suitcases ready in case the lockdown intensifies."

China and several ASEAN countries, Myanmar's trading partners, are worried about the countrys stability and the impact of the crisis on trade relations.

China and Russia have so far avoided censoring the junta at the UN Security Council. UN special envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener yesterday warned the Council against providing legitimacy to the junta.

"The hope they (the people of Myanmar) have placed in the United Nations and its membership is waning and I have heard directly the desperate pleas -- from mothers, students and the elderly," she said.

"Your unity is needed more than ever on Myanmar... The repression must stop, she added. However, the Security Council meeting ended without any joint statement.
New Jersey teachers and day care workers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the state immediately, marking a change from a previous announcement.

Department of Health spokesman Dawn Thomas confirmed Friday that Pre-K to 12 educators and staff are currently eligible, for the vaccine.

Answering the call from the Biden Administration, educators, including support staff, in pre-K through 12th grade, and childcare workers in licensed and registered settings, are now eligible ahead of March 15, Thomas said in an email.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for educators to be vaccinated and his goal of getting at least the first shot to all teachers by the end of March. Several states have prioritized shots for educators, though New Jersey initially listed March 15 as their eligibility date.

Over 30 states have already taken step to prior- prioritize educators for vaccination. And today, Im using the full authority of the federal government, the president said.

My challenge to all states, territories, and the District of Columbia is this: We want every educator, school staff member, childcare worker to receive at least one shot by the end of the month of March, Biden added.

To help make this happen, starting next week and for a month  the month of March, we will be using our federal pharmacy program to prioritize the vaccination of pre-K through 12 educators and staff and child-care workers, the president said. Throughout March, they will be able to prioritize the vaccination of pre-K-through-12 educators and staff and childcare workers.

Gov. Phil Murphy last month announced people older than 65 and those between ages 16 and 64 who have certain medical conditions were eligible for vaccinations. Healthcare workers, residents and workers of long-term care and high-risk congregate care facilities, and first responders, including sworn law enforcement and fire professionals, are also able to get vaccinated.

Eligible pre-existing conditions include cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Down syndrome, heart conditions, including example heart failure, coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy, obesity, severe obesity, sickle cell disease and Type-2 diabetes.

Other groups will be added to the eligibility pool in two phases beginning on March 15 and March 29, state officials have said.

There have been about 2.33 million vaccine doses administered in New Jersey as of Friday morning, according to state data. That included about 1.5 million first doses and 788,000 second doses.

New Jersey on Friday reported another 3,347 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 35 additional confirmed deaths. The state of 9 million people has reported 23,521 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19, including 21,124 confirmed deaths and 2,397 fatalities considered probable in the year since the outbreak began.

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Amazon has embarked on an advertising blitz this winter, urging Congress to follow the companys lead and raise the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. American workers simply cant wait for higher pay, the company said in a recent blog post.

In the areas where Amazon operates, though, low-wage workers at other businesses have seen significant wage growth since 2018, beyond what they otherwise might have expected, and not because of new minimum-wage laws. The gains are a direct result of Amazons corporate decision to increase starting pay to $15 an hour three years ago, which appears to have lifted pay for low-wage workers in other local companies as well, according to new research from economists at the University of California, Berkeley, and Brandeis University.

The findings have broad implications for the battle over the federal minimum wage, which has stayed at $7.25 an hour for more than a decade, and which Democrats are trying to raise to $15 by 2025. For one, the research illustrates how difficult it can be for low-wage workers to command higher pay in the modern American economy  until a powerful outside actor, like a large employer or a government, intervenes.

Most directly, there is little evidence in the paper that raising the minimum wage would lead to significant job loss, even in low-cost rural areas, a finding consistent with several recent studies. Other research, including a recent report from the Congressional Budget Office, has found a larger negative effect on jobs, although still smaller than many economists believed in the past.

The authors of the latest study  Ellora Derenoncourt of Berkeley and Clemens Noelke and David Weil of Brandeis  studied Amazon, Walmart and Target, which operate in areas where wages tend to be low. But even in those places, the researchers found, wage increases by the large corporate employers appear to drive up wages without driving down employment.

When you have major changes in the wage policies of large actors in the labor market, this has ripple effects, Derenoncourt said in an interview.

At the same time, Weil added, the sky doesnt fall.

The researchers used the federal governments Current Population Survey, supplemented by evidence from the online job posting site Glassdoor, to estimate what happened in communities where Amazon, Target or Walmart operate after those companies increased entry-level wages in recent years. What they found in many ways confounds traditional economic models: Raising pay did not put the large companies at a disadvantage. Instead, it gave local workers a reason to push their own employers for a raise.

At Mooyah Burgers, Fries and Shakes, a chain with 87 locations in 21 states, the Amazon effect is clear. Employees routinely go to their managers and point out that Amazon is hiring at a significant pay increase.

When you have those corporations paying that much, it just puts pressure on the smaller business owners, said Tony Darden, Mooyahs president. Franchisees can try to have good relationships with their employees, he said, but there is only so far that can go.

At some point, it always comes down to money, he said. And so if theres an employee who has the ability to make two or three or four or five bucks an hour more at another location, they go directly to the owner or to their manager.

Many restaurants will grant the pay increase, Darden said, but at the cost of giving workers fewer hours or hiring fewer employees  a common contention among small-business owners. But while that may be true in individual cases, the Berkeley and Brandeis researchers found little evidence of broad-based job cuts as wages rose. A 10% increase in the base wage at a company like Amazon, they found, translated into a 1.7% loss in local jobs  and a 0.4% loss in jobs for low-wage workers.

A mounting body of research in recent years suggests that labor markets dont work in practice the way they do in some economic models. Employees often have less information about their worth than employers, or face greater risks to changing jobs, or cant readily move between employers the way a pure market assumes. These frictions, in economic jargon, often benefit employers over employees, pushing down wages below where supply and demand suggest they should be.

But that leaves room for other forces  in the form of political pressure, organized bargaining or a minimum wage  to push wages up.

In a very simple supply-and-demand, competitive market, firms are just paying the market wage, said Arindrajit Dube, a University of Massachusetts economist who has studied the minimum wage. In reality, he said, wages are shaped by market forces but also by norms, pressure as well as policies.

Dube said that in the 1980s, the spread of Walmart and other national retailers helped push down wages, as they displaced smaller, often unionized local chains. Now big national retailers seem to be helping to push wages up.

Many small-business owners do not welcome the pressure.

Tad Mollnhauer, who runs two printing and shipping retail stores near Orlando, Florida, said entry-level workers typically earned about $10 to $12 an hour. But these days, anyone paying that rate risks losing workers to Amazon. (The states minimum wage is under $9 an hour but will rise to $10 this year under a referendum approved by voters in November. The minimum will rise a dollar a year after that, hitting $15 an hour in 2026.)

Mollnhauer said it was hard for small companies like his to match Amazons pay.

Their network and their resources are spread out around the country, allowing Amazon to pay above-market wages in some places, he said. For me, as two stores, I cant do that.

Jay Carney, a senior vice president for Amazon, said the company was conscious of the impact its policy might have on other employers. We knew that by doing it, we would encourage other employers to do the same, and if that happened then it would put upward pressure on wages in general, which would be good, he said.

But he rejected suggestions that Amazon is using its political power to hurt its rivals. We have no power to force anybody to do this, only Congress does, he said.

Jared Bernstein, a member of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, said the paper showed both the potential spillover effects for workers from raising the federal minimum wage  which studies suggest would help workers who earn more than the minimum also get raises  and the limits of private company efforts.

Theres just no way to be sure to reach the tens of millions of hardworking but poorly paid workers without significantly raising the national minimum wage, he said.

No Republican senator supports the $15-an-hour bill that Amazon has endorsed, and several Democrats have reservations about it. Given those headwinds and an adverse ruling from the Senate parliamentarian, the provision will almost certainly not make it into the final version of President Joe Bidens relief package.

But the researchers findings suggest that there are other ways to raise pay for low-wage workers. Political pressure on big companies can lift pay not just for their direct employees but also for other workers in the same area. Other policies could mimic that effect: If the federal government requires its contractors to pay more, as Biden has directed by executive order, it could help increase wages throughout the private sector.

Many people are skeptical of Amazons motives in pushing the federal $15-an-hour effort, noting that the company faces scrutiny from Democrats over its treatment of workers, accusations that it has stifled competition and its moves to fight unionization.

Other business groups accused Amazon of using its scale and political influence to squeeze smaller competitors.

Amazon is clearly doing very well in the current economy, said Misty Chally, executive director of the Coalition of Franchisee Associations, which represents franchise owners. But gyms, hair salons and many other businesses that compete with Amazon are all struggling to stay in business right now, she said.

Dube said he had concerns about the power of companies like Amazon and Walmart. But the upward pressure they put on wages, he said, wasnt one of them.

The Amazon effect on wages comes as no surprise to organizers of the Fight for $15 campaign. From its start in 2012, the movement sought to put pressure on private employers, not just elected officials.

The two fed each other, said Mary Kay Henry, president of the Service Employees International Union, which has backed the campaign: Minimum-wage increases in big cities encouraged companies like Walmart and Target to raise pay nationwide, which in turn prompted more minimum-wage increases and helped fuel the effort to raise the federal wage floor.

Policies like Amazons are particularly significant in places where the minimum-wage argument has never gained much of a foothold, like the South.

It shifts the politics of minimum wage in those corners of the country, Henry said. It busts the myth it cant happen here.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
Catch up chats over coffee are a thing of the past and I miss them (and the cake too)

I met someone the other day. Not that kind of some 'one'. I met her ages ago.

The fact that I'm writing about meeting someone pretty much sums up my life right now. I barely know the person, but it didn't matter. We have children and are both alive so we've something in common. We are juggling work and homeschooling. Both locked into a grinding, tough routine and over those precious three minutes we both emotionally propped each other up by sharing our war stories.

Suddenly all of the advantages of working from home are turning into disadvantages.

The morning walk into work (all five minutes of it) is gone, meaning no fresh air to get the brain turbines turning. I recorded a record 890 steps the other day!

The idle chat with a colleague about people being noisy on the street, the movements of the traffic warden or talk of your favourite band growing up - all disappeared, replaced by silence or bad radio music.

The unplanned social interactions walking along the street when going for a coffee or walking home for lunch. Poof!

I used to be greeted by a piping hot coffee first thing every Monday morning, often with a bun or madeleine beside it. In return I would greet my colleague with the same on Friday mornings. It was a simple routine but one that never failed to brighten my Monday. That's all gone.

Basically, working from home is grand if you hate people. Otherwise it sucks!

I won't bang on about this too much because I'm very conscious of how difficult it is for 20,000 plus people across Wexford and Wicklow, which happens to be the portion of the earth I communicate with each week in these here column inches.

Yes, I know second-hand how bad it is. How difficult it is to face into another day unsure about your financial future.

I'm one of the lucky ones, but this is getting ridiculous. On my daily walks I look wistfully at the cafe windows. My love affair with coffee began in the instant age, way back in the 80s when my mother would bring me on a whim to a cafe up the road from our boutique and we'd eat our meringues with fresh cream and she'd gleefully scoop some cream onto her Nescafe.

That satisfied smile was something I wanted. Fast forward a decade and I was there, sitting in a dark hotel in Tralee, discussing the social world that was my life with friends. The place refilled your mug from a steaming hot jug for an extra 50p. Countless hours were spent sitting there, passing time, chatting about whatever randomly excited thing entered our heads.

The town would be jammers and people were always looking for other people; especially our age. Curiosity was oxygen and we craved to have our lungs filled with it.

The coffee came with cream too (if you asked) which was a key factor in our repeat business.

It wasn't until I ventured abroad that I learned of lattes, cappuccinos, grandes etc. Starbucks was the go to place for people on SU Hill (Syracuse University Hill), and it was a place I love to frequent on my day off from working two jobs in the Upstate New York city. You'd strike up a conversation just asking what Pike Place coffee was. At the diner where I worked 'leaded coffee' was served to truckers. I ran afowl of a particularly strong espresso one day on my first day working in a skyscraper. I got to know the place really well that day, buzzing around - brain on fire.

Today it's Nespressos at home. I miss those empty afternoon chats.
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Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committeepressed the Biden Administration to join Congress in properly recognizing the Armenian Genocide and also to work for the release of Armenian hostages illegally held by the Azerbaijani government, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

With regard to US policy on the Armenian Genocide, Sen. Menendez states, I hope the President will keep his commitment to recognize the Armenian Genocide. The United States Senate, by unanimous consent, passed it. Last year I was proud to sponsor that. The House of Representatives has passed it. Its time for the President of the United States to do what the rest of the Congress of the United Statesas representatives of the American peoplewhich is to recognize the Genocide. Lets call history for what it is. Sen. Menendez has already started reaching out to Senate colleagues to join him in sending a joint letter to President Biden urging him to properly characterize the Armenian Genocide in the annual April 24th commemorative statement.

Sen. Menendez went on to call for greater US engagement in the OSCE Minsk Group mediation of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) crisis, including active leadership in securing the release of over the Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives illegally held by Azerbaijan.

We will look to help the people of Armenia and help to facilitate the release of POWs that the Azerbaijanis have, stated Sen. Menendez. It is in violation of international law what theyre doing. We need to speak out, which the previous administration did not, and we need to work to try to get that region to look forward to what the Minsk process was. There is some suggestion that this is all over. No. its not. And we need the POWS released and we have to help Armenia, as it gets all of these refugees back into their country.
NurPhoto/Getty Delta airplane

A Delta Airlines flight was forced to divert its path this week when a passenger became unresponsive mid-flight and ultimately died.

Delta flight 1837 had been on the way to Seattle, Washington, from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on Thursday. It touched down shortly after 7 p.m. in Sacramento, California, when a passenger suffered a "medical situation."

"Delta flight 1837 operating to Seattle diverted to Sacramento International Airport following an onboard passenger medical situation," a Delta spokesperson tells PEOPLE. "The flight was met in Sacramento by medical personnel where they attended to the passenger onsite."

RELATED: United Airlines Grounds Dozens of Planes After Engine Blew Apart

The Sacramento International Airport did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

The passenger was identified by the Sacramento County Coroner's Office as Seattle resident Derik Howard, 53, NBC News reported.

Details on his cause of death are pending an autopsy and pathologist testing.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The Sacramento County Coroner's Office confirmed Howard's identity to PEOPLE but did not provide further details. CBS News reported that the coroner said it appears Howard died of natural causes.

RELATED: TSA Announces Fines Up to $1,500 for Flyers Who Won't Wear Masks  and 'Narrow Exception' Cases

"The Coroner has to perform an autopsy to determine the cause of death, which will more than likely take some time to determine as the pathologist usually orders testing and will have to wait on those results," the office said in a statement to NBC News.

After Howard was removed from the plane, the flight was able to return to Seattle, arriving about two hours late, NBC News reported.
Jeff Riley, commissioner of the state Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, has been given the authority to decide when full and partial remote schooling will no longer count toward student learning time requirements.
The Guardian

The potential consequences of the origins of the virus are shattering  if they can be proved My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month. Photograph: Thomas Peter/Reuters There was a time when the Covid pandemic seemed to confirm so many of our assumptions. It cast down the people we regarded as villains. It raised up those we thought were heroes. It prospered people who could shift easily to working from home even as it problematized the lives of those Trump voters living in the old economy. Like all plagues, Covid often felt like the hand of God on earth, scourging the people for their sins against higher learning and visibly sorting the righteous from the unmasked wicked. Respect science, admonished our yard signs. And lo!, Covid came and forced us to do so, elevating our scientists to the highest seats of social authority, from where they banned assembly, commerce, and all the rest. We cast blame so innocently in those days. We scolded at will. We knew who was right and we shook our heads to behold those in the wrong playing in their swimming pools and on the beach. It made perfect sense to us that Donald Trump, a politician we despised, could not grasp the situation, that he suggested people inject bleach, and that he was personally responsible for more than one super-spreading event. Reality itself punished leaders like him who refused to bow to expertise. The prestige news media even figured out a way to blame the worst death tolls on a system of organized ignorance they called populism. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a cult out of the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general But these days the consensus doesnt consense quite as well as it used to. Now the media is filled with disturbing stories suggesting that Covid might have come  not from populism at all, but from a laboratory screw-up in Wuhan, China. You can feel the moral convulsions beginning as the question sets in: What if science itself is in some way culpable for all this? * I am no expert on epidemics. Like everyone else I know, I spent the pandemic doing as I was told. A few months ago I even tried to talk a Fox News viewer out of believing in the lab-leak theory of Covids origins. The reason I did that is because the newspapers I read and the TV shows I watched had assured me on many occasions that the lab-leak theory wasnt true, that it was a racist conspiracy theory, that only deluded Trumpists believed it, that it got infinite pants-on-fire ratings from the fact-checkers, and because (despite all my cynicism) I am the sort who has always trusted the mainstream news media. My own complacency on the matter was dynamited by the lab-leak essay that ran in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this month; a few weeks later everyone from Doctor Fauci to President Biden is acknowledging that the lab-accident hypothesis might have some merit. We dont know the real answer yet, and we probably will never know, but this is the moment to anticipate what such a finding might ultimately mean. What if this crazy story turns out to be true? The answer is that this is the kind of thing that could obliterate the faith of millions. The last global disaster, the financial crisis of 2008, smashed peoples trust in the institutions of capitalism, in the myths of free trade and the New Economy, and eventually in the elites who ran both American political parties. In the years since (and for complicated reasons), liberal leaders have labored to remake themselves into defenders of professional rectitude and established legitimacy in nearly every field. In reaction to the fool Trump, liberalism made a sort of cult out of science, expertise, the university system, executive-branch norms, the intelligence community, the State Department, NGOs, the legacy news media, and the hierarchy of credentialed achievement in general. Now here we are in the waning days of Disastrous Global Crisis #2. Covid is of course worse by many orders of magnitude than the mortgage meltdown  it has killed millions and ruined lives and disrupted the world economy far more extensively. Should it turn out that scientists and experts and NGOs, etc. are villains rather than heroes of this story, we may very well see the expert-worshiping values of modern liberalism go up in a fireball of public anger. Consider the details of the story as we have learned them in the last few weeks:  Lab leaks happen. They arent the result of conspiracies: a lab accident is an accident, as Nathan Robinson points out; they happen all the time, in this country and in others, and people die from them.  There is evidence that the lab in question, which studies bat coronaviruses, may have been conducting what is called gain of function research, a dangerous innovation in which diseases are deliberately made more virulent. By the way, right-wingers didnt dream up gain of function: all the cool virologists have been doing it (in this country and in others) even as the squares have been warning against it for years.  There are strong hints that some of the bat-virus research at the Wuhan lab was funded in part by the American national-medical establishment  which is to say, the lab-leak hypothesis doesnt implicate China alone.  There seem to have been astonishing conflicts of interest among the people assigned to get to the bottom of it all, and (as we know from Enron and the housing bubble) conflicts of interest are always what trip up the well-credentialed professionals whom liberals insist we must all heed, honor, and obey.  The news media, in its zealous policing of the boundaries of the permissible, insisted that Russiagate was ever so true but that the lab-leak hypothesis was false false false, and woe unto anyone who dared disagree. Reporters gulped down whatever line was most flattering to the experts they were quoting and then insisted that it was 100% right and absolutely incontrovertible  that anything else was only unhinged Trumpist folly, that democracy dies when unbelievers get to speak, and so on.  The social media monopolies actually censored posts about the lab-leak hypothesis. Of course they did! Because were at war with misinformation, you know, and people need to be brought back to the true and correct faith  as agreed upon by experts. * Let us pray, now, for science, intoned a New York Times columnist back at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. The title of his article laid down the foundational faith of Trump-era liberalism: Coronavirus is What You Get When You Ignore Science. Ten months later, at the end of a scary article about the history of gain of function research and its possible role in the still ongoing Covid pandemic, Nicholson Baker wrote as follows: This may be the great scientific meta-experiment of the 21st century. Could a world full of scientists do all kinds of reckless recombinant things with viral diseases for many years and successfully avoid a serious outbreak? The hypothesis was that, yes, it was doable. The risk was worth taking. There would be no pandemic. Except there was. If it does indeed turn out that the lab-leak hypothesis is the right explanation for how it began  that the common people of the world have been forced into a real-life lab experiment, at tremendous cost  there is a moral earthquake on the way. Because if the hypothesis is right, it will soon start to dawn on people that our mistake was not insufficient reverence for scientists, or inadequate respect for expertise, or not enough censorship on Facebook. It was a failure to think critically about all of the above, to understand that there is no such thing as absolute expertise. Think of all the disasters of recent years: economic neoliberalism, destructive trade policies, the Iraq War, the housing bubble, banks that are too big to fail, mortgage-backed securities, the Hillary Clinton campaign of 2016  all of these disasters brought to you by the total, self-assured unanimity of the highly educated people who are supposed to know what theyre doing, plus the total complacency of the highly educated people who are supposed to be supervising them. Then again, maybe I am wrong to roll out all this speculation. Maybe the lab-leak hypothesis will be convincingly disproven. I certainly hope it is. But even if it inches closer to being confirmed, we can guess what the next turn of the narrative will be. It was a perfect storm, the experts will say. Who coulda known? And besides (they will say), the origins of the pandemic dont matter any more. Go back to sleep. Thomas Frank is a Guardian US columnist. He is the author, most recently, of The People, No: A Brief History of Anti-Populism
An intoxicated driver crashed into an ambulance early Saturday in Portland, wounding himself and two paramedics, police say.

Portland police said Lacorius M. Jenkins, 18, hit the American Medical Response ambulance at East Burnside Street and Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard.

Jenkins was unconscious and pinned in his Subaru, police said, and authorities extricated him from his car. He was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

The two paramedics in the ambulance were conscious but hurt, according to police. They were also taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that didnt threaten their lives.

The paramedics werent responding to an emergency call at the time of the crash, police said, and the ambulances lights and sirens were not activated. No patients were in the ambulance.

Jenkins is suspected of driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving, police said.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive
MOSCOW -- On February 14, a small group of women in the Russian capital marked Valentine's Day by holding a demonstration in support of jailed women they consider political prisoners. They also wanted to encourage Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of imprisoned opposition politician Aleksei Navalny.

"I admire those who know that they could face more than just fines but who come to protests anyway," said a retiree who asked to be identified only as Marina and who regularly attends opposition demonstrations. "When you know what those people are risking, you are ashamed to sit at home and complain in your kitchen."

But some of those involved in the protest risked more than fines or even jail. A woman who asked to be identified only as Ksenia, who is a member of the SotsFem Alternativa community, told RFE/RL that the leader of a growing online community called Male State (Muzhskoye gosudarstvo) posted personal information on social media on February 13, telling her not to participate in the protest the next day and stressing ominously that this was her "first warning."

"His followers began sending me all sorts of insults, some even saying it would be good if I died," Ksenia told RFE/RL.

Other SotsFem Alternativa activists also had their contact information posted on closed Male State forums.

"We got a lot of indecipherable threats...using anonymous accounts," Ksenia recalled. "It was very unpleasant."

Feminist artist and activist Darya Serenko was an organizer of the February 14 protest, and her personal data and the physical address of some of her relatives were posted by Male State leader Vladislav Pozdnyakov on his Telegram channel. She received nearly 600 insulting or threatening messages.

Serenko said many of the messages she received from Male State acolytes contained direct threats.

"There were threats like: 'We will find out your address,'" she said in an interview with the website Mediazona. "'We are coming for you.' 'Look around you.' 'We will sit you down on a bottle.' 'We are coming to rape you.' 'We know where your husband lives.' 'We will kill your pets.'"

On February 14, she wrote on Twitter that the intimidation campaign against her had moved to the real world.

"I was followed from early this morning," she wrote. "I'm talking about a real threat to my life and health. I will file a complaint."

Pozdnyakov, 30, refused to speak to RFE/RL for this article, insisting that he would only do so if RFE/RL deleted an earlier article about the origins of Male State. Pozdnyakov created the online community on the VK social-media site in 2016. Its members were openly racist and misogynist, advocating extreme right-wing views, and even calling for morality police.

Members celebrated Adolf Hitler's birthday and railed against Russian women they felt were destroying the Russian nation through immoral behavior such as homosexuality or consorting with foreigners. Pozdnyakov called the community's ideology "national-patriarchy."

Incel Community

Filmmaker Yelena Khazanova has spent two years studying the "incel" phenomenon, beginning her work after a self-professed incel drove a truck onto a sidewalk in Toronto, Canada, and killed 10 people. Incels -- the term is a portmanteau of "involuntary celibates" -- have been listed as a hate group by the U.S.-based Southern Poverty Law Center, which describes them as "part of the online male supremacist ecosystem."

"We studied both Russian and English-language sources," Khazanova told RFE/RL in an interview in July 2020. "For two years we were only working on this topic. Two years ago, when we started, no one in Russia had heard the term 'incel.' But during the time that we have been working, the situation has changed a lot."

Khazanova said the Male State phenomenon is ideologically and psychologically akin to the larger incel phenomenon.

"These are typical conservative convictions that have been given new life by our digital reality," she said. "Incels believe that women have taken their place in the world, that in reality men should be dominant and that women must obey them. Their worst enemies are feminists, whom they even refuse to acknowledge as women."

"Feminists and LGBT are biogarbage," Pozdnyakov wrote on Telegram after the February 14 protest. "Absolute deformities and degenerates. They are psychologically sick people who have no place among normal people."

The Male State community gained notoriety for various campaigns purporting to "out" women who supposedly appeared in pornographic clips in the past, threatening to tell their husbands and children and sometimes trying to extort money. Some victims of these campaigns, who asked not to be identified, told RFE/RL they were wrongly targeted for superficial similarities to the women in the videos.

One woman, who works now as a teacher, shared with RFE/RL an audio direct message from one of Postnyakov's personal social-media accounts in which a voice threatens to send pornographic videos to her students and to post screenshots around her school if she didn't quit. Her minor son also received Male State messages.

Male State campaigns have also targeted women who posted photographs of themselves with black men or who have mixed-race children. One woman, who was only 16 and who asked that her name not be used, was targeted for such a photograph.

"My goodness," she told RFE/RL, "I only kissed him once."

One 28-year-old from Mordovia who asked to be identified only as Anna is married to a man from Ghana and has a 2-year-old daughter.

"A lot of the messages contained threats to my life," she said. "'We will find you.' 'You can't hide.' 'We will cut you up.' I never thought anyone would actually come and kill me, but the stress affected my health."

"They wrote that I was a slut and that I am sleeping with a 'monkey,'" the woman added. "They wished illness and death not only on me but on my child as well."

Male State memes celebrate "Domestic Violence Day" and attract comments glorifying violence against women.

In July 2020, VK blocked the Male State community, which at the time had about 170,000 members, for calls for violence. Pozdnyakov's TikTok account was blocked in April 2020. The community, however, continues to exist in various closed forums and Telegram channels.

Several Male State followers spoke with RFE/RL and defended the threats against feminist activists over the Valentine's Day demonstration.

"The leftists in Russia are always saying we have to have freedom of speech," said Viktor Volkov, who found out about the campaign against Serenko via Telegram. "Everyone must be free to express their opinions. Well, people expressed their opinions about Darya and her activity."

Another follower of Pozdnyakov's, who asked not to be identified, claimed that he knew about and supports the campaign targeting Serenko but did not participate in it.

"There have to be alternative voices in society," he said. "The leftists have used these tactics for a long time, and it isn't surprising that opinion-makers like Pozdnyakov have adopted such effective means of fighting."

"Feminism debases and bestializes women," the man added. "And the rightist fight against feminism is a fight for a decent future for our women and children."

Feminist activist Darya Chaban has been in Male State's sights for several years. She received a torrent of threats when she spoke out in support of the three Khachaturyan sisters, who are being prosecuted for killing their father in 2018 after enduring what they describe as years of sexual and physical abuse. Male State has featured prominently in a coalition of so-called defenders of traditional values -- including the Russian Orthodox Church -- who have rejected the sisters' argument of self-defense.

The online abuse grew much worse when Chaban wrote on social media that she did not want to have children. After that post, she received messages saying she "wasn't worthy of living" or regretting that "there are no concentration camps where they could destroy people like you together with gays and other unworthies."

"There were threats of death, rape, and beating," she recounted. "Someone wrote that he would denounce me to the police and that I would be imprisoned for distributing pornography. That's how they claim to be defending the interests of children and teenagers who might come to my social-media page and find my body-positive images."

Quiz: 10 Women Who Have Made A Difference Test your knowledge! Begin

SotsFem Alternativa activist Ksenia stressed that despite the Male State intimidation campaign, the February 14 rally was a success.

"I think that 250 women who stood up in the center of Moscow in a solidarity chain although they knew that they might be beaten with billy clubs is a successful protest," she told RFE/RL. "They definitely didn't manage to cancel it."

She added that activists in Russia are used to being threatened and that feminist events regularly attract ultrarightists who use various means to disrupt the proceedings.

"But that is definitely no reason to stay home," Ksenia said, "or to stop insisting on the rights of women or to stop fighting for a just world."

Written by Robert Coalson based on reporting by Karina Merkuryeva of RFE/RL's Russian Service. Sergei Khazov-Cassia of RFE/RL's Russian Service contributed to this report
In their forthcoming book, Steamed (Running Press, May), former Eater restaurant editor Rachel Levin and San Francisco Chronicle deputy food editor Tara Duggan encourage home chefs to put their feelings on the table by pounding, pummeling, crushing, and smashing their food.

Cooking has always been thought of as therapeutic, Levin says. Theres humor that can be explored in that. When Covid-19 hit, and as 2020 unfolded, the ideas behind the book just became more pertinent.

PW spoke with Levin and Duggan about devising funny recipe names and tearing up in the kitchen.

How did the idea for this book come to be?

Tara Duggan: You get so focused on the task of cooking, but you dont always stop and think about the action. It sounds new agey, but its good to stop and think, Can I get more out of it than just this dinner? It was a refreshing way to approach a cookbook.

Rachel Levin: I hope readers will appreciate this approachthe physicality and the emotion of making the food, not just the taste and texture of the product.

How did you curate the recipes?

TD: Id been seeing biang biang noodles around on the internet. I happened to read that the name comes from the sound of banging the noodles, and thought, Oh, thats perfect! We have a mix of recipeswhats percolating out there in the food world, and what readers find comforting.

RL: Early in the pandemic, I was ordering CSA boxes and getting so much. I remember spending two hours shelling fava beans one day. It was so freeing, so we included Drama-Free Fava Toasts in the book.

Why did you decide to write a funny book?

TD: I enjoyed getting to write the recipes in a slightly different way, because recipe writing tends to be pretty formulaic. I kept cracking up when I was reading the proof, even though Id read it three times.

RL: Chopping onions is underrated. There are reams of articles online on how to stop the tears. No one is explaining that theres an upside! The kitchen is a good place for crying. I wanted to play that up. And coming up with the recipe names was really fun. Im quite proud of Self-Cured Gravlax. Its rare to find a funny cookbook. They tend to be really earnest.

What do you hope readers take away from this book?

RL: Even when the pandemic ends, were going to need to eat. Were going to want to vent. Were going to need an outlet at the end of the day, no matter what that day brings.

Return to the main feature.

Myanmars junta lost a tug of war over leadership of its U.N. mission in New York and the United States unveiled new sanctions targeting military conglomerates after the deaths of dozens of civilians protesting against last months coup.

With tussles going on over diplomatic loyalties overseas, pro-democracy activists said they planned to hold more demonstrations in Myanmar on Friday to oppose the February 1 ouster of the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Our federation will be on road to fight the military regime together with the people, the All Burma Federation of Student Unions posted on social media late Thursday.

Police broke up rallies with tear gas and gunfire in several cities across Myanmar on Thursday, as protesters returned to the streets after the United Nations said 38 people had been killed on Wednesday in the bloodiest day of protests up to now.

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet demanded the security forces halt what she called their vicious crackdown on peaceful protesters. Bachelet said more than 1,700 people had been arrested, including 29 journalists.

A spokesman for the ruling military council did not answer telephone calls seeking comment.

A clash over who represents Myanmar at the United Nations in New York was averted  for now  after the juntas replacement quit and the Myanmar U.N. mission confirmed that Ambassador Kyaw Moe Tun remained in the job.

The junta fired Kyaw Moe Tun on Saturday after he urged countries at the U.N. General Assembly to use any means necessary to reverse the coup.

In Washington, it was unclear whether Myanmars embassy was still representing the junta, after it issued a statement decrying the deaths of civilians protesting the coup and calling on authorities to fully exercise utmost restraint.

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One diplomat in the embassy also resigned and at least three others said in posts on social media they were joining the civil disobedience movement against the military government.

This is encouragement for us who are going to go out on streets tomorrow, wrote Facebook user U Zay Yan, responding to the news.

The U.N. human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, urged the Security Council  which meets to discuss the situation on Friday  to impose a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions on the junta.

States should impose sanctions on the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise, now controlled by the military and its largest source of revenue, he said in a report.

New York Fed freezes $1 bln

Myanmar activists continued to call for the release of Suu Kyi, 75, who was detained on the morning of the coup, and recognition of her November 8 election victory. They also reject the juntas promise to hold new elections at an unspecified date.

Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) party won the election in a landslide but the military has refused to accept the result citing fraud. The election commission said the vote was fair.

Hundreds of people on Thursday attended the funeral of a 19-year-old woman who was shot dead at a protest while wearing a T-shirt that read Everything will be OK. After her death, the slogan went viral as a symbol of defiance..

Sources told Reuters that Myanmars military rulers attempted to move about $1 billion held at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York days after seizing power. U.S. officials froze those funds indefinitely, they said.

The U.S. Commerce Department designated trading curbs on Myanmars Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs and two military conglomerates that control swathes of the economy, with interests ranging from beer to real estate.

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But the measures are expected to have limited impact as the entities are not major importers.

A bigger impact would be to go after the financial assets of the military leaders of the coup, said William Reinsch, a former Commerce Department official.

The European Union suspended support for development projects to avoid providing financial assistance to the military. The support in past years has involved more than 200 million euros ($241 million) in separate programmes.

Myanmars generals have long shrugged off outside pressure.

The United States has told China, which has declined to condemn the coup, that it expects it to play a constructive role. China has said stability is a top priority in its strategic neighbour.

(REUTERS)
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THE decision of Bank of Ireland to close over 100 branches across Ireland on top of Ulster Bank's recent move to shut down its operations in the Republic has come as a body blow to the entire country.

The moves will have a particularly dramatic impact on rural communities in towns here in the Midlands such as Clara, Banagher, Edenderry, Templemore, Mountrath and Rathdowney.

They will also have a profound impact on elderly customers, many of whom are not comfortable with online transactions and prefer to visit their local branches to conduct business.

For well over a century bank branches have a been a pillar business in rural towns and their departure will cast a cloud of gloom over already struggling areas.

Many of these towns have lost other once thriving businesses and services and this news will come as a hammer blow to the communities affected.

In fact it is not an exaggeration to describe the closures as yet another nail in the coffin of rural and small-town Ireland.

Bank of Ireland has justified the closure of more than a third of its branches by the dramatic shift to online transactions which was even in evidence before the onset of Covid-19.

However, their rationale is somewhat inadequate.

While no one can deny the shift over to online business many people still prefer human contact and to conduct business transactions with a friendly and trusted face.

This is especially true for elderly people living in rural areas whose weekly trips to the nearest town or village are often the highlight of their week.

However, we do have to welcome Bank of Ireland's decision to team up with An Post so that banking counter services can still be provided in the affected towns.

Hopefully this will contribute to an increase in business at rural post offices, many of which are under threat of closure due to diminishing revenues.

It is no surprise that the main farming organisations and the body representing elderly people, Alone have united to condemn Monday's move by Bank of Ireland.

The news was described as very disappointing for farming and rural communities by IFA President Tim Cullinan.

This comes as a slap in the face to farmers and rural communities who rely on local branches for banking services. We estimate that over 80% of the branches identified for closure are in rural locations. The withdrawal of this vital service will discommode those without internet access and people whose preference is to do their banking in person, said the Tipperary farmer.

The President of ICMSA, Pat McCormack said that the banks decision was effectively an announcement that it is abandoning physical person-to-person business in large areas of the state and the reality is that rural towns - already struggling - will be disproportionately hit.

Mr. McCormack said that the retreat by state services and commercial services from rural areas now seemed relentless and their disappearance from the ordinary day-to-day lives of rural communities inevitably meant reduced economic activity with fewer and fewer opportunities for people to meet and interact in the normal way.

He claimed this was undoubtedly contributing to increasing levels of loneliness and sense of isolation.

ICSA president Dermot Kelleher said that the decision will exacerbate the growing detachment of banks from their customers in rural Ireland.

The moves by both Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank are yet another chapter in the reshaping of the business and community landscape of rural towns and their surrounding country areas.

Unfortunately many of these settlements are now but shadows of the once thriving market towns they were in the not-too-distant past.

At some stage the Government will have to cry halt.
ANSONIA  Police are investigating a shooting that happened early Saturday morning.

Police received a call at 1:10 a.m. of a person shot on Lester Street, according to a news release. The responding officers arrived at the scene to find a 26-year-old Ansonia man on the sidewalk shot once in the lower body, officials said.

The man told police a dark-colored car drove down Lester Street, shot him and fled the scene, according to the release. Officials said the man was taken to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Ansonia Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them by calling 203-735-1885 or leaving an anonymous tip via the TIP 411 line.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefs the General Assembly on the Call to Action for Human Rights at the UN headquarters in New York on Feb. 24, 2021. (Eskinder Debebe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

Guterres called on the international community to work together more cooperatively to eradicate poverty in all its forms and leave no one behind.

BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China's poverty alleviation success showcases "the importance of determined political leadership and commitment at the highest levels to ending extreme rural poverty," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said.

The remarks were made as a report titled "Chinese Poverty Alleviation Studies: A Political Economy Perspective" was recently published by New China Research, the think tank of Xinhua News Agency.

Guterres said China has pursued "a range of policies" that have boosted investments in national productive capacities, agriculture and rural development, particularly infrastructure, social protection, health and educational services.

"This approach contributed to increasing productivity, created jobs and lifted millions of people out of extreme poverty in line with the government's 2020 target," he said.

Guterres called on the international community to work together more cooperatively to eradicate poverty in all its forms and leave no one behind.
By Julie Gordon

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's exports to the United States, its largest trading partner, rose sharply in January, leading to a surprise trade surplus, Statistics Canada said on Friday.

Canada's trade surplus with the rest of the world was C$1.41 billion ($1.11 billion) in January, the largest since July 2014. Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted a deficit of C$1.40 billion.

"In a sea of really bad news this is an island paradise. Everything is up," said Peter Hall, chief economist at Export Development Canada.

"This is very strongly driven by our top trading partner," Hall said, noting that demand from the United States will continue to be strong as its economy strengthens with increased vaccinations spurring a broader recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Canadian dollar clawed back some of its earlier decline after the data, trading 0.1% lower at 1.2678 to the greenback, or 78.88 U.S. cents.

Canada's exports jumped 8.1% in January, led by a large sale of used aircraft to the United States. Even without the atypical aircraft sale, aggregate exports would have been up, with strong exports of gold bars, crude oil and lumber.

Excluding the swings of 2020, exports posted their largest increase since August 1995.

"The return to surplus in January ... is consistent with expectations that Canada's trade position will improve through 2021 amid returning global demand and firmer energy prices," said Ryan Brecht, a senior economist at Action Economics.

Canada's export of services rose slightly on an increase in transportation services, but they still remain 16.3% below the February 2020 level.

Imports edged up 0.9% in January, mostly on higher imports of energy products. Canada's December trade deficit was revised to C$1.98 billion.

(Reporting by Julie Gordon in Ottawa, additional reporting by David Ljunggren and Dale Smith, Fergal Smith in Toronto; Editing by Paul Simao and Bill Berkrot)
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ADULT FICTION

Dealbreaker by L.X. Beckett: Rubi Whiting has done the impossible. She has proved that humanity deserves a seat at the galactic table, or at least a shot at a seat. Having convinced the galactic governing body that mankind deserves a chance at fixing its own problems, Rubi has done her part to launch the planet into a new golden age of scientific discovery and technological revolution. However, there still are those in the galactic community who think humanity is too poisonous, too greedy, to be allowed in, and they will stop at nothing to sabotage a species determined to pull itself up.

ADULT NONFICTION

An Anatomy of Pain: How the Body and the Mind Experience and Endure Physical Suffering by Abdul-Ghaaliq Lalkhen: Written by a medical expert trained as an anesthesiologist, this book is the first to clearly explain the current issues and complexities surrounding the treatment of pain and how society deals with those in pain, as well as how our bodies relate to pain. Common conception still equates pain with tissue damage, but that is only a very small part of the story. The organ that produces pain is the brain. Case studies show that a woman who has undergone a C-section reports dramatically less pain than a patient who has had kidney stones removed in a similarly invasive operation. The soldier who drags himself or herself to safety after being shot deals with pain in a remarkably different way from someone suffering a similar injury on a street. The truth is that pain is a complex mix of nerve endings, psychological state, social preconceptions and situational awareness.

DVD

Beats: This is the story of two best friends in a small Scottish town in summer 1994 who head out for one last night together before life takes them in different directions. Going to an illegal rave, the boys journey into an underworld of anarchy, freedom and collision with the law as they share a night they will never forget.

JUVENILE BIOGRAPHY

Were I Not a Girl by Lisa Robinson: Like other girls of her time, Margaret Bulkley didnt go to school. She couldnt become a soldier, a doctor or hold any job other than perhaps maid or governess. Such was a girls lot in 19th century England. At the age of 18, she tugged off her stockings and dress, cut her red-gold curls, and vanished. In her place appeared James Barry, doctor and soldier.

YOUNG ADULT FICTION

One of the Good Ones by Maika Moulite: This is a shockingly powerful exploration of the lasting impact of prejudice and the indomitable spirit of sisterhood that will have readers questioning what it truly means to be an ally.

Did you know?

The library is hosting a Zoom program on Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. For login information, contact Sarah Snyder at ssnyder@jaxpl.org or 217-243-5435.
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Two people were inside the property at the time of the incident.

Police are appealing for information after five masked men entered a house in Newtownabbey as the occupants - including a man in his 80s - were inside the property.

Detectives are investigating the incident which took place at a residential premises in the Whitewell Road area around 8.30pm on Friday.

It was reported that the masked men entered the property with three of them keeping the man in his 80s and a man in his 50s downstairs.

The two other men searched the upstairs of the house before leaving. Nothing is believed to have been taken during the incident.

The males are described as wearing gloves, black clothing and masks during the incident.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said: Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident, and police would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 2158 05/03/21.

A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
In this Feb. 26 file photo, Georgia House Democrats speak with Democratic Rep. Park Cannon, right, in Atlanta during a sit-in at the state capitol sparked by opposition to Republican proposals that would restrict voting. On Friday, The Associated Press reported on a video circulating online incorrectly asserting left-wing protesters stormed Georgias Capitol building in Atlanta or engaged in an insurrection over a bill that would require photo ID for absentee voting.

Chennai: Ahead of the elections in the state, the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally the ruling AIADMK have settled on a pact where 20 Assembly constituencies and the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha has been allotted to BJP.

Following up with the release of its first list of six candidates for the polls on Friday, the AIADMK firmed up the electoral agreement with BJP late Friday night after several rounds of negotiations, PTI reported.

An release by the AIADMK stated that it pledges full support to BJP candidates in the April 6 polls and the pact was signed by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami from the ruling party side and BJP national general secretary, C T Ravi and state unit chief L Murugan.

Out of the 234 assembly seats, the AIADMK is keen to contest from at least 170 seats including 134 it won during the 2016 polls.

The BJP is eyeing the constituencies in the western belt of Tamil Nadu, which has been considered the stronghold of the AIADMK and where the national party is perceived to have pockets of influence.

On Friday, the AIADMK released its first list of six candidates for the upcoming April 6 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami will contest from Edappadi constituency in his home district of Salem, while Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam will fight from his native place Bodinayakanur in Theni district.

Aprt from that, Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar has been fielded from Royapuram and Law minister C Ve Shanmugam will contest from Villupuram. While MLAs S P Shanmuganathan and S Thenmozhi would face the polls from Srivaigundam and Nilakottai (Reserved) segments.
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A day after the purported owner of the vehicle with explosives parked near industrialist Mukesh Ambani's house was found dead, the opposition BJP said on Saturday that it appeared to be a murder and questioned the investigation by police.

Shiv Sena leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said the Sena-led Maharashtra government should not be put in the dock over the death of a prime witness, but finding out the truth was imporant for the coalition government's image.

Mansukh Hiren (46), who the police had said was the owner of the stolen Scorpio with gelatin sticks parked near Ambani's residence in south Mumbai on February 25, was found dead in a creek in neighbouring Thane on Friday morning.

Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, who belongs to the NCP, announced transfer of the probe to the Anti-Terrorism Squad on the same evening. He also said Hiren was not the owner of the SUV but was in its possession for carrying out some interior work.

"It is wrong to politicise this death and put the government in the dock. There are doubts whether Mansukh Hiren's death was a suicide or murder. He was an important witness in the case," Raut said here.

"The home department should unearth the truth at the earliest. It is important for the prestige and image of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government," he said.

On the transfer of the probe from the Mumbai crime branch to the ATS, the Sena leader said the BJP wanted the Investigation Agency (NIA) to probe it, but it would not guarantee that the case would be solved immediately.

"The home minister has handed over the case to the ATS, which is capable of solving it. Let us have faith in it," Raut said.

State BJP chief Chandrakant Patil, on the other hand, questioned the "seriousness of the probe".

"Prima facie he was murdered. But I have my doubts about the seriousness of the investigation," Patil told reporters.

He also accused the state government of "promoting criminalisation of politics".

"In less than two years, several ministers have faced serious allegations but none of them stepped down, except the recent resignation of forest minister," he said.

Forest minister Sanjay Rathod resigned earlier this month after his name was linked to the death of a young woman in Pune.

"It gives an assurance to criminals that they can join politics and get protected. The BJP protested strongly due to which the MVA government was forced to accept Rathod's resignation," Patil said.

Ashish Shelar, another BJP leader, questioned the presence of an "encounter specialist" police officer at Hiren's autopsy.

"His presence is suspicious as he is neither part of Thane police nor the ATS. It gives impression that there is something this government wants to hide," he said.

Shelar also asked what prompted the home minister to hand over the probe to the ATS shortly after praising the job done by the Mumbai crime branch and Thane police.

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande demanded inquiry by a sitting judge.

As per police, Hiren, who was in vehicle spare parts business, went missing after leaving his shop in Thane around 8.30 pm on Thursday.

(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, March 6 : In its commitment to creating an inclusive space in society for women, global sportswear giant -- adidas, has launched Watch Us Move -- a campaign to celebrate womanhood and their freedom of movement.

Through this campaign, adidas reaffirms its belief that just like in sport where body types don't matter, our society is rising above caring for beauty standards.

As per adidas, what is important is that we unbiasedly care about our ambitions, hard work, stamina, willpower, and everything that comes from within. Sport is beyond caste, socio-economic status, physical and psychological barriers. Through 'Watch Us Move', the brand celebrates the positive movement of women who are spreading an infectious aura of rebellious optimism.

The launch of the campaign saw Manushi Chhillar, Dipika Pallikal & Nikhat Zareen coming together to narrate how they have broken unrealistic stereotypes of perfection through their incredible journey and positioned themselves as role models for young girls across the country.

Present at the launch, Sunil Gupta, Senior Director, brand adidas, India said: "Watch Us Move" is all about encouraging women to express themselves through movement. Every woman has her own definition of movement, of what progress looks like. They're already taking action, creating in their own way. Yet many tell her what to do, how to look and who to be. With the launch of "Watch Us Move", adidas aims to unshackle these expectations and provide 100% support for all women making moves as they move the world.

Speaking at the launch, Manushi Chhillar, Miss World 2017, said, "I am delighted to be a part of adidas' powerful roster of women athletes who are super inspirational. 'Watch Us Move' celebrates women, their achievements and inspires us to keep a positive approach to life. It celebrates the fact that being feminine is powerful in every way, shape and form. Through this platform, I'd like to say we are ready to MOVE and now, more so than ever, it's time for the world to 'WATCH US MOVE'."

Image Source: IANS News

Adding to this, Deepika Pallikal, Indian Squash Player, said, "Watch Us Move is a rallying call for all women to be the drivers of change for one another with their inspiring rebellious optimism. Through this campaign, I urge women to express themselves more freely and also to move & enjoy and see how this movement can do wonders to their bodies and minds for overall wellbeing." As part of the campaign, adidas is pushing boundaries to release product innovations that reflect women's needs to access possibilities in sport and herself throughout the year. The campaign is timed with the arrival of adidas' most supportive activewear range -- Formotion -- a collection that has been developed by an all-female design team to deliver maximum support, whilst offering a comfortable fit that works seamlessly with the body in motion. Formotion is a celebration of freedom and expression through movement and inclusivity for all women.

-- Syndicated from IANS
The Bank of Ireland in Dunleer hit the headlines in the past after falling victim to ATM raiders. Its now to close permanently in September

The Bank of Ireland in Dunleer is to close under a plan by the bank to reduce the number of branches nationwide.

It has served the community for a number of decades.

'Bank of Ireland is announcing changes to branch services in Louth, with the closure of its Dunleer branch from September and a new partnership with An Post providing banking services locally. The changes are in response to significant trends in how people are banking - Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide,' they said.

'The new partnership with An Post means that Bank of Ireland customers can now avail of banking services at their local post office - Dunleer has a post office and there are 23 more in the county.'

The Ardee branch is to remain open.

Shock over bank closure

Local politicians say the closure of the Bank of Ireland in Dunleer is a big blow to the town.

'This is a devastating blow to hear Dunleer Bank of Ireland branch is to close. This is very tough news to hear and there is rightfully a lot of concern in Dunleer about this closure,' Cllr John Sheridan said.

'We know these branches are a life line for the towns and so many people would travel into Dunleer to do their banking and do other jobs when in the village.

'Indeed Dunleer Bank of Ireland is the only on-street 24 hour ATM presence on street between Dundalk and Drogheda along the M1. That is a lot of rural Louth with another local service moved to the big towns. My thoughts are also with the staff concerned who have heard this news.

'While I know the Post Offices do great work in the area, this is good news for the post offices involved, but obviously a big blow for a small town like Dunleer.'

Sinn Fein Councillor Pearse McGeough described the decision to close the branch in Dunleer as 'a slap in the face to its customer in the area'.

Cllr McGeough said "Dunleer is progressive community with a strong industry base with a number of very successful community led initiatives that have worked hard to improve the quality of life for citizens,'

'It is the older people who are once again going to suffer. I am calling on the Bank of Ireland to reverse this decision and think again.'
If messenger-RNA vaccines are the breakout medicine of the pandemic, then the tiny lipid spheres that bring them into people's cells are the unsung heroes.

The world desperately needs more of both.

Consider BioNTech, which until a year ago purchased only a few grams at a time of lipids to support a drug-development program that most people thought was years away from becoming mainstream. Now it's tapping big German chemical companies like Merck and Evonik Industries to vastly scale up production of the materials, a crucial step if it and partner Pfizer Inc. are to make good on plans to ship 2 billion doses of their covid-19 vaccine this year.

"We need kilos and kilos and kilos of that stuff," said Sierk Poetting, BioNTech's chief financial officer, citing lipids as one of his most pressing needs.

Producers are benefiting. On Thursday, Merck forecast record earnings this year, pointing to surging demand for the unit that's making lipids, among other supplies, for vaccine developers.

Lipids catapulted toward the top of the world's health-care priority list because the potent vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, as well as others still being developed by CureVac and Sanofi, can't do their job without them. Messenger RNA, the genetic material at the heart of these vaccines, needs a protective shell composed of four different types of the fatty material -- collectively called a lipid nanoparticle -- so that it can successfully journey from factory to a person's arm, and then get inside of human cells.

With governments looking to turbocharge production of Covid vaccines, officials are learning that making more lipids isn't so easy.

"This is an incredibly complex process," said President Joe Biden, touring a Michigan factory last month alongside Pfizer Chief Executive Officer Albert Bourla, who vowed to produce more lipids -- along with mRNA -- at the facility as part of a push to double vaccine supplies. Biden marveled at the close collaboration between machine technicians, chemists and biologists who were "pioneering technologies that less than a year ago were little more than theories and aspirations."

For Bob Langer, those aspirations stretch back a lot longer. As early as the 1970s, he was trying to prove you can capture and transport big, complex molecules like DNA and RNA inside tiny particles without destroying them.

"Everybody told me it was impossible," he recalled during a phone interview. "I got my first nine grants rejected. Couldn't get a faculty job."

Turns out it was possible, and Langer wasn't out of a job for long. Today, the professor has a chemical engineering lab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology bearing his name, focused on the intersection of biotechnology and materials science. Following decades of development, Langer in 2010 co-founded Moderna, where he's still on the board. That company -- like BioNTech and CureVac -- is developing mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases beyond just Covid, along with therapies for cancer and rare illnesses.

"I don't think people realized just how important the delivery systems are to all kinds of medicines," Langer said. "If you get more and more complex medicines, like RNA and DNA and things like that, you'll see more and more work on delivery systems and more and more problems will be solved. Lipid nanoparticles are going to be a big piece of the arsenal."

The drug delivery field had a watershed moment in 2018, when the Food and Drug Administration approved a new therapy from Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.. That drug, Onpattro, treats a rare genetic disease that causes nerve and heart damage. While it works somewhat differently than mRNA therapies, it's delivered via lipid nanoparticles. That meant regulators had at least some comfort level with the concept before the pandemic.

Thomas Madden worked for years with Alnylam on developing those pioneering lipids. By the time the approval came, though, he had long since refocused his Vancouver-based company, Acuitas Therapeutics, on what he considered the more promising field of mRNA. He recalls a eureka moment in about 2011, when he read a scientific paper detailing recent progress in the field, and concluded companies still needed better tools for delivery. That's because the body is teeming with enzymes designed to immediately cut up any mRNA found circulating outside of cells.

To prevent that from happening, the mRNA in Covid shots sits inside the shell composed of four lipids. After protecting the mRNA on its journey into a person's arm, the nanoparticle gets taken up into a cell. There, a positively charged lipid helps the mRNA to escape. Once in the cell's cytoplasm, the mRNA instructs the cell to produce copies of the coronavirus's spike protein, inducing the body's immune system to build up defenses.

Moderna has designed its own charged lipids, while Acuitas licenses its delivery technology to BioNTech and CureVac. Each of these companies was engaged in early clinical trials of mRNA treatments before the pandemic.

When covid-19 emerged, Madden flew to Germany to talk to regulators and BioNTech officials about how they could most quickly commence clinical trials of mRNA covid shots. They decided to repurpose the lipid nanoparticle from a rabies vaccine developed by CureVac, since it had already proved effective in people.

"The package doesn't really care what's inside," Madden explains. "It's just going to deliver it."

In addition to the 2 billion planned doses from Pfizer and BioNTech, Moderna is looking to produce 1 billion shots, while CureVac is targeting another 300 million. These and other companies are also moving fast to develop other mRNA products in their pipelines, adding to the unprecedented demand for lipid nanoparticles.

Major drug and chemical makers have taken notice. In early February, Germany's Merck agreed to speed up the supply of lipids to BioNTech while Evonik followed suit a week later.

Evonik is repurposing tanks and vessels at two plants in Germany and buying new instruments for the purification process.

"Typically, this process in the pharma industry takes a year or two," Thomas Riermeier, head of the company's health-care unit, said in a video interview. "What's required here is to do this more or less in a couple of months."

Its a pandemiversary. Yes, the start of March marked the first anniversary of the first detected case of COVID-19 in New York state. Its hard to imagine that its been a whole year since the (official) start of New Yorks pandemic. We finally were able to wrap our heads around the fact that 2020 came to an end, now were forced to confront that its once again March. But with more vaccines on the way, this long nightmare will soon hopefully come to an end, and we dont have to reckon with a second anniversary in 2022. Things likely wont be returning to pre-pandemic conditions anytime soon, but by next March, hopefully well be able to safely return to the world. But the pandemiversary was overshadowed by other news this week. Keep reading for more on that.

Cuomo confronts the public

After several days without a public appearance following sexual harassment allegations and amid growing calls for his resignation, Gov. Andrew Cuomo finally took questions from reporters. He said he would not resign, but offered an apology for any actions that made anyone uncomfortable, saying that it was never his intention. Cuomo added that he often greets people with hugs or kisses, and said that he never touched any inappropriately. He was accused of harassment by two former staffers  Lindsey Boylan and Charlotte Bennett  and of making an unwanted advance on a third woman, Anna Ruch, at a wedding. Boylan alleged that Cuomo kissed her on the lips without her consent (a claim Cuomos office denied) and Bennett said that Cuomo asked inappropriate questions about her personal life, including whether she would have sex with an older man. Bennett, who was 25 at the time, interpreted this as the governor trying to gauge whether she would sleep with him. Ruch, meanwhile, said that within moments of meeting her for the first time, Cuomo placed his hands on her lower back, cupped her face and kissed her on the cheek. The governor asked that people withhold their judgment until after an independent investigation that state Attorney General Letitia James is spearheading. Initially, Cuomo said that a former federal judge of his choosing would be in charge of reviewing the allegations, but after James and others rejected that proposal, he officially referred the matter to the attorney generals office. Cuomos mea culpa was panned by lawmakers and his accusers, as calls for his resignation continued to grow. But at least for now, a majority of voters in the state dont think he should resign, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll, though his approval ratings continue a downward trend after hitting record highs during the pandemic.

A rolling back of emergency powers

But that wasnt it for Cuomo this week. State legislative leaders also reached a deal on legislation to roll back the governors expanded emergency powers that the Legislature gave him at the start of the pandemic. The bill would immediately repeal the temporary powers, which granted the governor to make any directive in a state of emergency, and would allow his existing directives to continue for 30 more days. Any further extensions or modifications would have to be approved by the Legislature, and any executive order extended past those 30 days would have to be explicitly related to the pandemic. Cuomo framed the deal differently, instead calling it an extension of his powers and acknowledging that he would give the Legislature proper notification. The legislation is not a clean repeal as some lawmakers had wanted, and Republicans criticized the deal for still giving Cuomo too much power.

More on nursing home cover-ups

The hits just kept coming this week for Cuomo. The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times both independently reported that members of his administration rewrote parts of a July report on COVID-19 nursing home deaths to reduce the number of nursing home deaths by about 35% from the initial version. The report, put together by officials in the state Health Department, originally included deaths of nursing home residents who died in hospitals or otherwise outside of their adult-care facilities. The administration now says more than 15,000 nursing home residents died of COVID-19, and the tally is much higher than neighboring states. Despite wariness from public health officials who had authored the report and felt confident about the numbers to include them, close Cuomo aides including Melissa DeRosa, Linda Lacewell and Jim Malatras edited it out, according to reports. Cuomos chief counsel Beth Garvey said in a statement the changes did not affect the conclusion of the report  that a controversial March directive for nursing homes to accept recovering COVID-19 patients in nursing homes did not drive deaths in those facilities. She added that the deaths outside nursing homes were removed because members of Cuomos COVID-19 task force could not verify them against hospital records.

New vaccine approved

The third COVID-19 vaccine, this one from Johnson & Johnson, received federal approval, spelling good news for the prospect of quickly vaccinating the public. In fact, President Joe Biden announced he expects all adults (the vaccines are not approved for teens and children) to have access to a vaccine by the end of May. Thats two months sooner than his original promise of the end of July. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is also different from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in that its a single dose and easier to store, which health officials hope will enable them to do at-home vaccinations. New York City is setting up a program to get the shot to homebound seniors, starting first in Co-Op City in the Bronx and Brighton Beach in Brooklyn. Cuomo also announced that three state-run sites would begin offering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine overnight, turning the Javits Center in Manhattan, Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and the New York State Fairgrounds near Syracuse into 24-hour vaccination sites.
Photo: The Canadian Press Oregon Gov. Kate Brown visits with a school bus driver at Kalapuya Elementary School in West Salem, Oregon on Feb. 24, 2021. Brown visited the school to observe how teachers and staff were preparing for the return of in-person learning. Gov. Brown is issuing an executive order mandating that all public schools provide universal access to in-person learning by the month's end for students up to fifth grade and by mid-April for older students. (Brian Hayes/Statesman-Journal via AP)

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said Friday she will issue an executive order mandating that all K-12 public schools provide universal access to in-person learning by the months end for students up to fifth grade and by mid-April for older students.

The states coronavirus case numbers have fallen sharply in recent weeks. Oregon put teachers ahead of older residents in the line for the COVID-19 vaccine  a decision that angered many people 65 and up. As teachers get vaccinated, Brown has been under tremendous pressure from parents and local elected officials in many counties to reopen schools.

Many teachers' unions nationally have balked at a return to in-person learning, putting them at odds with Democratic governors like Brown in some states.

In neighbouring Washington state, Gov. Jay Inslee has implored educators to return to the classroom, but most students there are in online classes and the Seattle teachers' union is defying a district plan to return special education students to schools. In Chicago, the teachers' union agreed last month to return to class with expanded access to vaccinations and metrics that will lead to school closures again if case numbers spike.

Under the Oregon order, students in K-5 must have an in-person learning option by March 29. Students in grades six through 12 must have one by April 19. Students who prefer to remain in online class will also have the option.

State education officials have until March 19 to revise their guidelines for in-person instruction to help districts facilitate the return, she said.

In a letter to the state Health Authority, Brown said the science was clear and that she was relieved" that she could bring children back to class.

I feel so much hope for Oregons kids, their parents and their schools, as we continue to navigate this pandemic," she said in the letter. Our kids are our future and we need to do everything we can to make up for the losses of 2020."

Many parents reacted with relief and said the past year had been extremely difficult for their children.

Its very positive and definitively a step in the right direction  and frankly, its about time. Clearly, its been hard for districts to figure out whats going to be best for their students, and its taken a long time, said Katie Chrisman, who has a child each in elementary school, middle school and high school in the Portland suburbs.

Her children havent had a ton of suffering, but theyre definitely not thriving  and for me, thats been the biggest concern, she said.

Other parents, as well as some state GOP lawmakers, said more was needed.

Rene Gonzalez, with a parent group called Ed300 that has called for a return to full-time in-person learning five days a week, said teachers unions have been inflexible and the state education and health officials had set up insurmountable barriers for to a return to classrooms for too long.

We will not rest until every Oregon child has access to five-days-a-week, full time in-person school; until childrens co-curricular activities and community life fully return; and until libraries across the state (have) reopened," he said in a videotaped statement.

Data tallied by the state Department of Education show about 20% of Oregon's public schools are already operating with full-time on-site learning, mostly in rural areas with fewer students in the eastern and central parts of the state. Another 23% are offering hybrid learning and 56% currently have almost all distance learning, with limited in-person instruction for students with extra needs.

Rylee Ahnen, spokesman for the Oregon Education Association, the state's largest public school employees union, said in a statement that teachers support returning to the classroom if it can be done safely.

The union understands the frustrations of both school districts and parents, he said, as everyone navigates how to return to class. He added that most districts were already planning to some sort of in-person learning in the coming weeks.

We hear, understand, and share the frustration expressed by many in our communities about the uncertainty this pandemic has caused for our public education system," he said.

The union represents 44,000 K-12 teachers across Oregon.

Oregon started vaccinating teachers in January ahead of seniors, but the state health department cant say for sure how many educators have been vaccinated because it does not track the profession of recipients. The union also could not say what percentage of teachers have received the vaccine.

Brown said all but six counties in the state currently meet or exceed the advisory metrics for a return to in-person, hybrid learning for all grade levels. Five of the counties that do not yet meet the guidelines for all grade levels make the cut-off for a return to elementary school.

After those dates, all public schools in Oregon will operate either on a full-day of in-person school or a hybrid model, in which students spend parts of the day or some days each week in a classroom setting and other parts of the day or week online. The approach that districts choose will be dictated by COVID-19 case numbers in their county and local decision-making, officials said.

Portland Public Schools, the state's largest district with 49,000 students in 81 schools, was already planning to bring elementary students back in April. It's unclear whether Brown's order will affect that timeline.

The Salem-Keizer School District, the states's second-largest after Portland, announced Friday that it would welcome middle and high school students back to a hybrid model that combines in-person learning and distance learning starting April 13.

Elementary students in the district have already been back in class on a hybrid model.

Elsewhere, Californias governor on Friday signed a law aiming to return public school students to classrooms. It offers $2 billion to school districts that reopen physical classrooms by the end of March.
Donald Trump last year publicly worried that the explosion in voting by mail during the pandemic would increase turnout so much that you'd never have a Republican elected in this country again. But a new study shows the record rates of mail voting in 2020 didn't help Democrats or lead to an increase in voting.

The research is only the latest in a years-long number of studies finding no partisan benefit to mail voting. But it also draws the conclusion that making it easier to vote did not increase voting levels because voters were already highly motivated to participate in the 2020 contest.

We find a pretty precisely zero effect on turnout, said Jesse Yoder, one of the study's authors and a Ph.D. student in political science at Stanford University. Voter interest was really driving turnout more than these convenience voting forms.

The researchers proved this with a novel approach  examining turnout rates in Texas, which, unlike many states, did not ease its mail voting restrictions during the pandemic. Voters 65 and older could vote by mail automatically, while younger ones still had to provide a legally justified excuse.

The researchers compared the voting rates of 65-year-olds with automatic access to mail voting to those of 64-year-olds who lacked them. The two age groups voted at identical rates and there were only .2% more Democrats in the 65-year-old group than in the 64-year-old one, showing mail voting didn't increase Democrats' share of the vote.

The researchers found there was a modestly higher turnout rate among 65-year-olds compared to those a year younger in 2014 and 2018, implying that mail voting does increase turnout in off-year elections when interest in the contest is typically lower.

Democrats were more likely to vote by mail than Republicans in 2020  largely due to Trump polarizing the issue. But that didn't help them win the election, the Stanford study found, because they were equally less likely to vote early in-person or on Election Day. The 65-year-olds, for example, were 9.5% more likely to vote by mail but 9.5% less likely to vote in person.

Story continues

Another recent study from Emory University's Alan Abramowitz found that states that encouraged mail voting in 2020 saw a sharper increase in turnout than those that did not. But, notably, Democrats did not do any better in those higher turnout states.

Eased absentee voting rules were not the only reason for increased turnout in 2020, but they did make a difference, Abramowitz wrote in his study, released late last month. However, he added, it did not help President Joe Biden increase his share in any of the states.

Abramowitz noted that Republican-controlled state legislatures are now rushing to curtail mail voting, convinced it cost them the White House.

These findings suggest that efforts by Republican legislators in a number of states to roll back eased absentee voting rules and make it more difficult for voters to take advantage of absentee voting in the future are unlikely to benefit GOP candidates, he wrote.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
Immigrants have more stable families than native-born Americans: study

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Immigrant families tend to be more stable than families of native-born Americans, a new analysis of census data by the Institute of Family Studies shows, and its not because of money or education.

While higher incomes and education are known to drive family stability, the analysis presented Wednesday by Wendy Wang, the institutes director of research, found that immigrants tend to have a more stable family life than native-born Americans because they are more likely than native-born Americans to embrace a culture of family first.

The familism that immigrants embrace not only provides them a safe harbor when facing the challenges as newcomers, it also helps to provide a better environment for their children to advance in life, Wang wrote.

The analysis shows that of the 45 million immigrants in the U.S. today, some 72% of them who have children are still in their first marriage compared with just 60% of native-born Americans with children.

Not all immigrant families, however, were found equal on the stability scale.

A review of the 30 largest groups of working-age immigrants in the U.S. shows that first-generation immigrants from Asia ranked the highest among stable families, with Indian immigrant families leading the pack. Some 94% of this group were found to be stably married while just 4% were remarried and only 2% were unmarried.

More than 80% of immigrant families from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Taiwan, Korea, China, and Japan were also stably married. Immigrants from the Middle East, South America, and Nigeria also ranked highly on the family stability scale.

Immigrant families from Mexico, with 68% stability, and Caribbean countries, such as Jamaica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic with an average stability score of about 50%, tended to be less stable.

When asked if the proximity of the Caribbean and Mexico to U.S. culture could explain the disparity in family stability between immigrants from Asia and those from the Caribbean and Mexico, Wang said it could be a factor.

I do think that might have something to do with the specific culture, but its a little hard to measure because Im a demographer, she told The Christian Post on Thursday.

In terms of her analysis Wednesday, however, she said the distinction between the families of native-born Americans and immigrant families is clear.

The individualism in American culture has its virtues but is at odds with stable marriage and families. As we know, marriage is not only about personal happiness and fulfillment but also family solidarity, she wrote.

She cited an IFS survey conducted in California, showing nearly 70% of immigrants stating that it is very important for them to be married before having children, compared with 62% of native-born Californians. They were also found to be more likely than native-born Californians to believe that couples with children should make every effort to stay married.

That same survey also found that couples who believe that marriage is mostly about an intense emotional/romantic connection between two adults were at a higher risk of divorce than those who believe that marriage is about romance but also about the kids, money, and raising a family together.

I believe if we do a national survey, well find similar results, which is that the immigrants are more likely to have this family first mindset and they believe in traditional values and are more likely to view family as really important, Wang told CP.

Most people who study immigrants dont pay attention to the strength of the family part, she added. I think immigrants make a big contribution to the overall American society.  The family values that immigrants bring really help the overall family stability in the U.S.
Washington: Fans are getting yet another sneak peek at Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's tell-all interview with American talk show host Oprah Winfrey, which is scheduled to air on Sunday.

In the latest teaser, which was released on Friday, Oprah revealed she actually reached out to Meghan for an interview three years ago, before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex`s royal wedding in 2018, and that her request was declined. "So, I just want to say that I called you either February or March 2018 before the wedding asking, `Would you please give me an interview?`" Oprah recalled, "And you said, `I`m sorry it`s not the right time.` And finally, we get to sit down and have this conversation."

Meghan said she remembered it well and claimed that she "wasn`t even allowed to have that conversation" with Oprah personally and that other people had to be on the call. Looking back, Oprah noted Meghan turned her down "nicely" and said, "`Perhaps there will be another time when there`s the right time.`"

When asked what was right about this time, Meghan pointed to "so many things." "That we`re on the other side of a lot of, a lot of life experience that`s happened. And also that we have the ability to make our own choices in a way that I couldn`t have said yes to you then. That wasn`t my choice to make," she explained.

Meghan further said, "So, as an adult who lived a really independent life to then go into this construct that is different than I think what people imagine it to be, it`s really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege in some ways to be able to say, `Yes, I`m ready to talk.` To say it for yourself....To be able to just make a choice on your own and just be able to speak for yourself."

Previously released clips also showed Harry opening up. The couple has referred to the British tabloids` treatment of Meghan as "bullying" before, and in the teaser of the upcoming interview with Oprah, Harry expressed his fear of "history repeating itself," referring to Princess Diana`s death.

"I am just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you, with my wife by my side. Because I can`t imagine what it must have been like for her going through this process by herself all those years ago. Because it has been unbelievably tough for the two of us, but at least we have each other," he said.

The forthcoming interview comes weeks after it was confirmed that Harry and Meghan will not be returning as working members of the royal family. The interview titled `Oprah With Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special` will air Sunday on CBS.

The interview is expected to cover Meghan`s journey from stepping into life as a royal to marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work, and facing intense public pressure. Harry will then join his wife to talk about their historic move to the United States. The special is produced by Harpo Productions. Terry Wood and Tara Montgomery will executive produce, along with co-executive producer Brian Piotrowicz.

In early 2020, Meghan and Harry had announced that 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 live in Santa Barbara, California, and are expecting their second child.

Apart from the upcoming interview, the pair struck a major multi-year deal with Netflix in September that will see them developing documentaries, feature films, scripted television shows, and children`s series.They also recently launched a podcast on Spotify under their Archwell Audio production company, with the goal of building "community through shared experience, narratives, and values."

Harry and Meghan, who tied the knot in 2018, welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison, in May 2019.
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New Delhi:

A heart-rending two-minutes long video has emerged on the social media where one can see three youths bludgeoned a stray dog and put it in plastic bag at Delhis Munirka area.

Delhi police have registered a case against three unidentified youths after an animal lover lodged a complaint with the south district police.

Additional deputy commissioner of police (south) Chinmoy Biswal said, An FIR has been lodged under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 and IPC Section 428 (killing an animal).

A case has been registered under Section 428 (mischief by killing or maiming animal) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, said Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) Chinmoy Biswal.

The video was captured around 4 am on Independence Day morning.

In the video one can see youths smashing head of the dog sleeping outside a house.

As the video starts one can see a youth in black shorts and t-shirt picks up a brick from street and hits the dog, followed by several more strikes. A few seconds later another youth can be seen throwing the profusely bleeding dog in a narrow lane.

As the video nears end, one can see the three can be seen packing the dog in plastic bag.

The local police believe the three youths killed the dog to eat it.

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Filipino seafarer Larry Pineda has a simple but passionate plea: Please sir, do not forget us.

Pineda is among hundreds of thousands of seafarers adrift in a world transfixed by the fear of the coronavirus pandemic and bound by strict government rules that trap them on their ships.

Filipino seafarer Larry Pineda. Credit:

The unvaccinated crew members are required to stay on board at most international ports. In Australia, they cannot leave to shop for essentials or even seek relaxation at Mission to Seafarers sites, which have games rooms, libraries, small shops and lounges.

There is very much suffering among all seafarers, Pineda says.
It was an interesting day in the world of technology today. On one hand, Realme Narzo 20 got the Realme UI 2.0 update. On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy M51 got the One UI 3.1 update. In addition to that, Nubia launched the Redmi Magic 6 series smartphones in China.

So, heres what happened in tech today:

Nubia Red Magic 6 series launched

Nubia launched two new gaming smartphones Nubia Red Magic 6 and Red Magic 6 Pro in China today. The Nubia Red Magic 6 starts at CNY 3,799 ( 42,700 approx) while the Nubia Red Magic 6 Pro starts at CNY 4,399 ( 49,600 approx.).

Vivo X60 series confirmed to arrive in India in March

Vivo X60 series smartphones will arrive in India in March. The news was confirmed by Vivo India Director of Brand Strategy Nipun Marya earlier this week while announcing the companys Vision+ initiative.

Realme Narzo 20 gets Realme UI 2.0 update

Realme today announced that it has started rolling out the Realme UI 2.0 update to the Narzo 20 smartphone. It is a staged rollout, which means that not all Narzo 20 users will get the Realme UI 2.0 update together.

Samsung Galaxy M51, Galaxy S10 Lite get One UI 3.1 update

Samsung has started rolling out the One UI 3.1 update to the Galaxy M51 and Galaxy S10 Lite smartphones. The new firmware update brings the latest March 2021 security patch for Galaxy M51 and Galaxy S10 Lite.

Samsung, Mastercard to launch bank cards with built-in fingerprint sensors

Samsung Electronics and Mastercard have signed an MoU (memorandum of understanding) as a part of which the two companies will be launching payment cards with built-in fingerprint sensors. This payment card is called Samsung Card and it will be available in South Korea initially.
Denver, March 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- When it comes to a worldwide presence and the need to get equipment and other resources to where they are required quickly and efficiently, no organization compares to the U.S. military. In fact, logistics are often referred to as the lifeblood of the military. Much of the transporting of goods for the Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard is handled by the branches themselves. However, they also use outside specialty crating, packaging and shipping companies to assist them with logistical challenges.

Not surprisingly, military entities that rely on discipline and precision to operate effectively have very specific requirements for everything from the materials used to package and crate assets to how they are handled to how they are tracked during transport. This means that the businesses they trust to ship their goods must have extensive experience in collaborating with the military.



Military Shipping: Meeting the Requirements of MIL-STD-2073-1, MIL-STD-129, MIL-STD-130

MIL-STD-2073-1 is a standard for the packaging of military items. It includes requirements for a wide range of attributes including:

Quantity per unit pack

Quantity per intermediate pack

Preservative material to be applied

Preservation method

Cleaning and drying procedure

Cushioning

Wrapping

Barrier materials

Packing level

Overpack shipping container

MIL-STD-129 is a standard for the labeling of military items. It covers:

Barcoding (including unit, intermediate pack and overpack labeling)

RFID (radio-frequency identification) tagging

MIL-STD-130 is a standard for the item unique identification labeling of military items, or IUID labels.

Plus, entries in the MIL-STD-2073-1 standard frequently refer to other, related specifications. This results in military crating, packaging and shipping being a highly complex process.

In order to execute moves successfully and in compliance with military regulations, a shipper must understand how to decode shipping requirements, select the right spec materials, and use those materials effectively to ensure the protection and preservation of shipped items. The shipping provider must also understand how to mark containers in accordance with all relevant specifications.

An experienced military shipping company like Craters & Freighters can also provide containers that meet various military, government, and ASTM specifications like ASTM-D6251, ASTM-D6880, ASTM-D6256 and ASTM-D7478. This includes wooden boxes, slat crates, open crates and hood-style crates, as well as pallets and load bases.

MIL-SPEC Packaging and Shipping for Prime Vendors



The term MIL-SPECsometimes written as Mil Spec, MIL-Spec or MilSpecsis short for military specifications. The reason for documenting military packing and shipping specifications is, as Wikipedia explains, primarily to achieve necessary standardization across large, globally dispersed entities: A United States defense standard, often called a military standard, MIL-STD, MIL-SPEC, or (informally) MilSpecs, is used to help achieve standardization objectives by the U.S. Department of Defense. Standardization is beneficial in achieving interoperability, ensuring products meet certain requirements, commonality, reliability, total cost of ownership, compatibility with logistics systems, and similar defense-related objectives.

Mil spec requirements are very important to all stakeholders in the military supply and transportation ecosystem, including what are called prime vendors. These are companies that have been vetted and approved to sell their products directly to the U.S. government.

Their work is greatly simplified when they collaborate with a specialty crating, packaging and shipping company that understands mil spec packaging. For example, the mil spec expertise that we have at Craters & Freighters, as well as the containers and other items we build and/or maintain in inventory, enable us to help prime vendors remain in compliance with military regulations when they send their products to the various branches of the Armed Forces. In fact, some of our locations have team members that focus exclusively onand have in-depth knowledge ofmil spec packaging and shipping.



Crating Strategies Developed by Packaging Engineers

Military unitslike all recipientsneed the items shipped to them to arrive undamaged. Thats why they rely on a specialty crating, packaging and shipping company that has proven processes for preparing assets for shipping.

At Craters & Freighters, we have packaging engineers on staff who develop a comprehensive strategy for the packaging, labeling and crating of every type of item we handle. We are a one-stop-shop for prime contractors, providing a contract solution for their Mil-Spec packaging, labeling and shipping needs.

This includes designing and building custom crates as needed. It also involves utilizing blocking and bracing strategies that ensure assets dont shift during transport. Simply dropping items into a generic crate and surrounding them with packing peanuts doesnt come close to offering the kind of asset protection the military demands.

We can assure prime contractors that they are in conformance with contact specifications. We can also provide specialized services for WAWF, VSM, SIR and CAV.

Overseas Shipping and ISPM 15 Compliance



The U.S. military operates in locations around the world. Consequently, shipments of military assets often originate in the U.S. and are transported abroad. Wood pallets and crates used in those shipments must adhere to whats known as ISPM 15short for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. This set of rules and regulations helps prevent the international transport of insects that live in or on wood and could harm plants and ecosystems in countries where they arent naturally present.

Under ISPM 15, the wood used to construct pallets and crates must be heat treated or fumigated to ensure it doesnt contain parasites. Specialty crating and shipping companies like Craters & Freighters that use pallets and crates must document all the wood they receive and ship out, and must also undergo monthly inspections. Crates and other items that have been inspected and approved get whats often referred to as the bug stamp, which helps customs officials and others confirm that the wood has been treated and meets international shipping standards. Crates that dont have the stamp can be fumigated or destroyed without notice at their port of entry.

Each of Craters & Freighters 65+ brick-and-mortar locations has a unique bug stamp number that is used on all crates shipped to locations outside the U.S. The fact that were certified and regularly inspected gives the prime vendors and military branches we work with confidence that shipments will move through customs without delay.



Turning to a Crating and Shipping Provider They Trust

The Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard have critical national security and defense responsibilities to attend to. They dont have the time or resources to deal with damaged goods or track down lost shipments. Instead, they work with an experienced specialty crating, packaging and shipping company like Craters & Freighters that has a proven track record of success and handles all aspects of getting assets where they need to be, when they need to be there, in as-shipped condition.



About Craters & Freighters

Craters & Freighters is a pioneer and leading expert in specialty packaging, crating, and shipping. Founded in 1990, the company has over 65 brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S. and serves residential and business customers in all sectors including telecommunications, electronics, medical equipment, aerospace, biotechnology, and heavy machinery. From simple shipments to complex corporate moves, Craters & Freighters is a national powerhouse with local accountability.



Press Contact

Marketing Department

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Shelby Cooper, BSN, RN, CEN, at CHI Memorial, has received the Daisy Award for Extraordinary Nurses.

A patients family member nominated Ms. Cooper for being present and showing compassion during a difficult time. I want to take a few minutes during a chaotic time for us to give you some positive feedback about a [CHI] Memorial ER nurse who went above and beyond for me When I finally arrived at the ER after two days of driving, Shelby was sent to the waiting area to assist me. She made herself available, listened to me respectfully, and most importantly, took action on my sisters behalf Shelby should be recognized for her professionalism, empathy, and effort

Ms. Cooper is a nurse in the emergency room at CHI Memorial Hospital Chattanooga. She has worked at CHI Memorial since March 2019.

CHI Memorial is pleased to partner with the DAISY Foundation to recognize the extraordinary difference nurses make in the lives of patients and co-workers. Nurses are chosen each month to receive this award that honors compassionate care, said officials.

At a presentation attended by the nurses colleagues, physicians, patients, leaders and visitors, the honoree receives a certificate commending which reads, "In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people."

The honoree is also given a sculpture called A Healers Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Africa, a daisy bouquet, and a copy of her/his nomination letter. The honoree's nursing unit receives a cinnamon doughnut party because it takes a team for a nurse to achieve his/her best. Tasty Doughnuts donates the treats.

To learn more about the DAISY Foundation, visit www.DAISYfoundation.org.




President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his condolences on the victims of an accident with the Ukrainian bus in Poland.

"Heartfelt condolences to the families of Ukrainians whose loved ones were killed and injured in a bus accident near Kaszyce, Poland. Our consuls are at the scene of the tragedy. We are doing everything possible to help," the president wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

Later, President of Poland Andrzej Duda also expressed condolences on the victims of the accident.

"I am deeply saddened by terrible news about the crash of a Ukrainian bus on A4/near Kaszyce in which 6 people lost their lives and several dozen were injured. My sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and all our Ukrainian friends @ZelenskyyUa!" Duda tweeted.

As reported, six Ukrainians were killed, more than 30 were hospitalized in an accident with a Ukrainian bus near the border with Ukraine. The bus was driving on the Poznan-Kherson route. There were 57 Ukrainians on the bus.

As Spokesperson of the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland Yulia Borodiy said on the air of the Ukraine 24 TV channel, five people died in an accident, one died on the way to the hospital. Currently, 35 people are hospitalized. Five of them are in a very serious condition. A total of 16 people who are not in danger have already been accommodated in hotels. The issue of their transportation to Ukraine is being resolved.
Courtesy of Montse PB



By David A. Tizzard





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Southern Pines, NC (28387)

Today

Partly cloudy skies during the evening giving way to a few showers after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies during the evening giving way to a few showers after midnight. Low 62F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Veteran actor Hema Malini has joined the bandwagon of celebs to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The actor took to her social media account to share the pictures from the same. Talking about the same, the actor can be seen receiving the vaccine from a nurse while having her mask on.

In another of the pictures, Hema Malini can be seen striking a pose with and without her mask, presumably after taking the vaccine. The Sholay actor can be seen looking pretty in a casual polka-dotted black top and black pants. She revealed in the caption of the same that she has taken the COVID vaccine along with the public at the Cooper Hospital. Take a look at the tweet shared by the actor.

I have taken the Covid vaccine along with the public at Cooper Hospital pic.twitter.com/PIUXCh2xnp  Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) March 6, 2021

Apart from Hema Malini, Saif Ali Khan was yet another celeb who received the COVID-19 vaccine recently. The Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior actor was spotted by the paparazzi while exiting the vaccination centre in the city. He was seen donning khaki pants and a short blue kurta. Saif had his face covered with a bandhani print red scarf. However, the actor receiving the vaccine did not go down well with some of the netizens. Since the officials are mainly aiming to provide the vaccine to citizens who are 60 years of age and above, netizens questioned Saif receiving the same since the actor is below the specified age mark. Take a look at the video.

Apart from that, Hrithik Roshan's parents Rakesh Roshan and Pinkie Roshan have also received their COVID-19 vaccine recently. The veteran actor and director had taken to his social media handle to share the picture of the same. He captioned it stating, "The first dose of Covishield taken, go ahead." His wife also shared some pictures from the same on her social media handle. In one of the pictures, she can be seen taking the COVID-19 vaccine while in the other picture, she shares a delightful selfie with her husband, presumably after taking their first dose of the same. She also wrote the caption for the same stating, "#Covieshield vaccine taken it is better to shield than to expose." Take a look at their posts.

Fist dose of Covishield taken, go ahead. pic.twitter.com/J2E48vUIvl  Rakesh Roshan (@RakeshRoshan_N) March 4, 2021

Also Read: Rakesh Roshan Receives His First Dose Of Covishield; Is All Smiles In His Latest Post

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Gets Trolled For Taking COVID-19 Vaccine, Netizens Ask 'Chacha Ki Umar Hogayi Kya?

As new revelations about the handling of the states power crisis continue to come to light, critics are accusing Gov. Greg Abbott of holding irrelevant  but headline-grabbing  news conferences to distract from the states failure to manage the grid.

First came Abbotts Tuesday press conference in Lubbock  an area that was not affected by the power outages  to announce that he would open Texas 100 percent, and also end the states mask mandate. That announcement has made waves both in Texas and across the nation, as conservatives cheered but President Joe Biden accused Abbott of Neanderthal thinking.

Then, on Friday, the governor traveled more than 200 miles to Tyler to announce a new bill to prevent social media companies from censoring Texans based on the viewpoints they express  a hot-button issue for conservatives who say they are unfairly targeted by those outlets.

But Democrats and other political observers say Abbott is only indulging his supporters to try and steer the conversation away from the power crisis, which left millions without heat and electricity for days in sub-freezing temperatures, and is linked to dozens of deaths statewide.

POWER CRISIS: Muzzled and eviscerated: Critics say Abbott appointees gutted enforcement of Texas grid rules

Justin Rex, MBR / Associated Press

Unfortunately, Governor Abbott is desperate to distract from his recent failures during the winter storm and is trying to change the subject, State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Grand Prairie and the head of the House Democratic Caucus, said after Abbotts mask announcement Tuesday.

The governors move to highlight the social media bill met with a similar response Friday from Democrats.

Governor Abbott and his allies are attempting to distract from the fact that Texans are dead because of his catastrophic failure in leadership, said Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa.

The power emergency has dominated the news cycle for three weeks, with state legislators holding hearings on the subject and those involved tendering resignations. In one of the most recent developments, the states independent market monitor estimated on Thursday that the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, overcharged the states electricity market by $16 billion by leaving sky-high emergency prices in effect for two days too long.

On Wednesday, a U.S. House subcommittee said it would investigate ERCOT for its role in the crisis.

But this week, Abbotts unrelated news conferences have earned praise from GOP lawmakers who previously denounced the mask mandate as government overreach, and those who have taken issue with social media companies for their banning policies.

The social media bill is one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patricks legislative priorities this session, and he lauded the COVID restriction rollback as a step toward normalcy.

Ive never been in favor of mandates, I believe, Patrick said in an interview with CBS Dallas-Fort Worth station. You give people information and let them make their decisions.

No apologies from Abbott

The power debacle led to the ouster of ERCOTs CEO and the resignations of multiple board members. ERCOT is overseen by the Public Utility Commission, an agency led by three Abbott appointees.

Facing intense criticism, former PUC Chair DeAnn Walker also stepped down this week.

But while Abbott has called for the resignations of ERCOT members, he has not acknowledged his own appointees roles in the crisis or taken any personal blame.

A spokeswoman for Abbott did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday, but the governor said in a Thursday interview with Austins KVUE that he had planned to lift COVID restrictions earlier but was forced to wait until after the winter weather passed.

The original strategy was going to be to make this announcement on the last Monday in February, Abbott said. That got delayed because shipments of vaccines got delayed (during the storm).

The governors critics dont buy it. After the repeal of the mask mandate was announced on Tuesday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a Democrat, said the move was wishful thinking at best, and, at worst, a cynical attempt to distract Texans from the failures of state oversight of our power grid.

The next day, Fort Bend County Judge KP George, a Democrat, joked on Twitter: Will Gov. Abbott make a surprise announcement to end the no shirt, no shoes, no service policy today? Itll be a great way to distract from the state-led ERCOT and energy failure.

Instead, the governor introduced a bill that would punish social media sites for banning users because of their viewpoint or geographic location in this state or any part of this state.

Blame game at the border

Too many social media sites silence conservative speech and ideas and trample free speech, Abbott tweeted ahead of the press conference. Its un-American, Un-Texan, & soon to be illegal.

The legislation follows former President Donald Trumps removal from multiple social media sites  including Twitter, his outlet of choice  earlier this year. The companies shut down his account after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in early January. Executives at Twitter said they feared the presidents posts could spur more violence.

The presidents backers have condemned the ban as a violation of the First Amendment, though the technology companies are privately owned and operated. Its unclear exactly how much authority Texas would have  if any  to regulate them.

We see that the First Amendment is under assault by these social media companies, and that is not going to be tolerated in Texas, Abbott said at a news conference. There is a dangerous movement that is spreading across the country that is trying to silence conservative ideas.

Meanwhile, critics are accusing the governor of distracting from the power crisis not only in the policies he announces, but also the rhetoric he uses. In response to the presidents Neanderthal thinking comment, Abbott has pivoted to immigration, saying that Biden is recklessly releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities.

That narrative stems from media reports this week that 108 of about 1,700 migrants in Brownsville have tested positive for the virus. On Thursday, Texas reported nearly 6,000 new COVID-19 cases statewide.

Stop with the blame games, Governor Abbott, said U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth. Texans need help with power, water and vaccines, not your constant race-baiting.

cayla.harris@express-news.net

I think possessions kinda weigh you down, said multi-billionaire Elon Musk when talking to Joe Rogan.

And since, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX has been rapidly selling his properties to rid himself of material possessions.

Caption: Elon Musk on the Joe Rogan Experience.



It all started on the first of May, 2020, when he tweeted, I am selling almost all physical possessions, further clarifying that he will own no house.

I am selling almost all physical possessions. Will own no house.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 1, 2020

And he has made good on that promise.



Musk, who had then owned a real estate portfolio of about $114 million, is now left with one house, near San Jose in Northern California  listed for $35 million in the market.

And if youre as curious as we are about this as we were, then heres all you need to know about the houses he has sold in his mission to own no house:

1. Gene Wilders Estate- The 'Quirky House' Of The Willy Wonka Actor

 zillow

Yes, one of his six Bel Air properties, Elon Musk had indeed owned the home of the late actor Gene Wilders, which he had bought in 2013 to preserve the spirit of Gene Wilder.



Though he never lived in the house, he had used it as a private schoolnamed AdAstrafor his children and children of some of the top SpaceX and Tesla employees.

And while selling the house, he had been clear that the buyer must not harm the houses soul or tear it down.

Just one stipulation on sale: I own Gene Wilders old house. It cannot be torn down or lose any its soul.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 1, 2020

Soon, it was revealed that he had sold the former Wilder estate to Elizabeth Hunter, the wife of Wilders nephew Jordan Walker-Perlman, for $7 million in an off-market deal.

And, apparently, he lent as much as $6.7 million to help them buy the property too.

2. His First Sale And Largest Bel-Air Mansion For $29 Million

 zillow

This 20,000-square-foot property was the beginning of it all, the first and the largest of his Bel Air estates to go after he had declared his intentions to the world.



With seven bedrooms and thirteen bathrooms, the property had been up for sale with an asking price of $30 million and had sold for $29.72 million to Chinese billionaire William Ding, which is reportedly about $5.5 million more than what he paid when buying it in 2016.

3. The 4 Bel Air Properties That Came As A Packaged Deal

 zillow

In a Zillow listing, the four of his remaining properties in Bel Air had a combined asking price of $62.5 million and a fancy description to go with: A project for the big thinker, designed to showcase one of the best views in Los Angeles - from the city to the ocean and beyond.



The properties, all vastly different in architecture and their individual worth ranging between $4 million to $30 million, made him a profit of about $6.8 million, going for $61.8 million combined.

4. The Precursor: The Brentwood Property Sold In 2019

 realtor

Way before the public declaration of his intentions, Musk had already sold a 0.28-acre modern home in Brentwood in August 2019 for $3.9 million.



Only about 20 minutes away from his six former Chalon-Somera properties, the property had reportedly cost Musk about $3.7 million in 2014.

5. The Last One Standing

 realtor

Now, after almost a year of shedding his material baggage, it has all come down to one huge 100-year-old mansion near San Jose.



The Hillsborough estate is built on 47 acres of land, with 9 bedrooms, 9.5 baths, and just about anything you could imagine including hiking trails, canyons, a ballroom, and a reservoir.

Originally listed for $35 million in May 2020, it seems he has taken down the listing for now. Still, it looks like there is every possibility that the property will be relisted and Musk will complete his quest to rid himself of all his real estate assets.

Freedom, Elon Musk had tweeted. And well if this is freedom, I think I would quite like the other end of things instead, thank you very much.

Freedom  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 2, 2020

But more power to you, a wealthy billionaire with more than enough money to easily buy a new home or several anytime he wants. Its the thought that counts, I suppose?
New Delhi:

An unknown group which identifies itself as World Anti-Communist Council has issued a fatwa announcing Rs 5.5 lakh bounty for chopping Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkars head.

The Tripura police on Friday have registered a suo-motto case after learning about the threat post and have launched a probe in connection to the Facebook post.

Police said that an FIR was lodged by one Subrata Chakrabarty, who was tagged in the fatwa-post from the miscreant on Thursday.

The Facebook account from which the fatwa against the Tripura CM was released is registered in the name of one Ria Roy.

The fatwa posted by Roy reads, This person is the Chief Minister of Tripura state. He has numerous crimes to his credit. We issue FATWA on behalf of World Anti-Communist Council and announce a reward of Rs.5.5 LACS only for chopping down his head.

The fatwa further read, Payment will be wire transferred to any bank A/c. Kindly provide bank details once the FATWA is executed.

Tripura Police officials investigating the case believe that the profile seems to be a fake account.

Someone created a new account to post the threat, added the police official.

He mentioned that the the profile in the name of Riya Roy makes no reference to her profession or educational status. It just carries a picture of a girl.

Inspector general of Police KV Sreejesh talking to the media said, We are investigating the matter and we will nab the miscreant behind the act soon.

He also added that the Sarkar has been provided with Z plus category security and if required it will be enhanced.

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Mayor Bill de Blasio said he stands by his decision to use an expensive and controversial vasectomy program to curb the deer population on Staten Island following a report by the city saying some areas were successful, but some aspects of the program are inconclusive.

Five years into the program, the city Department of Parks and Recreation Wildlife Unit issued the report stating there has been a sizable decrease in the total deer population on Staten Island, which could lead to a major drop in numbers if the work continues.

According to the citys report, the total deer population went from an estimated 2,053 in project year one (from 2016 to 2017) to an estimated 1,555 in project year four (from 2019 to 2020), but there have long been questions about the accuracy of the deer counts.

De Blasio told the Advance/SILive.com he has not seen the report in detail but believes the program was the right approach to the problem.

Im certainly familiar with what weve seen over the years and its the right approach. Its not a perfect approach, its just the best approach we have, de Blasio said.

Other options to control the deer population, such as a controlled cull, which was suggested by Borough President James Oddo, would have had unintended consequences and a lot of problems, the mayor said.

This is the single best approach, and it will have more impact over time, and we will keep funding it. We have to; we have to keep that continuity, he said.

The program was initially slated to cost $3.3 million but it doubled to $6.6 million last year, and while the mayor said it will continue to be funded, theres no guarantee the new mayor of New York City, who will be elected this year, will opt to continue the program.

The cost of the program came under scrutiny when it was revealed that just 7.6% of the then-$4.1 million spent was used towards deer sterilization efforts.

In a world of imperfect choices, this is the best choice and the best approach, and I think it will yield more and more results each year, he said.

In addition to the decline in overall deer, the report states there have been a decline in vehicle collisions involving deer, Lyme disease cases, and the number of black-legged ticks that carry Lyme disease.

Oddo and Deputy Borough President Ed Burke called the program the path of least resistance and said much of the citys data is without important context. The borough president sent the report to researchers at Cornell University to further analyze the data.

Long before the pandemic, our mantra at Borough Hall has been follow the science and at first blush the data looks impressive on the overall number of deer, the number of ticks, the number of accidents, on a number of steps theyve taken to protect trees, but its kind of shallow. I think before I pass judgement and give a voice to my gut, I want someone who is an expert in the subject to look at the data and come to a conclusion, Oddo said.

NO MONEY FOR LYME DISEASE IN STATE BUDGET AS NEW CASES RISE

Among the most serious impacts of a ballooning deer population on Staten Island has been an increase in cases of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is often not detected until it is advanced, as diagnostic testing doesnt always catch the disease in its early stages. Symptoms such as fever and fatigue mimic other diseases and its circular, bullseye rash appears in less than 50% of cases.

According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of Lyme disease cases has grown to nearly 500,000, but in New York state, funding for prevention of the disease has been stripped from the budget.

After $1 million was earmarked in the 2018 state budget for Lyme disease research, treatment, and prevention, that number dropped to $250,000 annually and has been excluded from Gov. Andrew Cuomos executive budget for fiscal year 2022, the Times Union reported.

Republican Sen. Sue Serino (Hudson Valley) is urging lawmakers to include $1.5 million, what she said is a drop in the bucket, in the budget as cases continue to rise across the state, according to the report.

Budgets are all about priorities. Its actually a drop in the bucket to our massive state budget and would go a long way in helping keep New Yorkers healthy and tick free, Serino told the Times Union.

FOLLOW KRISTIN F. DALTON ON TWITTER.



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In 2020, Black America marched.

They marched after a white officer knelt on George Floyds neck, squeezing the life out of him.

They marched as the coronavirus laid siege to the country, killing a disproportionate number of Black residents. They marched on behalf of vulnerable people struggling to pay rent and cover bills during a historic recession.

They marched when extremists attacked the legitimacy of the election, specifically trying to discredit votes cast in predominantly Black cities.

Through tears. Through tear gas. They marched.

For equality. For change. For their lives.

We are resilient and we are innovative, Angela Austin, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Michigan said in an interview with MLive. Even out of the pandemic, the global reckoning of white supremacy and the attack on democracy in our elections, out of that has come an even bolder vision and determination.

Black Michiganders werent alone in the effort. Grassroots efforts mobilized a diverse group of people who joined the fight for justice in cities, suburbs and small towns. Corporate leaders and small businesses threw their weight behind the movement.

The work is expected to create a ripple effect that will continue to influence change.

We saw one of the largest racial justice mobilizations in the world this summer, said Detroit Action Executive Director Branden Snyder, who leads an organization focused on civic engagement. In another regard, Im cautious and pragmatic. What we have to do is create an alternative narrative against this really bad dominant narrative that gain for me means something is taken away from you.

Systemic issues remain

With the election decided and coronavirus vaccines promising an end to the pandemic, activists are making plans to keep pushing for progress. The goals in 2021 remain largely the same: Dismantle institutions of oppression that have long stood in the way of Black liberation.

Last year, Black Lives Matter protesters committed to march until courts, state legislators and police make significant improvements to the criminal justice system. Austin said shes working with Michigan lawmakers to address these issues with good policy.

Shes using the BREATHE Act as a template. Dubbed a modern-day civil rights act by supporters, the BREATHE Act sets out to shift funds away from programs focused on incarceration.

Instead, it proposes investments in health and human services.

The culture of policing is deeply embedded in maintaining a white nation-state, and always has been, Austin said. We really have to very quickly challenge and disrupt the false narrative that putting more money into policing will make our community safer.

Austin said shes working with State Rep. Sarah Anthony, D-Lansing, to adapt the bill for Michigan. Anthony recently reintroduced legislation that would make it illegal to discriminate against people based on their hairstyle.

The Michigan Legislature failed to reach consensus on police reform proposals last year, but lawmakers did advance several key policy changes focused on the criminal justice system. New laws will make it easier for people with old criminal convictions to seal those records, and the states expungement process was opened to low-level marijuana convictions and other minor offenses.

Ed Genesis, a lead organizer for Michigan United focused on criminal justice reform, said theres bipartisan political will to change policies resulting in harsher punishment for Black people. Look no further than former President Donald Trump, who adopted a tough-on-crime persona but still highlighted his support for reducing mandatory minimum sentences.

Preventing unfair treatment from judges and prosecutors is one half of the problem. Genesis is focused on dismantling what activists call the school-to-prison pipeline.

Zero tolerance policies adopted by school districts disproportionately punish Black students who act out in the classroom, Genesis said. The excessive use of suspensions, expulsion and arrest by police in schools sets up Black students to fail, he said.

Genesis has rallied the community around families who are trying to keep their children out of jail while pushing schools to pursue other options before ejecting unruly students from the classroom.

Groups that mobilized around criminal justice and police reform are also looking further to improve equity in Michigan.

Sammie Lewis is an organizer with Detroit Will Breathe, a self-described militant, youth-led organization formed in the streets last year. Organizers adopted a list of demands borne out of the daily marches.

The list includes defunding police and ending Detroits use of facial recognition software, but the movement goes beyond policing. Activists are pushing to maintain emergency prohibitions on evictions, foreclosures and utility shutoffs. Other demands focus on immigration and making society more inclusive for people with disabilities.

Federal protections to prevent people from losing their homes are set to expire this spring. People still need help to make it through the pandemic, Lewis said, and the government has failed to provide it.

These are things that were really going to have to fight for, Lewis said. People are going to be going hungry; people are going to lose their homes; People are going to have their water shut off in just a few months if the government doesnt get it together.

Detroit organizers are fighting to make changes in the citys budget to put more emphasis on reducing poverty. Community leaders and activists gathered outside the Spirit of Detroit monument on a sunny Friday to advocate for a budget that addresses the root causes of Detroits crime issues.

Tristan Taylor, founder of Detroit Will Breathe, said more investment in affordable housing, job training and financial literacy programs makes communities safer. Taylor criticized Detroit police for illegally helping landlords evict tenants during the pandemic while being slow to respond when residents call on them.

Were not anti-safety, Taylor said. We want a safe city. For the longest time, police have monopolized public safety ... If youre on the council and youre voting to take money away from a health clinic, if youre voting to shut down a community center or school, youre making this city unsafe.

Nicole Small, vice chairwoman of the Detroit Charter Commission, the city is giving away tax breaks to property developers and corporate interests while ignoring the needs of vulnerable residents who are being priced out of Detroit.

Every year youre going to see brand new police vehicles, but what you dont see is an increase in safety, she said.

Small said building a sustainable community starts with making a concerted effort to get involved in local elections.

If youre tired of over-policing; if youre tired of high water bills; if youre tired of them making a development that you cant afford to live in; if youre tired of this $20 hamburger place down the street, I suggest you vote, Small said.

Landis Spencer decided to run for the Detroit Board of Police Commission after joining racial justice protests last year. A data analyst who has the endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America, Spencer said the commission has historically been manned by former law enforcement officers who fail to produce oversight and accountability.

There are citizen complaint forms that many citizens have submitted to the board regarding police abuses and practices that just havent been heard, Spencer said. The board just doesnt take any of those complaints seriously. They also can set policy. Things such as facial recognition software, the DPDs purchase of military equipment are all things that wont be taken up.

Organizers who lead a robust effort to register voters ahead of the November election sense a new legislative fight over voting rights. Snyder is concerned politicians championing election reforms will instead seek to roll back access to mail-in voting.

Calls for voter security are instead used to justify voter suppression in practice, he said.

The expansion of absentee voting led to record-high turnout in Michigan but also fueled false allegations aimed at discrediting President Joe Bidens victory. Detroits TCF Center became ground zero in the voter fraud conspiracy as GOP activists flocked from the suburbs to challenge absentee ballots processed there.

Theres no evidence that the election was stolen, but distrust stoked by Trump remains.

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, the former president repeated false claims about Detroit. Trump said states should end no-reason absentee voting, which was supported by a majority of Michigan voters in 2018.

Some Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, D-Zeeland, have expressed support for changing how Michigan awards its electoral votes. Huizenga said electoral votes should go to the winner in each of Michigans congressional districts, which would shift representation toward rural communities with fewer residents.

I think that those strategies really are just there to sort of divide and continue to play into these dog-whistle politics around Detroit versus everybody, said Snyder, the Detroit Action organizer. Part of our work is pushing back against that and making it about the issues instead of these sort of geographic dog whistles and partisan politics.

U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence, D-Southfield, recently convened a virtual panel to discuss the state of Black America. Panelists representing business and nonprofit groups discussed opening access to economic opportunity and investing in Black communities wracked by the pandemic.

Because racism is systematic, its institutional, Black people must gain an economic footing and operate without depending on a system of white supremacy and racism thats been in place for quite some time now, said Ken Harris, CEO of the National Business League.

Lawrence said people who cant start a business should earn a living wage, especially working single mothers struggling to pay for childcare. Lawrence supported expanding the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour.

If we start honing in on those issues that affect our Black women, we will raise this country up, we will improve this economy, Lawrence said.

Lawrence also invited U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., who has been involved in the civil rights movement since before he could drive. Clyburn, now 80, told the audience that Americas greatness stems from its ability to correct its flaws.

When something is wrong it can be made right if we get outside of our comfort zones, Clyburn said. If we can get beyond white-ness or Black-ness, we will be able to overcome COVID-19 any other challenge that we may face in the future. The state of black America is the same as the state of America. Are we willing to repair our faults?

Assembling a mass movement

Lewis, the Detroit Will Breathe organizer, ended her first protest against police brutality in handcuffs.

She was among 127 protesters arrested on June 2 after the city of Detroit imposed a curfew to discourage nighttime Black Lives Matter demonstrations. Lewis had watched the first days of marches from an online live stream, but felt her place was among people fighting for freedom.

Lewis was apprehended for loitering, though the charge was dropped, and she returned to the streets in the long months that followed. The city of Detroit has since dropped a majority of misdemeanor tickets issued during the curfew.

It only increased my urge to be out there, Lewis said of being arrested. It felt like that the police were exposing themselves and proving every reason why we stand up for our life.

Detroit Will Breathe sued the city of Detroit, claiming police officers used brutal measures to remove protesters from the streets. The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court seeks to prevent police from using batons, riot gear, tear gas and rubber bullets.

Meanwhile, the city of Detroit filed a counter lawsuit alleging protesters were part of a civil conspiracy. Lewis said the counter lawsuit amounts to tax-payer funded intimidation of people expressing their First Amendment rights.

Its not clear whether daily protests will return to Detroit this summer, Lewis said. Street demonstrations are just one tool activists are using to make change.

Lewis said the best way to create change is through a mass movement of people who arent afraid to stand up for whats right. Building that movement means raising awareness as people question whats causing the deeper problems facing Black Americans.

Racism, class division and the militarization of police are all enabled by capitalism, Lewis said. Therefore, racism cant truly end until the fall of capitalism, she said.

The fight for Black life is a class struggle ultimately, so we have to unite with the workers and unions, Lewis said. We have to unite with other people in which we can fight for the dismantling of capitalism as a whole. Its going to require masses of people. Right now, were not there yet. We need to continue to build.

Protests are meant to pressure powerful people to make specific actions. Because activists are working on a broad range of issues, Austin said they also need to foster healthy conversation between elected officials and the people.

Its not always about an argument, Austin said. I love a good protest, but it has a time and a place, and it is strategic.

Genesis said protests carry an inherent risk, especially for people who have had past encounters with police. The Kalamazoo organizer sat out demonstrations when the National Guard was called last year because he felt unsafe.

We know that if we get too much out of line, we will be killed, Genesis said. I am warned that all the time by being a Black organizer.

Genesis said his father was murdered by off-duty police officers in Gary, Indiana when he was a child. Genesis didnt learn the details until he was in high school, and even today hes left with an unclear picture of why his father was killed.

Shortly after he moved to Kalamazoo as a teenager, Genesis was charged with a felony for resisting police and was beaten during the altercation. Every year, Genesis relates his experiences to the next class of police cadets at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

I am a living example of taking that hurt, the harm and the pain, sitting down and having a conversation its better for the future generation, Genesis said. This is the only way that we can start to heal.

Genesis sees police as individuals who may feel conflicted about the Black Lives Matter movement. He noted that Kalamazoos new Public Safety Chief Vernon Coakley kneeled with protesters before ordering officers to enforce a city curfew with tear gas.

Genesis said he doesnt believe Coakley would have cracked down as hard if he were in charge at the time. Former KDPS Chief Karianne Thomas resigned amid community outrage over the departments handling of a Proud Boys demonstration a few months later.

The situation in Kalamazoo shows leadership matters, Genesis said.

Representation is not liberation, Lewis said. For example, she said electing the first woman of color serve as vice president does not equate to progress if nothing changes. While Vice President Kamala Harris has supported Black Lives Matter, her experience as a tough-on-crime prosecutor has left many activists skeptical of her commitment to criminal justice reform.

While we may see a lot of people of color in the Biden administration, I dont think that makes a difference, she said. What makes the difference is the people, and reallocating funds from police and billionaires back into communities.

Activists said removing Trump from office is a key step toward advancing their goals. Panelists who spoke at the state of Black America forum agreed that Americans cant become complacent with Biden in the White House.

We cannot get disengaged because we have somebody in the White House that we feel is much more in tune with our interest, said Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: Hope. We have to make sure that as the next four years proceed we continue to build upon what we just did.

Most of us want the same things

Austin, the Black Lives Matter Michigan co-founder, grew up in Detroit. She was called the N-word for the first time while visiting her father in Lansing at the age of 8.

Moving back and forth between Detroit and Lansing was like an early awakening, or at least an early kind of understanding, that being different also meant consequences and being less safe, Austin said.

Decades later, people who opposed Gov. Gretchen Whitmers emergency coronavirus orders waved Confederate flags outside the state Capitol in Lansing. Rioters also carried Confederate flags -- viewed by many Black Americans as symbols of white power -- while storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

While Austin said racism has been emboldened in recent years, shes still optimistic that most Americans can work together. Racism is a destructive force, she said. Division makes the country weaker. Who wants that?

I still believe - thats the eternal optimist in me - that most of us want the same things, Austin said. My life is really spent on working with amazing people of all races and backgrounds and ages and nationalities to envision what a beloved community looks like.

Dorian Minley, head organizer of the Detroit Queer Activist Coalition, said the attack on the Capitol exposed the darkest elements of the Republican Party. He hopes the riot will give people a reason to reevaluate how white supremacy poses a threat to Black Americans.

Donald Trump only did one good thing, which was to reveal them, Minley said. Now theyre doing these things out in the open; people understand (why) were talking about white rage, talking about neo-Nazism.

They showed everybody whos not a Nazi and not a white supremacist what theyre willing to do in order to keep power.

Fear and anger were common feelings in 2020. Snyder said people who bought into lies about the election are hurting too. They feel like they dont have a voice, which is something Black people have plenty of experience with.

Theyve been sold a bill of goods that the problem is immigrants, its Black folks in Detroit, its the elites, Snyder said. The crazy thing is we have a similar analysis. Yes, a lot of folks that are powerful are pulling the strings, but its corporations who are trying to play us against each other.

Snyder said it was surprising to see how public opinion on Black Lives Matter has changed in just a few short years. It shows that activists are winning the argument.

We had racial justice marches in places you wouldnt assume, looking at an electoral map, would be places where people care about this work, Snyder said. Now all of our work is about bridging that gap.

Austin said theres a lot of people in the movable middle who can be swayed if theyre just willing to listen to something they may not agree with.

I still believe that there are people of goodwill on both sides of the aisle, Austin said. I dont belong to a political party. I have no partisan interest. I have an interest in us being the best Michigan we can possibly be.

READ MORE ON MLIVE:

Michigan tops 1 million unemployment claims for first time since October

American Indians, Alaskan Natives underrepresented in Michigans COVID-19 tracking data

More voters want to see women in politics address sexism head-on. Experts say thats a sign of progress.
Disney is back: Raya and the Last Dragon reigns supreme

It is hard to believe that it has been 12 months since Disney released a brand-new film straight to cinemas yes, even House of Mouse was not immune from the great COVID cinema lockdown worldwide. The big news is that Disney returns to cinemas this week with a film that is arguably one of their greatest pieces of animated brilliance: Raya and the Last Dragon.

World-Entertainment

By David Griffiths

Saturday 6 March 2021, 11:00AM

It is rare these days to find an animation that has adults staring wide-eyed and engaged with the screen the way that so many of the Disney classics did when we were kids but such is the stunning artwork and captivating storyline of Raya that it certainly wakes up your inner child.

Inspired by Southeast Asian culture, the film follows the adventures of Raya (voiced by Kelly Marie Tran  Star Wars: The Last Jedi), a young warrior who is trained by her father Benja (Daniel Dae Kim  Hellboy) to guard the last remaining piece of dragon power contained in a magical gemstone.

They live in a world divided, a place where every tribe has fended for itself since a great war that saw the destruction of the dragon race at the hands of evil creatures known as Druuns. Since then the land of Kumandra has become separated and the various tribes do whatever they can to survive while people such as Benja do whatever they can to try and reunite everybody once again.

However, when Raya is tricked by Namaari (Gemma Chan  Crazy Rich Asians), a young warrior from another tribe, the gem breaks and each tribe takes a piece for itself. At the same time, the spell is broken and the Druuns once again return and begin to destroy what is left on Earth. With the world then slowly disappearing and mankind being wiped out, Raya begins a journey to try and find the last remaining dragon  Sisu (Awkwafina  Oceans Eight).

Excuse the pun, but the magic of Raya and the Last Dragon is out of this world. The storyline here is involving and creative and this time Disney have realised that they dont need a song every five minutes to move things along a little bit. In fact this time around the screenwriters and the literal team of directors that worked on the film get everything right.

The story itself draws you in the same way as other modern-day fantasy tales, such as A Writers Odyssey, while the film doesnt exactly cater to very young children as it mixes fight sequences with chase sequences and even finds a way to throw in some humour without it ever seeming out of place. The world created here is as imaginative as the worlds film lovers a generation ago found themselves escaping to with films like The Neverending Story and The Dark Crystal, and while the story is in-depth it never loses its audience. Instead, it keeps them on the edge of their seats.

What makes Raya and the Last Dragon come together so well though is the amazing artwork with the animation. There are times with this film where you find yourself watching the screen and believing you are watching actual actors and actresses as the artwork is so realistic  the same can be said for the scenery, which was inspired by the filmmakers trips to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.

Part of what makes the animation of this film work so well is also because the art team decided to make the characters look like the actors and actresses playing them. As soon as Benja walks onto screen, the likeness he has in appearance to Daniel Dae Kim is astounding  and yes, the filmmakers even find a way to make Sisu look like Awkwafina.

Raya and the Last Dragon is one of the cinematic highlights of 2021. Disney manage to bring everything together in such a way that they capture that old-school Disney magic that has been missing from the company for quite a while. This is truly a film for people of all ages as even adults are going to be captured by the magic and imagination of Raya.

4/5 Stars

Raya And The Last Dragon is currently screening in Phuket and has been classified G.

David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/subcultureentertainmentaus
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Egypt's foreign ministry announced on Saturday that the second edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development which kicked off on 1 March drew to a close on Friday.

Congolese President and current Chairman of the African Union (AU) Felix Tshisekedi delivered a speech during the closing session of the forum in which he expressed his appreciation for President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for his keenness on holding the forum and offering an opportunity for discussing means to overcome the coronavirus pandemic as well as efforts to consolidate sustainable peace and development in Africa.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry also delivered a speech on the last day of the forum, saying that although the conference is held via video-conference, it received great attention at the highest levels.

This affirms that the African countries and partners are convinced of the importance of the effective participation in the forum which he said acts as a high-level platform that enhances joint African action as well as cooperation with international parties, Shoukry added.

The foreign minister said Egypt has sought to continue work beyond its AU presidency in cooperation with African leaders to overcome challenges facing the continent to build a better future for their peoples.

Shoukry said Egypt has full confidence in the ability of the African states and peoples to overcome the current crisis, thanking all partners who offered support to this edition of the forum.

Meanwhile, the executive director of the forum and director-general of the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA) reviewed the forums conclusions which are focusing on efforts to address the health, social, and economic impact of the pandemic, noting that these conclusions will be translated into specific activities to help strengthen the capacity of African countries to deal with new threats.

A large number of African leaders delivered video messages during the forum.

The remarks made by the African leaders reflected their great appreciation for President El-Sisi and Egypt's keenness to promote cooperation among African countries.

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A man was injured when he and several others with him were shot at by another group waiting outside Ingram Park Mall, San Antonio police said.

Sgt. Jose Orozco said no one else was injured in the shooting, which occurred about 6:30 p.m. Friday.

A group of males left the mall through one of the exits on the north side of the mall, he said. Once outside, another group of males, who were waiting among the parked cars, started shooting, Orozco said. The first group returned fire, he said.

The injured man, 25, was hit in the leg, the sergeant said. After being shot, he ran back into the mall until EMS arrived and took him to University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Police were still working to determine what led to the shootout.

We dont know what caused all this, Orozco said.

Kathryn Garcia, 40, was in the mall walking with her son near Macys when she said someone told them to run.

Garcia said she and her son emerged on the opposite side of the mall from where the shooting happened.

We didnt know what was happening, Garcia said. But we saw everybody running out the door, Garcia said. We were frightened.

When she walked around the mall to where her car was parked, she found it in the middle of the crime scene. It was surrounded by shell casings that had been marked by police.

Police did not have any descriptions of those involved or of any vehicles that they may have used to flee the scene. But Orozco said investigators still needed to look through security camera footage.

At least four vehicles were damaged during the shootout, Orozco said.
This weekend, Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey are going to sit down for a little chat, girlfriend to girlfriend, no big deal. Just kidding: very big deal. (Oh, and Prince Harry will be there, too.) With CBS editing its teasers of the interview to look like an HBO limited drama series and Buckingham Palace leaking to the British press like a sieveand a pandemic still keeping most people at homehopes are high for some serious dish. To get up to speed, I called Omid Scobie, co-author of last years best-selling biography of Markle, Finding Freedom, and the royals editor of Harpers Bazaar, to run down what you should know, all the strange details that have come out so far, and what the palace has learned from past tell-all disasters (if anything). Our conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. You can also read more on all the latest royal happenings in Slates explainer.

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Slate: Whats the general state of anticipation like in London right now?

Omid Scobie: Its really interesting, because Ive always worked for American media, and theres a real difference between how people are feeling about this in the States compared to over here in the U.K. I think for a lot of Americans whove seen one of their own in the House of Windsor, they really want to hear that backstory of how it went so badly wrong. Weve had a good idea of where Meghan had really faced some struggles over time, particularly with dealing with the institution of the monarchy. That includes the leaks to the press and just not being able to really find her voice in that role or even have a voice at times. But over here in the U.K., there seems to be almost a bit of a resistance to hear what it is that she and Harry have to say.

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Is that why the bullying report made such a splash?

Its not really much of a coincidence that this week we saw major bullying accusations made against Meghan in the workplace a few years ago. That came out in the paper we call the paper of record in this country, the Times of London. Its where often the main royal news will go if they choose an outlet. So its interesting seeing these accusations in that paperwithout, might I add, any actual examples of bullying alongside itfollowed by an unprecedented announcement from Buckingham Palace announcing that they would be launching an internal HR investigation into all of this. I respect the fact that they would want to investigate such a serious claim, but I just felt that what we had seen was almost like oppo dump in the last stretch of a presidential election, like grab everything you can on the duchess and throw it and hope that something sticks.

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Can you really just call up HR and complain about a royal in Buckingham Palace?

There is a head of human resources at Buckingham Palace. In fact, she was the individual who was emailed by one senior member of staff at Kensington Palace about their concerns that there had been bullying in the workplace, and that Meghan was responsible for that. Now what was missing from the reporting was that the two individuals that this particular boss had worried were on the receiving end of bullying, when they found out that their names had been put in an email to HR, they asked for everything to be rescinded and didnt want to go ahead with any kind of formal complaint. But the coverage made it look as if there was a formal complaint made. And I find it really interesting that this just sat somewhere for almost three years now. Here we are at probably one of the most important moments in Harry and Meghans post-royal lives with a story that only seems to be trying to undermine the credibility or the character of Meghan in a quite ugly way.

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Is that the same deal with the earrings? In the same Times of London story, the paper reported that Meghan wore a pair of earrings that were a gift from Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman only weeks after he signed off on the murder of a Washington Post journalist.

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All I can say is that Saudi jewels are in the dressing rooms of every female member of the royal family, including Princess Dianas most famous set of jewelry, the sapphire suite, which was a necklace, a watch, earrings, I think a tiara as well. Part of that is now set in the necklace that Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, was wearing in the very same month that Meghan wore the earrings that were also highlighted in the piece. Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has received over 4 million pounds worth of jewels from the Saudi royal family, and the queen has several pieces too. From what I understand, it was always believed by Meghans team that these were simply a wedding gift from the Saudi royal family rather than them being connected directly to the crown prince. But again, I think, this is an interesting story perhaps two years ago when it happened. The fact is that its coming out, again, just a few days before the Oprah interview.

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The royal family has a history of tell-all interviews exploding in their faces, with Prince Andrew most recently. How would you compare the current frenzy to the reaction to previous tell-alls?

The fallout from Dianas Panorama special for the royal family was catastrophic.  Omid Scobie

The palace certainly has an interesting approach to these moments. Its an institution that is known for its Never complain, never explain mantra. But in the runup to any big news, theres usually a lot of complaining and explaining that goes on. When the first preview came out, Meghan had literally only uttered the word yeah. And it sent the entire institution of the monarchy into a meltdown. I think its simply fear: the fact that the couple sat down with someone in an uncontrolled environment that the royal family has no influence over and theres nothing they can do to stop the interview from airing. With Harry and Meghan, weve spent the last three, four years talking about them. Its fair that they get a couple of hours to set some records straight.

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Did the family not learn anything from Princess Diana? Or is what were seeing a reaction to how badly that seemed to go?

The fallout from Dianas Panorama special for the royal family was catastrophic. I mean, it really changed the opinions that many had about the royal family. Now for some, those feelings were permanent, and for some, they were temporary. But I think its an institution that has to prove its relevancy on a regular basis. Its taxpayer-funded, and it serves a purpose here in the U.K., but at the same time, there are always going to be people questioning whether we actually need a royal family.

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I think the royal family does some incredible stuff in terms of philanthropic endeavors. But I cant overlook sometimes that the institution of the monarchy, which I see very separate to the royal family themselvesIm talking about the machine that keeps it running, the home of the courtiers and the aides that we talk aboutI think often, thats where the problems lie. Writing about Meghans story in Finding Freedom, it just felt like, Why are we here again? Why are we seeing another woman leave the House of Windsor battered and bruised and regretting ever stepping foot into it?

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One of the big reasons that Meghan and Harry cited for leaving the family was their struggles with the press, and particularly the racism that was being directed at Meghan. Do you think that the press has learned anything or gotten any better in this latest cycle?

No is the short answer. We started this journey with Meghan being called straight out of Compton, despite the fact that she did not grow up in Compton; in fact, she was a few miles away from it, and equal proximity to Beverly Hills. We also saw disparaging comments made about her mothers dreadlocks, comments about Meghans exotic DNA. It all got quite ugly from the start, and unfortunately, we have seen that continue over time. I remember when the emergence of the Duchess Difficult character happened in the British tabloids. It really leaned heavily on some very sexist and racist stereotypes about the successful woman that was too demanding, too aggressive, too loud, too in-your-face.

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Its very sloppy, very lazy, and doesnt help anyone in the long run because of course, that commentary also makes the royal institution itself look incredibly dated because they were unable to hold on to really the only chance they ever had of being diverse or inclusive. I think were really going to hear a lot about that when she sits down with Oprah. Race and racism in the U.K., which takes on a very different form over hereits more subtle, less overt than it is in the U.S.will really be one of the things that they talk about in depth.

Its strange to me that Harry and Meghan could win their lawsuits against the press and that not change anything about how the tabloids are covering them.

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Yes, Meghan won her privacy lawsuit and copyright infringement case against the Mail on Sunday, but that was only recently. In fact, thats why we saw the couple so quickly agreeing to do the Oprah special, because that case had really held them back in a way. When youre discussing the nature of privacy and what that means, in the middle of a case like that, I would imagine it probably wouldnt have been the best move to do an interview where they talk about everything. And it meant that she also wouldnt have been able to talk about her father or any of the issues pertaining to that.

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Are there any other factors that you think came together in the timing of them choosing to do the special now?

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Meghan certainly always wanted to speak openly about her experiences, even as a member of the royal family. Of course, that is a huge no-no for any working royal. But the timing of this, I think a lot of it has to do with coming off the back of the case, and the fact that we have reached the end of their one-year review period [after initially stepping away from the royal family]. So the couple are truly independent now. Theyve given their final decision back to the palace that they wont ever be returning to their roles. So theyre free agents; they get to make the decisions. There are no repercussions. In fact, thats probably why for many members of the royal familythey didnt know about this Oprah interview until it was announced to the world.

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Weve talked a bit about how the palace handles these things, but what have you observed about the Sussexes approach to PR?

I think that the queen and Philip themselves are probably not worried about this special.  Omid Scobie

I mean, its interesting to see that since they moved to the U.S., nothing from their lives has leaked into the press, which I think says a lot about what they were dealing with at the palace. I think theyre really trying to keep the focus on the work that theyre doing and the foundation that theyve set up, the Archewell Foundation. I think a lot of people have this idea that the Oprah special is going to be two hours of just telling all. But I think well also see that special as almost a launching pad for their charitable work in the U.S. and around the world.

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Theres been some talk of dueling TV specials because there will also be some programming for Commonwealth Day the same day as the Oprah special. What do you make of that?

For all my time covering the royals, whenever one is doing a tour here, theres always a drama happening there. I know that when Harry launched that unprecedented statement in 2016, defending Meghan from racist and sexist attacks in the press, Prince Charles was on a very important tour at the time. And he wasnt particularly happy that that statement came out whilst he was still away, essentially taking up all the royal press coverage for Harry.

Im sure Harry and Meghan would have been aware that its Commonwealth Day and would have known that somethings coming up. But we talk about the dueling shows on TV, but in fact, in the U.K., this documentary doesnt air until 20 hours after the U.S. airing of it. And even the U.S. airing is some seven hours or so after the Commonwealth event here in the U.K.* So its not as much of a big deal as people are making out.

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What will you be watching for in the interview?

Ive heard that Meghans going to talk at length with Oprah about racism and racism in the U.K. As we know, she really suffered because of that during her time as a working royal, not just on social media, but also in the pages of some of the British papers, amongst commentators in this country, and also, at times, we saw it in the royal family itself. Im really keen to hear her talking about her experiences on that for the very first time, because it was the one thing that we never heard Meghan talk about as she was a working member of the royal family, despite the fact that we all knew that she was suffering.

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Do you think Queen Elizabeth herself is concerned about the interview?

There are conversations about the timing of the interview with Prince Philip currently in hospital. And although he wasnt in the hospital when the deal was made to do this Oprah special, it still is unfortunate timing. That said, I think that the queen and Philip themselves are probably not worried about this special, because they do maintain a warm relationship with Harry and Meghan and Archie. Dont forget how much time the Sussexes spent living on the Windsor estate in Frogmore Cottage with the queen at Windsor Castle. It was quite normal for them to meet up, have lunches, and enjoy a close relationship that we didnt often hear about. So this is really going to be the couple talking about their experiences within the institution of the monarchy. To them, they can really make that separation between the institution and the family.

Correction, March 7, 2021: This piece originally misstated that the CBS special will air in the U.K. 26 hours after it airs in the U.S., and that when it airs in the U.S., it will be some 12 hours after the Commonwealth event has aired in the U.K. The special will air 20 hours later in the U.K. than it does in America, and the special will air in U.S. seven hours after the Commonwealth event has aired in the U.K,
Pope Francis begins a long-desired trip to Iraq Friday, the first to the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham by any head of the Catholic Church.

It is the first trip by Pope Francis to a foreign country since the pandemic, and everyone on the papal plane has been vaccinated against COVID-19. It will be a challenge all the same, though, as cases in the country have surged and there are fears that those hoping to see the pope will forget the social distancing rules.

The Vatican's ambassador to Iraq, Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, recently tested positive for COVID and is currently self-isolating, but the pope has insisted on going ahead with the visit.

In a video message to the Iraqi people, Francis told them how he longed to meet them, see their faces and visit a land that is ancient and an extraordinary cradle of civilization.

The pope said he was coming to Iraq as a "penitent pilgrim" to implore forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism. In his message, Francis added that he was coming to Iraq "as a pilgrim of peace in search of fraternity, animated by the desire to pray together and to walk together, also with brothers and sisters of other religious traditions, in the land of Father Abraham, who unites Muslims, Jews and Christians in one family."
(Newser)  An Italian prosecutor wants two Americans charged in the killing of a police officer in central Rome to get life in prisonItalys maximum sentence, the AP reports. Prosecutor Maria Sabina Calabretta on Saturday asked the court to find Finnegan Lee Elder, 21, and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, 20, guilty in the July, 2019, stabbing death of 35-year-old Vice Brigadier Mario Cerciello Rega. Elder and Natale-Hjorth, who are from California Bay Area, were vacationing in Rome when they were confronted by two plainclothes Carabinieri officers during what the Americans thought was going to be a meeting with an intermediary from an earlier cocaine deal gone awry, per KTLA. Rega and his partner, Andrea Varriale, were responding to an alleged extortion attempt by Elder and Natale-Hjorth.

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The Americans had allegedly had snatched the intermediarys backpack and phone and set up a rendezvous to exchange it for about $100, the money they lost in the bad drug deal. Elder, who stabbed Rega in an ensuing scuffle, has claimed self-defense, saying he did not know that Rega and his partner were police officers. In a statement read during a recent court appearance, per SFGate, Elder said he thought Rega was trying to strangle him. I instinctively brought out my knife and hit him three times in an effort to get him off me, he said. Authorities have said that the officers identified themselves right before the attack, during which Rega was reportedly stabbed 11 times. In asking for a sentence of life in prison, Calabretta, the prosecutor, called the attack disproportionate and deadly, per the AP. The defense in the case will make closing arguments later this month. (Read more Italy stories.)
MEXICO CITY, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B. de C.V. ("Aeromexico") (BMV: AEROMEX) today reported February 2021 operational results.

Grupo Aeromexico transported 898 thousand passengers in February 2021 , a 39.7% year-on-year decrease. Passengers carried were at 60.3% of February 2020 levels - domestic at 75.1% and international at 30.9%.



, a 39.7% year-on-year decrease. Passengers carried were at 60.3% of levels - domestic at 75.1% and international at 30.9%. Aeromexico's capacity, measured in Available Seat Kilometers (ASKs) decreased by 46.4% year-on-year, which represented 53.6% of its February 2020 capacity.



capacity. Demand measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPKs) decreased by 57.9% year-on-year, which represented 42.1% of its February 2020 demand.



demand. Aeromexico's February load factor was 66.1%, an increase of 0.7 p.p. versus January 2021 and a 14.0 p.p. decrease versus February 2020 . Domestic load factor was 82.3%, an increase of 3.1 p.p. compared to February 2020 .



February

YTD February

2021 2020 Var

2021 2020 Var















RPKs (itinerary + charter, millions)













Domestic 731 862 -15.2%

1,582 1,791 -11.7% International 561 2,203 -74.6%

1,451 4,834 -70.0% Total 1,292 3,065 -57.9%

3,033 6,625 -54.2%















ASKs (itinerary + charter, millions)













Domestic 888 1,088 -18.4%

2,042 2,354 -13.3% International 1,164 2,740 -57.5%

2,756 5,909 -53.4% Total 2,052 3,829 -46.4%

4,798 8,263 -41.9%















Load Factor (itinerary, %)



p.p.





p.p. Domestic 82.3 79.3 3.1

77.5 76.1 1.4 International 52.6 80.4 -27.8

56.3 81.8 -25.5 Total 66.1 80.1 -14.0

65.7 80.2 -14.5















Passengers (itinerary + charter, thousands)













Domestic 743 989 -24.9%

1,597 2,026 -21.2% International 154 501 -69.1%

394 1,113 -64.6% Total 898 1,490 -39.7%

1,990 3,140 -36.6%

Figures may not sum to total due to rounding.

The information included within this report has not been audited and does not provide information on the Company's future performance. Aeromexico's future performance depends on many factors and it cannot be inferred that any period's performance or its year-over-year comparison will be an indicator of similar future performance.

Glossary:

"RPKs" Revenue Passenger Kilometers represent one revenue-passenger transported one kilometer. This includes itinerary and charter flights. The total RPKs equals the number of revenue-passengers transported multiplied by the total distance flown.



Revenue Passenger Kilometers represent one revenue-passenger transported one kilometer. This includes itinerary and charter flights. The total RPKs equals the number of revenue-passengers transported multiplied by the total distance flown. "ASKs" Available Seat Kilometers represent the number of available seats multiplied by the distance flown. This metric is an indicator of the airline's capacity. It equals one seat offered for one kilometer, whether the seat is used.



Available Seat Kilometers represent the number of available seats multiplied by the distance flown. This metric is an indicator of the airline's capacity. It equals one seat offered for one kilometer, whether the seat is used. "Load Factor" equals the number of passengers transported as a percentage of the number of seats offered. It is a measure of the airline's capacity utilization. This metric considers the total passengers transported and total seats available in itinerary flights only.



equals the number of passengers transported as a percentage of the number of seats offered. It is a measure of the airline's capacity utilization. This metric considers the total passengers transported and total seats available in itinerary flights only. "Passengers" refers to the total number of passengers transported by the airline.



refers to the total number of passengers transported by the airline. Grupo Aeromexicos investors presentation is available in the following link: https://www.aeromexico.com/en-us/investors



Grupo Aeromexico confirms that its voluntary process of financial restructuring under Chapter 11 of the legislation of the United States of America , will be carried out in an orderly manner while it continues operating and offering services to its customers with the same quality that characterizes it, contracting from its suppliers the goods and services required for its operation. The Company will use the advantages of Chapter 11 to strengthen its financial position and liquidity, protect and preserve its operations and assets, and implement the necessary adjustments to face the impact of COVID-19.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of the Company and its management with respect to its performance, business and future events. We use words such as "believe," "anticipate," "plan," "expect,", "intend," "target," "estimate," "project," "predict," "forecast," "guideline," "should" and other similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, but they are not the only way we identify such statements. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We caution you that a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in this release. The Company is under no obligation and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Grupo Aeromexico

Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, has its main operations center in Terminal 2 of the Mexico City International Airport. Its destination network has reach in Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central America, South America, Asia and Europe. The Group's current operating fleet includes Boeing 787 and 737 aircraft, as well as the latest generation Embraer 190. Aeromexico is a founding partner of SkyTeam, an alliance that celebrates 20 years and offers connectivity in more than 170 countries, through the 19 partner airlines. Aeromexico created and implemented a Health and Hygiene Management System (SGSH) to protect its clients and collaborators at all stages of its operation.

www.aeromexico.com

www.skyteam.co

SOURCE Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B. de C.V.

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New Delhi, March 6 : With 18,327 new coronavirus cases, India registered the highest single-day infection tally in six weeks, according to data shared by the Union Health Ministry on Saturday.

The new figure was an increase of 1,489 cases reported a day ago.

The last time India reported more than 18,000 single-day cases was on January 28.

The overall caseload has now reached 1,11,92,088.

However, a slight drop was recorded in number of deaths.

At least 108 fatalities were recorded in the last 24 hours against 113 reported a day before.

The death toll currently stands at 1,57,656.

Meanwhile, active cases are also on a gradual increase, becoming a cause of concern.

In the last two days, it increased by 0.06 per cent, pushing the current rate to 1.61 per cent.

As per the Ministry's data, there are 1,80,304 active cases presently.

Besides, 14,234 patients of Covid-19 were discharged in a day. A total 1,08,54,128 persons have been discharged so far.

The recovery rate has reduced to 97.98 per cent.

The drop in recovery rate and the increase in new and corresponding active cases have been attributed to various factors including continued spike in infections in Maharashtra and the sudden spurt in Punjab.

Between February 28 and March 5, Maharashtra added 51,612 new cases.

Punjab is emerging as another Covid-19 hotspot. The state recorded 1,071 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday, the highest since November 2020.

Experts have expressed a number of possibilities which could be owed to the surge, ranging from the lax attitude of people towards following the Covid protocols to likeability of "mutations and new strains".

In mid-February, officials had said that the average daily new infections oscillated between 9,000 to 12,000 while the deaths were between 78 to 120.

The Ministry also informed that 7,51,935 samples were tested on Friday.

The cumulative tests done by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far stands at 22,06,92,677.

Till date, 1,94,97,704 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the country since the mass drive began on January 16.

The third phase of vaccination began on Monday covering 27 crore of people above 60 and those above 45 years of age with comorbidities at 10,000 government and over 20,000 private vaccination centres.

While people will be vaccinated free of cost at government hospitals, those taking the shots at private hospitals will have to pay.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
ORESTE P. DARCONTE is a former publisher of The Sun Chronicle. Reach him at opd999@gmail.com
Aides at Buckingham Palace will stay up through the night to watch the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

Royal insiders are determined not to enter into a war of words, but will be watching the two-hour broadcast carefully for any fresh allegations levelled against them.

While the interview will not be screened in the UK until tomorrow, it is believed Palace aides have secured an online feed to allow them to watch the interview live when it is broadcast by CBS.

It is due to start at 5pm in Los Angeles, or 1am in the UK.

Aides at Buckingham Palace will stay up through the night to watch the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey

The Queen, who is at Windsor Castle, is expected to be briefed about the contents of the interview tomorrow morning.

It is likely one of her senior aides will relay Meghan and Harry's comments after breakfast.

A report is also expected to be made to Prince Charles, who is spending lockdown with the Duchess of Cornwall at Highgrove in Gloucestershire.

Meanwhile, the Palace press office will be preparing overnight for the expected barrage of questions from the global media after the interview.

The Queen, who is at Windsor Castle, is expected to be briefed about the contents of the interview tomorrow morning. It is likely one of her senior aides will relay Meghan and Harry's comments after breakfast. Pictured: The Queen with Meghan in 2018

Although they will be reluctant to engage in a so-called 'running commentary' on the Sussexes' interview, aides will prepare responses in case there are specific claims that have to be answered.

During recent months, the Queen has been having private conversations with Harry over his decision to step down from Royal duties.

She is said to be 'saddened' at his decision to quit and has made it clear he will not keep honorary military titles or other Royal patronages.

The Queen (pictured with the Sussexes in 2018) has not been given an 'advanced copy' of Meghan and Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, reports claim

It emerged yesterday that CBS is paying up to 6.5 million for the rights to broadcast the interview.

But despite the eye-watering outlay, the channel will make tens of millions from the programme, which will be broadcast in more than 70 countries. ITV is said to have paid 1 million to screen it in the UK.

CBS is also reportedly charging advertisers 234,000 for a 30-second slot during the interview.
It also showed that, even if the 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster were wiped away, there would be no guarantee that Democrats could push their priorities through the 50-50 Senate, since one breakaway member can bring down an entire bill.

Republicans accused Democrats of abandoning any pretext of bipartisanship to advance a far-left agenda and jam through a liberal wish list disguised as a coronavirus rescue bill, stuffed with hundreds of billions of extraneous dollars as the pandemic is beginning to ebb. They noted that when they were in charge of the Senate and President Donald J. Trump was in office, they were able to deliver a series of costly coronavirus relief bills negotiated between the two parties.

It is really unfortunate that at a time when a president who came into office suggesting that he wanted to work with Republicans and create solutions in a bipartisan way and try to bring the country together and unify, the first the thing out of the gate is a piece of legislation that simply is done with one-party rule, said Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the No. 2 Republican.

At their private lunch recently, Republican senators were handed a card emblazoned with a quotation from Ron Klain, the White House chief of staff, calling the coronavirus bill the most progressive domestic legislation in a generation, a phrase that party strategists quickly began featuring in a video taking aim at the stimulus measure.

The comment was a point of pride for liberal Democrats, but probably not the best argument to win over Republicans.

I dont understand the approach the White House has taken. I really dont, said Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a leader of a group of 10 Republicans who had initially tried to strike a deal with the White House but offered about one-third of what Mr. Biden proposed. There is a compromise to be had here.

Yet even as Mr. Biden hosted Republicans at the White House and engaged them in a series of discussions that were much more amiable than any during the Trump era, neither he nor Democratic congressional leaders made a real effort to find a middle ground, having concluded early on that Republicans were far too reluctant to spend what was needed to tackle the crisis.
Mumbai, March 6 : Terming the mystery death of Thane businessman Mansukh Hiren as "unfortunate", Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday said it would be wrong to politicize it and point accusing fingers at the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Interacting with mediapersons, he said unraveling the truth behind the intriguing death of Hiren was critical for the "image and prestige" of the MVA government.

Hiren shot into the limelight after his stolen SUV, a Scorpio, was found parked suspiciously outside Antilia, the lavish multistoried home of Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman Mukesh Ambani, on February 25, in south Mumbai.

The police later recovered 20 gelatin sticks and a purported typewritten threat letter, creating a sensation in the country's corporate and political circles.

"It will be wrong to politicize the (Hiren's) death and put the government in the dock Doubts are being raised whether his death was a suicide or a murder. The police are investigating. He was also an important witness in the (SUV) case," Raut said.

He also called upon the home department to find the truth about Hiren's death at the earliest and urged the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to have faith in the police probe.

"The Home Minister has already handed over the case to the Anti Terrorist Squad There's no need for transferring it to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)," Raut stated.

Hours after Hiren's autopsy was completed but the report and doctors' opinion kept in 'reserve', his family demanded that the post-mortem report and the video-recording of the procedure must be made public.

An ATS team on Saturday morning visited the marshes adjacent to the Thane Creek near Mumbai from where the body of Hiren - an expert swimmer - was fished out on Friday morning.

ATS sleuths and Thane Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Avinash Ambure, and several BJP leaders visited the family at their residence in Vikas Palms society in Charai where the police have deployed tight security since early Saturday morning.

The Naupada Police on Friday lodged an accident death report even as further probe by the ATS is underway as the sensitive case sparked off a political row.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
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ASUNCION, Paraguay  Protesters clashed with the police in Paraguays capital, Asuncion, late on Friday as anger over the governments handling of the coronavirus crisis boiled onto the streets and forced the resignation of the countrys top health official.

Security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas at hundreds of demonstrators who had gathered around the Congress building, while protesters broke down security barriers, burned road barricades and threw stones at the police.

The protests broke out amid growing outrage as coronavirus infections hit record levels and hospitals verged on collapse throughout Paraguay.
Paducah Traffic Stop Brings Drug, Gun Charges

By West Kentucky Star Staff

PADUCAH - A Thursday morning traffic stop led to the arrest of a Paducah man on drug and other charges.A Paducah Police detective said he noticed 28-year-old Denzel Powell driving a vehicle on Langstaff Avenue. The detective was reportedly aware that Powell had a suspended driver's license and performed a traffic stop.Police said that K-9 Officer Barry indicated there were illegal drugs in the vehicle, and a search uncovered two bags of suspected marijuana, cocaine, suspected hydrocodone pills, and a rifle.Powell was charged with first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license.
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Thousands demonstrated in Algeria's capital and other cities Friday, AFP journalists said, as a revived protest movement takes root again in the North African country.

The movement, known locally as "Hirak", first mobilised in February 2019 and within weeks forced then president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to abandon a bid for a fifth term and resign.

It called a halt to protests early last year as coronavirus restrictions took hold, but returned to the streets late last month to celebrate its second anniversary, protesting every Friday since.

"Hirak rallies will continue until this regime, which refuses to hear our voice, ceases to exist," said Bilal, a 37-year-old civil servant who joined the protest in Algiers.

Several marches converged in the early afternoon in the capital, following Friday prayers and amid a heavy police presence, while a helicopter hovered overhead.

"I hope that my children and grandchildren get to live in a better Algeria than the one I have lived through," said Khadidja, a protester in her seventies.

She said she had taken part in every rally since the first one on February 22, 2019.

Journalist Khaled Drareni, recently freed after nearly a year in custody, covered Friday's protests on his social media accounts.

Protesters lashed out at the intelligence services, accusing them of being "terrorists". Detainees have alleged they were tortured in custody.

Rallies also took place in cities including Oran and Tizi Ouzou.

Protesters see the regime as little changed from the one led by Bouteflika.

Current President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, once a prime minister under Bouteflika and elected in a widely boycotted December 2019 presidential poll, has ostensibly reached out to the protest movement while seeking to neutralise it.

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Bradley Cooper and Irina Shayk remain great co-parents for their three-year-old daughter.

The famous exes were spotted running errands with little Lea de Seine in New York City on Thursday.

The 46-year-old actor drove the 35-year-old supermodel and their young one to school in lower Manhattan.

Friends with the ex: Bradley Cooper was spotted running errands with ex Irina Shayk and their daughter Lea de Seine in New York City on Thursday

The A Star Is Born director dressed in light blue jeans and a bomber jacket embroidered with the names of legendary boxers Smokin' Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali.

He layered up with a matching fitted hoodie and a grey polo for the chilly outing, sporting sunglasses and a black mask to hide his face.

Bradley performed a balancing act while holding food, his iPhone and a bottle of water on the walk.

The Victoria's Secret stunner lovingly carried their daughter as they made their way to the building.

Loving mom: The 35-year-old Victoria's Secret stunner lovingly carried their daughter as they made their way to school just a few weeks before Lea celebrates her fourth birthday on March 21

Irina rocked stylish leather trousers and a leather GASANOVA trench coat as she held her mini fashionista.

She kept warm in a black and yellow striped Jean Paul Gaultier sweater that she paired with a yellow purse and black utility boots.

Lea's eye-catching pink peacoat and blush-colored ballet flats were a bright contrast to her mom's dark ensemble.

The parents are gearing up for Lea's fourth birthday on March 21.

Fashionista: Irina rocked stylish leather trousers and a leather GASANOVA trench coat for the outing, keeping warm in a black and yellow striped Jean Paul Gaultier sweater

Shayk spoke to Elle Magazine earlier in the week about how she and Cooper operate as parents, setting the record straight on their family life.

'I never understood the term co-parenting. When I'm with my daughter, I'm 100 percent a mother, and when she's with her dad, he's 100 percent her dad. Co-parenting is parenting,' she shared.

The Russian beauty also explained why she has always stayed quiet about their bond: 'My past relationship, it's something that belongs to me, and it's private. It's just a piece of my inner self that I don't want to give away.'

Co-parenting: Shayk spoke to Elle about how she and Cooper operate as parents. 'I never understood the term co-parenting. When I'm with my daughter, I'm 100 percent a mother, and when she's with her dad, he's 100 percent her dad. Co-parenting is parenting,' she shared

Family time: The amicable exes have each been spotted out with with Lea in recent weeks out, helping each other out as they continue working on their respective projects; the mom and daughter are seen here in February

The amicable exes have each been spotted out with with Lea in recent weeks out, helping each other out as they continue working on their respective projects.

Irina called her ex, whom she was with for four years before splitting in 2019, 'the most amazing dad' in the magazine.

Since splitting from Cooper she has been linked to art dealer Vito Schnabel, most recently seen with him last week.


Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Thursday appointed a retired army general, Abdullahi Ishaq, as his adviser on security.

The governor announced the appointment on Friday through a statement by his spokesperson, Isa Gusau.

Mr Ishaq, according to the statement, is from Kwara State and commanded a unit in the Operation Lafiya Dole theatre command before he retired from the army in January.

His appointment came as a surprise to many in Borno because the governor had earlier appointed a Borno State-born retired colonel, Abubakar Chiroma, as his security adviser.

Mr Chiroma, son of a former labour leader, Ali Chiroma, is a Kanuri indigene of Borno.

The state government did not clarify in the statement whether Mr Chiroma has been relieved of his duty before his colleague, Mr Ishaq, a Yoruba from Kwara, was brought in.

Mr Gusaus statement simply announced that Governor Zulum has approved the appointment of retired Brigadier General Abdullahi Sabi Ishaq, as special adviser on security affairs.

The statement added that Zulum believes that General Ishaq, who will soon be sworn-in as special adviser on security, will be coming with huge operational experience, relationship with serving military and other armed forces involved in the fight against Boko Haram and a good understanding of Bornos communities, people and cultures.

The Governor congratulates the retired general and looks forward to working closely with him in the shared and continued determination to bring an end to the insurgency, the statement said.

Sack or Resignation?

Meanwhile, an inside government source informed PREMIUM TIMES that the former security adviser was eased out of office because he did not show an appreciable level of commitment. Premium Times is yet to verify this claim.

Colonel Chiroma was quietly relieved of his appointment almost a year ago, the source said.

He was relieved for lacking commitment, the source said.

When our reporter contacted the Borno State-born former security adviser to confirm the governments claim, he politely declined making any comment on the matter.

Sorry, Ill rather say no comment, thank you, he said.

However, a source very familiar with Mr Chiromas appointment and subsequent disenagement, said he was not given what he required to function at the time he took up the appointment in August 2019.

As a retired Colonel of the Nigerian army, Chiroma is of course not unmindful of the seriousness of the office of a security adviser of a government in a state.

He is from Borno State and has been affected by this ongoing insurgency one way or the other. What I know was that upon his appointment as an adviser, Colonel Chiroma gave his terms and conditions and what he needed to be furnished with in order to operate effectively.

As a security adviser, he also needed a functional office space to work and also be part of major security decisions to be taken by the government.

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But unfortunately, none of his requirements (requests) was provided to him for over a year after he was sworn in as an adviser. Rather he would come to the Government House to hang around as other politicians do.

He felt he should not be doing this as a serious-minded professional. So he decided to stay away pending when the government need(ed) his service, and for that reason, they said he did not show commitment. The office of adviser on security especially in a state like Borno that is at war should be a very smart office.

The source, who insisted on not being quoted because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said the government later issued a letter to Mr Chiroma relieving him of his duty and thanking him for his services.

It was an amicable disengagement and Chiroma personally thanked the Governor for the honour of being appointed in the first place.

We hope oga (Governor Zulum) would appreciate the enormity of that office and accord the new adviser, General Ishaq, maximum support to function as he promised.
Dancers gather during an event at The Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 6 2021, as part of a series of events in which 'Fieldlab' investigates how large groups of people can come together during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. /  ANP/AFP
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GREENWICH  Walk into the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center in Old Greenwich, and it looks like the sort of unassuming public building that can be found in nearly every town in Connecticut.

Lit by the glow of fluorescent lighting, enlivened by soft rock music playing over the sound system, its a facility that typically attracts crowds for youth basketball games, model train shows or the Lions Clubs pancake breakfast.

But it is a special place for people seeking their vaccination shots against COVID-19. And for many, the trip through those glass double-doors is a life-changing event.

For the dozens of people who streamed into the aging brick building on a recent afternoon at the clinic run by the nonprofit Family Centers health-care program, that vaccine might mean seeing a family member for the first time in nearly a year, eating inside a restaurant again, or smiling at a friend.

A lot of grateful people. Its a pretty happy place to be, said Heather Dawson, the vaccination director and nurse practitioner working at the clinic. We had one person who said, I havent been out of the house in a year. She was shaking with excitement.

Its a scene repeated across the state, and the nation, as the COVID-19 vaccination program expands to more of the population just about a year after the coronavirus hit so hard.

Nearly everyone arrived early for their appointments, and they often apologized while standing around. No worries, came the reply from staff  they understand.

First there was a check-in, and a request to verify their identification. There was not much waiting time to go from check-in to vaccination, the process was fast and smooth.

Two nurses dispensed the Moderna shots in the makeshift clinic in the Civic Centers utility room, and during a recent vaccination session, many of the patients were teachers who had become priority recipients due to recent changes initiated by the office of Gov. Ned Lamont.

A nurse dispensing the shots, Denisha Russell, took a reassuring and humorous approach as she prepared to vaccinate the recipients who rolled up their sleeves for her.

You wont even know it  Im fast and furious, Russell told Heather Sanderson, a teacher from Glastonbury who drove down to Greenwich with her husband, Timothy. The nurse explained the procedure, how the follow-up vaccination would work and the possibility of some soreness or itching where the needle went in.

Its been a pleasant job, Russell said, gesturing to the vaccination recipients who were seated nearby. Its as if theyve won the lottery, and its a million-dollar ticket, she joked.

Yea, thank you so much, Sanderson said after getting her vaccine. She then took a seat in a waiting area, where she stayed for 15 minutes, to make sure there no adverse reactions to the shot  a highly unlikely outcome, the medical staff said.

Sitting down for her waiting period, Sanderson said the short procedure could open up possibilities for her and her husband, also a teacher in Glastonbury, that had been closed off for the last year. They have only had limited contact with their daughter in Brooklyn, N.Y., she said.

I just want to go back to things when they were normal, she said.

We havent been to a restaurant in one year, said Tim Sanderson, Takeout only.

Alaina Kakos, a Danbury resident who teaches in Ridgefield, said the procedure was short and simple, but it would leave a lasting memory.

I took a picture, which I want my kids to see, its kind of like being part of history, she said. Kakos was planning to celebrate at some point, maybe with a glass of wine, and she was also looking to tell friends and colleagues about the experience. Kakos said she knows there are people who are a bit uncertain or hesitant about taking the vaccine. Im certainly going to share this, to alleviate fear, she said.

The vaccinations have been running smoothly since Family Centers opened the clinic in late January, as part of its mission to promote health care, education and human services in the region.

They have received assistance in recent days with personnel and resources from the Connecticut Air National Guard, and support from the town of Greenwich. Its been a case study in collaboration, said Bill Brucker, senior vice president of communications and strategy at Family Centers. And well keep doing it as long as its necessary.

As the afternoon progressed, vaccine recipients came and went, often leaving the building with a renewed sense of hope for the future.

Many burdens have been imposed in the past year, especially on educators, said Chris Mira, a Westport teacher who lives in Stamford. Im very happy to get the vaccination  I have an elderly mom. And a lot of masking, hand-washing, distancing, plexiglass, he said, his thoughts trailing off. Im excited to have everyone get it (vaccinations) so we can all see each others faces again.

Cynthia Violette, a teacher in Lebanon, exuded cheerful enthusiasm when it was her turn to get the vaccination  and the needle prick did nothing to dampen her spirits. I didnt even feel it, she said afterward. Im just so glad to get it. Peace of mind. Nothing changes yet  I need to get the second shot  but Im looking forward to the way things used to be.

There hasnt been much to enjoy about the past year, Violette said, though she said she has become much more knowledgeable about telecommunications and software programs. I feel like Ive learned a lot of technology, there are many things Ive learned, she said, but it was a minor consolation during the pandemic.

As the afternoon clouds parted, Tim Sanderson, an English teacher, referenced how the bubonic plague shaped the life of William Shakespeare and played a role in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. While the coronavirus pandemic is still a plague in the modern era, scenes like the vaccination clinic were changing the narrative, he observed.

The world seems a little brighter, he said shortly after getting his dose of the vaccine.

rmarchant@greenwichtime.com
"These efforts will enable us to get off to a good start in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period and commemorate the centenary of the Communist Party of China with outstanding achievements in development," Li said in the report, amid rounds of applause in the Great Hall of the People.

-- China aims to expand its economy by over 6 percent in 2021, with goals to put the economy firmly back to pre-pandemic vibrancy.

-- The specific growth target reveals the country's confidence in achieving high-quality development.

-- China also has the confidence and ability to fulfill the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan.

BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China aims to expand its economy by over 6 percent in 2021, building on strong tailwind from success in containing COVID-19, as lawmakers gather in Beijing to map out priorities for high-quality development.

The gross domestic product (GDP) target is one of the many key goals laid out in a government work report delivered by Premier Li Keqiang to the national legislature, which began its annual session Friday.

"In setting this target, we have taken into account the recovery of economic activity," Li said. "A target of over 6 percent will enable all of us to devote full energy to promoting reform, innovation, and high-quality development."

This year, the country aims to create more than 11 million new urban jobs, lower the deficit-to-GDP ratio to 3.2 percent, and expand domestic demand and effective investment, which are expected to put the economy firmly back to pre-pandemic vibrancy -- China's GDP growth rate was 6 percent in 2019.

In 2021, China will pursue high-quality development, advance supply-side structural reform, and consolidate and expand the achievements of the COVID-19 response and economic and social development, among other major tasks outlined in the report.

"These efforts will enable us to get off to a good start in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) period and commemorate the centenary of the Communist Party of China with outstanding achievements in development," Li said in the report, amid rounds of applause in the Great Hall of the People.

Workers weld at a workshop of an automobile manufacturing enterprise in Qingzhou City, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 28, 2021. (Photo by Wang Jilin/Xinhua)

GOOD START IN NEW JOURNEY

China set no specific GDP target for 2020 due to huge uncertainties caused by COVID-19, and zeroed in on the elimination of absolute poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Effective virus control helped China emerge from the epidemic-induced slump with a 2.3-percent GDP growth in 2020, making it the world's only major economy to attain positive growth.

The specific growth target of over-6-percent this year reveals the country's confidence in achieving high-quality development and will play a positive role in stabilizing social expectations, said Nan Cunhui, a senior political advisor.

"Such a growth target will contribute to a solid start of the 14th Five-Year Plan, and is closely related to China's long-term goal of fully building a modern socialist country," said Nan, also vice chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

Combo photo taken on July 15, 2020 shows villagers' smiles in Shenshan Village of Jinggangshan, east China's Jiangxi Province. Local authorities has been supporting poverty alleviation industries and rural tourism to help increase villagers' income. The village was lifted out of poverty in 2017. (Xinhua/Peng Zhaozhi)

The period covered by the 14th Five-Year Plan will be the first five years in which China embarks on a new journey to build itself into a modern socialist country in all respects.

The government work report also highlighted goals set in a draft outline of the five-year plan submitted to the ongoing annual session of the national legislature for review.

In terms of headline economic growth numbers, the report said China will strive to keep its economy running within an appropriate range and set annual economic targets in light of actual circumstances during the period.

As innovation remains at the heart of China's modernization drive, China will work faster to enhance strategic scientific and technological capability underpinned by the development of national laboratories, and strive to make major breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields.

Looking to the future, China has the confidence and ability to overcome all difficulties and obstacles on its road ahead and fulfill the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan, thus opening a new page in the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics, according to the government work report.
Artist Kim Yun-soo's works are featured on the online art platform Manifold run by the Korea Arts Management Service. Captured from Manifold



By Kwon Mee-yoo



An ideal relationship between an artist and a gallery can be complementary when the artist provides quality works and the gallery promotes and sells them. However, it can easily go sour when there is miscommunication or one side does not fulfill their responsibility.



The Korea Arts Management Service (KAMS) is offering the "Grant for Artist Management" for three years with the aim of nurturing healthy gallery-artist relationships.



Keum Hye-won is the director of Gallery Soso, which she founded in Paju, Gyeonggi Province in 2007.



"My husband is an architect who worked under the late architect Kim Swoo-geun. As we saw exhibitions and performances at SPACE Love, a small theater inside the SPACE group building, we had this vague dream of establishing a cultural enterprise when we could afford it," Keum said in an interview with The Korea Times. "It was a passing remark, but became true eventually."



Though Gallery Soso has held exhibitions of renowned Korean artists who shaped Korea's contemporary art such as Choi Byung-so, Park Chan-kyong and Kim Taek-sang, the gallery signed exclusive contracts with artists for the first time through the KAMS' Grant for Artist Management.



"We have faith in the artists we work with and try to hold their exhibitions steadily, but this is the first time for us to have an exclusive contract thanks to the KAMS grant," Keum said. "Soso is not a very commercial gallery, sometimes even mistaken as an alternative exhibition space. So it was difficult for us to manage artists exclusively, but the funding from KAMS propelled us to strengthen our relationship with the artists."





Gallery Soso in Paju, Gyeonggi Province is introduced on the online art platform Manifold run by the Korea Arts Management Service. Captured from Manifold



As the contract runs for at least three years, Gallery Soso tried to find the right artists to work with. Currently, it represents three artists on exclusive contracts  Lee Haiminsun, Song Min-gyu and Kim Yun-soo.






In what many may see as an uncharacteristic move, Bounty Killer has become the second Dancehall stalwart, after Shaggy, to urge his fans to take the COVID-19 vaccine, in stark contrast to the anti-vaccine sentiments of Sizzla, Buju Banton, Spragga Benz, Tony Rebel, Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid and even Reggae legend Lee Sratch Perry.

Last night the Warlord categorically told his fans to get inoculated on a post he made of a flyer of the Sunclash meets Shutdown show scheduled for Ibiza, Spain from October 1 to 4 2021, which will feature himself and Beenie Man in performance.

October 1st-4th Ibiza!! Gwaan tek unuh vaccine keep the date lock een and stay up like caffeine, Bounty captioned the post.

While many of his fans cheered and posted fire icons, there were many who took him on for his seeming variance in favor of the system. At the outset of the pandemic last year, he had avoided wearing masks in public, and later relented. However, Bounty Killer stood his ground, even choosing to argue with, and dismiss some of his opponents.

One fan, mizz_godbless, expressed agreement with the Callaloo Bed native. Yes Killa we taking the vaccine who no want can tek rona , she wrote, to which Bounty replied; @mizz_godbless Simple no struggle .

When kenneth.heron wrote: No vaccine killa the Coppershot artiste retorted icily: @kenneth.heron. Eat covid then .

One follower, afroboy669, said he was mortified that stars were being used to promote the COVID-19 vaccine. Wow using celebrities to promote vaccinations America did that too I wonder whats going on???? he wrote.

One follower, dondeejay1, ordered the Long Donkey Cod artist to cease and desist from promoting what he described as a controversial vaccine. He was supported by lionstrength09 who noted: so disappointing the poor people governor a mislead the people.

Another follower, smokexxlbully, questioned whether the post was fake. Wtf is this a fake account bout vaccine smoke ur herbs give thanks and praise and dont put no vaccine in your veins, he wrote.

Meanwhile, there were others who were simply happy that the two artists who had not toured Europe for some time, were now being given the opportunity to go to Spain to perform together, albeit it more than a year after their VERZUZ clash which triggered a renewed interest in the veterans.

The original show poster was posted on the Sunclash Instagram page, noted: The greatest rivalry/friendship in Dancehall history, live in front of a majority UK audience for the first time ever, be a part of history. The two icons, the two kings, live on the same stage for one night only.

The promotion of the two Dancehall legends appearance at the event began last night with two separate promotional videos which were done by them on the Sunclash Instagram page, in which they urged their fans to come out to see them live in Europe.

A week ago Lee Scratch Perry said that he will have no choice but to stop doing live shows if the COVID-19 vaccine becomes mandatory for international travel. The Grammy award winner also questioned why was it that some people who purport to be Rastafarians were encouraging others to get vaccinated and wear masks, which in his eyes are part of the Babylonian system.

In January, Tony Rebel joined Buju Banton, Sizzla, Chronixx, and Spragga Benz who were already staunch opponents of vaccines, in rejecting the COVID jab.

Last October, Sizzla, in an Instagram Live, condemned persons whom he said are pushing for a COVID-19 vaccine to be administered globally. He also declared that the vaccine, when developed, must be rejected by black people, as it will be micro-chipped and armed with nano-particles used to manipulate DNA activities to eradicate people of African descent.

Recently Kabaka Pyramid said the COVID-19 numbers were being ramped with false numbers fi mek sure seh di false vaccine necessary.

In his longstanding anti-vaccine campaign on IG, Spragga Benz has been calling for people to live healthily and eat wholesome foods and called for people of African descent to not fear the virus, as many people have beat it with vitamin D and other simple remedies.

Chronixx, in a now-deleted post, had stated that tech heads and war heads cant talk to Rastaman about human health and that he would only be going online for a concert if its an action against global vaccination.

In late January, Buju Banton, who has not shied away from taking to social media to make his disgust about COVID-19 containment measures known, lashed the Jamaican Government following an announcement that it would be passing laws to grant immunity to vaccine producers from liability if Jamaicans suffer harm after taking the COVID-19 vaccine.

So the love for this nation and its people soooo great. They will allow there friends to kill you and its perfectly ok#honest # Jamaica land they love # not the people, Buju had written.

Shaggy though, had declared that he would be at the front of the line whenever the COVID-19 vaccine becomes available in Jamaica, but had also come under fire from Jamaicans for his statements, in which he also brushed aside what he described as conspiracy theories about COVID-19 vaccines.
Wexford County Council Public Library Service is running a writing competition for children aged between 8-13 years old to commemorate International Women's Day on March 8.

To inspire the children, athlete, RTE presenter and author, Jacqui Hurley will read an extract from her best-selling book Girls Play Too: Inspiring Stories of Irish Sportswomen.

Each story in Jacqui's book is about what you can achieve if you try your best and never give up on your dreams. A recording of her reading will be available to view at any time from Monday, March 8 on the Wexford Library YouTube channel and on all Wexford Library Facebook pages.

Wexford Library has a signed copy of Girls Play Too to give away for one lucky winner. For a chance to win this inspirational book, all you need to do is write a short piece (approx. 300-350 words) about what challenge you'd choose on the theme 'Let's All Choose to Challenge'.

This competition is open to all 8 - 13 year olds, boys and girls. Send entries to libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie before 5.30 p.m., Saturday, March 13.

Entries must include the name and age of the child, a parent's contact number or email address, and confirmation that the name of the winning entrant can be published on social media, Twitter, Facebook etc.

Reserve your ebook copy of Girls Play Too from Wexford Libraries at https://www.wexfordcoco.ie/libraries/ebooks-and-eresources/ebooks-and-eaudiobooks-borrowbox-app
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Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic space tourism firm handed its new chief executive a $21 million windfall for his first five months in the job.

Virgin Galactic appointed Michael Colglazier, a former Disneyland theme park boss, as chief executive and president last July.

His $21.25 million (15 million) pay packet  covering just over five months between his start date on July 20 and the end of last year  included $442,308 of his $1 million annual base salary and a $500,000 signing on bonus, with a further $500,000 to be paid this summer.

Bold mission: Michael Colglazier has left the Disneyland hotseat for the one at Virgin Galactic

The bulk of his pay was awarded through $20.3 million of awards and options for more than a million Virgin Galactic shares, which Colglazier can cash in at agreed instalment dates over the five years from starting the job.

According to company documents, Colglazier's pay package for last year was around 90 times the $235,574 median average salary for Virgin Galactic employees.

Colglazier's signing on bonus was paid as other businesses in Branson's Virgin Group empire struggled to survive the pandemic.

Last summer, Virgin Atlantic  which is 51 per cent owned by Branson's Virgin Group  was scrambling to secure a 1.2 billion rescue plan to ensure its survival and has now cut 4,300 jobs.

Meanwhile, Branson chipped in on a 20 million loan to gym chain Virgin Active, which now needs a fresh rescue deal after months of lockdown.

Virgin Galactic, based at Spaceport America in New Mexico, is Branson's bold vision to become a pioneer in space travel, in what has been dubbed a 'billionaire space-race' against rival projects by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Tesla founder Elon Musk.

The space tourism enterprise has helped prop up other Virgin businesses in the pandemic, after Branson sold shares in US-listed Virgin Galactic to inject more than $350 million into his hardest-hit firms.

However, Virgin Galactic has yet to make a profit after numerous delays to the launch of its first passenger spaceflight, currently scheduled for early next year  some 15 years later than the original target date in 2007.

It had $666 million of cash on December 31, but made a $273 million net loss for 2020 as it invests in test flights and developing spacecraft.

In its latest update last month, Virgin Galactic said the next test flight for its VSS Unity spaceship has been pushed back by three months to May, and that Branson's maiden test flight has been delayed to the summer.

Shares in the firm plunged by 14 per cent on the news, almost wiping out share price gains at the start of this year that had boosted Branson's 26.3 per cent stake in the $6 .5 billion firm. Shares currently stand at $27.29, up from a low of $10.49 last March.

The rollercoaster ride as Virgin Galactic battles to finally achieve commercial lift-off is understood to be why the firm ties 'a significant proportion' of its executive pay to the firm's share price. A spokesman said: 'Virgin Galactic incentivises its executives through a combination of salary, bonus and stock. This aligns interests of the management team with those of the shareholders. The company has ambitious plans as it moves towards commercial operations.'

Into orbit: Virgin Galactic has taken more than 600 bookings for its spaceflights

Colglazier achieved record growth when he ran Disneyland in Anaheim, California, home of the Space Mountain rollercoaster. He joked to an analyst when he joined Virgin Galactic: 'You may not have known, Space Mountain is actually my favourite attraction.'

If he meets maximum performance targets at Virgin Galactic as it holds its critical test flights in the run-up to commercial service, he will receive a $1.5 million annual bonus.

His contract also gives him a free Virgin Galactic spaceflight for himself and three friends.

Virgin Galactic has taken more than 600 bookings for its spaceflights, with tickets sold for between $200,000 and $250,000 per person.

It eventually hopes to operate hundreds of 90-minute trips each year from spaceports around the world, taking wealthy tourists into sub-orbit  a peak altitude of about 60 miles above the Earth.

Celebrities Ashton Kutcher, Leonardo DiCaprio and Justin Bieber are reportedly among those that have booked seats. Branson listed Virgin Galactic on the US stock market in 2019 through a merger backed by Silicon Valley investor Chamath Palihapitiya, who is Virgin Galactic's chairman, and Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala.

On Friday, Palihapitiya offloaded shares worth around $213 million but said he remains 'dedicated' to Virgin Galactic's mission.

In the UK, Branson is a partner for Spaceport Cornwall at Cornwall Airport, which is to be used as a base for sister firm Virgin Orbit. It uses modified jumbo jets to launch small satellites into space.

Recently, Branson hinted he could operate Virgin Galactic flights from Cornwall too. But the leader of the county council, Julian German, poured cold water on the idea, saying the council 'will not be taking forward any space tourism operation from the airport'.
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam said on Friday that the HKSAR government will fully cooperate with the central authorities to improve the SAR's electoral system by enacting local legislation to implement the improvement measures, with a view to faithfully putting the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" into practice.

Lam made the remarks in a statement on Friday in response to the National People's Congress (NPC)' deliberation at the fourth session of the 13th NPC on a draft decision on improving the electoral system in the HKSAR in a bid to implement "patriots administering Hong Kong," saying she and the HKSAR government fully respect that the central government takes the lead to improve Hong Kong's electoral system.

Lam said she and the HKSAR government also support the five principles enunciated by Wang Chen, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, of the NPC draft decision.

"We will fully co-operate with Central Authorities by enacting local legislation to implement the improvement measures, with a view to faithfully putting the principle of 'patriots administering Hong Kong' into practice," she said.

"Patriots administering Hong Kong" is completely in line with the constitutional requirement of the HKSAR, Lam said, adding that the HKSAR Basic Law stated that the HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, the HKSAR shall enjoy a high degree of autonomy and come directly under the Central People's Government, and the chief executive has "dual responsibility" under the HKSAR Basic Law, being responsible to both the HKSAR and the Central People's Government.

"Under this constitutional order and political system, it is a natural requirement that Hong Kong must be governed by patriots. There cannot be any ambiguity that 'patriots administering Hong Kong' is the critical and necessary requirement to the successful and robust implementation of 'one country, two systems'," Lam said.

In addition to the chief executive and officials in the administration, "persons administering Hong Kong" include members of the legislature, judges in the judiciary, members of district organizations which are not organs of political power, i.e. District Councils, as well as civil servants, she said.

Lam said that in recent years, Hong Kong has indeed faced circumstances that are not conducive to the thorough implementation of "one country, two systems". There are groups advocating "Hong Kong independence", organizing resistance against the governance of the central authorities, and even colluding with external elements to stir up disorders in the society.

"If such acts are not suppressed in time, parties which oppose the Central Authorities and cause disturbance to the law and order of Hong Kong may enter the political system of the HKSAR through elections. This will harm Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and place 'one country, two systems' in jeopardy," she said.

Lam said there is a pressing need to complete the necessary legislative work. The HKSAR government will spare no efforts in reflecting the views of different sectors of the Hong Kong community, with a view to assisting the NPC Standing Committee to amend Annex I and II to the HKSAR Basic Law.

The HKSAR government will prepare the necessary legislative amendments to the relevant local legislation in accordance with the revised Annexes to the HKSAR Basic Law for the scrutiny of the SAR Legislative Council, she said.

"In the past two years, Hong Kong has faced unprecedented challenges. The Central Authorities have always spared no efforts in resolving the imminent problems faced by Hong Kong at the national level, and demonstrated their adherence to the principle of 'one country, two systems' and care for the Hong Kong people," Lam said.

From the formulation and implementation of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR, which halted chaos and restored order in Hong Kong, to the improvement of the electoral system of the HKSAR to ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong", the motherland will forever provide staunch support to Hong Kong, Lam said.

"I will lead the governing team of the HKSAR government to fulfil the mission of safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country and the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong," she said.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) - the UAEs fastest growing aviation hub - has extended its reach into Central Asia with the launch of flights from the northern emirate to Kazakhstan.

Landing at RAK Airport yesterday (March 5) at 9pm, SCAT Airlines flight VSV 5050 marked the commencement of a new service that will see eight flights per week between Ras Al Khaimah and the folowing eight Kazakh cities - Almaty, Aktau, Aktobe, Atyrau, Karaganda, Oral, Nur Sultan and Shymkent.

"Ras Al Khaimah International Airport as the fastest growing aviation hub in the UAE and is establishing itself as a vital port of entry into the country," said Salem Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

"With its ongoing expansion plans that are accelerating into a new phase, RAK Airport will play an increasingly important role in the UAEs development plans for the next 50 years, creating stronger links to the UAE with cultures around the world," he stated.

Menilbekov Madiyar, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the UAE, said: "SCAT Airlines new operation in partnership with RAK International Airport has created a vital new link between Kazakhstan and the UAE and one that will serve both countries extremely well. Expo2020 is just around the corner and this service will offer a direct connection from eight major Kazakhstan cities - including its capital Nur Sultan that has a population of more than one million to the host country of the worlds largest exposition."

SCAT Airlines is based at Shymkent Airport, Kazakhstan, with additional bases at Aktau, Astana and Almaty airports.

"Kazakhstan has an emergent middleclass keen to visit new destinations. The relaxing of restrictions as the coronavirus pandemic finally comes to an end will entice UAE citizens and residents to explore new regions. I expect that we will witness significant two-way passenger traffic on this new SCAT Airlines route in the coming months," he added.

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport CEO Sanjay Khanna said: "We are delighted to announce that our airport has extended the area of operations into Central Asia through its partnership with SCAT Airlines. The new schedule operated by SCAT offers both our UAE and Kazakhstan passengers exciting new regions to discover and will help Ras Al Khaimah expand its tourism sector, which forms a major aspect of the emirates diversification policy."

"This partnership will also play an important role in the UAEs aim of attracting 25 million visitors to the forthcoming Expo2020 and assisting the country with its wider economic agenda," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
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Follow us on : Twitter, Facebook, LinkedInPizza (Prepared Meals) Market in the United Arab Emirates - Outlook to 2024; Market Size, Growth and Forecast Analytics (updated with COVID-19 Impact)
(Editors note: This project is a collaboration between the Plainview Herald and Saint Francis Ministries to showcase kids who are cleared for adoption.)

Saint Francis Ministries is a nonprofit organization and a community-based care provider for the Texas Department of Family Protective Services Region 1. This region includes 41 counties across the Panhandle and South Plains.

To learn more about fostering or adopting, those interested are encouraged to attend one of the monthly virtual meetings hosted by Saint Francis Ministries and other child placing agencies. The meetings provide information about how to get started, the basic qualifications and more, in addition to providing opportunity for attendees to ask questions.

Those interested can visit Saint Francis Texas on Facebook @SFMtexas to register for the online meetings, which can also be found below:

The meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of the month (Lubbock area  https://lubbock-area-foster-care-adoption.eventbrite.com) and the third Thursday of the month (Amarillo area  https://amarillo-area-foster-care-adoption.eventbrite.com).

For more information, please contact Erin Baxter at (806) 317-5631 or email texasinfo@st-francis.org. Visit Saint Francis Ministries online at https://saintfrancisministries.org.

Areona is one of the children listed on the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE) website. Visit https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Application/TARE/Home.aspx/Default for more details.

---

Areona is a bright and fun-loving girl. The 16-year-old is a social butterfly and enjoys making new friends.

Those that know Areona say she is sincere, caring, and strives to make others smile. She has a contagious laugh and quite the sense of humor to go with it!

Areona loves her Hispanic culture and history; its important to her to remember where she came from. Some of her favorite hobbies include singing her heart out in choir, tumbling in gymnastics, creative writing, and riding bikes with her friends.

Shes excited to share some laughs with her forever family!

Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda have begun coronavirus immunisation programmes under the Covax vaccine-sharing initiative, becoming the latest African countries to do so.



Health workers will be among the early beneficiaries of the AstraZeneca jab in all three.



In Nigeria, Cyprian Nyong - a doctor who has been taking care of Covid-19 patients since March last year - was the first to get the jab at a hospital in the capital, Abuja.



Some other 150 health workers were also injected.



Nigerian health officials say President Muhammadu Buhari and other senior figures will be immunised in public to help boost confidence in the programme.



In Kenya, ministry of health official Patrick Amoth was the first to get the jab.



Ghana and Ivory Coast started vaccination drives earlier this week.



Angola, DR Congo and Gambia have also received supplies under the international initiative.

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.

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Paks blueprint for ties with US based on economy not security: Report

Newly wed 22-year-old bride gangraped in front of husband by four robbers in Pakistan

Pakistan PM Imran Khan confident ahead of trust vote in Parliament

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Islamabad, Mar 06: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared confident of winning a trust vote in the National Assembly on Saturday even as the ruling party has warned rebels that those who vote against him would be disqualified.

Khan, 68, decided to take a vote of confidence in the lower house of Parliament after his finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was defeated in the closely-fought Senate election on Wednesday. The Opposition demanded the Prime Minister's resignation after the debacle.

The floor test will take place without the Opposition as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Friday decided to boycott the vote of confidence on Khan''s government.

The special National Assembly session has been convened on the directives of President Arif Alvi.

According to the National Assembly Secretariat, the session is being held today on the one-point agenda of the Prime Minister's vote of confidence, and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will table a resolution in the House on which voting will be held.

Prime Minister Khan will have to get 171 votes in the House of 341 to remain in office.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has 157 members in the National Assembly and has the support of more than 180 members including those of its allies, according to minister for science Fawad Chaudhry.

Pak PM Imran Khan says he will seek vote of confidence following Senate election defeat

The 10-party Opposition alliance, PDM has announced to boycott the session, making it easier for Khan to secure the required numbers.

"No member of the PDM will participate in tomorrow''s National Assembly session," JUI-F and PDM chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had said on Friday.

He said that their candidate''s triumph in the Senate election was itself a moral victory against the premier.

The announcement from the PDM came after Prime Minister Khan addressed the nation on Thursday, explaining why he was seeking a vote of confidence in the wake of the Senate elections in which the Opposition managed to stage an upset.

PDM candidate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Shaikh on Wednesday, in a major blow to Khan, who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.

Prime Minister Khan chaired a meeting of parliamentary parties at the Prime Minister House (PMH) on Friday in which all Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) of the ruling alliance were asked to vote for the prime minister otherwise they can be disqualified, Dawn news reported.

Khan hoped that all lawmakers of the ruling alliance would vote for him, as all of them present in the meeting have assured him of their support.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

During the meeting, Defence Minister Pervez Khattak gave a briefing on the relevant rules and articles of the Constitution and warned those who would give votes against the prime minister that they would be de-seated, Dawn newspaper reported.

According to a Cabinet member, 175 lawmakers of the ruling coalition attended the parliamentary party meeting at PMH after a lunch was given by Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at Punjab House to PTI women legislators. Later, a dinner was also given to them by Foreign Minister Qureshi.

Khan also held separate meetings with leaders of the ruling coalition partners. All allied parties -- Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Pakistan Muslim League-Q (PML-Q) and Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) pledged their support to him.

Meanwhile, Pakistan''s election commission on Friday expressed shock and disappointment over Prime Minister Khan''s allegations against it, asserting that the Senate elections were held as per the Constitution and it has "never come under any sort of pressure and God willing, will not in future as well."

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INDIANAPOLIS -- It is expected that about 4,000 people will receive COVID-19 vaccinations by 10 tonight at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Appointments are scheduled through Monday.

In the first eight hours today 2,589 vaccinations were given according to the Indiana Department of Health.

Additional mass clinics are scheduled March 12-24 at Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg; March 20-21 in Gary and March 26-27 at the University of Notre Dame.

Nearly 400 vaccination sites are available around the state. Hoosiers age 50 and older, along with healthcare workers, long-term care residents and first responders who are regularly called to the scene of an emergency to render medical assistance, are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. To schedule, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211 if you do not have access to a computer or require assistance.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex has described to Oprah Winfrey how liberating it was to have a conversation - let alone a sit-down interview - with the television host without royal minders.

CBS This Morning aired a clip on Friday of Winfrey speaking to Meghan about a conversation they had before the actors wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018.

The clip opens with Winfrey describing how she asked for an interview and Meghan recounting how there were others in the room and she wasnt even supposed to be speaking with Winfrey.

As an adult who lived a really independent life to then go into this construct that is um.. different than I think what people imagine it to be, its really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege in some ways to be able to say yes, Meghan tells Winfrey.

Winfreys interview with Meghan and Harry is set to air Sunday night in the United States on CBS and will air in Britain on Monday evening.

Despite stepping back from royal duties a year ago and moving to California, there still intense interest in the couple and their relationship with the royal family.

When Meghan was asked what was right about doing the interview now, she said it was because of the couples newfound freedom.

That were on the other side of a lot of, a lot of life experience thats happened, Meghan said. And also that we have the ability to make our own choices in a way that I couldnt have said yes to you then. That wasnt my choice to make.
A customer going into Bank of Ireland in Tubbercurry on Monday

In light of the news that Tubbercurry and Ballymote will lose yet another financial institution, Councillor Paul Taylor is now seeking for the reinstatement of Gurteen Post Office.

With the news that Bank of Ireland's branches in Tubbercurry and Ballymote are closing, with a partnership with An Post planned to fill the banking void in 88 locations across Ireland, Taylor believes it is only right that the post office that was closed last year be reinstated.

The Fianna Fail councillor described it as a "sad, difficult day' for the people of South Sligo.

"It's very difficult to comprehend, it [decision] wasn't made today or yesterday, it was made over a number of years.

"Gurteen closing last year and now its moving bank services into post offices for people of rural towns and villages. I cannot understand how it can't work in partnership and reduce all the closures of post offices as well.

He said for a town like Ballymote not to have a bank was a 'huge blow' given its catchment area and being 20 minutes from Sligo town.

"Once again it's another example of these big businesses not taking rural Ireland into consideration. Over the years people of rural Ireland have been a big part of keeping these banks afloat by doing their business and this is the thanks we get now."

Tubbercurry Councillor Martin Connolly described the news as 'devastating for South Sligo'.

"Ballymote now has no banking institution now at all, at least Tubbercurry has AIB for whatever length it's there."

Finding some silver lining, Cllr Connolly said he hoped the news of the partnership with An Post would mean the 'copper fastening' of rural post offices into the future, but did acknowledge the huge change for older customers.

"I feel very sorry for older generations of people who used to go into the bank and do personal banking, it's a big change for them to do it online."

Councillor Connolly said he did have concerns over the Tubbercurry outlets future but did not think the Ballymote branch would also be closed.

Carroll Skip W. Barclay, Jr., a New Jersey farmer who turned a small produce stand into one of New Jerseys best-known food markets, Delicious Orchards, died Monday. He was 94.

The Colts Neck institution  now 350 employees large and with 2.5 million visitors a year  dates back more than a century to 1911.

According to his obituary, Barclay inherited the apple orchard from his grandfather and in 1959 began hauling wagonloads of apples to County Route 537. The next year, he scaled up to a 1,200-square-foot stand to meet demand. Less than a decade later, he and his wife bought a red brick building to house Delicious Orchards on Route 34, and the rest is history.

The Delicious Orchards team remembered their forebear, known as Grandpa Skip, on Facebook.

We were talking one day about how he came up with the idea to open up Delicious Orchards as a retail market, read the Facebook post. He said, often times, everyone is trying to look out of the same window. And they are so busy competing with each other, they never stop to look up and notice theres another window on the other side of the room, and the view is 10 times better.

Barclay lived in the same house on the Delicious Orchards farm nearly his entire life.

A 1944 graduate of Red Bank High School, Barclay spent one semester at Syracuse University before deciding to return to the family farm.

He learned the science and business of agriculture and spent nearly three decades growing the orchard into the Route 34 mainstay it is today, before turning over the day-to-day operations in 1977.

In a centenary feature on Delicious Orchards from 2011, The Star-Ledgers Pete Genovese wrote: If it is not the states best food market, it is certainly the most alluring, a brightly-lit, easy-to-negotiate space with a staggering 400 kinds of produce, from Jersey peaches and tomatoes to royal gala apples from Chile.

After Barclay handed over the reins, he and his wife, Janet, bought a farm in central Arkansas and began a new pick-your-apple and beach business. Upon Janets death in 1993, Barclay moved back to New Jersey, according to his obituary.

Barclay was active in his community, acting as a Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Red Bank and serving on the Colts Neck Zoning Board and Board of Education. He also went on to join the Rutgers University Cook College Board of Managers and served as director of The First Merchants Bank.

Well miss you Grandpa Skip, wrote the Delicious Orchards team on Facebook. Heaven just got its apple cider donut game upped in a big way.

He is survived by a daughter and a son, Martha Barclay of Berkeley, Calif., and David Barclay of Colts Neck. Services will be private.

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Josh Axelrod may be reached at jaxelrod@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here.
Students for Life releases first list of Christian colleges with ties to Planned Parenthood

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A pro-life group has released its first list of Christian colleges and universities in the United States that have ties to Planned Parenthood.

On Wednesday, Students for Life of America announced in a press release the preliminary findings of its ongoing investigation into more than 700 Christian colleges and universities across the U.S., which found that as many as 100 have "quiet relationships" with Planned Parenthood that "fly under the radar.

The first list names 23 colleges that partner with the abortion giant in some form. Two schools that were on the initial list of 25 have since severed ties with the nation's largest abortion business.

Christian colleges found to have relationships with Planned Parenthood in Students for Life's first wave of research include: four Catholic institutions, five Lutheran schools, six universities affiliated with the United Methodist Church, two Methodist institutions, two colleges affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, one Methodist Episcopal university, one university affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one university affiliated with the Disciples of Christ, and a theological seminary affiliated with the Reformed Church in America.

Students for Life also provides a map of the U.S. showing the locations of colleges and universities that have ties to Planned Parenthood. The map will be updated as more institutions of higher learning are added or removed.

The types of connections Christian colleges' were found to have with Planned Parenthood include such things as " ... advertising Planned Parenthood internships and career postings; referring students to Planned Parenthood as a resource; incorporating Planned Parenthood into medical school rotations; and hosting events for students with the abortion giant.

There is an unholy partnership between a number of Christian schools and the abortion industry, said Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life.

We want to equip pro-life advocates to take action and encourage schools to disentangle themselves from Big Abortion," she added. "It is crucial that colleges and universities that claim an affiliation with the Christian faith and biblical values do not contradict those values by partnering with or promoting perpetrators of abortion violence.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Hawkins explained that, surprisingly, many Christian colleges are hostile to the idea of a Students for Life group on campus.

The hardest places for us to start a Students for Life group is often on a private school campus and particularly Christian school campuses where  we dont have the same First Amendment rights as you would on a public school to be able to a launch a Students for Life, pro-life group on campus.

We have to make the case to Christian schools why we need to have a Students for Life, she added. The majority of women who seek an abortion are self-proclaimed Christians.  There are abortion facilities, 600 of them operating in the United States, many of them are across the street or within neighborhoods of an active church or parish. So Christians need to speak out against the atrocity of abortion.

Hawkins told CP that Students for Life has worked to make the colleges aware of their relationships with Planned Parenthood and asked them to cut ties with the organization.

Two of the 25 colleges identified as having relationships with Planned Parenthood in the first released list and then decided to cut their ties with the abortion giant were Messiah College and St. Francis University, both based in Pennsylvania. The two institutions reversed course after being contacted by pro-life advocates.

According to Hawkins, some Christian colleges are openly enthusiastic about their association with Planned Parenthood.

In some cases, we had situations where the school openly supported Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry and was obstinate in their response to us. And that to me, I think, was the most surprising, she recalled.

Hawkins specifically mentioned a correspondence Students for Life had with the campus minister of a college in Minnesota, who talked about how much she supported Planned Parenthood and a womans right to have an abortion, and they were proud to be partners with Planned Parenthood on campus.

The list of colleges with ties to Planned Parenthood is just the first of several more to be released by the organization in the coming months.

Hawkins said there will be two more waves of schools before the Students for Life Institute for Pro-Life Advancement publishes a full report on the schools found to have ties with Planned Parenthood later this year, most likely in August or September.
Professor Sharon Lewin, the Doherty Institutes director who has played a leading role in Victorias fight against coronavirus, was one of nine successful former students to write character references in support of Lennie, in tribute to the positive influence he had on their lives. Professor Sharon Lewin is one of Neil Lennies former students. Credit:Jason South He was one of the most inspiring teachers I have had, Professor Lewin wrote of her physics teacher at Mount Scopus in the late 1970s. He was able to teach complex concepts, provide his students with appropriate skills to solve problems and also make the learning fun. I remember him very clearly telling me that I was capable of doing anything in life and to shoot for the stars.

As a young woman in the 1970s, I now understand that this kind of encouragement for women in science was most unusual. Other former students - among them a neurologist, doctor, dentist and engineer - wrote Lennie was an outstanding educator who found creative ways to teach and motivate them. Actor and director Pip Mushin - best known for his role as cameraman Stu in Frontline - had Lennie for maths at Mount Scopus but also remembered him stepping in to oversee rehearsals for a school play. I remember Mr Lennie showing us how to approach a particular section of the script and how, as an actor we should feel and act. It was the first time I had an insight into an actors technique and as an impressionable young actor, I remember to this day how inspired I was by this, he wrote. Neil Lennie outside the County Court on Wednesday. Credit:Nine News

He was a man of many talents. He directed musicals for the Sandringham Light Opera Company and played piano, singing at various live music venues. He even umpired VFL games in regional Victoria, according to a June 1988 interview with The Age, which marked the start of his tenure as headmaster of Caulfield Grammar School, the pinnacle of his career. He arrived at Caulfield amid a swirl of rumours about his reasons for leaving his former school, Mount Scopus. There was considerable confusion about my reasons for leaving, he told the Jewish News in March 1988. Any who wish to discuss the matter should seek out my fellow teachers who know the truth. However, rumours are destructive and I would prefer that the discussion does not continue. Suffice to say that my leaving had nothing whatsoever to do with my performance as deputy headmaster. Loading Replay Replay video Play video Play video

Lennie grew up in Bahrain where his parents were teachers. After finishing boarding school at Haileybury, he enrolled in several courses at Victorian universities but never finished them. In the late 1960s and early 1970s he used his fathers teacher registration number to gain employment at three state high schools, at a time when teaching didnt require tertiary qualifications. His offending began in 1976 when he falsely claimed to Mount Scopus he had tertiary qualifications and was a registered teacher, lies that secured him roles at the Burwood college and subsequent schools. While prosecutors wanted Lennie jailed because of the serious and prolonged nature of his offending - which, they argued, was motivated by greed - judge Patricia Riddell has indicated she wont impose a prison term.

Lennies crimes, lead prosecutor John Dickie argued, struck at the heart of the systems in place to ensure specialist roles are filled by people with the correct qualifications. Regardless of whether he was a good teacher, Lennies career was built on lies, Mr Dickie said. Prosecutors also want Lennie to repay $843,000, part of the salaries paid to him between 1976 and 2000. Two of Lennies schools said on Thursday they were disappointed by his deceptions. Mount Scopus principal Rabbi James Kennard said: Some people do remember him as a fine teacher but obviously the fraud he perpetrated was unacceptable.

Neil Lennie (right) established a teaching career on the back of criminal lies to schools that employed him. Credit:Nine News Overnewton said in a statement: The school community was extremely disappointed when they learnt of Lennies actions. Caulfield Grammar declined to comment and Haileybury would only confirm Lennies appointment at the school in 1988. The Victorian Institute of Teaching, which conducts annual audits of teacher and school records to ensure staff are qualified, identified discrepancies in Lennies case in 2008 and ultimately alerted police. The institute said on Thursday it investigated 23 registrations in 2019-20. Most cases involved teachers working before registrations were approved or early childhood teachers being hired without the right registration.

In 2015, the watchdog charged him with unregistered teaching after he was caught out while working as principal of Melbourne Senior Secondary College. The private college, which predominantly catered to international students, was closed by authorities just months later, leaving students scrambling to find new schools before their VCE exams. While Lennie told the watchdog he retired as principal of the school in 2008, the chair of the college board and teachers said Lennie had been continuously employed as principal from 2004 until his employment was terminated in 2014. It would be the last school that employed Lennie. Loading

Australian Parents Council president Jenni Rickard said such a deception was very unlikely to happen now. The regulatory requirements are pretty strict today for teachers, she said. Parents can have faith that teachers are well-trained and regulated. Lennies lawyers say he is remorseful, has apologised to family and friends for the embarrassment caused and wants to say sorry to his former employers. His barrister, Ian Hill, QC, told the court on Wednesday his client was never motivated by greed but perhaps a misguided sense of vocation borne out of his Christian upbringing under parents who were teachers.

Lennie drew satisfaction from helping students, said Mr Hill, who submitted there was never anything nefarious about him never gaining qualifications. Consumed by his work and married with a child in his early 20s, Lennie never had the time to study at a tertiary level, his lawyer said. Judge Riddell has had Lennie assessed for a community correction order. Lennie is on bail and will be sentenced on March 18.

Mike has reported on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's wildlife, wildlands and the agencies that manage them since 2012. A native Minnesotan, he arrived in the West to study environmental journalism at the University of Colorado.
New Delhi:

A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jet F7-PG crash landed near Sargodha in Punjab province during routine operational training mission on Thursday.

"PAF reports with regret that an F7-PG aircraft crashed near Sargodha while on a training mission. Search and rescue operation is in progress,"the Dawn quoted as saying.

It is yet to be found that whether the pilot has survived the crash.

It is to be noted that that a senior PAF officer had died in an air crash near Mianwali while on routine operational flight little over a week ago.

Wing Commander Mohammad Shahzad attained martyrdom when an F-7 aircraft reportedly crashed due to technical fault near the Sabzazar area of Mianwali late on August 8.

For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee condemns the rotten deal reached by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) and the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) to return students to classrooms in Philadelphia on Monday.

We call upon all teachers, paraprofessionals, aids and counselors, along with all staff and transportation workers to join our committee as the only organization fighting to unite educators and staff in opposition to the PFT.

Teachers protest Philadelphia school board plan to reopen [Source: Facebook/PFT]

The ramming through of the agreement without any discussion or vote underscores the thoroughly anti-democratic and corporatist character of the unions today. From the beginning, PFT President Jerry Jordan, with the support of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, worked with Superintendent William Hite to divert the anger of teachers and get them back into the classroom as soon as possible, using the ruse of bringing in a mediator and supposed ventilation experts.

The decision to resume in-person learning will have deadly consequences for educators, students, parents and the entire community. Over 950,000 people have officially been infected with COVID-19 in Pennsylvaniamore than one out of fifteenand 24,372 people have died, the sixth-highest figure for any state.

Philadelphia and the surrounding counties have been devastated by the pandemic and are one of the hardest hit regions of the country. The city has experienced over 120,000 cases and 3,168 deaths. In each of the neighboring Montgomery, Bucks and Delaware Counties there have been between 41,000 and 55,000 cases with from 1,140 deaths in Bucks County to 1,565 deaths in Montgomery County.

In addition to Philadelphia resuming in-person learning, in surrounding Chester and Delaware Counties school officials have decided to reduce the spacing between students to just three feet in order to accommodate larger class sizes. In Montgomery County, some districts have resumed fully in-person learning for all students four days a week.

The push to reopen schoolsnow spearheaded by the Democratic Biden administration in collaboration with the teachers unionscoincides with the roll-out of vaccines and the increasing spread of more infectious, lethal and possibly vaccine resistant variants of COVID-19. With proper public health measures, involving the complete closure of schools and nonessential workplaces until the population is vaccinated, the pandemic could be completely stamped out and needless deaths would be prevented. Instead, the mass reopening of schools and workplaces threatens a new surge in cases and death in the coming weeks.

The claims by the PFT that schools will be made safe are total lies. The 53 buildings that will reopen Monday and the hundreds of other buildings they aim to open in the coming weeks will prove to be deadly centers for the spread of the virus.

Philadelphia educators, students and parents know that years of neglect made the schools dilapidated long before the pandemic. Aged buildings with broken windows, peeling paint, inadequate and often non-functioning heating and cooling systems cannot be fixed in a week. In addition, many buildings are plagued with lead, mold, and asbestos which have caused cancer among teachers and staff.

Replacing window fans with air purifiers does not protect students or staff from the virus. The air purifiers purchased for the schools are designed for living rooms, not large classrooms with 25, 30 or more students.

Before students arrive at schools, many spend 45 minutes or an hour each day on buses in close contact with scores of other students. There is no room for students to sit six feet apart and bus drivers are told to open the windows for ventilation. For many students that take public transportation, contract tracing is all but impossible.

The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee welcomes the vaccination of teachers who are being compelled to return to schools, but this measure will not prevent the spread of COVID-19 and we will continue to fight to close all schools until the pandemic is contained.

Without the vaccination of students, their parents and the entire community, overcrowded classrooms and buses will become petri dishes for the spread of the pandemic to the community. Moreover, most teachers will not even receive their first dosage of the vaccine before schools reopen, well before the needed two- to six-week period for the buildup of antibodies has taken place.

The actions of Jordan and the PFT were carried out entirely behind the backs of educators, who were never informed about the decision to reopen the schools, let alone given the basic right to review, discuss and then vote on the agreement. The work of the mediator and the supposed PFT ventilation experts was all done behind closed doors. This decision is being forced down the throats of teachers, with one reporting that they were informed by the PFT that if they refuse to return to the classrooms they will be suspended.

It is vital for educators and staff to ask themselves why are the PFT and AFT playing the role of enforcer for the reopening of the schools? Why, not just in Philadelphia but throughout the country, are the unions collaborating with school districts in forcing teachers back into unsafe classrooms?

Many teachers were shocked and angered when the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), which many believed was a democratic and progressive union, undemocratically rejected the overwhelming strike vote of their members and enforced a deadly deal to reopen classrooms for face-to-face instruction last month.

If the AFT and NEA wont stand up when the lives of teachers, parents, students and the community are at risk, they will never fight for their members.

At a fundamental level, the AFT, NEA, and all their state and local affiliates like the CTU, along with unions in every industry, no longer represent the interest of their members. Over a decades-long period they have been transformed into corporatist entities that are tools of the corporations and the state.

Upon taking office, Biden has pushed to reopen schools in order to send parents back to work making profits for Wall Street. The difference between Biden and Trump is not over this underlying aim, but rather their tactics for carrying this out. While Trump used the threat of fascistic violence against the working class, the Biden administration collaborates with the unions to achieve the same aim.

Demonstrating his desire to use the unions against the working class, last Sunday Biden tweeted a video statement fully backing the efforts of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) to unionize workers at Amazons Bessemer, Alabama warehouse. Nearly 6,000 workers at the facility, which is located just outside of Birmingham, are currently voting on whether to join the RWDSU.

Biden is not supporting the unionization of workers at Amazon in Alabama because he is concerned about the horrific working conditions of Amazon workers or their low pay and lack of benefits, but rather because he understands that the unions are instrumental in suppressing the struggles of workers.

For their role in discipline the working class, the union officials are rewarded with a lavish lifestyle through the dues check off system, while overseeing numerous pension and healthcare funds. In 2015, AFT President Randi Weingarten had a total compensation of $497,118.

Weingarten and National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringle have played the decisive role in containing the opposition of teachers in order to force through the reopening of schools. According to the New York Times, Weingarten spends 15 hours a day on the phone with the White House, the CDC, local mayors and union heads organizing this campaign.

The Pennsylvania Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee is the only force organizing the opposition of teachers to the deadly betrayals of the unions. We are part of a growing network of committees throughout the US and worldwide, which are democratically controlled by their members. These committees work to unite educators with Amazon and other transportation workers, workers in auto and basic industry, and all sections of the working class, to fight for a shutdown of schools and nonessential industry in order to contain the pandemic. We demand the following:

For the immediate closure of all public, private and charter schools and all nonessential production to stop the spread of COVID-19.

End the undemocratic collusion between the PFT and the district. Educators must have the right to vote on any plan to reopen schools.

All decisions about school openings and closures must be overseen solely by rank-and-file educators and parents in consultation with scientific experts of their choosing.

Full funding for internet access, technology and all resources needed for high-quality remote instruction.

Full income protection to all parents and caregivers who stay home with their children.

No loss of income for educators who choose to stay home.

For free speech and the protection of whistleblowers.

While opposing the reckless reopening of schools, we recognize that in many cases teachers are being forced back in. Under these conditions, we will continue to fight for school closures while demanding that the following safety measures be universally implemented:

Districts and schools must report numbers (not names to ensure privacy) of students, staff, and associated household members diagnosed with COVID-19 and any associated deaths, which must be tracked through mandatory contact tracing.

The immediate modernization of HVAC systems for all schools.

Nurses at every school with daily testing of students, teachers and staff.

Full and accurate reporting of all cases among students, staff and associated households, along with robust contact tracing.

The mass hiring of teachers and bus drivers to reduce class sizes and bus capacity to no more than 10 students.

Join and help build this committee and take up these demands today by signing up at wsws.org/edsafety!
The former Central Hotel in Mallow has once again come under the spotlight - this time potentially for all the right reasons.

It has emerged this week that a well-known local businessman is in the final stage of negotiations to buy the dilapidated town-centre structure and has ambitious plans for the future of the landmark building.

Speculation has surrounded the future of the former hotel since it closed its doors in 2007, with five fires over the following years causing extensive damage to the building.

In 2016 it emerged a Dublin-based property developer had purchased the building for a sum believed to be in the region of 300,000, and a subsequent application for a major plan of works there, lodged in the name of Mallow Capital Ltd, was shot down by planners.

Fast forward to 2018, and the company lodged a second planning application for the site, which was finally granted conditional approval after a number of further information requests the following June. However, the site has laid idle since.

This week, a Cork County Council official confirmed contact had been made with the authority's rates department to see if there were any rates outstanding on the building. This is normal practice prior to a vacant building being purchased.

"Any proposal to purchase and redevelop this site would be most welcome," said the official.

The chair of the authority's Kanturk/Mallow MDC, Cllr Pat Hayes, said it was his understanding that contracts for the sale of the building will be signed imminently.

"This is great news for Mallow and will shine a new light on the site. The redevelopment plans include demolishing the existing structure and replacing it with a new hotel, retail and residential units and a top-floor restaurant with a rooftop terrace," said Cllr Hayes.

He said the redevelopment of the site would create numerous local job opportunities, both during construction and once the project was completed.

"This site has been a blot on the local landscape for many years. Hopefully, we will see it cleared and the timber hoarding finally removed once and for all. I firmly believe this is going to be the kick-start that Mallow needs for the regeneration of our town centre," said Cllr Hayes.

"There is so much positivity happening locally at present with the development of Mallow Castle including a new playground, the town park, the boardwalk and progression on the Northern Relief road and the M20. The re-development of the former Central Hwotel site will be the icing on the cake".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended India-Sweden Summit via video-conferencing and discussed various matter to his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven. PM Modi said, "I express solidarity to the people of Sweden, on behalf of all Indian citizens, over the violent attack that took place the day before yesterday in Sweden. We hope that the injured recover soon." He added, "We have provided 'Made in India' vaccines to around 50 countries so far. We are committed to supplying vaccines to even more countries in the days to come."
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China opened the yearly meeting of its top legislative advisory body, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on Thursday. The CPPCC leader praised President Xi Jinpings governments COVID-19 response and reported, in his words, an all-round victory in Chinas fight against poverty.

Last week, President Xi made similar comments in a ceremony celebrating the progress on poverty reduction. He declared extreme poverty had been ended in China.

"All 98.99 million people who are the poor rural population have been taken out of poverty, he said.

In 2012, Xi began a plan that has helped China go beyond the World Bankss 2030 target for ending extreme poverty.

Official media broadcast the ceremony last week to millions of people. Xi told citizens that the government had spent about $246 billion, to fight poverty over the last eight years.

Xi said these people no longer need to worry about being able to buy food and clothes. He also said the government will guarantee healthcare, housing and education.

The Peoples Daily, official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), called the ending of poverty historic.

Just this past Sunday, China released what it calls the No. 1 policy document. It promised to keep fighting poverty, while changing the plan to what China calls rural revitalization. Experts quoted by the state-owned Chinese newspaper, the Global Times, said the new policy will work to help communities in rural areas need less government assistance. This would be done by creating many new jobs in large infrastructure projects, the experts added.

Changing measures

However, in defining poverty, China continues to use the World Banks measure for establishing the worlds poorest countries. But the World Bank considers China among upper-middle-earning economies. Also, China defines a person who lives in rural poverty as someone who lives on $1.69 each day, reports Reuters. The World Bank defines it as someone who lives on $1.90 each day.

In looking at the Chinese economy, Brookings Institution economist Indermit Gill wrote that measuring progress using the official poverty lines of the worlds poorest countries is the very definition of underachievement.

Xi and the official media remained largely silent about more than forty years of market-style economic reforms that began with opening China to foreign investment after the Cultural Revolution.

As 2020 closed, Martin Raiser of the World Bank told the New York Times that while he believes China has ended poverty in rural areas, he questioned if the situation would continue and if it the measures in place are cost effective.

The government created jobs for rural workers, gave animals to farmers, and put lots of money into poor rural areas, reported the Times.

Keeping gains made on poverty

Xi's declaration of the end of poverty in China conflicted with a statement by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last May.

There are over 600 million people whose monthly income is barely $140, not enough to rent a room in Chinese cities, he said at his yearly press conference.

Xia Ming is a professor of political science at the City University of New York. He said he expects the ruling CCP will support Xi's claims about the success of China's efforts to end poverty. They might, Xia said, even work to create supporting evidence.

Wu Qiang is a former teacher in the political department at Tsinghua University. He told VOA that Xi's statements show he has very little to highlight after his eight years in power. He added that declaring the end of poverty is an effort to calm the country in the face of rising earnings inequality.

He said Xis public statements are to show other Party leaders that by trying to end poverty he is trying to protect the Communist Party.

China is opening the yearly meeting of its ceremonial legislature on Friday in Beijing. Thousands of delegates will attend the National Peoples Congress. The countrys strong economic performance last year during the continuing COVID-19 crisis is expected to be praised again. And the government is expected to discuss its long-term goals for its economy. Thousands of delegates will attend the National Peoples Congress, though mostly by video link.

Im Susan Shand.

VOA's Gao Feng reported this story. Susan Shand adapted it for Learning English. was the editor.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

rural - adj. of or relating to the country and the people who live there instead of the city

revitalize - v. to make (someone or something) active, healthy, or energetic again

quote  v. to repeat (something written or said by another person) exactly

infrastructure - n. the basic equipment and structures (such as roads and bridges) that are needed for a country, region, or organization to function properly

underachievement - n. someone (such as a student or athlete) who does not perform as well or work as hard as he or she can

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During a Wednesday press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo echoed President Joe Bidens call to get kids back into classrooms as soon as possible by prioritizing teachers for vaccinations.

Cuomo also made similar comments a week earlier, implying that once teachers are vaccinated there should be no impediment to bringing kids back to school. There is damage being done to children with remote learning, the governor said during a press briefing last Monday. Youre going to find mental stress for children who have been home. Youll see emotional issues because children have been home. We want to open schools.

A growing number of health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have also been encouraging states to reopen schools over concerns that attending school remotely may be negatively affecting childrens academic growth as well as their mental health.

While stopping the accumulation of more damage to childrens learning and psycho-social development is an urgent priority for New York, undoing the damage already done is another challenge. Some educators and mental health experts say that children returning to classrooms simply isnt enough to fully combat the mental health issues many have been dealing with.

Students who are attending school remotely have been found to be more stressed than those still going to in-person classes. A lack of socialization and supportive resources offered by schools, including meals, guidance counselors and assistance from teachers, have helped contribute to poor mental health among children who are attending school remotely since the onset of the pandemic. Additionally, many students studying remotely are experiencing new stressors, such as faulty internet service, distracting siblings and overwhelmed parents.

As of Oct. 17, 2020, there was a significant increase in the number of children who were brought to hospital emergency rooms across the U.S. due to mental health issues last year, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report published in November. There was a 24% increase in children ages five to 11 admitted to emergency rooms, compared for mental health-related reasons and a 31% increase among children ages 12 to 17, compared to those admitted in 2019. The CDCs data appears to reflect what has also been occurring in New York. For example, Central New York pediatricians have reported seeing a record number of patients experiencing mental health crises, some as young as four years-old.

Child psychiatrists have also been warning that the pandemic may be creating more of a suicide risk in children who are having trouble dealing with the various stressors it has placed on them. "The kids that we are seeing now in the emergency department are really at the stage of maybe even having tried or attempted or have a detailed plan," Dr. Vera Feuer, director of pediatric emergency psychiatry at Cohen Children's Medical Center of Northwell Health in New York, told NPR. "And we're admitting to the hospital more kids than usual because of how unwell they are."

Research has also indicated that classrooms and schools do not possess a high threat of COVID-19 transmission.Children under the age of 18 are much less likely to contract the disease and are far less likely to develop severe symptoms or die  they are also less likely to transmit the disease to others.

Now that the state has received a vast supply of Johnson & Johnson vaccines  and more shipments are anticipated to arrive over the next few months  its looking more likely that teachers will be inoculated and able to safely return to in-person teaching soon.

But can simply returning children back to school diminish the mental health crisis that emerged as a result of the pandemic, or does more need to be done? After all, many of the states schools do not look the same as they did when children were last in class. Desks are far apart to create six feet of distance between students and teachers  some schools have even made use of plastic partitions to prevent the spread of free-floating germs  and face masks are mandated.

There's no cafeteria socializing with your friends in the lunchroom anymore, Nicholas Ferreira, senior vice president of youth development at The Child Center of NY, a childrens counseling center that offers mental health programs in various public schools and has partnered with Thrive NYC, told City & State. The socialization is there for sure and you're out of the house and you have a teacher in front of you, who can explain things better and help you through things but the experience (of being in school) is nothing like it was before.

Some New York City schools offer mental health and wellness programs and have guidance counselors and social workers. More often than not, the resources, when available to students, are stretched thin.

We have a lot of students, 2,400, and we have basically zero social workers, a teacher who works at a public high school in Manhattan, who asked to remain anonymous to protect their job, told City & State. Our (few) guidance counselors are extremely overwhelmed and they have about 400 students each and they rotate them every semester.

The support network we have in place is really, in my opinion, not great, but that's almost true for every school I've worked in. Most schools I've seen are really lacking in mental health support, such as social workers and guidance counselors, they continued.

The lack of mental and behavioral support for children in public schools predates the COVID-19 pandemic but the need for these services have been amplified by the crisis. In New York City there are only about 3,000 guidance counselors available to aid the public school systems student population of 1,126,501.

Even as the need for more mental health services for children within the state becomes increasingly apparent, New York City and New York state do not appear to have developed plans to provide these services to all students. Neither the state nor the citys departments of education responded to a request for comment.

Some state lawmakers have already begun talking about ensuring that some of the federal funding New York is expected to get goes directly toward schools to pay for mental health support.

We want to make sure that this next tranche of federal money goes to schools, not to the state, and is used for expenses related to COVID, including compensatory learning, summer school, the costs of paying for PPE, new air filtration systems  all the costs related to having kids come back and addressing their mental health needs. Whether its psychologists, social workers, or guidance counselors, these kids are going to face quite a bit when they get back to school full time, state Senate Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer told City & State in an interview earlier this week.

Still, mental health experts agree that a more concerted and targeted effort will need to be made to combat increases in mental health issues among the states children now and long after the pandemics end. We're still going through the trauma (of COVID-19) and it hasn't ended, Linda Rodriguez, senior vice president of behavioral health and early childhood at The Child Center of NY, said. Even if funding opens up now, this (addressing childrens mental health) does need to be a long-term planning commitment.

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The ECOWAS Vaccines Taskforce has recommended compensation for persons who suffer any side effects as a result of the COVID-19 vaccination.

The Director-General of the West African Health Organization (WAHO), Stanley Okolo, made this known at the 5th Regional Steering Committee meeting of the Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement Programme (REDISSE) held virtually on Saturday.

Mr Okolo said this is one of the resolutions adopted by the task force and presented to the ECOWAS Ministerial Coordinating Committee to encourage people to accept the COVID-19 vaccines.

Normally, vaccine development takes five years or even, seven, eight years. Now, therefore, we have to think of how to share the indemnity in terms of if any problem develops, Mr Okolo said.

He said the issue of indemnity is being taken up by COVAX, an initiative co-led by the vaccine alliance, GAVI and the World Health Organisation (WHO), to ensure equitable access to a COVID-19 vaccine by dividing about two billion doses across 92 low-and middle-income countries.

That is one of the issues now being taken up by COVAX, the global body that has been set up by WHO to look at how they indemnify some of the companies regarding the vaccines they supplied.

Its not so much as indemnify but making sure there are reasoned claims against the companies.

Mr Okolo said member countries in every part of the world have to think about the supplementary indemnity for their citizens.

He, however, noted that no side effects have been reported in countries that are vaccinating widely.

One of the resolutions is that member countries should ensure that they support so that if there is any significant side effects or injury, that member states should look to compensate those citizens.

Mr Okolo said that the objective of the Regional Steering Committee meeting was to assess the implementation of the REDISSE project, evaluate progress achieved towards meeting project objectives and make recommendations for enhancing the implementation and achieving the objectives.

REDISSE is an interdependent series of projects to strengthen national, regional and cross-sectoral capacity for integrated disease surveillance and response in West Africa.

The programme supports 11 countries in West Africa: Guinea, Senegal, Sierra Leone (REDISSE Phase 1); Togo, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria (REDISSE Phase 2); and Benin, Niger, Mauritania, Mali (REDISSE Phase 3). REDISSE Phase 4 expanded the programme to five countries in Central Africa (Angola, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

WAHO serves as a regional coordination and implementation agency and the Program Secretariat for the countries of West Africa and Mauritania.
James Packers niece Francesca Packer Barham spent much of 2020 making headlines, whether it was for dating personal trainers-cum-shoe-cleaners, loaning her Aston Martin to her hairdresser, splashing $9000 on a designer puppy, or hanging out with a former associate of the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang Mark Judge.

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But it seems in 2021 the heiress to a billion dollar fortune is (virtually) keeping her head down, having deleted her Instagram account.

Some frenemies have whispered that Chessies social media sabbatical is actually an attempt to regain the attention of the media. But while the 26-year-old has gone MIA on Instagram, her boyfriend Adam Cooper, a pilates trainer at Double Bays Vive Active hasnt stopped sharing images of his bae, posting a series of loving shots with Packer Barham.
Delhi govt on Saturday gave approval to the constitution of the national capital's own school education board. "In today's cabinet meet, we have given approval to the constitution of a Delhi Board of School Education," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

In the beginning, 21-22 state government schools will be affiliated to the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) and in the next four-five years all the schools will be brought under it, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a press conference.

There are around 1,000 Delhi government schools and about 1,700 private schools, most of them affiliated to the CBSE, in the city.

The new Board will have a governing body headed by the Education minister of the Delhi government and an executive body headed by a chief executive officer, Kejriwal said.

The DBSE will be aimed at imparting such education that prepares "fiercely patriotic" and self-dependent students who serve the society and the country in a selfless manner, he said.

The Board will bring in best international practices and high-end techniques in school education. It will impart education as per the aptitude of the students, he added.

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30% of global cyberattacks originate from China, a News 18 report stated, quoting a British Bankers Association (BBA) report.

Another organisation, Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) linked 108 big cyberattacks that had taken place during a 12-year period between 2006 and 2018 to China.

A number of studies cited in the report have observed an increasing trend of cyber attacks emanating from the likes of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Read | Cyber attack behind Mumbai power outage last year

American cybersecurity firm FireEye, whose June 2020 report was mentioned in the News 18 report, stated that the US was the top target for Chinese hackers.

India was the sixth-most preferred target for Chinese hackers - many of whom allegedly work for the state. The Mumbai power-grid failure in October last year was also linked to a possible state-sponsored Chinese cyberattack. However, the Chinese authorities had denied the allegations.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and head of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan called on Saturday for enhancing bilateral, regional, and international efforts to reach a binding legal deal on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

El-Sisi travelled to Khartoum today on his first visit to Sudan following the formation of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council in August 2019.

During their meeting, El-Sisi and Al-Burhan reiterated the need to support the Sudanese proposal to form a quartet committee composed of the United Nations, African Union, European Union, and United States to mediate between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia over the filling and operation of the GERD, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.

El-Sisi and Al-Burhan affirmed the need to reach a comprehensive, integrated, binding legal agreement on GERD, which would secure the interests of the three countries and limit the harms and impact of the dam on Egypt and Sudan.

Rounds of talks among the three concerned countries in the GERD issue have ended in deadlock, with Sudan dismissing the way talks are currently held as unproductive and with Egypt blaming the stalemate on Ethiopias intransigence.

Ethiopia frequently affirmed that it would implement the second phase of filling the massive dam under any circumstances, although the parties have not yet reached a binding legal agreement and despite Sudans warning of disastrous implications that may occur without having a deal.

During the meeting, El-Sisi and Al-Burhan stressed their rejection of any unilateral actions that seek to impose the status quo and monopolise the resources of the Blue Nile, the presidential statement read.

Border tensions

El-Sisi and Al-Burhan also discussed developments on the Sudanese-Ethiopian borders and Sudans endeavour to impose the states sovereignty on its eastern borders with Ethiopia.

The Sudanese-Ethiopian borders have been hit by rising tensions since November, after the Sudanese army had announced that Ethiopian militia ambushed Sudanese soldiers at the border.

The presidential statement said the recent Sudanese efforts came within the framework of Sudans respect to international agreements establishing borders and its constant endeavour to stress its state sovereignty in a peaceful way and without resorting to violence.

Terror list

Al-Burhan said he appreciates Egypts efforts to support Sudan during its times of crises and to contribute to remove Sudan from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The US took the decision to remove Khartoum from its terror list in December 2020, 27 years after it was first listed.

The US announcement came after the Sudanese government agreed to pay compensation to the victims of terrorist attacks and separately agreed to sign a normalisation agreement with Israel last year.

Al-Burhan said during the meeting that Egypts positions reflect the historic and strategic relations between the two countries. He affirmed that Sudan relies on the continuity of the Egyptian stances supporting Sudan in regional and international forums, the spokesman added.

Bilateral ties, cooperation

Al-Burhan confirmed Sudans keenness to activate joint projects to bolster bilateral cooperation in various fields, including in the political, economic, security, and military arenas.

El-Sisi hailed the recently boosted bilateral relationship between the two countries, saying it reflects a political will to enhance these ties in various strategic fields of mutual concern.

The Egyptian president voiced Egypts support for Sudan in all fields and his willingness to enhance the strategic partnership between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect and joint cooperation.

The president also affirmed Egypts support of various efforts to enhance peace, stability, and development in Sudan during this critical stage of Sudans history, based on a firm belief that Sudans stability and security are integral to those of Egypt.

Issues of mutual concern

The spokesman said El-Sisi and Al-Burhan had a one-on-one meeting before calling in their delegations. During the meetings, they discussed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Rady said El-Sisi and Al-Burhan have showed consensus over developments in the Horn of Africa.

The two sides agreed on the need to intensify bilateral, periodic meetings between high-level officials from Egypt and Sudan to coordinate on the successive developments witnessed in the geographical surroundings of both countries.

Last week, Cairo and Khartoum signed a military cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the visit of Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid to Sudan.

In November, Egypt and Sudan conducted Nile Eagles 1 Air Force drill for the first time, which took place in one of the Sudanese air bases and involved the Egyptian special forces Thunderbolt.

Todays visit comes less than a week after the reception of Mariam Sadek Al-Mahdi, Sudans newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, in Cairo.

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President Moon Jae-in / Yonhap



President Moon Jae-in condemned Saturday the violent military crackdown on protests in Myanmar and called for the release of State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.



"The use of violence against the people of Myanmar must stop now. There should be no more loss of life," Moon wrote on social media.



"We condemn the violent suppression of protests by the military and police forces and strongly call for the immediate release of all those detained, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi," he added in a Twitter post with the hashtags "JusticeForMyanmar" and "StandWithMyanmar."



The National Assembly passed a resolution late February denouncing the military coup as a "serious defiance of democracy."







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'Equality Act' Bans Life-Saving Counseling

NEWS PROVIDED BY

Liberty Counsel

March 5, 2021



WASHINGTON, March 5, 2021 /Christian Newswire/ -- The so-called "Equality Act" not only threatens the free exercise of religion and free speech, but it will also be used to prevent people of all ages who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions, behavior, or gender confusion from getting the counseling they desire. HR 5 will be used to ban licensed and unlicensed counselors from providing consenting minors and adults with talk therapy.

Liberty Counsel represents professional counselors who have seen countless people who struggled with unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviors, and gender confusion experience true freedom.

For example, Ken stated under oath that without counseling at a time when he struggled with unwanted same-sex attractions, "I probably would have killed myself. I would not have been satisfied with a government-mandated gay identity."

Another client, David (pseudo name), testified under oath that: "When I was 5 years old, I was sexually molested by a 16-year-old high school boy who was also my neighbor. The internalization of this abuse and having no therapist available affected my behavior and resulted in social ostracism. I had traumatic experiences in perceiving and feeling that I was not really a male child. When I reached puberty and for many years after it, I found myself sexually attracted to men because of my earlier abuse. For all these years, I carried a feeling of immense and crushing shame for my same-sex attractions. During a period of twenty years following puberty, I became clinically depressed twice, dealt with tremendous anxiety, experienced obsessive compulsive disorder, and knew in my heart that I was very confused about my sexual orientation and gender identity. In the latter years of this twenty-year period, I found a course of treatment that truly helped me resolve the issues I had been experiencing."

The counseling that saved Ken's and David's lives will be banned by the "Equality Act."

Walt Heyer struggled with gender dysphoria as a result of being sexually abused as a boy by a family member, combined with his grandmother's decision to secretly clothe him as a girl. Unable to find a counselor to address his underlying issues, he went down a path in which he wanted to identify as a woman. Heyer took opposite-sex hormones and underwent surgery. However, after he experienced restoration and healing from a relationship with Jesus Christ, Heyer embraced his biological birth sex as a man. Now Heyer helps people struggling with gender dysphoria, many of whom have suicidal thoughts and deep regrets about their decisions to try and "change" their gender.

Heyer said, "I see the tragic consequences of polices to expand gender/sex beyond male and female, in the desperate letters I receive from those who regret gender transitioning and from the families of those who are still caught in the transgender delusion."

Liberty Counsel represents Dr. Christopher Rosik who holds a master's in theological studies and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. For more than 30 years, he has been a licensed counselor in California. He is also a professor at Fresno Pacific University and has been published more than 50 times in books or peer-reviewed journals about same-sex attraction and the Christian faith. Approximately 10 percent of his clients struggle with same-sex attractions, and they often complain of conflict or dissonance between their same-sex attractions or behaviors and their moral or religious beliefs. The "Equality Act" would ban Dr. Rosik from helping people.

The "Equality Act" strips clients and patients of their right to seek the counseling they desire. No one, including both licensed and unlicensed counselors, will be exempt under the application of this bill. Pastors will not even be allowed to discuss or advise someone who is seeking help from gender confusion and unwanted desires.

Talk therapy or counseling is a lot like a GPS map system. The clients tell the counselor the direction in which they want to go, and the counselor helps them reach that destination. However, the "Equality Act" attempts to ban one viewpoint of counselingthe viewpoint that people do not have to be chained to their unwanted desires, behaviors or confusion. In fact, it will mandate that any counsel only promotes LGBT and Q. The "Equality Act" ensures counselors and pastors cannot act as a GPS to help people reach their objective. If they are silenced, and if this counsel is banned, it is no exaggeration to say that many people will commit suicide.

Research shows that 85 percent of young people who experience gender confusion resolve it naturally without any intervention at all. They simply grow out of it. But the dictatorial "Equality Act" seeks to cement gender confusion, and no onenot even the person seeking counselcan object.

Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "This outrageous so-called 'Equality Act' will prevent people struggling with unwanted same-sex attractions, behavior, or gender confusion from receiving the life-saving help they desire. The 'Equality Act' substitutes the government's agenda for personal choice. There is no place for the federal government in the private counseling room."

Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost.

SOURCE Liberty Counsel



CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org



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It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

opinion

Gordon Elliotts training licence has been suspended for a year by the Irish horse racing authorities (David Davies/PA)

Gordon Elliotts training licence has been suspended for a year by the Irish horse racing authorities.

An investigation found he acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the integrity, proper conduct and good reputation.

Mr Elliott has been co-operating fully with the probe after a photograph of him sitting on a dead horse was posted on social media last weekend.

Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Boards (IHRB) referrals committee, said: We consider that a suspension of Mr Elliotts training licence is merited.

We believe that respect is an integral and essential part of the duty owing by those in charge of animals alive or dead Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board

In all of the circumstances of this case, to reflect the seriousness of the offence and the damage to the Irish racing industry, to deter other offences of this nature and having taken into account the mitigating factors we have heard we consider the period should be 12 months, however the last six months of this will be suspended.

He said the referrals committee is of the view that the photograph shows the most appalling bad taste on the part of Mr Elliott insofar as it demonstrates a complete absence of respect for the horse at a time when he still remains in his charge.

We believe that respect is an integral and essential part of the duty owing by those in charge of animals alive or dead.

It is undoubtedly and most regrettably the case that the reputation and integrity of horseracing has consequently been brought into disrepute and has been prejudiced and serious damage has been caused to a sport enjoyed and loved by so many.

The top Irish trainer has become subject to a temporary British Horseracing Authority ban on running any of his string in Britain, while top owners Cheveley Park Stud have moved their high-profile horses away from his yard.

Among those is the unbeaten Envoi Allen, who is now in the care of Henry de Bromhead.

The 43-year-old is one of racings most high-profile personalities.

He has apologised and said it was a moment of madness.

We believe that he genuinely accepts that he was extraordinarily foolish to participate in the way he did Mr Justice Raymond Groarke

Mr Elliott has accepted that his conduct was disgraceful, horrific and wholly inappropriate and distasteful.

He also accepts that his conduct was indefensible and inimical to the reputation of horse racing and he recognises the damage he has caused to the reputation of horse racing, the committee considering his conduct said.

Mr Elliott was on the phone at the time the photo was taken.

Mr Justice Groarke said he was heedless to the fact that a horse in his charge had just died.

He said he was treating the animal as an object of amusement and had failed to maintain the degree of respect to which it was entitled.

Mr Justice Groarke added: Mr Elliott participated in the photographic exercise when he knew or ought to have known that the result might well end up in public, which shows an extraordinary lack of judgment on his part.

The photograph has existed since 2019.

The judge said its publication was part of a concerted attack upon Mr Elliott, the full circumstances of which are unknown.

I will carry the burden of my transgressions for the rest of my career Gordon Elliott

He acknowledged that the trainer has expressed what the panel believes to be a genuine remorse and accepts that he is unlikely to forget this episode in his life.

The judge said: We believe that he genuinely accepts that he was extraordinarily foolish to participate in the way he did.

Mr Elliott fully co-operated with the investigation carried out by IHRB, he put his hands up at the earliest opportunity and fully accepted that his actions had offended many people; that what he did was wrong and unforgiveable and indefensible.

Whilst the incident in question was unforgivable, it was, nonetheless, an event which took place without deliberation or forethought over a time period of some seconds. There was a pointed absence of common sense.

Mr Elliott said he had been dealt with fairly.

He said: I am paying a very heavy price for my error but I have no complaints.

It breaks my heart to see the hurt I have caused to my colleagues, family, friends and supporters.

I have a long road ahead of me but I will serve my time and then build back better.

I will never again disrespect a horse living or dead and I will not tolerate it in others Gordon Elliott

Mr Elliott said he was in the industry because he loved horses.

He said: Anyone who has visited my stables at Cullentra will see the meticulous care with which we treat our horses.

I was disrespectful to a dead horse, an animal that had been a loyal servant to me and was loved by my staff.

I will carry the burden of my transgressions for the rest of my career.

I will never again disrespect a horse living or dead and I will not tolerate it in others.
A few dozen people gathered near Penn Station in Newark Saturday afternoon to call on Gov. Phil Murphy, President Joe Biden and other leaders to immediately release undocumented immigrants being held in New Jersey who have not been charged with a crime.

Holding signs in Raymond Plaza with slogans like, Abolish ICE and Free Detainees, the activists demanded that Murphy and Biden use their executive authority to release undocumented immigrants, many of whom are being held in jails in Bergen, Essex and Hudson counties.

The group also called on senators Cory Booker and Bob Menendez to push legislation to end deportation and detention of undocumented immigrants.

Among the concerns of activists is that people detained are at increased risk of exposure to the coronavirus, as more infectious variants are spreading around the state.

People have died in these facilities. People are suffering right now in these facilities, said Tania Mattos, of Freedom for Immigrants, at the demonstration. Last year, in December, we had three facilities organize hunger strikes inside because they couldnt take the fact that COVID was killing them.

While its unclear exactly how many undocumented immigrants are being held in New Jersey facilities, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement told NJ Advance Media in January that there were 65 people being detained by ICE in the Hudson County jail, down from 93 in November. Numbers from other facilities were not immediately available.

Immigration, one of the most contentious issues during the presidency of Donald Trump, has taken a backseat as the United States continues to battle a pandemic that has killed more than half a million people across the country.

But detentions and deportations have carried on throughout the pandemic and the issue has recently resurfaced early in Bidens presidency. Jay Arena, one of the organizers of Saturdays protest and a 2018 candidate for Essex County executive, said Biden so far has not done enough for undocumented immigrants.

The message is were not going to sleep now that Biden  the Democrats  are in power, Arena said ahead of the protest. The context is that Trump is gone, but the policies continue. This is going to be an ongoing battle.

The policies, though, have started to shift under the new administration. Biden recently put forward an immigration proposal  via legislation sponsored by Menendez  that would offer a route to citizenship for most of the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., but Democratic congressional leaders this week said they dont yet have enough support for the plan to put it up for a vote.

The legislation offers an eight-year path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who were living in the U.S. as of Jan. 1. They would have to pass background checks and pay taxes, but would then be permitted to live and work in the country for five years, at which point they could apply for a green card. They would then have the chance to win citizenship after another three years.

The proposal comes as immigration activity on the U.S.-Mexico border is increasing, according to reporting from the Washington Post. Multiple days in the past week, agents took more than 4,000 migrants into custody, nearly twice the numbers from January.

The Biden administration last month also issued guidance to ICE requiring that agents seek approval before attempting to deport people who dont present a threat to national security, have a felony on their record or recently tried to illegally cross the border.

But the activists in Newark Saturday said they want even more done, particularly the release of immigrants being held without charge. Mattos said the protests would continue every weekend in March, both in New York and New Jersey.

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

Payton Guion may be reached at pguion@njadvancemedia.com.

At the online meeting (Photo: VNA)

Jakarta - Ambassador Nguyen Hai Bang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to ASEAN, attended the 22nd meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC) via videoconference on March 5.

Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force, Bang welcomed Chinas active participation in projects within the IAI framework.

He suggested it continue supporting the IAI Work Plan IV with new and practical projects in the five strategic areas of food and agriculture, trade facilitation, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, education, and healthcare.

The Chinese side hailed its relationship with ASEAN as an outstanding model for Asia-Pacific cooperation, adding that it considers ASEAN a top priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supports the bloc in community building and the strengthening of its central role in the regional architecture.

It committed to assist ASEAN in implementing the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the IAIs Work Plan IV for 2021-2025.

Apart from the 1 million USD it committed to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, China pledged to donate 5 million USD to the ASEAN-China Community Medical Cooperation Initiative, considering it a highlight project within the framework of the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF).

ASEAN member states spoke highly of Chinas contributions over recent years and hoped that both sides would enhance their cooperation to realise the ASEAN-China Plan of Action for 2021-2025, approved during Vietnams ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, which is considered a lodestar for bilateral cooperation in the immediate future.

ASEAN and China designated 2021 as the Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation.

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties (1991-2021), China proposed nearly 40 activities covering ASEANs three pillars of politics-security, economy, and socio-culture.

The 23rd meeting of the AJCCC is scheduled for 2022.
THE Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (Zela) has filed an urgent chamber application at the Masvingo High Court seeking to interdict government from going ahead with its plan to displace more than 12 000 villagers from Chilonga in Chiredzi to pave way for a lucerne farming project.

Zela also filed another application challenging the constitutionality of Statutory Instrument 50 of 2021 which was promulgated by government last week, together with its empowering provision being section 10(3)(d) of the Communal Land Act.

Chilonga villager, Livison Chikutu is the first applicant while the land rights pressure group the Masvingo Center for Advocacy, Research and Development (MACRAD) is the second applicant.

Local Government minister July Moyo, Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC), Lands minister Anxious Masuka and Masvingo Provincial Affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira were cited as respondents.

The applicants approached this honorable court under HC 08 /21, by making a court application which challenged the constitutionality of section 10(3)(d) of the Communal Land Act Chapter 20:04 read together with Statutory Instrument 50 of 2021 Communal Land (Setting Aside of Land) Chiredzi Notice, 2021, the application read.

SI 50 of 2021 ordered the Shangaan community to permanently depart from the Chilonga communal land and the setting aside of such land effectively started to run from the 26th of February, 2021, being the day of publication. Despite the pending challenge that the applicants have made before this honorable court, the threat, to be forcibly remove the Shangaan community subsists and as such, applicants have approached this honourable court on an urgent basis, seeking an interdict, barring the respondents, or anyone acting through them to enforce SI 50 OF 2021 pending the determination of the constitutional challenge that has been mounted to the same.

The enforcement of this order, creates a reasonable apprehension of harm in any person, as the harm that the Shangaan people are fearful of is being placed into a state of homelessness, without any alternative to housing or shelter and forsaking all immovable structure they have developed in this community for years.

The land in question resonates with their religious and cultural beliefs, and banishing them from this land would have stripped them of their rights as provided for at law. The balance of convenience favors the granting of this application, as the applicants will be greatly prejudiced and permanently so, if the respondents are left to operationalise or enforce Statutory Instrument 50 of 2021, and yet, the constitutionality of the same has been challenged.

The applicants have no alternative remedy available for them as the first respondents decision has been made into law, save for challenging the same, and seeking that the regulations be set aside pending the determination of the constitutionality of the same, read Zelas urgent chamber application.

In the second application (case number 08/21) challenging SI 50 of 2021, as well as section 10(3)(d) of the Communal Land Act, MACRAD claims that Section 10(3)(d) of the Communal Land Act is constitutionally invalid as it violates section 74 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

It further seeks a declarator to the effect that Statutory Instrument 50 of 2021 is also unconstitutional as it infringes villagers rights not to be subjected to arbitrary evictions; right to dignity; right to religion and the right to procedurally and substantively fair administrative justice.

The first applicant alleges that SI 50 of 2021 read together with section 10(3)(d) of the Communal Land Act is unconstitutional as it infringes on the right not be subject to arbitrary eviction as provided for under section 74 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, right to administrative action that is fair and just as provided under section 68 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the right to dignity as provided by section 54, right to equal protection and benefit of the law.

The applicants argue that the Shangaan villagers have been affected by numerous evictions before when they paved way for sugarcane production in the Lowveld.

The two cases are yet to be set down for hearing. Newsday

But Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, above, the bodys crucial swing vote, is not yet satisfied. With no margin for error, every Democrat needs to support the bill for it to become law.

The Senate spent much of Friday working its way through a marathon session of rapid-fire votes. The vote-a-rama, as it is known, could stretch long past midnight, paving the way for a Senate vote to pass the stimulus plan as early as Saturday.

And time is of the essence. Unemployment benefits are set to begin lapsing next weekend.


Huntsville Hospital finished up its second mass coronavirus vaccination clinic. It administered about 9,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine this week.

Due to an increase in supply from the state, the hospital is giving about 2,500 new doses a week, starting Monday. One of the people getting his first dose said he's so excited because this is the first step to having a sense of normalcy.

Lets get back to our loved ones," said James Headrick. "I mean, I know thats my primary concern getting to visit them in long-term care facilities, hospital procedures, medical procedures, and so on. This is a step in that direction.

Headrick got the call on Thursday letting him know that his wait to get the coronavirus vaccine will soon be over. He's considered an essential worker and signed up on Huntsville Hospital's online portal back in January. He said he was unsure whether he was in phase 1B or 1C.

I asked them to double-check and make sure, is it my turn? because I just didnt want to take it from somebody that may have needed it more," said Headrick.

But, Headrick said the staff member gave him the green light, and he's very excited to get his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

He's not the only one excited. The hospital's Vice President of Operations, Tracy Doughty, said staff at the clinic get excited every time a new shipment arrives, no matter how big or small.

The staff's excited," Doughty said. "They love being out there. They feel theyre being part of history. Theyre part of the solution, part of the solution to the pandemic. Theyre part of the solution to getting back to normal, and just as important, theyre part of the solution to saving lives.

Doughty said they will gladly have another mass vaccination clinic if the state provides them the supply.

If Huntsville Hospital receives the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, it could increase the number of doses the vaccine clinic gives daily. Doughty said it's a waiting game right now. He said the hospital requested some of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine from the state, but how much we get here, ultimately depends on how much Alabama is allocated.

Doughty said they have a distribution plan in place in case they get to administer both the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines. They even have a plan if they only receive the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine to give out.

Doughty said no matter what, you should jump at the chance to get any coronavirus vaccine when you're eligible.

The vaccines are so scarce now and so many people want them, that well recommend to people that theres three available in the US: Johnson and Johnson, Moderna and Pfizer," said Doughty. "Whichever one you get the opportunity to get, take it. Take it, take it, take it. Let's not be picky. Theyve all been vetted by the FDA.

He said everyone at the John Hunt Park vaccine clinic remains thankful to be getting any coronavirus vaccine, regardless of which one it is.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Luv Kush Kumar of Gopalganj district court in Bihar sentenced death penalty to nine persons and life imprisonment to four women in poisonous liquor case on Friday.

Poisonous liquor case appeared in Khurjbani village on August 16, 2016 that had taken the lives of 19 persons and six others had lost their eyesight. The Nitish Kumar government had imposed liquor ban in Bihar in April 2016.

Gopalganj Police had registered FIRs against 14 persons in this case. The police said in the chargesheet that the accused have used methyl alcohol in the country made liquor. One person has been acquitted in this case.

Defence lawyer Ved Prakash Tiwari said: "The court has convicted 13 persons out of 14. Nine of them have been awarded death penalty while four have been sentenced life imprisonment. I will appeal in the High Court to challenge the judgement of lower court."

Priyanka Kumar, wife of one of the convicts named Rajesh Choudhary claimed that her husband has nothing to do with the poisonous liquor case and he has been falsely framed.
This week, millions of eyes around the world were focused on the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was expected to deliver guidelines on what additional social and economic liberties might be granted to Americans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

This week, millions of eyes around the world were focused on the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was expected to deliver guidelines on what additional social and economic liberties might be granted to Americans who have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

It was supposed to be a watershed moment in the global pandemic fight, as many viewed the CDC's guidelines as a possible blueprint for how all countries might manage restrictions as more people get access to the vaccines.

Unfortunately, it was not to be.

Word leaked midweek that the CDC had delayed the guidelines. Why the CDC balked is anyone's guess, but several plausible theories emerged.

Some believe the guidelines were stopped at a political level to avoid any sense U.S. President Joe Biden supported the decision by Texas and Mississippi to lift mandatory mask mandates as the number of vaccinated citizens grew. After describing those decisions as "Neanderthal" thinking, we can safely assume Biden does not support ending mandatory mask orders.

Others believe the CDC pumped the brakes because the science on vaccine efficacy and whether vaccinated or recovered people can still spread the virus is still evolving.

Whatever the reason, the CDC's hesitancy highlights our burning curiosity about what life will be like after we all get the jab, and what happens if we move too quickly to ease restrictions.

Politically, this is an issue fraught with danger, particularly in countries like the U.S. and Canada where state or provincial political leaders have the authority to defy federal public health advice. And, as we can see in places like Texas and Mississippi, political leaders are willing to make political decisions to end mask mandates even as the science is suggesting that we should keep our faces covered.

Indeed, while politicians are mulling a return to normal, scientists around the world are scrambling to determine whether a fully vaccinated person is still a threat to spread the novel coronavirus.

To this point in the pandemic, the gross majority of research has focused on how well the vaccine protects the person who gets it and when we might achieve some sort of vaccine-induced herd immunity; only now are researchers turning their attention to assessing the threat a vaccinated person may pose to someone who hasn't been vaccinated.

We know that if a vaccine is described as 90 per cent effective, it means that 90 per cent of the people who are immunized are unlikely to contract COVID-19. But that doesn't mean a vaccinated person cannot still serve as a carrier of the virus and transmit it to others. And researchers still do not have a definitive assessment of how long people who contracted COVID-19 and recovered will maintain their acquired immunity.

Indeed, while politicians are mulling a return to normal, scientists around the world are scrambling to determine whether a fully vaccinated person is still a threat to spread the novel coronavirus.

That is why the CDC and other national public health agencies are urging vaccinated people to continue wearing masks, both to protect the unvaccinated and to ensure that someone who has received an early iteration of vaccine does not succumb to a variant.

The scientific mystery that continues to shroud COVID-19 has, once again, created huge public policy challenges. At what point can we safely eliminate restrictions and how do we ensure that a partially vaccinated population doesn't inadvertently throw us back into a third or fourth wave of infections?

There aren't many countries that have vaccinated enough of their populations to even consider the widespread lifting of restrictions. However, in countries like Israel, the conflict between anticipation and public health is at full boil.

Israel secured its place as a vaccination leader when it struck a deal with Pfizer to trade detailed patient information for a robust supply of vaccine. In essence, Israel agreed to allow its citizens to participate in a nation-wide experiment to see if the Pfizer vaccine performed as well in real life as it had in earlier clinical trials.

The end result of that deal with Pfizer is that as of this week, 54 per cent of Israel's nine million people had received at least one shot; 40 per cent have received two doses. Progress like that means Israel is arguably the first country to face the prospect of easing restrictions for vaccinated people.

There is so much pent up demand for normalcy that the mere act of vaccination is enough to open a potential flood of risky behaviour before we have finished a more comprehensive risk assessment.

In mid-February, the Israeli government started issuing a "green pass" to anyone who had completed their course of vaccinations. Although occupancy limits and mandatory masks are still the order of the day, anyone with a pass would be allowed to partake in a broader range of social and economic activities, including access to gyms, indoor dining, movie theatres and music venues.

But here's the problem. As The Guardian newspaper reported in late February, many older people who have received a stamp in their green passes are already starting to show a tendency to stop wearing masks in crowded outdoor locations. And hotels are jammed with green-pass bearing guests who are pleasantly defiant about occupancy limits in cafes.

There is so much pent up demand for normalcy that the mere act of vaccination is enough to open a potential flood of risky behaviour before we have finished a more comprehensive risk assessment.

People often say that the "anticipation is killing me." Most of us know, however, that it's not the building anticipation of a return to normal that will kill us.

It's our inability to hold that anticipation in check that continues to present the greatest threat.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
One of Australia's most experienced travel writers has come up with a 'must visit' list of virtually unknown places he says are the perfect escapes.

Among the towns Bruce Elder recommends are scenic Denmark in Western Australia, historic Walhalla in Victoria and Strahan, an isolated town on the west coast of Tasmania.

He also recommends getting out to Silverton, population 50, on the edge of the desert - especially for people sick of the city - describing it as the 'quintessential Australian town'.

Whale Sharks watched by tourists off the coast in Ningaloo Reef, described by Mr Elder as better than the Great Barrier Reef

Walhalla, Victoria: A living monument, this 'masterpiece' of a town is a nearly perfectly preserved gold mining town from the 1850s and a place to 'mooch and savour'

Silverton, population 50, on the edge of the desert is the 'quintessential Australian town'

Robe, South Australia is an absolutely gorgeous coastal town, combining a dramatic rocky, windswept coastline with attractive and secluded beaches

'Broken Hill is probably the essence of Australia and a hop, step and a jump away is Silverton,' Mr Elder said.

'It's right on the edge of the desert and totally bizarre. When I went there I met an American bloke on a train who had worked for Al Gore and he wanted to escape George W. Bush after the election by going to the desert.'

'That's something you've really got to do at least once, get out to the Mundi Mundi Lookout and gaze at the vastness of the desert.'

Strahan, in Tasmania, is very different but 'an absolutely amazing place', he said.

'Seeing the convict ruins there and the Gordon River you can really imagine what life was like for convicts.'

Mr Elder visited 1,322 Australian towns over eight years for an epic national travel guide covering the A-Z of Australia - from Aberdeen, in New South Wales to Zeehan, in Tasmania.

AUSTRALIA'S HIDDEN GEMS 1. Denmark, Western Australia It's green, cool, has great fishing and has possibly the most beautiful beach in Australia nearby, Greens Pool natural rock swimming pool in William Bay National Park. 2. Walhalla, Victoria A living monument, this 'masterpiece' of a town is a nearly perfectly preserved gold mining town from the 1850s and a place to 'mooch and savour'. 3. Strahan, Tasmania You don't have to live somewhere to appreciate it. Situated on the west coast it is cold wet, one of the loneliest and most isolated places on the planet. 'It's unforgettable as an amazing reminder of what convicts had to put up with,' Mr Elder said. 4. Richmond, Queensland Our closest thing to Jurassic Park, this is the launch point for an amazing 332km dinosaur trail. Mr Elder says it's: 'a superb exploration of the world of dinosaurs which existed in the area between 100 and 90 million years ago. Each dinosaur experience is totally different.' The ocean at Exmouth, which makes Mr Elder's top 10 hidden gems list Arlthunga in the Northern Territory gives visitors an idea of how people lived in the gold rush 5. Exmouth, Western Australia It's no secret to the people of Western Australia, but remains under-rated by the rest of Australia and international tourists. 'The countryside around it is just gorgeous and the Ningaloo Reef is better than the Great Barrier Reef,' Mr Elder says. 6. Arltunga, Northern Territory One of those special places frozen in time, it's the harshest gold mining town in Australia, set right in the middle of the desert. 'It reveals to you the visitor the kind of life people led in the quest for gold.' 7. Robe, SA Mr Elder says it's an absolutely gorgeous coastal town, combining a dramatic rocky, windswept coastline with attractive and secluded beaches including the beautiful, 17 km long Long Beach. 'Nobody knows anything about it either.' Tumut makes the list of Mr Elder's top 10 hidden gems for its incredible autumn colours Silverton is the quintessential Australian outback town, Mr Elder says 8. Tumut Mr Elder admits he's biased as this is his home town, but 'in Autumn it is unbelievable, the colours are incredible, it's an exceptionally pretty country town. Nestled in a valley on the edge of the Snowy Mountains it is surrounded by rolling foothills. 9. Silverton, NSW It should be a ghost town, but instead it's a 'very very special place on the edge of the desert' and the home of Mad Max. Often home to a strange mix of tourists, artists and movie producers. 10. Georgetown, Queensland 'It boasts one of the finest attractions in Queensland - the Ted Elliott Mineral Collection at TerrEstrial. Even if you only have a limited interest in minerals, it is compelling.' Cobbold Gorge nearby is also amazing. 11. Mount Augustus, Western Australia 'Most Australians think that Uluru is the largest monolith on the continent but, in reality, Mount Augustus, a massive rock which can be seen from 70 km away, is significantly larger and more impressive.' Advertisement

He avoided our biggest cities - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth - but did write about their outskirts - including Campbelltown, Kurnell, Fremantle, Yarra Valley the Dandenongs.

He also wrote up big regional towns, like Surfer's Paradise, Darwin, Geelong, Newcastle, Wollongong, Townsville.

But Mr Elder's purpose was to write about towns we - and the world - don't know much about.

And he may be the first to write about basically unknown spots such as Wyalkatchem, Western Australia; Yankalilla, South Australia; Serviceton in Victoria, Ti Tree in the Northern Territory and Quilpie, Queensland.

And after stopping in a thousand local pubs he's established what our national dish should be.

Bruce Elder spent nearly eight years - without taking a day off - criss-crossing the country researching and photographing towns to produce a website for tourists who want to see 'the real Australia'.

'I doubt there is a single country pub or restaurant that doesn't serve chicken parmy. It should really be our national dish,' Mr Elder said.

After researching 1322 Australian towns for eight years, Bruce Elder believes the reliable chicken parmigiana should be Australia's national dish

Aussie outback pub humour: the relabelled bottles at the Belalie pub near Enngonia, NSW

Mr Elder visited 'the Big Mandarin' at Mundubbera, Queensland

At most of those towns he still found chicken parmies and an unmistakable dry Aussie sense of humour.

At Quilpie, Mr Elder says he was the victim of a prank between friends when one dobbed in his unsuspecting mate.

''The guy in the Quilpie pub said 'geez mate, it's your lucky day, Fred over there is the expert on Quilpy. Tell Fred you've come from Sydney and that I said he was the expert on Quilpie'.'

It was a wind-up.

'But I did find something truly amazing in Quilpie,' Mr Elder said.

'The altar in the catholic church is made entirely out of 'thunder eggs', which are rocks that when you crack them open they reveal beautiful opals inside.'

About the town of Woodenbong, Mr Elder wrote 'No one is sure what Woodenbong means', but he speculates it could mean 'lagoon' in the local Bundjalung language or 'Nguthunbung', which means ancestral being.

Mr Elder is an Australia Day ambassador which comes with an invitation from the Australia Day Council to visit a different town each year. This year it was Balranald, NSW, just over the Great Dividing Range near Mildura.

Mount Augustus, WA, is massive rock which can be seen from 70 km away, is significantly larger and more impressive than Uluru

The half-timbered faux Tudor Moran's Federal Hotel, at Nimmitabel, was built in the 1890s

'I had a Chinese meal in local bowlo and I saw lots of good people win awards on Australia day - those are the things that make Australia special,' he said.

Mr Elder even wrote a listing for Wilcannia, a town notorious as one of the most dangerous in NSW.

'There has long been a perception, fuelled by newspaper reports and images of groups of Aborigines standing around outside the pubs in the main street, that the town is a hotbed of violence, dysfunctional behaviour and 'problems', he wrote.

'It is very common to hear locals advising visitors not to stop in Wilcannia because it is a dangerous town.'

'This assessment is simply not true,' he wrote. 'Sadly very few travellers get out of their cars, have a look around this genuinely fascinating historic port town and talk to the Aboriginal locals, who are, almost without exception, very friendly and only too happy to chat.'

In all Mr Elder went to every state and territory, took 60,000 photos and wrote more than two million words - enough for 33 novels.

Mr Elder wrote: 'Walhalla is a masterpiece - a beautifully maintained and lovingly restored historic goldmining town perfectly located in a narrow valley'

Cobbold Gorge, 92 km south of Georgetown, Queensland, was created 135 million years ago

Although he visited over a thousands towns - took 60,000 photos and wrote over two million words - a few still stood out.

On Mount Augustus, Western Australia, he says: 'Most Australians think that Uluru is the largest monolith on the continent but, in reality, Mount Augustus, a massive rock which can be seen from 70 km away, is significantly larger and more impressive.'

Any places that didn't feel like Australia?

'The most obvious was Hahndorf in South Australia, where everyone eats scnhitzel and sausages and every building looks like you stepped straight out of Germany.

'Of course before Covid it was full of German tourists.'

Did he notice anything that unites Australians apart from chicken parmies?

'For the most part, Australians are happy enough to wear a mask to help fight Covid. No matter where I went people seemed to have the attitude, 'OK, if I have to wear a mask, I'll wear a mask. No worries, I'll do it.'
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Communities and individuals in Laois are being invited to apply to the fund which can be used to protect historical monuments, buildings and structures in their areas.

Laois County Council has announced that the 2021 Community Monuments Fund which will invest 2 million in the protection and promotion of archaeological heritage during 2021 around Ireland. The 2 million allocation is an increase of 75% on last years funding.



The grants available under the Community Monuments Fund will help custodians and owners of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of local communities and the visiting public. In addition, they will provide support for heritage professions and job opportunities in building conservation and other traditional skills.



Catherine Casey is the Heritage Officer with Laois County Council.

Laois County Council is delighted to be working with the National Monuments Service again this year on the Community Monuments Fund. Last year essential conservation work was carried out at Killabban Church under the scheme, and Conservation Plans for medieval churches at Kilmanman and Dysart Gallen were commissioned and the graveyard at Old Lea recorded. None of this vital work would have been possible without the CMF Funding, she said.



Applications by private owners or community groups for funding under the CMF must be made to Laois County Council by April 12.

More details and application forms are available at https://laois.ie/departments/heritage/. Please contact the Heritage Officer with any queries, email heritage@laoiscoco.ie.

ABOUT THE FUND

The fund was first established as part of the 2020 July Jobs Stimulus introduced in response to the Covid emergency. In 2020, some 71 heritage projects were funded to the value of 1.15 million. It is anticipated that that the 2021 programme being run by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritages National Monuments Service will support more than 120 projects across the country.



The core aims of the Community Monuments Fund are the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments. Funding is available for:

conservation works to monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support,

works to improve access to and presentation of monuments, and

building resilience into monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change.

Funding is available in three streams.

Stream 1 for essential repairs and conservation works at archaeological monuments.

Stream 2 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports to identify necessary conservation measures and any issues requiring future attention.

Stream 1 for essential repairs and conservation works at archaeological monuments. Stream 2 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports to identify necessary conservation measures and any issues requiring future attention. Stream 3 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation at archaeological monuments, including development of online interpretative material.



Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage Malcolm Noonan TD said: We have a responsibility towards our heritage and to those who care for it. When we established the Community Monuments Fund in 2020, we did so with the objective of supporting the heritage sector and providing an effective way of assisting Local Authorities and custodians in protecting Irelands remarkable yet vulnerable archaeological heritage.



With the excellent partnership between Local Authorities and our National Monuments Service, the 2020 Fund supported an extraordinary level of community engagement and public participation in heritage. It provided traditional skills opportunities and strengthened the role of heritage in communities across the country, highlighting the role of heritage in providing a strong sense of place and well-being. We are very pleased to be able to grow the fund significantly this year and hope to support over 120 projects which will provide a local economic boost with thousands of hours of employment for stone masons, conservation architects, archaeologists and others, in sustainable job opportunities in the care of our heritage.






Stacker rounded up the top 50 schools on the West Coast, based on Niche's 2021 Best Colleges in America list (updated February 2021). These institutions are in Oregon, Washington, and California.

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Beirut, March 6 : The US embassy in Lebanon has denied media reports about Washington's intention to impose sanctions on Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh.

"We have seen reports about possible sanctions on Riad Salameh. They are untrue," Xinhua news agency quoted embassy spokesperson Casey Bonfield as saying in a statement issued on Friday.

The development came a day after a Bloomberg News report said that the US was considering sanctions against Salameh as part of an investigation into alleged embezzlement of public funds.

In a statement also released on Friday, the Central Bank said the Salameh will file a series of lawsuits inside and outside Lebanon against Bloomberg News and "all those who stand behind them over crimes of fabricating news, insulting and attempting to discredit the Governor".

Earlier this year, Salameh was accused of having transferred millions of dollars abroad along with his brother and an assistant.

Lebanese Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najm received a request from Swiss judicial authorities to cooperate on an inquiry into money transfers by Salameh.

The Governor has rejected these accusations.

The Central Bank has come under heavy criticism due to a shortage in US dollars given the economic slowdown and the drop in cash injections from Lebanese abroad, reducing its foreign currency reserves.
Britain plans to lead a major drive to create a global trade agreement for selling services around the world in a move that could add billions to the UK economy.

Senior Ministers and City lobby groups have held private talks in recent weeks about spearheading a plan to open up global markets so that countries including Britain can export services such as banking, insurance and legal advice to fast-growing economies.

An agreement could open up Africa, Asia and the Middle East to City firms and other British companies that sell world-leading services.

A new dawn?: Senior Ministers and City lobby groups have held private talks in recent weeks about spearheading a plan to open up global markets

Advisers close to the Government said the move to press for an agreement had been made possible by Brexit. They said leaving the EU had unshackled Britain from countries with other priorities.

This was clearing the way for UK representatives to launch negotiations later this year at the World Trade Organization.

About 80 per cent of Britain's economy is based on services  ranging from music, theatre, education and healthcare to investment banking and auditing  while many countries in the EU are much more reliant on trading goods. About 50 per cent of UK exports are service-based.

Barney Reynolds, a City lawyer at Shearman & Sterling, said: 'The UK will be at the forefront of pushing for a global agreement because we are free traders and we're very strong on services. It's not a pipe dream.'

Former Minister Dr Liam Fox said: 'As International Trade Secretary and the UK's nominee for WTO Director-General, I championed the cause of the liberalisation of global services as the big prize from Brexit. We need to lift our horizons and lead an international effort to remove tariffs and legal barriers and agree global standards.'

Negotiating through the WTO  which brings together 164 countries  could mean agreeing with nations from the US to Japan and China to open markets for trading services.

Finance experts said such a deal would deliver a huge boost to UK companies that operate internationally.

One expert involved in the talks said: 'Rolls-Royce sells jet engines, but a lot of the value in that export comes from the services contracts attached to the jet engine  the maintenance contract and the engineers that would come over and service them.'

The talks come as time runs short for the UK to strike an agreement with the EU by the end of March as the precursor to a full financial services deal.

Hopes that the EU will agree a deal for London-based banks and the City to freely sell across the Channel are fading amid concern that Brussels is attempting a land-grab on this crucial part of the UK economy.

Mel Stride, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, said: 'Where I sense we are moving is to look more to multilateral and international arrangements [on financial services]  basically to be more outward facing, rather than in the EU's orbit.'

David Collins, a professor of international economic law at City University, said: 'If an agreement were there, it could open up overseas markets to British financial services which would be worth billions of pounds.'

He said an agreement could create a 'common set of standards' and a recognition of professional qualifications.

'Services are not geographically dependent like goods so New Zealand, for example, could suddenly become a market for services because you could do transactions there instantly.'

Ministers and lobby groups are understood to be keen to sell to rapidly growing economies including India and those in Africa.

Collins said: 'Nigeria's population will be bigger than the US population in ten years. Africa has been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology. It was the first place you could pay for things on your phone.'

But experts warned that progress on WTO talks could be slow. Britain is forging ahead with one-on-one talks with other nations at the same time.

Catherine McGuinness, policy chairwoman of the City of London Corporation, has been taking part in talks with the US which have focused on agreeing a 'green deal' for financial services.

A source said the meetings could make it easier for British asset managers to sell funds to the US if it can be shown they have a high score on climate change, for example.

McGuinness said: 'We're seeing real momentum behind green finance with firms on both sides of the Atlantic realising the huge opportunities to work together.'
Senate Democrats announced an agreement on unemployment benefits on Friday evening after opposing plans stalled President Joe Biden's coronavirus stimulus bill. The House version of the American Rescue Act included $400 in extra weekly payment to unemployed people until August.

Senate Democrats cut unemployment benefits to $300 a week

Senator Rob Portman of Ohio, a Republican, responded with an offer of $300 payments until July 18. Senator Tom Carper of Delaware, a Democrat, proposed a smaller $300 payout to extend the deadline until the end of September.

Since he originally supported Portman's proposal, West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin was blamed for the delay. According to the Associated Press, Manchin revealed the compromise with a Democratic aide. The latest proposal is somewhat close to Carper's, but the payments will end on September 6. The proposed plan also features a clause from Carper's proposal that prevents taxation on up to $10,200 in extended unemployment benefits beginning in 2020.

"We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with an unexpected tax bill next year," said Manchin.

Read also: Wonder If You Are Old Enough to Receive Stimulus Check? These Rules Could Change the Payments

Biden approves the stimulus bill compromise

As per the White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, President Joe Biden favored the compromise agreement and is grateful to the Senators who worked hard to reach a deal. In a statement that Newsweek obtained, Psaki said, "The bill extends supplemental unemployment benefits into September, and helps the vast majority of unemployment insurance recipients avoid unanticipated tax bills."

According to The Hill, the Senate would vote on both the latest Democratic proposal and Portman's version of the amendment. Even if all Republican senators vote in favor of the Portman amendment, it is expected to fail without Manchin's vote. When the Senate is divided 50-50, Vice President Kamala Harris usually votes to break the tie. Sen. Dan Sullivan of Alaska, a Republican, had to leave the session early to attend his father-in-law's funeral. Democrats have a 50-49 vote without Sullivan.

Read also: Fewer Americans to Receive $1,400 Stimulus Checks: Biden, Democrats Approve to Limit Eligibility

Manchin's refusal to vote delayed the process

The Associated Press reported that Manchin's refusal to vote for the bill's original version delayed voting in the Senate for nine hours. Other plans will now be voted on again, thanks to the new compromise.

Senator Bernie Sanders used this mechanism on Friday to propose a $15-an-hour minimum wage. This effort failed when seven Democrats voted against the amendment across party lines. The minimum wage increase was first included in the American Rescue Act. However, Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled that it did not meet the budget reconciliation process's criteria.

A stimulus bill will be approved by a simple majority using this procedure, but provisions contrary to the budget cannot be included. At the earliest, the vote-o-rama is expected to last until early Saturday morning. The date of the final vote is reportedly uncertain. The final kit will then be sent back to the House for approval.

Read also: Stimulus Checks: Between the Payments in Each Round, Here Is a Major Difference You Should Not Miss

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Friday has rolled around once more - here's your guide to the best movies on TV this weekend.

Friday

Cardboard Gangsters (2017) - Virgin Media One @9.30pm

A gang of lads selling drugs in Darndale in Dublin's Northside sets out to gain more money and power and enter the big leagues of the narcotics trade. Things begin to unravel quickly as not everyone in the area is willing to let them achieve the notoriety they crave without a fight. Thriller, starring John Connors and Fionn Walton,

Arrival (2016) - Film 4 @9pm

The world is thrown into uproar when 12 alien spaceships arrive at locations around the globe. As tensions rise between nations and fear of the arrivals grows, a recently bereaved linguist is recruited by the US army to find a way to communicate with the aliens and discover why they have come. Sci-fi drama, starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker.

The Graduate (1967) - True Movies @9pm

A naive college graduate, hailed as a genius by his overbearing parents, is seduced by the middle-aged wife of his father's business partner - but later falls in love with her daughter. Oscar-winning comedy drama, starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft and Katharine Ross, with a soundtrack by Simon and Garfunkel.

Saturday

Margin Call (2011) - BBC One NI @11.20pm

A bitter executive is dismissed from an investment bank, but plans his revenge by handing secret information on the company's fortunes to a junior analyst. When the information is decoded, it reveals that the company is on the brink of a devastating financial crisis, a revelation that is soon spreading throughout the workforce. Drama, starring Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany and Jeremy Irons.

Atomic Blonde (2017) - Film 4 @9pm

MI6 operative Lorraine Broughton is sent to Berlin before the fall of the wall to investigate the murder of a fellow spy and recover a missing list of double agents. The city is in a dangerously unstable state, and she finds herself targetted by multiple factions plotting to exploit the uncertain future for their own ruthless ends. Thriller, starring Charlize Theron, James McAvoy and John Goodman.

Eddie the Eagle (2016) - E4 @6.55pm

Biopic of British sporting underdog Eddie Edwards. Determined to fulfil his dreams of becoming an Olympic athlete, Edwards trains as a ski jumper - a field in which Britain had no other competitors. He secures a place in the 1988 Winter Olympics, where his can-do attitude makes him a media sensation in the face of a losing streak. Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman and Christopher Walken.

Sunday

Unforgiven (1992) - RTE 2 @9pm

Two notorious gunslingers come out of retirement to help a young assassin collect the $1,000 bounty on the heads of a pair of cowboys who attacked and mutilated a prostitute in the backwoods town of Big Whiskey. The local sheriff, however, has no intention of letting the pair impinge on his own authority. Oscar-winning Western, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood, with Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, Jaimz Woolvett and Richard Harris.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017) - Film 4 @9pm

Grieving mother Mildred Hayes has suffered an unimaginable personal loss, and hatches an idea that drags the residents of Ebbing, Missouri into a maelstrom of revenge. She pressures Sheriff Bill Willoughby and his forces into continuing the investigation into her daughter's murder. It becomes an obsession that has dramatic repercussions for all of the locals. Martin McDonagh's Bafta and Oscar-winning crime drama, starring Frances McDormand, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson.

Stir Crazy (1980) - True Movies @9pm

Two unemployed New Yorkers travel to California in search of fame and fortune. Instead, the hapless duo end up clocking on for a 125-year stint in jail for a bank robbery they did not commit - until a prison rodeo presents them with the chance to make a daring escape. Comedy directed by Sidney Poitier, starring Richard Pryor, Gene Wilder, JoBeth Williams, Craig T Nelson and Georg Stanford Brown.

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Katniss Everdeen is brought to a secretive underground society following the destruction of the televised deathmatch. She becomes the figurehead of a revolution against the despotic Panem regime, while her friend Peeta remains a captive of its tyrannical president. Part one of the two-part conclusion to the sci-fi adventure series, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Julianne Moore and Donald Sutherland.
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Hundreds of anti-lockdown protesters clashed with police in Stockholm on Saturday as they took to the streets in defiance of Sweden's coronavirus ban on gatherings.

Swedish police dispersed opponents of coronavirus measures that came after the government - which initially took a hands-off approach to Covid-19 rules - tightened restrictions further as cases continue to rise.

The tighter measures come after Sweden this week reported a ten percent rise in the number of Covid-19 cases for a third week in a row, increasing fears that the country is in its third wave of the virus.

Police blocked a bridge in the centre of the city and said on their website they were in dialogue with organisers to persuade demonstrators to disperse. TV images showed police shoving some protesters, while the police said one officer had been slightly injured and taken to hospital.

Swedish police on Saturday started to disperse hundreds of opponents of coronavirus restrictions who staged a protest in the capital Stockholm (pictured)

The demonstration was organised in defiance of Sweden's ban on large gatherings, which has been introduced after the country reported a ten percent rise in coronavirus cases for a third week in a row. Pictured: Protesters in Stockholm, March 6

TV images showed police shoving some protesters, while the police said one officer had been slightly injured and taken to hospital

Pictured: A man in Stockholm holds a sign calling for politicians to be jailed. A number of new restrictions were put in place on Monday to help curb the potential third wave

'Police have taken the decision to break up the non- authorised gathering which is ongoing,' Stockholm police said on their website on Saturday.

Earlier this week, protest organiser Filip Sjostrom told local media that he was expecting around 2,000 people to join the demonstration, which had been announced on Facebook.

TV images showed hundreds of people had gathered. According to Swedish daily Dagens Nyheter, demonstrators had travelled from several parts of Sweden, which has a ban on public gatherings of more than eight people.

Sweden, which has 10 million inhabitants, registered 4,831 new coronavirus cases on Friday, and 26 new deaths, taking the death toll to 13,003.

The deaths registered have occurred over several days and sometimes weeks.

Sweden's death rate per capita is many times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours' but lower than in several European countries that opted for lockdowns.

It was announced on Monday that the number of new Covid-19 cases being reported in Sweden has rose by ten per cent for the third week in a row - with intensive care units beginning to strain. Pictured: Someone holds a sign that reads 'media is the virus', alongside another anti-vaccination placcard

Pictured: The number of new Covid-19 cases being reported in Sweden has rose by ten per cent for the third week in a row - with intensive care units beginning to strain

Pictured: A man is taken away by police from a demonstration in Stockholm as people protest against coronavirus restrictions

Earlier this week, protest organiser Filip Sjostrom told local media that he was expecting around 2,000 people to join the demonstration, which had been announced on Facebook

The government said last month that it would cut opening hours for restaurants, bars and cafes and tighten limits on the number of people allowed in shops, in a bid to ward off a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The centre-left government has gradually tightened restrictions since late last year after initially keeping most schools, restaurants and businesses open, relying primarily on voluntary measures.

Sweden's Public Health Agency warned on Monday the country is heading for a third coronavirus wave, with greater restrictions possibly being needed to slow the spread of the virus.

A woman walks along a nearly deserted popular walking trail in central Stockholm on March 1, 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden

The government said last month that it would cut opening hours for restaurants, bars and cafes and tighten limits on the number of people allowed in shops, in a bid to ward off a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. People eat in a food court after the government called for the public to avoid crowds on March 1, Stockholm

The centre-left government has gradually tightened restrictions since late last year after initially keeping most schools, restaurants and businesses open, relying primarily on voluntary measures

The number of new Covid-19 cases being reported in Sweden has rose by ten per cent for the third week in a row - with intensive care units beginning to strain.

A number of new restrictions were put in place on Monday to help curb the potential third wave, including limited opening hours for shops and restaurants; the number of people allowed in shops and gyms were slashed and a maximum of eight people are allowed to meet at one time.

Despite this, in a press release, epidemiologist Anders Tegnell said that a third wave is imminent in Sweden if the current restrictions are not followed, Aftonbladet reports.

Sweden, which has 10 million inhabitants, registered 4,831 new coronavirus cases on Friday, and 26 new deaths, taking the death toll to 13,003. Pictured: Graphs showing the average number of new coronavirus cases and deaths over seven days

In a press release earlier this week, epidemiologist Anders Tegnell (pictured) said that a third wave is imminent in Sweden if the current restrictions are not followed

What restrictions were put in place in Sweden on Monday? Opening times reduced - The opening hours for restaurants, pubs and cafes around Sweden have been slashed in response to the increase in coronavirus cases. Previously establishments had to stop serving alcohol at 8pm and new rules mean that they will have to fully close at 8.30pm. Despite the new opening hours, establishments serving food can still send out deliveries. Visitors in restaurants - Only one visitor from a party may enter a restaurant that forms part of a trading place. This rule does not apply where a restaurant can be reached from a different entrance. Fewer numbers in gyms and shops - The number of people entering gyms, shops and malls will also be reduced. The Swedish Public Health Agency has been under increasing pressure to manage these numbers at local levels. People wishing to go out shopping Sweden are encouraged to head out on their own, unless caring for children. Public transport to run half-full - Where a journey on a train exceeds 150Km, providers have been told to only operate at half-capacity. Anybody using public transport must wear a mouth covering when a seat is not offered. Advertisement

This was echoed by Sweden's Public Health Agency (PHA), which warned that even tougher restrictions could be necessary if people do not follow the rules.

Sweden's death rate per capita is many times higher than that of its Nordic neighbours' but lower than in several European countries that opted for lockdowns.

In preparation for the third wave, Sweden's PHA has created three possible scenarios for the spread of Covid-19 until May 2021, labelled zero, one and two.

In scenario zero, it is assumed that the contacts remain at the same low level as during Christmas and New Year.

In scenario one, the contacts correspond to the level during the autumn of 2020, while in scenario two, the increase in contacts is faster than in the autumn.

'The first scenario is a bit overplayed already. It was assumed that we would hold back our contacts even more,' Anders Tegnell said.

'We do not seem to be there. It looks like we are really on our way to a third wave.'

With Sweden already heading towards scenarios one and two, more restrictions are likely to be enforced, though Tegnell said Monday he was unable to outline where new measures would be implemented.

Instead he suggested that any new restrictions would be in response to relevant areas in which a large spread of Covid-19 occurs.

However, one measure which has been proposed, is to set a maximum limit on the number of people admitted into shopping malls and department stores to just 500.

Speaking on the impact that vaccinations could have on the spread of coronavirus, Tegnell said that it will have little effect on the spread of the virus but would help keep the number of hospitalisations down.

On Friday, Swden gave the green-light for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine to be given to people over the age of 65.

'There are now three studies conducted in Britain on the AstraZeneca vaccine which show it is as effective as other vaccines that have been approved and works for people even over the age of 80,'  the Public Health Agency said in a statement.
After receiving my first COVID-19 shot Tuesday, I was sitting in the observation room with other first-timers. Two women were talking about their jobs at H-E-B when one asked, Did you hear about the big announcement the governors going to make today?

No. About what?

I think hes lifting the mask mandate.

The other woman pondered that before saying, I dont think now is a good time for that.

That answer alone makes her a better choice for governor than Greg Abbott, who, within a couple of hours would not only lift the mask mandate, effective Wednesday, but also say, It is time to open Texas 100 percent.

If coronavirus were a country, wed have reason to wonder if Abbott had been compromised into aiding and abetting it with as reckless, irresponsible, idiotic, shameless, negligent, selfish, cynical and life-threatening decision ever made by a Texas governor.

Nothing screams My political interests are more important than the publics health louder than ignoring the advice of national, state and local health officials, the White House, and mayors and county judges by pursuing actions that spread COVID-19.

Three of Abbotts four medical advisers on the Department of State Health Services werent consulted by the governor before he made his announcement. The one medical adviser he did talk to is the one who agrees with the governors decision.

With COVID-19 numbers down in Texas and multiple vaccines more readily available, were close to the place we want to be. But leaving that route will take us on a lengthy and deadly detour.

Abbotts lack of leadership during the pandemic has been defined by three characteristics: a consistent delay in responding to the virus; prematurely ending his executive orders that were slowing COVID-19s spread; and blaming others when his poor decisions spiked infections across the state.

Mayors and county judges got ahead of Abbott in making masks mandatory in their municipalities only to see him supersede their authority. Last May, he reopened Texas despite the state failing to reach three key benchmarks. When COVID predictably spread, Abbott blamed it on young people not wearing masks, something he wouldnt make mandatory until the next month.

Now, less than a month after being literally and metaphorically powerless to bring light, heat and running water to wide swaths of his constituents, Abbott is using the power of his office to make COVID-19 more accessible to those same constituents.

Preceding his announcement, he tweeted out the tease: Get ready. Big announcement in 15 minutes.

At a Mexican restaurant in Lubbock, before cheering unmasked business leaders and elected officials, he made his big announcement. There was no reporting on whether Abbott or his unmasked cheerleaders left the wait staff with tips big enough to cover their wages should they get sick, but a giddy Abbott boasted on Twitter, I just announced Texas is OPEN 100%. EVERYTHING. I also ended the statewide mask mandates.

Abbott declared a state to be 100 percent open when nearly 100 percent of its residents  about 93 percent  had yet to be fully vaccinated.

Remember his tweet in two or three weeks.

Abbott is saying to rip off the masks, fill up the restaurants, pack the movie theaters, and body-roll through Spring Break and St. Patricks Day.

No doubt Abbott would have prematurely declared victory in a war we had yet to win. But its hard to believe it happened so soon after the humiliation and disgrace he and others invited by leaving millions of Texans unprotected from power outages during the winter storm.

The enduring image of Abbott last month was his lie blaming the outages on renewable energy.

Informing his announcement to open an unmasked Texas 100 percent wasnt the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but likely the 2024 presidential candidate he may see each time he looks in the mirror. Its the same candidate who told him to lie about the power outage.

This is his play to the anti-mask brigade who believe freedoms just another word for nothin but someone elses life left to lose  the No one is more put upon than I patriots who pretend theyre the only ones whove had to sacrifice this past year.

All of us want to go back, unmasked, to our lives, doing the things we did, seeing and holding the people weve missed.

Because we want to return to those lives while protecting each other is why many of us will continue to mask up, socially distance and avoid large crowds.

Gov. I just announced Texas is OPEN 100% can listen to his conscience.

cary.clack@express-news.net
The Atlantic Council recently released The Longer Telegram, a China strategy proposal written by an anonymous former U.S. national security official consciously emulating the 1947 article The Sources of Soviet Conduct, which appeared in Foreign Affairs under the pseudonym X (later revealed as the State Departments Director of Policy Planning George F. Kennan) and advocated for the policy of containment. A year before The Sources of Soviet Conduct appeared, Kennan had written a 5000-word telegram from Moscow (which was known thereafter as The Long Telegram) warning Washington about the emerging Soviet threat to the global balance of power.

The Atlantic Council paper made headlines throughout the world. It presents China's economic, military and political challenges to U.S. global interests in stark terms. It analyzes China's strengths and potential vulnerabilities. It discusses China's internal political dynamics and suggests that the United States can favorably influence Chinas internal political evolution. The paper also defines core U.S. global interests and contends that U.S. long-term strategy must be based on four fundamental pillars of American power: military, economic, technological, and values. It emphasizes the importance of alliances to counter both regional and global threats and calls for a U.S. "rebalance" in its relationship with Russia. It identifies areas of strategic competition and strategic cooperation between the U.S. and China. It concludes with a call for the current generation of Americans to be a worthy successor to the greatest generation who defeated tyranny to preserve not just the nation, but the world.

Less publicly heralded but more focused and persuasive is the recently released study of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments entitled Seizing On Weakness: Allied Strategy for Competing With Chinas Globalizing Military. Written by Toshi Yoshihara and Jack Bianchi, the study is less concerned than "The Longer Telegram" is with "soft power" and instead highlights Chinas strategic and geopolitical weaknesses that U.S. strategy should seek to exploit.

Yoshihara and Bianchi state at the outset that the key factor of 21st century geopolitics is that China is becoming a global, as opposed to just a regional, military power. Chinas growing maritime strategic reach and its Eurasian-based Belt and Road Initiative must be countered, they write, by strategies based on a sound and balanced assessment of Chinese power, including its strengths and weaknesses.

Yoshihara and Bianchi have mined Chinese open sources to explain the Chinese Communist Partys conception of national power and its strategic goals. Chinese strategists use the phrase comprehensive national power to measure all implements of statecraft, ranging from military strength to cultural attractiveness. And President Xi Jinping has not been shy about promoting the strategic goal of replacing the United States as the organizer of the world order.

The authors explain that American foreign policy toward China must aim at forestalling Chinas attempt to translate Eurasian land power into global sea power. This is Classical Geopolitics 101. The study quotes Carnes Lords observation that if Beijing were to achieve greatness at sea, 'it would be a remarkable, if not singular event in the history of the last two millennia. Yoshihara and Bianchi do not recommend a passive doctrine of containment. This is not the time to underestimate China or to downplay the challenges the PLA will likely pose across the worlds oceans, they write. The United States and its allies must not take comfort in Chinas weaknesses. Waiting or wishing for Beijing to fail is not an option. Chinese weaknesses, they write, must be exploited and soon because weaknesses are not static and China over time may overcome or neutralize its weaknesses, or even convert them into strengths.

What are those weaknesses? First, there is Chinas looming demographic crisis, an aging population and a declining working-age population. This will cause fiscal pressures that can lead to domestic political unrest. Chinese leaders recognize this weakness and have taken steps (such as ending the one-child policy) to alleviate the demographic time bomb.

A second China weakness is geostrategic: China is confronted by potential continental adversaries, such as India, Vietnam, South Korea, and Russia, and its long sea coast is geographically hemmed-in by island chains. Chinese strategists view China as a "composite land-sea power," and its Belt and Road Initiative aims to strengthen both its land and sea components of power, which could lead to overstretching or exhaustion over time. The authors quote two prominent Chinese analysts who recognize that Chinas geography has imposed an unavoidable constraint on the simultaneous development of landpower and seapower, yet they also write that China cannot neglect either seapower or landpower. Both fists must be hard.

Here, too, China has made diplomatic and military moves to convert this weakness into a geostrategic strength. In the realm of sea power, China has invested heavily in a blue water navy, developed ports in strategic Indo-Pacific locations, and used intimidation to extend its reach in the South China Sea. On land, Chinas diplomacy has strengthened ties with Russia to form a 21st-century version of the old Sino-Soviet bloc.

China also continues to experience weaknesses in its power projection capabilities. The authors explain that global power projection depends on forces and bases. China is working to strengthen both components, but it remains well behind the United States in global power projection capabilities. And China will inevitably face its own version of the so-called Lippmann Gapthe limits imposed on commitments by insufficient resources.

Yoshihara and Bianchi urge the United States and its allies to develop long-term strategies that target Chines vulnerabilities. Such strategies should include raising Chinas costs of empire just as the U.S. and its allies did to the Soviet Union in the 1980s; strengthening U.S. Eurasian alliances and exploiting potential Sino-Russian tensions; countering Beijings diplomatic forays throughout Eurasia and Africa; bolstering U.S. naval power along the island chains off Chinas coast; and exploiting Chinas social, economic, and technological weaknesses.

The strategic goal set forth in Seizing On Weakness is to prevent the geopolitical nightmare envisioned by the great British geopolitical theorist Halford Mackinder in his 1904 paper The Geographical Pivot of History and his 1919 book Democratic Ideals and Reality. Historically, China today presents the same challenge Napoleonic France posed to Great Britain early in the 19th century and that Wilhelmine Germany, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union posed to Britain and the United States in the 20th century. And in the long run, maintaining naval supremacy is the key to victory in this new Cold War. To paraphrase Alfred Thayer Mahan, it is those far distant storm-beaten American and allied warships that stand between China and the dominion of the world.

Francis P. Sempa is the author of Geopolitics: From the Cold War to the 21stCentury, Americas Global Role: Essays and Reviews on National Security, Geopolitics and War, and Somewhere in France, Somewhere in Germany: A Combat Soldiers Journey through the Second World War. He has written lengthy introductions to two of Mahans books, and has written on historical and foreign policy topics for The Diplomat, the University Bookman, Joint Force Quarterly, the Asian Review of Books, the New York Journal of Books, the Claremont Review of Books, American Diplomacy, the Washington Times, and other publications. He is an attorney, an adjunct professor of political science at Wilkes University, and a contributing editor to American Diplomacy.

References:

https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/content-series/atlantic-council-strategy-paper-series/the-longer-telegram/

https://csbaonline.org/research/publications/seizing-on-weakness-allied-strategy-for-competing-with-chinas-globalizing-military/publication/1
Suzy Lamplugh would be 60 this year. Its hard to get your head around that, because in everyones mind the young estate agent is exactly that: young. She was 25 when she disappeared in July 1986.

We still dont know what happened to her, although the bare facts are etched on the national psyche.

She left her office in Fulham, supposedly to show a client  the mysterious Mr Kipper  around a property. She has never been seen again, and the crime (Suzy was officially declared dead in 1994, presumed murdered) remains unsolved.

A new two-part Sky series investigates the disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh (pictured) who was just 25 when she went missing

One of the affecting things about The Mystery Of Suzy Lamplugh, a new documentary on Sky that pieces together the story of her disappearance, is seeing footage of the time  her family at heart-rending press conferences, the busy police incident room  juxtaposed with up-to-date interviews.

Those who are still with us (Suzys parents are not) have had the luxury of growing older.

Suzys sisters, Lizzie and Tamsin, have never been ones for the limelight, but her brother Richard is in the two-part series, revealing the last images ever taken of him with all his sisters.

Weve never been able to grieve, he says, in the gentle and dignified manner that has characterised his familys response.

You want to stay positive. You dont want to mourn her loss because you dont want to betray her.

His mother Diana, who died in 2011, devoted the latter part of her life to campaigning for lessons to be learned. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which offers advice about personal safety, is still going.

But in the early days, Diana tried to be involved in the search, taking to the streets where she was last seen, even carrying cash (to elicit information) and a gun. It was, says Richard, a rusty old thing that had belonged to his grandfather. I dont think we even had bullets.

Pictured: The Lamplughs in 1978  (l-r) Tamsin, Lizzie, Suzy, Richard, mum Diana and dad Paul

Serial sex offender John Cannan (pictured) who was released from prison just days before Suzy disappeared, was publicly linked to her case

To a younger audience, the story of Suzy Lamplugh may seem hard to understand. I dont think itd happen today, says Jim Dickie, the former detective superintendent who led the reinvestigation from 2000 and is still emotionally invested.

A young woman like Suzy couldnt disappear without a trace. In this age of CCTV and mobile phones there would be a footprint.

'The initial investigation was all paper-based, so quite a lot of stuff was missed or not actioned  they were inundated with information and had no way of managing it properly. Later I had everything transferred to the HOLMES system [technology used for police investigations].

The documentary does a sterling job of revisiting that early investigation. There are also very up-to-date strands, and an intriguing contribution by a new potential witness, identified only as Ann whose face isnt shown.

In the series, Jim shares his account of how, less than two years ago, Ann approached him after hearing him talk about Suzy in the media.

She claimed that a friend, who had since died, had repeatedly approached police to tell them hed seen a man struggling with a large piece of luggage along the towpath of the Grand Union Canal a few days after Suzy disappeared.

It was 5am and struck him as most odd. Later, when serial sex offender John Cannan was charged with another murder  and publicly linked to Suzys case  this man identified him as Cannan.

He went to Brentford police station three times, but for whatever reason his information was not passed on. But his account is very detailed and credible.

Suzy was officially declared dead in 1994, Richard Lamplugh has said the family wants to bury her at a time and place of their choosing. Pictured: Suzy's parents at Scotland Yard

'He not only told his wife and two friends when Cannan was on trial, he went to the court to make sure Cannan was the man hed seen.

Jim immediately passed this information onto the relevant authorities, but hes dismayed that still no search of that section of canal has been done.

I dont think its been sufficiently developed and I think there is an opportunity there. The police say the canal is dredged regularly.

'Well, Ive made my own enquiries. The people who maintain it dont dredge the whole canal. They only do what they call spot dredging, certain bits. And its generally around the locks, not the section of interest.

WE HAVE A DUTY TO THE FAMILY Former Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross (pictured) argues the fascination with Suzy's disappearance comes from her being 'female, pretty and middle class' The issue of how much police time should be spent on a cold case like Suzys is tricky. Former Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross, who talks in the new documentary of why the case touched a nerve, has questioned whether police should continue to investigate cases like this, saying it has a ghoulish fascination in part because she was female, pretty and middle class. Former detective Jim Dickie disagrees. I havent got a lot of time for him, he says. Of course they should. I think we have a duty  to the family, to the public  to bring this to a conclusion. Advertisement

In 2014 the canal was searched for murdered teenager Alice Gross, and this has also been mooted as a reason.

But again this is further up, says Jim. If he were heading the investigation now, would he order a search? I would move heaven and earth to see if there is a body in luggage there.

The importance of a body in any murder investigation cannot be over-emphasised. Convictions are possible without one, but theyre much more difficult. Laying a body to rest is also vital, Jim points out.

As a homicide investigator, you seek to bring a case to a successful conclusion, and mostly Ive been able to do that. Ive been able to tell families what happened to their loved one, and theyve seen justice.

'The Lamplugh family deserve closure. As Richard Lamplugh says very eloquently, they want to bury Suzy at a time and place of their choosing. Thats very important.

Then there is the justice. Focus in the latter part of the documentary is on Cannan, who is still the prime suspect. The police have long believed Cannan  released from prison just days before Suzy went missing after an eight-year sentence for rape  should have been implicated earlier.

His name was on one of those pieces of paper in the early investigation, but it was only when he was arrested for another murder that links to Suzy were made.

The evidence against him was, police thought, convincing. As Jim recalls, I remember Bill Griffiths [Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the time] at a news conference actually said John Cannan is the only strong suspect.

'Thats unprecedented. I dont know of any other case without a prosecution and conviction where a very senior police officer has said that in a press conference.

But the CPS decided not to prosecute, based on insufficient evidence. Cannan has repeatedly denied involvement, but his eligibility to apply for parole next year should sound alarm bells, insists Jim.

Professor Jane Monckton Smith who was a police offer at the time of Suzy's (pictured) disappearance, says a middle-aged macho investigator doesn't know much about what goes in the heads of young women

He should never be released. I think he will remain a danger to females to the day he dies. Theres a pattern of repeat offending. How many more chances do you want to give him?

There are other interesting nuggets in the series. Questions are asked about whether the social attitudes at the time  sexist attitudes, pretty much  got in the way. There was emphasis in the media, says Jim, on Suzys personal life.

Its widely accepted that Mr Kipper did not exist, but various theories emerged about whether Suzy was involved with a lover.

She was an attractive, vivacious, professional young woman. And, yes, she had boyfriends, but whats so wrong with that?

I would move heaven and earth to find a body

Professor Jane Monckton Smith has an interesting take. Now a criminologist, she was a police officer at the time and recalls that era.

In 1986 the police was absolutely dominated by men and you cant tell me that a middle-aged macho investigator knows much about what goes on in the heads of young women.

'Thats important. The victimology is important. Why did she get into a car with someone, which is probably what she did? Why did she leave her car where it was, with her purse inside? Ultimately, she says, the system failed.

Is it too late for closure for the Lamplughs? Richard says the entire family is haunted by what ifs. What if Suze was still alive? Would she have kids? Who would she be?

The Mystery Of Suzy Lamplugh, Sunday 14 March, 9pm and 10pm, Sky Crime and NOW TV.

New Delhi:

The Delhi High Court on Thursday expressed concern over children allegedly committing suicide while playing the 'Blue Whale' Challenge, an internet suicide game, that has been allegedly linked to the deaths of several children worldwide.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice CHari Shankar also wondered why adults were getting into this game, in which dangerous tasks like self-inflicting of wounds on the body, are assigned to the player by administrators during a 50-day period.

The bench said it can understand children getting influenced, but why were adults getting involved in it.

"If an adult is told to do a task, why would he/she go and jump from a building", it said, adding that "we are wondering why both children and adult are doing this".

The high court, however, refrained from passing any order on the plea seeking direction to the internet companies including Google, Facebook and Yahoo to take down the links of the Blue whale.

It wished to know whether the government has issued any prohibition order with regard to downloading of the Blue Whale game.

The court also sought to know from the petitioner, advocate Gurmeet Singh, whether any such incident has happened in Delhi. It asked the petitioner whether any prohibition order can be passed today and fixed the matter for further hearing on August 22.

Read more: Blue Whale game: Child rights body cautions parents, teachers

Two days ago, the Ministry of Electronics and IT had directed the internet majors - Google, Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram, Microsoft and Yahoo - to immediately remove the links of the deadly Blue Whale Challenge, which has led several children in India and other countries to commit suicide.

The PIL was yesterday moved in the High Court seeking directions to internet companies like Google, Facebook and Yahoo to take down the links of 'Blue Whale'.

Citing deaths of children in India and abroad, the advocate, who filed the petition, sought immediate directions to restrain the internet majors from uploading any material pertaining to the Blue Whale Challenge.

He also sought direction to the Delhi Police to appoint a special five-member team to oversee whether the internet companies comply with the court's direction.

The sudden popularity of the lethal online game - Blue Whale Challenge, in which the final task requires the player to commit suicide, has forced the government to issue directions to the internet giants to remove the links to the dangerous game.

The Blue Whale Challenge is reportedly a suicide game in which the player is given certain tasks to complete for a period of 50 days and the final task leads to committing suicide. The player is also asked to share photos after finishing the challenge.

The petition said "there are so many children and people being adversely affected by this menace namely Blue Whale Challenge and they do not even know that the same will cost their lives and their families will suffer heavily. All citizens of India will be benefitted if the said menace is stopped."

Read more: Kerala: Families claim their boys victim of death game

More than six children across India in the age group of 12-19 years have taken their lives playing this game within a span of two weeks.

Deaths of teenagers have been reported from other countries including Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Argentina, Bulgaria, Chile and Italy, the PIL had said.

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WASHINGTON - As the Rev. William J. Barber II pressed his case for a $15 minimum wage recently, the civil rights leader proclaimed that one elected official faced a defining moment straight out of scripture: Vice President Kamala Harris.

Just as the biblical Queen Esther saved her people, Barber argued, Harris was uniquely positioned to rescue struggling Americans by disregarding an arcane Senate ruling that disqualified the wage increase from a sweeping pandemic relief bill. The vice president, he and other activists contended, had extraordinary power as the constitutional president of the Senate to overrule the parliamentarian's ruling on the matter.

"She will be remembered in history one way or the other," Barber, who delivered the homily at the inaugural prayer service for Harris and President Biden in January, warned in an interview. Later he voiced frustration that his call went unheeded, saying, "You know one thing, you're not going to win if you don't fight."

What he proposed was regarded by Democratic leaders and White House officials, including on Harris's team, as an extreme and futile gesture, and most Democrats said it was untenable for the vice president to flout her boss's wishes. As the bill nears the finish line, it is unlikely a wage hike will be in the final version.

But the long-shot push from liberal lawmakers, activists and clergy exposed the conundrum confronting Harris, who is caught between a restive party base crucial to her political future and the more cautious administration in which she serves.

The outside pressure was not lost on senior Harris advisers, and Vincent Evans, a top Harris aide, contacted Barber to say Harris wanted to "have a direct line of communication" with him, Barber said, a prospect he welcomed. "The ball is in their court now," Barber said Friday.

Harris broke dramatic ground when she became the first woman to win a nationally elected office and the first African American and Asian American to serve as vice president. She is widely seen as a future presidential candidate and a potential heir to Biden, particularly if the 78-year-old decides not to seek reelection in 2024.

But in the short term, many young activists and Black leaders want Harris to be their champion inside a White House headed by an elderly White man and his longtime advisers. That puts her in a painfully sensitive position as she seeks to build a bridge to a new, more diverse generation of Democrats.

Liberals warn that Biden and Harris will pay a price if they do not push harder on issues like the minimum wage, a goal they vow to keep pursuing. "We got these folks elected on this, and if they fail to deliver, then it's shameful," said Brittany Ramos DeBarros, a Democratic congressional candidate in Staten Island and Brooklyn. "It's a betrayal of the will of the people and the needs of the people."

Nearly two dozen liberal House members wrote the White House urging Harris to challenge the parliamentarian's authority, citing instances when past vice presidents did so. Activists such as Barber made a similar argument in an open letter published in the Nation, a left-leaning publication.

Some said such a move would not only be good policy but good politics for Harris in particular.

"You think hundreds of millions of Americans won't remember who put money in their pocket if she chooses to run for office in the future?" said radio host Lenard Larry McKelvey, who supported Harris when she ran for president. "It's a no-brainer to me."

McKelvey, who goes by Charlamagne tha God on his show "The Breakfast Club," which is influential in the African American community, supported Harris when she ran for president in 2019.

White House officials argue it wouldn't have mattered what Harris did because a solid majority of senators oppose the minimum-wage hike, as evidenced by a Friday vote. There was no point in tying up passage of the pandemic relief bill for a pointless gesture, they add.

Symone Sanders, senior adviser and chief spokesperson for Harris, stressed that it was not just Harris's call.

"This is not a unilateral decision or a simple decision on the part of the vice president," Sanders said. "This is about the commitment that the administration, the president and vice president have made to get a $15 minimum wage done. And they have reasserted their commitment over the last couple of weeks."

Late last month, Harris's team held a meeting with liberal groups in which the minimum wage was discussed, according to an official with knowledge of the conversation who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations.

Several people close to Harris said challenging the parliamentarian would have squandered political capital - and more important, time - as the country entered its second year of pandemic-induced isolation and was desperate for help.

While pressure comes from outside to act aggressively, inside the White House Harris is obligated to stick with Biden's more methodical approach to combating a pandemic, an economic crisis and a national reckoning on race.

Biden has responded tepidly to a push from his party's left flank to dismantle long-standing institutions and norms, such as the Senate filibuster. Many see Harris, 56, as potentially more receptive, since she is a younger, more liberal woman with ties to the activist community.

Harris's political prospects could depend on how she manages this tug-of-war. And it's likely to come into play repeatedly: Beyond the covid-19 legislation, liberals are gearing up to pressure the administration on immigration, climate change and others issues that animate the Democratic base but which Biden has navigated carefully.

Liberal and Black activists say it was their organizing that put Biden in office and won the Democrats the Senate majority, and they expect results.

"The question is going to be: As we look to enact these policies, how hard will he fight for them?" said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. "This is in many ways a harbinger for other policies that Democrats have committed to enacting if we got the Senate, the House and the White House. And voters are not going to understand procedural arguments."

The latest dispute arose when Democrats decided to push the $1.9 trillion covid relief package through the Senate using "reconciliation," a tactic that allows budget-related bills to avoid a filibuster and pass with a simple majority rather than 60 votes.

The Senate parliamentarian said that meant the minimum-wage hike had to be removed from the bill, since it was not a budget measure. Democrats became highly agitated, fearing many of their other priorities would also fail to qualify for reconciliation, making their passage far less likely.

Activists rallied behind the idea that Harris, in her constitutional role as president of the Senate, could override the parliamentarian.

The White House quickly rejected such a move, signaling that Biden was committed to abiding by Senate rules.

Activists countered that there was value in pressing the fight, since it would show voters the administration was doing all it could to get people help they need and increase pressure on opponents.

Despite dramatically different circumstances, Harris's situation follows pressure from conservative activists on Vice President Mike Mike Pence to use the perceived powers of the vice presidency to overturn the election results, which he was unwilling or unable to do.

Bakari Sellers, a former South Carolina state legislator who endorsed Harris's presidential bid, said that in the early months of Biden's presidency, interest groups and left-leaning lawmakers are probing to see where they can effectively exert pressure to influence the administration. "People are trying to figure out how they can win," he said.

Still, some liberals are trying to give Harris space for now. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., was among those urging Harris to overrule the parliamentarian, but she praised Harris's broader commitment to liberal priorities, saying, "She's done a great job and she's really pushed the envelope on progressive issues."

Beyond her frequent role at Biden's side, Harris has been handed an unusually high profile by political happenstance. Following January's special elections in Georgia, the Senate is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, and the Constitution gives her the tiebreaking vote.

So far, she has made a point of staying in unwavering lockstep with Biden's priorities and messaging. Harris has also served a role rich in symbolism and imagery, swearing in women and minority members of an unusually diverse Cabinet.

What's less clear is how Harris's role will crystallize beyond that in the months to come, as she seeks to notch accomplishments and build support for a potential presidential run. South Carolina state Rep. JA Moore, who also endorsed Harris in the presidential primary, said tackling many issues quickly may be a less effective approach than adopting a more protracted strategy.

"The runway that the vice president has right now is long, as far as the opportunities to address these issues that are important to people that have been in need for a long time," Moore said. "I think she's calculating what makes the most sense and what will be the most effective."

Others, such as Barber, are less patient. The open letter in the Nation that he co-wrote told Harris: "Your actions will determine whether you are remembered alongside Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth, Ella Baker, Fannie Lou Hamer, and other rebellious, heroic women who have fought for justice and were not stopped by those who cautioned patience, moderation, and gradualism."
Its hard to look around Plainview and find an entity without John C. Andersons fingerprints.

He served almost nine full years as Plainviews mayor but his impact on the city began long before that  and it runs deep.

People who used to work with him describe John C. as one of Plainviews most prominent movers and shakers of his time. He was a man rarely seen wearing anything other than a suit.

Everybody looked to John as a leader, said Mike Fox, current executive director of the Plainview/Hale County Economic Development Corporation.

John C. projected confidence in whatever project he took on and made you feel it, too.

The 87-year-old died Saturday at his home after a lengthy illness.

But the impact of his work to improve this city will be felt for many future generations.

If you want to sum him up, it can be done in just a few words, said his son, Mike Anderson. Those words are in the book of Micah, Chapter 6. In verse (8), the question is asked, And what does the Lord require of you? In verse 8, it says, To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. That pretty well sums him up.

His original career aspiration was to be an teacher of agriculture. That career path is part of what led him to West Texas. Hes perhaps most known for the career he created for himself in banking. Besides his position as mayor, his job as president of Hale County State Bank is the one people seem to associate him with most.

He always said you build a bank by building a community, said John Bertsch, a friend and former colleague of John C. His fingerprints are all over.

John C. served on boards for the Plainview Stock Show, the Plainview-Hale County Industrial Foundation, the Plainview Chamber of Commerce, the Hale County Hospital Authority, United Way, Covenant Health and Methodist Hospital Boards and the Plainview ISD School Board. He was also an active Lions Club member and was a former president of Hale County State Bank.

It all overlapped, said Mike Anderson. But nothing came close in importance to his job as a husband and father.

He was a very humble man, he said. So it was wonderful having him as a father.

As much as he was involved in the community, making time for his family  his wife of 70 years and his three kids (including Mike)  was a priority.

Whatever his children wanted to be involved in had his blessing and his support, Mike Anderson said. He was there for every game, every recital, every play, whatever it was we were involved in, he was there front and center.

Then hed make time to get back to the grind.

His community involvement was gradual, one board here, a project there. John C. was driven by the desire to make his community better. And in many ways, he did.

Those that worked alongside him note the more well-known projects he was involved with: bringing the Walmart Distribution Center to Plainview; changing the two-way frontage roads on the interstate here in Plainview to one-way roadways; playing a key role in negotiating water rights for the Canadian River Municipal Water Authority; pushing for the creation of the Wayland Baptist PEP program (which guarantees Plainview ISD grads in good standing a free first year of school at WBU); lobbying for the Port-to-Plains project; helping ensure the survival of the hospital; and countless other projects. He also played a key role in bringing the prison units to Plainview creating jobs.

His involvement could fill a book.

He did tremendous things for Plainview, said Tyke Dipprey, with Higginbotham Independent Insurance Agents of Plainview.

And hell be tremendously missed.

The depth of the rift between Princes William and Harry was laid bare when they last saw each other almost a year ago.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's final engagement as working royals was the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020.

Sitting a row behind the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen, Harry looked pensive and strained.

Earlier, as the Cambridges arrived to take their seats, Kate appeared to blank Harry and Meghan. The brothers exchanged only the briefest and most awkward of greetings.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's final engagement as working royals was the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 9, 2020 (pictured)

Sitting a row behind the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Queen, Harry looked pensive and strained

William was widely reported at the time to be furious about the way the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had behaved in announcing that they wanted to quit as working royals.

The brothers had earlier fallen out over William's advice to Harry to get to know Meghan slowly and not rush into marriage.

After the service, Meghan went straight to Heathrow to fly to Canada, where the couple were living at the time. Harry stayed in the UK for a few days, before joining her and their son Archie.

Earlier, as the Cambridges arrived to take their seats, Kate appeared to blank Harry and Meghan. The brothers exchanged only the briefest and most awkward of greetings

A former aide of the brothers said: 'My view is that, yes, it has been very tough and difficult, but when it comes to the crunch they will always be there for each other. I do think they'll be able to fix this, however tough things are now.'

A friend of the Cambridges said: 'There will always be bumps in the road, but they're a family and families come through these things.

'They both remain hopeful of a reconciliation with Harry and Meghan. It has been very difficult for both sides and there has been a lot of sadness, but ultimately they want things to improve between them in the fullness of time.'
Wanted a quiet word with you, Mamata in letter to PM while refusing to release chief secretary

Mamata to lead rally against fuel price hike in Siliguri

India

pti-Deepika S

Siliguri, Mar 06: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will lead a ''padayatra'' here on Sunday to protest against the steep hike in fuel prices, including LPG cylinders.

Banerjee, following her arrival here from Kolkata on Saturday, told reporters that thousands of people, especially women, will assemble at Darjeeling More at 1 pm to join the protest march.

Claiming that LPG cylinders would soon be beyond the reach of common man, the CM said, "We need to organise massive demonstrations to make our voices heard."

"Many of those taking part in the rally will carry empty LPG cylinders to mark the protest," she said.

Battle for Nandigram: BJP fields Suvendu Adhikari against ex-boss Mamata Banerjee

State minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, who accompanied Banerjee to north Bengal, said the rally has been organised ahead of International Women''s Day, and scores of women would be joining the rally .

Among others, TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty will also take part in the rally.

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Chennai, March 6 : The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will be contesting in 20 Tamil Nadu assembly seats alongside the Loksabha seat from Kanyakumari where bypolls was necessitated following the death of sitting Member of Parliament H. Vasanthakumar.

The seat-sharing arrangement with the ruling AIADMK party was finalised late Friday.

While state BJP leadership was expecting more than 25 seats, the AIADMK leadership was adamant that they cannot part with more than 20 seats given the grassroots-level strength of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.

BJP leader and former Karaikkudi MLA, H. Raja, told IANS: "We deserve more seats but we got only 20 seats. Our aim is to win maximum seats out of these and become a major player in the assembly." The party is also expecting to wrest the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha seat from the Congress.

The party veteran leader Pon Radhakrishnan, who is a former Union Minister will be contesting the seat for the ninth time. He lost the 2019 general elections by a margin of 3 lakh votes to H Vasanthakumar of Congress .

Pon Radhakrishnan told IANS: "We will win the seat this time. There were certain communal issues which were fanned in the last elections and hence I lost. However, we will make it up and wrest the seat from the Congress".

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be personally overseeing the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha elections and is set to reach the holy city on Sunday morning and hold meeting with party workers.

BJP Tamil Nadu state president L. Murugan is highly optimistic about the party's prospects in the assembly polls and said: "BJP has made deep inroads in the Tamil heartlands and these grassroot-level organizational work will be transferred into votes.

"Also the performance of the Modi government at the Centre has given the BJP a great advantage. We will surprise poll pundits and politcal observers in this election and will win maximum seats". Tamil Nadu goes to polls on April 6 and the results will be announced on May 2.

It is to be noted that Tamil Nadu is a state with castes and community playing a major roll in elections and with a Dalit leader like Murugan leading the party, BJP is expected to improve its stakes.

Political observer and Swadeshi Jagaran Manch leader, Mahesh Krishnamoorthy, told IANS: "BJP has definitely improved its position at the grassroots-level and now it is to be seen how it will be transformed into votes.

"BJP has done an excellent social engineering and this will benefit the party in the long run. It is certain that the BJP will win several seats in this elections given the alliance with the AIADMK as well as its own inherent strength."
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Barry Hamilton is taking on the challenge to raise funds for Blessington and District Day Care

Wicklow People photographer Barry Hamilton will take one million steps in March to raise funds for Blessington and District Day Care.

He intends to do 33,000 steps a day until he has met his one million target.

For the past ten years, Barry has organised a fundraising concert in the Tramway Theatre but couldn't last year because of Covid-19. As a result, he thought he would try something a little different, while also raising money for a local charity.

'I saw lots of people were doing the steps challenge and decided I would do it for a local charity who do great work,' said Barry. 'I decided on the challenge myself. I rang the Blessington and District Day Care and they were very supportive. They are closed a the moment because of Covid but they do so much great work for the community.'

Anyone wishing to make a donation toward Barry's challenge can contact him on 087 2450546 or at barryhamilton2000@yahoo.ie.

Although he hadn't yet started the challenge when speaking to this paper last Friday, Barry said people were already being very generous.

'I think when I start doing the challenge and posting up on my Facebook page each day then hopefully the donations will really start. I will be carrying out the steps challenge along the greenway and other places in Blessington. I will be adhering to the 5k travel restrictions and social distancing. Hopefully people will be supportive because Blessington and District Day Care is a wonderful cause.'
UPDATE: The man wanted in connection with Saturdays shooting in the 400 block of West Greenleaf Street in Allentown was found dead in New York City by the New York Police Department, authorities say. The NYPD reported Emilary Milien Jr. was located face down, unconscious and unresponsive at 10:40 a.m. Saturday in an alley near the 100 block of East 53rd Street in Brooklyn. When emergency medical personnel arrived, they pronounced Milien dead, New York City police said. A medical examiner will determine the cause of Miliens death in the ongoing investigation, New York City police said.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Allentown police said they were looking for a 30-year-old man in connection with a shooting shortly after midnight Friday.

Emilary Milien Jr., of the citys 1000 block of West Liberty Street, faces charges of attempted homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment in the shooting reported about 12:20 a.m. Saturday, police said.

The victim was expected to survive after being taken by ambulance to the hospital from the scene in the 400 block of West Greenleaf Street, according to authorities.

Police released a photo of Milien and described him as 5 feet 4 inches tall, 140 pounds, with black hair and tattoos on his right arm. He was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt and blue-and-white Adidas sneakers.

Investigators asked anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police at 610-437-7753, Ext. 1, or use the departments anonymous TextTip 411 app.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
City police have charged an Alabama woman in connection with a shooting Monday night that left a man dead and the suspect injured, authorities said.

Middletown, Conn. detectives arrested Melody Jean Christensen, 44, of Centre, Ala., late Thursday on charges of murder and illegal discharge of a firearm, according to a statement.

Police said they found Christensen at a hotel in East Hartford. She is being held in lieu of $1.5 million bail and was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court Friday. The case is continued to April 20.

The arrest warrant is sealed by the court.

Christensens arrest stemmed from an incident that occurred Monday just before 11 p.m., when police were called to the area of South Main Street and Glynn Avenu on the report of gunshots. Upon arrival, they discovered two people had been shot, including Christensen, police said.

The man was found inside the home with gunshot wounds, the statement said. The victim was taken to Middlesex Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Christensen was hospitalized with a gunshot wound, authorities said.

The identity of the victim is not being released at this time, the statement said. This is an isolated incident, and there is no risk to the public, it said.

The two individuals moved into the apartment within the two weeks prior to the shooting, according to Capt. Richard Davis.

The Middletown Police Departments Major Investigations Division and Middlesex States Attorney Office are continuing the investigation.

Anyone with information aisre asked to contact Detective Spedding of the Middletown Police Departments Major Investigations Division at DSpedding@Middletownctpolice.com or 860-638-4153.

___

(c)2021 The Middletown Press, Conn.

Visit The Middletown Press, Conn. at www.middletownpress.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


Voting rights groups are calling on companies such as Coca-Cola and Delta Air Lines to oppose efforts by Republican lawmakers in Georgia to enact sweeping new restrictions on voting access in the battleground state.

The organisations, including Black Voters Matter, the New Georgia Project and the Georgia NAACP, launched a campaign on social media and in local news outlets this week asking corporations to take a stand against legislation they said aims to curb turnout from Democratic-leaning black voters.

Black voters were crucial to helping elect Democrat President Joe Biden in the November election and two Democratic senators in a January run-off in Georgia, a once unthinkable scenario in the traditionally Republican southern state.

Some of these companies have made beautiful statements for Black Lives Matter, said Cliff Albright, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, a group focused on increasing Black Americans voting access. Yet here, in the moment where it matters most, they have been silent.

Republicans in Georgia and across the country are using former President Donald Trumps false claims of voter fraud to back state-level voting changes they say are needed to restore election integrity.

Read More

Republicans asked the US Supreme Court this week to uphold voting restrictions in Arizona in a case that could further hobble the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting.

They also opposed an election reform bill passed on Wednesday by the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives.

The For the People Act, the most comprehensive voting bill since the 1965 act, faces long odds in the Senate, with Republicans saying it fails to do enough to combat fraud.

In Georgia, likely one of the biggest battlegrounds in the 2022 elections with a US Senate seat and the governors office on the ballot, Republican state lawmakers sponsoring the voting measures maintain they are meant to safeguard elections.

A bill passed by the Republican-controlled Georgia House last Monday would restrict

ballot drop boxes, tighten absentee voting requirements and limit early voting on Sundays, curtailing traditional Souls to the Polls voter turnout programs in black churches.
A 14-year-old girl who went missing Wednesday was found safe, the New Jersey State Police announced Friday night.

Charlee Hertzog, of Tabernacle, drove off in a pickup truck from her familys home in Burlington County on Wednesday and may have been headed to New York City, State Police said earlier this week.

No other information was released Friday night.

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.
The head of the World Health Organization called Friday for patent rights to be waived until the end of the pandemic so that vaccine supplies can be dramatically increased, saying these unprecedented times warrant the move.

At a press briefing, chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said countries with their own vaccine capacity should start waiving intellectual property rights as provided in special emergency provisions from the World Trade Organization.

These provisions are there for use in emergencies, Tedros said.

If now is not a time to use them, then when? He said the would be meeting soon with representatives of the industry to identify bottlenecks in production and discuss how to solve them.

The Associated Press found factories on three continents whose owners say they could start producing hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccines at short notice if only they had the blueprints and technical know-how.

But that knowledge belongs to the large pharmaceutical companies that have produced the first three vaccines authorized by countries including Britain, the European Union and the US -- Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The factories are all still awaiting responses.

Tedros commended AstraZeneca for sharing its COVID-19 vaccine technology with companies including the Serum Institute of India, but said the main disadvantage of this approach is the lack of transparency.

Pharmaceutical companies that took taxpayer money from the US or Europe to develop inoculations at unprecedented speed say they are negotiating contracts and exclusive licensing deals with producers on a case-by-case basis because they need to protect their intellectual property and ensure safety.

Tedros noted that although the UN-backed effort known as COVAX has delivered vaccines to more than 20 countries this week, the amounts are only enough to protect about 2 to 3 percent of each country's population.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

opinion
The man who was photographed putting his feet up on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's desk during the Capitol Riot on January 6, made a scene during a virtual hearing in a federal court, Thursday.

Reports state that Richard Barnett lashed out at Judge Christopher R. Cooper after it was ruled that he would remain in detention until the next hearing of his case in May. Then, Barnett screamed and yelled that the decision was not fair, as others who were at the riot were already released.

Man Who Puts Feet up on Pelosi's Desk Screams at Judge

In his outburst, the man whose feet were up on Pelosi's desk during the insurrection said that many people who have done much worse have already been allowed to go home. He also added that he has already been in custody for a month and will be extended until his next hearing, while others have already been allowed out, NBC News' Scott McFarlane stated in a tweet.

!! WHOA: US Capitol defendant Richard Barnett -- man accused of putting feet on Pelosi desk - is *screaming* at attorneys and judge during his court hearing right now.



Upset he's been locked up "for a whole month"... "it's not fair"



Judge just recessed hearing for "5 mins" pic.twitter.com/ayaO4d6lb0  Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) March 4, 2021

Meanwhile, Barnett's attorney, Joseph D. McBride, denied that his client's outburst was directed at the judge. McBride explained that his client's frustrations are because of the fact that he is being incarcerated before trial, despite having no criminal records, being a respected member of his community, having gainful employment, and a stable 20-year relationship.

In addition, McBride also told NBC News that in normal situations, these facts are already enough to let a person fight his case outside of police custody. He also defended that due to the lack of in-person communication, as a precaution against COVID-19, he was not able to fully explain the court proceedings to his client.

On the other hand, the District of Columbia's U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comments regarding the outburst on Thursday's hearing of the man who placed his feet up on Pelosi's desk.

Read also: Trump Will Not Run in 2024 Without Pence, According to Adviser

In January, Barnett was taken into custody and was charged with federal charges of violent entry and theft of public property, and entering and remaining on restricted grounds. Moreover, he also faces charges of disruptive and disorderly conduct, disrupting official proceedings, and demonstrating, parading, or picketing in a Capitol building, The Insider reported.

Barnett became famous as the man with his feet up on Pelosi's desk after the riot in Capitol Hill after photos of him were widely shared on social media. He was photographed sitting on Pelosi's reclining chair with his feet resting on the House Speaker's table.

He also spoke to a New York Times reporter who tweeted about their conversation and said that he took an envelope from Pelosi's desk. He, however, insisted that he did not steal it as he left a quarter for it in exchange.

In addition, Barnett claimed that before he was photographed with his feet up on Pelosi's desk, he knocked politely on the door of the Democrat, but he was carried inside by people who have breached the Capitol. He also admitted leaving a "nasty note" on the House Speaker's desk.

As of the moment, there have been no comments yet from Judge cooper regarding Barnett's outburst.



Related article: FBI Nabs Trump Appointee for Alleged Role on the January 6 Capitol Riot

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(Natural News) You can tell a fact checker is marching to the drumbeat of the libertine left when they labor to deny the biological fact that the overwhelming majority of humans are born as either boys or girls.

(Article by Tim Graham republished from NewsBusters.org)

On Thursday, PolitiFact took sides in the hallway Twitter battle between freshmen congresswomen Marie Newman and Marjorie Taylor Greene over the so-called Equality Act being debated. We checked, and the science is clear: Gender identity goes beyond male and female.

How can you trust any fact check from people who are this slippery with obvious facts? On Thursday, PolitiFact wasnt subtle by illustrating their check with a picture of left-wing activists holding up a sign reading TRANS EQUALITY NOW.

Daniel Funke and Miriam Valverde spared Rep. Greene one of those False ratings on the Truth-O-Meter, but they took the typical approach of finding liberal experts to add some kind of pseudo-facticity to their gender-deconstructionist arguments:

Much of the political debate has centered on gender identity  particularly Greenes notion that there are two genders. However, public health agencies, doctors and biologists say science is clear: Gender identity goes beyond male and female. Sex is a biological term, gender is a social construct, said Ignacio T. Moore, a biological sciences professor at Virginia Tech. In other words, gender can vary with society and culture. The belief that there are only two genders is an oversimplification, and what science really tells us is that it is more complicated, said Dr. Jason Rafferty, a clinical assistant professor at Brown University.

It wont surprise you that Professor Moore teaches a Biology of Sex course to correct society and a general lack of scientific interest and understanding when it comes to sex and gender. He plays devils advocate with students who havent stretched their minds on the gender spectrum. They discuss controversies like transgender women competing with biological women in sports, so the students are better informed, so when they become voting members of society, they can make informed decisions.

Sound like an objective expert? No. Theres no sign that Funke and Valverde ever sought a conservative counterpoint on this story loaded up with liberals.

PolitiFact stresses that a tiny minority of people are intersex.

Estimates for the proportion of babies who are born intersex range from 0.018% to 1.7%, depending on how intersex is defined. Nature provides variations in sex and humans decide how to categorize them, said Alice Dreger, a bioethicist who has researched differences of sex development. Nature doesnt tell us who counts as male, who counts as female and who counts as intersex  we draw those lines, she said.

An objective expert? Alice Dreger donated repeatedly to Obama for President and other Democrats and wrote a book called Galileos Middle Finger. Heretics, Activists, and the Search for Justice in Science. A reviewer explained: For two decades, historian Alice Dreger has led a life of extraordinary engagement, combining activist service to victims of unethical medical research with defense of scientists whose work has outraged identity politics activists.

The article ends not on the facts, but about how experts worry about LGBTQ people at the hands of narrow-minded two-gender believers:

A misunderstanding of gender identity and sex deserves clarification, experts said, because LGBTQ Americans  particularly youth  face more adverse health outcomes than other Americans. The big thing to remember is that its not just politics, Rafferty said. These are peoples lives.

Common sense understanding of gender causes adverse health outcomes, so embrace gender fluidity if you have any compassion. Thats the fact checking message?

Read more at: NewsBusters.org and GenderConfused.com.
A recent story in the Los Angeles Times reminded me of stubborn contradictions in the way we think about schools and tests.

The headline said: "Schools Stick To Testing Despite Stress." L.A. Times reporter Melissa Gomez began, "Despite deep concerns over elevating student stress just as children are returning to school, standardized testing will take place this spring for about 4.3 million California students."

Our concern about the stress of state testing is long-standing. It has become particularly controversial as states decide whether students will take their annual standardized exams this year during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Stress is a loaded word these days. Harmful stress should be avoided whenever possible. Parents, teachers and bosses (especially mine) should not make impossible demands. People doing difficult jobs should learn, or be taught, how to break down their assignments into manageable chunks, take breaks and seek help when they need it.

But the stress Gomez discussed in her excellent story is what in normal times many people, including me, would call a useful exercise. There are few if any harmful consequences for most students if they do poorly on state tests. Their scores will not affect their grades. College admission officers never see how they did.

Some states still have rules that tie elementary school promotion to test scores. But the number of states that use state exams to determine high school graduation dropped in 2019 to just 11, down about 60 percent from previous years. All states canceled their tests last year because of the pandemic. Even if those tests return this year, they are unlikely to have much effect on graduation or anything else because so many students will not take them.

"Results will be meaningless," said Bob Schaeffer, interim executive director of the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, also known as FairTest. "Huge numbers of families are planning to opt their kids out of any such exams. Over the past week, visits to FairTest's opt-out guide more than quintupled compared to the same period last year."

Please notice the criticism is focused on standardized state tests. Hardly anyone ever expresses opposition to classroom tests given by teachers, even though those exams - unlike state tests - affect grades, college prospects and, most importantly, how students feel about themselves.

Can you imagine teachers or parents ever organizing to eliminate traditional English, math, history and science tests because they are too hard on students' self-esteem? Also, few people advocate getting rid of homework, even though that's what parents and children I know find most stressful about school.

I have learned as a student, a parent and an education writer that we often unconsciously convince our children that such stress is good. Students get a powerful, unspoken vibe at home. Parents often like challenging jobs, which can mean good money. Children in turn apply to challenging colleges. I think that is one reason most high school students do not have to be pushed into taking college-level Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.

Many people think jobs without stress are boring. Stress-free vacations and weekends are good. I like sitting on the porch and reading a book. But hard work has its virtues. That is true even for the hundreds of people I have interviewed who have chosen the very demanding occupation of teaching.

AP and IB have become among the most beneficial programs in U.S. education. One of the secrets of their success is the stress generated by three- to five-hour final exams full of questions requiring critical thinking. The teachers of AP and IB classes have no control over those tests, adding to the tension. The exams are written and graded by outside experts. Students who don't have one of those tests looming apparently don't learn as much in the course. Research shows that students who take AP courses without the final exam, about 15 to 25 percent, do no better in college in that subject than those who skip the AP course entirely.

I think state tests have merit. Some students like being examined on what they know, just as student actors like performing in plays and student athletes like playing in games. I have heard teenagers speak of good grades and scores as rewards for their hard work.

Organizations like FairTest may be right that there are better ways than state tests to measure progress. I also agree that there are more productive ways of assessing college readiness than SAT and ACT tests. AP, IB and Cambridge tests are good examples.

Eventually we embrace stressful challenges in school and in any other endeavor we care about. Those experiences help tell us how good we are, and what we need to do to get better. That is important to know even during a pandemic.
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Dhaka, March 6 : The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have submitted a chargesheet against nine persons, including a worker of the ruling Awami League's student wing, for an attack on former US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcia Bernicat's motorcade.

The chargesheet states that on August 10, 2018, Bernicat was attacked while she was returning home from a dinner at the residence of Badiul Alam Majumdar, secretary of Sushahoner Jonyo Nagorik (SHUJAN) in Mohammadpur.

The attack was launched out of suspicion that anti-government conspiracies were being hatched at the meeting.

The chargesheet was submitted on January 20 to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka but only came to the media's attention on Friday.

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.

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Press Release

March 6, 2021 De Lima rejects House bill presuming guilt of drug suspects Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has opposed the House of Representatives' passage of a bill providing legal presumptions on drug-related offenses which essentially presumes guilt on drug suspects. While the intentions of House Bill No. 7814 are generally good, De Lima said certain provisions in the proposed amendatory bill to the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are "patently offensive to the Bill of Rights." "If the laws are not just, the rule of law falls," said De Lima, a social justice and human rights champion and the staunchest critic of the administration's failed war on drugs, in her Dispatch from Crame No. 1040. "The bill creates presumptions which, when uncontroverted, would allow the courts to convict the accused without the prosecution having to present evidence," she added. Last March 2, lawmakers voted 188-11, with nine abstentions, to approve HB No. 7814, which includes legal presumptions on who are to be considered as importers, financiers, protectors or coddlers of illegal drugs, among others. The measure, intended to strengthen the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, was approved just days after the shootout between agents of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Citing a particular provision of the measure which she finds to be alarming, De Lima stressed that Section 3 states that "anyone spotted in the place where the sale, trading, marketing, dispensation, and delivery or distribution of drugs happen is presumed to be involved in these illegal operations unless proven otherwise." "Legal presumptions are a means to expedite trials by shifting the burden of proof from complainant to defendant under situations in which the allegations appear to be likely correct. In this situation, the court makes an inference, given a set of facts, which the defendant is given the opportunity to refute by presenting evidence against it," she said. "While it is very useful in civil cases, mandatory presumptions have no place in criminal law. The primordial presumption that governs all others when it comes to criminal law is the presumption of innocence. Anything contrary to that is unjust, invalid and unconstitutional. 'In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved...' (Art. III, Sec. 14 [2], 1987 Constitution)," she added. If the Filipinos see that the Congress passes unjust laws, De Lima warned that they will cease to follow and believe in the country's justice system which could result to a rise rise in criminality, which in turn poses a danger to our country and our democracy. "Sa ilalim ng ating Saligang Batas, trabaho ng prosecution na magpakita ng ebidensya na gumawa ng krimen ang isang akusado. Hindi ang akusado ang kailangan magpatunay na siya ay inosente," said the former justice secretary. "Itong panukalang batas na isinusulong ng Kongreso ay labag sa ating Konstitusyon kaya hindi siya dapat maisabatas. Kung maisabatas ito, binigyan na rin natin ng lisensya ang gobyerno na mandamay, manggipit at magpakulong ng inosenteng tao," she added.
The head of the European Parliament leading faction- the European People's Party - Manfred Weber believes that Nord Stream- 2 should be used as a political tool against Moscow. He stated this in an interview with Der Spiegel magazine.

"Since it is impossible to negotiate the cancellation of the pipeline construction with the German government, the European Union should use Nord Stream- 2 as a lever in foreign policy," the newspaper quotes Weber as saying.
Mumbai: Breaking her silence on the IT department raids against her, actor Taapsee Pannu on Saturday put out three tweets on an alleged bungalow in Paris, the alleged receipt of Rs 5 crore and her memory of 2013 raid.

On March 3, the Income Tax Department searched the homes and offices of Pannu and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap as well as his partners who launched the now shuttered production house Phantom Films.

Taapsee

Pannu posted a three-point statement on Twitter and also took a jibe at Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's statement that the actor was raided in 2013 as well.

Three days of intense search of 3 things primarily 1.The keys of the alleged' bungalow that I apparently own in Paris. Because summer holidays are around the corner, read the first post.

The second said, 2. The alleged' receipt worth 5 crores to frame n keep for future pitching coz I've been refused that money before.

Taapsee Pannu tweet

The third dealt with Sitharaman's comment. 3. My memory of 2013 raid that happened with me according to our honourable finance minister P.S- not so sasti' anymore."

Sitharaman on Friday said the same people were raided in 2013 as well, but no issue was made out then as it is being done now. Refusing to comment on individual cases, she said it is in the national interest to know if some evasion is happening.
While Amazon continues to consolidate its domination of online retail, the e-commerce giant has also sought to cut costs by expanding aggressively into the shipping sector, particularly last-mile delivery. Almost overnight, Amazon has built up a massive delivery network which now accounts for two-thirds of its own packages. By next year, analysts project that its parcel volume will overtake traditional logistics firms like UPS and Fedex.

One of the ways which Amazon has rapidly built out its network is by franchising out local deliveries to third-party contractors, which it began offering in 2018. Today, a large proportion of Amazon delivery drivers are not Amazon employees, but employees of these local contractors.

Amazon Prime delivery trucks lined up in Gainesville, FL (source: Wikimedia Commons)

Relying on contract drivers has many advantages for Amazon. Under these arrangements, the retail behemoth is not responsible for paying drivers wages and benefits. Amazon thus can deny responsibility for poor compensation, poor benefits, and unsafe conditions and work speeds. Amazon also disclaims legal responsibility for enforcing limits on driving time and other labor regulations. It demands superhuman efforts of the drivers while blaming the contractors for the resulting accidents.

Michael, age 22, is a driver for Amazon in Rockland County, New York, just outside New York City. He spoke with the International Amazon Workers Voice about the conditions that he faces. He has delivered packages for Amazon since September 2020. He is employed by a third-party logistics provider (3PL), BLMS Logistics, not Amazon. The van is a Budget Rental van.

Compared with the hourly wages at his previous jobs as a bartender and a deliveryman for Uber Eats, Amazons $17.50 is the highest. Basically, Im there to get money. I dont really have a friend there and wouldnt recommend it to someone else. They see us as disposable.

For the 10 weeks leading up to the holidays, Michael was making an average of 150 stops per day. His record was 172 stops in one day. By comparison, the average UPS driver makes 125 stops per day, according to a 2018 report by Reuters.

A stop might involve the delivery of multiple packages. Drivers are paid for delivering all the packages loaded into their vehicle at the beginning of each shift, not according to the number of hours that it takes to deliver them. If a driver often fails to deliver all of his or her packages, Amazon finds a way to get rid of him or her.

At the start of each shift, drivers must sign in to an app that tracks their movements and penalizes them for speeding. A worker with two infractions is fired. If you underperform, they get rid of you. During the holidays, they had 50 to 60 people, and if you were on standby, you would still get paid for half a day. But after the holidays, they cut a lot of people.

After driving for half an hour to get to the three-acre parking lot of the Amazon Distribution Center in Mahwah, New Jersey, where he is assigned a van, Michael often is assigned a delivery route back in Rockland County, close to where he lives. After his shift, he returns the van to Mahwah and drives 30 minutes to get home, averaging 10 hours of driving each day.

To be honest with you, Im just putting up with it, he says, houses that are inaccessible, routes that are through [bad] neighborhoods ... Ive never been threatened, but a friend of mine did have a racist encounter at a gated community where the guy basically told the company to send out someone who wasnt black.

A 2016 graduate of Ramapo High School, Michael just completed an associate degree in social sciences and humanities at Rockland Community College in Spring Valley, New York. I dont like being in school, but I have a quest for knowledge. Thought I might join the Naval Academy so I could be at sea for four years and get to travel.

But he is not so sure that he wants to be part of the government, which, to his mind, does not pursue policies that are in everyones best interest. I dont have faith in this system. People talk about our society, but it is not unified. Biden might have been elected, but there is no going back. Too much has changed, too much has been noticed to go back. Especially for my generation, hitting our prime. We need something better than this. ... We are the people who do all the work. Its not right that the billionaires hold all the money.

Michael was supportive of the protests last spring over the killing of George Floyd. The cop was on his neck for eight full minutes while people were watching! It was terrible, inhumane! The world went crazy! It was inspiring that the protests were people of all races, all over the world. But the other side is that the police are still there to do their job. There is a separation between them and the people they are supposed to be protecting.

Michael supports the campaign by the World Socialist Web Site to form rank-and-file committees in workplaces throughout the country. As a young person, I feel we deserve fair pay, a decent living standard, not to be in so much debt for our education. I want to be able to really live, do something worthwhile that helps people. I want to get more information about these rank-and-file committees.

Conditions are terrible, no matter where you are working. If you ask me the way forward, first off, we need to be paid more, and all of usUSPS, UPS, FedExshould be paid the same, since we do the same job. They even deliver a percentage of Amazon packages. Second, we need control over our own safety. As you said, more than 20,000 Amazon workers caught COVID, and an unknown number have died.

Compared to conditions inside the Amazon Fulfillment Centers, drivers do pretty well with the protocols, social distancing etc., Michael said, but as conditions go, I dont feel safe.

We take a chance every time we go into the warehouse, he continued. Say out of 100 to 150 workers inside, at least 10 to 15 have COVID, but they dont want anyone to know, because if they did, theyd have to shut down. But they wont do that, because theyd lose money. There are no off days at Amazon. Even in a snowstorm like today, they text you to pull over for an hour, rather than decide ahead of time to call off the shifts. They make these decisions on a whim.
The highest number of vaccine shots so far has been administered in Donetsk region (1,470).

Since the launch of a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Ukraine, 15,758 people have received their first shot of the Covishield vaccine.

Some 3,277 people got vaccinated against COVID-19 in Ukraine on Friday, March 5, alone, according to the Ukrainian Health Ministry's Coronavirus_info channel on Telegram.

Read also All adults in Ukraine to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by late 2021  health minister Number of vaccinations per region in the past day:

360 in Donetsk region;

310 in Dnipropetrovsk region;

260 in Ternopil region;

259 in Cherkasy region;

240 in Odesa region;

220 in Vinnytsia region;

163 in Luhansk region;

150 in Rivne region;

140 in Kyiv region;

135 in Ivano-Frankivsk region;

130 in Lviv region;

110 in Chernivtsi region;

100 in the city of Kyiv;

90 in Kherson region;

80 in Zaporizhia region;

80 in Poltava region;

80 in Kharkiv region;

70 in Volyn region;

60 in Sumy region;

50 in Khmelnytsky region;

40 in Zhytomyr region;

40 in Zakarpattia region;

40 in Kirovohrad region;

40 in Mykolaiv region;

30 in Chernihiv region.

The highest number of vaccine shots so far has been administered in Donetsk region (1,470).

Vaccination in Ukraine

On February 24, 2021, Ukraine launched a nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign. An emergency room doctor in Cherkasy region was the first who got vaccinated.

Ukraine uses the Covishield vaccine, which was developed by the University of Oxford in partnership with the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca. It is produced in India under a licensing agreement.

Ukraine has received 500,000 doses of the vaccine so far.

The vaccination campaign in Ukraine was originally expected to start with the use of a vaccine produced by Pfizer/BioNTech, which Ukraine was supposed to receive during the first wave of distribution under the global COVAX Facility. The supply of 117,000 doses of that vaccine to Ukraine has been booked.

Reporting by UNIAN
Laurence Fox has declared that he is running for London Mayor in a war on 'extreme political correctness'.

The 42-year-old actor, who launched the Reclaim Party last year to fight the 'culture wars', vowed to 'offer a voice to those being dominated into silence'.

He will stand against Sadiq Khan in the 2021 London mayoral elections, which will be held on May 6, and campaign to end lockdown for that same month.

Currently, the last remaining lockdown rules in England are set to be lifted by June 21 under Boris Johnson's roadmap to the end of restrictions, but this is subject to change.

Mr Fox's views on lifting lockdown come in stark contrast to that of Mr Khan, who previously urged the Prime Minister to ignore 'shouting and hectoring' from Conservative backbenchers and reject calls for a swift easing of national curbs.

Laurence Fox (right), 42, will stand against Sadiq Khan (left) in the 2021 London mayoral elections, which will be held on May 6, and campaign to end lockdown for that same month

Mr Fox told The Telegraph: 'I am standing for London Mayor. With almost all older and vulnerable people having got their jab, I want the lockdown lifted straight away.'

He added that, despite the Government saying vaccines are working with hospitalisations and deaths falling, people are still being told they cannot get back to normal until mid-summer at the earliest.

His campaign will be completely funded by one donation from ex-political donor Jeremy Hosking, who ranked number 351 in the Sunday Times' 2019 Rich List.

Writing for the paper, Mr Fox referred to the tearing down of statues as part of the Black Lives Matter movement and accused the London Mayor of attempting to 'strip us our our history', saying 'this extreme political correctness must be resisted'.

The actor then announced that he is a candidate to be the next Mayor of the capital city, adding: 'I look forward to speaking up for those who are being dominated into silence.'

It follows Mr Fox being dropped by his acting agent after being embroiled in Twitter spats with a number of people who called him a 'racist' last October.

People walk with banners during a demonstration in Oxford, England, to protest against coronavirus lockdown restrictions in December last year

He accused Sainsbury's of 'promoting racial segregation and discrimination' and promised to boycott the supermarket chain after it promoted Black History Month.

As he faced a backlash, he clapped back at people 'falsely accusing him of racism' by retaliating with unsubstantiated claims calling them 'paedophiles'.

He later removed the post, writing at the time: 'I have deleted the tweets posted yesterday, in response to being repeatedly, continuously and falsely smeared as a racist.'

Two people who Fox accused - deputy chair of LGBT charity Stonewall Simon Blake and Drag Race UK star Crystal - then announced they would sue him for defamation.

Mr Fox referred to the tearing down of statues as part of the Black Lives Matter movement and accused the London Mayor of attempting to 'strip us our our history' (pictured: the statue of 17th century slave trader Edward Colston falling into the water in Bristol)

One month earlier, Fox launched The Reclaim Party  to fight for freedom of speech, 'reclaim British values' and challenge what he regards as a 'culture war' taking place in Britain.

The party commissioned a poll which found that half of Britons fear freedom of speech is 'under threat' in the UK.

Mr Fox previously told The Sunday Telegraph that the results of the survey - which saw Savanta ComRes interview 2,119 British adults between February 5 and 7 - were 'alarming'.

He said 'woke' beliefs sought to 'tear down our statues, rewrite our proud history [and] stand in opposition to the tolerant, fair and free society our ancestors gave their lives for'.

Photo: Banyan Tree Resort Lang Co

I have checked in the Banyan Tree Resort in the central coast district of Lang Co a day after COVID-19 returned to Hai Duong, Hanoi, and Quang Ninh. These days, I am rather familiar with the image of hotel staff in facemasks, handing thermometers to those who enter the premises, but it still feels a bit strange.

Behind the reception, only one employee quickly scans and returns ID cards and passports, but no paper is printed, and the guests are asked to scan a QR code to confirm and review the resorts services and fill in their special requirements.

If this had occurred two years ago, I would have seen it as lacking in warmth. But now COVID-19 changed my view.

Amid the pandemic, my family and I feel fully satisfied when things can happen as contactless as much as possible, with in-room directories and restaurant menus replaced with digital options for convenient access on personal devices. Check-in and check-out and experiences such as personal health and fitness classes and cooking sessions may be conducted in-room to enable a privacy-oriented holiday.

In response to the pandemic, most 4- and 5-star resorts around the country implemented an array of ongoing health, safety, and hygiene measures including body temperature checks, the provision of hand sanitisers, spacious set-ups to ensure physical distancing, continuous disinfection of common guest and staff areas as well as frequent touchpoints such as door handles and dining surfaces, and deep cleaning of guest rooms.

That everything can be ordered with a call or a click without close contact first irritated us but then realised that it creates a world of privacy for our family to enjoy the many luxurious services and facilities and made the trip a great private retreat.

Digital advances

As contactless methods remain the best choice for hoteliers to keep guests and staff safe, many of them launched mobile apps to enable contactless communication with guests and staff in real-time.

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, general manager at Alma Resort  one of the newcomers applying mobile apps  shared, Such apps are a game-changer for Vietnams hospitality landscape. There is no facet of our lives that remains untouched by this pandemic and under a new normal, this app is an effective and contactless way to connect with guests and staff. I believe itll soon be incumbent for 5-star resorts across Vietnam to offer the same technology.

Alma has muscled its way into the realm of mobile app technology alongside predominantly major global hotel brands. Guests are now required to fill in a health declaration using a QR code and are equipped with an electronic COVID-19 information kit upon check-in.

In preparation for the return of travellers, Banyan Tree Group is also committed to going the extra mile to ensure a safe sanctuary for both associates and guests.

Partnering with Bureau Veritas to co-develop a proprietary label and set of protocols, the group has launched the SafeSanctuary, an integrated health and well-being programme . This has been rolled out progressively since June 2020 throughout all their properties.

With an easy download on Android, IOS, Windows, and Amazon devices, apps like those of Alma, Banyan Tree, Angsana, and InterContinental offer menus, promotions, and vouchers as well as livestreams, information about events, and health and safety tips to provide a useful experience for all travellers.

Promising days

The travel industry is seeing a spike in demand as some countries try to lift COVID-19 restrictions, and plans are made for the forming of a global travel taskforce for the reopening of travel. Some travel companies already report a surge in bookings, as the appearance of COVID-19 vaccines brings new hope to the travel industry worldwide.

In Vietnam, besides receiving huge batches of imported doses of AstraZenecas COVID-19 vaccine, the country is pushing ahead with locally-made vaccine trials and production.

With its strict prevention methods, Vietnam is ready for the added value of the vaccines. I believe that people can soon travel freely and that the tourism industry will quickly return to satisfy all expectations of domestic and international travellers, said Tra My, tour operator of Amazing Tour. Mys company received three times as many bookings for luxury holidays in Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Danang, Hoi An, and Lang Co than for any other destinations.

Whether you plan to leave your everyday life behind for a while or wish to live out your Robinson Crusoe fantasies, the resorts and hoteliers are ready to meet the increasing demands on travel and staycation at safe and luxury private island retreats and getaways in Vietnam.

From the north to the south, both domestic and international hotel operators have quickly changed their performances and services to meet the requirements of safe and sound tourism in a new normal.
An investor looks at stock prices on a laptop at a brokerage in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran.

Small investors could lose hundreds of millions of dong (VND100 million = $4,300) if they are unable to sell their shares when the minimum trading lot is raised to 1,000.

Since the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) raised its minimum trading lot from 10 to 100 earlier this year, Duy Duc in Hanoi has not been able to sell 90 shares that are now worth around VND7.4 million ($319).

This is because his brokerage only wants to buy these shares when their prices fall, to ensure high profits, but this also means that the 29-year-old could see his investment turn into a loss without being able to do anything about it.

"If the HoSE raises the minimum trading lot to 1,000, I might not be able to sell 500 shares of another ticker to the market and that could mean a huge loss," he said, adding that the value of these shares are now VND42.5 million.

Increasing the minimum trading lot is one of the latest proposals made by the HoSE to ease the system overload it has been facing for several months now because of the surging number of investors.

Although the bourses CEO Le Hai Tra has defended the proposal, saying that new investors could direct their funds toward exchange traded funds managed by professionals instead of buying big chips on their own to reduce risks, observers say that this goes against the development of the stock market with a level playing field for anyone to make profits.

The proposal means that if someone owns 999 shares of VIC of biggest conglomerate Vingroup, which are worth over VND106 million, they will have to sell them on the market immediately before the new policy takes effect or accept to sell them to brokerages later at a much lower price.

Financial expert Dinh The Hien said that after 20 years of existence, the HoSE still struggles to attract small investors due to the limited technical capabilities of its system.

The State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) in the past had given each share a face value of VND10,000 and allowed a minimum trading lot of 10 shares. This sought to attract all types of investors regardless of their limited financial capability, he told local media.

Increasing the lot size to 1,000 shares is unacceptable and goes against the trend of developed markets, he said.

Before 2014, Japan had eight different lot sizes, which were reduced to two lots of 100 shares and 1,000 shares, but starting in October 2018, there is only one lot size of 100 shares.

In 2019, the Tokyo Stock Exchange even considered bringing the lot size down to one share to attract even more investors.

Singapore used to have a lot size of 1,000 but brought it down to 100 in 2015.

Other experts are concerned that the lot increase will chase many investors away from the market as around 35-40 percent of investors have a capital of VND300 million or less, according to the Vietnam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI).

"Even increasing the lot size to 1,000 does not guarantee that the overload issues will be resolved on the HoSE," said Nguyen Hoang Hai, deputy chairman of VAFI.

But other experts say that a quick solution is needed to resolve the urgent issues.

Quach Manh Hao, former deputy director of Military Bank Securities, said that the lot increase will be a quick solution to temporarily resolve the overload issue while HoSE works on more permanent measures to improve its system.

"I support quick solutions which do not require going through much legal and administrative challenges," he said, adding that no immediate solution will be able to satisfy all investors.
Florence Pugh wowed the critics in Little Women  but has her partner made an honest woman of her, too?

The Oxford-born Oscar nominee has been at the centre of speculation that she has secretly tied the knot with fellow actor Zach Braff.

And our picture is likely to fuel those rumours as Braff, the former star of the US sitcom Scrubs, can be seen sporting a titanium ring on his wedding finger.

However, the only jewellery worn by Florence as they walked their dog Billie close to their Los Angeles home was a bracelet.

Otherwise, she was casually dressed in pink T-shirt and black shorts.

Oxford-born Oscar nominee Florence Pugh has been at the centre of speculation that she has secretly tied the knot with fellow actor Zach Braff. And our picture is likely to fuel those rumours as Braff, the former star of the US sitcom Scrubs, can be seen sporting a titanium ring on his wedding finger

The couple, who have brushed off derogatory comments about the 20-year age gap between them, have declined to comment on previous reports about marriage.

The rumours were stoked in January when Florence, 25, who stars in the forthcoming Marvel blockbuster Black Widow, was referred to as FPB  short for Florence Pugh-Braff  in a birthday message from a friend.

Last year, she rounded on social-media trolls who condemned the age difference between the couple after she posted a 45th birthday tribute to Braff.

'I do not need you tell me who I should and should not love, and I would never in my life ever tell anyone who they can and cannot love,' she wrote.

Florence Pugh wowed the critics in Little Women  but has her partner made an honest woman of her, too?

In a later podcast, she confronted the critics again: 'I've always found it funny how I can be good enough for people to watch my work and support my work and pay for tickets and I'm old enough to be an adult and pay taxes, but I'm not old enough to know who I should and should not have sex with.'

The couple met in 2019 when Florence starred in a short film Braff directed, called In The Time It Takes To Get There.

Later that year, a picture of the couple on a boat, while on holiday together in Spain, was posted on Instagram.

Florence recently finished filming the 1950s-set psychological thriller Don't Worry Darling alongside former One Direction star Harry Styles.
Its an odd feeling to realize you are living in a time that will go down in the history books. My kids marvel at how old my husband and I are, but we didnt live through the world wars, and I dont remember Vietnam. Sept, 11, 2001, is the only standout. Then March 2020 happened, and we were all jolted into an alternate reality. Could this really be happening? I have a public health background, and those experts have been saying since before I was in graduate school that a pandemic was imminent  but even I had trouble believing the magnitude of disruption.

Never mind that an economic shutdown became political and divisive. At this point, 2020 happened, and we will only know whether all the decisions were scientifically and economically worth it when the pandemic is far in the rear-view mirror. Lets look forward.

The first thing to do is assess the damage. The economy contracted by 3.5% in 2020. By way of comparison, the economy contracted by 2.5% in 2009 during the Great Recession. Prior to this current shock, trend growth had been about +2.5%. If we were to add up the foregone growth ($1 trillion) and the unprecedented fiscal stimulus, which will likely land at a total of $4 trillion, we are talking about a $5 trillion price tag due to a microscopic virus. Five trillion is about 25% of U.S. GDP pre-pandemic, a mind-numbing statistic. So, the focus should be how to get back to at least baseline levels of growth and productivity for this calamitous event while assuring another one doesnt happen.

As of now, early 2021, highly effective vaccines are being rolled out across the nation, and we are on our way to herd immunity. We are, however, in a race to immunize the world before viral mutations take hold. The U.S. could have 100% immunity, but if the rest of humanity doesnt reach collective immunity and mutations proliferate, one of those mutations will eventually evade current vaccines, and we will be playing whack-a-mole with COVID-19. The U.S. could adopt countries with some of the worlds most vulnerable health systems and lead in global vaccination efforts. Its not just the right thing to do, its the strategically smart thing to do both from a leadership perspective and from a self-preservation perspective.

As I wrote in an article earlier this year, there are other structural issues that pre-date the pandemic. For example, experts on climate have been issuing warnings for decades much like the epidemiologists have. I may be an Excel goddess, but I am not a climate expert, so I am going to trust experts from other fields. I dont want to learn the hard way like we did with this pandemic that ignoring warnings and skirting preparation is as costly as it is. Instead, we can use this seismic disruption to breed innovation as humans have successfully done throughout time. Humans are incredible at pivoting when they need to, and along the way of developing new pathways, we create new jobs. All it takes is thinking outside the box. Hasnt COVID shown us how adaptable we can be? Now we can be adaptable in a way that adequately prepares a planet with almost 8 billion people who invariably interact and intermingle, and must therefore cooperate both inter- and intra-country.

Undoubtedly, there will be a new normal, with more work from home, less business travel, even more e-commerce  more hybrid space, more hybrid learning and transformed commercial space. The pandemic has lasted too long to not engrain new behaviors. Perhaps we can take each of these new behaviors and use them to catapult some innovations that put us ahead. For jobs in which it is possible, even partial work from home could reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. High-speed rail like the proposed Front Range rail could not only further reduce emissions, they could be a stimulative infrastructure investment that creates jobs. The same can be said about wind and solar investments in our windy and sun-soaked state. Bureau of Labor projections from the last several years state that wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers will be two of the fastest growing occupations. Transforming energy is also a great opportunity to revamp our power grids and solidify a sustainable, self-sufficient power source indefinitely while simultaneously creating jobs.

All of this requires the ability and incentive to innovate, which brings up a couple of other structural challenges. I would argue the ability to innovate is hampered by a U.S. educational system that needs to transition to todays economy. Its not that educators and administrators are not working hard. Its that our economy has moved along faster than education has been able to keep up. That has perpetuated a negative feedback loop in terms of the aforementioned income inequality. The incentive to innovate is also hampered, but in this case, its ironically hampered by the capitalistic structure that originally nurtured innovation. Entrepreneurship has been declining in the U.S. over the past few decades for a host of reasons. Would-be entrepreneurs are reticent to leave jobs with health care benefits. Most entrepreneurs are young and have onerous student debt (which is now at $1.7 trillion, only behind mortgage debt). We have mammoth companies that have almost monopolistic market share with huge economies of scale making the barriers to entry for startups often insurmountable. If K-12 and higher education can go online on a dime, we can audit today and tomorrows job openings and build curricula around those skill sets. Government can also catch up with todays technology platforms that enable monopolistic-like behaviors and level the playing field with well-established anti-trust laws. Perhaps large employers could also be mandated to pay for nutritional or health benefits for their employees who technically qualify for those benefits at the expense of taxpayers. After all, those transfer payments are only increasing as the population ages and as income inequality grows. And those transfer payments are much of the reason U.S. debt is now at levels that match our total annual output.

Similarly, if health care can fully embrace telehealth for routine care in record time, can we not find our way to universal health records, streamlined administration and health insurance systems that incentivize preventive health instead of (expensive) curative care both for providers and patients, and therefore better outcomes?

Experts in various fields who are smarter than I am could easily add to this list. Even my humble reflections may seem lofty and deemed unrealistic, but I dont see why we cant get out of our own way and overcome these structural maladies. Beyond creating jobs (necessary) and leading as a nation (desirable), I believe we are at a fork in the road. Todays actions may very well determine whether humans thrive while defining their surroundings, or whether our surroundings will define a subpar human existence.

Tatiana Bailey, Ph.D., is the executive director of UCCS Economic Forum.

The UCCS Economic Forum just published its 2020-21 annual booklet, which you can find here: https://uccseconomicforum.com/booklets/.
An ex-Navy officer has alleged in an open letter to Defence Chief Angus Campbell that she was raped three times during her time as a midshipman without indulging in the risk factors that he warned last week could make women a target.

General Campbell told new recruits at the Australian Defence Force Academy that they could avoid becoming prey to sexual predators by being aware of the four As: alcohol, alone after midnight, alone and attractive.

Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell has come under fire over a speech given to cadets. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Erin Brown lost her virginity at the age of 17, one month after she had become a commissioned officer on a scholarship with the Royal Australian Navy, when she was raped by a more senior officer. She said that although there was alcohol involved, she not dressed provocatively, it was not after midnight and she was not alone.

The second incident occurred in divisional lines on the HMAS Creswell, where none of General Campbells risk factors were involved. The third occurred while she was asleep in bed when a midshipman entered her room, climbed into her bed and raped her with his hand held over her mouth to stop her from screaming.
Winners of the Kovalevskaya Award 2020, a prize dedicated to outstanding female scientists, were announced at a ceremony held jointly by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST) and the Vietnam Womens Union Central Committee.

At the ceremony (Photo: VNA)

A team of female scientists from the Institute of Natural Products Chemistry under VAST, and Associate Professor, Dr Truong Thanh Huong, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Cardiology at the Hanoi Medical University, were honoured this year.

The team studied and created many products with high applicability that have been used widely and served public healthcare, such as Khuong Thao dan (a drug for the treatment of arthritis, degenerative spine pain, and bone pain), Cordyceps Sinensis, and essential oils.

The award is presented to Associate Professor, Dr Truong Thanh Huong, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Cardiology at the Hanoi Medical University (Photo: VNA)







Meanwhile, Huong has made contributions to Vietnams health sector by conducting many scientific studies to improve treatment relating to cardiovascular disease.

Speaking at the event, member of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Womens Union Central Committee Ha Thi Nga said the award, named after Russian female mathematician Sofia Kovalevskaya, is presented annually to honour female scientists posting remarkable achievements in scientific research and application.

It is presented by a fund of the same name that operates in eight countries in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

The award has been presented in Vietnam since 1985, during which 20 collectives and 49 female scientists have been honoured./. VNA
In February 2020 Malgara Garcia Diaz was elected president of the Casa de la Memoria Association, based in Jimena de la Frontera, in Cadiz province, but with the onset of the pandemic barely a month later, the activities and events she and her colleagues had begun to plan were unable to go ahead. That does not mean that Margarita, as she is known, has been idle. In fact, for someone who is officially retired from her profession as a teacher, she seems busier than ever, despite the limitations imposed by Covid-19.

In a way, Margarita has always been quite a pioneer. When she first went to university, Franco was still alive and the subjects she chose - History and Geography - were unusual for women at the time. There were still many differences in the way men and women were treated, and she recalls one incident when a friend was refused permission to withdraw money from her own bank account without her husband's signature. "The bank manager had to come out and intervene, because she and I made such a fuss about it. That was in 1977!" she says.

She originally dreamed of a career in journalism, but that course was not available at Malaga university, which was nearest to her home, and her parents refused to let her move away to study elsewhere. She chose History because she found it interesting, but almost immediately discovered archaeology, which she describes now as "a true passion". She took part in excavations with some of the great names in archaeology and participated in research, but realised that there would be no jobs available after graduating. In the end, friends persuaded her to become a teacher.

"At first it was very painful to have to give up archaeology. I had been planning to do my thesis and had to abandon the idea. But then, I discovered that teaching is actually something wonderful. It's quite magical. I miss my pupils because they give you so much energy, I miss my History of Spain classes because they were always a challenge and I miss my colleagues a great deal. They are extraordinary people, who are totally dedicated to what they do. For the first year after I retired, it was awful because it almost felt as if I had lost my identity, but then I was able to reinvent myself and do other interesting things that I hadn't been able to do before," she says.

Womens rights in Spain: theres still a long way to go March 8th is International Womens Day and although Spain has made significant progress in womens rights in recent decades, a great deal still needs to change, says Margarita. She believes that this will be difficult while so many employers still treat motherhood as a problem and some sections of society find it more comfortable for women to look after the home and be responsible for care. Womens work is often undervalued and less well-paid and it is difficult for them to reach positions of responsibility. Womens achievements need to be recognised and be seen as normal, she says. Gender violence also continues to be a major problem. So many women have been killed by their husbands, partners, boyfriends etc. I just hope their deaths will never be forgotten, and that women will stop being considered someone elses property. The law needs to act inexorably in this respect.

Historical memory

One of those interesting things was to become more active in the historical memory movement. Her interest stems from her own family history. Her great-uncle was shot in 1939, after the civil war had finished, and she was instrumental in locating his body and ensuring that he was buried with dignity. She still recalls her grandmother's pain at the loss of her brother. Another great-uncle was recruited by Franco's troops and died after being sent to the front. The family have tried to find his whereabouts, but so far have been unsuccessful.

So for Margarita, it was a combination of personal background and ideology that led her to contact a fellow historian, Fernando Sigler, who manages the archive at the Casa de la Memoria La Sauceda, a civil war information and research centre, and offer to help.

It is an environment she loves, and has led to other things: for example, she has written articles and books, the latest of which is about the way the closure of the Gibraltar border by Franco was portrayed in the Spanish, Gibraltarian and English press. It was while chatting to colleagues in the archive that the idea was proposed of forming an association to manage and promote the Casa de la Memoria, raise awareness of the historical memory movement, and organise a busy schedule of activities. Then, as mentioned earlier, Spain went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic and these projects had to be put on hold.

Nevertheless, Margarita and her colleagues have continued working behind the scenes and online. "We keep the Casa Memoria website updated with information, and have just started a digital radio station called La Voz de la Memoria, which is a very powerful tool. We are digitalising the information in the archive, and working on publishing posthumously a book by the author Jesus Ynfante, called La Remonarquia. We are also preparing a series of talks and conferences, for when we are able to hold them again," she explains.

Someone as busy as Margarita must feel that there are not enough hours in the day, but she still manages to find time for hobbies and interests such as reading, writing, music, sport, and seeing friends. "But nothing relaxes me more than a walk in the woods, and then a shower," she says.
Source: Adobe/slawavorster

A new report from South Korea appears to show that the latest rush in bitcoin (BTC) and altcoin investment in the country is now higher than three years ago, and that its not all about the new wave of Korean crypto moms  younger folk are also laying down some serious capital in their investments.

Crypto fever, as it was termed by the South Korean media at the time, came to a boil in late 2017 and early 2018, with teenagers and octogenarians alike forking out their pocket money and pensions on tokens  before a market slump and the introduction of a series of tight regulations.

But it appears that the Tesla bitcoin buy announcement earlier this year has had serious repercussions in South Korea, and has galvanized crypto investors of all ages.

Per an investigation by Dong-A, one of the nations three biggest newspapers, citizens aged 20-39 are now investing thousands of USD at a time.

The media outlet quoted data compiled by the Democratic Party MP Kim Byeong-wook using figures from the Bithumb, Upbit, Korbit and Coinone trading platforms from January 1 to February 25. The statistics revealed that domestic customers have transacted an average of USD 7bn per day in this time period on the three exchanges  42% of the daily average traded on the KOSPI stock exchange.

The data also showed that a total of around USD 394bn was transacted by customers on the four exchanges platforms in the same timeframe, well over the total amount traded in the whole of 2020 (USD 315.5bn). The figure is also three times higher than the transaction totals at the peak of Korean Crypto Fever 1.0 in January 2018.

The media outlet added that over 1.9m first-time crypto investors had created accounts on the four market-leading platforms in the period January 1, 2021 to February 18.

And the newspaper featured testimonies from a number of twenty- and thirty-something crypto investors who claimed that the crypto jackpot was far more lucrative than the stock market, and adding that Teslas move had inspired their investment choices.

___

Learn more:

- Inspired by Tesla, South Korean Crypto Moms Take the Bitcoin Plunge

- Not Only Bitcoin Price Is Changing During This Bull Run

- Crypto in 2021: Institutions Prefer Bitcoin, Retail Open to Altcoins

- 1 Million First-time Buyers Bought Bitcoin on Dorsey's Cash App Last Month

- 50% of Inexperienced Investors to Hold Bitcoin Less Than a Year - Survey
Pope Francis declares Iraq visit pilgrimage of peace, bringing focus to dwindling Christian population after ISIS

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Pope Francis described his first visit to war-torn Iraq amid a raging pandemic and security concerns as a pilgrimage of peace, bringing focus on that countrys dwindling Christian population that suffered mass killings by the Islamic State terror group and a mass exodus.

The age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation, constitute a rich heritage that they wish to continue to place at the service of all, said Pope Francis after arriving in Baghdad Friday, addressing Iraqi President Barham Salih and other officials and diplomats at the Presidential Palace, The Telegraph reported.

May there be an end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance! May room be made for all those citizens who seek to cooperate in building up this country through dialogue and through frank, sincere and constructive discussion, added Francis, who has been working to improve relations with the Muslim world, according to La Croix.

It is essential to ensure the participation of all political, social and religious groups and to guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens. May no one be considered a second-class citizen, The Wall Street Journal quoted the pope as saying.

Francis added, Only if we learn to look beyond our differences and see each other as members of the same human family will we be able to begin an effective process of rebuilding and leave to future generations a better, more just and more humane world, according to The Associated Press.

The religious, cultural and ethnic diversity that has been a hallmark of Iraqi society for millennia is a precious resource on which to draw, not an obstacle to eliminate. Iraq today is called to show everyone, especially in the Middle East, that diversity, instead of giving rise to conflict, should lead to harmonious cooperation in the life of society, he continued.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane, Francis said his first travel outside of Italy in more than a year was also symbolic. This is an emblematic journey. It is also a duty to a land tormented by many years, he was quoted as saying.

In a video message broadcast on television in Iraq days before his visit, the pope said, I am coming as a pilgrim, as a penitent pilgrim, to implore from the Lord forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism, to beg from God the consolation of hearts and the healing of wounds.

Salih, who is from Iraqs ethnic Kurdish minority, responded to the popes address, saying, The East cannot be imagined without Christians. The continued migration of Christians from the countries of the east will have dire consequences for the ability of the people from the same region to live together.

There were about 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, the traditional birthplace of Abraham, in 2003, and the number has reduced to roughly 250,000, according to estimates, thanks to violence, kidnappings and killings by ISIS from 2014 to 2017 and a resulting mass fleeing.

Even after the defeat of ISIS in December 2017, Iraqs Christians didnt find the cradle of Christianity livable and continued to leave the country that became a land of militias.

Christians are also concerned about their safety, as they dont have traditional tribal networks for self-defense.

The Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of The Congress of Christian Leaders and Commissioner at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, compared the popes visit against the time when ISIS was gaining territory in Iraq.

The Oct. 2014 cover of the ISIS magazine showed their grotesque black flag flying over Vatican Square. Today, the Pope arrived on a pilgrimage of peace to the Iraq they tried (& failed) to destroy, Moore tweeted.

Francis was greeted with excitement by Christians and others, who lined the road to cheer his motorcade. The popes visit is a real-world embodiment of the love of Jesus to our troubled land, a place of violence and conflict, said Saleem Mansour Gorgees, a church deacon in Erbil, told The Telegraph.

A UAE-based independent body, the Muslim Council of Elders, also praised the pope for his visit.

Pope Francis visit to Iraq serves as a great opportunity to promote peace and is a message of solidarity with victims of violence in the region and around the world, the Council said in a statement, according to Vatican News. After years of destruction and war, we believe that the historic visit will help heal the wounds of the Iraqi people, while offering hope for a brighter future for Iraq and the region, one which will be filled with tolerance and coexistence.

On Saturday, Francis is scheduled to meet with Iraqs leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. On Sunday, the pope is expected to honor the dead in a Mosul square surrounded by shells of destroyed churches and meet with Christians who returned to the Qaraqosh town.
DOHC

Lets set things straight from the very beginning; Markus Pintzingers Omega Racer is one of Thailands go-to places when it comes to honoring your two-wheeled companion with some custom wizardry. Not only does this enterprise boast an extensive selection of aftermarket items developed in-house, they will also be more than happy to undertake just about any one-off exploit thats thrown at them.Ill tell you what; lets take a closer look at one such venture. To be concise, the project we'll be admiring today revolves around a 2014 model from Triumph s beloved Bonneville family. Within its tubular steel cradle frame, the donor carries an air-cooledparallel-twin powerplant that feeds its feral oomph to a chain final drive by means of a five-speed gearbox.At approximately 7,500 rpm, this bad boy is perfectly capable of delivering up to 67 untamed ponies. On the other hand, the four-stroke engine will gladly supply as much as 50 pound-feet (68 Nm) of crushing torque output at 5,800 revs. With its KYB suspension, Nissin brakes and classy design language, the MY 14 Bonnie is one hell of a donor when seeking to create a bespoke masterpiece!Given the fact that Triumphs fiend is a true superstar straight out of the box, the vast majority of its mechanical characteristics remain untouched by Omegas surgical interventions. Instead of aiming to improve upon its performance, the crews attention was mainly oriented towards enhancing the aesthetics.For starters, we spot an aluminum fuel tank thats been painstakingly hand-shaped by the workshops gifted experts. It is adorned with a pair of knee dents and a custom filler cap, as well as a rugged strap made of stainless-steel and leather. At the rear, you will find a cafe racer-style tail section replacing the Bonneville s stock unit to complement its new gas chamber.Additionally, an alloy seat pan supports a brown leather saddle that manages to look the business. On the opposite end, Bonnie wears a fresh front fender and one drool-worthy fairing resembling that of an 80s Ducati 900SS. To round out the cosmetic tweaks, round number plates were installed on both sides of the bike. The finishing touch comes in the form of a neat exhaust system topped with reverse megaphone mufflers.The result of Omega Racer s efforts is an alloy-clad leviathan thatll leave just about any moto-loving gearhead lost for words!
The number of people vaccinated against Covid-19 in Israel has surpassed 4.9 million, or 52.7 per cent of its total population. Meanwhile, the Omani health authorities announced that the second doses of Covid-19 vaccines will start to be administered from Sunday.

Israel's Ministry of Health reported 3,779 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, raising the tally in the country to 796,465, Xinhua news agency reported.

The death toll from the Covid-19 in Israel reached 5,834 after 13 new fatalities were added, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased from 699 to 690, out of 1,091 hospitalized patients.

In Oman, the latest Covid-19 statistics showed that the total number of cases has increased to 142,896, including 133,491 recoveries and 1,583 deaths.

In Turkey, the tally of confirmed cases climbed to 2,757,460 after 11,302 new infections, including 698 with symptoms, were detected, according to Turkish Health Ministry.

The Covid-19 death toll in Turkey surged by 62 to 28,901, while its total recoveries reached 2,608,848, the ministry said.

So far, over 7.5 million people in Turkey have been vaccinated, including 2.36 million who have received two doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.

The Iranian health authorities registered 8,367 new Covid-19 infections, raising the country's total number of confirmed cases to 1,673,470.

Between Thursday and Friday, 81 new deaths related to the were detected, pushing the death toll up to 60,512, spokeswoman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education Sima Sadat Lari said at her daily briefing.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Friday 5,127 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 719,121.

It also announced 30 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,537, while the total recoveries in the country climbed by 3,134 to 653,149.

Morocco registered 420 new Covid-19 cases, taking the tally in the North African country to 485,567, the health ministry said in a statement.

The total number of recoveries from Covid-19 in Morocco increased to 471,410 after 477 new ones were added. The death toll rose to 8,673 with four new fatalities during the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, 3,877,687 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against Covid-19 in the country, and 499,942 people have received the second dose.

The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on January 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines.

Lebanon registered on Friday 3,202 new Covid-19 cases, raising the tally of infections to 390,053, the Health Ministry reported. Meanwhile, the number of deaths went up by 52 to 4,971.

Kuwait reported on Friday 1,613 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 198,110.

The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced eight more deaths, taking the death toll to 1,113. The tally of recoveries nationwide rose by 918 to 184,239, while 12,758 coronavirus-related patients were receiving treatment.

The Qatari health ministry on Friday announced 469 new Covid-19 cases, raising the total confirmed number in the Gulf state to 166,015, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Meanwhile, 337 more were recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 155,407, while the death toll increased by one to 261.

Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said on Friday that Palestine has recorded a total of 218,628 Covid-19 cases including 2,333 deaths, after 1,826 new coronavirus cases and 19 more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

--IANS

int/

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Russian citizens can travel to Georgia through other countries from March 6, the press service of the Georgian Foreign Ministry informed.

It is noted that due to the cancellation of direct flights, Russians can get to Georgia from the countries with a direct connection.

According to the ministry, Azerbaijan and Turkey are among the above-mentioned countries.

Russians can fly directly to Baku and then get to Georgia by a Baku-Tbilisi flight.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 08:18:54|Editor: yhy

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Photo taken on March 5, 2021 shows the scene of a plenary meeting of deputies from the delegation of Guizhou Province at the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Wen Jinghua)
WEST COLUMBIA  The S.C. Senates GOP leader wants to sell a pair of airplanes used by South Carolina officials, ending what he calls an abuse of taxpayers money.

Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, announced March 5 his proposal to sell off the state's twin-engine 1983 King Air C90 and 1990 King Air 350, dubbed Palmetto 1 and Palmetto 2, most frequently used by the governor but also used for business and sports recruiting.

This week, for example, Gov. Henry McMaster flew to Myrtle Beach and Darlington to visit COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics.

Weve seen evidence of lawmakers using these planes for vacations, to go to conferences that they've described as official business, that I don't think many South Carolinians would consider to be official state business, Massey said in announcing legislation hell file March 9 to offload the airplanes.

The spirit of the law is to provide for the limited use of state-owned aircraft to do the business and further interests of the state, Masseys resolution states. Owning aircraft is not a core function of government and is ripe for abuse at the taxpayers expense.

Selling the aircraft is backed by state House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford of Columbia  because, he said, the fleet desperately needs an upgrade.

We have Boeing in this state. We should have a jet, Rutherford told The Post and Courier. You cannot do economic development in this state by walking.

Massey said hes open to alternatives, pointing to the need for industrial recruitment and travel requirements for governors, but suggested lawmakers look into chartered flights or a reimbursement system for commercial flight.

I understand the governor needs to travel, I'm willing to listen to whatever ideas people have, but what Im not willing to do is continue to allow these state assets to be misused and taxpayer dollars be wasted, Massey said.

Statewide officers and legislators can use the state planes at no cost to them on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as the trips are official business. Beyond McMaster, others recently on board include state Treasurer Curtis Loftis, state Ports Authority president Jim Newsome, and University of South Carolina president Bob Caslen.

They were among 27 times the planes were used between Jan. 1, 2020, and Feb. 1 of this year, according to flight logs maintained by the state Aeronautics Commission. In all, the flights cost taxpayers $85,000.

Manifests from 2020 show the planes were used for a myriad of reasons:

 On Jan. 16, state Ports Authority president Jim Newsome flew from Mount Pleasant to Greenville, where he was given an award during a South Carolina Manufacturers Association banquet.

 On Jan. 28, University of South Carolina president Bob Caslen and other officials flew to Hilton Head Island to meet with Apple executives about a partnership with USC Greenville Medical School.

 On Feb. 22, several Clemson football coaches, including former NFL quarterback and now team offensive analyst J.P. Losman, traveled to Myrtle Beach for a coaches clinic.

 On May 12, state Rep. John King, D-Rock Hill, took a flight to Brunswick, Ga., hometown of Ahmaud Arbery to take part in a press conference.

 On July 1, state Attorney General Alan Wilson went to Manassas, Va., to meet with former U.S. Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette.

 On Aug. 12, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette traveled to Washington, D.C., for a meeting with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services leaders.

 On Nov. 12, the state Department of Corrections used a plane to extradite an inmate from Arkansas.

 And on Oct. 1, a legislative delegation, including state Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, journeyed to Mount Pleasant for a meeting regarding potential closure of the Parris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

Theyre in place to facilitate us being legislators and taking care of the states business, King, who returned to South Carolina with a renewed push for adoption of a hate crimes bill, said. One thing I know about the other legislators that have been on there, they have made sure they've done things ethically and not against the laws of South Carolina.

McMaster said he's willing to consider getting rid of the planes. He's asked the state Department of Administration to analyze the costs and benefits of keeping versus selling, not only the two state planes, but those owned by public colleges, too, updating a 2014 study, said his spokesman Brian Symmes.

Both the University of South Carolina and Clemson have two planes.

Some larger states have already gotten rid of their subsidized aircraft. In 2019, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, sold his governments plane for $1.2 million  following through on a campaign promise to do so. And, in December, Montanas multi-millionaire Gov. Greg Gianforte bought a personal airplane that he uses for all state business.

Maintained by the states Aeronautics Commission in West Columbia, the C90 costs $1,000 an hour to operate while the newer King Air 350 is $1,500. According to the commission, a round-trip flight from its headquarters to the Washington/Dulles airport is $4,750 for up to nine passengers. It costs $1,500 for officials to take the 45-minute flight from West Columbia to Myrtle Beach on the six-seater C90.

Massey said it's an unnecessary perk for politicians, and the best way to end abuse is to cut off their access completely.

Flights authorized by legislators, the governor and other constitutional officers are absorbed as part of the agency's budget. Agencies and public colleges also can use the planes for official business, but they must pay by the hour. The agency is barred from making a profit on the per-hour cost.

Massey said his legislation was prompted by a March 4 report in The State newspaper that said state House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, has flown on the planes six times with his then-girlfriend, Megan Pinckney, since 2013.

The couple got married in December.

But he's far from the only legislator to use the planes.

And other politicians have come under fire in the past.

This isnt about Todd Rutherford. Theres a whole lot of people who have used those planes and, most of the time, theyre for legitimate purposes, Massey said.

But it doesnt take a whole lot of abuse of taxpayer-funded planes like this to cause a problem for everybody else.

Rutherford, who is on the House Ethics Committee, said many lawmakers have constituents in rural parts of the state, or are asked to take part in events that could take them out-of-pocket for hours if forced to drive. He also said the antiquated condition of South Carolinas planes dont make them an attractive option.

Those planes are so old and decrepit you dont want to get on them unless you have to. Theyre like my 1974 Volkswagen, he said. In South Carolina, it is very difficult to get around if you're actually going to do your job in multiple places.

In 2013, Democrats accused then-Gov. Nikki Haley of misusing the states planes by taking her campaign-paid videographer with her on flights around South Carolina the year before. She dismissed the criticism, and an attorney with the state Ethics Commission agreed with her, saying he can fly at the governor's invitation.

A year earlier, Haley repaid about $10,000 for using state planes to attend news conferences and bill signings after being told about a prohibition that legislators quietly inserted into the state budget, partly because they were weary of watching her fly around the state to hold events bashing them.

Also in 2013, the House Ethics Committee dismissed allegations that state Rep. Bill Chumley, R-Woodruff, wrongly used the planes to shuttle a conservative commentator from Washington, D.C., to testify on a bill. A clause in the state budget specifies that transportation to and from legislative meetings does not qualify as official business. But violating that requires the legislator to know it was wrong and to benefit economically, the committee found.

Palmetto 1 also landed in Tampa for the 1984 Super Bowl, ferrying then state Sen. Jack Lindsay, a Marlboro County Democrat, to the game.

Amid the controversies in 2013, senators voted to sell the planes, saying it would end the recurring accusations of their misuse by government officials. The 26-14 vote inserted the proposal into the Senate's budget plan, but the House took it out.
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BELGRADE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Serbia on Friday received the third shipment of COVID-19 vaccines from China, President Aleksandar Vucic has said.

Vucic welcomed the shipment at the Belgrade Airport on Friday evening and posted a video on social media, in which he expressed gratitude to China and urged citizens to take part in the vaccination campaign.

The first and second batches of Chinese COVID-19 vaccines reached Serbia on Jan. 16 and Feb. 10 respectively.

On Jan. 19, Serbia started its national vaccination campaign to rein in the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In the past several days, the daily number of new COVID-19 cases across the European country has been peaking above 4,000, while 4,161 COVID-19 patients are currently hospitalized, according to the health ministry.

So far, Serbia has confirmed 478,878 COVID-19 cases, while 4,525 patients have died of the disease. Enditem
Explosions were heard on Friday night in northern Syria near the towns of al-Bab and Jarablus, close to the Turkish border, a witness and state-run Ikhbariya TV said.

The blasts hit local oil refineries in the region, which is held by Turkey-backed fighters and where Turkish troops have a presence.

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Longtime advisers and allies have helped the governor navigate the series of crises and offered advice. They include two former top aides, Steven M. Cohen, the former secretary to the governor, and William Mulrow, another former secretary to the governor who now works at the private equity firm Blackstone; Melissa DeRosa, the governors top aide; Mr. Cuomos pollster, Jefrey Pollock; and Beth Garvey, special counsel to the governor.

The result on Wednesday was an uncharacteristically rattled chief executive, who delivered an emotional apology for his conduct but insisted that he had never touched anyone inappropriately and that he did not intend to resign.

Palace intrigue aside, theres a job to be done and New Yorkers elected the governor to do it, a spokesman for the governor, Richard Azzopardi, said in a statement. Which is why he has been focused on getting as many shots in arms as possible, making sure New York is getting its fair share in Washingtons Covid relief package and working on a state budget that is due in three weeks.

People who have been in touch with Mr. Cuomos team described some staff members  in particular, younger ones  as demoralized and exhausted, as a series of controversies play out on top of a year of navigating Covid-19 in an exceptionally demanding environment.

Several staff members have departed his office in recent days, citing a variety of reasons. Among those who have left are Gareth Rhodes, who served as a member of the state coronavirus task force and was a frequent guest star during Mr. Cuomos news briefings, and members of his press team.

As the Legislature heads into high-stakes budget negotiations, even Mr. Cuomos traditional allies acknowledge that his influence has taken a hit.

Its made his job more difficult, said Jay Jacobs, the New York State Democratic Party chairman, who said he had spoken with Mr. Cuomo on Thursday. When youre under this kind of pressure, thats going to influence the amount of, the degree of, your political strength.
'Minari' director Lee Isaac Chung says Pentecostal man in film showed his family how to love

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Lee Isaac Chung, the writer and director behind the Golden Globe Award-winning film Minari, says the Christian character in the film was a real person and significant figure in his life who taught his family what it means to love others.

Minari is based on Chungs own childhood in the 1980s as his South Korean family pursued the American dream in rural Arkansas.

Chung said the film is derived from his life and was written from a list of memories.

What you see happening in the plot of the film, a lot of that draws from things that have happened in my life, he told The Christian Post. What you see in the home, a lot of little details, that comes from real life.

The film stars Steven Yeun, Yeri Han, Alan Kim, Noel Kate Cho, Yuh-Jung Youn, and Will Patton.

Minari follows a Korean-American family that moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American dream. The family's home, however, is completely transformed with the arrival of their sly, foul-mouthed, but incredibly loving grandmother.

Amid the instability and challenges of this new life in the rugged Ozarks, Minari shows the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home, the synopsis reads.

As seen in the film, Chung said he really has an older sister, a grandmother who came and watched them as their parents worked in chicken hatcheries, and they had a farm. However, he adds that a lot of other things were changed for the sake of letting the story work together.

The authenticity of the family dynamic in the film is what resonates most with audiences, Chung said.

"I just wanted to present a portrait of a family in which everybody feels very real and very human, he explained. I wanted this story to not just present this family as a bunch of saints where nothing they do is bad. They're torn with their own struggles, and they have fights, and they're on the brink of collapsing many times.

"Ultimately, they're trying to find a way to stay together, and they have a deep love for each other underneath all that. That was really a goal with this, to try to show human beings and hope that people would connect to that.

Along their journey, the family meets a white radical Christian man who commits to helping the family on their farm and prays for them. Although the film is not based on this narrative in particular, Chung says that the character, who is based on a real person, had a lasting impact on his familys life.

He's based on someone from my real life. He was a Pentecostal man who worked on our farm. The sense I got with him, you see it in Scripture, it's the foolish who shamed the wise many times; I kind of felt that way with him, Chung told CP in an interview (watch below).

"He was a fool for Christ and he taught us a lot about what it means to love somebody, he added. There are people in the town that would make fun of him, to be honest. But yet, he became our friend, and he was the first guest we had in our house and he really welcomed us into that community.

"I always felt like, there's something in that that speaks to the Christian faith, the sort of connection that we're supposed to be making with people on the margins, and really welcoming in strangers and all these different elements of the faith that I respond to, he said.

"I wanted to show him in this way, this counterintuitive way. Because also, we see so many images of white Christians in the south, and they're treated with a lot of caricatures, he continued. So I thought, it's interesting if we can have this character in the film who feels like that at the beginning, but then you really realize that he's a fully fleshed out more complex human being than we were immediately expecting.

When talking about the movie's overarching theme, the filmmaker, who went on to attend Yale University, says he's grateful for how much his family sacrificed to make a way for him and his sister.

"It's not lost on me that I've definitely benefited a lot in this country. My parents, they grew up in a time when there was war in Korea. And my grandmother, her husband, my grandfather, was a soldier and he died in the war," he said. "A lot of people in that generation, they didn't go to schools. My grandmother couldn't read; she didn't finish beyond elementary school."

Chung added: "For them to come over to the U.S. and have me and my sister, and for us to be in this position now where I'm doing press, it's really remarkable. For me, the people who made that possible are always the people who are behind the scenes and oftentimes very invisible. Like my grandmother, no one knew about her because she didn't really speak English. She was just at home watching us and making sure that we're staying alive. My parents were kind of buried away in a factory working.

It's really the work of people sacrificing for each other that makes all people who we are, he added.

That's the secret story to this country; it's that sense of sacrifice. It's not just Asian immigrants or immigrants in general. This is a story of everybody, he declared.

The pandemic, we're seeing so many people stepping up now. And it doesn't matter what race or what background they are, there are people who are keeping us alive right now. We just got to thank them and honor them. That, to me, is the American dream.

Chung also praised people such as Jeremy Lin who are raising awareness about racism and discrimination against Asian Americans. The number of violent attacks against Asians has spiked amid the coronavirus pandemic.

I'm glad to hear the way Jeremy Lin has spoken out on this. It has been disheartening to hear about the recent rise of hate crimes against the Asian American community, Chung told CP.

I hope that anyone facing or experiencing discrimination will, first of all, take to heart that this is not their fault, and they are not alone in this. Secondly, I hope they find ways to plug into communities to help prevent negative feelings of discrimination from festering. I think the vast majority of us in this country hunger for more unity and hospitality, and we all share and shoulder the burden of hard work to build that, he encouraged.

Speaking about "Minari," Chung said he wants his semi-autobiographical film to impact people in whichever way they need.

"I try not to be someone who's preaching a message with my films or anything like that. I just want it to be open, and I think this family is being open to everybody and showing the little ticks and quirks about their own lives. If it speaks into people's lives in a positive way, I'd be very happy for that, he added.

Visit the Minari website for more information.
Buckingham Palace is bracing itself for historic complaints about Duke of York

Buckingham Palace is bracing itself for historic complaints about the Duke of York following the announcement of a review into alleged bullying by the Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan is alleged to have bullied staff while at Kensington Palace, forcing two people to leave the household and undermining the confidence of a third. She has denied the claims.

But sources say the very existence of the investigation, which was launched within 24 hours of the complaint being made public, could open a can of worms across the Royal household.

One said: Whoever is chosen to lead the internal inquiry will be under scrutiny to assure no stone is left unturned for fear of it being branded a whitewash.

Buckingham Palace is bracing itself for historic complaints about the Duke of York following the announcement of a review into alleged bullying by the Duchess of Sussex

Prince Andrew has faced persistent claims that he has subjected aides to shouting, profanities and impossible demands.

In one instance, a former aide was said to have been left trembling and reduced to tears after being bawled at by Andrew in a phone call made before dawn because the Duke was unhappy at a story in The Sun newspaper.

A source claimed: People were shouted at regularly by the Duke of York and there would be crying in the corridors.

These staff members are not pushovers either, and they put up with an awful lot so it had to be very bad to have affected them in this way. He can be a very difficult person.

On another occasion in 2016, Andrew was reported to have rammed his Range Rover through closed park gates close to his Royal Lodge home in Windsor to avoid a one-mile detour.

Simon Wilson, Britains Deputy Head of Mission in Bahrain between 2001 and 2005, described Andrews boorish and rude behaviour, asserting that the Prince issued a raft of unreasonable demands.

Prince Andrew, pictured with the Queen in June 2019, has faced persistent claims that he has subjected aides to shouting, profanities and impossible demands

They included insisting his valet travel everywhere with a 6ft ironing board and that drinking water was served at room temperature.

Several ex-staff members of the Dukes office are thought to have sufficient cause for complaint and the Palace will be duty bound to investigate if they come forward.

Often when people are going through it they dont feel confident enough to fight their corner, said a source. Perhaps they didnt feel brave enough to go into it at the time, but they may do so now.

Prince Andrews friends have previously dismissed claims of poor behaviour, saying only that he has been involved in heated rows but nothing more.

Sources say the very existence of the investigation, which was launched within 24 hours of the complaint being made public, could open a can of worms across the Royal household

The review was announced last week after The Times reported how Jason Knauf, the then Communications Secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, complained that Meghan had driven two personal assistants out of the household and was undermining the confidence of a third member.

In an email to Simon Case, then Prince Williams private secretary, in October 2018 he described the situation as very serious.

The Duchess denies bullying and the Sussexes responded by saying they were the subject of a smear campaign.

At least five people allegedly affected by her behaviour will be invited to talk to a team at the Palace which will oversee the inquiry.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Andrew Cuomo has denied his aides altered the data on COVID-19 nursing home deaths on the same day New York State lawmakers voted to strip the governor of his emergency powers.

The embattled governor's Special Counsel Beth Garvey released a statement Friday hitting back at a bombshell report that Cuomo's office asked the state health department to change its definition of COVID-19 nursing home deaths back in July in order to mask the true extent of the crisis.

Garvey insisted none of the state's COVID Taskforce members 'changed any of the fatality numbers or 'altered' the fatality data' and claimed it had been public knowledge that deaths in hospitals were being counted separately to deaths inside the facilities.

The defense came amid a rocky day for the governor as state lawmakers voted to repeal his emergency powers and more staffers quit amid the escalating sexual harassment and nursing home storms.

The New York State Senate passed a bill Friday by a 43-20 vote to rescind the expanded emergency executive powers which were handed to Cuomo to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The state Assembly followed later Friday, voting 107-43 to strip the governor of his emergency powers.

The votes took place just hours after he was described as a 'textbook abuser' who 'used his temper to rule the office' by one of three women who have come forward to accuse him of sexual harassment.

Andrew Cuomo (above) has denied his aides altered the data on COVID-19 nursing home deaths on the same day New York State lawmakers voted to strip the governor of his emergency powers

Cuomo's office on Friday denied the shock claims that Cuomo's aides pushed for a change to the definition of nursing home deaths in order to manipulate the data and downplay the number of deaths connected to long-term care facilities last year.

Garvey said none of Cuomo's aides, including Financial Services Superintendent Linda Lacewell and Secretary Melissa DeRosa, altered the figures.

She said the state had been clear with the public throughout the production of the report that deaths were being counted based on the place the individual died.

'To be clear, multiple times during the time the July 6 DOH report was being developed, public statements were made during the daily briefings and in the press regarding the existence of the data, but noting that the deaths were being counted in the facility where individuals died,' she said.

'There were repeated public statements acknowledging the out of facility deaths were not being listed as a subset of nursing home deaths stemming from concerns related to potential for double counting and consistency and accuracy.'

She added: 'The out of facility data was repeatedly discussed in public briefings and we consistently acknowledged those deaths were being counted in the total death count through the place of death data.'

The statement cited a number of press conferences, hearings and reports to support this claim including a May briefing where, in response to a reporter's question, former Cuomo adviser Jim Malatras said deaths in hospitals came under hospitalization deaths.

The embattled governor's Special Counsel Beth Garvey released a statement Friday hitting back at a bombshell report that Cuomo's office asked the state health department to change its definition of COVID-19 nursing home deaths back in July to mask the extent of the crisis

The statement released Friday by Cuomo's office that denies the cover-up by his aides

'Isabella Geriatric Center which is something we drew attention to this week, they issued a statement saying there have been 98 deaths but the official reporting shows less than that, something in the 60s. That does that not count hospital deaths. In other words someone goes from the facility to a hospital is that then counted differently?' asked a reporter on May 5.

Malatras responded: 'Those get reported in the hospitalization deaths.'

Malatras as well as Melissa DeRosa, the governor's top aide, and Linda Lacewell, the head of the state's Department of Financial Services were all allegedly involved in the revisions to the July report.

'COVID Taskforce members, including Melissa DeRosa, Linda Lacewell, and Jim Malatras, were involved in reviewing the draft report - none of them changed any of the fatality numbers or 'altered' the fatality data,' Garvey said.

The counsel insisted the change to the data's reporting came about 'after asking DOH questions' before a 'decision was made to use the data set that was reported by the place of death with firsthand knowledge of the circumstances, which gave a higher degree of comfort in its accuracy'.

Garvey doubled down on Cuomo's ongoing argument that the place of death does not change the overall total number of New Yorkers killed by the virus at the time.

'There was no undercount, as total deaths irrespective of location were always disclosed, and the methodology of how data was being presented was accurate,' she said.

Cuomo's office said the report 'was intended to detail whether the March 25 advisory memo contributed to increased deaths, and not be a full accounting of every death'.

The report will now be updated to include the more complete number of nursing home deaths, she said.

Insiders told The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times Thursday that state health officials had originally included nursing home residents who died after being transported to hospitals in the tally of deaths in long-term care facilities in a report given to Cuomo's office in July.

The New York State Senate passed a bill Friday to rescind the expanded emergency executive powers which were handed to Cuomo to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (above) said: 'Today, under this new legislation the governor will no longer be able to issue any new directives, period'

They said Cuomo's top aides requested the state health department remove the hospital deaths from the figures before the report was made public.

This revision resulted in the report detailing 6,432 nursing home deaths up to that point - a significant undercount of the actual death toll and down from the almost 10,000 which were included in the initial version of the report.

Cuomo's most senior aides allegedly did not want to make that number public as the governor was under fire for an earlier directive that ordered infected patients to be sent back to facilities.

The true number of deaths among nursing home residents only became clear this year following a review by the state attorney general.

New York state lawmakers moved Friday to repeal Cuomo's emergency powers as calls mount from both parties for him to resign over the scandal.

Cuomo's additional emergency authority was approved in the early days of the pandemic last year, and designed to give him sweeping powers to rapidly change laws, in the midst of the public health emergency.

All Senate Democrats voted in favor of the repeal while all Republicans voted against as they claim the move doesn't go far enough.

'Today, under this new legislation the governor will no longer be able to issue any new directives, period,' said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

'In light of recent events, however, it is clear that we need to move toward a system of increased oversight, review and verification between the Legislature and the executive branch, and also limit the powers granted to the governor.'

The bill now goes to Cuomo's office. He is not able to veto it due to the vote margin has said he backs it anyway.

Two more staffers quit Friday with at least five departing amid the scandals. Gareth Rhodes (above), a top coronavirus aide, announced he was leaving Wednesday days after a woman claimed Cuomo sexually harassed her at Rhodes' wedding

Two members of his press office - spokesman Will Burns and press secretary Caitlin Girouard (above) - also announced their departures this week

Once passed, Cuomo will only be able to create new directives or extend existing ones with the Legislature's approval.

The fall from grace for the governor who last year won an Emmy for his pandemic press conferences and had been rumored to be in the running for Joe Biden's attorney general pick has thrown his office into turmoil with two more staffers quitting Friday.

Cuomo's office confirmed health care data analyst Erin Hammond and scheduler Sophie Boldison are leaving their positions just days after three others announced their departures.

Both departures have been in process for some time with Hammond leaving to 'focus on her family' and Boldison moving to a new position at the state university system, Cuomo's office told the New York Post.

This marks at least five aides who have quit in the last week as the governor's team jump ship as three women - two former staffers - claim he sexually harassed them at work.

Gareth Rhodes, a top coronavirus aide, announced he was leaving Wednesday days after a woman claimed Cuomo sexually harassed her at Rhodes' wedding.

In a statement, he said: 'Last week as I approached one year since moving to Albany to join the NYS Covid task force, I decided it was time, given the progress of the vaccination program and continued decline of Covid numbers, to return to my previous role at the Department of Financial Services and I informed the Governor's senior staff at the time.'

Cuomo, pictured with his aide Melissa DeRosa who is accused of asking the state health department to revise the nursing home numbers

Two members of his press office - spokesman Will Burns and press secretary Caitlin Girouard - also announced their departures.

Prior to this week's uproar, nine health officials also quit over claims Cuomo ignored their advice about COVID-19.

The exodus comes amid the accusations of sexual harassment by two former staffers and reports of a 'bullying' working culture.

Nearly a dozen former and current staffers told Gothamist/WNYC the working culture inside Cuomo's office was one of a bullying environment.

Former staffers have described working there as having 'Stockholm syndrome', while others said they're 'kind of waking up to the fact that we were in a cult'.

Some said Cuomo was a 'micromanager to the 100th degree' and had a tough management style.

The governor, who released a book about his leadership during the pandemic, has fallen from grace as new details continue to emerge about his handling of COVID-19 in the state's nursing homes and allegations surface of sexual harassment.

Cuomo had issued a directive on March 25 ordering nursing homes to readmit COVID-positive patients because of a lack of space in hospitals.

Charlotte Bennett, 25, worked as an aide for New York Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year. She claims he sexually harassed her and left her 'terrified'

Anna Ruch, 33, (left) claimed Cuomo behaved inappropriately at a Manhattan wedding in September 2019. Lindsey Boylan, 36, (right) claims Cuomo commented on her appearance inappropriately, kissed her without her consent and went out of his way to touch her on her lower back, arms and legs

Ex and current Cuomo staffers say they're 'waking up to the fact they were in a cult' Nearly a dozen former and current staffers have detailed to Gothamist/WNYC the working culture inside Gov Cuomo's office after he was accused of sexual harassment. Some of the staffers say they weren't surprised by the allegations given what they claim is a bullying environment and intense work culture inside Cuomo's office. Former staffers have described working there as having 'Stockholm syndrome', while others said they're 'kind of waking up to the fact that we were in a cult'. Some said Cuomo was a 'micromanager to the 100th degree' and had a tough management style. One staffer who had a fellowship when she was in her 20s in 2013 described how she was quickly set up near Cuomo's office, with staffers later telling her the governor liked blondes. She was also told to wear stilettos when in the Albany office. Some staffers, however, refuted the toxic workplace notions. 'I think everyone there wants to do the best work they can. Sometimes that work-life balance is sacrificed. I was definitely burned out by the end of my time there. I didn't take it personally,' the staffer said. Advertisement

The move has been slammed for costing many lives given the elderly were especially vulnerable and that nursing homes were hotbeds for the virus.

The ruling was reversed on May 10, barring nursing homes from accepting COVID-19 patients without a negative test first.

This January, New York AG Letitia James said the state had downplayed the number of deaths of nursing home residents by 50 percent.

The death toll was actually 15,000, up from the 8,500 previously disclosed.

The new figures mean around one-seventh of the state's entire nursing home population of 90,000 have been killed by the virus.

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.

When the true figures were reported, Cuomo tried to defend himself saying 'who cares' where they died.

'Died in a hospital, died in a nursing home - they died,' he said.

'But who cares? 33 [percent]. 28 [percent]. Died in a hospital. Died in a nursing home... They died.'

In February Cuomo was then accused of intentionally hiding the data in a sign of a huge cover-up.

The governor's top aide Melissa DeRosa made the bombshell confession in a call with Democratic state legislators where she said officials 'froze' in August when then-President Donald Trump's Department of Justice asked for data on nursing home deaths.

DeRosa said on the call the state had rebuffed the request.

Federal prosecutors began investigating a possible coverup of COVID deaths among nursing home residents.

Ron Kim, a Democrat politician then claimed Cuomo rang him and threatened to 'destroy' him if he did not support him.

Now, Cuomo is also facing a probe into allegations of sexual harassment after three women came forward to accuse him in the last week.

Lindsey Boylan, 36, was the first person to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment.

She worked for Cuomo's team from March 2015 to October 2018 and recounted her story of sexual harassment in the series of Twitter posts.

She then elaborated on her accusations in a February 24 blog post in which she said Cuomo once suggested a game of strip poker.

Boylan claims the unwanted advances included an unsolicited kiss on the lips in Cuomo's New York City office, which the governor denies.

Charlotte Bennett, 25, became the second woman to come forward.

She worked as a health policy adviser in the New York governor's administration. She was hired in the spring of 2019 and swiftly promoted to senior briefer and executive assistant only a few months later.

She claimed he sexually harassed her, asking her questions about her sex life and telling her he would consider dating 'anyone above the age of 22' - she is 25.

A third accuser, Anna Ruch, 33, then came forward telling the NYT that Cuomo put his hands on her face and asked if he could kiss her after meeting her at a September 2019 wedding.

Cuomo said he was apologizing to 'people' who were uncomfortable with his conduct but insisted he has never 'touched anyone' inappropriately.

'I now understand that I acted in a way that made people feel uncomfortable,' Cuomo said.

'It was unintentional and I truly and deeply apologize for it.

Asked about calls for him to step aside, the third-term governor said: 'I wasn't elected by politicians, I was elected by the people of the state of New York. Im not going to resign.'

Mutant strains of the coronavirus are 'very unlikely' to stop the UK having a normal summer, a top scientist has said.

Head of the Covid-19 Genomics UK scientific body Professor Sharon Peacock said tweaking vaccines will allow Britain to 'stay ahead' of Covid-19.

Prof Peacock said she was 'optimistic' Britain's world-leading jab rollout means the government can keep to the 'roadmap' out of lockdown.

New variants of the virus are considered the most likely threat to the easing of restrictions because they may mutant to be resistant to vaccines.

It comes after a person in England who was infected with the Brazil variant of Covid was found in Croydon yesterday.

Meanwhile another new coronavirus variant - which shares a mutation with the Brazil and South African versions - was detected in the UK on Thursday.

But Britain's vaccine drive is gathering pace, with Matt Hancock revealing last night two in five adults have now been vaccinated as deaths fall 'faster and faster'.

Head of the Covid-19 Genomics UK scientific body Professor Sharon Peacock said tweaking vaccines will allow Britain to 'stay ahead' of Covid-19

PHE now has four variants 'under investigation' and four more which it describes as 'variants of concern', which include the Brazilian P1 variant

Matt Hancock hails 'encouraging' data ahead of first stage of lockdown easing The average daily number of Covid cases, hospital admissions and deaths are the lowest they have been since the autumn, according to the Health Secretary. Matt Hancock painted a positive picture regarding the state of coronavirus infections in England in a press conference on Friday, with the average number of cases - 6,685 per day - at their lowest rate since late September. That pattern was repeated on Friday, with the Government confirming that, as of 9am, there had been a further 5,947 lab-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the UK. The Health Secretary said the decrease in cases meant the Government could continue with its plan of replacing the lockdown - with the first easing on Monday with the return of schools, and all restrictions possibly scrapped by June 21 - with the 'protection that comes from vaccines and regular testing'. Advertisement

But Prof Peacock has reassured Britons new mutant strains that were more likely to bypass the vaccine were not taking control in the UK.

She told the Times: 'New variants are very unlikely to send us back to square one. I'm very optimistic that the vaccines will be rolled out, that they'll be effective, and that we'll be in a better place by the summer and autumn.

'I think we've got the capabilities to stay ahead by adapting vaccines, and so I'm an optimist.'

The threat from new variants is one of the government's four tests the country needs to pass to keep to the lockdown easing timetable.

The other criteria is the vaccine rollout continuing well, jabs shown to reduce hospital admissions and deaths and no surge in hospital cases.

The Brazilian and South African mutations are believed to be more resistant to the vaccines currently in production.

There are at least 295 people infected with the South African variant in Britain, which has surged by seven in the last week.

But Prof Peacock said a spike in this strain may not materialise, adding they are not taking off at the rate the Kent variant did.

She added: 'There's no reason for being complacent. I think we have to take them seriously and try to control them as much as possible, but I think it's actually quite difficult to therefore predict that what you've seen in South Africa or Manaus is going to be related to the UK.'

Vaccine firms are looking into adapting current jabs to tackle the Brazilian and South African variants.

Yesterday the mystery person in England who was infected with the Brazil variant of Covid was found in Croydon, south London.

The case was found in a man in Croydon who had recently returned from Brazil. Mr Hancock said the whole household had quarantined and didn't appear to have spread the virus

UK will have to 'live with a substantial degree of death' in post-lockdown era, SAGE adviser says The UK will still have to live with 'substantial' levels of Covid deaths after lockdowns come to an end because the virus won't go away, one of the Government's scientific advisers said yesterday. Professor Andrew Hayward, an infectious disease expert based at University College London and a member of SAGE, said he believes 'we've been through the worst of this'. But he said vaccines won't totally get rid of the virus and the country would still have to live with 'a degree of mortality that will be substantial'. SAGE has predicted that a third wave of the virus is inevitable and tens of thousands more people will die because millions will be left unprotected by vaccines, which aren't 100 per cent effective and won't be taken by everyone. Advertisement

At a Downing Street press conference, Matt Hancock and PHE medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins confirmed the man handed himself in on Wednesday at 3pm.

He phoned 119 after a six-day nationwide scramble which saw Test and Trace staff work backwards through the postal system to find out where his swab test was sent.

Mr Hancock praised the 'dogged' work of authorities and said there was no sign the virus had been transmitted outside of the man's household since he was sick.

Scientists will now examine all swab tests from the neighbourhood where he lives to ensure there are no other cases of the troublesome mutation.

The man's family, who returned home from Brazil last month, had quarantined themselves, he told officials during 'extensive interviewing'.

Mr Hancock said on Tuesday the search had been narrowed to 379 homes in the South East, but last night revealed it was in London.

Mr Hancock said: 'We've now successfully identified the sixth case of the variant of concern first identified in Manaus in Brazil...

'The best evidence is that this person in question stayed at home and there is no sign that there has been any onward transmission.

'But as a precaution we're putting more testing in in Croydon, where they live, to minimise the risk.'

The Office for National Statistics estimated that 248,000 people across England are infected with the coronavirus, down from 370,000 in its estimate last Friday

The number of people developing Covid symptoms each day, as estimated by the Covid Symptom Study, plateaued in February but has started to drop again in March

More proof Covid variants won't scupper vaccines: Crucial T cell immunity is NOT hampered by new strains Immunity produced by white blood cells is 'not substantially affected' by mutated coronavirus variants, scientists have found. Experts were concerned the current jabs might not work as well against the South African and Brazilian variants because they changed its shape. Studies found disease-fighting proteins called antibodies were less effective in the face of the new strains, raising fears they would partially evade vaccine-triggered immunity and cause reinfections. But they are only one type of immunity. New experiments have found white blood cells called T cells appear to work just as well against Covid variants as they do the original virus. And they work just as well when produced by either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, which were both tested in the study. Scientists at the University of California, San Diego said: 'The data presented here suggests that T cell responses are largely unaffected by the variants.' They said the T cells, which tag onto the coronavirus and help to destroy it, might not completely stop infection but should prevent people getting seriously ill. This would mean that anyone who has already had Covid or a vaccine would get less sick the next time they were infected with the virus. The researchers tested what happened when they mixed the coronavirus with the blood of people who had been vaccinated with the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. Specifically they measured two types of T cell in the blood, called CD4 and CD8. CD4 are 'helper' cells which identify a viral infection and spark the rest of the immune system into action, and CD8 are 'cytotoxic' and they can destroy infected cells in the body. These work alongside antibodies, which target the virus itself and wreck it directly. They found that the T cells worked just as well when they were exposed to the old Wuhan variant of the virus, the Kent variant, the Brazilian variant or the South African one. Previous studies found antibodies worked less well against the mutated strains, worrying scientists, but this gives reassurance that vaccines will still work in other ways. Advertisement

He added: 'I'm really, really delighted that the team have done this work. They've worked absolutely flat out since the six cases were first identified on Friday, and found the six positive cases, even though the form wasn't filled in quite right.'

The Health Secretary had told the House of Commons on Tuesday the search was narrowed to 379 homes in the South East of England.

Dr Susan Hopkins explained the process and said three cases had been found in England on Wednesday, February 26, and two of them were easily identified.

But one of them 'had attempted to register his test online but had failed to do so effectively,' she said.

A team of 40 people were deployed to work backwards from the lab that received the test to work out where it had come from, via a testing hub and a DHL courier.

It was first narrowed down to two regions and 10,000 homes, calculated by looking at where other tests with very similar barcodes had been done.

This could then be narrowed to 379 homes and then 27 people, who were chased relentlessly by phone, text and email, she said.

The man then phoned 119, the NHS Test and Trace helpline, at 3pm on Wednesday to confirm he had sent the test, proving it with the barcode label he had kept.

Scientists and government advisers were worried about the variant cases because they were the first to be confirmed in Britain.

The mutations on the Brazilian strain of the virus have been found in studies to make immunity from vaccines or previous infections to be weaker than normal.

This threatens to make the jabs less effective is the variant becomes widespread, although it isn't expected to because of the lockdown.

Dr Simon Clarke, a microbiologist at the University of Reading, said it was unlikely the person was still infectious.

He told MailOnline: 'Even if it was an old person, the chances are they didn't get particularly ill and resolved the infection... The chances are that person no longer has the virus.'

Out of the six total cases in the UK three were Scottish residents who flew to Aberdeen from Brazil via Paris and London, who all tested positive while self-isolating.

Other passengers who were on the same flight to Aberdeen in Scotland are now being traced.

The other two cases in England were from the same household in South Gloucestershire, one of whom returned from Brazil on February 10.

Two other people in the same house also tested positive but are not currently included in the UK case total of six, while tests on their type of coronavirus continue.

Officials are searching for passengers who were on the Swiss Air flight LX318 from Sao Paulo to Heathrow, via Zurich, which landed on February 10.

Surge testing is being done in the Bradley Stoke, Patchway and Little Stoke areas of South Gloucestershire to capture any potential spread in cases.

The Brazilian and South African variants of the coronavirus are the two concerning officials in the UK because they might make vaccines less effective or increase the risk of reinfection.

The main mutations they carry are all on the virus's external spike protein, which it uses to latch onto the body, and are named N501Y and E484K, and they both have similar but slightly different mutations on the K417 gene.

There have so far been 16 cases of the new 'Variant Under Investigation', temporarily named B1.1.318

N501Y is also found in the Kent variant, and is what makes all three versions of the virus spread faster than older strains, which is why they are now taking over.

E484K and the K417 mutations, found on the Brazil and South Africa strains but not the English one, makes the virus less susceptible to immune cells made in response to older versions of the virus or to vaccines.

This means people are more likely to get infected even if they have immunity from having Covid or from a vaccine.

But the mutations are likely to only reduce some of the vaccines' effectiveness against mild illness, while they should still prevent severe illness and death.

Meanwhile another new coronavirus variant has been detected in the UK which has a mutation that may help it escape immunity.

There have so far been 16 cases of the new 'Variant Under Investigation', temporarily named B1.1.318, Public Health England revealed.

The new variant was first detected on February 15 through genomic sequencing and officials began monitoring its spread on February 24.

It has the E484K mutation on its spike protein which is also found in the Brazilian and South African variants. Those two strains are also circulating in the UK.

Public Health England data show that coronavirus positive test rates fell in all but two areas of the country in the week ending February 28  Hull in Yorkshire and Wokingham in Berkshire (shown in yellow)

The alteration changes the way the virus looks to the immune system, helping it to dodge antibodies.

But antibodies are just one part of what gives Covid survivors and vaccinated patients protection against reinfection.

White blood cells play a crucial role in fighting off the virus and scientists say they are 'not substantially affected' by current mutated variants.

OXFORD VACCINE WORKS AGAINST BRAZIL VARIANT, SCIENTISTS CLAIM The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine appears to work against the P1 Brazilian coronavirus variant in lab studies. A source told Reuters that a study by Oxford University suggested that the vaccine would work well enough as it is at preventing illness from the mutated strain. The exact efficacy of the vaccine against the variant wasn't revealed, but a study is expected to be published later this month. Scientists had been concerned about the effectiveness of the jab because it appears to work less well against the South African strain, which has very similar mutations. Advertisement

It means the current crop of vaccines should still be highly effective against strains with the E484K mutation.

PHE said it does not know if it spawned in the UK or was imported from another country.

The agency now has four variants 'under investigation' and four more which it describes as 'variants of concern'.

They are the current dominant Kent strain, two imported from Brazil, the South African variant and one which is thought to have originated in Nigeria, as well as two others which cropped up in Bristol and Liverpool.

The new strain announced on Thursday does not feature the N501Y mutation that makes the virus spread more quickly.

Scienitsts have said previously that variants without this key change are unlikely to overtake the Kent strain and become dominant anytime soon because they won't have an 'evolutionary edge' over it.

This N501Y mutation, which is found on the Kent, South African and Brazilian variants, means it can bind to cells more easily and is more transmissible.

The lead researcher behind Oxford University's coronavirus jab warned earlier this week against becoming 'obsessed' with new variants, despite new versions cropping up around the globe every week.

He said his team were confident they their vaccine would be highly effective against all emerging strains and in the unlikely event one made it significantly weaker, the jab can easily be modified in a matter of weeks.

Drug chiefs in the UK, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Singapore have confirmed that booster jabs to tackle mutated coronavirus variants will be fast-tracked and won't need to go through massive clinical trials.

Big vaccine-makers are already working on new versions of their Covid vaccines to tackle the South Africa and Brazil variants, which studies suggest may make the current jabs less effective than they were against earlier strains of the virus.

The first time around, the vaccines had to be trialled on tens of thousands of people for around six months and studies are still ongoing.

But for the boosters the same process won't have to be followed as long as the firms are only making minor tweaks to their original vaccines.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE BRAZIL VARIANT? Name: B.1.1.248 or P.1 Date: Discovered in Tokyo, Japan, in four travellers arriving from Manaus, Brazil, on January 2. Why should we care? The variant has the same spike protein mutation as the highly transmissible versions found in Kent and South Africa - named N501Y - which makes the spike better able to bind to receptors inside the body. This means it spreads faster and has the potential to become dominant in some areas. What do the mutations do? The N501Y mutation makes the spike protein better at binding to receptors in people's bodies and therefore makes the virus more infectious. Exactly how much more infectious it is remains to be seen, but scientists estimate the similar-looking variant in the UK is around 56 per cent more transmissible than its predecessor. Even if the virus doesn't appear to be more dangerous, its ability to spread faster and cause more infections will inevitably lead to a higher death rate. Another key mutation in the variant, named E484K, is also on the spike protein and is present in the South African variant. E484K may be associated with an ability to evade parts of the immune system called antibodies, researchers from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro said in a scientific paper published online. However, there are multiple immune cells and substances involved in the destruction of coronavirus when it gets into the body so this may not translate to a difference in how people get infected or recover. It has a third, less well-studied mutation called K417T, and the ramifications of this are still being researched but it also appears to give it an advantage against the immune system. Do our vaccines work against it? There are concerns that vaccines might be less effective against the Brazilian strain, with trials of the Johnson & Johnson jab finding it was slightly less effective in Latin America at preventing mild or moderate cases. However, the trials found it still prevented hospitalisations and deaths. No studies have tested the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine against the P1 variant, while Moderna and Pfizer say their mRNA coronavirus vaccines should work against variants with the E484K mutation, with early results showing that these vaccines are only slightly less effective against the P1 variant. Advertisement

Proof of effectiveness and safety will be transferable from the earlier studies, UK regulator MHRA said, although small studies for updated safety information will be required.

This process will be based on a system that allows flu vaccines to be easily updated each year so they can adapt to the different strains that circulate each season.

'Our priority is to get effective vaccines to the public in as short a time as possible, without compromising on safety,' said Christian Schneider, chief scientific officer at the MHRA.

'Should any modifications to authorised Covid-19 vaccines be necessary, this regulatory approach should help to do just that.

'The public should be confident that no vaccine would be approved unless the expected high standards of safety, quality and effectiveness are met.'

During a visit to Glasgow Lighthouse Lab, Mr Hancock said: 'We will have a fast-track approach to safely approving future vaccines that work against a variant of Covid.

'The vaccine programme has clearly been a huge UK success story, and part of the reason that we have been able to develop the vaccines so far so quickly is because of the MHRA's rigorous yet flexible approach, which has been based entirely on looking as quickly as possible at the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

'I'm delighted that they're taking that same principled approach to the approval process for vaccines that may work against variants.'

The MHRA said the reason mass clinical trials are not necessary is that scientists can test how well a vaccine works on blood samples in a lab.

And because earlier versions of the vaccines have already gone through the entire process, they can see how this lab effectiveness translates to the real world.

Real-world data also proves that the vaccines the boosters are based on are safe and that they protect against coronavirus.

Any updates to vaccines should use almost exactly the same technology based on a slightly different version of the virus, to incorporate changes caused by mutations in the new variants.

All the current vaccines are based on the original coronavirus that emerged in Wuhan in 2019.

But the virus has mutated since then and lab studies suggest one big change  named E484K  has changed the virus in a way that helps it to evade immune cells that are only used to the older strains of the virus.

This makes reinfection more likely among people who have already had Covid, and makes vaccines slightly less effective.

AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna, the makers of the three vaccines the MHRA has approved for use so far, have all said they are aiming to modify their jabs to cope with variants this year.

AstraZeneca, the maker of the Oxford vaccine, said it hopes its new vaccine will be ready by autumn.

MHRA chief executive Dr June Raine said there is no evidence that current vaccines are lacking effectiveness against known coronavirus variants.

She said: 'Since December last year we have all been concerned about the appearance of variants  Kent, South Africa, more recently Brazil  and therefore we're well-prepared to look at, when it's needed, updates to ensure the vaccines being used in citizens are fully effective.

'Our goal is to ensure the vaccine modifications in future that respond to the new variants can be available in the shortest possible time but without compromising in any way on safety, on quality and on effectiveness.

'What I would emphasise at the outset is that we don't have evidence at the moment that the vaccines in use in the UK are significantly lacking in effectiveness but we are now well-prepared.'

Mr Hancock said last night two in five adults have now been vaccinated and deaths are falling 'faster and faster'..

Some 21.3million people have received their first dose, and the historic rollout means deaths have plummeted by 41 per cent in a week.

The Health Secretary said: 'You can really see the effects of the vaccine in the number of deaths.

'That link from cases to hospitalisations and then deaths that had been unbreakable before the vaccine is now breaking.

'The vaccine is protecting the NHS and saving lives, right across the country.'

The positive figures last night led to fresh speculation about the lifting of the lockdown, and whether the roadmap could be accelerated.

Ministers have repeatedly insisted the timetable will not be sped up, but with each week of positive data the pressure is increasing for a swifter end to the restrictions.

More than one million people have now received both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, meaning 2 per cent of UK adults are fully vaccinated.
Google is working on speeding up the release cycle of Chrome updates to four weeks from the current six-week period in order to improve the security, speed, and stability of the browser application.

As per The Verge, starting with Chrome 94 in Q3, 2021, Google will release milestones of its browser every four weeks, instead of every six weeks. This is the first time Google has speed up its Chrome release schedule for more than a decade.

"As we have improved our testing and release processes for Chrome, and deployed bi-weekly security updates to improve our patch gap, it became clear that we could shorten our release cycle and deliver new features more quickly," explained Alex Mineer, a technical program manager at Chrome.

Additionally, Google will add a new 'Extended Stable' option, with milestone updates every eight weeks. The new option will be available to enterprise administrators and Chromium embedders who need additional time to manage updates.

Important security updates will still arrive every two weeks in this version, but Extended Stable should hopefully avoid the situation where silent Chrome experiments end up angering IT admins.For users on Chrome OS, the company is also planning to support multiple stable release options.
BJP likely to meet on Wednesday to pick Trivendra Singh Rawat's replacement

From Pracharak to CM: A look at Trivendra Rawat's journey

Tirath Singh Rawat sworn in as new CM of Uttarakhand

Rs 198.64 crore given to sugar mills to make payment to farmers: Uttarakhand government

Coronavirus a living organism which has a right to live, says Trivendra Singh Rawat

BJP sends two central leaders to Uttarakhand

India

pti-Deepika S

New Delhi, Mar 06: The BJP on Saturday dispatched two central leaders to Uttarakhand amid indications that a section of state party leaders are unhappy with Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.

Official sources said that party national vice president and former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and general secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam have been meeting state party leaders to receive feedback over a variety of issues.

They declined to comment on reports that the party is mulling a change of guard in the state, where assembly polls are due early next year.

The development has assumed significance because of the BJP's decision to send two senior leaders to the state. Riding on pro-Modi sentiments, the BJP had won 57 seats in the 2017 elections to the 70-member state assembly.

Rawat was named as its chief ministerial choice after the polls.
March 06, 2021 Is China Hacking Random Servers To Put Itself Into A Bad Light? When I was an IT manager I never liked Mircosoft's Exchange email servers. Like many other Microsoft products it is overloaded with useless niche features and legacies from previous versions. I am thereby not astonished that it was seemingly quite easy to hack. A currently ongoing hacking campaign that by now has effected hundred thousands of system was first found by Volexity, a cyber security company in Reston, Va.: In January 2021, through its Network Security Monitoring service, Volexity detected anomalous activity from two of its customers Microsoft Exchange servers. Volexity identified a large amount of data being sent to IP addresses it believed were not tied to legitimate users. A closer inspection of the IIS logs from the Exchange servers revealed rather alarming results.

...

Through its analysis of system memory, Volexity determined the attacker was exploiting a zero-day server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange (CVE-2021-26855). The attacker was using the vulnerability to steal the full contents of several user mailboxes. This vulnerability is remotely exploitable and does not require authentication of any kind, nor does it require any special knowledge or access to a target environment. The attacker only needs to know the server running Exchange and the account from which they want to extract e-mail. The hackers used four different zero-day security holes in Exchange Server products. A zero-day security hole is one that was previously unknown and has never been used before. To find new zero-day security holes is difficult and expensive. But after they are found and made operational they are often easy to use. Whoever did this hack has invested quite some effort. Besides extracting emails the hackers also installed backdoors that give them remote access to the hacked Exchange systems. On March 2 Microsoft released patches for the four security holes. In its release it accused China of being behind the hack: Today, were sharing information about a state-sponsored threat actor identified by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) that we are calling Hafnium. Hafnium operates from China, and this is the first time were discussing its activity. It is a highly skilled and sophisticated actor. Historically, Hafnium primarily targets entities in the United States for the purpose of exfiltrating information from a number of industry sectors, including infectious disease researchers, law firms, higher education institutions, defense contractors, policy think tanks and NGOs. While Hafnium is based in China, it conducts its operations primarily from leased virtual private servers (VPS) in the United States. Recently, Hafnium has engaged in a number of attacks using previously unknown exploits targeting on-premises Exchange Server software. To date, Hafnium is the primary actor weve seen use these exploits, which are discussed in detail by MSTIC here. The attacks included three steps. First, it would gain access to an Exchange Server either with stolen passwords or by using the previously undiscovered vulnerabilities to disguise itself as someone who should have access. Second, it would create whats called a web shell to control the compromised server remotely. Third, it would use that remote access  run from the U.S.-based private servers  to steal data from an organizations network. In a related blogpost Microsoft claims that the 'Chinese' hackers have state support: Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC) attributes this campaign with high confidence to HAFNIUM, a group assessed to be state-sponsored and operating out of China, based on observed victimology, tactics and procedures. Since Microsoft released the security patches the hackers have gone into overdrive. They scan the internet and infiltrate all Exchange Servers that have no yet been patched. It is now believed that more than 30,000 U.S. systems and hundred thousands internationally have been infiltrated with backdoors installed on seemingly all of them. Such a widespread hacking campaign will certainly get major media attention. (Though the NYT and Washington Post have so far not reported on the campaign. They probably think that the Sunday edition front pages are the better placement for a new anti-China bash.) Attribution of hacking campaigns is often extremely difficult. We know from the Wikileaks Vault 7 release that U.S. government hackers at the CIAs Center for Cyber Intelligence have developed tools that let their hacks look like they came from different foreign actors: The CIA's Remote Devices Branch's UMBRAGE group collects and maintains a substantial library of attack techniques 'stolen' from malware produced in other states including the Russian Federation. With UMBRAGE and related projects the CIA cannot only increase its total number of attack types but also misdirect attribution by leaving behind the "fingerprints" of the groups that the attack techniques were stolen from. We can be quite sure that other governments have developed similar capabilities. The CIA is also hoarding zero-day security holes and exploits for use in later campaigns: The CIA also runs a very substantial effort to infect and control Microsoft Windows users with its malware. This includes multiple local and remote weaponized "zero days" ... The attribution Microsoft makes is in light of the above quite weak. The direct attacks came from rented virtual private servers within the U.S. These were, says Microsoft, operated through machines in China. But how does Microsoft know who has actually control over those machines in China? Could they not be hacked too? Couldn't the real actors sit anywhere on this planet and access them through the Internet? Microsoft also says that its attribution is "based on observed victimology, tactics and procedures". The victims are described as "infectious disease researchers, law firms, higher education institutions, defense contractors, policy think tanks and NGOs". For a state sponsored campaign, especially one that burns four expensive zero-days, that victimology is unusually wide. It practically guaranteed that the attack would be detected fairly soon. "Tactics and procedures" are something that is even harder to attribute than the code used in the attack. Microsoft details some of these: HAFNIUM has previously compromised victims by exploiting vulnerabilities in internet-facing servers, and has used legitimate open-source frameworks, like Covenant, for command and control. Once theyve gained access to a victim network, HAFNIUM typically exfiltrates data to file sharing sites like MEGA. This hack used legitimate open source tools that are widely available and are also used by many cybercrime organizations and secret services. What then are the specific 'tactics and procedures' which attribute this to China? Microsoft won't say. There is also the fact that the hackers have gone into overdrive as soon as Microsoft released the patches. They are now infecting any system they can find. That surely will result in an extreme amount of international publicity. Why would a state sponsored hacking campaign, especially from China, actually want that? Why would China want to attract more negative news about its country? Could there be some other country that has an interest in pushing public accusations against China by linking it to massive global hacking campaign? Throughout the last years we have seen a massive anti-China press campaign run by the usual culprits. Recent polls show that it has achieved its purpose: A new Gallup poll finds Americans' favorable rating of China has declined further in the past year, sinking to a record-tying low. For the first time in more than a decade, Americans regard the U.S. rather than China as the world's leading economic power. And with fewer Americans than in 2019 naming Russia as the United States' greatest enemy, Russia and China now tie for first on that list. To which Peter Lee comments with his usual snark: chinahand @chinahand - 19:05 UTC  Mar 5, 2021 actually the most interesting stat was that in apparently direct proportion to China hate the number of people who said US is and will be world economic numero uno now and in 20 years rose. which means fear of china breeds both denialism and defiance. final thought: this polling is kinda Mission Accomplished! for the press and its pentagon and spook services driven anti-PRC reporting. Next job is Sell the War! Then the after action handwringing about how the real enemy wasn't PRC, it was climate change & income inequality and Indopacom's moronic defense contractor driven power grab in the Western Pacific but the PRC started it coz they were so darn mean! "That sh*t in the sh*t sandwich we sold you? Some of it was Chinese!" In my view Microsoft has so far shown nothing that plausibly attributes the hacks to China. What we can see though is that this hacking campaign will put the country into a very bad light. That might indeed have be the real purpose behind all of this. Posted by b on March 6, 2021 at 18:57 UTC | Permalink Comments next page  next page 
Then there are the books we once put on a pedestal which in part now make us cringe  like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which uses the word n---er more than 200 times (arguably to point out racism), or The Secret Garden , in which the main character retorts that natives are not people. Changing times, changing mores. But do we delete the books altogether?

Censorship of books has always been controversial. Australia banned Aldous Huxleys Brave New World in the 1930s primarily for obscenity, but it has since been judged one of the greatest books of the 20th century and has featured in the HSC syllabus for advanced English.

If I Ran the Zoo is one of the Dr Seuss books that will no longer be published.

The 19th century libertarian John Stuart Mill claimed that censorship robbed the human race of the opportunity to grow. In his view, when you suppress an opinion, you suppress a debate; you steal an opportunity for existing and future generations to learn and be corrected.

Most parents would struggle to see any offence in Seuss furry characters and whacky worlds, depicted in books like Green Eggs and Ham and The Lorax. For decades, these stories have been an intriguing door to reading for young children around the world.

But the National Education Association in the United States, which has traditionally run Seuss-heavy book weeks, started to disassociate itself with the author a few years ago. As well as the racist depictions, such as a Chinese man in And to Think I saw it on Mulberry Street, and grass-skirted Africans in If I Ran the Zoo, a study in 2019 determined that only 2 per cent of Seuss human characters were non-white and all were presented as inferior.

Danny DeVito and Zac Efron read The Lorax to school children at American book week in 2012. Credit:AP

There are justifiable concerns about exposing young children to offensive stereotypes. Children are already aware of bias and difference by the age of three or four because they take their cues from the world around them and the consistent patterns of behaviour they see. So we have to be careful about the material we present to them  and how we present it.

It is critical that we give children the opportunity to read and absorb all sorts of stories, featuring different types of protagonists. It is especially important that children from minority groups see themselves portrayed in a positive light in books they read. The efforts of publishers over the past few years to embrace childrens books that feature main characters who arent straight white boys is welcome and refreshing.
TRUMBULL  Abandoned buildings are a bit like time capsules, containing artifacts of a world that hasnt existed in decades  and for decades, Trumbull resident Rob Dobi has been drawn to them.

Theres something about it thats so serene, Dobi said. Especially when you think of places where thousands of people once worked that one day they just locked up and left.

Dobi is an urban explorer. He and others who enjoy the hobby painstakingly document modern ruins, photographing the dusty factories, offices, resorts, schools, theaters and anything else old and abandoned he can find. He has gathered hundreds of such photos on his website, newenglandruins.com.

Growing up in Fairfield, Dobi said he always had a sense of exploration.

Most people stop doing it when they get older. I kept it up, he said.

His interest in the pursuit took off when he went to design school in Rhode Island, he said.

Providence is this industrial city, and there were lots of abandoned properties within a stones throw of my apartment, he said. Then one day, I saw this show on MTV called Fear (a reality show that focused on paranormal activity) that had been filmed at Fairfield Hills in Newtown, and I thought that was a place I would love to see.

His roommate doubted he had the courage to explore the place, but said he has never thought about the places he visits as being haunted or spooky.

They didnt leave these places because they were haunted, they left because the budget got cut, he said.

In fact, it is budget cuts, or sudden management decisions, that create the situations Dobi likes the most  the singular moment in time. Like a factory where the workers showed up for what they thought would be a normal day only to be sent home and never come back.

For example, one photo of his shows a managers office at an abandoned metal factory with yellow hardhats still neatly sitting on the conference table.

Its like they all sat down for a meeting, were told the factory was closing and got up and left, he said. And they left their hats on the table where they were sitting.

Other artifacts of such abrupt closings can include things like phone messages still taped to desks or thumbtacked to a corkboard, a list of Bible passages and a description of a patients mental status taped to the wall of an institution or crayon drawings taped to the wall of a classroom next to a blackboard with multiplication tables still legible on it.

A similar situation occurred at Bridgeports Pleasure Beach, a seaside community that was abruptly abandoned when the access bridge burned in 1996.

I call it my Chernobyl, Dobi said, a reference to the 1986 nuclear disaster that resulted in thousands of workers being evacuated from their homes with no time to gather their belongings.

Thats what Pleasure Beach was like, he said. Bicycles were still in backyards, pickup trucks are still in driveways. The people assumed they were coming back so they threw a sheet over the couch and walked out, and they never came back.

Dobi said he is always careful to contact property owners before stepping onto their property, and he has a release from liability form preprinted assuming sole responsibility for any injury he may incur. But, he acknowledges, that was not always the case.

Im almost 40 and Ive got two kids, so now everything I do is authorized access, he said.

Now that he no longer has to worry about an angry property owner calling the police, the biggest danger Dobi typically faces are rickety stairs and leaky roofs. But the risks are worth it for the thrill of discovery, he said.

Ive found newspaper ads for someone who dresses up in Barney costumes for childrens parties, cash still in register drawers, food left in refrigerators, he said.

But the most interesting thing Dobi ever found in an abandoned building is undoubtedly love.

Actually my first date with the woman whos now my wife was an abandoned asylum, he said. She had seen my photos online and asked me about them. I though, wow shes pretty cute, so I said Id give her a tour.
Image: Canva

We are launching a series on Critical Race Theory. Its an important conversation today, since many are using the description and meaning different things. At the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center, we are committed to help Christians know and engage the culture with biblical discernment, so we are launching a conversation with, well, different views. As Christians, we want to think through these things together, and the series will include not just one opinion, but several. We started with a descriptive framing. From there, the conversation will include others who are more negative, some more positive, and some in the middle. All the articles will come from evangelicals. And, it is important that we hear from people of color, and in this series and in the real world not all people of color will agree. Its a conversation mature, Christ-like, and God-honoring. We hope it serves you and your church well. To start it off, I asked Sitara Roden from my team to give us a framing article. Our first contributor post was from Dr. Pat Sawyer, as he begins a three part article, with references shared in this final article. Read part one here. Read part two here. I will share my thoughts at the end of the series. -Ed Stetzer

In this third and final article in our three-part series on critical race theory, I want to offer three more cautions regarding CRT, a salient concluding point, and a final exhortation.

Caution 6) CRT Tenets 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 14 alongside applications of standpoint theory (knowledge is situated; the marginalized see more clearly) can lead one to believe that white pastors need to essentially sit down and shut up when it comes to offering and contributing insight regarding racial issues and solutions. It can lead one (falsely) to believe the following category of persons doesnt exist: non-racist (no apologies to antiracism discourse), white, male pastors who are fully equipped by the Holy Spirit to lead their ethnically diverse congregation on matters of race as well as make meaningful and notable contributions about race to the Church and society. While wisdom will dictate that those who have more direct experience of racism will be sought ought out for their particular insight and understanding, it does not follow that a lack of a certain experience of racism, or worse, a lack of melanin, disqualifies one for speaking into issues of race. It is the quality of the idea versus the quality of the identity of the person offering the idea that should dictate the counsel honored and the course of action taken. Duly called pastors have authority in the churches they oversee, regardless of their ethnicity or the ethnic make-up of their members, and are empowered to speak to any matter the Scriptures speak to (Acts 20:27; 1 Timothy 3:2-5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Moreover, the Church is diverse (Revelation 5:9; 7:9) and consequently local churches are expected to reflect the diversity of the communities in which they are planted. The notion that this diversity would legitimately prohibit or disrupt the leadership of the elders on any matter the Scriptures speak to is nonsensical to the Scriptures.

Caution 7) CRT Tenets 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, and 14 can lead one to place too much importance on anecdotal experience in understanding societal reality. This can lead to inordinate suspicion of knowledge claims emanating from sources of different ethnic/racial and social locations. It can cause one to flat out reject empirical data and knowledge claims that have universal scope merely because they are in conflict with ones personal experience. It is here that the seductive, deleterious drug of my truth perceptions can crowd out the truth reality. While anecdotal experience is important and can indeed tell us something about our particular lived experience of reality (and even this is not absolute), it is not an automatic or even necessarily safe guide to understanding larger, universal reality. Part of my scholarship addresses, critiques, and repudiates white power and white nationalism. Members in these groups are often convinced that POC are deviant, lesser, and inferior to Whites because of the personal, anecdotal experience they have had with a few POC. They have extrapolated a handful of personal experiences to universal claims, beliefs, and conclusions. Such reasoning is specious. To be sure at times our personal experience does line up with universal reality, of course, but we must be careful to supplement our understanding with broader research and analysis and Scripture before we can come to universal claims and conclusions.

Caution 8) CRT tenets 4, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, and 15 can lead one to apply their identity and social positioning to their interpretation and understanding of the Scriptures. This possible influence of CRT is particularly pernicious as it can lead to both subtle and overt forms of eisegesis and consequently open the door to a plethora of heretical positions. CRTs heavy emphasis on black identity, the power of black voice, lived experience in the formation of knowledge, the ubiquity of white supremacy, and the need for emancipation can skew ones approach (whether black, white, or anyone) to the Scriptures. It can lead one to see temporal liberation and the liberation of marginalized groups from oppressive hegemonic forces as a primary substrate undergirding and animating all of Scripture. In this way it acts as a hermeneutical prism bending text after text to a temporal liberatory end. In full form it can act as a twin sister of Black Liberation Theology and its attending heresies.

As Christians we must keep in mind that as receivers of Gods revelation, we have to be careful not to impose our race, ethnicity, gender, class, or social standing on the interpretation (derived meaning) of Scripture. Naturally, those things will be in play for anyone approaching the Scriptures but we must be careful to bracket them and not let them unduly influence how we come to the proper and specific meaning of the text. Every text of Scripture has a specific meaning(s) that is never codependent or determined by our personal attributes or demographic markers and is available to all (across time and cultures) via study (reason) and/or illumination of the Spirit (John 16:13; Acts 17:2-3).

In addition, there is a difference between interpretation and application when it comes to Scripture. We should generally view interpretation and application as somewhat distinctive recognizing at times the meaning of a text is derived by way of its application (see the important work of theologian, John Frame, on this point). While there certainly can be wrong applications of Scripture that are at variance with its meaning and/or the meaning of other texts of Scripture, it is nevertheless true that there can be several accurate applications of texts of Scripture. As such, ones social demographics and lived experience can become germane in terms of how a certain text may be applied to the life.

Finally, as it pertains to the Scriptures, a thoroughgoing embracement of CRT can begin to erode the belief in both the inerrancy and sufficiency of Gods word. The nature of critical social theory in general and critical race theory specifically is that it wants a higher and higher preeminence in ones worldview. It wants more and more jurisdiction in the mind. In a sense it wants to colonize ones thinking. This is partly why CST (and CRT within it) has penetrated other fields of study in the academy as well as various sectors and institutions in broader society. The path of apostasy is paved with the discarded bricks of inerrancy and sufficiency. May we take heed, and may we be determined to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Conclusion

While much more could be said about cautions regarding CRT, I must bring this to a close. I want to conclude by making a final point about CRT. Part of CRTs allure, seduction even, is that it listens to Black people and all people of color and takes into full account their racial pain. My dear friend, William Duce Branch (aka the The Ambassador) is quick to make this point. Hes also keen to emphasize the Churchs responsibility in this. Among other things, this is an indictment of the Church, specifically White spaces in the Church. Racism is an abomination to God. It should not even be named among Gods people. Yet much of the professing White church, throughout its history in the U.S., has been marked by either active engagement in racism, looking the other way, or acting as if it is no longer a concern. Moreover, as historian and theologian, Esau McCaulley, points out regarding historical Evangelicalism, apexes of theological faithfulness coincided with nadirs of Black freedom (Reading While Black, p. 11). Let that sink in.

To be sure this means that impenitent, tyrannical enslavers (1 Timothy 1:10) who named the name of Christ had a form of godliness but without its power (2 Timothy 3:5). For more than a few the lawlessness that Christ refers to in Matthew 7:23 is racism. I have little doubt that the brutal slaveholder, as well as the fervent Jim Crow champion, who professed to know Christ, was damningly self-deceived and is suffering under Gods wrath at this present moment. I personally cant make a biblical case for their salvation. The book of 1John alone and its sobering analysis regarding love and hate towards fellow brothers and sisters and what that means concerning salvation is a hurdle too high, not to mention numerous other texts and passages.

Nevertheless, this also means that those of us who are actual Christians, who are White, need to take stock. We should take no comfort or any praise for never owning slaves or not approving of Jim Crow laws. Such protests are often (not always) cover for being content with more subtle forms of racism. Inasmuch as we are personally guilty in failing to love our fellow human beings of color and our fellow Christians of color as providence would dictate when it comes to listening and responding to their racial pain, fighting against racism (within and without), and seeking to correct the injustices against them, we need to repent. While a robust embracement of CRT is incompatible with biblical Christianity and will ultimately exacerbate racial division, and while it is a genuine threat to the Church and certainly not a red herring or mere distraction, we must acknowledge that it addresses a real and present concern in racism  a horrendous evil  that must be challenged and rebuked on every front. May we as Gods people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 5:9) love each other deeply (1 John 4:7-12), relish and promote our oneness (John 17:21), and bring our future (Revelation 7:9-10) into the NOW.

Pat Sawyer has a B.A. in Psychology from UNC Chapel Hill, an M.A. in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies and Cultural Studies from UNC Greensboro. Dr. Sawyer is a faculty member at UNC Greensboro and serves on the editorial board of the peer-reviewed education journal, Philosophy, Theory, and Foundations in Education. He is a member of the Summit Church in RDU, North Carolina. He can be reached via Twitter @RealPatSawyer.
Protestors angry over the Paraguay government's handling of the coronavirus crisis clashed with police late Friday, with shops ransacked and cars set on fire.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as clashes in the center of the capital Asuncion left around 20 injured, according to AFP estimates.

Protestors rallied earlier outside the Congress building to demand the resignation of President Mario Abdo Benitez.

Health Minister Julio Mazzoleni, who has been under attack from lawmakers, including some from the ruling party, and by health worker unions, submitted his resignation, which he made public on Friday after a meeting with the president.

On Thursday, the Senate adopted by 30 votes out of 45 a resolution calling for Mazzoleni to step down.

The coronavirus epidemic is expanding in Paraguay and officials admit the threat is grave.

"We are in a critical situation," said health ministry spokesman Hernan Martinez.

"Let's avoid crowds. It is the only thing that can save us from the collapse of healthcare."

As of Friday, Paraguay had 165,811 cases and 3,278 deaths.

Hospitals were "working hard" but "the situation is complicated," said pulmonologist Carlos Morinigo.

Saturday, the government announced that 20,000 Coronavac vaccines from China had arrived, donated by the Chilean Government of Sebastian Pinera, destined for front-line medical personnel fighting the pandemic.

Paraguay also is awaiting the arrival of 4 million vaccines by the Convax system of the World Health Organization and a million doses of the Russian Sputnik 5, for a population of just over 7,000,000 inhabitants.

So far, Paraguay has received just 4,000 doses of vaccines from Russia, intended for intensive care personnel.

hro-bur/mdl/
The Brandon Police Board has a new chair after the resignation of Marc Casavant in January.

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The Brandon Police Board has a new chair after the resignation of Marc Casavant in January.

Deb Arpin was voted in as the new chair of the police board at the police oversight bodys Friday meeting, the first of the new year. No other members of the board came forward for the position.

Deb Arpin

Arpin previously served as the boards vice-chair and was appointed acting chair after Casavant stepped down.

Tim McFadden was appointed as the new vice-chair of the board.

The board also received a financial update on the police service at the meeting, which was held virtually.

According to police Chief Wayne Balcaen, the police service is expecting to post a small deficit in 2020 of $1,937, but is still finalizing the end-of-year results.

Balcaen said the shortfall is due to an extra $70,371 in police operating costs but is buoyed by a $68,434 surplus in vehicle operations.

"This projected result is slightly better than what I reported at our December meeting of $2,050 deficit," he said.

Methamphetamine is an ongoing concern in Brandon and for Brandon police, Balcaen said. In total, officers seized approximately 1,700 grams of the drug in 2020 and laid 39 possession of controlled substance charges related to the substance.

While the 39 possession charges represent a 29 per cent decrease from 2019, Balcaen said the police service also laid 44 drug trafficking charges, which, in turn, is a 29 per cent increase from the year prior.

The total number of calls for service fell by approximately 5,000 from the year before, Balcaen said, partly due to the pandemic. Calls significantly decreased between March, when the pandemic started, and December 2020.

This meant the total number of calls per officer also fell, from 449 in 2019 to 382 in 2020.

"It also showed a varied landscape in our trends and our calls for service in previous years, again because people were encouraged to stay at home, work from home, there was less traffic, especially at the very start of this pandemic," he said.

"As we start to open up our calls for service are starting to reflect what they were in previous years."

The police service was also faced with the province cancelling the direct lockup agreement at the Brandon Correctional Centre in early 2020. As such, detainees had to be housed at Brandon police headquarters until they appeared in court, meaning some officers had to be shifted to guard duty.

While that caused many initial changes for police officers, Balcaen said construction on new temporary holding cells behind the police services building was scheduled to be completed in the coming days. The cells will be staffed largely by private security.

Balcaen said the police services annual report will be finished by the end of March and an updated strategic plan is in the works.

The Brandon Police Board is next scheduled to meet in June.

 dmay@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @DrewMay_

After sunset on May 31, 1983, and before dawn the next morning, a showcase at the Louvre was broken into and two pieces of 16th-century Italian armor were stolen in one of the most mysterious heists in the museums history.

Nearly 40 years later, the two items  a ceremonial helmet and a breastplate  were identified in the private collection of a family in Bordeaux, in western France. The police are investigating how the items ended up in the familys estate, and who was responsible for the theft.

The Louvre is delighted that these two pieces of Renaissance armor have been found thanks to the work of investigators, the museum said in a statement. It added that what happened on the night of May 31, 1983, remained an enigma, with few details known to the general public.

The museum did not respond to requests for more information about the circumstances around the theft, the identity of the family who had the armor, or what prompted the family to have their private art collection appraised.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mainly clear. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mainly clear. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
The earth road is dusty and bumpy. But that is not the main worry of the residents of Oduroin, a small community in Modakeke in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State.

A putrid air hung over the village. The reporter mentioned it to his escort as they entered the village.

We dont like the smell too but we cant help it, a resident, Ismaila Alamu, later said to the reporter.

Oduroin is just another community in Nigeria without access to potable water. But in the global effort to defeat the coronavirus pandemic, access to potable water has become even more important. According to the NCDC, hygiene, including regular washing of hands with soap and water, is one of the important measures against the spread of the disease.

However, in Oduroin, hand washing is not an issue, according to Mr Alamu.

We are talking about water to drink and prepare food. Bathing and washing of clothes are secondary for us here. We have been enduring scarcity of water for years and yet no hope.

Water challenges

We hear people in the cities talk about coronavirus but we cant fight it here, Isaac Olawoyin, a crop farmer, said.

I was in Osogbo recently where people talked about how to prevent coronavirus and the first means I heard is washing of hands with soap, water, and use of sanitisers. How can you do that here?

Mr Olawoyin said the residents trek a long distance to get water from streams or pay N200 for 25 litres of water.

To get the stream water, it will take you over one hour journey. We know the implications of drinking dirty water but we have been taking the water like that for years. We regularly treat typhoid and other forms of illness, he said.

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Because the community sits on rocky terrain, digging wells costs much.

Many dig wells but could not reach water level and we have no money to dig boreholes, Mr Olawoyin continued.

We beg people with motorcycles to help fetch from the streams. People go sometimes for one week or more without a drop of water touching their body.

There is no potable water in Oduroin except when it rains, a woman in the community, Toyin Opeloyeru, said.

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We pay N200 to commercial motorcyclists for a keg of water. With N1,000, they bring five kegs which can last only two days. I will wash my childrens clothes and bathe from the five kegs. There are days we dont have money, hence we will not have our bath or wash clothes for that week.

If I trek to the stream, it will take me an hour and 30 minutes. But sometimes I am also tired because of the stress I would have gone through in the farm. We are appealing to the government to help us.

No government presence

Oduroin is an agrarian community of about 3,000 inhabitants. But there is virtually no government presence. The people say they only feel government presence when politicians visit during election campaigns.

Many farmers in Modakeke reside in this community but the road is also a challenge, Semiu Olaifa, a commercial motorcyclist, said.

It is dusty during the dry season and worse during rainy periods because the road is then filled with portholes.

We fill the potholes but a single downpour always renders the efforts useless. So, we have accepted our fate about the rough road.

The community also has no school, primary healthcare centre or electricity. Some residents told PREMIUM TIMES that they leave their children with family members in the city so that they can attend schools.

Ajala Rasaq said he has lived in the community for more than 50 years.

Ive not taken my bath for nearly a week now. We urge the government to help us.

Muritala Juliana, a mother of two, said lack of potable water exposes the residents of Oduroin to ailments like tonsillitis and skin infections.

This is because we prepare food with stream water that gets muddy when it rains. This is our greatest predicament as parents taking care of children who need water at all times.

State battles COVID-19

Osun State discovered the deadly B117 strain of COVID-19 in January.

Health experts say the virus is a more dangerous strain and is 70 per cent more contagious than the other strains.

Announcing the discovery, the Commissioner for Information, Funke Egbemode, said the government is particularly worrisome because it is barely a week that the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 announced the discovery of the strain in Nigeria, and Osun already has cases, she said then.

Considering the continued disregard and defiance for safety protocols in the state, the government is extremely concerned about the days ahead. This new strain spreads faster and kills quicker.

If it continues to grow, more citizens will become vulnerable and those with underlying ailments more endangered. We cannot continue to act like Covid-19 is not real. It is not just a sad reality but one that has changed momentum with this more deadly strain.

She advised the people to comply with the non-pharmaceutical protocols outlined by the government such as frequent hand washing to avoid tragic consequences.

Rafiu Isamotu, the commissioner for health, said it was regrettable to have such a community in Osun.

It is unfortunate, Mr Isamotu said to PREMIUM TIMES.

However, I may not be able to talk on that because as far as water is concerned, I will advise that you direct your questions to the ministry of water resources. We need water everywhere and it is part of fundamental human rights.

That we still have communities without water is regrettable but like I said, I cannot really talk on that.

The states commissioner for water resources, Amidu Tadese, said he would go to the community and work on our reporters findings.

You will agree with me that it is practically impossible for the government to provide water for all communities at once, he said.

In Osun, we have a Water Corporation that deals with urban areas, we also have the Small Town Water Sanitation Agency that was put in place last year April when we realised that we need to pay attention to lower communities with 5,000 to 20,000 people. Then, we have a Rural Water and Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA) that attends to rural communities.

The commissioner said the government had tried to reach a reasonable part of the state and that work was still ongoing.

You will, however, agree that it is impossible to reach everywhere, he said.

We will reach out to the (Oduroin) community as soon as possible since you have reported their plights. We dont want our people to rely on stream water. Apart from needing water to fight COVID-19, water is essential and I will ensure that we locate the community and provide their adequate needs.

Scary statistics

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), proper washing of hands can reduce the risk of contracting infectious diseases like COVID-19.

A global data released in 2017 revealed that unsafe water sources, poor access to basic hand washing facilities and unsafe sanitation are linked to 1.5 million deaths across the world yearly.

The global report further showed that nearly 2.2 billion people are currently living without safely managed water outlets.

For WHO, its 2019 data revealed that around 22 per cent of healthcare facilities in the least developed countries do not have basic water services.

In addition, a World Bank data revealed that around 75 per cent of people living in rural areas lack adequate facilities for hand washing.

Nigeria is one of the countries affected with all of the aforementioned realities such as lack of pipe-borne water and sanitation facilities.

This, unfortunately, is a major hindrance to efforts at containing the pandemic.

Government must act

A microbiologist, Feyisara Akani, said the authorities and non-governmental associations need to focus on addressing the issues of basic amenities in communities.

Your findings have simply shown that there is a lot to be done in many rural communities if people have to go as long as one week before taking their bath. The authorities and NGOs must as a matter of fact locate many of these rural communities and attend to their needs.

It is evident that these people want to adhere to protocols but circumstances wont permit them. More so, the government has not done well in its awareness campaign. The government ought to have noticed some of these communities if they have done necessary awareness in local communities so that these people can practice the preventive measures to avoid the spread of community-level transmission of the deadly virus.

In addition, the local government must be held responsible and must be ready to take responsibility in calling the attention of the authorities at the state level to the crisis some of the rural communities are facing, Ms Akanni said.

This report is part of the COVID-19 Response Together for Reliable Information project implemented by PAGED Initiative with support from the EU & FreePress Unlimited.
In 2022, the unified energy system of Ukraine will disconnect from the power systems of Russia and Belarus and will go into an isolated mode.

"The synchronization process enters the final straight. In 2022, the unified energy system of Ukraine will disconnect from the power systems of Russia and Belarus and will go into an isolated mode. After that, full synchronization with ENTSO-E will take place in 2023," Acting Minister of Energy of Ukraine Yuriy Vitrenko said during an online meeting with Minister of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania Dainius Kreivys, the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine informs.

As noted, the synchronization with ENTSO-E will ensure the demonopolization of the electricity market in Ukraine and help to implement effective transparent European rules and procedures in it.

The parties also discussed the synchronization of Ukraine's unified energy system with the power system of continental Europe, electricity imports from Belarus and cooperation in the implementation of a pilot project on the production of heat from biomass, the introduction of an electronic trading system.

In addition, Vitrenko outlined a number of tasks to speed up synchronization, including the modernization of energy infrastructure, generating equipment and networks. "We realize that Ukraine has a problem with the electricity supply from Europe at peak loads. Therefore, we are considering the possibility of expansion, construction of new generating capacities that would meet our needs," Vitrenko said.

It was also noted that Ukraine is dependent on the supply of nuclear fuel and coal from Russia. Therefore, the possibility of replacing this energy supplier is considered. The acting minister stressed that the strategic position of the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine is not to support the electricity imports from Russia and Belarus, so the Ministry is working out the mechanisms for doing without such imports in the autumn-winter period.

In the context of electricity imports from Belarus, the officials touched upon the issue of the Astravets NPP in Belarus. "It is a geopolitical project: it poses a threat to Lithuania and Ukraine, so we must show solidarity by stopping its further development," Lithuanian Energy Minister Dainius Kreivys said.

The parties agreed to set up a joint working group to exchange information on the security situation at the Belarusian nuclear power plant, electricity imports from Russia, monitoring and analysis of energy supplies. The group will also share experiences on current synchronization projects.

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A prosecution witness in Fridays session of the war crimes trial of Gibril Massaquoi showed the Finnish court a scar on his arm that he said was the result of a bullet fired at him by rebels under Mr Massaquois command as he tried to rescue a friend who had been gunned down in the Waterside Market.

The witness, code-named Civillian 77 by the court to protect him from retaliation and intimidation, said that incident happened in 2001. He and his friend George had gone to the Waterside market in search of goods to buy and sell. Fighting between the forces of LURD and the government of President Charles Taylor had shut down the city and almost every basic commodity had become scarce.

Civilian 77 told the four-judge panel that when he and his friend went to the Waterside market, they saw a store open with people coming out with cartons of biscuits. He said it was the only store open in Waterside that day. He and his friend decided to buy some of the biscuits to sell. (Earlier witnesses have testified that Mr Massaquois fighters had demanded money in return for shooting the store open and allowing people to loot it.)

All of a sudden, we started hearing heavy firing. People started running. Some people were falling and others decided to run, he said. We saw soldiers with guns. When we were running, I could not see George. Later I heard him shouting out my name. Georges condition was bad. Before I could bend down to him, I was shot on my arm. I saw blood coming down my hand.

Mr Massaquoi, a former top commander of the Sierra Leonean ex-rebel group, the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), is on trial in the European country of Finland where he had relocated under a deal between the Finland government and the Special Court for Sierra Leone for which he was a key informant.

He was charged in March 2020 under the principle of international jurisdiction for war crimes and crimes against humanity that he allegedly committed in Liberia. In an unusual step, the presiding judge decided the court of 12 people would travel to Liberia and Sierra Leone to hear from more than 80 witnesses rather than making the witnesses travel to Finland.

Mr Massaquoi, who had played a leading role in the rebellion in Sierra Leone, joined the Liberian civil war because of the RUFs connection to former Liberian President Charles Taylor whose close ally was Foday Sankoh, the founder and leader of the RUF.

The testimony over the last two weeks has focused on alleged crimes that took place in 2001 when LURD forces were fighting the forces of President Taylor in Monrovia. Mr Massaquois forces were allegedly supporting Mr Taylor.

Mr Massaquoi denies all the charges claiming he was not in Liberia at the time.

On Friday, Civilian 77 told the court that the soldiers began grabbing people. I was grabbed, too. At that time, George couldnt talk anymore, he said. They were taken to a checkpoint on the Waterside Bridge.

They said they will kill all of us because we were looting.

Civillian 77 said he was looking closely to see if he could recognize any of the soldiers since he was very familiar with most of Charles Taylors troops. But he said these fighters were all strange and spoke Sierra Leonean English.

A man came and they were all calling him chief. He was speaking Sierra Leonean English. He said he will send everyone to heaven and when we get there we should say Angel Gabriel sent us, he said. Earlier witnesses have described the same warnings and the alias they say Mr Massaquoi used, Angel Gabriel.

Angel Gabriel, Civillian 77 said, took four men from among those captured, a distance away from the rest towards West Point and killed them. He said he was coming to show us what he can do.

Civilian 77 told the judges that he still feels pain in his arm as a result of the bullet wound. While they were still tied up and being tortured by the soldiers another pickup truck of uniformed soldiers arrived at the checkpoint, he said. Amongst them, he recognized two soldiers he named as Mike 1 and Cooper Teah, aka U.S. Cooper.

The witness said soldiers informed Angel Gabriel and his men that they were sent by Benjamin Yeaten to put the situation at Waterside under control.

Mr Yeaten, widely known by his old radio call sign 50, was a Liberian militia leader and mercenary, who served as the Armed Forces of Liberias deputy commander and director of the Special Security Service during the presidency of Charles Taylor. Mr Yeatens current whereabouts are unknown although justice activists are trying to find him in order to bring charges against him.

Civillian 77 said U.S. Cooper recognized him and took him and the rest of the wounded civilians to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

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Fridays second witness, a woman given the code name Civilian 66, told the court she watched her aunty die when she was shot by the soldiers while also escaping the shooting at the biscuit store. Civilian 66 was captured by the soldiers while crying over her aunts corpse. She said she was taken down the Waterside Bridge. They tied our arms tight at our backs and sat us down.

The soldiers called their big man and when he came, he grabbed one girl from beside me. He made the statement that I Angel Gabriel, I am going to kill you and when you die, tell God I, Angel Gabriel, killed you. He killed the girl and started to beat us. He sounded like a Sierra Leonean man, Civilian 66 said.

She also recalled that a group of women were taken from their midst and taken to a two-storey building near the checkpoint. She said she was informed by some of them who returned that they were raped. She also saw child soldiers.

Small children were there with arms in their hands. The soldiers were mixed up.

Civilian 66 said they were rescued by another soldier who arrived on the scene and established that they were not combatants before letting them go.

The trial continues on Monday.

This story was a collaboration with New Narratives as part of the West Africa Justice Reporting Project.



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ISIS module which recruited in Kerala planned religious migration to J&K for terror acts

Why has the Lankan MPs links to Kasargod come under the ambit of the Indian agencies

Special NIA court sentenced ISIS terrorist to 7 years RI

India

oi-Vicky Nanjappa

New Delhi, Mar 06: One ISIS terrorist has been sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment by a special NIA court in Delhi in connection with a conspiracy case.

The convict Imran Khan Pathan had hatched a criminal conspiracy to establish its base in India by radicalising and recruiting Muslim youth through various social media platforms. As a result, radicalised youths expressed their solidarity, allegiance and support to ISIS and left India to join ISIS.

The NIA had filed a chargesheet against 17 persons of which 16 were earlier convicted and sentenced to 10 years in jail. The NIA said that these persons had actively conspired and also set up a pro-ISIS group called the "Junood-ul-Khilafa-fil-Hind."

NIA charges two for propagating violent Jihad in Kerala ISIS Omar Al Hindi case

Imran Khan was in direct touch with ISIS handler, Yusuf-al-Hindi alias Shafi Armar. He had received funds to the tune of Rs 50,000 from Armar's associate to make IEDs, the NIA also said.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.

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A Lehigh County woman was allegedly drunk when she drove out of a bar and restaurants parking lot last September into the path of a motorcycle, leading to a collision, investigators said this week.

Melanie Swope, 44, of Orefield, was arraigned Thursday on charges including felony aggravated assault by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol.

The motorcyclist, Bryan DiCesare, suffered serious traumatic injuries in the crash about 7 p.m. on Sept. 4 in Upper Macungie Township, police said at the time.

His wife previously told lehighvalleylive.com he suffered an open skull fracture and traumatic brain injury, a broken neck, broken ribs and severe damage to his left eye and his eye socket.

Video evidence shows Swope driving a Toyota Rav4 out of the parking lot of 1760 House onto Trexlertown Road without yielding to traffic, causing the collision with the motorcycle that was traveling south on Trexlertown Road, according to township police.

Swope smelled of alcohol and displayed other signs of impairment, police said. She was taken to the Lehigh County DUI Processing Center, where she signed an implied consent form for a blood test that would show her blood alcohol content was 0.2, court records say. The BAC threshold for penalties for most drivers is 0.08.

Swope was arraigned before District Judge Michael Faulkner on the felony along with reckless endangerment and two counts of DUI, all misdemeanors, plus summary reckless driving and careless driving-serious bodily injury and a traffic violation.

She was released on $25,000 unsecured bail and faces a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled March 24 before Faulkner to determine if there is sufficient evidence to send the charges toward trial in Lehigh County Court.

The charges are serious and I understand the injuries to the motorcyclist are very serious as well, her attorney, Michael E. Moyer, told lehighvalleylive.com. Well just have to see how it plays out in court.

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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(Newser)  I feel like we have a guardian angel. Thats what a Maine man has to say after his wife was impaled when a falling tree hit the vehicle they were in. Theresa Roy, 79, suffered seven broken ribs in the bizarre incident, the AP reports. David Roy, 78, on Friday told the outlet that his wifes condition is improving every day. She is one step at a timedoing good, getting better, he said. Theresa Roy was riding in the front passenger seat of a 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe being driven by her husband in the town of Sidney on Tuesday morning, per the Morning Sentinel.

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According to authorities: High winds caused a large pine tree to snap and fall onto the vehicle as it traveled. This caused heavy damage to the vehicle and a branch penetrated the dashboard, ultimately impaling Theresa. Sidney Fire and Rescue used the jaws of life to reach Theresa Roy, per the AP, and then used a hand saw to cut the limb that had impaled her shoulder. The couple was taken to the hospital, with Theresa Roy in critical condition and David Roy suffering from non-life-threatening injuries. By Wednesday, Theresa Roy was reported to be in fair condition. (Read more falling tree stories.)
"It was said that wherever they passed, grass no longer grew."

-- Paolo Ianno, government witness, former Capo Locale of Gallico (North of Reggio Calabria), about the Mancusos, the blood family at the top of the Locale of Limbadi (Tyrrhenian side), Jun. 2018.

This article, divided into parts for convenience, will list the clues that lead us to believe that, between 2014 and 2015, a clash entirely internal to the Ndrangheta took place in Woodbridge, a community in Vaughan (Greater Toronto Area).



The chain of violence it has generated is believed to consist of at least two murderous acts (for a total of three killed) and one arson.



It was probably the result of frictions and contrasts that lasted for years between two Locali belonging to the Crimine of Toronto and having two different mother-Locali in Calabria (Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica).





However, the hostilities broke out at a precise historical moment, with the occurrence of certain conditions which we will deal with.If this analysis is confirmed, the feud in question here would therefore fully fall into the category CAT.1 sub.2 according to the categorization presented in the previous article Not surprisingly, the first news about existing frictions within the Crimine of Toronto came from Calabria, where the mother-Locali of Ndrangheta reside. Here, the Italian judicial authorities had instructed Project Crimine which is now unanimously recognized as a milestone in the fight against the Ndrangheta. Indeed, its large amount of information and evidence collected made it possible to reconstruct the structure and identify the members of that Crimine that was at the top of the pyramidal hierarchy of the Ndrangheta.Among the materials in support of this investigation there was also the text of an "extremely significant conversation intercepted on Jul. 18, 2009, from 10.44 am, inside the Fiat Grande Punto car with license plate DX593TA, in that moment rented by Vincenzo TAVERNESE who, in the same Project, was repeatedly indicated to be member of the Board of Control (Camera di Controllo) of the Crimine of Toronto (allegedly as representative of the Locale dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica).The conversation aboard the car took place "between the aforementioned TAVERNESE, AQUINO Rocco (cl. 60) [supreme boss of the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica; photo above] and a man currently unidentified". At a certain point of the conversation, Tavernese shifted attention to issues concerning Toronto where he permanently resides. In particular: "the dialogue continues with TAVERNESE asking AQUINO Rocco to go to Toronto because there are people who are behaving badly with them:()TAVERNESE V.: come to Toronto a fortnight...AQUINO R.: no... I think I'll come...TAVERNESE V.: you must also come for Sixty-Four [code name]AQUINO R.: no but I should be there by now...TAVERNESE V.: can't you leave Vice [evidently, nickname of a trusted man by Rocco Aquino]? ... because you have to go and scold him in some way  right away ... ahh?... because only this remains  do you understand?AQUINO R.: yes...TAVERNESE V.: ehh because he cheats us if you intervene he cheats no one...We leave the comment to the Italian prosecutors: The conversation just reported appears extremely interesting because it demonstrates the role of boss held by AQUINO Rocco (cl. 60), so highly respected that, only with his intervention, TAVERNESE believes he can resolve a conflict in Canada with a subject (indicated as "64 "), of Italian origin, who seems to have remained the only one who did not agree with them in the Toronto area (lit: "because only this remains").

TAVERNESE acknowledges the charisma and power of AQUINO Rocco and the COLUCCIOS [the AQUINO and COLUCCIO brothers are related], indeed he appears very careful during his stay in Italy not to frequent subjects unwelcome to the COLUCCIOS with whom he also agrees on how to behave toward third parties.

Ultimately, TAVERNESE, who has considerable power in Canada where he has been operating for a long time, must respect the AQUINOS and the COLUCCIOS in Italy, to whom he is closely related, in order to guarantee for himself, overseas, the support of the latter since it is useful to the management of his interests.Therefore, a perfect operational and decision-making correspondence emerges between the cell operating in Italy and Canada - a fact already objectified in the past as part of the Siderno Group investigation. In the light of the overall elements, one consideration is to be made, namely that the Locali, 'Ndrangheta families operating outside Calabria, just as it has been documented for those settled in Northern Italy, must always refer to their Locali of origin, and in this specific case to the Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Jonica, which in turn are included, with their high-ranking members, in the so called JONIC side [ see the previous article ].Unfortunately, returning to the disagreement mentioned beforehand, nr. 64 was no longer identified.However, considering that in GTA the Locali dependent on the mother-Local of Siderno were and are in evident majority, for a matter of probability, we can suppose that nr. 64 was a high-ranking member of one of them. Therefore, the contrast between the Locale dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica in Toronto was most likely with another Locale operating in Toronto, dependent on the mother-Locale of Siderno.A hypothesis not invalidated for the fact that elements from Siderno, including Cosimo Figliomeni, brother of Angelo Figliomeni, both residents in Canada (known as the Brigands), had participated about seven months earlier (on Jan. 17, 2009) in a large dinner organized by the Coluccios, and in particular by Antonio Coluccio ( below), in Siderno, as always reported by Project Crimine.

An initiative with which the latter had wanted to bring together all their ranks and allies (in Calabria but also in Canada) allegedly to demonstrate their continued strength even in absence of the head of the blood family Giuseppe (imprisoned for some months) and even after the recent police international operation called Solare in Italy and Reckoning in US (Sept. 2008) that had dismantled their cocaine supply line directly from the Americas. The irruption by the police, which had monitored all the preparation for the event, revealed the presence among the guest of the already mentioned Cosimo Figliomeni, Rocco Aquino (the Capo Locale), two sons of Carmelo Bruzzese (evidently on his behalf), Vincenzo Tavernese and Carmine Verduci, usually residents in Canada (in 2017, the several times mentioned Tavernese was definitively acquitted of the crime of mafia association within the Project Crimine trial notwithstanding the same judges admitted the existence of a visible relationship with the fugitive Coluccio Giuseppe in Canada and his participation in meetings, in particular with Rocco Aquino, and organized lunches and dinners in Calabria, as we have in part just described).In any case, in Calabria, the scenario outlined above would radically change about a year later.The precise turning point began as Italian police made the arrests requested by persecutors of the already mentioned above Project Crimine, on Jul. 13, 2010, and the connected Project Bene Comune (Common Good), on Dec. 14, 2010.Within a couple of years, the mother-Locali of Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica were practically beheaded.The first to be arrested, on the day of the operation Crimine, was Giuseppe The Master Commisso (cl. 1947), supreme boss of the mother-Locale of Siderno.

Riccardo Rumbo, cl. 1962 (above), Capo of the Donisi Ndrina, also called Rumbo-Galea-Figliomeni Ndrina, one of the sub-units of the same mother-Locale of Siderno, followed on Dec. 14, 2010, as one of the main objectives of the Project Bene Comune. Successive investigations ascertained that, over time, his place in the organization had been taken by his son Santo, cl. 1989 (take note that, before the last arrest in Luxembourg within the Italian Project Canadian Ndrangheta Connection 2, on Aug. 9, 2019, based on an interception, Santo, although still relatively young, would receive a new and very high rank of 'Ndrangheta right in Canada, where he had temporarily moved; a promotion probably obtained also thanks to the sponsorship of the Figliomeni brothers inside the Crimine of Siderno in Toronto area; see previous article here ).In the following two years, the arrests of other high-ranking members who had managed to make themselves fugitives also followed at a rapid pace.It started in March 2011 with Antonio Galea, cl. 1962 (below), a subject always belonging to the Donisi Ndrina.





During the press conference illustrating his arrest, the investigators pointed to Antonio Galea (above) as the current "regent" of the Locale of Siderno. Thus, with that operation the Locale of Siderno had also lost its temporary supreme boss.



Such situation would have led to the occurrence of an exceptional and unprecedented development, as ascertained by the Project Acero-Krupy, closed at investigation level in Sept. 2015: the Locale, or rather, to be precise, the Societa (Society) of Siderno (the Locali with a particularly high number of high-ranking members acquire the status of "Society"), would have remained without a unified leadership, therefore without a Capo Societa in charge anymore. From this moment the various Ndrine in Siderno, as well as all the Locali scattered throughout Italy, Europe and other continents direct emanation of Siderno (on Jul. 31, 2009, Giuseppe The Master Commisso, during an intercepted dialogue, quantified their exact total number as follows: [the Society of Siderno] is the largest in the province it has a lot of countries. it has ninety-six Locali), all of them would remain free to act without giving account or requesting prior authorization for matters of particular importance to the mother-Society. However, a precise order valid for the 'Ndrine and Locali located in Calabria and throughout Italy had been dictated: to not attract the attention of the police forces and institutions in general considering judicial pressures were so high.



After Antonio Galea, it was then the turn of the three Aquino brothers, arrested in quick succession during 2012 in the following order:



 Rocco, on Feb. 10; the video of the stages of his arrest (see:



 Giuseppe (cl. 1962), on Aug. 12, at that time, a subject defined by the well-known Italian persecutor Nicola Gratteri as the armed wing of the homonymous Ndrangheta clan; similarly to his brother Rocco, Giuseppe was hiding in an underground bunker, under the cellar of the mother's house (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zNtWKg4gV0). The investigations of the Project Bene Comune made it possible to ascertain that he was the Mastro di Giornata ("Master of the Day"), an important position within a Locale which can only be granted to high-ranking members (the Mastro di Giornata deals with conveying, as a spokesperson, the orders and wills of the Capo Locale to his subordinates and, in the opposite direction, the news that the subordinates bring to the top of the Locale; thus a sort of filter to ensure distance, in case of ascertainment of responsibilities in court, between the boss and the actions of his subordinates).During the press conference illustrating his arrest, the investigators pointed to Antonio Galea (above) as the current "regent" of the Locale of Siderno. Thus, with that operation the Locale of Siderno had also lost its temporary supreme boss.Such situation would have led to the occurrence of an exceptional and unprecedented development, as ascertained by the Project Acero-Krupy, closed at investigation level in Sept. 2015: the Locale, or rather, to be precise, the Societa (Society) of Siderno (the Locali with a particularly high number of high-ranking members acquire the status of "Society"), would have remained without a unified leadership, therefore without a Capo Societa in charge anymore. From this moment the various Ndrine in Siderno, as well as all the Locali scattered throughout Italy, Europe and other continents direct emanation of Siderno (on Jul. 31, 2009, Giuseppe The Master Commisso, during an intercepted dialogue, quantified their exact total number as follows: [the Society of Siderno] is the largest in the province it has a lot of countries. it has ninety-six Locali), all of them would remain free to act without giving account or requesting prior authorization for matters of particular importance to the mother-Society. However, a precise order valid for the 'Ndrine and Locali located in Calabria and throughout Italy had been dictated: to not attract the attention of the police forces and institutions in general considering judicial pressures were so high.After Antonio Galea, it was then the turn of the three Aquino brothers, arrested in quick succession during 2012 in the following order: Rocco, on Feb. 10; the video of the stages of his arrest (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnNT9RJmIEs ) is absolutely unmissable; it documents where he was hiding: respecting the rule of Ndrangheta according to which a boss never leaves the territory under his control, he was located inside a secret attic above the ceiling of his home where he hid himself whenever the police came to look for him. Giuseppe (cl. 1962), on Aug. 12, at that time, a subject defined by the well-known Italian persecutor Nicola Gratteri as the armed wing of the homonymous Ndrangheta clan; similarly to his brother Rocco, Giuseppe was hiding in an underground bunker, under the cellar of the mother's house (see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zNtWKg4gV0).



 Domenico (cl. 1965), on Sept. 14, whose contacts and business with Canada were specifically mentioned during the press conference to present the arrest operation by the Carabinieri.



o-o-o-o-o-o-o

This wave of arrests between 2010 and 2012 struck at different levels.



Firstly, at the level of the supreme bosses of the mother-Locali of Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica as well as Gioiosa Ionica since its Capo Locale, Antonio Ursino (brother of Giuseppe, of Bradford, GTA, in 2019 sentenced to 12  years within Canadian Project OPhenix), had been arrested before all the others in March 2010. This new situation made it impossible to activate the typical mediation works in the event of disputes. A fundamental function pertaining only to the supreme bosses, who possess the necessary authority, in order to avoid continuous bloodshed among men of Ndrangheta (in general, these types of actions must in fact be minimized as they tend to attract the attention of the police forces and damage business).



Secondly, also at the lower level of 'Ndrina (sub-unit of a Locale/Society). In this case, we refer in particular to Riccardo Rumbo, supreme boss of the Donisi Ndrina.



Project Bene Comune documented an authoritarian intervention by the latter in order to smooth out conflicts between members of his 'Ndrina and, probably, the Locale of the Figliomeni brothers located in Toronto, distant component of the same Donisi 'Ndrina, also called, not by chance, Rumbo-Galea-Figliomeni 'Ndrina.



In this regard, the reconstruction of the Italian persecutors in Project Bene Comune is well known:



 The Donisi 'Ndrina intends to launder money from its common fund by opening some public spaces where to place slot machines and allow illegal gambling in the Toronto area, evidently, thanks to the support, in loco, of the Figliomeni brothers (about ten years later, in 2019, Canadian Project codenamed Sindacato will reveal the impressive turnover generated by the management of this sector of activities by the Figliomenis).



 But, In particular, the opening of a bar, which probably took place in an area not of competence of the clan, threatened to thwart the economic interests of other criminal components in the Ontario Area. As a rule, each Locale has its own territory of exclusive competence. It is therefore highly probable that even in GTA each Locale has its own within which the others can operate only with its prior permission (for example, to open a cafe); in absence, the firebombing is practically certain.



 In this context, " ....disputes had arisen within the 'ndrina, between the FIGLIOMENI family, on the one hand, GALEA Antonio, GIORGINI Domenico and FIGLIOMENI Tito, on the other.



 At that point, Riccardo Rumbo intervened and ordered the cessation of any conflict in order to guarantee and not damage the "common good" (in other words: the business), an expression so evocative that it was used by the Italian investigators to name the Project they were working on.



o-o-o-o-o-o-o

However, the long list of people arrested between 2010 and 2012 was partly compensated, at the end of this period, by a significant exception.  Domenico (cl. 1965), on Sept. 14, whose contacts and business with Canada were specifically mentioned during the press conference to present the arrest operation by the Carabinieri.This wave of arrests between 2010 and 2012 struck at different levels.Firstly, at the level of the supreme bosses of the mother-Locali of Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica as well as Gioiosa Ionica since its Capo Locale, Antonio Ursino (brother of Giuseppe, of Bradford, GTA, in 2019 sentenced to 12  years within Canadian Project OPhenix), had been arrested before all the others in March 2010. This new situation made it impossible to activate the typical mediation works in the event of disputes. A fundamental function pertaining only to the supreme bosses, who possess the necessary authority, in order to avoid continuous bloodshed among men of Ndrangheta (in general, these types of actions must in fact be minimized as they tend to attract the attention of the police forces and damage business).Secondly, also at the lower level of 'Ndrina (sub-unit of a Locale/Society). In this case, we refer in particular to Riccardo Rumbo, supreme boss of the Donisi Ndrina.Project Bene Comune documented an authoritarian intervention by the latter in order to smooth out conflicts between members of his 'Ndrina and, probably, the Locale of the Figliomeni brothers located in Toronto, distant component of the same Donisi 'Ndrina, also called, not by chance, Rumbo-Galea-Figliomeni 'Ndrina.In this regard, the reconstruction of the Italian persecutors in Project Bene Comune is well known: The Donisi 'Ndrina intends to launder money from its common fund by opening some public spaces where to place slot machines and allow illegal gambling in the Toronto area, evidently, thanks to the support, in loco, of the Figliomeni brothers (about ten years later, in 2019, Canadian Project codenamed Sindacato will reveal the impressive turnover generated by the management of this sector of activities by the Figliomenis). But, In particular, the opening of a bar, which probably took place in an area not of competence of the clan, threatened to thwart the economic interests of other criminal components in the Ontario Area. As a rule, each Locale has its own territory of exclusive competence. It is therefore highly probable that even in GTA each Locale has its own within which the others can operate only with its prior permission (for example, to open a cafe); in absence, the firebombing is practically certain. In this context, " ....disputes had arisen within the 'ndrina, between the FIGLIOMENI family, on the one hand, GALEA Antonio, GIORGINI Domenico and FIGLIOMENI Tito, on the other. At that point, Riccardo Rumbo intervened and ordered the cessation of any conflict in order to guarantee and not damage the "common good" (in other words: the business), an expression so evocative that it was used by the Italian investigators to name the Project they were working on.However, the long list of people arrested between 2010 and 2012 was partly compensated, at the end of this period, by a significant exception.













In December 2012, in Italy, after four and a half years of imprisonment under Art. 41-bis (the so called "hard prison regime"), thanks to an acquittal on appeal, Giuseppe Coluccio (above) was released.



When we talk about Giuseppe Coluccio, we refer to a very high-ranking member of the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, although always subject to his relative Rocco Aquino (there are wiretapping, dated 2013, documenting Giuseppe Coluccio's attempts to orchestrate, with much hoped help of a politician, an operation aimed at reducing on appeal the prison sentence inflicted on Rocco Aquino derived from Project Crimine:  we can serve him [the politician] in all ways if he helps us about this fact related to to Rocco we also sell our soul to the devil...).



Take note that not only Giuseppe, but all the Coluccio brothers (Giuseppe, cl. 1966, Salvatore, cl. 1967 and Antonio, cl. 1969, who, while still children, found themselves orphans of their father Vincenzo, murdered during a Ndrangheta feud in 1971) had solid ties with the Toronto area having moved there in the early-mid 2000s. A presence that had considerably strengthened the Locale of Toronto dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, before the respective judicial vicissitudes brought them back to Italy.



Vicissitudes that began with the arrest, on Aug. 8, 2008, of Giuseppe Coluccio himself, thanks to a joint operation of Italian and Canadian police.



Giuseppe was a fugitive since 2005 and included on the list of the thirty most wanted fugitives in Italy. Under false identity and being able to count on the support of his brother Antonio and Vincenzo Tavernese, he lived in a luxury condo on the Toronto waterfront and made himself known by driving equally luxurious cars.



The persecutors of Project Crimine listed some of the personal effects that were in his possession at the time of the arrest and in particular:



u a French driving license in the name of BERTOLOTTI Agostino, born in Rome on 10.02.1962, domiciled at 7 Rue Clement 38000 Grenoble, counterfeit because it bears his photographic effigy;



u a holy card bearing the face of Jesus Christ and the words: Death has you suddenly kidnapped from us, among the many sufferings you continued to give us hope. With your goodness and honesty as a man and a father you will guide us from heaven. A sweet memory and a sad prayer to the lips. I die but my love for you will never die. AQUINO VINCENZO [father of the three aforementioned Aquino brothers] (of whom there is a photographic effigy on the front);



u two sheets of paper written on the computer showing an accounting of large sums of money owed to him with an indication of the debtors;



 HSBC - MASTER CARD credit card in the name of a woman;



 HSBC - MASTER CARD credit card in the name of SCARFO Giuseppe;



 other holy cards (including that of the Virgin Mary of Polsi) and sacred images, as well as some Canadian business cards and numbers marked on cards.



Giuseppe Coluccio, at that time, was most likely the head of the internal "business unit" of the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica (the Italian persecutors will speak of organization within the organization) dedicated to the international drug trade. An organization that had been active for years with strong contacts at the highest criminal level, first of all, presumably, with Roberto Pannunzi, perhaps the most powerful and best known of all drug brokers on behalf of the 'Ndrangheta, but also of Sicilian Cosa Nostra (however, between 2004 and 2010, Pannunzi was locked up).



Nevertheless, an organization that, only about a month later (Sept. 2008), would have suffered a new big blow by the dismantling of one of its channels (probably the main one) used to supply the European market with cocaine shipments from the Americas (international police operation called Project Reckoning in USA and Project Solare in Italy). A drug trafficking centered on its own men operating in New York City, the Schirripa brothers, in business as cocaine suppliers with Mexican narcos belonging to the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas.



On May 10, 2009, it was therefore the turn of Salvatore Coluccio, arrested this time in Italy. Similarly to Rocco and Giuseppe Aquino, he was hiding in his home, more precisely in a cavity created in the laundry room behind a mechanical wall (see:



Lastly, in 2010, the youngest of the brothers, Antonio, voluntarily left Canada to avoid deportation by Canadian immigration, after living for 5 years with his wife and children in a million-dollar home in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto (A. Humphreys, on National Post, Jul. 19, 2018, provided a non-trivial detail of it: The impact of his fathers legacy was clear to anyone who visited his home: through tall glass doors in his office on the ground floor, a five-foot-tall oil painting of his father glared down). During his stay in Canada, Antonio Coluccio was in very close, almost symbiotic business relations with Vincenzo Tavernese. When we talk about Giuseppe Coluccio, we refer to a very high-ranking member of the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, although always subject to his relative Rocco Aquino (there are wiretapping, dated 2013, documenting Giuseppe Coluccio's attempts to orchestrate, with much hoped help of a politician, an operation aimed at reducing on appeal the prison sentence inflicted on Rocco Aquino derived from Project Crimine:  we can serve him [the politician] in all ways if he helps us about this fact related to to Rocco we also sell our soul to the devil...).Take note that not only Giuseppe, but all the Coluccio brothers (Giuseppe, cl. 1966, Salvatore, cl. 1967 and Antonio, cl. 1969, who, while still children, found themselves orphans of their father Vincenzo, murdered during a Ndrangheta feud in 1971) had solid ties with the Toronto area having moved there in the early-mid 2000s. A presence that had considerably strengthened the Locale of Toronto dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, before the respective judicial vicissitudes brought them back to Italy.Vicissitudes that began with the arrest, on Aug. 8, 2008, of Giuseppe Coluccio himself, thanks to a joint operation of Italian and Canadian police.Giuseppe was a fugitive since 2005 and included on the list of the thirty most wanted fugitives in Italy. Under false identity and being able to count on the support of his brother Antonio and Vincenzo Tavernese, he lived in a luxury condo on the Toronto waterfront and made himself known by driving equally luxurious cars.The persecutors of Project Crimine listed some of the personal effects that were in his possession at the time of the arrest and in particular:u a French driving license in the name of BERTOLOTTI Agostino, born in Rome on 10.02.1962, domiciled at 7 Rue Clement 38000 Grenoble, counterfeit because it bears his photographic effigy;u a holy card bearing the face of Jesus Christ and the words: Death has you suddenly kidnapped from us, among the many sufferings you continued to give us hope. With your goodness and honesty as a man and a father you will guide us from heaven. A sweet memory and a sad prayer to the lips. I die but my love for you will never die. AQUINO VINCENZO [father of the three aforementioned Aquino brothers] (of whom there is a photographic effigy on the front);u two sheets of paper written on the computer showing an accounting of large sums of money owed to him with an indication of the debtors; HSBC - MASTER CARD credit card in the name of a woman; HSBC - MASTER CARD credit card in the name of SCARFO Giuseppe; other holy cards (including that of the Virgin Mary of Polsi) and sacred images, as well as some Canadian business cards and numbers marked on cards.Giuseppe Coluccio, at that time, was most likely the head of the internal "business unit" of the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica (the Italian persecutors will speak of organization within the organization) dedicated to the international drug trade. An organization that had been active for years with strong contacts at the highest criminal level, first of all, presumably, with Roberto Pannunzi, perhaps the most powerful and best known of all drug brokers on behalf of the 'Ndrangheta, but also of Sicilian Cosa Nostra (however, between 2004 and 2010, Pannunzi was locked up).Nevertheless, an organization that, only about a month later (Sept. 2008), would have suffered a new big blow by the dismantling of one of its channels (probably the main one) used to supply the European market with cocaine shipments from the Americas (international police operation called Project Reckoning in USA and Project Solare in Italy). A drug trafficking centered on its own men operating in New York City, the Schirripa brothers, in business as cocaine suppliers with Mexican narcos belonging to the Gulf Cartel and Los Zetas.On May 10, 2009, it was therefore the turn of Salvatore Coluccio, arrested this time in Italy. Similarly to Rocco and Giuseppe Aquino, he was hiding in his home, more precisely in a cavity created in the laundry room behind a mechanical wall (see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AdmMjTnEFI ).Lastly, in 2010, the youngest of the brothers, Antonio, voluntarily left Canada to avoid deportation by Canadian immigration, after living for 5 years with his wife and children in a million-dollar home in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto (A. Humphreys, on National Post, Jul. 19, 2018, provided a non-trivial detail of it: The impact of his fathers legacy was clear to anyone who visited his home: through tall glass doors in his office on the ground floor, a five-foot-tall oil painting of his father glared down). During his stay in Canada, Antonio Coluccio was in very close, almost symbiotic business relations with Vincenzo Tavernese.



o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Thanks to the investigations carried out as part of Project Acero-Krupy which, we repeat, closed in Sept. 2015 with the issuance of the related arrest warrants (in 2018, with his first trail, Antonio Coluccio would have been sentenced to 30 years in prison), it was possible to acquire a fairly precise picture of the internal dynamics of the Coluccio clan.



These investigations documented Giuseppes effort to regain the control of an organization that, entrusted to his brother Antonio, had plunged into chaos. Rules, roles and hierarchies had jumped and therefore it was foremost a matter of firmly resuming the reins of his crime group.



The persecutors of Project Acero-Krupy expressed themselves in these terms: In particular, it was possible to confirm the alleged apical role covered within the association of the same name by Giuseppe Coluccio, promoter and organizer of the investigated mafia organization to whom would have been unquestionably recognized the authority to restore the internal hierarchies, identify future criminal orientations and ensure compliance with the 'Ndrangheta rules partly disregarded during his period of detention".



At the same time, Giuseppe was doing his utmost to restart his traditional and more profitable business, that of international cocaine trafficking. In his absence, the clan was in difficulty in supplying drugs evidently due to the loss of direct contacts with South American suppliers. Thanks to the investigations carried out as part of Project Acero-Krupy which, we repeat, closed in Sept. 2015 with the issuance of the related arrest warrants (in 2018, with his first trail, Antonio Coluccio would have been sentenced to 30 years in prison), it was possible to acquire a fairly precise picture of the internal dynamics of the Coluccio clan.These investigations documented Giuseppes effort to regain the control of an organization that, entrusted to his brother Antonio, had plunged into chaos. Rules, roles and hierarchies had jumped and therefore it was foremost a matter of firmly resuming the reins of his crime group.The persecutors of Project Acero-Krupy expressed themselves in these terms: In particular, it was possible to confirm the alleged apical role covered within the association of the same name by Giuseppe Coluccio, promoter and organizer of the investigated mafia organization to whom would have been unquestionably recognized the authority to restore the internal hierarchies, identify future criminal orientations and ensure compliance with the 'Ndrangheta rules partly disregarded during his period of detention".At the same time, Giuseppe was doing his utmost to restart his traditional and more profitable business, that of international cocaine trafficking. In his absence, the clan was in difficulty in supplying drugs evidently due to the loss of direct contacts with South American suppliers.

















Finally, according to the turncoat Antonio Femia (former belonging to the Locale of Gioiosa Ionica, that of the Ursinos), Giusepe Coluccio also planned to start trafficking cocaine through fruit, vegetables and panettoni companies from Brazil to Canada that would be landed at the port of Halifax. Halifax therefore, and not Montreal. Anything but a detail, as the mafia expert Antonio Nicaso explained in 2019: For a long time the 'Ndrine have been "forced" to manage the port of Halifax, because in Montreal they would have to pay a quota to the Irish and the Rizzutos. The port of Montreal is certainly the main junction for the entry of cocaine in North America as an alternative to the southern route. Ndrangheta has always had an interest in running that port. The Calabrians have never had a good relationship with Rizzuto and have always remained out of it. (S. Pelaia, corrieredellacalabria.it, Jan. 25, 2019).



The Toronto Locali have never had the strength to conquer Montreal and its port. Nor it seems that one or more Locali of 'Ndrangheta directly supported the last attempt aimed at ousting the Rizzutos from the command of the Montreal Family through a series of murders (this last mafia war lasted approximately from 2016 to 2019). Although it was initiative of the Scoppa brothers, Andrea and Salvatore (in particular of the younger Salvatore, the less gifted of the two), subjects believed to belong to the "Calabrian faction", the real links of the two brothers with the Calabrian underworld residing in Montreal and Toronto have yet to be confirmed. After all, the final outcome of their attempt appears to provide pretty clear indications. Despite having caused serious damage in terms of human lives to the Rizzutos including the murder, on May, 27, 2016, of Rocco Sollecito (cl. 1948), who, at that time, was allegedly the absolute top of the family, the endeavor of the two brothers (probably at the head of a too small crime group, lacking necessary support, including external ones) ended with no escape for them (Salvatore, murdered on May 4, 2019; Andrea, on Oct. 21, 2019), without further, significant bloodshed.

o-o-o-o-o-o-o

However, during 2013, in full reconstruction of their clan, the Coluccios had to record the loss of a close ally in Canada.



Indeed, on Aug. 23, 2013, after the issue of a warrant by the Canadian immigration authorities, Carmelo Bruzzese, cl. 1949, was arrested at his Woodbridge home as a potential foreign national engaged in organized crime (on Oct. 2, 2015, Bruzzese was eventually forced to leave Canada and return to Italy where he was arrested by Italian police as soon as he landed in Rome).



Carmelo Bruzzese was a key mob figure. He had emigrated to Canada in 1974, but for decades he would commute to Italy, thus never cutting ties with the motherland.



In 2010, Project Crimine identified him as Capo Locale of Grotteria (a small municipality just a few kilometers from Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica) and a subject fully inserted within important dynamics of Ndrangheta.



But it doesn't stop there. Over time, Carmelo Bruzzese had also acquired a kinship of considerable weight. His daughter Melina had indeed married Antonio Coluccio of whom Carmelo Bruzzese had therefore become father-in-law (note the typical use of matrimonial crossings aimed at establishing new family ties useful for strengthening the involved blood families inside the Ndrangheta). It is therefore not surprising that, for example, two other sons, as we have already told, attended the great dinner organized by the Coluccios on Jan. 17, 2009.



Bruzzese had important criminal relationships in Italy but also in Canada, his land of partial adoption. In particular, about his relations with the Montreal Family (Rizzuto crime family), the Project Crimines persecutors described him: the referent of the "Calabrian cell" of the organization, closely linked to the top of the organization, in contact with Vito RIZZUTO's most direct collaborators and with the same boss before his arrest, which took place in Jan. 2004, as well as with leading exponents of the Calabrian organized crime.



These documented relationships, inserted in a wider framework of clues, tend to exclude that a component of the Crimine of Toronto, the one dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, participated in, or supported in some way, the attack culminating in the murder of the old patriarch Nicolo Rizzuro in Montreal, on Nov. 10, 2010. An attempted overthrow in which however, unlike what presumably happened during the last war to take control of the Montreal Family (2016-2019) already briefly mentioned above, at least one Locale of Toronto dependent on the mother-Locale of Siderno (that of Salvatore Calautti) was allegedly involved including other players.



As we said, the Locale dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica instead presumably evaded a similar involvement as well as the Commissos who, despite also being from Siderno, thought it best not to compromise themselves directly and rather wait to know the final outcome of the armed confrontation.



In any event, the strong link of Carmelo Bruzzese with the Coluccios, and consequently with the Locale of Toronto dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, prevented him from proposing, or being proposed, as a credible mediator for the resolution of any internal conflicts within the 'Ndrangheta that could involve the Coluccio brothers. Fortunately for him, Luigi Mancuso, cl. 1954 (above), supreme boss of the very powerful Locale of Limbadi on the Tyrrhenian side ( see Figure 1. in the previous article ), intervened by helping him (they had met during a common period of detention). It would then have been Luigi Mancuso (also released from prison in 2012, after 19 years of uninterrupted imprisonment) to supply the loads of cocaine thanks to his contacts in South America (to understand the criminal depth of the Mancuso crime family from Limbadi in the context of the international drug trafficking, we report the following significant note contained in the 2008 Half-Year Report of the Italian Direzione Investigativa Antimafia: The Mancusos operate in the thriving sector of cocaine trafficking, where they have managed to acquire considerable weight, securing a privileged channel with the Colombian cartels, with the Spanish drug traffickers, reaching as far as Australia.). From Brazil, the cocaine shipments would have been unloaded at European ports, except for the Italian ones that were too controlled by the police. The Coluccios would then take care of the storage and distribution in Italy.Finally, according to the turncoat Antonio Femia (former belonging to the Locale of Gioiosa Ionica, that of the Ursinos), Giusepe Coluccio also planned to start trafficking cocaine through fruit, vegetables and panettoni companies from Brazil to Canada that would be landed at the port of Halifax. Halifax therefore, and not Montreal. Anything but a detail, as the mafia expert Antonio Nicaso explained in 2019: For a long time the 'Ndrine have been "forced" to manage the port of Halifax, because in Montreal they would have to pay a quota to the Irish and the Rizzutos. The port of Montreal is certainly the main junction for the entry of cocaine in North America as an alternative to the southern route. Ndrangheta has always had an interest in running that port. The Calabrians have never had a good relationship with Rizzuto and have always remained out of it. (S. Pelaia, corrieredellacalabria.it, Jan. 25, 2019).The Toronto Locali have never had the strength to conquer Montreal and its port. Nor it seems that one or more Locali of 'Ndrangheta directly supported the last attempt aimed at ousting the Rizzutos from the command of the Montreal Family through a series of murders (this last mafia war lasted approximately from 2016 to 2019). Although it was initiative of the Scoppa brothers, Andrea and Salvatore (in particular of the younger Salvatore, the less gifted of the two), subjects believed to belong to the "Calabrian faction", the real links of the two brothers with the Calabrian underworld residing in Montreal and Toronto have yet to be confirmed. After all, the final outcome of their attempt appears to provide pretty clear indications. Despite having caused serious damage in terms of human lives to the Rizzutos including the murder, on May, 27, 2016, of Rocco Sollecito (cl. 1948), who, at that time, was allegedly the absolute top of the family, the endeavor of the two brothers (probably at the head of a too small crime group, lacking necessary support, including external ones) ended with no escape for them (Salvatore, murdered on May 4, 2019; Andrea, on Oct. 21, 2019), without further, significant bloodshed.However, during 2013, in full reconstruction of their clan, the Coluccios had to record the loss of a close ally in Canada.Indeed, on Aug. 23, 2013, after the issue of a warrant by the Canadian immigration authorities, Carmelo Bruzzese, cl. 1949, was arrested at his Woodbridge home as a potential foreign national engaged in organized crime (on Oct. 2, 2015, Bruzzese was eventually forced to leave Canada and return to Italy where he was arrested by Italian police as soon as he landed in Rome).Carmelo Bruzzese was a key mob figure. He had emigrated to Canada in 1974, but for decades he would commute to Italy, thus never cutting ties with the motherland.In 2010, Project Crimine identified him as Capo Locale of Grotteria (a small municipality just a few kilometers from Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica) and a subject fully inserted within important dynamics of Ndrangheta.But it doesn't stop there. Over time, Carmelo Bruzzese had also acquired a kinship of considerable weight. His daughter Melina had indeed married Antonio Coluccio of whom Carmelo Bruzzese had therefore become father-in-law (note the typical use of matrimonial crossings aimed at establishing new family ties useful for strengthening the involved blood families inside the Ndrangheta). It is therefore not surprising that, for example, two other sons, as we have already told, attended the great dinner organized by the Coluccios on Jan. 17, 2009.Bruzzese had important criminal relationships in Italy but also in Canada, his land of partial adoption. In particular, about his relations with the Montreal Family (Rizzuto crime family), the Project Crimines persecutors described him: the referent of the "Calabrian cell" of the organization, closely linked to the top of the organization, in contact with Vito RIZZUTO's most direct collaborators and with the same boss before his arrest, which took place in Jan. 2004, as well as with leading exponents of the Calabrian organized crime.These documented relationships, inserted in a wider framework of clues, tend to exclude that a component of the Crimine of Toronto, the one dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, participated in, or supported in some way, the attack culminating in the murder of the old patriarch Nicolo Rizzuro in Montreal, on Nov. 10, 2010. An attempted overthrow in which however, unlike what presumably happened during the last war to take control of the Montreal Family (2016-2019) already briefly mentioned above, at least one Locale of Toronto dependent on the mother-Locale of Siderno (that of Salvatore Calautti) was allegedly involved including other players.As we said, the Locale dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica instead presumably evaded a similar involvement as well as the Commissos who, despite also being from Siderno, thought it best not to compromise themselves directly and rather wait to know the final outcome of the armed confrontation.In any event, the strong link of Carmelo Bruzzese with the Coluccios, and consequently with the Locale of Toronto dependent on the mother-Locale of Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, prevented him from proposing, or being proposed, as a credible mediator for the resolution of any internal conflicts within the 'Ndrangheta that could involve the Coluccio brothers.



o-o-o-o-o-o-o



In conclusion, the facts reported above describe the following situation in the period 2013  2014:



 Within the Locali of, or dependent on, Siderno and Marina di Gioiosa Ionica, only two top rampant bosses, Angelo Figliomeni and Giuseppe Coluccio, werent incarcerated at the time.



 Therefore, none at their criminal level, or above, could (or wanted to) promote or impose a peaceful mediation in the event of a serious conflict between them.



 Due to the repeated arrests listed above, the Society of Siderno lacked a unitary leadership: every 'Ndrina in Siderno as well as every Locale scattered in Italy, Europe and other continents (it has ninety-six Locali) was free to act independently, without asking for prior advice or authorization from the top of the mother-Society.



In this criminal context that embraced the two sides of the Atlantic Sea (Giuseppe Coluccio couldn't go to Canada because he was subjected to police special surveillance), the clash broke out without anyone being able to interfere or avoid it.

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - March 5, 2021) - Guardian Exploration Inc. (TSXV: GX) (the "Corporation" or "Guardian") announces that it has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") from DG Resources Management Ltd. ("DGM") and Graydon Kowal ("Kowal" and together with DGM, the "Vendors") of their interests in and to a mining property known as the Mount Cameron Property located in the Mayo Mining District in the Yukon (the "Assets"). The acquisition was first announced in the Corporation's press release dated May 21, 2020.

In consideration for the Assets, the Corporation issued 4,000,000 Common Shares in the share capital of Guardian to the Vendors and a 2% Net Smelter Royalty, which Net Smelter Royalty shall be repurchaseable by Guardian from the Vendors at a price of $1,000,000 for a period of five years. The Corporation also assumed debt in the amount of $50,000 owed by Graydon Kowal to Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. (an affiliate of DGM) and debt in the amount of $10,000 owed by DGM to Dahrouge Geological Consulting Ltd. (the "Debt Assumption"). The debt assumed by the Corporation bears no interest and is payable in increments of $15,000 semi-annually until repaid.

In connection with the Acquisition, the Corporation completed a private placement (the "Private Placement") whereby an aggregate of 2,000,000 Flow-Through Units at a price of $0.10 per unit, and an aggregate of 2,100,000 Ordinary Units were issued at a price of $0.05 per unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of $305,000.00.

Flow-Through Units consist of one Common Share issued on a tax flow-through basis and one warrant issued on a tax flow-through basis ("Flow Through Warrant"). Each Flow-Through Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one non-flow-through Common Share ("Ordinary Share") at a price of $0.15 for a period of three years from the date of issuance.

Ordinary Units consist of one Ordinary Share and one non-flow-through warrant ("Ordinary Warrant"). Each Ordinary Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Ordinary Share at a price of $0.25 for a period of three years from the date of issuance.

The Flow-Through Warrants and the Ordinary Warrants are subject to an acceleration clause, such that if the closing price of the Corporation's common shares trading on the Exchange is greater than $0.15 (for the Flow-Through Warrants) or $0.25 (for the Ordinary Warrants) for 30 consecutive trading days, the Corporation may, by giving notice to the holders, accelerate the warrant expiry date whereby such warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date on which the notice is provided.

The Corporation intends to use the proceeds from the Private Placement in order to fund the proposed work program for the Assets. The gross proceeds from the sale of the Flow-Through Units will be used for expenditures which qualify as "Canadian exploration expenses" ("CEE") and "flow-through mining expenditures" both within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The Corporation will renounce such CEE in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Income Tax Act (Canada).

There will be a hold period of four months and one day on all securities issued under the Private Placement.

No finder's fees were paid in respect of the Private Placement.

Closing of the Acquisition, Private Placement and Debt Assumption were subject to the conditional approval from the TSX Venture Exchange, which has been obtained.

Related Party Transaction

Because Graydon Kowal is one of the Vendors of the Assets and is also a director of the Corporation and is its President and CEO, the Acquisition was a "Related Party Transaction" under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). Additionally, Mr. Kowal purchased an aggregate of 1,000,000 Flow-Through Units and 600,000 Ordinary Units under the Private Placement, which purchases would also be considered Related Party Transactions. The Corporation relied upon the exemptions from the minority shareholder approval and valuation requirements set out in Sections 5.7(1)(a) and 5.5(a), respectively, of MI 61-101.

The Acquisition and Private Placement were approved by the directors of the Corporation by resolution, with Graydon Kowal declaring his interest in the outcome of the resolutions and abstaining from voting with respect thereto.

A material change report regarding the Private Placement was not filed 21 days before the completion of the Private Placement as 21 days prior to the completion of the Private Placement, completion of the Private Placement was uncertain and therefore did not at that time constitute a material change. A material change report regarding the Acquisition was filed on August 24, 2020; however, as completion of the Private Placement was a condition to the completion of the Acquisition, completion of the Acquisition was also uncertain as of 21 days prior to completion.

Early Warning

Prior to the Acquisition, Mr. Kowal owned an aggregate of 66,490,085 common shares in the capital of the Corporation, or 89.5% of the common shares of the Corporation then issued and outstanding (diluted and undiluted). As a result of the Acquisition and Private Placement, Mr. Kowal now owns 70,090,085 common shares of the Corporation which comprise 85.0% of the common shares of the Corporation issued and outstanding, undiluted, or 82.9%, fully diluted. Mr. Kowal also holds Flow-Through Warrants and Ordinary Warrants which, together, entitle him to purchase an additional 1,600,000 common shares of the Corporation for a period of three years, subject to acceleration.

In the future, depending on economic or market conditions or matters relating to the Corporation Mr. Kowal may choose to either acquire additional securities or dispose of securities of the Corporation. Mr. Kowal has no present intention to acquire additional securities of the Corporation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Graydon Kowal

President and CEO

(403) 730-6333

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/76276
Baghdad: Pope Francis opened the first-ever papal visit to Iraq on Friday with a plea for the country to protect its centuries-old diversity, urging Muslims to embrace their Christian neighbours as a precious resource and asking the embattled Christian community - though small like a mustard seed - to persevere.

Francis brushed aside the coronavirus pandemic and security concerns to resume his globe-trotting papacy after a yearlong hiatus spent under COVID-19 lockdown in Vatican City. His primary aim over the weekend is to encourage Iraqs dwindling Christian population, which was violently persecuted by the Islamic State group and still faces discrimination by the Muslim majority, to stay and help rebuild the country devastated by wars and strife.

Look beyond our differences, Pope Francis urged his audience at Baghdads Presidential Palace. Credit:AP

Only if we learn to look beyond our differences and see each other as members of the same human family, Francis told Iraqi authorities in his welcoming address, will we be able to begin an effective process of rebuilding and leave to future generations a better, more just and more humane world.

The 84-year-old pope donned a face mask during the flight from Rome and throughout all his protocol visits, as did his hosts. But the masks came off when the leaders sat down to talk, and social distancing and other health measures appeared lax at the airport and on the streets of Baghdad, despite the countrys worsening COVID-19 outbreak.
Thinking about World Book Day, I remembered my 8th birthday. I got a copy of Black Beauty. Oh, the wonder, the dread, the sadness!

I can still quote the opening lines.

At 12 or 13 I read my first adult book, Gone with the Wind. I couldnt put it down until when  about 15 pages from the end  I realized it was not going to finish well. So I closed the book and imagined my own ending. Scarlet and Rhett ran into each others arms. I fixed everything!

Some feelings never leave you.

Thinking of Womens Day and World Book Day, it struck me those two books, that fired my imagination and love of books so long ago, were both written by women, Anna Sewell and Margaret Mitchell.

The seeds of my love of English and poetry were sewn and nurtured by Sr. Immaculata, Sacred Heart School. How she loved the words  my hero. She would have loved to know that I went to the Lake District and sat on Wordsworths bed!

Over the last couple of years, I have written and self-published two childrens books, Mr Wisscoccally, Adventure in Thorny Wood (2018) and The Thomas Stories (2020). Although I have been telling stories and writing bits and pieces all my life, I am sure my stories never would have gone to print but for the talent of, the help and encouragement I received from, some formidable local women, artists/illustrators Vivienne Byrne and Rachael Reay and my daughter Clare Campbell Reay.

I love to read. Reading entertains, consoles, broadens the mind, transports and transfixes.

I love to write. When an idea comes squirming, it has to be written. Let out, no matter how daft! Ideas like folding a hole  or a conversation between a fly and a bee.

Often those daft ideas end up as childrens poems and that is what I am working on right now. The wonderful Eric Sharpe and Fran Mc Dermot of Abbey Lane Studios, suggested we collaborate to produce an album of childrens songs, my poems/words, his musical compositions/arrangements. Reading has always been important to me, but writing has made these past few years fascinating and exciting.

* Read the experiences of more female authors in the March 2nd issue of The Drogheda Independent

Despite having one of the highest risks of dying from Covid-19, about twice that of white Americans, Black Americans remain one of the least vaccinated racial or ethnic groups, with data showing that only 5.7 percent have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.

Many are quick to blame vaccine hesitancy as the reason, putting the onus on Black Americans to develop better attitudes around vaccination. But this hyper-focus on hesitancy implicitly blames Black communities for their undervaccination, and it obscures opportunities to address the primary barrier to Covid-19 vaccination: access.

Access matters. A closer look at the data reveals that when Black people are given the opportunity, they do get vaccinated.

After the federally funded Vaccines for Children program eliminated cost as a barrier to vaccine access for children in the 1990s, racial disparities in vaccination rates narrowed significantly. Since about 2005, Black children are just as likely to have received the recommended M.M.R. and polio vaccines as any other children, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the vaccination rates of children are, in part, a reflection of their parents and caregivers attitudes about vaccines, then it suggests that Black caregivers generally support vaccination.


Michigan is expanding vaccine eligibility this month to include residents age 50 to 64 and caregivers of people with disabilities.

The state has slightly more than 2 million residents in that age group, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 13% already have been vaccinated because they qualified through their jobs as essential workers.

Michiganders 50 and older will soon be eligible for coronavirus vaccine

Groups currently eligible to be vaccinated statewide include health care workers, long-term care workers and residents, first responders, corrections workers, childcare and school staff, staff in congregate care facilities, mortuary service workers, workers in food processing and agricultural settings, and residents 65 years and older.

Here is what people need to know about the expansion.

1. Starting Monday, March, 8, eligibility expands to those age 50 to 64 with preexisting conditions, disabilities and other medical vulnerabilities.

That group will get a two-week head start on healthy people age 50 to 64.

In defining disability, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services points to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which covers persons with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as eating, sleeping, standing, lifting, reading, bending, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working.

Preexisting conditions include that qualify for vaccination starting March 8:

Asthma;

Cancer;

Cerebrovascular disease;

Chronic kidney disease;

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;

Cystic fibrosis;

Pulmonary fibrosis;

Down Syndrome;

Heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies;

High blood pressure;

Weakened immune system from transplant, HIV or use of corticosteroids or other medications that weaken the immune system;

Liver disease;

Neurologic conditions such as dementia;

Obesity or overweight, defined as body mass index over 25;

Sickle cell disease;

Smoker;

Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus;

Thalassemia.

2. Also starting March 8, caregivers of people with disabilities are eligible for vaccination.

Caregiver family members and guardians age 16 years and older of children with special health-care needs may be vaccinated starting Monday.

Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs, according to MDHHS. The condition may be congenital, developmental, or acquired through disease, trauma, or environmental cause and may impose limitations in performing daily self-maintenance activities or substantial limitations in a major life activity.

3. Proof of eligibility may vary depending on the vaccine provider.

MDHHS is not specifying what documentation is needed for those age 50 to 64 with preexisting conditions and those who are caregivers of special-needs children. That will be up to the vaccine provider.

We will require proof. We hear most places will require some kind of proof, said John Foren, a spokesman for Sparrow Health in Lansing.

Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids said they will rely on information provided on peoples registration forms. We ask everyone to provide complete and accurate information on any underlying medical conditions that may or may not make them eligible for vaccination at this time, said a statement from Spectrum Health.

4. On March 22, all residents 50 years and older will be eligible for a vaccine.

Starting Monday, March 22, anyone age 50 or older is eligible for a vaccine, and vaccinations also will continue for those who were previously eligible.

However, eligibility does not guarantee immediate access: At this point, demand for vaccines continue to outstrip supply. However, President Biden has stated that the United States will have produced enough vaccine for all adults by the end of May.

Michigan opens vaccines to more people, but frustration grows for those still struggling to book appointments

5. Signing up for an appointment.

Persons eligible for a vaccine are encouraged to sign up for waiting lists with their local health department as well as their local hospitals. Meijer and Rite-Aid pharmacies and Cardinal Health in the Upper Peninsula also are offering vaccines.

Heres a link to contact information for local health departments as well as links for the sites for Meijer and Rite-Aid.

Residents who dont have access to the internet or who need assistance navigating the vaccine scheduling process can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 888-535-6136 (press 1) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

6. COVID-19 vaccinations are provided at no cost to patients.

You will not be charged any fees for the vaccine, regardless of whether you have health insurance coverage or not, MDHHS says on its website. If you do have insurance coverage, the vaccine provider may charge your insurance an administrative fee, but YOU will not have to pay anything. (If you are uninsured, this fee will come from the Health Resources and Services Administrations Providers Relief Fund, NOT you.)

7. People do not get to choose which of the three vaccines they will receive.

While supplies are scarce, it is unlikely that you will be able to choose which vaccine you receive from your medical provider, the MDHHS website says. You should not wait; you should take whichever vaccine is available to you. CDC does not make a preference for one vaccine over another.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccine require two doses. If you receive the Pfizer vaccine the second dose needs to be 21 days after the first dose, and the second dose of the Moderna vaccine needs to be 28 days after the first. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose to build the best immune response.

Read more on MLive:

Mental health struggles are surging in Michigan families during the pandemic. Here are their stories.

The pandemics psychological toll on our children

Letter from the Editor: We asked students, parents and teachers, Are you OK? They said no

When will I get vaccinated? The No. 1 pandemic question thats making Michiganders nervous

5 things to know about Michigans last school standing for virtual learning

Florida, beach parties and road trips: Not all Michigan colleges canceling spring break this year
The Plainview-Hale County Health Department will host two vaccine clinics at the Ollie Liner Center next week.

The Health Department has received an allotment of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine from the Department of State Health Services. These vaccines will be provided to individuals who meet Phase 1A or Phase 1B guidelines.

The clinics are set for Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Appointments are required to receive a vaccine.

Those interested in scheduling an appointments visit the online appointment portal at www.plainviewtx.org or call the Health Department at (806)291-1201. The portal and phone line will open Monday at 10 a.m.

Both the online portal and phone line will close when all appointments are booked.

Its noted that vaccine supplies are limited. Appointment slots for the two most recent clinics have filled up within about 30 minutes of registration opening.

Those eligible to receive vaccine doses include people who meet Phase 1A and 1B guidelines. These individuals include: frontline healthcare workers, residents of long-term care facilities, people 65 years old and older and people who are 18 and older who have a chronic health condition that could put them at risk of a more severe COVID-19 illness. Those chronic illnesses include: cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, down syndrome, heart conditions, organ transplantation, obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease and Type 2 diabetes.

The DSHS also approved a new group of workers this week  pre-primary, primary and secondary workers and daycare staff. These individuals can include educators, staff members, bus drivers and people who function as at-home daycare operators.

The Health Department will host another clinic on Wednesday for those that need their second vaccination doses and who attended the clinic in February. Those individuals will be contacted to confirm appointment details.

Volunteers are being sought to help with the clinics, especially those who speak Spanish. Retired nurses, medical professionals or those that would like to assist with paperwork are asked to contact the Health Department at 293-1359.
Sexual abuse survivor Grace Tame's feeling towards Prime Minister Scott Morrison have changed since she was awarded The Australian of Year in January, according to a body language expert.

Ms Tame, 26, on Wednesday hit out at Mr Morrison with a powerful six-word response to his handling of parliament's sexual assault crisis during a National Press Club address in Canberra.

Her comments were a far cry from her warm reaction to Morrison when he presented her with the nation's highest honour  with her body language revealing she clearly had trust and goodwill towards the PM.

'Grace Tame's body language and facial expressions reveal that her feelings towards Scott Morrison have clearly changed since she accepted her award,' body language expert Katia Loisel told Daily Mail Australia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison presents the 2021 Australian of the Year winner Grace Tame with her award at the National Arboretum in Canberra

The 26-year-old told the National Press Club on Wednesday she had a 'mission' to end child sex abuse

A body language expert has revealed Ms Tames genuine smile, eye expression, and her body turned towards the PM indicated trust and goodwill in January but her opinion has changed

'During her National Press Club speech there are numerous non-verbal tells that reveal negative emotion and Grace's disapproval and disbelief,' the founder of Love Destination explained.

Ms Tame slammed Mr Morrison during her National Press Club address after he said he had discussed allegations former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins had been raped by a male colleague with his wife Jenny.

He said Jenny had asked the father-of-two: 'What would you want to happen if it were our girls?' - prompting him to tackle parliament's sexual assault crisis head on.

Ms Tame said you didn't need to be a parent to have the capacity to empathise with sexual assault victims.

'Having children doesn't guarantee a conscience,' she said in response to a question at Wednesday's event.

Ms Loisel said her comments were weighted with a clear non-verbal punch directed at the PM.

'Her disappearing lips, tongue movements, forced smile, shifting of her weight and use of pacifying or soothing gestures such the rubbing of her tongue inside of her mouth are a subconscious response to stress and anxiety and a reliable indication of negative emotion,' she said.

'Whilst her lips purse for but a second this is an important tell, indicating both disapproval and suppressed agitation.'

She explained this expression is an automatic response by our body and a way of subconsciously saying 'no'.

In her speech, Ms Tame, who was sexually assaulted by a high school teacher when she was just 15-years-old, also criticised Mr Morrison's previous comments in 2019.

He said he wanted women to have the confidence 'that if they tell their stories they'll be believed'.

A reporter asked: 'Do you think those words ring true now in the way he handled that?'

She responded: 'Clearly not.'

Ms Loisel said her raised eyebrows along with a forced, compressed and mocking smile when she gave her response clearly indicate 'disbelief and disapproval'.

Ms Tame speaks at the National Press Club on Wednesday. She was named Australian of the Year last month for her advocacy work for sexual assault survivors

She said this was in stark contrast to the Australian of the Year Awards, with her body language indicating, whilst clearly overcome with emotion over the award, that she trusted Mr Morrison.

'Grace's genuine smile which activated the zygomatic major muscle (crinkling the corners of her eyes) and the position of her body orientated towards the Prime Minister revealed no animosity,' she said.

'Our bodies subconsciously orient away from people we don't like and move towards those we do.

'Upper body muscles contracting bring us closer to those we like or who make us feel safe as our orientating reflex.'

Ms Tame was awarded the Australian of the Year honour at a ceremony in Canberra on January 25.

She took that opportunity to make a more light-hearted joke at the Prime Minister's expense.

Her boyfriend Max Heerey posted a video on his Instagram showing Ms Tame walking up behind Prime Minister Morrison, with the caption: 'Creeping up like climate change.'

'Grace Tame's body language and facial expressions reveal that her feelings towards Scott Morrison have clearly changed since she accepted her award,' body language expert Katia Loisel (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia

The Instagram story - which Ms Tame also later shared to her own page - included an emoji of a Santa sack full of coal, and the word 'aloha' - in reference to Mr Morrison's controversial trip to Hawaii last year at a time when bushfires raged across Australia.

In an emotional acceptance speech, she detailed her remarkable fight for justice against her high school teacher.

Ms Tame was bullied and vulnerable with no self-esteem when she confided in maths teacher Nicolaas Bester, 58, at the elite St Michael's Collegiate School in Hobart.

He was subsequently convicted for 'maintaining a sexual relationship with someone under the age of 17'.

Ms Tame later became an ambassador for the #LetHerSpeak movement which battled Tasmania's Evidence Act that prevented the publication of information identifying abuse victims.

The law inadvertently prevented Tame and others from speaking out and her campaign gained international support.

In 2019 she won a groundbreaking Supreme Court order exempting her from the ban and allowing her to speak out.

Scott Morrison's office has been approached for comment.
Supporters of former US president Donald Trump scale the walls of the US Capitol buildings in Washington on January 6. Photo: Reuters/Stephanie Keith

Police officers, veterans and even a former FBI employee have been arrested for allegedly storming the US Capitol on January 6. Federal investigators have also added a Trump administration official to the growing list of defendants facing charges following the deadly riot.

The FBI arrested a political appointee of former president Donald Trump, according to a criminal complaint, marking the first member of the administration arrested in connection with the insurrection.

Federal agents arrested Federico G Klein (42), a former State Department aide, on multiple felony charges related to the Capitol riot, according to a criminal complaint published by The New York Times. The State Department and Mr Klein did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Mr Klein was still employed at the State Department as a staff assistant on January 6 when he joined a mob in the a tunnel leading into the US Capitol, the FBI said.

He allegedly physically and verbally engaged with the officers holding the line at the buildings entrance, according to the complaint. After ignoring officers orders to move back, he assaulted officers with a riot shield that had been stolen from police, the complaint said, and then used the shield to wedge open a door into the Capitol.

At one point, Mr Klein was caught on video shouting for more insurrectionists to come to the front lines, where officers were struggling to hold back the mob.

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We need fresh people, need fresh people, he said, according to the complaint.

Mr Kleins arrest is the most direct link yet between the Trump administration and the rioters, despite attempts by some conservatives to dissociate the insurrection from the former president.

Many of the 300-plus people who have been charged in connection with the insurrection have described themselves as Trump supporters.

Mr Klein had a top-secret security clearance that was renewed in 2019, the FBI said. A LinkedIn profile the FBI identified as Mr Kleins also lists a top-secret security clearance and shows that he has been politically active in the Republican Party since at least 2008, when he began volunteering for political campaigns. Before joining the State Department in 2017, Mr Klein worked for the Trump campaign.

According to a financial disclosure form filed by Mr Klein, he was appointed as a staff assistant in the State Department on January 22, 2017, days after Mr Trump was sworn in as president.

He worked as a special assistant in the Office of Brazilian and Southern Cone Affairs, according to a database of Trump appointees and the criminal complaint.

After the insurrection, Mr Klein continued working in the State Department until January 19, when he resigned the day before Joe Bidens inauguration.

The Trump appointee faces several felony charges for his alleged role in the riot, including knowingly engaging in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds.

Mr Kleins mother, Cecilia Klein, told Politico that her son had admitted to being in Washington on January 6 but said he did not specify whether he had entered the Capitol building.

Freds politics burn a little hot, she said, but Ive never known him to violate the law.

 Washington Post
USS Nimitz leads a formation of ships from the Nimitz and Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group during dual carrier operations in the South China Sea in February 2021.

The U.S. military has advised the U.S. Congress that it needs new precision-strike, air missile defense, and other capabilities to counter China in the Indo-Pacific, a sign of deepening military competition between the two rival nations.

In an assessment submitted to Congress earlier this week, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command outlined a range of requirements for strengthening conventional deterrence in the region, according to reviews of the document by USNI News and Nikkei Asia and remarks Thursday by Adm. Philip Davidson, who leads U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

The assessment calls for the fielding of an Integrated Joint Force with precision-strike networks along the so-called first island chain -- referring to missile strike capabilities -- and integrated air missile defense in the second island chain, USNI News reported. The document also calls for a distributed force posture that provides the ability to preserve stability, and if needed, dispense and sustain combat operations for extended periods.

The first island chain is a term used to describe land features in the western Pacific stretching from Japan, to Taiwan, and through states lining the South China Sea like the Philippines and Indonesia. The second island chain extends further to the east, starting in Japan and running through Guam.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Commands assessment requests around $27 billion for what it calls the Pacific Deterrence Initiative through fiscal year 2027, including about $4.7 billion for fiscal year 2022, USNI News and Nikkei Asia reported.

Davidson warned that the greatest danger the United States and our allies face in this region is the erosion of conventional deterrence vis-a-vis the Peoples Republic of China.

Absent a convincing deterrent, China will be emboldened to take action to supplant the established rules-based international order and the values represented in our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, he said at an online event staged by the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank.

"We must be doing everything possible to deter conflict. Our number one job out here is to keep the peace, but we absolutely must be prepared to fight and win should competition turn to conflict," Davidson added.

Davidson did not reveal the full details of the militarys assessment, but mentioned that the two island chains offer the capacity to support crisis and contingency operations, such as establishing dispersal locations, airfield repair capabilities, mobile processing, and fuel storage.

According to Eric Sayers, a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said the U.S. needs to invest in mobile, ground-based anti-ship missiles to help offset the strike power from air and maritime forces, complicate PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) planning, and provide another flexible option to reassure allies.

Military tensions in the region are running high, with both U.S. and Chinese forces having repeatedly carried out exercises and other maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea in recent months. The two powers have also been trading tough talk, with the U.S. challenging China over its sweeping territorial and maritime claims and assertive behavior, and China accusing the U.S. of meddling in regional affairs.

Earlier in February, for example, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman criticized U.S. carrier exercises in the South China Sea, saying that the U.S. has frequently sent warships and aircraft to the South China Sea as a show of force, which is not conducive to regional stability and peace.

Sayers told RFA that the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, or PDI, is a bipartisan U.S. congressional effort to stimulate more time, energy, and resources from the Pentagon to address the conventional military challenges in the Pacific.

In the most recent U.S. defense budget, Congress instructed the U.S. secretary of defense to establish the PDI to carry out prioritized activities to enhance the United States deterrence and defense posture in the Indo-Pacific region, assure allies and partners, and increase capability and readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The bills says the initiative should modernize and strengthen the presence of U.S. forces, improve logistics and maintenance capabilities, carry out joint force exercises and innovation, improve infrastructure to enhance responsiveness and resiliency, and build the defense and security capabilities, capacity, and cooperation of allies and partners.

Sayers noted that the Pentagon has invested more than $30 billion in Europe over the last eight years to bolster the U.S. military posture towards Russia. We need to make similar investments to reverse the shifting military balance with China, he said.

In recent decades, China has pursued an ambitious military modernization program, which Davidson described as making the military balance in the Indo-Pacific more unfavorable for the U.S.

And despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this modernization shows no signs of stopping. According to defense intelligence provider Janes, the Chinese governments recent announcement that its defense budget is set to increase by 6.8 percent in 2021 reflects Chinas economic resilience to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.


Sofia: An Air France flight en route from Paris to New Delhi made an emergency landing at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria on Friday at about 5pm because of a disruptive passenger, Bulgarian officials said on Saturday.

The passenger, an Indian citizen, began to act up soon after take-off, quarrelling with other passengers, assaulting a flight attendant and pummelling the cockpits door, said Ivailo Angelov, an official at the National Investigation Agency.

His aggressive behaviour prompted the flights commander to seek an emergency landing in Sofia. The man, whose name was not revealed, was taken off the aircraft and has been charged with endangering flight safety. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison.

The Air France flight resumed its journey to New Delhi.

We are investigating both his actions and his motives, Angelov told reporters. There is no reasonable explanation for his behaviour, Angelov said.
New York, 6 March 2021 (SPS) - Sahrawi President Brahim Ghali has denounced, in a letter sent to the UN Secretary General and adopted as an official document of the Security Council, the dire situation of human rights in the occupied territories of Western Sahara since the breakdown of the cease-fire by Morocco.



"I urgently draw your attention and that of the members of the Security Council to the catastrophic situation prevailing in the territories of Western Sahara under illegal Moroccan occupation, particularly since the act of aggression perpetrated on 13 November 2020 against the territories liberated from Western Sahara by the occupying state," President Ghali wrote in his letter addressed by the Permanent Representative of South Africa to the UN to the President of the Security Council to be circulated as a document of the Council.



The Moroccan state of occupation, continued the Sahrawi president, "has thus torpedoed the cease-fire of 1991 and triggered a new war that could have extremely serious consequences for peace, security and stability in the entire region.



"As we predicted, following the Moroccan act of aggression, which forced our people to resume their legitimate liberation struggle, the state of occupation at the time seemed determined to launch large-scale reprisals against defenseless Sahrawi civilians, human rights activists and journalists," he added.



"Taking advantage of the restrictions related to the outbreak of the pandemic of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the state of occupation immediately began to tighten its siege on the occupied Sahrawi territories in order to continue to repress and terrorize Sahrawi civilians with impunity," Brahim Ghali said.



He denounced the fact that it is "the inaction of the UN Secretariat and the Security Council and their appalling silence in the face of the new act of aggression by Morocco that has encouraged the occupying state to persist in its repressive and barbaric practices aimed at terrorizing the population of the occupied Sahrawi territories.



"Today, an unprecedented situation is taking place in occupied Western Sahara, where the Moroccan occupation authorities are using all their security arsenal to wage a war of aggression in retaliation against the



defenseless Sahrawi civilians, in full view of the UN and its mission in the territory," he added. (SPS)



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The head of the World Health Organization called Friday for patent rights to be waived until the end of the coronavirus pandemic so that vaccine supplies can be dramatically increased, saying these unprecedented times warrant the move. At a press briefing, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said countries with their own vaccine capacity should start waiving intellectual property rights as provided in special emergency provisions from the World Trade Organization.

These provisions are there for use in emergencies, Tedros said. If now is not a time to use them, then when? He said the WHO would be meeting soon with representatives of the industry to identify bottlenecks in production and discuss how to solve them.

The Associated Press found factories on three continents whose owners say they could start producing hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccines at short notice if only they had the blueprints and technical know-how. But that knowledge belongs to the large pharmaceutical companies that have produced the first three vaccines authorized by countries including Britain, the European Union and the US -- Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The factories are all still awaiting responses.

Tedros commended AstraZeneca for sharing its COVID-19 vaccine technology with companies including the Serum Institute of India, but said the main disadvantage of this approach is the lack of transparency. Pharmaceutical companies that took taxpayer money from the US or Europe to develop inoculations at unprecedented speed say they are negotiating contracts and exclusive licensing deals with producers on a case-by-case basis because they need to protect their intellectual property and ensure safety.

Tedros noted that although the UN-backed effort known as COVAX has delivered vaccines to more than 20 countries this week, the amounts are only enough to protect about 2 to 3 percent of each country's population.

Also read: COVID-19 crisis: Pakistan not planning to buy vaccines, to rely on herd immunity, donated jabs

Also read: Serum to supply 110 million doses of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine globally under COVAX
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 18:02:07|Editor: huaxia

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The National Assembly building is seen in Islamabad, capital of Pakistan on March 6, 2021. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday successfully secured a vote of confidence from the National Assembly (NA), or the lower house of the country's parliament, NA Speaker Asad Qaiser said. (Xinhua/Ahmad Kamal)

ISLAMABAD, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday successfully secured a vote of confidence from the National Assembly (NA), or the lower house of the country's parliament, NA Speaker Asad Qaiser said.

A total of 178 lawmakers of the 342-seat NA that currently has 340 members, voted in Khan's favor, said Qaiser, which "had surpassed the 172 votes that the prime minister needed" to obtain the confidence.

Qaiser said Khan got two votes more than in 2018 when he was elected as the prime minister by the members of the NA.

The country's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi tabled the resolution in the lower house of the parliament to seek the vote of confidence for Khan in the NA session summoned by the Pakistani president.

The opposition boycotted the session, calling it controversial, due to which their benches remained vacant.

According to the country's constitution, the president calls a special NA session when assuming that the prime minister lost confidence of the majority of the lawmakers of the lower house. However, in Khan's case, he himself requested the president to call the session.

The Pakistani prime minister "volunteered" to seek the vote of confidence, after his ruling party supported Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Sheikh lost to the candidate of the opposition alliance for a senate seat, in a close contest despite the ruling party's majority in the lower house earlier on Wednesday.

According to local media, though the ruling party won most of the senate seats during the election, making it the largest party in the upper house of the parliament, yet Sheikh's defeat was termed as an "upset" by local analysts and opposition alliance.

The opposition demanded the prime minister to resign, and also hinted at bringing a no-confidence motion against him, following the senate election, making Khan to make a move to voluntarily opt for the vote of confidence to show his majority in the national assembly despite losing the senate seat. Enditem


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In the first article of a monthlong series by PW looking at how independent publishers fared in 2020, five Midwest presses reported that sales fell this past spring but then rebounded to varying degrees in the remainder of the year. They attributed the improved results to the relevance of their lists and to some creative marketing pivots.

Sales tumbled in March and April, said Daniel Slager, publisher and CEO of Milkweed Editions, making him really nervous, but they bounced back dramatically. The Minneapolis press ended the year with sales up 100% over 2019.

Slager attributed Milkweeds showing to a strong backlist: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer and Late Migrations by Margaret Renkl supplemented frontlist sellers like World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, which Barnes & Noble named its 2020 book of the year. People are inside reading, and theres an appetite for the environmental literature were publishing, Slager noted. Were trying to publish meaningful books that speak to the moment and are beautiful as objects.

Milkweed pivoted quickly to online events last year. To launch World of Wonders, it teamed with the Asian American Writers Workshop for a program that featured Nezhukumatathil and five other Asian American authors in conversation. This was an event we could not have pulled off in one location, Slager said. Some events are better on Zoom.

Milkweeds annual Booklovers Ball, which usually attracts 300 supporters to a Minneapolis venue, drew 1,000 viewers to a virtual fund-raiser in October. The press is also partnering with indie booksellers on preorder campaigns.

At Graywolf Press, also in Minneapolis, publicity director Caroline Nitz said sales were up somewhat over 2019, due to the combination of a strong early start for late 2019 frontlist, such as Just Us: An American Conversation by Claudia Rankine, which has sold 50,000 copies to date, and sales of backlist by Rankine, Danez Smith, and other Black authors in the wake of the increase in interest in the Black Lives Matter movement that began in spring. Marieke Lucas Rijnevelds The Discomfort of Evening, winner of the 2020 Booker Prize; National Book Awardfinalist Natalie Diazs Postcolonial Love Poem; and the release in paperback of Carmen Maria Machados In The Dream House also boosted sales.

In terms of acquisitions, Graywolf tries not to respond to news cycles, Nitz said, noting one exception: it recently acquired Virus and Revolution by Paul Preciado (slated for 2022), which tries to make sense of this transformational moment from a philosophical perspective. This fall, Graywolf has high hopes for Maggie Nelsons latest ruminations, On Freedom, and The House of Rust by Khadija Abdalla Bajaber, the first winner of the presss Africa Prize.

The success of Temporary by Hilary Leichter, a humorous take on millennial life that is selling well to mass market retailers, helped Coffee House Press, which is also based in Minneapolis, keep sales flat with 2019. We didnt necessarily make the growth that wed planned for pre-Covid, said marketing manager Marit Swanson. But we didnt lose any of the ground weve gained the last few years either.

CHP worked to beef up online salesincluding selling merchandise through Bonfirewhile promoting sales at indie bookstores. One small thing we were proud of, Swanson said, was that, early in the pandemic, there was a push on our blog and social media to promote the stores where our authors had been scheduled for events before they got canceled or moved online.

Publicity manager Daley Farr noted that CHPs fall 2021 list includes several books addressing state violence and racial justiceareas that have drawn lots of interest in recent months. Those titles include Written After a Massacre in the Year 2018 by Daniel Borzutzky; Echo Tree, a collection of short fiction by Henry Dumas, a leader of the Black Arts Movement killed by police in 1968; and The Breaks by Julietta Singh, an epistolary memoir about motherhood and race.

In Cleveland, though Belt Publishings 2020 sales through retail channels were flat with 2019, sales overall spiked 25%. Direct sales were way up, said senior editor Martha Bayne, noting that the press ramped up online promotions through email newsletters and Instagram. Belt intends to maintain aggressive online efforts after the pandemic while keeping up strong relationships with indie booksellers, such as White Whale Bookstore in Pittsburgh, which is hosting two Belt book launches this spring.

Though sales were up across Belts list, a spring release and a fall title especially resonated with readers: The Last Children of Mill Creek, Vivian Gibsons account of her childhood in segregated St. Louis, and Black in the Middle: An Anthology of the Black Midwest, edited by Terrion L. Williamson. Bayne anticipates that the just-published Pure America: Eugenics and the Making of Virginia by Elizabeth Catte, as well as Thomas Geoghegans forthcoming take on how to unite a polarized country, The History of Democracy Has Yet to Be Written, will contribute to another good year. Belt has also recently begun organizing virtual salons, during which a group of authors discuss a topic, such as what it means to be a public intellectual. Theyre going really welland they sell out quickly, as theyre different from standard author events, Bayne said.

Last year was up and down for Two Dollar Radio in Columbus, Ohio. We were fortunate in publishing the books we published this summerthey address the current moment, said publisher Eric Obenauf, noting that 2020 revenue was down 5% from 2019, despite a 67% drop in sales between March and May. Hanif Abdurraqibs 2017 essay collection They Cant Kill Us Until They Kill Us gave the press a boost, selling 12,000 copies last year. A History of My Brief Body by Billy-Ray Belcourt, a collection of essays about finding joy as a queer Indigenous person, was also an important contributor to TDRs revenue after its July release; its now in its third printing.

Praising indie booksellers for championing TDR releases, Obenauf said the publisher is trying to support them in return by partnering with them on preorder campaigns. TDR partnered with Moon Palace Books in Minneapolis to offer signed copies of A History of My Brief Body. And while ramping up its online marketing efforts, the press is emphasizing bundled backlist titles so as not to compete with bookstores.

Were always going to do what were going to do, Obenauf said, referring to the impact of the pandemic on TDRs future. But limiting the hours of TDRs bookstore and cafe has allowed him to devote more time and attention to the press, reading submissions and making stronger upcoming releases, like Night Rooms by Gina Nutt (Mar.).

This fall, TDR is publishing its first poetry collection, 808s and Otherworlds by Sean Avery Medlin. Originally submitted to the presss Sator New Works Award, the collection did not meet the presss guidelines for the prize, but, Obenauf said, the poems leapt off the page.
Myanmar witnessed the deadliest anti-coup protests on Wednesday that began peacefully but according to the United Nations, it claimed the lives of at least 38 demonstrators. As the junta has continued its clampdown on nationwide protests, Guardian reported citing one of the protesters who are demanding the immediate release of civilian government leader and restoration of democracy in the Southeast Asian country that on March 3, police just shot without advancing.

As per the report, Khin, a protester that spoke to the media outlet without giving her real name, that early on Wednesday around 1,000 demonstrators had gathered for the protest and even though there were some policemen, it was calm. After over a month of such protests opposing the military coup, what started as a peaceful protest turned to the most deadly since the army seized the power on February 1. UN special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener stated that 38 people were killed and several others were injured.

Khin, who was reportedly demonstrating in North Okkalapa, said that the clashes by security forces escalated by mid-morning when the protesters arrived at the main roundabout. Reportedly, it was around that time when the law enforcement began firing teargas and detaining protesters. Meanwhile, the soldiers had also gathered around the place during that time.

However, Khin fled to a nearby house to seek refuge and noted the police were going around arresting people, and I could hear them from where I hid. It was too dangerous for her to go out. She further also said that I heard gunshots in the streets but noted that she was not sure how many were injured.

Read - Myanmar Coup: Fleeing Military Orders, 12 Burmese Locals Take Refuge In Mizoram

Read - Myanmar Policemen Seeking Refuge Detained In India: Report

Residents recorded dramatic videos

As per the report, the residents had recorded a video in a township that showed the security officials shooting a man just metres away while patrolling. There were several dramatic videos that emerged from March 3 including one of them showing the military dragging a man outside of his home who falls to the floor after a shot rings out.

As per the report, since the coup, at least 1,700 people have been arrested across Myanmar including 29 journalists. Another distressing video was published by Radio Free Asia that showed police stopping an ambulance and detaining three medics. On Wednesday, by mid-afternoon, the protesters started demanding the release of detainees earlier that day.

In a bid to do that, Hnin, another demonstrator told the media outlet that they decided to block the roads so that the vans could not drive them away. She revealed that at first, police responded with teargas but it was soon followed by loud noises which she believes were machine guns and sound bombs. Most people felt completely lost and confused around this time. The police just shot, they didnt advance  there were too many people and barricades, reportedly said Hnin before noting that she could see people heling carry the wounded but she didnt look back in case I got shot in the head. However, on Thursday, the crowd gathered again and the protests were peaceful.

Read - Funeral Procession Of Protester Killed In Myanmar

Read - TikTok Yet To Remove Threatening Videos Posted By Myanmar Military Personnel



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BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- China will intensify efforts to attract and utilize foreign investment over the next five years, according to the draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through the year 2035.

China will promote the opening up of sectors including telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and medical care to foreign investors in an orderly manner, said the draft outline unveiled on Friday.
Neither the woman nor the officers involved in the altercation were identified. One of the officers has been assigned to administrative duty, Chief Herriott-Sullivan said. The woman was charged with trespassing, the chief said.

Police officials said that the two officers were among a group that responded to a domestic violence call on Jan. 29 that led to the handcuffing and pepper-spraying a 9-year-old Black girl. Several officers who were involved in that episode have been placed on administrative leave; at least one was suspended.

The police chiefs efforts to play down the womans arrest rang hollow for some Rochester residents. The city was rocked by protests last summer after the circumstances of Mr. Prudes death became public. That unrest returned briefly last week, when a grand jury declined to charge the officers in Mr. Prudes death after an investigation by the attorney general.

Shani Wilson, the chair of the Police Accountability Board, said that the police had never informed the board about the February episode and that she had pressed for the release of the body-camera footage after stumbling across the bystander video on social media.

How would we have even known? Ms. Wilson said. We are finding out about incidents in the public like everyone else and we are supposed to be the police reform board that is supposed to be changing how we police the citizens here. Thats not how this should work.

In a statement, Mayor Lovely Warren described the videos as disturbing. She said the department was moving quickly on a police-reform plan ordered by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last year after protests erupted across the United States after the death of George Floyd and other Black people at the hands of the police.

Change will not come until we have the ability to fully hold our officers accountable when they violate the publics trust, Ms. Warren said.
No news conference. No Oval Office address. No primetime speech to a joint session of Congress.

President is the first executive in four decades to reach this point in his term without holding a formal question and answer session.

It reflects a White House media strategy meant both to reserve major media set-pieces for the celebration of a legislative victory and to limit unforced errors from a historically gaffe-prone politician.

Biden has opted to take questions about as often as most of his recent predecessors, but he tends to field just one or two informal inquiries at a time, usually in a hurried setting at the end of an event.

In a sharp contrast with the previous administration, the White House is exerting extreme message discipline, empowering staff to speak but doing so with caution.

Recalling both Biden's largely leak-free campaign and the buttoned-up Obama administration, the new White House team has carefully managed the president's appearances, trying to lower the temperature from Donald Trump's Washington and to save a big media moment to mark what could soon be a signature accomplishment: passage of the COVID-19 bill.

The message control may serve the president's purposes but it denies the media opportunities to directly press Biden on major policy issues and to engage in the kind of back-and-forth that can draw out information and thoughts that go beyond the administration's curated talking points.

The president has lost some opportunity, I think, to speak to the country from the bully pulpit.

The volume has been turned so low in the Biden White House that they need to worry about whether anyone is listening," said Frank Sesno, former head of George Washington University's school of media.

But he's not great in these news conferences. He rambles. His strongest communication is not extemporaneous.

Other modern presidents took more questions during their opening days in office.

By this point in their terms, Trump and George H.W. Bush had each held five press conferences, Bill Clinton four, George W. Bush three, Barack Obama two and Ronald Reagan one, according to a study by Martha Kumar, presidential scholar and professor emeritus at Towson University.

Biden has given five interviews as opposed to nine from Reagan and 23 from Obama.

Biden came in with a plan for how they wanted to disseminate information. When you compare him with Trump, Biden has sense of how you use a staff, that a president can't do everything himself, Kumar said.

Biden has a press secretary who gives regular briefings. He knows you hold a news conference when you have something to say, in particular a victory. They have an idea of how to use this time, early in the administration when people are paying attention, and how valuable that is.

The new president had taken questions 39 times, according to Kumar's research, though usually just one or two shouted inquiries from a group of reporters known as the press pool at the end of an event in the White House's State Dining Room or Oval Office.

Those exchanges can at times be clunky, with the cacophony of shouts or the whir of the blades of the presidential helicopter idling on the South Lawn making it difficult to have a meaningful exchange.

Press conferences are critical to informing the American people and holding an administration accountable to the public, said Associated Press reporter Zeke Miller, president of the White House Correspondents' Association. As it has with prior presidents, the WHCA continues to call on President Biden to hold formal press conferences with regularity.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday defended the president's accessibility to the media and suggested that a news conference was likely by the end of March.

I would say that his focus is on getting recovery and relief to the American people and he looks forward to continuing to engage with all of you and to other members of the media who aren't here today, Psaki said. And we'll look forward to letting you know, as soon as that press conference is set.

The president's first address to a joint session of Congress not technically a State of the Union address but a speech that typically has just as much pomp is also tentatively planned for the end of March, aides have said. However, the format of the address is uncertain due to the pandemic.

The president has received high marks for two major scripted addresses, his inaugural address and his speech marking the 500,000th death to COVID-19.

Having overcome a childhood stutter, Biden has long enjoyed interplay with reporters and has defied aides' requests to ignore questions from the press. Famously long-winded, Biden has been prone to gaffes throughout his long political career and, as president, has occasionally struggled with off-the-cuff remarks.

His use of the phrase Neanderthal thinking this week to describe the decision by the governors of Texas and Mississippi to lift mask mandates dominated a new cycle and drew ire from Republicans.

That created the type of distraction his aides have tried to avoid and, in a pandemic silver lining, were largely able to dodge during the campaign because the virus kept Biden home for months and limited the potential for public mistakes.

(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.)
Livestock farmers in Wales can be global leaders in sustainability as they have the ability to address both climate change and global food security, according to a red meat industry body.

Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) addressed the Welsh Parliaments Climate Change, Environment, and Rural Affairs Committee earlier this week.

It outlined the natural advantages which Wales enjoyed for sustainable livestock farming, including optimal conditions for growing grass and plentiful rainwater.

Wales also has the husbandry skills to produce quality meat from marginal land, while also sequestering carbon in the soils and hedgerows, HCC said.

With climate action and ensuring an economic recovery from Covid-19 high on the agenda, the body also highlighted the findings of new research into Welsh farming.

The study, entitled the Welsh Way Vision, looked at how Wales could provide sustainable food sources for parts of the world where water was scarce, and how Welsh farms were working to reduce emissions further.

HCC chief executive Gwyn Howells said Welsh livestock producers had a 'fantastic story' to tell in terms of the country's sustainability credentials.

Working with independent researchers from a range of universities, weve shown that producing beef and lamb in Wales is far more sustainable than livestock farming in many other areas.

Theres more we can do, and were determined to minimise our emissions and maximise the carbon that we capture in our soils, he added

"But given the sustainable credentials we have, we can contribute positively to the global food security problem of producing quality food in the most appropriate place without adding to climate change."

Mr Howells said Wales had the 'perfect conditions' for grass growth and a landscape which was largely unsuited for other food production.

"Its far more damaging to produce it in arid areas such as the Middle East and parts of the Americas," he explained.

"We have both an opportunity and a responsibility to maintain and build a strong sheep and cattle farming sector to produce sustainable food for consumers in Britain and abroad.
A New York woman who found a decades-old family photo in a used book she bought 15 years ago was able to return the photo to the family thanks to social media.

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Victoria Johnson said she bought a book from The Strand, a used bookstore in Manhattan, about 15 years ago, and found a photo of what appeared to be a family of four pressed between the pages.

Johnson said she recently decided to try to find the family from the photo, which appeared to already be decades old by the time it came into her possession.

She posted the picture to Twitter, asking if anyone recognized the people -- a man, a woman and two young girls -- and 48 hours later she received a response from Carol Howlett of Hudson, Ohio, who recognized the man as her Uncle Sheldon.

Howlett was able to help Johnson get in touch with Valerie Sudduth, 65, of Richardson, Texas, who confirmed she was the younger girl in the photo.

Johnson mailed the photo to Sudduth, who received it Wednesday.

Sudduth said the photo was taken in 1964. She said her father had died and her mother had recently married Sheldon Sudduth, a man she met at church. She said it was the new family's first photo together.

"I was really, really happy because I had a new dad," Sudduth told ABC News.
Mumbai, March 6 : India Grid Trust, India's first power infrastructure investment trust (InvIT), on Saturday signed a share purchase agreement to acquire NER-II Transmission Limited from Sterlite Power as part of the Framework Agreement.

The indicative value of the acquisition is Rs 4,625 crore and would boost IndiGrid's AUM (asset under management) by 34 per cent to over Rs 20,000 crore ($2.8 billion).

Post completion, the platform's asset portfolio would consist of 13 power transmission projects, with a total network of 38 power transmission lines and 11 substations extending over 7,570 circuit kilometers and 13,350 MVA in 17 Indian states and 1 Union Territory.

NER-II is part of Inter State Transmission Scheme (ISTS) network, and was awarded on a Build, Own, Operate, Maintain ("BOOM") basis with a contractual period of 35 years. The project has 11 elements including two substations of 1,260 MVA capacity and four transmission lines extending over 830 circuit kilometres. The asset spans across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura and is of strategic importance for the delivery of power in one of the toughest regions in the country. This project will strengthen the power transmission network in the North Eastern States and address the of transmission, sub-transmission, and distribution system needs of the region.

IndiGrid had signed a framework agreement in April 2019 with Sterlite Power for acquisition of NER-II upon commissioning. This transaction is expected to be consummated during Q4 FY21, subject to unitholders' approval, regulatory approvals, and other customary closing adjustments. The acquisition will be funded through a combination of internal accruals, debt, equity proceeds from the preference issue done in May 2019 and forthcoming rights issue. Post this acquisition, the net debt/AUM would stand at 64 per cent.

Commenting on the acquisition, Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer of IndiGrid, said: "We are excited with acquisition of NER-II which is one of the largest acquisitions in Indian power transmission sector in India. NER-II fits well with our strategy of focusing on operating assets with long term cash flows and minimal counter party risk. This acquisition would be DPU accretive and augment our recent increase of DPU to Rs 12.40 per annum for a considerable period." Commenting on the transaction, Pratik Agarwal, Managing Director, Sterlite Power said, "This mega transmission project will help deliver reliable power for 5.3 crore people in India's north eastern region." IndiGrid has acquired Rs 8,300 crore assets since the last capital raise including Rs 7,100 crore of Framework/ROFO projects from Sterlite Power and first cost-plus transmission asset from Reliance Ifrastructure. It has also announced its foray into the renewables sector with the planned acquisition of 138 MW solar asset. Separately, in FY21, KKR was inducted as a sponsor following the Rs 2,510 crore preferential issue in 2019 which was subscribed by KKR and GIC amongst other marquee investors. KKR has also acquired majority interest in the Investment Manager

Daniel FrancisRosanne Corcoran, right, and her mother, Rose, at Roses 80th birthday party in 2008. Rose now has advanced dementia and lives with Corcoran and her family. Corcoran hopes to get the vaccine but has been unable to yet. If I got sick, God forbid, my mother would wind up in a nursing home, she says.

Located in Kansas City, the team at aNu Aesthetics has developed an outstanding reputation by offering an atmosphere of professionalism, personal attention, and excellence in care. New this year, we are offering our LUXE members even more savings by allowing them to combine their 10% off LUXE DISCOUNT with some other promotions!

Dr. Cristyn Watkins, owner and founder of acclaimed medical spa aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness in Kansas City, Missouri is thrilled to offer her patients the opportunity to save even more on their favorite treatments and services by expanding the benefits of her LUXE aNu membership program.

We value our LUXE aNu members! says Dr. Watkins. New this year, we are offering our LUXE members even more savings by allowing them to combine their 10% off LUXE DISCOUNT with some other promotions!

Heres one example of how LUXE members can save even more:

For March, aNu is offering Wrinkle-Free Week (WFW) from March 8th to 12th, where patients will receive $50 off 30 units or more of Botox and 90 units or more of Dysport. In addition to receiving $50 off, LUXE members will also be able to save their usual LUXE discount of 10% off.

Heres how this extra savings looks when its broken down:

40 units of Botox at $13/unit = $520

LUXE 10% discount = $52 off

WFW = $50 off

Total = $418

This makes Botox only $10.45 per unit this week for valued LUXE members! Plus, they can combine with Alle and Aspire coupons!

How LUXE membership works

Luxe membership is only $150 per month. Members receive a monthly $125 credit for their monthly membership fee, which will be banked for use toward future treatments and/or product purchases and never expires. Members will also receive an initial gift of one complimentary Refresh IV Nutritional Infusion session and enjoy exclusive invites to members-only discounts and events.

In addition to receiving 10% off all services and products at aNu, LUXE members get to select one FREE treatment every month from the following list:



30-minute Express Facial

Brow or lip wax

20-minute Infrared Sauna treatment

B12 Injection

Glutathione Injection

20-minute LED LightStim Facial Therapy session

Glow Peel

Turbo Shot

30-minute Float Pod session

Annual aesthetic consultation and analysis

15-minute wellness introduction consultation with a nurse practitioner (NP)

*Excludes MD/NP wellness visits, regenerative therapy and CoolSculpting

You can make well-being and self-care part of your lifestyle by becoming a LUXE member, says Dr. Watkins.

To learn more about aNus LUXE membership, please call 321-339-1001 today or visit aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness online and request a consultation.

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Phone: (816) 359-3310

Email: info@anuaesthetics.com

About Dr. Cristyn Watkins

Dr. Cristyn Watkins is the owner and visionary of aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness. She is involved in every aspect of the practice and works alongside her expert medical and aesthetics staff.

A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. Watkins attended the University of Kansas for her bachelors degree in human biology and completed her medical training in New York City and New Jersey. Dr. Watkins is board-certified in family medicine and was chief resident and Most Honored Resident of Family Medicine at her training program. She focuses her entire practice on advanced medical aesthetics, regenerative medicine, healthy aging and personalized wellness medicine.

Dr. Watkins is a certified Master Injector by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery in neurotoxin, cosmetic fillers and chemical peels. She enjoys patient consultations, which allow her to discuss all of the aesthetic options with her patients, as well as performing aesthetic injectables for revealing the natural transformation her patients desire.

Dr. Watkins is certified in bio-identical hormones, medical weight loss and functional/metabolic/nutrition medicine. She has a passion for patient wellness and healthy aging and has a desire for all patients to achieve this lifestyle. For the last decade, she has treated diabetes, heart disease, thyroid conditions and menstrual and hormone conditions. She has been treating obesity and hormone-related issues to overcome these conditions and has been very successful at helping patients achieve a healthier, happier and slimmer self!

Dr. Watkins is also passionate about regenerative medicine and focuses much of her recent research and practice on advanced therapies such as exosomes, ozone, PRP, peptides and IV nutritional therapy. She is a National Regenerative Medicine Trainer for nurse practitioners with RegenEd.

Dr. Watkins is an active member of The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), The Metabolic Medical Institute, The Institute for Functional Medicine, The American Med Spa Association (AmSpa) and The American Academy of Family Physicians.

About aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness

aNu Aesthetics & Optimal Wellness has been Kansas Citys premier aesthetics and wellness clinic since 2011, under the direction of owner Dr. Cristyn Watkins, a board-certified physician who practices aesthetics and functional medicine full-time at aNu along with her dedicated staff.

Located in Kansas City, aNu Aesthetics has developed an outstanding reputation by offering the ultimate patient experience through an atmosphere of professionalism, personal attention and excellence in care. aNus mission is to touch patients and the community through our dedicated staff, services and personalized care, providing an environment of self-care, wellbeing and optimal health.
Despite the global recession, Vietnamese startups have still been attracting millions of US dollars from foreign funds in the beginning of 2021.

Illustrative photo. File photo

In February, ELSA, a smartphone app that helps non-native English speakers develop grammar and speech skills, wrapped up a $15 million investment in financing rounds co-led by Vietnam Investments Group and SIG. Existing investors including Googles Gradient Ventures, SOSV, and Monks Hill Ventures AI-focused venture fund joined the companys Series B funding phase.

ELSA, which stands for English Language Speech Assistant, was co-founded in 2015 by Vietnamese entrepreneur Vu Van and engineer Xavier Anguera and focuses on the three markets of Vietnam, India, and Japan. With the fresh fund, the startup plans to penetrate Latin American countries as well as accelerate expansion across Asia this year.

Another million-dollar deal was secured by e-wallet MoMo in January, bagging over $100 million in its series D financing from leading global investors. The fund will be used to establish a new super-app platform, enhance MoMos ecosystem which serves millions of Vietnamese end users, and launch MoMo Innovation Ventures  an initiative to invest in Vietnamese companies with potential to be integrated into MoMos ecosystem for the benefits of access to a broader market and user base.

Also in January, live streaming platform GoStream announced that VinaCapital Ventures had invested $1 million into the company. Founded in 2017, GoStream is an easy-to-use platform that enables users to reach a larger audience from different platforms to increase visibility and get more views. Currently, the company is serving multiple corporate clients and facilitating over 100,000 live-streaming sessions daily.

Trung D. Hoang, partner at VinaCapital Ventures commented, We are excited to invest in GoStream, which has been leading the way in integrating live-streaming across a number of sectors. Their innovative streaming technology is helping more businesses reach more viewers and customers, and we look forward to working with them as they further expand their capabilities and play an even greater role in Vietnams growing digitalisation.

Meanwhile, startup e-wallet firm Gpay, a member of G-Group Technology Corporation, completed its Series A investment with the participation of KB Fina, which is a joint venture between G-Group and South Korean KB Financial Group. KB Financial Group invested VND425 billion ($18.4 million) in Gpay through KB Securities, its representative in Vietnam.

Elsewhere, other startups including Vietnam-based proptech startup Rever is reported to be raising $8-10 million in the new funding round. Meanwhile, South Koreas STIC Ventures-backed hotel booking platform Go2Joy Vietnam has raised $2.3 million in a Series A+ funding round led by HB Investments, as reported by newswire Dealstreet Asia.

Vietnamese startups such as VNPay, Tiki, Yeah1, and others began to rise in popularity in 2019, raising $1 billion that year. Investors have since returned to Vietnam in the second quarter of 2020 thanks to the recovery of the economy and positive GDP growth in the country.

Le Hoang Uyen Vy, CEO of Do Ventures, said this years investment prospects should be bright for Vietnamese startups, especially in healthcare and fintech.

She noted that Vietnamese startups mainly raise venture investment capital from South Korean, Japanese, and Singaporean funds, and there is a high potential to attract investment from American venture capital funds.

Hopefully, after the pandemic, Vietnamese startups will secure more deals from global funds, and Do Ventures is committed to supporting Vietnamese startups during this challenging time, Vy added.

In another case, domestic AI startup Palexy picked up $1 million in funding in December to help offline stores achieve e-commerce-like success through real-time consumer data. The round, co-led by Do Ventures and Access Ventures, will fuel Palexys expansion across Asia and the Middle East this year.

500 Startups, the most active venture capital investor in Vietnam, made 15 new investments in 2020, increasing its portfolio to more than 70 companies. 500 Startups aims to reach its target of 80 companies invested in cumulatively in 2021.

In the past five years, the tech entrepreneurial ecosystem has evolved even faster than we could have even imagined. And yet theres still a lot of room to run and grow, said Eddie Thai, general partner at 500 Startups. He cited a survey conducted in late 2020 about priority markets for venture capitalists in Southeast Asia. For the first time, Vietnam was ranked top, ahead of Indonesia. VIR

Investors pour money into startups, promote unicorns Vietnam tops the list of destinations for venture investors for the next 12 months.
The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education debates approval of an amendment giving the DESE commissioner authority to determine if alternate education modes meet the state's standards.

State Education Board Approves Push for In-School Learning



DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley explains the reasoning for getting students back in classrooms and off remote learning. BOSTON  Schools across the state are being ordered to resume in-classroom instruction as soon as possible, beginning with elementary grades on April 5.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted 8-3 on Friday afternoon to accord DESE Commissioner Jeffrey Riley authority to change requirements for learning time that would not include remote learning.

Families would still have the ability to remain remote for the rest of this school year and some schools may be able to get waivers, but the state would have the ability to hold back Chapter 70 education funds for schools out of compliance.

The vote followed hours of testimony from medical professionals, educators and parents that veered from strongly encouraging the return to school as an important to students' health, well-being and educational needs to cautions that many schools did not have the ability to provide adequate spacing or COVID-19 precautions and calls for school employees to be vaccinated prior to any return.

Mayor Thomas Bernard was among those who provided written testimony against returning in full. The North Adams Public Schools have been in hybrid mode since starting the school year in September and just this week had its seventh and eighth grade classes revert to remote because of a potential contact with a student who tested positive.

"While we approach our work from different perspectives we share the same goal  to serve the young people in our schools and districts safely and equitably," he wrote. "We can't meet that goal by imposing artificial timelines and punitive strategies. We have to allow time for collaboration, and consideration of local conditions for success. Otherwise the result will be time lost and trust eroded. And it will be our students who pay the price, as we all say in full sincerity that we're acting in their best interest."

The amendments to the learning time regulations would allow Riley to disallow remote learning as an alternative, based on consultation with medical experts and state public health officials.

"If the Commissioner concludes that students may safely attend classes in an in-person setting with health and safety requirements issued by the Commissioner pursuant to this section, then he may, with prior written notice to the Board, notify districts that they may no longer use one or more of the alternative education models, in whole or in part, to meet the minimum school year and structured learning time requirements," reads the approved amendment.

Secretary of Education James Peyser said educators and the medical community now know more about how the novel coronavirus is spread and that, with the advent of vaccinations, now is the right time to begin a return to classrooms.

"First of all, we know a lot more about what works and we've been talking a lot about that over the course of today's conversation, in terms of the experience on the ground in schools in classrooms, with all the mitigation strategies that have been employed across hundreds of schools in Massachusetts, thousands across the country and around the world," he said. "We now have a research base including some of the new data that the commissioner presented this afternoon, that verifies and validates the impact of those mitigation strategies on reducing the spread of the virus. ...

"We also know a lot more about the impact of remote learning and remote learning over the course of time, getting back to now a year ago, on children, both in terms of educational progress, but equally important in terms of their social emotional development, their mental health, and in particular for students who have special needs and who have disabilities experience has had on them and it has not been good."

He also pointed out that the state has provided nearly $1 billion for schools to make adjustments over the past year in terms of technology, personal protective equipment and retrofitting or upgrading HVAC systems, with another $2 billion possible from the federal stimulus bill.

"There are so many things that are coming together right now that it makes sense for us to take up this measure," Peyser said.

The study he referred to had been introduced by Riley and had looked at a 3-foot rather than 6-foot social distancing, finding that the closer distance did not have an effect on transmission as long as masking and other sanitation practices are in place.

"Massachusetts private and public schools have opened with as little as 3 feet of distance between students and have proven that with these other mitigation measures, in-school transmission is exceedingly rare," according to a letter signed by dozens of infectious disease researchers and physicians. "The closer spacing fails when these other mitigation pieces are not in place. This mirrors data from other states and other countries."

Riley also noted that the Biden administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control did not think teachers needed to be vaccinated to be back in school, and that many teachers are already in school buildings for hybrid learning.

The educational community  from teachers to bus drivers  will be eligible for vaccination beginning on March 11.

Commissioner Mary Ann Stewart, who voted against the amendment, thought it was too soon to bring students and staff back to buildings.

"I think we need to be very cautious," she said, noting even though positive rates have decreased, they did so during the summer too before surging last fall, plus there is the unknown of the variants that have emerged. "We're not out of the woods. I'm not at all comfortable with mandating that schools go back in person."

Rather, she said, the state should provide the resources but let local school committees decide. It was also imperative that educators be vaccinated, she added, saying the emergency was really in addressing the pandemic.

Fellow Commissioner Matt Hills, however, was "very enthusiastic" about getting elementary school started on April 5 and encouraged Riley to be cautious about too many transitional waivers.

North Adams Superintendent of Schools Barbara Malkas said at Tuesday's School Committee meeting that a new plan would have to be developed should the state board approve the amendments.

"In order to maximize physical distance between students at 6 feet, we would now have to recapture places like the cafeteria and auditorium," she said. "So there's still more that we need to find out, and because there is a discrepancy between the recently released CDC guidance and some of the things that have come to light through the commissioner's plan based on what he is shared with superintendents, that needs to be rectified in some way before we would proceed."

Malkas said each day the school system was not in compliance, it would have to make up the time at the end of the year or forfeit 1/180 of Chapter 70 for each day out. Schools are required to be in session for 180 days.

"I understand that there's a desire to get students back into the class as much as humanly possible. We have wrestled with that as a committee and as a community in all kinds of different ways," said Bernard, chairman of the School Committee, on Tuesday. "We know that our students are struggling, and my feeling and my frustration from the start with this is that our partners at the state level have said very clearly to us, look local control, you make the decisions, and then turned around and said, but you're doing it wrong. ...

"And this most recent set of guidelines and the implicit threat in them regarding time on learning, and now the potential threat to our funding, is something that I am deeply concerned about."

Bernard Testimony to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education by iBerkshires.com on Scribd
Fueled by the likelihood of supply limitations and optimism about recovery from the pandemic, crude prices shot to their highest level since April 2019 this week.

West Texas Intermediate on the New York Mercantile Exchange climbed $2.26 Friday to close at $66.09 a barrel, capping three straight days of gains. Prices had started the week on a low note, falling below $60 Tuesday to $59.75 a barrel. Then prices gained $1.53 Wednesday and $2.55 Thursday on their way to two-year highs.

The posted price closed the week at $62.57, according to Plains All-American.

Natural gas prices had a down week with three straight days of losses. Prices closed t $2.70 per Mcf Friday, down 4.5 cents and down from $2.78 at Mondays close.

We are certainly excited about current oil prices since every dollar above lease operating expense goes to discretionary cash flow that we can deploy, David Bledsoe, president of Henry Resources, told the Reporter-Telegram by email. I don't, however, think prices in the 60's are here for long. We will find out after the next OPEC+ meeting, and more likely when real production hits the market, how disciplined OPEC+ really is. I cannot help but think these prices will cause them to bring more production back to the market. I expect 2 million barrels of oil per day or more. The remaining 5 million barrels per day that is still idle is out there waiting as well. I believe their agreement is for those 5 million barrels to stay off the market until the end of this year, but I suspect they will phase that in sooner than later. I have no idea about full demand recovery and that will certainly be a factor also.

Bloomberg reported that the alliance of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allied nations supply curbs and the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines have aided a stellar rebound for crude from the depths of the coronavirus-related fallout. OPEC+s surprise decision on Thursday to keep output steady in April boosted prices further and led to strength in the markets structure. Major banks upgraded price forecasts, with some calls for oil reaching north of $100 next year.

In some ways, even more important than the lack of oil was the message that came with it: Theyre not really worried about price, not worried about tightening, Paul Horsnell, head of commodities research at Standard Chartered Plc, told Bloomberg. The door is wide open to prices beyond $70.

Crude has soared more than 30% so far this year with OPEC+s output restraint holding the market over until a full-fledged comeback in consumption, according to Bloomberg. The groups latest decision represents a victory for Riyadh, which has advocated for tight curbs to keep prices supported.

Bloomberg reported Saudi Arabias bold and unexpected gamble to restrain production is founded upon its view that this time around higher prices will not lead to a big increase in output by American shale drillers. Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said in an interview after the meeting that shale companies were now more focused on dividends.

The lack of fresh supply was reflected in oils futures curve, Bloomberg reported. Brents prompt timespread widened to 68 cents in backwardation -- a bullish structure where near-dated prices are higher than later-dated ones -- from 54 cents Thursday. Gauges further along the oil futures curve also surged.

A closely watched measure in the oil-options market -- West Texas Intermediates skew on the nearest contract -- turned positive Friday for the first time in more than a year, signaling traders are willing to pay more for protection against rising crude prices, Bloomberg reported.

Weve whittled down inventories and the daily supply is significantly lower than before this agreement started, Michael Hiley, head of over-the-counter energy trading at New York-based LPS Futures, told Bloomberg. Saudi has done what they said they were going to do and kept supply off the market.
President Joe Biden has celebrated the passing of his $1.9trillion relief package through the Senate by hailing the 'bipartisan support of the American people' - even though far-left Democrats can still block it in the House.

Biden hopes to sign the bill into law next week providing it passes the lower chamber, where it is being introduced in a substantially amended form due to opposition from moderate Democrats to some of its most generous provisions.

Speaking from the White House Saturday, Biden said: 'This nation has suffered too much for much too long. And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a better position to prevail.'

'When we took office 45 days ago, I promised the American people help was on the way. Today I can say we've taken one more giant step forward on delivering on that promise  that help is on the way.'

He thanked Vice President Kamala Harris and senators 'who worked so hard to reach a compromise' after cuts to unemployment benefits were agreed to secure the support of moderate Democrat Joe Manchin.

Biden, who prides himself on his bipartisanship, tried to deflect attention from the lack of any Republican support for the bill by pointing to its overwhelming popularity among voters of all political persuasions.

'I really want to thank the American people for making all this possible,' he said. 'How did they make it possible? Quite frankly, without the overwhelming, bipartisan support of the American people, this would not have happened.'

Biden was later seen attending the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC.

The package only passed after cutting direct payments, reducing unemployment benefits and failing on $15 minimum wage. Biden hopes to give his signature to the bill next week, meaning $1,400 stimulus checks could soon be on their way to households across the country.

Biden hopes to sign the bill into law next week providing it passes the House, meaning $1,400 stimulus checks could soon be on their way to households across the country

Senators passed the stimulus bill along direct party lines at just after midday EST Saturday

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said after the bill's passing: 'We tell the American people: help is on the way'.

Citing the country's desire to return to normality, he added: 'Our job right now is to help our country get from this stormy present to that hopeful future.'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the bill a 'tremendous step forward' in providing help to families and small businesses hurting during the coronavirus pandemic.

'It honors our heroes  our health care workers, food, sanitation and transportation workers, and teachers  who are on the frontlines on the state and local level.

'It crushes the virus with the equitable and immediate distribution of the vaccine. And it puts our children safely back in school and puts workers back on the job.'

Barack Obama tweeted: 'Elections matterand were seeing why. Congratulations to the Biden Administration and to the American people on a COVID relief bill that will improve the lives of families across the country.'

And Hillary Clinton wrote: 'The American Rescue Plan is one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in a generation. It will materially help families in dire need. It will help end this pandemic. It will cut child poverty in half. Lots more to do. But lets celebrate this hard-fought progress.'

President Joe Biden departs Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington DC Saturday

Biden waved to bystanders as he attended church in the Georgetown neighborhood

His visit came after he celebrated the passing of his $1.9trillion relief package through the Senate

Biden hopes to sign the bill into law next week providing it passes the lower chamber

After labouring through the night on a mountain of amendments - nearly all from Republicans, all of which were rejected - senators approved the sprawling package on a 50-49 vote along party lines just after midday Saturday EST.

The Senate had been in session since 9am Friday, with work on the bill proving to be a test of both lawmakers' physical stamina and Democrats' ability to pass legislation backed by every senator in the party.

Following a compromise over unemployment benefits, Moderate Democrat Joe Manchin voted with his party colleagues. VP Kamala Harris was not needed to break the tie because Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan returned to Alaska for a funeral.

'We tell the American people: help is on the way,' said senate majority leader Chuck Schumer. Citing the country's desire to return to normality, he added: 'Our job right now is to help our country get from this stormy present to that hopeful future.'

'We tell the American people, help is on the way,' said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y

Former president Barack Obama told Biden 'congratulations' in a tweet, adding: 'Elections matter - and we're seeing why'

Hillary Clinton called the bill 'one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in a generation'

Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor Saturday as the huge stimulus package was passed

What does the COVID relief bill include MORE CHECKS: The legislation provides a direct payment of $1,400 for a single taxpayer, or $2,800 for a married couple that files jointly, plus $1,400 per dependent. Individuals earning up to $75,000 will get the full amount, as will married couples with incomes up to $150,000. The size of the check will shrink for those making slightly more, with a hard cut-off at $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples. Most Americans will be getting the full amount. The median household income was $68,703 in 2019. AID TO THE UNEMPLOYED: Expanded unemployment benefits from the federal government will be extended through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. That's on top of what beneficiaries are getting through their state unemployment insurance program. The first $10,200 of jobless benefits would be non-taxable for households with incomes under $150,000. MONEY FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: The legislation will send $350 billion to state and local governments and tribal governments for costs incurred up until the end of 2024. The bill also requires that small states get at least the amount they received under virus legislation that Congress passed last March. AID TO SCHOOLS: The bill will provide about $130 billion in additional help to schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Spending for colleges and universities will be boosted by about $40 billion. AID TO BUSINESSES: A new program for restaurants and bars hurt by the pandemic will receive $25 billion. The grants provide up to $10 million per company with a limit of $5 million per physical location. The grants can be used to cover payroll, rent, utilities and other operational expenses. The bill also provides $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, a tiny fraction of what was allocated in previous legislation. TESTING AND VACCINES: The bill provides $46 billion to expand federal, state and local testing for COVID-19 and to enhance contract tracing capabilities with new investments to expand laboratory capacity and set up mobile testing units. It also contains about $14 billion to speed up the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines across the country. HEALTH CARE: Financial assistance for ACA premiums will become considerably more generous and a greater number of solid middle-class households would qualify. Though the sweetened subsidies last only through the end of 2022, they will lower the cost of coverage and are expected to boost the number of people enrolled. BIGGER TAX BREAKS FOR HOUSEHOLDS: Under current law, most taxpayers can reduce their federal income tax bill by up to $2,000 per child. In a significant change, the bill will increase the tax break to $3,000 for every child age 6 to 17 and $3,600 for every child under the age of 6. The bill also significantly expands the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2021 by making it available to people without children. The credit for low and moderate-income adults would be worth $543 to $1,502, depending on income and filing status. RENTAL AND HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE: The bill provides about $30 billion to help low-income households and the unemployed afford rent and utilities, and to assist the homeless with vouchers and other support. States and tribes would receive an additional $10 billion for homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payments because of the pandemic. Advertisement

Progressive Democrats are angry at the size of the package, with Ilhan Omar calling it 'very disappointing'. She added: 'We obviously are now ultimately sending money to less people than the Trump administration.'

It came as Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment.

Sen. Sinema, 44, sided with Republicans and seven other senators as she voted down the Sanders amendment - but it was the way she vote her was cast that caused a social media uproar.

Sinema, who entered the Senate in January 2019 after serving in the U.S. House and Arizona state Legislature, was shown standing on the House floor, flashing a thumbs down and curtsying as her name was called to cast her vote.

It was similar to the memorable moment when McCain signaled a thumbs down when he failed to side with other Republicans to overturn the Affordable Care Act in 2017.

After Biden previously predicted that a $15 per hour minimum wage increased would not end up being included in his relief package, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans on Friday in opposing Sanders' bid to include it.

Progressive Democrats were also frustrated at a Senate agreement to reduce eligibility for $1,400 stimulus checks.

This will see the amount gradually reduced until it reaches zero for people earning $80,000 and couples making $160,000.

When asked if she thought this was Biden 'abandoning progressives' Omar responded by calling the vote a 'very disappointing development.'

'You know, the Senate Majority Republicans were willing to. There are going to be 17 million people who will get less money. This is not the promise that we made.

'This is not what we are given the opportunity to be in the majority in the Senate and have the White House.

'So ultimately, it is a failure when we compromise ourselves out of delivering on behalf of the American people and in keeping our promises.'

It came as Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin struck a deal late on Friday with Senate leaders over emergency jobless benefits, breaking a nine-hour logjam that had stalled the party's showpiece bill.

Jobless workers will now receive $300 per week, on top of benefits offered by their state unemployment system, until September 6.

That is $100 per week less than the unemployment benefit passed by the House.

The bill will now be shipped back to the House - which is expected to give final congressional approval and whisk the bill to President Joe Biden for his signature.

The legislation will provide direct payments of up to $1,400 to most Americans and money for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, aid to state and local governments, help for schools and the airline industry and subsidies for health insurance.

"I see it as a really disappointing development. We obviously are now ultimately sending money to less people than the Trump administration," says Rep. Ilhan Omar on Covid relief.



"It is a failure when we compromise ourselves out of delivering on behalf of the American people." pic.twitter.com/MM8NAykxNk  CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) March 5, 2021

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, has expressed her dismay at the size of the package after lawmakers cut direct payments, reduced unemployment benefits and removed a hike of the minimum wage to $15

Progressives slam senator's 'offensive' thumbs-down sign to vote down Sanders' amendment Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment. 'It's not just that Krysten Sinema voted against giving Americans a fair working wage, it's the way she did it!' wrote filmmaker Morgan Freeman. 'Did Sinema really have vote against a $15 minimum wage for 24 million people like this?' asked Sawyer Hackett, Senior Advisor and Communications for Julian Castro. Others called out how she had been trying to talk to Mitch McConnell just moments before. 'Maybe even more offensive than @kyrstensinema 's enthusiastic *thumbs down* to raising wages for workers was how she buddies up to Mitch McConnell right before she does it and makes sure he sees her,' wrote The Tennessee Holler. And more called out the senator for the handbag she was holding as she cast the vote. 'I'm humbled to announce in a parody of white feminism Krysten Sinema [sic] voted against a $15 living wage while carrying a giant Lululemon bag,' wrote writer Bess Kalb. 'I wish I could tell you it isn't true, but the bag is evidently called the 'Happy Hatha Hour' bag, and its manufacturer's intent was for the wearer to take it from yoga to cocktails. Goodnight and good luck.' Sinema hit back at the criticism, however, with her spokesperson claiming it was sexist to comment on the 'body language' or 'physical demeanor' of the senator as she cast her vote. 'Commentary about a female senator's body language, clothing, or physical demeanor does not belong in a serious media outlet,' Hannah Hurley, a spokesperson for Sinema, told HuffPost. Advertisement

Earlier Friday, lawmakers responded to the gridlock while pressure was put on Joe Manchin, who is probably the chamber's most conservative Democrat.

'I feel bad for Joe Manchin. I hope the Geneva Convention applies to him,' joked Republican Senator John Thune to reporters on Capitol Hill.

'I just think that the Democrats right now are in a bit of a quandary.'

He continued: 'I mean, they've essentially stopped action on the floor so that they can try and persuade, I think, all their members to stay together on some of these votes.'

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said of Manchin. 'I don't know where they're at. The public needs to know. Save Joe Manchin!'

'I think they're trying to wear down Joe Manchin, who is intent on making sure we don't spend more than we have to. This is on unemployment insurance,' Republican Sen. Mitt Romney told reporters of the hold up.

Moderate Democrats, led by Sen. Tom Carper, had offered an amendment to lower federal unemployment benefits to $300 from $400 per week but to then extend the payments from August until October.

Manchin had reportedly favored a Republican amendment that would have the $300 weekly payments run through July, before the deal was struck.

Democratic Senators Krysten Sinema, Jon Tester and Catherine Cortez Masto cornered Manchin on the Senate floor after senators rejected an effort by Bernie Sanders to include a $15 an hour minimum wage in the package.

When the lawmakers realized their efforts to persuade Manchin were being watched by reporters, they moved back into one of cloakrooms of the Senate floor to speak more privately.

The vote on Sanders' amendment was the first on 422 amendments filed. Not every amendment will get a vote and some will be voted on in blocks to try and speed up the process.

Before the unemployment benefits drama began, senators voted 58-42 to kill a top progressive priority, a gradual increase in the current $7.25 hourly minimum wage to $15 over five years.

Voting continued on the bill Saturday before passing around midday. Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was earlier slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment

Sinema's vote was compared on social media to the memorable moment when late Arizona Senator John McCain signaled a thumbs down when he failed to side with other Republicans to overturn the Affordable Care Act in 2017 (as pictured above)

Eight Democrats voted against the proposal, suggesting that Sanders and other progressives vowing to continue the effort in coming months will face a difficult fight.

But eight hours after that minimum wage roll call began, it still hadn't been formally gaveled to a close as all Senate work ceased while Democrats struggled to resolve their unemployment benefits problem.

By holding open the vote, they prevented any senator from addressing the floor or making a motion. The vote on Sanders' amendment began at 11:03 a.m. ET.

Amid all the drama, the White House wouldn't say whether President Biden had personally called the West Virginia senator to try to get him on board.

'The President supports a compromise so that we can pass the Rescue Plan and get relief out, and he and his team are staying in close contact with Senators to find a resolution that will deliver for Americans who need help the most,' a White House official told DailyMail.com.

Others called out how she had been trying to talk to Mitch McConnell just moments before

Social media users hit Sinema with criticism for the way in which she cast her vote

Democratic Senator from West Virginia Joe Manchin, left, and Republican Senator from Texas John Cornyn, right, walk to the Senate chamber as the Senate begins a so-called 'vote-a-rama'

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (pictured) was among seven Democrats and one Independent to vote against the $15 per hour minimum wage amendment on Friday

Republican senators had offered multiple amendments to the bill, which Democrats claim is necessary to help the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The GOP protests the bill's cost and claim it's filled with progressive priorities.

'Votearama is upon us,' said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham before Friday's action started. 'Stay hydrated. Try to keep good cheer. We're going to have lots of amendments today and kind of talk about where we differ on certain things, which will be good for the country.'

'It's going to be a long day,' he added.

Sen. Bernie Sanders shot back: 'Bring it on. We're ready.'

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell accused Democrats of 'ramming through an ideological spending spree packed with non COVID related policies.'

Harris had to rush up to the Capitol on Thursday afternoon to break a tie vote to allow the Senate to start debate on the relief package.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said of Manchin as the Senate stalled. 'I don't know where they're at. The public needs to know. Save Joe Manchin!'

The Senate on Friday will begin a massive vote-a-rama on amendments from Republicans, led by GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell that will challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's to keep Democrats together

After she cast her vote, Johnson made his motion to have the bill read aloud.

Bill readings are almost always dispensed with at the start to allow for debate, but Johnson saw it as way to register his frustration over the massive outlay of federal spending.

'I feel bad for the clerks that are going to have to read it, but it's just important,' said Johnson, who has already faced criticism this week for suggesting the deadly January 6 US Capitol riot was not an 'armed insurrection.'

'Why are we authorizing another $1.9 trillion when we still have a trillion dollars sitting on the sidelines' unspent from the previous pandemic relief bills? he told reporters.

'It's actually hard to spend this much money.'

Sen. Bernie Sanders' began Friday's vote-a-rama with an amendment to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour
Senior Police, Army and Naval Officers allegedly bribe their way to be posted to Ugbokodo community, one of the largest oil host areas in De...





Senior Police, Army and Naval Officers allegedly bribe their way to be posted to Ugbokodo community, one of the largest oil host areas in Delta State, South-South, Nigeria.

The allegation is according to members of Ugbokodo community in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.

A petition dated 4th March 2021, addressed to the Chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions, a copy of which was obtained by newsmen in Abuja, revealed that oil bunkering and racketeering thrive among security agents and multinational oil workers.

The petition signed by Barrister O.J. Oghenejakpor, a Legal Adviser to the Community, Samuel Eseadefe Ogholemu (Chairman) and Chief (Capt) Clifford Ikpikpini is seeking the lower Chambers intervention in the development, given that oil bunkering activities have led to environmental pollution and aquatic problems.

The petitioners lamented that the community has been neglected by oil giants for the past 57 years, having first explored oil in the area in 1964.

Documents sighted by newsmen indicate that there are about nine companies exploring oil, in and around the community with Shell Petroleum Development Company allegedly leading the impunity against the people of the land.

The petitioners decried the rate of the conspiracy between the oil workers and the illegal bunkerers, alleging that two indigenes were killed when the community attempted to protest and expose the illegality.

Part of the petition read: Ugokodo Community being the largest land-owning hosting major trunk line of petroleum products to the Escravos loading bay has become the attraction of oil thieves and bunkerers who work in collaboration with oil workers from the Companies and the security agents.

It is a notorious fact that senior police officers bribe their way to be posted to Warri and Ekpan Police Station as DPOs because of the oil bunkering activities.

While the Army and Naval officers posted to protect these facilities are also involved in aiding oil company workers in oil bunkering.

As a result of this persistent bunkering, Ugbokodo people protested to expose the illegality and this resulted in the attack of the Community in January 2008 by the bunkers which led to the death of two persons, the petition pointed noted.
Rishi Sunak has vowed to tackle the dominance of tech giants such as Facebook and Google by ensuring they pay a fair rate of tax and do not abuse their market position to squash rivals.

In the wake of his 65 billion raid on household incomes and company profits in Wednesdays Budget, the Chancellor is preparing to set out plans on March 23, which is being called tax day, to fill the 407 billion hole left by the pandemic.

Among the options is an online sales tax targeting the explosion in internet shopping triggered by the crisis, which has benefited companies such as Amazon at the expense of traditional high street stores.

Mr Sunak is studying a review by Tory MP John Penrose of the laws meant to prevent big businesses becoming monopolies that can dictate prices and smother rivals

Mr Sunak said he was talking to the US and other members of the G7 to tackle the ruses used by the companies to limit their tax bills.

The Chancellor added: One of my priorities in the G7 this year, which Ive already started work on, is to try to get international agreement on a new way to tax these companies. I spend a lot of time talking to my finance minister colleagues around the world about this issue.

A Treasury source added that President Joe Bidens administration had signalled an openness to engage constructively in the debate and try to reach resolution on it, with hopes rising that an agreement will be reached this year.

Mr Sunak is studying a review by Tory MP John Penrose of the laws meant to prevent big businesses becoming monopolies that can dictate prices and smother rivals.

Mr Penrose said Ministers needed to introduce a parliamentary Act to update Britains consumer institutions to reflect the rise of the digital economy, with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regulator tasked with devising a way to allow customers to compare the price of free online services.

Companies such as Google and Facebook do not charge customers for many of their services  instead they gather customers data as their fee because it allows adverts to be more precisely targeted.

A Treasury source said the companies were not well captured by our current approach to competition regulation, and reform was needed, adding: What we currently have in place and what hasnt been in place is that were not perfectly equipped to deal with the dominance these businesses have.

Last month, Lord Rothermere, chairman of The Mail on Sundays parent company, DMGT, condemned the Australian government for watering down laws forcing tech giants to pay for news. Describing it as a bad day for democracy, he said it would let Facebook decide what news is read on social media and how much, if anything, it pays for it.

He said politicians in democracies worldwide must decide if they will let tech giants choose what news the public sees in secret deals with the publishers they favour or act to ensure fair and transparent treatment for all.

The CMA found last year that Google and Facebook were able to demand inflated prices for adverts, pushing costs to suppliers that were passed on as higher prices (Pictured, Facebook founder and owner Mark Zuckerberg)

In a letter to the Financial Times, Lord Rothermere wrote: Reporting news costs money; but for years Facebook and Google have plundered news content without paying for it while at the same time extracting ever greater profits from advertising markets they dominate. Referring to Australia, he added: A nation was held to ransom  and it surrendered.

Politicians and officials around the world are becoming increasingly worried about the economic dominance of the tech titans.

Google receives around 90 per cent of all advertising spending by companies who want to display their products and services on internet search result pages. That brings the company revenues of around 7 billion a year in Britain alone  but it pays UK taxes on just a fraction of its earnings. Facebook has around half of the entire market for display advertising, worth around 5 billion a year.

The CMA found last year that Google and Facebook were able to demand inflated prices for adverts, pushing costs to suppliers that were passed on as higher prices.

Fingal County Council is to carry out an audit of footpaths, entrances and steps in Ward River Valley Park, following calls for 'immediate action' to be taken over existing pathways in bad repair at the park.

Fianna Fail councillor, Darragh Butler tabled a motion at a recent Local Area Committee meeting, calling for 'immediate action' to be taken to repair all of the existing pathways at Ward River Valley Park.

Responding to a report issued by the council, Cllr Butler said it was 'great' that the issue was finally going to be addressed, as there were a lot of pathways that were 'worn away, burnt away and various other things down through the years.'

He was referring, he said, both to existing paths but also to new paths which were needed for the park, such as at Knocksedan and Usher's Lake.

Welcoming a commitment by the local authority to upgrade a number of footpaths, he said it was 'well overdue.'

Noting that works had been deferred in the past because the council had said it would carry out a wider study, Cllr Butler said councillors still wanted that study to go ahead, and to ask people what they want, 'from the back of the Lord Mayor's pub, down to Knocksedan Bridge and hopefully beyond.'

While councillors were waiting for a wider study, Cllr Butler said, he was nevertheless 'delighted' to get such a positive report.

He also agreed with Cllr Brigid Manton (FF) that the same funding should be allocated to Ward River Valley Park next year as Malahide Castle and park and other areas in Fingal.

Ward River Valley Park was an 'unbelievable resource', he said, and Swords councillors would be 'pushing for more' in the future.

A report issued by the council stated a works programme is currently being prepared for Ward River Valley Park following a recent detailed inspection, which includes the upgrades to a number of footpaths.

These works are to be prioritised and the current plan is to front load these works during 2021 under the aegis of the Capital Works Programme 2021-2023.

A council official noted an audit of infrastructure for Ward River Valley park is being carried out. This is to include footpaths, entrances and steps, which all were 'probably the priority for this year.'

When the council has completed its audit, it will report back to councillors on its findings, he said.


In northern Cyprus, the rarest seals in the world have been caught on camera in secret breeding caves. The new breeding sites give hope for endangered species, but the sites are now in need of protection.

Monachus Monachus

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Endangered Species, Mediterranean monk seals, also known as Monachus monachus which are the most exposed of all the species of pinniped, a group of species that includes sea lions, walruses, sea otters, and seals - with only 700 individuals remaining in the wild. A huge amount of those seals animate in and around Cyprus.

As a result of human pressures, like tourism and bycatch, the monk seals have been forced to nurse their pups inside cave systems, instead of raising their pups on the island, in their normal open beaches.

Recent research making use of camera traps, brought out by scientists from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, along with the Society for the Protection of Turtles (SPOT) in Cyprus, has disclosed many previously breeding caves in the northern part of Cyprus that are unknown, the first of its kind to be discovered along the north coast of the island.

Read More: Seal Caught Killing, Eating Shark on Camera

Monk Seals Captured For Variety of Reasons

For many years, monk seals have been captured by fishermen across the Mediterranean for a variety of reasons: their fishing gear was spoiled by the seals; they compete with the seals for the same animals of prey and the skin of the seal can be traded on the black market for the health benefits that are not supported.

Recently, fishermen have killed the seals for their own use as performers in the aquarium trade; whereas, as reported by the Seal Conservation Society in the United Kingdom, the pinnipeds have lost their territory to the tourism industry.

According to History, monk seals would have made use of beaches as their dwelling place and nurse their pups like every other seal species. But, because of hunting history and a lack of untroubled beaches, they have been compelled to start making use of alternative places.

Caves Vital for Seals' Survival

A marine biologist at SPOT, lead author Damla Beton said "The seals need caves to survive in and nurse their pups at a place where there is no human."

Even though the caves ensure the safety of the monk seals and their pups, only a few caves supervised are appropriate for pups, according to the scientists.

A survey conducted in 2007 discovered 39 breeding caves along the Cyprus south coast (though most of them have since been destroyed), according to the scientists. However, for the fact that humans are usually seen in the north of the island, there was no proof to justify that the seals were living there.

The study went on until 2019 and showed that, out of the eight caves that are being supervised, the seals were breeding in three. The finding of new monk seal sites of breeding is good news to conservationists, and it is important to protect these breeding sites for the future.

Related Article: WATCH: Smart Seal Hops on Tourist Boat to Escape Hungry Orcas

For more news, updates about seals and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
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Protesters flash the three-fingered sign of resistance during a demonstration against the military coup Myanmar (AP)

Security forces in Myanmar have again used force to disperse anti-coup protesters, a day after a UN special envoy urged the Security Council to take action to quell junta violence that has left more than 50 peaceful demonstrators dead in the past week and scores injured.

Protests were reported on Saturday morning in the countrys biggest city, Yangon, where stun grenades and tear gas were used against demonstrators. On Wednesday, 18 people were reported killed there.

Protests also took place in several other cities including Mandalay, the second-biggest city, Myitkyina, the capital of the northern state of Kachin, Myeik in the far south  where police fired tear gas at students, and Dawei in the south-east, where tear gas was also used.

Officials are believed to have exhumed the body of a young woman who was killed during Wednesdays suppression of protests in Mandalay. The woman, Kyal Sin, had been photographed taking part in the protests before her death, and images of her on the front lines have made her a high-profile martyr.

Expand Close Monks take part in an anti-coup protest in Mandalay, Myanmar (AP) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Monks take part in an anti-coup protest in Mandalay, Myanmar (AP)

Security forces on Friday night sealed off the cemetery where she was buried, and when residents visited in the morning, her grave was freshly plastered over and shovels and other evidence of digging were found at the site. There was no official explanation of the incident, but media close to the military had earlier reported the authorities had questioned the conclusion that she had been shot dead by police, and intended to investigate.

The escalation of violence has put pressure on the world community to act to restrain the junta, which seized power on February 1 by ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

The coup reversed years of slow progress towards democracy in Myanmar, which for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions.

Ms Suu Kyis National League for Democracy party led a return to civilian rule with a landslide election victory in 2015, and with an even greater margin of votes last year.

It would have been installed for a second five-year term last month, but instead Ms Suu Kyi and president Win Myint and other members of the government were placed in military detention.

Large protests have occurred daily across many cities and towns, and security forces have responded with greater use of lethal force and mass arrests.

At least 18 protesters were shot and killed last Sunday and 38 on Wednesday, according to the UN Human Rights Office. More than 1,000 have been arrested, the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners said.

UN special envoy for Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener said in her briefing to Fridays closed Security Council meeting that council unity and robust action are critical in pushing for a stop to the violence and the restoration of Myanmars democratic institutions.

She added: We must denounce the actions by the military. It is critical that this council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results.

She reiterated an earlier appeal to the international community not to lend legitimacy or recognition to this regime that has been forcefully imposed, and nothing but chaos has since followed.

Expand Close A protester holds a makeshift shield with photos denouncing coup leader Min Aung Hlaing (AP) / Facebook

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The Security Council took no immediate action. Council diplomats said Britain circulated a draft presidential statement for consideration, a step below a legally binding resolution.

Any kind of co-ordinated action at the UN will be difficult because two permanent members of the Security Council, China and Russia, are likely to veto it.

Earlier in the week, Ms Schraner Burgener warned Myanmars army that the worlds nations and the Security Council might take huge, strong measures.

She said: And the answer was, We are used to sanctions, and we survived those sanctions in the past.

When she warned that Myanmar would become isolated, Ms Schraner Burgener said the answer was, We have to learn to walk with only a few friends.

A decree issued by the junta and published in state media on Friday increased the potential costs of opposition, declaring that members of a self-styled alternative government formed by elected politicians whom the army barred from taking their seats were committing high treason, which is punishable by death.

People across Britain have been left confused this week as several ships appeared to be floating in mid air due to a rare optical illusion.

The unusual sight has been seen across the UK, with sightings in Cornwall, Devon and Aberdeenshire in just a matter of days.

The latest example was spotted by David Morris while he was out on a stroll in Gillan, near Falmouth, Devon.

Walker David Morris was out for a stroll in Gillan, Cornwall, when he spotted what appeared to be a boat floating above the sea

The postcard perfect photograph, taken from the beach at Paignton, Devon, captured the liners seemingly floating above the horizon

He said he was left 'amazed and very baffled' by the phenomenon which made it look as if a red liner was floating in the sky above the water.

Earlier this week in Paignton, Devon, a picturesque coastal snap depicted several liners which looked like they were hovering above the sea due to the phenomenon.

And on Friday in Banff, Aberdeenshire, health and safety worker Colin McCallum spotted another ship which looked to be flying and stopped to get a video of the unusual sight before investigating what caused the illusion.

The phenomenon, known as Fata Morgana, creates a mirage when the sun heats up the atmosphere above the land or the sea, which creates a gradient of temperatures.

A layer of warm air sits on top of a layer of cold air, causing the light from the ship to bend as it passes through gaps in air currents.

Speaking about the latest sighting in Cornwall, a spokesman for the Met Office said: 'The images appear to show evidence of a phenomenon called fata morgana.

'A rare and complex form of mirage in which horizontal and vertical distortion, inversion and elevation of objects occur in changing patterns.

'The phenomenon occurs over a water surface and is produced by the superposition of several layers of air of different refractive index.'

Colin McCallum spotted a stunning optical illusion of a red 'floating vessel' on the horizon as he travelled through Banff, Aberdeenshire, on Friday

While sightings of superior mirages are often seen in the Arctic, they are uncommon in the UK, The Guardian reports.

David Braine, BBC meteorologist explained that the phenomenon is caused conditions in the atmosphere which bend light.

'Superior mirages occur because of the weather condition known as a temperature inversion, where cold air lies close to the sea with warmer air above it,' he said.

'Since cold air is denser than warm air, it bends light towards the eyes of someone standing on the ground or on the coast, changing how a distant object appears.'

While there have been many examples of people spotting objects floating above the water, Mr Morris noted people have also witnessed items below the horizon which have then become visible due to the optical illusion.
A 33-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 21-year-old woman in Londonderry last year.

He is to appear at Dungannon Magistrates Court this morning.

It's understood the charge relates to the death of Katie Simpson (21) from Middletown, Co Armagh. She died in Altnagelvin Hospital on August 9, following an incident at an address at Gortnessy Meadows on August 3.

Tributes at the time described former City of Armagh High School pupil as a "beautiful young lady". A family notice said she was "lovingly remembered by her sorrowing parents, sisters, brothers and all the family circle, and described her as a "much loved daughter" and a "dear sister".

A PSNI spokesperson said: "A 33-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigating the death of a 21-year-old woman at Altnagelvin hospital on August 9, 2020, following an incident at an address in Gortnessy Meadows on August 3.

"He remains in custody at present."
SOMETIMES in this life you just have to believe that the universe has a plan for you. And most of the time, when that plan begins to unfold in real-time, here's what also happens.

What you realise is that had you tried to even imagine what was about to manifest with you at its centre, there's just no way you ever would have been able to call it. Not in a million years. And yet, as this almost blessed intention of the cosmos reveals itself, what begins to take place and what you begin to witness feels like the most obvious and the most natural thing in the world.

The Saw Doctors released N17 as their debut single in August of 1989. And despite the fact that the song is undoubtedly possessed of a certain sadness given that it's about an Irish emigrant's longing to travel once more over those Galway roads with their "stone walls and the grass is green", it also gave life to an elation of sorts in every performance.

Fast forward to the beginning of this year, and N17 is once again the song that everyone is talking about. But it's a very different world this time, and a very different N17 too. And yet, folks, and yet, in the care of the prodigious talent that is Tolu Makay, not only did this version of N17 feel unquestionably perfect in every note and every phrase, it was perfect for the moment too. And, while few of us could ever have predicted this crossing of paths between a song that already held a special place in so many hearts, the moment when it happened feels as immediately undeniable as the perfection of a daffodil or a snowflake.

Tolu has just announced the forthcoming release of her brand new single, Used to Be, out on March 5th, and I had the pleasure of sitting down for a chat with her recently. Before we even got to that convergence of destinies between her and N17, I wanted to talk about this remarkable lady herself, by going straight to Tolu's E.P, Being, to chat about her songwriting.

With her songwriting, it sounds like Tolu probably incorporates a lot of her own personal experiences, and things that are happening in her own life, into her songs. Would that be fair to say?

"Yeah, definitely. When I write my own songs and release them, it definitely comes from my own experience, a personal or emotional story that I had to understand. Cos' a lot of the times when I want to express myself, I find it hard through words. So you're totally right about songwriters being able to express themselves through music. There's certain things that I wouldn't be able to just say, but I can sing it because it helps me to attach the emotional cue that I feel with certain words."

One of my own personal favourite tracks on Being is the aforementioned V.N, the spoken word piece. As we all know by now from Tolu's remarkable video for You Are Enough, she can act! So I wondered if V.N. was something which was written and rehearsed, or had it been free-styled?

"No, that's just something that I was saying to myself. I actually recorded that to myself on a voice-note in 2019 when I needed to boost myself up. Because a lot of the times, it's only you that can really get you going. You can get whatever motivation, or whoever is around you to help you, but if you don't believe in yourself, in your core, things are not gonna move. People can believe in you so much, but if you don't believe in yourself, it's just not gonna work. I really needed to kind of speak to myself in the third-person, and that's exactly what I did with that voice-note. So I had that voice-note for a whole year before I decided to use it. I listened back to it, and I was like, 'This is nice. It kind of sums up the entire EP' [laughs]."

The brilliant video for You Are Enough not only has it shown that Tolu can act, it's also proved that she can dance too! I felt like the video was something Tolu would have been very involved in. From an acting perspective, I wondered had it been rehearsed?

"No, it wasn't rehearsed. It was basically just, 'Do this, and we want you to do this...', and then...just do it!So no, it wasn't rehearsed or anything. We just had a few hours in the cafe [the Riverside Cafe, Main Street, Tullamore], to do what we had to do, and if it looked good on camera, good. And if it didn't...! I had an amazing director, Martina McGlynn. I wasn't thinking of doing a video at all, because there was literally no budget! It was done in 2020, when there was a whole pandemic! Martina was actually the one who came up with the concept, and she said she'd love to make a music video for me. So we went over her notes so that I was comfortable with it. And I really love dancing, I love being able to express myself through different forms of art. And funnily enough with acting, I really do love acting too, and being able to portray certain emotions clearly, which is another way of communicating really. So Martina hit me up, and she got in contact with my manager, and we had a few meetings, and literally two weeks after that we were outside shooting. It was a three-day shoot. We asked Paraic [Jennings] from the Riverside Cafe if we could use his space, and he was lovely and said yes."

Tolu continued, "And I got five girls from the Midlands School of Drama to be part of it. I sent them a quick video-clip a friend of mine had choreographed for me, and I also had learned the dance so I had to go in and teach them as well. They picked it up in like an hour! They were professionals, so great. I remember the day of the shooting, their mammies came down , and they were standing at their cars, obviously social-distanced and all, watching us. There were only three people on camera, and myself. It couldn't be a huge production, but it was really great. And obviously the quality of the video was amazing. "

I read recently Tolu's experience of boarding school, where she had been called Elizabeth by her teachers, presumably because Tolu was too much to come to terms with. Somebody's name, after all, is who they are.

"Yeah, it's a weird one. Because you know when you're young, I think back then I wasn't vocal. It's only actually now, in my twenties, that I'm trying to be more vocal in using my voice. But back then, I was very quiet and a lot of things would hurt me, and I wouldn't know how to say it. I would just accept it as being [how things were]. But I noticed in going back and reminiscing on that time, I didn't sing for an entire three years. And singing is a huge part of who I am.That's from age ten to about thirteen. So those were difficult times, but I never really assessed it as that. I remember when I left that school and I started singing and going into competitions back in Tullamore, and when I was talking to friends from the boarding school, they were like, 'We never knew you could sing.' And I was like...yeah! It was weird. I don't even know if they did it in a malice way, I don't think people do these things intentionally. I assume that they saw that my middle name was there, and assumed that was just the name to call me."

Ah, so Elizabeth IS at least Tolu's middle name? Well that at least makes it a little bit less weird!

"Yeah. Oh my God, no! That would be so weird! Imagine if it was just some random name! No, no."

One of the things I most love about interviewing songwriters is the chance to figure out how and why they write the way they do. Tolu has studied psychology and philosophy at N.U.I.G, both of which delve into the human condition in different ways and can offer fascinating insights into people. And songwriting, of course, can be very much about examining and revealing the human condition too. I wondered if it was the fact that Tolu is a songwriter that led her to studying psychology and philosophy, and having studied those subjects, did they add any different elements or styles to her songwriting?

"I actually don't know. Before I started songwriting, I was already in uni, it was after or towards the end that I started getting into songwriting. But it definitely did add an element of curiosity, and also wanting better and questioning everything. In terms of why I choose positivity or why I choose ways in which to reflect, I do believe that psychology did help me. With psychology and philosophy, it's all about the human condition and the mind, and society and how we relate with one another. I don't know. It's quite a tough question to actually answer. I just knew that I'm very in-tune with my emotions in ways that I wish other people were. And sometimes that can be a lot. Like, I call myself an empath, if that makes any sense? I feel way too many things that I think other people just do not feel. And it's really hard to kind of express that. Growing up, you're kind of shut down...no, not shut down...you're somewhat ridiculed that you're thinking too much or you're feeling too much, and it [whatever you're thinking about or feeling] is not that much of a big deal. Last year's songs were very happy and very positive, but even within that year, there were a lot of sad songs that I wrote [laughs], that you'll probably hear this year. There's some quite depressing [laughs]. But I'm learning that it's important that I'm allowed to express myself however possible. Human emotions are very raw. 

~ Watch this space for Part 2 of our chat with Tolu coming your way in our St. Patrick's Day edition!
" " The loads of money Katharine McCormick contributed to contraceptive research certainly helped "the pill" come to fruition, but her contributions to the women's rights movement extended beyond her philanthropy. Bettmann/Getty Images

When it comes to the development of female contraception, you'd be hard-pressed to name more influential people than Margaret Sanger and Dr. Gregory Pincus. Sanger founded the organization that would become the reproductive health care provider Planned Parenthood, and Pincus and his team were the first scientists to develop and test a hormonal oral contraceptive for women. Both were clear leaders in the movement for women's reproductive health.

But in an episode of the Stuff You Missed in History Class podcast, hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey remind us that it takes more than activism and science to create a medical breakthrough; it takes a whole lot of money. And biologist and philanthropist Katharine Dexter McCormick provided the deep pockets behind the invention of the birth control pill.

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However, boiling McCormick's accomplishments down to the thickness of her pocketbook is a bad idea. Although her financial contributions to contraception research were large, she also played important roles as an activist and leader in the movement for women's suffrage and equal access to education.

" " Katharine McCormick's (L) role as a suffragette was one of many ways she participated in the movement for women's rights throughout her life. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

Katharine Dexter was born in 1875 to a wealthy Midwestern family. Her father's death prompted her mother to relocate to Boston, taking the young Katharine with her. In 1904, Dexter became the second woman to graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with a bachelor's degree in biology. The same year, she married Stanley McCormick, a Chicagoan with an enormous family fortune. But within a couple of years, it became apparent that he had a serious mental illness. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and lived at a private psychiatric institution in California for the rest of his life. Despite serious conflicts with his family, she refused to divorce him.

McCormick became an active suffragette, moving into leadership positions at the National American Woman Suffrage Association, until the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920. She then turned her focus to contraception, and although she believed women had a right to choose their own family planning, Stanley's illness  and the belief that it was an inherited disease  bolstered her fight to allow couples to control procreation.

After meeting and teaming up with Sanger, McCormick became a diaphragm mule, smuggling the then-illegal contraceptive devices into the United States after trips to Europe. When McCormick received Stanley's entire multimillion-dollar family estate after he died, she had the money she needed to make a difference in the reproductive rights movement, and she poured it into birth control pill research and development.

Holly and Tracy give the details of the meeting between Sanger, Pincus and McCormick that allowed for the eventual development and approval of the first female oral contraceptive. Join them to learn more about this largely forgotten leader of the women's rights movement in this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class.

Now That's Cool So, how exactly did McCormick get those diaphragms into the States? Posing as a scientist, she would buy hundreds of them in Europe and stitch them into garments to smuggle back to the United States.

Originally Published: Aug 25, 2017
This is the bizarre moment an anti-lockdown protester asked bystanders to call the police while he is being arrested.

The demonstrator pleaded for help and claimed he was being abducted as officers tried to restrain him.

The man, who was not wearing a face covering, continued to yell as five policemen marshalled him into a squad van.

The arrest appeared to be linked to an anti-lockdown music event on Richmond Green in south west London this afternoon.

Jeremy Corbyn's conspiracy theorist older brother Piers was also led away from the Jam For Freedom meet up by officers.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said a total of 14 people were arrested at the event.

They added that another person was arrested under section 5 of the Public Order Act, which relates to causing 'harassment, alarm or distress'.

Jeremy Corbyn's conspiracy theorist older brother Piers was also led away from the Jam For Freedom meet up by officers

Footage showed the man shouting as he stood with police outside a cafe on the outskirts of the green.

He yelled: 'Help, help, someone call the police. I'm being abducted, please help me someone, I'm being abducted.'

He continued his rant as onlookers gathered and laughed while other police officers watched.

Five policemen dragged him towards a waiting police van but he appeared to resist and continued to shout.

He said: 'Help me please, I'm being abducted. Help, call the police, call the police someone please call the police.'

This is the bizarre moment an anti-lockdown protester asked bystanders to call the police while he was being arrested

Piers Corbyn, who is a regular at anti-lockdown demonstrations, was among those being led away

Police reportedly made multiple arrests at Richmond Green following the illegal music event. Pictured: Another man being detained

There were said to have been up to 50 protesters who attended, with about 30 officers trying to disperse them

Police reportedly made multiple arrests at Richmond Green following the illegal music event.

There were said to have been up to 50 protesters who attended, with about 30 officers trying to disperse them.

Piers Corbyn, 73, who is a regular at anti-lockdown demonstrations, was among those being led away.

An event circulating on social media had previously advertised a music festival in the park today.

The event, named Jam for Freedom, promised 'live bands and food vans' on the popular green.

The event description said: 'Can't wait to see you smiling and dancing once again! London, we're coming for you!'

Mr Corbyn was pictured at Richmond Green with a loudhailer in his hand as he was joined by other protesters

The conspiracy theorist also had his smartphone in his hand at the event in South-West London

This man was seen on the floor as officers detained him at the event in South-West London

Five police officers were seen holding a man on the ground whilst they detained him

This man appeared to be wearing a T-shirt referencing the Q Anon movement as he spoke with police officers

Leader of Richmond Council Gareth Roberts said on Twitter: 'Because of concerns raised with me about the illegal anti-lockdown gatherings today on Richmond Green & Riverside I went along to view the scene.

'Thanks to @MPSRichmond @metpoliceuk @ElisabethChappl and our colleagues at @LBRUT and @ParkguardLtd for their robust response.'

Leader of South West Command Unit for the Met Elisabeth Chapple replied: 'Thank you for your support @Gareth_Roberts_.'

She added: 'Your partnership and leadership in Richmond is much appreciated.'

Under the current government guidelines, people should only leave their house to pick up essential supplies or exercise. Gathering in groups is strictly prohibited.

The Met said: 'At around 14:29 hrs on Saturday 6 March police attended an anti-lockdown protest on Richmond Green.

'Officers arrested a total of fourteen people at the location.

'Thirteen were arrested on suspicion of Health Protection Regulation offences. A further person was arrested under section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986.

'The protesters were taken to a number of south London police stations. The remaining group has now been dispersed.

A spokesman had earlier said: 'At around 14:45 hrs on Saturday 6 March police attended a demonstration on Richmond Green.

'A 73-year old man was arrested on suspicion of Health Protection Regulation offences. He was taken to a south London police station.'
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Two to three individuals were involved in an attempted mugging in the capital on Saturday. They are actively being sought by the police.

The events took place in Rue du Fort Wallis. The attackers tried to steal a passer-by's watch, which did not work despite an assault from behind and several violent blows dealt to the victim.

The victim was injured in the foot and wrist, but the thieves did not succeed in stealing their watch. The culprits then fled in the direction of Rue Charles 6 and Boulevard d'Avranches.

The police are looking for the attackers, who are said to be of North African origin, slim build, and all in their twenties.

It is advised not to pick up any hitchhikers for the time being and report any suspicious individuals to police by calling 113.

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Williamstown Sergeant Placed on Administrative Leave

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  A Williamstown police officer who filed a federal lawsuit over harassment claims last year is now being investigated for an employee complaint against him.

Town Manager Jason Hoch confirmed on Saturday that Sgt. Scott McGowan was placed on paid administrative leave this week.

"The leave is not disciplinary," Hoch said, but was done while the personnel matter is investigated.

McGowan was removed from active duty on Monday.

The leave was first reported Friday by The Berkshire Eagle , which also revealed several run-ins McGowan had with the law 20 years or more ago.

McGowan, a full-time police officer in the town since 2002, last year named then Chief Kyle Johnson, Hoch and the town as defendants in a suit alleging discrimination and retaliation against a whistle-blower in federal court last year.

He alleged that officials named in the suit had allowed or covered up incidents of racism and harassment in the Police Department and then had discriminated against him for reporting them.

The federal suit came after he filed a case of sexual assault against Johnson with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination the year before.

Hoch said Johnson's departure and McGowan's leave has spread the force a little thin.

"There's very little capacity built into the system to cover being short multiple officers," he said. "With one of the two vacancies being the chief, it's not quite as challenging. That position was supplemental capacity to cover open shifts from time to tome as opposed to holding a regular duty shift."

Police Lt. Michael Ziemba has taken over as acting chief while the community debates not only how it will fill the position but what it expects from its new chief. It is also having the Police Department's policies and allegations reviewed.

The Eagle on Friday detailed three police reports on McGowan, two involving drinking and driving. The first was on April 9, 1997, when he drove onto the walkway at Thompson Chapel and damaged the lawn. The reporting officer described McGowan as "argumentative" and smelling of alcohol but not "under the influence" and he was allowed to leave.

The second was more than a decade later, on Nov. 20, 2009, when he was stopped by Vermont State Police in Bennington for erratic driving. According to court records cited by The Eagle, his blood alcohol level, taken two hours later, came in under the 0.08 limit at 0.065. He was charged with negligent operation and his ability to drive in Vermont was suspended for a time.

A more significant incident was a charge of domestic assault from 1999 in North Adams. His then girlfriend told police he had thrown her against a wall and then to the floor during an argument about nude photos he'd found of her; McGowan claimed she had awakened him and hit him and he'd pushed her to the floor to calm her down.

She was given a restraining order against him and a year later he admitted to facts sufficient to warrant a guilty finding, the case was continued without a finding and he was ordered to get counseling. He was a part-time officer in Williamstown at the time.

The Eagle spoke to former Police Chief J. Michael Kennedy Jr., who said he viewed McGowan as "a major liability" and recommended against hiring him full time.

McGowan was hired by the next chief and promoted to sergeant two years later.

His attorney, David A. Russcol, told The Eagle that McGowan did not know the complaint against him.
Rochester, Minn. - Senator Tina Smith is fighting to ensure the COVID-19 vaccine is completely free for all Americans as part of the next federal COVID-19 relief bill.

Senator Smith is working to make certain provisions are included in the bill ensuring no American has to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for their vaccine. This week she penned a letter to house and senate leadership urging them to do so.

The senator tells KIMT News 3 she is concerned about fees being charged to Medicaid beneficiaries, as well as uninsured or underinsured Americans for the vaccine. Smith is calling for a requirement that state Medicaid plans cover vaccines and treatment, as well as assurances that states will be reimbursed for COVID-related costs.

Senator Smith says removing financial barries to getting the vaccine is imperative.

"This is going to be the most important the that we can take, to make sure that everybody has the vaccine, and everybody can avoid this terrible virus so that we can all go back to normal," Senator Smith said.

Smith adds Americans without insurance are more likely to forgo medical care, and have problems paying their bills when they do seek care. She points out Black and Latino Americans are less likely to be insured than white Americans.
Asia

India: Visakhapatnam steel workers protest again over privatisation

Thousands of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) workers on February 26 held a roadblock protest on the National Highway (NH-16) to demand the Modi government abandon its plan to privatise the plant.

Workers sat down at Kurmannapalem Junction, which leads to the plants main entrance, causing a three-hour traffic jam. Similar demonstrations were held in the Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Krishna districts in solidarity. The trade unions also called for a shutdown of all businesses in Visakhapatnam on March 5.

On February 8, thousands of workers and supporters held a sit-down protest in Vijayawada over the Indian governments approval for a 100 percent disinvestment of Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), VSPs corporate entity. On February 20 workers held a 24-kilometre protest march through several districts.

The VSP, under the Indias ministry of steel, currently has a capacity of 7.3 million tons per annum and employs almost 18,000 workers.

Assam workers demonstrate against Modi governments labour code, farm reform acts and privatisation

Hundreds of workers organised by the Centre for Indian Trade Union and Nikhil Bharat Kishan Sabha held a bike rally from Dholla to Doomdooma on February 28 in protest against the Indian governments new labour code and the three farm acts and demanded repeal of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020.

Workers denounced steep increases in the price of petroleum products and other essential commodities.

Tamil Nadu village administrative officers protest

Village Administrative Officers (VOA) Association members protested in Coimbatore on February 26 to demand the government negotiate with the union over long-outstanding claims.

These included the recruitment of village office assistants through the Tamil Nadu Recruitment Board, restoration of a previous pension, abolition of night duty, a special allowance for work during natural disasters, and the reduction of seniority years from ten to six. Association members also called for the promotion of VAOs and VAO assistants which would increase their salaries by 20 percent and 10 percent respectively.

Karnataka: Hutti underground gold miners protest

Workers from the state-owned Hutti Gold Mine demonstrated during a visit by the mines and geology minister on February 26. Workers raised concerns over dangerous working condition in the underground mines and the lack of updated safety equipment, as well as proper helmets and boots and for improved medical facilities. Some workers held up their torn boots which have not been replaced in two years.

The Karnataka state government wants to double production at Hutti Gold Mine, which is currently producing 1,700 kg of gold per annum. The government wants to increase gold production to 5,000 kg per annum in the next 18 months.

Kerala transport drivers and owners strike

The Kerala Motor Vyavasaya Samrakshana Samiti called a state-wide dawn-to-dusk motor strike on Tuesday over the rising price of petroleum products and cooking gas. All trade unions except the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-affiliated trade union, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, participated.

Owners of a broad range of motor classes, including trucks and other commercial vehicles, participated in the 12-hour strike. Taxis, auto rickshaws and other private carriers were also involved. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation was also affected because members of the Transport Democratic Federation Kerala State Road Transport Employees Association supported the strike.

Karnataka childcare workers demonstrated in Bengaluru

Anganwadi (childcare) workers protested in Bengaluru on March 2 over their long-pending demands. The anganwadi workers and helpers want to be classified as C and D group government employees and paid 25,000 rupees ($US343) for anganwadi workers and 21,000 rupees for helpers. They also want the current contribution-based pension scheme replaced with the previous government pension scheme and to not be required to do additional work for other departments. They say that the government is treating them as free labour.

Kerala government medical college doctors continue protesting

Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association members held state-wide betrayal day protests on Wednesday to demand unpaid wages and allowances that have accumulated since 2016. It followed a three-hour walkout on January 25 over the issue and another on January 29.

Doctors marched to the Director of Medical Educations office in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday and staged a sit-down protest. They also began an indefinite work-to-rule, boycotting VIP, pay-ward and non-COVID duties and other additional tasks not linked to patients or academic activities. The doctors said they would protest outside the state secretariat on March 10.

Sri Lankan plantation workers union calls off two-month strike

A two-month strike by 600 plantation workers in the Gartmore tea estate in Maskeliya was ended by the union after a negotiation meeting with estate owners on Wednesday.

The workers walked out on December 28 demanding payment of their employee provident fund entitlements before the estate is transferred to new owners. Workers held several demonstrations during the strike. No details about the deal between the estate owner and the union have been revealed.

Local government casual workers in Sri Lanka demand permanent jobs

More than 100 casual workers from local government bodies in Sri Lankas Southern Province demonstrated outside the district secretariat in Galle, the provincial capital, this week. Most of the protesters were drivers and sanitation workers who had been employed for years without being made permanent. These workers staged a similar protest on January 4 condemning the local government administration for not fulfilling previous promises.

Australia

INPEX oil and gas plant maintenance workers strike in Darwin

About 70 maintenance workers from the INPEX-Ichthys oil- and gas-processing plant in Darwin, the Northern Territory capital, walked off the job for 24 hours on Wednesday in a dispute over their contract employers proposed enterprise agreement (EA). The workers, who are members of the Electrical Trades Union (ETU), Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and the Australian Workers Union decided to strike after 10 months of failed negotiations with Trace-Broadspectrum their employer.

Strikers picketed the plant holding placards stating Good labour is not cheap!! Cheap labour is not good. An ETU spokesman told media that wages and conditions for the predominantly local maintenance workforce were below industry standard for such facilities and 20 percent below agreements in other states.

The spokesman said Trace-Broadspectrum management had refused to negotiate on wages until the unions drop key demands, including on rostered days off.

South Australia: Nurses at major Adelaide hospital call for suspension of elective surgery

Overworked and traumatised nurses and midwives at the Womens and Childrens Hospital (WCH) in Adelaide have called for suspension of elective surgery at the hospital in order to ease pressure on exhausted staff. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) members said they were understaffed, overworked and concerned about patient care.

Nurses told the ANMF that some are working over 100 hours a fortnight, suffering from stress and fatigue and can no longer take on extra shifts.

Despite the long history of critical understaffing at WCH and other public hospitals, the ANMF has not called for any industrial action to support the nurses demand for adequate staffing levels.

GEOVERT workers in Queensland strike again

Eight workers from the Gladstone depot of GEOVERT, an asset management contractor in mining and construction on Queenslands north-east coast, walked out on Tuesday morning to demand a better enterprise agreement. The action followed a one-hour strike on January 18 and again on January 22.

The striking workers picketed the depot holding placards stating Workers fighting to maintain conditions and Workers fighting for proper wages.

The GEOVERT workers, who have not had a pay increase for five years, have been offered a 1 percent pay rise. They are demanding industry-standard pay, improved allowances and no loss of conditions.
Anti-coup demonstrators returned to the streets of Myanmar Saturday, a day after a United Nations envoy urged the Security Council to hear the nation's "desperate pleas" and take swift action to restore democracy

Yangon (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :Anti-coup demonstrators returned to the streets of Myanmar Saturday, a day after a United Nations envoy urged the Security Council to hear the nation's "desperate pleas" and take swift action to restore democracy.

The country has been in turmoil since a February 1 putsch ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi from power, triggering a massive uprising from hundreds of thousands angered to be returned to military rule.

Security forces have escalated an increasingly brutal crackdown on demonstrators -- killing more than 50 people since the coup -- but protesters rallied again on Saturday.

From the dusty roads of northern Lashio -- where young protesters stared down police behind homemade shields -- to central Loikaw city in view of Myanmar's eastern mountains, demonstrators continued to march for democracy.

"Our revolution must win," chanted protesters in Loikaw, who included civil servants such as teachers in their green and white uniforms.

The country's vital sectors have been crippled by an ongoing "Civil Disobedience Movement" -- a campaign urging civil servants to boycott working under a military regime.

The impact has been felt at every level of the national infrastructure, with shuttered hospitals, empty ministry offices, and banks unable to operate.

On Saturday, state-run media announced that if civil servants continued to boycott work, "they will be fired" with immediate effect from March 8.

But protesters in Myanmar's commercial hub of Yangon continued to defy authorities, gathering especially in San Chaung -- a once-buzzing township with cafes, restaurants and bars that has emerged as a hotspot for unrest.

Security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades in the morning, scattering protesters, and removed their makeshift barricades with bulldozers.

Activist Maung Saungkha said the movement would persist -- even as security forces continued to step up their enforcement tactics -- as many remember the repression under the previous junta.

"In our past revolutions, we never won... this time we must fight to win," he told AFP.

"We must fight together with the younger generation to get victory." - 'The repression must stop' - The generals have shown no sign of heeding calls for restraint despite mounting international pressure, including targeted sanctions by Western powers.

The United Nations Security Council on Friday heard from UN special envoy on Myanmar Christine Schraner Burgener, who warned against any moves to grant legitimacy to the junta.

"The hope they have placed in the United Nations and its membership is waning and I have heard directly the desperate pleas -- from mothers, students and the elderly," she said.

"Your unity is needed more than ever on Myanmar... The repression must stop." But diplomats said the Security Council was unlikely to approve any international measures against the junta, and the session ended without any statement.

Condemnation against Myanmar's military has largely been unanimous, but veto-wielding China is still regarded as a key obstacle in getting consensus.

China's ambassador, Zhang Jun, said his country did not want to see instability in Myanmar.

But "the messages and measures of the international community should be conducive for the parties in Myanmar to bridge differences and resolve problems", he told reporters.

- Suu Kyi still detained - More than 50 people have been killed since the coup, with Wednesday being the bloodiest day with a death toll of at least 38, according to the UN.

Memorials were held Friday for three killed in Yangon's North Okkalapa, with hundreds of mourners holding up a three-finger salute as the coffins were carried through the funeral home.

The coffins of Arkar Moe, Zwee Htet Soe and Phoe Chit were draped with the signature red flag of Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy party.

Also killed was Kyal Sin, a 20-year-old whose image went viral because she had been wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words "Everything will be ok" when she was shot in the head during a protest in Mandalay.

Local media reported Saturday that her body was exhumed the night before by authorities, along with a doctor who conducted a grave-side examination before returning it to the ground -- a revelation which drew outrage on social media.

The junta has denied responsibility for loss of life in the protests, with state media on Friday saying "death cases due to small firearms are not associated with the security forces".

The military has continued to justify its power seizure by alleging widespread electoral fraud in November's elections, which Suu Kyi's party had won in a landslide.

The Nobel laureate has not been publicly seen since she was detained on February 1.
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Vice Minister of Digital Development of Kazakhstan Askhat Orazbek told about the transition to the 5G networks, the website of the Prime Minister of the Republic informs.

Orazbek announced the readiness of cellular operators for the transition. According to him, the initial launch of the network will take place in Nur-Sultan this year.

"By the end of 2022, we plan to launch the 5G network in cities of republican significance. By 2025, we plan to cover all regional centers," the vice minister said.
The Daily Beast

Kevin Lamarque/ReutersThe Secret Service is spending nearly $35,000 to rent portable toilets for the next four months in Bedminster, New Jerseywhere former President Donald Trump is reportedly summeringaccording to federal procurement data reviewed by The Daily Beast.BATHROOM TRAILERS BEDMINSTER, the expenditure states. A NOTICE TO PROCEED WAS GIVEN ON MAY 24, 2021. The contract will run through Sept. 30, which works out to rental costs of about $8,500 per month. Imperial Restrooms of Saug
British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's five-year jail term in Iran expires on March 7, but her husband has said her release may be in doubt.

Richard Ratcliffe told the BBC on March 6 that his wife's detention has "the potential to drag on and on" and said that "it's perfectly possible that Nazanin gets a new court case thrown at her."

Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a project manager with the Thomson Reuters Foundation who is now 42, was detained at Tehran airport after a family visit in 2016 and subsequently given a five-year sentence for plotting to overthrow Iran's government.

Her family and the foundation deny the charge while Amnesty International denounced the proceedings as a deeply unfair trial.

Britain has demanded Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release and that of other dual nationals imprisoned in Iran. Tehran does not recognize dual citizenship.

In November 2020, Zaghari-Ratcliffe was notified in court of a fresh indictment of "spreading propaganda against the regime."

Ratcliffe told the BBC that the family has "never seen a copy of the charges on which she was sentenced" originally, and accused Iran of preserving "the space to make it up as they go along at every stage."

Nazanin was temporarily released from the capital's notorious Evin prison and placed under house arrest in March owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Media have connected Zaghari-Ratcliffe's release to the outcome of negotiations between Iran and the United Kingdom over the release of hundreds of millions of dollars of Iranian funds frozen by London more than 40 years ago.

Officials in both London and Tehran have denied that Zaghari-Ratcliffe's case is linked to a repayment deal.

Based on reporting by the BBC and AFP
US, EU hail 'fresh start' with truce in planemaker feud The 16-year-old trans-Atlantic conflict over government aid to the firms saw Brussels and Washington each impose punitive tariffs, including US duties on a record $7.5 billion in European goods.

Washington and Brussels hailed an opportunity to restore frayed ties as US President Joe Biden and EU leader Ursula von der Leyen on Friday suspended tit-for-tat trade tariffs in a longstanding aircraft dispute.

The truce in the 16-year-old transatlantic dispute over subsidies for rival planemakers Boeing and Airbus represents a significant ratcheting back of the aggressive trade policies pursued by former US president Donald Trump.

Following a phone call on Friday, Biden and von der Leyen's announced a four-month suspension of billions of dollars in punitive import tariffs, in what the White House said was an opportunity "to repair and revitalize the US-EU partnership."

"I was glad to speak to President Biden this afternoon -- the first of many exchanges and the start of a good personal partnership," von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, said in a statement.

"President Biden and I agreed to suspend all our tariffs imposed in the context of the Airbus-Boeing disputes, both on aircraft and non-aircraft products, for an initial period of four months."

The call was the European Union chief's first with Biden since he came to office, although the pair spoke in November after he won the US presidential election.

Each side has won WTO rulings in the dispute which authorized the governments to impose punitive tariffs, including US duties on a record $7.5 billion in EU goods.

Washington has imposed tariffs on European products like wine, cheese and olive oil, and 15 percent tariffs on Airbus.

And the EU levied additional duties on $4 billion worth of American products including Boeing planes and farm produce such as wheat and tobacco, plus alcoholic spirits and chocolate.

- 'Fresh start' -

Biden initially maintained the duties imposed by his predecessor but also pledged to rebuild relations with American allies and trading partners that frayed over the past four years.

On Thursday the United States and Britain -- which hosts an Airbus plant and was part of the EU when the dispute started -- also agreed to suspend retaliatory tariffs for four months.

Story continues

Von der Leyen said in her statement that she hoped the suspension signaled a "fresh start."

She said her call with Biden touched on many other aspects of trans-Atlantic relations.

"We both committed to focus on resolving our aircraft disputes, based on the work our respective trade representatives," she said.

"This is excellent news for businesses and industries on both sides of the Atlantic, and a very positive signal for our economic cooperation in the years to come."

A joint statement issued by both parties stressed their committed to finally resolving the dispute, which would lead to closer cooperation in other areas, and reinforce the allies as they review ties with a rising China.

"This will allow the EU and the US to ease the burden on their industries and workers and focus efforts towards resolving these long running disputes at the WTO," it said.

Resolving the Airbus-Boeing spat will include, "addressing the trade distortive practices of and challenges posed by new entrants to the sector from non-market economies, such as China."

EU member France, which hosts Airbus' biggest plant, hailed the truce as a "first step in a de-escalation process" but warned that it would approach talks on future rules for the trans-Atlantic aviation sector "without any naivety."

Boeing and Airbus welcomed the deal in separate statements, with the European company saying it would continue to press for a negotiated solution and an end to tariffs that it said only hurt both sides in the row.

zap-dc/lth/cs/hs
Russias Sputnik V anti-coronavirus vaccine is the worlds second in terms of approvals for use from national regulators, as follows from a tweet posted on the Sputnik V official account on Friday.

"SputnikV is now the world's second most popular CovidVaccine in terms of regulatory approvals," it reads, TASS reports.

The ranking is topped by the AstraZeneca vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine follows Sputnik V.

Russia was the worlds first to register an anti-coronavirus vaccine on August 11, 2020. The vaccine, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Russian Health Ministry, was given the name Sputnik V. It is a vector vaccine based on the human adenovirus.

In early February 2020, The Lancet, a world-acclaimed medical journal, published the results of the third phase of Sputnik V clinical tests. The vaccine has proved to be among the worlds safest and most efficient preparations. Thus, its efficacy is estimated at 91.6% and 91.8% among volunteers older than 60. Ninety-eight percent of volunteers developed antibodies to the coronavirus.

According to the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is responsible for promoting the Russian vaccine on global markets, it has been registered in 45 world nations with an overall population of 1.1 billion people.
Morality and Atheism: Who Makes The Rules?

We live in a time where people are truly perplexed over what has gone wrong with our world. There seems to be so much instability in peoples lives. When you look into whats happening within our culture and world, there seems to be so much moral confusion. How does a modern person determine what is right or wrong?

Max Hocutt, professor of philosophy at the University of Alabama says:

The fundamental question of ethics is, who makes the rules? God or men? The theistic answer is that God makes them. The humanistic answer is that men make them. This distinction between theism and humanism is the fundamental division in moral theory.

Hocutt is correct. The problem then becomes if morals and ethics are determined by men, who makes these decisions? Who determines how we ought to live? How should we conduct our lives?

To personalize it, how do we determine what is moral if there is no God who reveals to us what is right or wrong? Is it determined by our feelings, by our ability to reason?

If there is no God, who or what is a guiding force in our lives? We must conclude what Richard Dawkins rationally describes in his bookRiver Out of Eden:

In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you wont find any rhyme or reason to it, nor any justice. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, and no good. Nothing but blind pitiless indifference, DNA neither knows or cares. DNA just is. And we dance to its music.

Think about what he said. If God does not exist, then what are we as human beings? We are purposeless products of biological evolution, which means all morality is subjective. It is based on your opinion.

This has such an impact on a culture when there is no moral compass. You just follow your DNA, wherever it leads you. Richard Dawkins admitted this in a radio interview with radio host Justin Brierley, as Dawkins makes it clear that human morality is nothing more than the outcome of the evolutionary process:

Brierley: When you make a value judgment, dont you immediately step yourself outside of this evolutionary process and say that the reason this is good is that its good? And you dont have any way to stand on that statement. Dawkins: My value judgement itself could come from my evolutionary past. Brierley: So therefore its just as random in a sense as any product of evolution. Dawkins: You could say thatNothing about it makes it more probable that there is anything supernatural. Brierley: Ultimately, your belief that rape is wrong is as arbitrary as the fact that weve evolved five fingers rather than six. Dawkins: You could say that, yeah.

This is astonishing that the worlds most prominent atheist could not emphatically say that rape is immoral. Though he may not believe this is true within his heart, he seeks to be a consistent Darwinian atheist.

However, Dawkins does believe that it is not good for a society always to follow Darwinian morality because it is ruthless. He says,

I have always said that I am a passionate anti-Darwinian when it comes to the way we should organize our lives and morality. We want to avoid basing our society on Darwinian principles.

Dawkins, on the one hand, says that we live our lives based on our DNA, but then introduces a moral code by telling us not to follow our DNA. The more I read of Richard Dawkins, the more I recognize how inconsistent he can be.

The individual who has had the most to say about atheism and morality is the great German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. He clearly stated that there is no absolute right or wrong. For this reason, he had much contempt for Christianity, because it elevated such beliefs as love, morality, and humility. You cant build a civilization of power on these beliefs.4

Nietzsche predicted that the English-speaking world would seek to abandon a belief in God, but would attempt to hold on to Christian values. However, he predicted correctly that when societies reject God, Christian morality itself will eventually disappear. The reason is because it will be more difficult to motivate people to be moral, for they will naturally follow their selfish instincts and desires.5

Dr. Arthur Leff, now deceased, was a brilliant professor at Yale Law School. Back in 1979, he published an article in the Duke Law Journal titled Unspeakable Ethics, Unnatural Law. Today, its considered a very important and prominent essay. It is uncertain what Leff believed about God, but what troubled him was that if there is no God, then theres no way that one can make any kind of case for human morality, particularly human rights. Here is a paraphrased summary of what he said:

You can say it is wrong for a majority to take advantage of any minority by force, but that is an opinion and not an argument. You can assert all sorts of things, but what you cannot do is say one point of view is morally right and all others are not. If someone says it is all right to enslave a minority, and you say no, it is wrong, who is to say your view of morality is right and theirs is wrong? Maybe it helps to frame it this way: if there is no God, who among us gets to impose their will on everyone else? Who gets to establish the moral laws that people are to follow? These questions are so intellectually troubling that you would think there would be more legal and ethical thinkers trying to come to grips with this.

Leffs words suggest that if there is a God, then He would make the law for us to follow. Wed base our law on Him. And this, by the way, is how Western civilization was built, with biblical truth as its foundation. We require a moral foundation on which to build a culture. As T.S. Eliot penned many years ago:

It is in Christianity that our arts have developed; it is in Christianity that the laws of Europe have been rooted.

Returning to Leffs argument, his words also suggest that if there is no God, then moral law has to be grounded in human opinion. So, we must ask, who gets to establish their human opinion as law so that everyone has to obey it? Why should your view of morality have privilege over my view? Ultimately, what you end up with is that those in power will make sure their moral values prevail. Of course, thats what happened in Nazi Germany.

I close with this quote from Charles Malik, Former Lebanese Ambassador to the United States, President of the United Nations General Assembly:

There is truth, and there is falsehood. There is good, and there is evil. There is happiness, and there is misery. There is that which ennobles, and there is that which demeans. There is that which puts you in harmony with yourself, with others, with the universe, and with God, and there is that which alienates you from yourself, and from the world, and from God...The greatest error in modern times is the confusion between these orders.

Get your copy of Richards newest book Reflections on the Existence of God on Amazon or at reflectionsontheexistenceofgod.com. Preview Chapter 1 for free here!

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.

Finland did not completely fulfill its refugee quote set by the United Nations last year, the Finnish Immigration Service said on Friday

HELSINKI (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th March, 2021) Finland did not completely fulfill its refugee quote set by the United Nations last year, the Finnish Immigration Service said on Friday.

"Finland's refugee quota for last year was 850 refugees. Finland accepted 730 quota refugees in 2020.

The most quota refugees arrived in Finland from Syria (399) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (211)", the message said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the selection of refugees evacuated from Libya was suspended to early 2021. Under usual circumstances, quota refugees are selected during missions. Last year Finland conducted its only mission in Ankara accepting 249 Syrians.

In November 2020, the Finnish Justice Minister said that in 2021, Helsinki was planning to accept some 1,050 refugees from Syria, Congo and Libya.




President Joe Biden's administration condemns racially charged hate crimes against Asian Americans and will work to eradicate such attacks on these communities, the White House spokeswoman said Friday.







Jen Psaki said President Biden remains committed to ending anti-Asian bias.







"And he has made clear that is the policy of this administration to condemn and combat xenophobia against Asian Americans wherever it exists," the press secretary told a daily press briefing.







The latest denunciation against hate crimes came one day after a group of senior White House officials held a virtual meeting with Asian American and Pacific Islander advocates and community leaders to discuss "the increasing rates of anti-Asian harassment and violence," according to Psaki.







She said the administration will work to root out hate crimes, noting the president had signed a presidential memorandum in his first week in office, instructing the Justice Department to join with Asian American communities to prevent and better collect data on hate crimes against Asian Americans.







Crimes against Asian Americans have shot up in major cities such as New York since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. early last year, for which former President Donald Trump had repeatedly blamed China and the Chinese people.







The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus earlier said that more than 3,000 anti-Asian hate incidents have been reported since early 2020. (Yonhap)


Titular de la PCM: El miercoles recibimos un lote de 50 mil dosis de vacunas del laboratorio Pfizer y el proximo miercoles recibiremos 50 mil mas. Para ese dia tambien se esperan 170 mil dosis a traves del mecanismo COVAX Facility. No es cierto que lleguen de mil en mil. pic.twitter.com/SaCnPByrP6
A trial date has been set for two British ISIS militants known as the "Beatles", who are accused of torturing and beheading Americans and Europeans in Syria.

A federal judge in Virginia set a tentative date in January 2022 for the trial of El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Amon Kotey.

The men, along with other ISIS militants from Britain, made up a group of fighters who came to be known as "The Beatles" because of their English accents.

The UK only agreed to turn the men over for prosecution in the US after then-Attorney General William Barr agreed not to seek the death penalty.

According to Assistant US Attorney Dennis Fitzpatrick, the government wants to bring the case to trial as soon as possible.

Mr Fitzpatrick told the Associated Press that the government has already provided defence attorneys for the men with more than 5,900 pages of documents and 27 hard drives or discs of evidence.

According to Mr Fitzpatrick, Friday was the first time the defence attorneys had met their clients due to medical concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

The militants are accused of holding more than 20 Western hostages during 2014 and 2015 in Syria, torturing many of them. The group is accused of beheading seven American, British and Japanese journalists and aid workers operating in the country.

The ISIS fighters released propaganda videos of the executions along with demands that the US cease its airstrikes in Syria.

James Foley, an American journalist, was the first killed by the group. The militants also killed Americans Steven Sotloff, and Peter Kassig and are thought to have been implicated in the death of Kayla Mueller, as well as that of British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning and Japanese journalists Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto.

In a joint statement the families of the Americans killed said: "Now our families can pursue accountability for these crimes against our children in a US court.

"Kotey and ElSheikh's extradition and trial in the United States will be the first step in the pursuit of justice for the alleged horrific human rights crimes against these four young Americans, who saw the suffering of the Syrian people and wanted to help, whether by providing humanitarian aid or by telling the world about the evolving Syrian crisis."

Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- A lull in Bitcoins wild swings in recent days has been taken by some as a tentative sign the fragile digital currency could recover.The worlds largest cryptocurrency was little changed at $36,425 as of 6:45 a.m. in New York on Tuesday, following two straight sessions of gains.Swings in the price -- as measured by the spread between its daily high and low -- have fallen to their lowest since the beginning of the year, despite reports over the weekend that U.S. financial authorities are preparing to take a more active role in regulating the crypto market. Bitcoins 10-day volatility fell back to 106% from a high of nearly 162% on May 24.Despite another set of negative headlines Bitcoin actually rose $2,000 over the weekend, wrote Tom Lee, co-founder of independent research firm Fundstrat Global Advisors LLC in a note to clients. I cant help but view this as reinforcing the likelihood Bitcoin has bottomed, given bad news is not creating new lows.Lee sees Bitcoin exceeding $125,000 before the end of the year, but is watching for a rise above $40,000 as a sign the digital currency has seen its lows for 2021.Bitcoin SlumpCryptocurrencies have experienced a torrid few months, with Bitcoin at one stage more than halving from its mid-April high on concerns about regulation from the likes of the U.S. and China and questions about the toll of its energy requirements on the environment. Prominent digital currency advocate and Tesla Inc. founder Elon Musk even went so far as to stop accepting Bitcoin as payment for vehicles.Crypto is a tough gig right now, the tape is messy, and Bitcoin could easily break hard one way or the other, Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Financial Pty, wrote in a note.On Thursday, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda joined the chorus of central bankers casting doubt on Bitcoin following its latest surge and slide. The governor of Swedens central bank said on Monday that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are unlikely to dodge regulatory oversight.Read more: Bitcoin Is Unlikely to Escape Regulation, Riksbank Governor SaysStill, some see the weekends relative calm as a sign that prices could recover, even as Bitcoins questionable environmental profile has eroded the argument that the token is bound to lure more mainstream investment. It has risen about 20% from its May low just above the $30,000 level.As regulators engage there may be some unnerving headlines for the market, but engagement is a medium term positive for institutional adoption, said Jonathan Cheesman, head of over-the-counter and institutional sales at crypto derivatives exchange FTX. There are some tentatively positive signs at least that the worst fears havent become a reality.(Updates price, adds context.)More stories like this are available on bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.2021 Bloomberg L.P.


FILE PHOTO: Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama talks with journalists in Geneva Reuters

Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama received the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine Saturday.

The Dalai Lama, 85, encouraged others to get the shot to avoid "serious problems."

Ten other people who live in the Dalai Lama's residence were also vaccinated, AP reported.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

The Dalai Lama, the 85-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, received on Saturday the first of the two-shot COVID-19 vaccine and encouraged others to get the life-saving shot.

The Dalai Lama and 10 other people who live at his residence received the first of the two-shot Covishield vaccine, developed by the UK pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca and Oxford University, said Dr. G.D. Gupta of Zonal Hospital in Dharamshala, India, where he received the shot, according to a report from the Associated Press.

According to data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 11 million people in India have been diagnosed with COVID-19, marking it the country with the second-highest number of reported infections behind the United States. More than 157,000 COVID-19 deaths have been reported in India, according to the data.

"In order to prevent some serious problems, this injection is very, very helpful," the Dalai Lama said in a video of his vaccination posted on YouTube.

"I want to share so more people should have the courage to take this injection," he said.

Gupta said that the Dalai Lama had offered to come to the hospital to get vaccinated "like a common man," according to the report.

According to the AP, India began its vaccination rollout in January, offering the shot first to healthcare personnel and other essential workers. Recently, the country began offering the vaccine to older people and people with pre-existing conditions, according to the report.

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Five members of the U.S. House of Representatives assembled in Bessemer this afternoon at Amazons fulfillment center, all to lend support to a vote on whether workers there will form a union. It was another sign that the union vote is having repercussions far beyond the fate of one facility in Alabama.

Rep. Terri Sewell was joined by Reps. Andy Levin (D-Mich.), Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) as they stood outside the Amazon facility with Stuart Appelbaum, the president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), the union that would represent workers there if the union is approved.

Here is full coverage of the Alabama Amazon unionization effort

More than 5,000 workers at the center are currently conducting a mail-in election on unionization, with votes to be counted March 30. As the contingent arrived at the center, they were greeted by two large digital signs - Welcome to Bessemer Members of Congress - Please match Amazons $15/hour minimum wage. A banner with a similar message was also stretched out for the benefit of the media photographing the representatives.

It was a battle of messaging playing out in real time between the company and those supporting the union, after a week that began with President Joe Biden releasing a video statement encouraging workers to vote without actually mentioning Amazon by name. Levin said the union vote would be the most important vote in a generation for the South.

But the signs were evidently the companys way of firing back at its critics. All of the representatives have been part of efforts to increase the federal minimum wage to $15 as part of Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill, a provision that was ultimately scrapped. Yet employees in Bessemer start at twice the states minimum wage, which is the federal minimum. Applebaum retorted that $15 is better than a food service job pays, but is not comparable to the kind of warehouse job Amazon offers at its fulfillment centers, which process orders. Bessemer was built to dispatch about 100,000 Amazon orders a day.

At a news conference in Birmingham at the union hall before the visit to Bessemer, the representatives made statements tying the union push with Alabamas civil rights history. Sewell invoked the name of the late Congressman John Lewis and others who dared to change the world by having the audacity to stand up for their rights.

We see you, we hear you, Alabama workers, and we are with you, Sewell said.

Kevin Jackson, an Amazon worker, said he appreciated the groups visit. Were not going to be scared or intimidated by anyone saying theyre going to fire us due to what we want and what we earn. We just want whats owed to us, he said.

Like several speakers, Jackson alluded to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his personal wealth from the company. Bezos, who announced earlier this year he was stepping down, has an estimated private fortune of nearly $200 billion. Amazon itself made a profit of $386 billion in 2020, fueled by demand for products from shoppers stuck in their homes due to coronavirus measures. Several speakers indicated Bezos was in Birmingham Friday - the company denied this.

Jackson said Bezos would not have his fortune if not for workers in the company.

He can sleep good at night knowing everything is taken care of, he said. And we have to worry about whether to pay our mortgage or our light bill, somethings wrong there...Were going to continue on doing something until he gets it.

The representatives said they met with employees from Amazon who talked about conditions in the workplace. Bowman spoke of a culture of abuse, a culture of surveillance that exploited workers.

Bush, wearing a COVID mask that read Good Trouble, which was Lewis slogan, said Amazon ended its hazard pay, of an extra $2 an hour during the early days of the pandemic, last June.

How dare you, Jeff Bezos! Bush thundered. You have workers going around your facility who have to pick and pack and stow every second - this is harassment to have these cameras around all the time documenting them. If they didnt show up, you wouldnt be on the line!

Bowman went further.

Theyve created a plantation work environment thats abusive, Bowman said. Were here fighting for not just a living wage, and a family sustaining wage and hazard pay and healthcare, but the right to organize in the workplace.

Amazon Vice President of People Experience and Technology Ofori Agboka said he found the comment offensive.

I find that highly disrespectful and just flat-out wrong, Agboka said. People who work here come with pride and passion and innovation and to do well, and they dont deserve that. Im an African-American man, theres a lot of African-American employees that work here, and its not appreciated to use that as a political weapon.

Agboka also said the charges that employees are strictly monitored on breaks, surveilled and subject to an impersonal management style are categorically false.

Some of these things that are being alleged, we just dont find merit in them, Agboka said. And in the places where we find opportunities to do better, we will.
After a US-government funded NGO said in a report that civil liberties in India had been on a decline since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came into power, the government responded saying the findings were misleading, incorrect and misplaced.

In its report titled Democracy under Seige, the US-based Freedom House  that conducts research and advocacy on democracy, political freedom, and human rights  changed Indias status as a free country to partly free. The report said the change in Indias status is part of a global shift in the balance between democracy and authoritarianism.

TOI

Government's rebuttal

While the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) stressed that the country treats all citizens equally without discrimination and that discussion, debate and dissent are part of Indian democracy, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India has robust institutions. The MEA also took a dig at the democracy watchdog, saying India does not need "sermons", especially from those who cannot get their basics right.



ANI

Asked about the report, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "The political judgements of Freedom House are as inaccurate and distorted as their maps." Srivastava was referring to a wrongful depiction of India's map by Freedom House.

On Delhi 2020 riots

In a detailed rebuttal, the MIB said, "Government of India treats all its citizens with equality as enshrined under the Constitution of the country and all laws are applied without discrimination." It said the due process of law is followed in matters relating to law and order, irrespective of the identity of the alleged instigator. "With specific reference to the North East Delhi riots in January 2020, the law enforcement machinery acted swiftly in an impartial and fair manner. Proportionate and appropriate actions were taken to control the situation. Necessary legal and preventive actions were taken by the law enforcement machinery on all complaints/calls received, as per law and procedures."

Reuters

On migrant crisis

The government statement also rebutted the allegation in the report that the COVID-19-induced lockdown "left millions of migrant workers in cities without work or basic resources" and "resulted in the dangerous and unplanned displacement of millions of internal migrant workers". It said the lockdown was announced to control the spread of the coronavirus and the period allowed the government to ramp up the production capacity of masks, ventilators, personal protection equipment (PPE) kits, etc. and thereby effectively prevent the spread of the pandemic. "India has, on a per capita basis, registered one of the lowest rates of active COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 related deaths globally.

Reuters - Representational Image

On journalists, media

Rejecting the report's claims that academicians and journalists were intimidated, it said, discussion, debate and dissent is part of Indian democracy. "The Government of India attaches the highest importance to the safety and security of all residents of the country, including journalists." The report had also claimed that though the private media are vigorous and diverse, and investigations and scrutiny of politicians do occur, but attacks on press freedom have escalated dramatically under the Modi government, and reporting has become significantly less ambitious in recent years.

AFP

Authorities have used security, defamation, sedition, and hate speech laws, as well as contempt-of-court charges, to quiet critical voices in the media. Responding to this assessment, the government statement said that 'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects under India's federal structure of governance. The responsibility of maintaining law and order, including investigation, registration and prosecution of crimes, protection of life and property, etc., rests primarily with the concerned State governments. Therefore, measures as deemed fit are taken by law enforcement authorities to preserve public order, it added.

BCCL

On 'quelling' CAA protests

The report claims that the authorities used assembly bans, internet blackouts, and live ammunition between December 2019 and March 2020 to quell widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and proposals to roll out a citizens' registration process across the country.

BCCL

The government said, "...the temporary suspension of telecom/internet services is resorted to with the overarching objective of maintaining law and order under strict safeguards."


(Newser)  After the Senate passed his coronavirus relief package Saturday, President Biden told Americans they'll get their stimulus payments soon. "This plan will get checks out the door starting this month to the Americans that so desperately need the help," he said in a news conference at the White House. For most taxpayers, the direct payments will amount to $1,400, and will arrive through direct deposit for Americans whose bank information is on file at the IRS, CNBC reports. That money could start to reach people within two weeks of final passage. Other payments will be made by check or debit card and sent by mail, and could take until May to arrive. The measure has to clear the House again but is on track to be signed by Biden on Tuesday.

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Calling Saturday "a good day," Biden portrayed the legislation as a promise kept to Americans struggling financially during the pandemic. "Today, I can say we've taken one more giant step forward in delivering on that promise that help is on the way," he said. The persident thanked Senate Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris for their work and praised Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for assembling a winning compromise, per the Hill. "When the country needed you most, you led, Chuck, and you delivered," Biden said. The legislation did not enjoy smooth sailing; for one thing, debate was held up for almost 11 hours while Senate clerks read the bill aloud at the insistence of Republican Sen. Ron Johnson. "It obviously wasnt easy," Biden said. "It wasn't always pretty, but it was so desperately needed, urgently needed." (Read more economic stimulus package stories.)
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

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Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

Oliver Kahn replaces Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as Bayern Munich's manager

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Arturo Vidal tests positive for COVID-19

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Thomas Tuchel's contract with Chelsea automatically extended

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

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USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

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COVID-19 Vaccines Donated by China to Sierra Leone Arrived at Lungi International Airport

2021/02/25

On February 25, 2021, 200,000 vials of Sino-pharm COVID-19 vaccines together with 201,600 pieces of syringes donated by the Chinese government to Sierra Leone arrived at Lungi International Airport. H.E. Chinese Ambassador Hu Zhangliang, Hon. Acting Minister of Health and Sanitation Anthony Sandy, Hon. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Spokesperson of NaCOVERC Solomon Jamiru, Hon. Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation II Amara Jambai, and other dignitaries, friends and representatives of the fourth estate graced the hand-over ceremony.

Ambassador Hu said that this donation is one of the concrete actions by China in honoring H.E. President Xi Jinpings pledge of making Chinas COVID-19 vaccine a global public good and it also vividly reflects the strong friendship between China and Sierra Leone.

Hon. Deputy Minister Jamiru and Hon. Acting Minister Sandy, on behalf of H.E. President Maada Bio, thanked China for the kind gesture as the two countries are celebrating the wonderful 50 years of the founding of diplomatic relations. Hon. Deputy Minister Jamiru also highlighted that the very special, cordial relationship between Sierra Leone and China will continue to evolve from strength to strength, and from prosperity to prosperity.

The safety and efficacy of these donated vaccines has been scientifically proven and meets the standards of Chinas National Medical Products Administration and those of the WHO. The donation is expected to help beef up Sierra Leones tenacious fight against COVID-19.
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Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of Shia Islam's top clerics, told Pope Francis in a historic meeting in Iraq on Saturday that the country's Christians should live in "peace

The meeting, on the second day of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq, marked a landmark moment in modern religious history and a milestone in Francis's efforts to deepen interfaith dialogue.

Pope Francis later addressed the rich spectrum of Iraq's religious communities at Ur, traditional birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a central figure in the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths, where he made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

The 84-year-old pontiff's trip to Iraq is an effort to both reassure the country's ancient but dwindling Christian community and expand his dialogue with other faiths.

His meeting with the grand ayatollah lasted 50 minutes, and Sistani's office put out a statement shortly afterwards thanking Francis for visiting the holy city of Najaf.

Sistani, 90, "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights," it said.

His office published an image of the two, neither wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah.

Sistani is extremely reclusive and rarely grants meetings but made an exception to host Pope Francis.

The pontiff had landed earlier at Najaf airport, where posters featured a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city.

"People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners.

- 'It all started here' -

Francis then headed straight to the desert site of the ancient city of Ur, where Abraham is believed to have been born in the second millenium BC.

"It all started from here," Francis said, after hearing from representatives of Iraq's diverse religious communities.

There were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State (IS) militant group in 2014, as well as Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians.

Shia and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian clerics, were there. Each was wearing their traditional religious garb, with a dozen different types of robe and headdress on display in the red-carpeted pavilion set up for the visit.

Iraq is a Muslim-majority country of 40 million whose Christian population has shrunk in the past two decades to just one percent, with minorities still complaining of ostracism and persecution.

During his address, Pope Francis said freedom of conscience and of religion were "fundamental rights" that should be respected everywhere.

"We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion," Francis said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities persecuted under IS rule.

He also made an impassioned plea for "unity" after conflict.

"Let us ask for this in praying for the whole Middle East. Here I think especially of neighbouring war-torn Syria," he said.

Following the prayer service in Ur, the pope is to head back to Baghdad to preside over a mass at the Saint Joseph Cathedral.

The church is located in Karrada district, where the flags of Iraq and the Vatican were hoisted, special forces deployed and concrete barriers had been erected.

In front of the church, those with tickets to the mass gathered under huge banners baring the pope's image and proclaiming "You are all brothers".

- 'Cease partisan interests' -

Pope Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith dialogue, has met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Morocco, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Sistani, meanwhile, is followed by most of the world's 200 million Shia -- a minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq -- and is a national figure for Iraqis.

In 2019, he stood with Iraqi protesters demanding better public services and rejecting external interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.

On Friday in Baghdad, Pope Francis made a similar plea.

"May partisan interests cease, those outside interests who don't take into account the local population," he said.

Sistani has had a complicated relationship with his birthplace Iran, where the other main seat of Shia religious authority lies: Qom.

While Najaf affirms the separation of religion and politics, Qom believes the top cleric -- Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- should also govern.

Iraqi clerics and Christian leaders said the visit could strengthen Najaf's standing compared with Qom.

In Abu Dhabi in 2019, the pope met Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo and a key authority for Sunni Muslims.

They signed a text encouraging Christian-Muslim dialogue, which Catholic clerics hoped Sistani would also back, but the meeting passed without such an endorsement.

While the pope has been vaccinated and encouraged others to get the jab, Sistani's office has not announced his vaccination.

Iraq is currently gripped by a resurgence of coronavirus cases, recording more than 5,000 infections and more than two dozen deaths daily.

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On February 28, I posted this comment on Facebook and, in slightly shortened form, on Twitter:

My prayer for President Biden:

Father, I ask you to reveal Yourself to him, to convict him of his sin, to save him and transform him, to give him a heart for righteousness, and to use him for the good of America.

Can I get an Amen? Is there anything in that prayer that we, as God's people, cannot come together and pray?

As of this writing, on our Facebook page alone, there are more than 7,000 likes, along with more than 2,600 comments, most of them offering their Amen to the prayer.

Others, however, could not add their Amen.

For some, it was simply objecting to the words President Biden. They still do not see him as legitimate.

To them, I can only say this: Even if you are absolutely sure there was rampant fraud and you feel outraged that the election was stolen, the reality is that Joe Biden is now serving as our president. He lives in the White House. He has presidential powers. Congress recognizes him as president, as do our governors, as do world leaders.

So, to pray for President Biden is simply to accept the current reality. It is not to capitulate to his agenda.

Others could not agree fully with the prayer because they were convinced we should also pray down curses on Biden. As Stephen wrote, Sure! Ill add this prayer from Psalm 109, quoting verses 7-14. What do these verses say?

Here are the words of Psalm 109:7-14, as translated in the NIV: When he is tried, let him be found guilty, and may his prayers condemn him. May his days be few; may another take his place of leadership. May his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. May his children be wandering beggars; may they be driven from their ruined homes. May a creditor seize all he has; may strangers plunder the fruits of his labor. May no one extend kindness to him or take pity on his fatherless children. May his descendants be cut off, their names blotted out from the next generation. May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD; may the sin of his mother never be blotted out.

And to these words, Stephen added his Amen.

My friend, that is not how God wants us to pray for President Biden. That is completely contrary to the directives of the New Testament. And it is a blatant violation of the spirit of Jesus. God forbid we entertain such a prayer for President Biden.

We are not to pray for his death and for his wife to be a widow. And for his children to be despised, homeless, beggars on whom no one has pity. And for his parents sins to be remembered. And for future generations of his descendants  which would include his grandchildren  to be cut off and blotted out. God forbid!

It is one thing to be grieved over a sinful agenda and to pray for God to stop that agenda. It is another thing to pray down curses on someones children. What on earth happened to our Christian spirit?

Few human beings who lived were more evil than Hitler, but even at the height of his powers, if he had children or grandchildren, I would not be praying down curses on them. Instead, I would pray for his reign of evil to be stopped, for God to rescue the innocent, and for him to repent and face justice.

Sadly, in recent months, the trend has emerged  the latest Christian fad, it appears  to pray down curses on our political enemies. (Check out this call to my radio show for a good example.) This is a fad we must resist.

Look at these clear instructions from Paul as to how we are to pray for those in authority: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Now, go back and read those words again, realizing that Nero  yes, Nero  was emperor of Rome when Paul wrote to Timothy. Thats how he tells us to pray for a depraved maniac like Nero. Yet some Christians want to pray down curses on Joe Bidens children and grandchildren? How sick is that?

As for our attitude towards those who oppose us, Jesus said, You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43-45).

So, in Old Testament times, under the Sinai Covenant, there may have been a time when it was right to pray prayers like Psalm 109 against mortal enemies, who, with their descendants, were bent on doing evil.

But that was then. This is now. And Jesus calls us to something much higher.

The Lord  our Master  commands us to love our enemies, not hate them. And Paul exhorts us to bless those who persecute us rather than cursing them back (see Romans 12:14).

Where we do see evil or unrighteousness or injustice, with Gods help, we should oppose it with all our might. Let us do all we all we can to stand for what is right, both socially and politically. Let us be fearless, tireless, and courageous.

Only let us not be consumed with hatred and carnal anger and vindictiveness in the process. The moment we do, we become part of the problem rather than the solution. Instead, let us have a heart filled with the hope of redemption.

As I have said before, I am eternally grateful to God that people didnt pray down curses on me when I was a godless, 16-year-old rebel with a heart full of evil. Instead, people prayed for my salvation and transformation.

Lets do the same for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Who knows what God might do in answer to our prayers?

Denver, COKevin Schewe had a lively interview with Mark Bishop, host on Business Tucson RadioX, about Bad Love Tigers, the second installment in his Bad Love Gang sci-fi book series. An entertaining aspect of the interview was hearing about the genesis of the series, beginning in childhood, with interests in time travel, World War II, military aviation, science and more.

A practicing physician in Denver, Kevin Schewe carefully constructed the books to appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. In Bad Love Beyond they battle KGB agents during the height of the Cold War and dinosaurs on a planet across the universe. He explains to Bishop how real-life characters Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Gerald Ford, the latter first encountered as a young solider in World War II, both play pivotal roles in the first three books of the series.

A fun aspect of the book series is when the narrator, "Bubble Butt or BB" continually engages his "musical brain," a unique method which enhances scenes throughout all the books. Fans of the Bad Love Gang series can find the book music playlists on Spotify and include famous, and not so famous, classics from The Beatles, Elvis, Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra and many others. Because of alien world and time-travel elements within each story, the songs are also employed as a form of universal communication device to foster better relations.

Expert Click Radio  Kevin Schewe, Author of 'Bad Love Tigers,' Interviewed by Mark Bishop on Tucson Business RadioX

In Bad Love Strikes, the Bad Love Gang discovers The White Hole project, a "backup plan" time-travel machine created by President Franklin Roosevelt in case America lost the race to create the first atomic bomb.

In the exciting sequel Bad Love Tigers, the Bad Love Gang uses the White Hole project to travel back to 1945 to thwart Russian spies and protect the secrets of Area 51, before heading to China to volunteer with the AVG Flying Tigers under General Claire Chennault. In book #3, Bad Love Beyond, the gang must travel not just through time, but through space as well to learn the reason behind Blue Nova One's mysterious visit to earth.

One of the most compelling aspects of the series is how the author carefully researched and portrays the real historical figures, such as President Roosevelt or a young and older President Gerald Ford, or accurately describes the effort to build the first nuclear weapon or the combat capabilities of a World War II fighter aircraft. A history buff since childhood, Kevin Schewe, a renowned MD and entrepreneur, then inserts a group of friends, like the chums from his youth, and sends them on important missions throughout time and space. Along the way various popular songs of the day pop up to highlight a mood or a moment in time to never forget.

Schewe, who has a background in physics, has always loved stories about time travel. "These stories just come to life in such an organic way," Schewe says. "They combine my childhood memories with my love of history and time travel."

Be sure to watch the exciting book trailers for Bad Love series: https://bit.ly/BadLoveStrikes-Trailer and https://bit.ly/BadLoveTigers_Trailer and https://bit.ly/BadLoveBeyondTrailer.

"The Bad Love Gang is back at it with an ample supply of action, adventure, espionage, intrigue and suspense. Bad Love Beyond is like flying through the Museum of Natural History, the National Air and Space Museum, Jurassic Park and Captain Kirk's starship with a wonderful tour guide." David A. Holladay, M.D.

"Bad Love Beyond is the newest volume of the Bad Love series and once again the author mixes history with fantasy so successfully that the book both entertains and informs. Skillful writing, a zesty sense of humor, an appreciation for pop culture, and the ability to create memorably entertaining characters combine to make this an immensely impressive novel." Grady Harp, Top 50 Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer, 5-Stars

Whether you are a history buff, a time-travel buff, a sci-fi lover, or are just in need of a fun book to cheer you up, Bad Love Beyond is the adventure you've been waiting for. Grab your copy today.

Kevin L. Schewe, MD, FACRO is a board-certified cancer specialist who has been in the private practice of radiation oncology for over 33 years. He is an entrepreneur, having founded Elite Therapeutics and Bad Love Cosmetics Company, LLC. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of a small, publicly-traded, renewable, green energy and animal feed company called VIASPACE, Inc. Bad Love Beyond is the sequel to the bestselling Bad Love Tigers which was the sequel to his bestselling debut novel Bad Love Strikes. You can connect with Schewe through his website KevinSchewe.com or Instagram: @realkevinschewe.

Bad Love Beyond, ASIN: B08P5VSMNZ, Broken Crow Ridge Publishing, 2020, ebook: $9.49, 258 pages, available on Amazon and www.jancarolpublishing.com.

Media Contact: For a review copy of Bad Love Tigers, or previous books in the series, or to arrange an interview with Dr. Kevin Schewe, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Communications Book Marketing at scottlorenz@westwindcos.comor by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @abookpublicist.
Visitors wearing face masks as a precaution against COVID-19 walk past a section of a public park in Seoul taped off with a sign that reads "Access restricted to prevent the spread of COVID-19," March 4. AP



Daily new COVID-19 cases here hovered above 400 for Friday, as sporadic infection clusters showed no signs of a letup and the rising number of travelers amid the warm weather is raising worries about another uptick in infections.



The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 418 more coronavirus cases, including 404 local ones, raising the total caseload to 92,055.



The number was slightly up from the 398 reported for Thursday, but down from 424 tallied the previous day.



Five more patients died from COVID-19, raising the total to 1,632 for a fatality rate of 1.77 percent.



Since reporting a record daily-high 1,241 infections on Dec. 25 last year, the country has seen the figure gradually fall with some ups and downs.



The number, however, has stayed stagnant recently at around 300 and 400, as infection clusters at workplaces and hospitals have lingered.



The authorities are expressing concern as more people are expected to want to enjoy outdoor activities in the warmer weather as spring approaches, warning them to continue to stay home to flatten the infection curve.



The greater Seoul area, home to about half of the nation's 52 million population, is currently under Level 2 social distancing measures, the third highest in the government's five-tier system, while other regions are under Level 1.5.



Private gatherings of five or more people are banned nationwide.



The administration is, however, tentatively moving toward imposing a four-tier social distancing system that will allow businesses, such as cafes and restaurants, to operate under voluntary containment efforts. The health authorities plan to finalize this new plan by the end of the month.



A total of 296,380 people have now been vaccinated since the government launched a mass nationwide vaccination campaign last week, with an additional 67,840 getting the shots Friday, according to the KDCA.



Some 291,131 people received the AstraZeneca vaccine, while 5,249 received the one from Pfizer.



The government aims to achieve herd immunity here by November.



The number of people suffering adverse effects after receiving the shots came to 2,883, up 1,305 from the previous day, with the majority of them showing common and mild symptoms such as headaches or fever.



The number of people who have died after being vaccinated is seven so far  although they had underlying conditions and no correlation has been established so far.



Of the 404 locally transmitted cases Friday, 126 were reported in Seoul and 172 in the surrounding Gyeonggi Province; while Incheon, 40 kilometers west of the capital, saw 19.



North Chungcheong Province reported 22 infections, and the southeastern port city of Busan added 12.



Infection clusters involving foreign workers in Dongducheon, just north of Seoul, reached 146, according to the latest data provided Friday. A call center in Gwangju reported 73.



There were an additional 14 imported cases, raising that caseload to 7,160.



Of the newly imported cases, three came from the United Arab Emirates, while arrivals from the United States and Pakistan accounted for two each.



The number of seriously or critically ill COVID-19 patients was 136, up one from the previous day.



The number of people recovering from the infection was 82,913, up 353 from a day earlier. More than 90 percent of patients reported here have recovered.



South Korea has carried out 6,821,943 COVID-19 tests so far. (Yonhap)


Marcia Bernicat, the then-American ambassador to Bangladesh, speaks to reporters at the National Press Club in Dhaka, Oct. 5, 2015.

Police investigators in Bangladesh have charged nine activists linked to the ruling Awami League or its student front for their alleged roles in an attack on a motorcade carrying the U.S. ambassador in August 2018.

The suspects threw brickbats at the car carrying Ambassador Marcia Bernicat after she left a dinner party at the home of Badiul Alam Majumdar, a critic of the ruling party, according to a charge sheet filed before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrates court in Dhaka on Jan. 18 and obtained by BenarNews on Friday.

Another critic of the Awami League, Kamal Hossain, president of the opposition Gono Forum party, had attended the dinner as well.

Local leaders and activists of the ruling Awami Leagues Mohammadpur neighborhood unit carried out the attack as they suspected that there was anti-state conspiracy going on at the residence of Dr. Majumdar, the charge sheet alleged.

Shortly after the Aug. 4, 2018, incident, the U.S. Embassy said a group of armed adult men, including some on motorcycles, had attacked Bernicats convoy as it drove through the citys Mohammadpur residential block before midnight.



The ambassador and her security team departed the area unharmed, said the statement, which was published on the embassys website. However, two security vehicles sustained some damage.

The charge sheet said the suspects then attacked Majumdars home, throwing brickbats that broke windows. They were identified as Naimul Hasan, Firoz Mahmud, Mir Amzad Hossain, Md. Sazu Islam, Rajibul Islam Raju, Shahidul Alam Khan Kajol, Tanna, Siam and Oli Ahmed.

Investigating officer Md. Abdur Rouf filed charges including unlawful assembly, criminal mischief and criminal intimidation. If convicted, the suspects could be sentenced to up to two years.

The investigating officer alleged that nine others were involved in the incident and could be charged in the future.

Six of the suspects appeared in court and secured bail on Feb. 28, while three others have absconded, court sources told The Daily Star in Dhaka.

After waiting nearly 2 years for charges to be filed, Majumdar expressed frustration with the police action.

This is an extremely farcical charge sheet because it has spared the main accused, he told BenarNews, identifying a leader of the ruling party. My house was attacked, but the police concluded that an anti-state conspiracy was going on.

It is the responsibility of the state to secure my residence, he said, adding, The consequences of this attack could be grievous  either the U.S. ambassador or I could have died.

Meanwhile in Washington, a U.S. State Department spokesperson responded to a BenarNews request for comment on the charges.

We are aware of the media reports and will continue to track developments, the spokesperson said.
A business located in rural Wexford is establishing itself as one of the country's premier producers of a liquid used to reduce harmful emissions from diesel vehicles.

EuroBlue, which is in Ballybrennan in Bree, was set up in 2016 by Edward Galavan. It makes Adblue, a product which treats nitrogen dioxide emissions in diesel vehicles and converts them to harmless nitrogen and water.

Edward and business development manager Leon Galvin explained the origins of the business. 'Before we started EuroBlue, the supply of Adblue in Ireland was dominated by imports and controlled by the large UK and European conglomerates.

'However, we saw an opportunity to produce it locally and offer users a more efficient, secure and customer-focused service. Thankfully, our customers have valued this and supported us in growing to where we are today.'

The impact of Brexit is still being felt in some sectors, but for EuroBlue it has provided an opportunity to work with more Irish companies.

'Our customer base include the haulage, bus, and courier sectors as well as the major food retailers and the forecourt sector and National Defence forces,' said Leon.

'All these are frontline services and have been operating non-stop through the pandemic to keep food and products moving. Security of supply is paramount and having a locally produced supply of Adblue has proved invaluable for them.'

Since it was founded in 2016, EuroBlue has received support from the LEADER Programme on two occasions, and Edward credits them with helping his business to grow.

'We worked very closely with enterprise officer Helena Dempsey since our inception and through the LEADER programme we have received invaluable guidance and financial support.

'This has helped us to scale up quickly and reach a size and capacity that has allowed us to compete with the the large UK and European producers.

'The support of Helena and her teams in Wexford Local Development has also positively impacted on both local employment and the local economy. We work as much as possible with local suppliers of equipment, services and transport all of which helps to drive the local economy. I would recommend any business seeking development support to reach out and contact the Enterprise officer covering their area.'

And Edward is hopeful EuroBlue will continue to grow despite these uncertain times.

'We saw growth this year despite the pandemic. A lot of vans and trucks are still running. Sales on the passenger side decreased, but farming and construction mostly carried on and haulage increased.

'We see ourselves continuing to grow. Brexit will actually benefit us because some of the big UK suppliers will have additional checks on the border, so we're hoping to find opportunities there. We're ready to fill those gaps.'
Chief Executive of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam attends the question and answer session in the Legislative Council (LegCo) in Hong Kong, south China, Feb. 4, 2021. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Friday started deliberating a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The draft decision was submitted to the fourth annual session of the 13th NPC. Wang Chen, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered an explanatory speech on the draft at the opening meeting of the session.

IMPERATIVE, IMPORTANCE

As an important part of the political structure of the HKSAR, its electoral system should conform to "one country, two systems," meet the realities in the HKSAR and serve to ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong," Wang said.

However, in recent years, especially after the turbulence over the amendment bill in 2019, anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical localists in Hong Kong have openly called for "Hong Kong independence." They used the electoral platforms of the HKSAR and the deliberation platforms of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the District Councils or their position as public servants to blatantly carry out anti-China and destabilizing activities, he said.

The rioting and turbulence that occurred in the Hong Kong society reveals that the existing electoral system in the HKSAR has clear loopholes and deficiencies, which the anti-China, destabilizing elements jumped on to take into their hands the power to administer the HKSAR, he added.

Necessary measures must be taken to improve the electoral system and remove existing institutional risks to ensure the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body, Wang noted.

Only when the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" is observed can the central authorities' overall jurisdiction over the HKSAR be effectively implemented, the constitutional order as established by the Constitution and the Basic Law be effectively maintained, and the various deep-seated problems be effectively resolved. Only in this way can Hong Kong achieve durable stability and make its due contributions to realizing national rejuvenation, according to the senior lawmaker.

The electoral system of the HKSAR, including the methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and for the formation of the LegCo, must strictly follow and fully reflect the political principle and criterion of the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body, and provide institutional safeguards for this purpose, he said.

Hong Kong residents celebrate the passage of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Causeway Bay of south China's Hong Kong, June 30, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Shen)

OVERARCHING APPROACH

Explaining the overarching approach for improving the electoral system, Wang said the overall design of the system will be centered around the reformation and greater empowerment of the Election Committee of the HKSAR.

The size, composition and formation method of the Election Committee will be adjusted and improved. The Chief Executive will continue to be elected by the Election Committee. The Election Committee will be entrusted with the new function of electing a relatively large share of LegCo members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for the LegCo, he said.

Through the Election Committee, the balanced and orderly political participation will be expanded and broader representation ensured in the Hong Kong society. Relevant elements of the election will be adjusted as appropriate, and a mechanism of qualification review will be established throughout the entire process, he added.

This design is aimed to form a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's realities and with Hong Kong characteristics, Wang noted.

In order to maintain continuity and stability of relevant systems of the HKSAR, the revisions to be made this time in improving the electoral system may be limited to Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law, without revising the main body of the Basic Law.

"DECISION PLUS AMENDMENT"

After serious consideration of various factors and discussions with relevant parties, central and state authorities propose a two-step approach, namely, "decision plus amendment," according to Wang.

In the first step, the NPC, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR, makes the decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, which lays out the basic principles for revising and improving the electoral system of the HKSAR as well as the core elements of such revision and improvement. Meanwhile, the NPC authorizes its standing committee to amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law in accordance with the decision, Wang said.

In the second step, in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR, and the NPC decision, the NPC Standing Committee amends Annex I and Annex II of the Basic Law of the HKSAR, he said.

The amended Annex I and Annex II will contain specific and express provisions on the new democratic electoral system of the HKSAR. After the amendment of Annex I and Annex II at the state level is completed, the HKSAR will amend relevant local laws accordingly, he added.
U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski, who narrowly won re-election last fall in New Jerseys most competitive House race, failed to timely disclose dozens of stock trades despite being required to under federal law.

Malinowski acknowledged the error Friday in an interview with NJ Advance Media and said he filed the necessary disclosures last month with the House Ethics Committee.

He offered no excuses for missing the filing deadline other than to say, Theres no good reason other than putting off difficult paperwork in the crunch of my responsibilities.

I own that, he said. I did it late and that was a mistake. Im not in any way disputing that.

Malinowski is a Democrat representing New Jerseys 7th Congressional District that covers Warren County communities including the Phillipsburg area as well as Hunterdon County.

The lawmaker said he would put his holdings in a blind trust, but even before then was not involved in buying and selling securities. Until he saw a statement from his brokers, Malinowski said he did not know what stocks he had bought or sold.

I trust them to make these decisions, Malinowski said. They dont ask me in advance of a trade. For that reason, I dont know why they were making a particular trade at a particular time.

Records provided by his office showed 159 transactions through January 2021.

Republicans contrasted Malinowskis strong public support for new ethics laws with his failure to properly disclose his trades. Earlier this week, the U.S. House passed a massive voting rights, ethics and campaign finance bill championed by the congressman.

While New Jersey was counting on our federal representatives for leadership the most, Tom Malinowski was making secret stock deals, said Republican consultant Harrison Neely, who worked on the 2020 campaign of Malinowskis opponent, state Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean Jr., R-Union. His constituents deserve further investigation into his actions.

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Congress responded to allegations of insider training by voting in 2012 to require lawmakers to report stock transactions within 30 to 45 days of buying or selling securities, in addition to their annual personal financial disclosure reports.

NJ Advance Media reported in June 2017 that then-Reps. Tom MacArthur, R-3rd Dist., and Rodney Frelinghuysen, R-11th Dist., bought or sold health care stocks while Congress was debating the future of the Affordable Care Act.

Malinowskis failure to timely report his transactions, first reported by Business Insider, meant his constituents were kept in the dark, New Jersey State Republican Chair Michael Lavery said.

It is extremely concerning that, In the middle of the pandemic and accompanying market turmoil, Congressman Malinowskis brokerage account was launching a flurry of transactions that we are only now learning about, Lavery said. This is especially true because the congressman faced the voters last fall, and failed to provide them legally required information that would inform their vote.

Malinowski said he learned another lesson from the incident.

This does reinforce my view that members of Congress should not be invested in the stock market or, if they are, they should not have any visibility into the stocks they own, he said. Inevitably, even if the decisions are made by an investment firm with no input from the member of Congress, there can be this perception of influence because what we do in Congress affects every aspect of the economy.

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

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.

(Adds details)

MOSCOW, March 4 (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Thursday urged France and Germany to use their influence with the Ukrainian government to make sure that events in the part of eastern Ukraine controlled by Russian-backed rebels did not "cross a dangerous line".

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow was seriously concerned by a rise in violence on the contact line between the rebels and Ukrainian government forces.

The separatists seized a swathe of eastern Ukraine in 2014, including the industrial cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Major combat ended with a truce agreed in the Belarusian capital Minsk in 2015, whose implementation France and Germany have helped to oversee. But sporadic fighting continues; Kyiv says about 14,000 civilians, Ukrainian soldiers and separatists have been killed in all.

In recent weeks clashes have become more frequent, and at least 10 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed this year.

On Thursday, the Kremlin accused Kyiv's forces of shelling in breach of the ceasefire agreement and entering areas where they were not meant to be.

Ukraine's military accused pro-Russian forces of shelling its positions to provoke them into returning fire and opening themselves up to accusations from Moscow. It said Russian-backed forces had violated the ceasefire four times within 24 hours.

The Kremlin said it was using its own influence with pro-Russian separatists to try to calm tensions.

"We also hope all our partners in the ... (Normandy) quartet will pay attention to the growing tension on the contact line and will use their influence to prevent this escalation from crossing a dangerous line," Peskov said.

The leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine have met from time to time in the so-called Normandy format to discuss implementation of the peace deal.

"A red line would be the resumption of full-scale hostilities," said Peskov. (Reporting by Dmitry Antonov and Andrew Osborn in Moscow and Pavel Polityuk in Kyiv; writing by Tom Balmforth; editing by Andrew Osborn and Kevin Liffey)

Vienna, March 6 : Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced that a company will contribute 5 million more Covid-19 vaccine doses to the European Union (EU) after it managed to increase its production.

Polymun Scientific, the company specialising in the production of lipid nanoparticles for the BioNtech/Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, would increase its production from over 15 million doses to 20 million doses for the EU by the summer, Xinhua news agency quoted Kurz as saying at a press conference on Friday.

"I am pleased that we have succeeded in securing the delivery of five million additional doses with the help of the EU and thus 100,000 more vaccination doses for us in Austria," he said.

He noted that Austria is still waiting for the "ketchup bottle effect" -- in other words, enough doses to vaccinate as many people as possible quickly.

He also explained that his meeting on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen had focused on joint vaccine production for the coming years.

Regarding vaccine procurement, the Chancellor said that talks are currently being held with Russia and China.

According to Kurz, everything that helps in this phase is good, because it is not about geopolitical issues, but "how to save as many lives as possible and return to normal as quickly as possible".
ALBANY  Capital Region officials are urging members of the public to keep an eye on county websites and social media pages for information about upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics as more doses become available in the coming weeks.

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Albany County Health Commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen on Friday said the county was prepared to administer more vaccine this week than in all previous weeks combined. The county has been receiving about 1,400 doses a week. This week, however, the county received over 8,000 doses and was able to re-allocate some to neighboring Rensselaer and Schenectady counties.

Please register as we continue to push more vaccine, (in) a couple more weeks were gonna be begging people, begging people to make appointments to get vaccinated, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy said Friday.

Counties across the Capital Region have been able to schedule more vaccine clinics as supply to the area has increased, and are urging people to pre-register for the vaccine if they havent already done so. Many counties now offer pre-registration options on their websites that alert the person by text or email when the vaccine becomes available.

We maintain email lists of people interested in vaccine, said Rich Crist, director of operations for Rensselaer County. I called a lot of those people today and was getting a lot of, Nah, I got taken care of in Albany or by my physician, so things are progressing.

Vaccination rates remain low but are improving across the region.

As of Thursday, 10.5 percent of people in the eight-county region had been fully vaccinated against coronavirus and 20 percent had received at least one dose, according to a Times Union analysis of state-provided data. Experts have said vaccination coverage rates of at least 70 percent will be needed to reach herd immunity.

In a sign of the increasing supply, Albany County reported Friday morning it had openings for a vaccination clinic at the Times Union Center in Albany on Saturday, even though its registration link had gone live the night before.

"Usually when we put out a POD link it fills within about five to 10 minutes," Whalen said. "We put this link out yesterday and we still have a lot of spots. So were hoping that they will be filled and we are hoping that if we still have capacity we will be allowed to increase the scope of that clinic because we know the most important mission is to be able to get the vaccine out and we are ready and prepared to do that."

The county launched a registration link for the clinic designed to serve individuals age 65 or older at 5 p.m. Thursday. As of late Friday morning, more than 1,300 slots were still available  a sign that seniors may still be facing difficulty in navigating online scheduling systems or that supply is finally catching up with demand.

The county sent a text blast Friday afternoon to people who had pre-registered for vaccines in an effort to fill the slots. On Friday evening, county spokeswoman Mary Rozak said the county had received approval to expand eligibility for the clinic to those with certain health conditions, as well.

"We had some openings and the objective is to get shots in arms so we got approval to make that change," she said.

The county had previously only been authorized to vaccinate essential workers. In recent weeks, counties received permission from the state to vaccinate people with underlying health conditions, as well. And last Friday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said county health departments could begin vaccinating seniors too. The different rules for different vaccine providers have been a hurdle for some wondering where to turn to get the vaccine.

As the supply has increased counties have stepped up their efforts to reach marginalized and remote communities. On Friday, Albany County held a clinic in the Hilltowns at Knox Town Hall, and said it plans to administer vaccine in Berne and Westerlo, as well.

The county also directed 400 doses of vaccine this week to the Watervliet Senior Center, 250 doses to Mohawk Ambulance to bring the vaccine directly to homebound seniors, 100 doses to the North Albany American Legion post, and 70 doses to the Metropolitan Baptist Church in Albany.

This is not a one size fits all operation, Whalen said. We need to be able to have other ways to vaccinate people and particularly when were talking about high risk communities, communities of color, and isolated communities, we need to be able to bring the vaccine to people so that they can be vaccinated in place.

Another death as coronavirus cases fall

Another Capital Region resident has died due to complications from COVID-19, officials announced Friday. The victim was an Albany County man in his 80s.

More than 1,000 people from the Capital Region have died from the disease since the pandemic began.

Confirmed cases and hospitalizations due to coronavirus continue to drop from their mid-January highs.

As of Thursday, the region was averaging 201 new cases of the virus a day  down from 220 the day before and a high of 1,009 in January. The percentage of people testing positive for the virus in the region continues to hover around 2 percent. On Thursday, the rolling seven-day positivity rate was 1.9 percent. This number has been at or near 2 percent since mid-February.

Meanwhile, Capital Region hospitals reported treating 117 coronavirus patients Thursday, down slightly from 118 the day before.
The provincial government is supporting the WestVic Common development in the West End by providing a rebate of up to $5.8 million over 20 years through the Manitoba Works Capital Incentive.

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The provincial government is supporting the WestVic Common development in the West End by providing a rebate of up to $5.8 million over 20 years through the Manitoba Works Capital Incentive.

Twelve acres of property at 3409 Victoria Avenue in Brandon, which used to be the location of Zellers, is being developed to house 3,065 square metres of new retail space while 10,870 square metres of existing retail and professional space is being redeveloped.

The rebate will support the remediation, redevelopment and expansion of the space.

"The Manitoba Works Capital Incentive encourages businesses to invest and expand in our province by creating a competitive tax environment to help diversify Manitobas economy," stated Economic Development Minister Ralph Eichler in a release. "Manitoba is open for business and is recognized as an attractive destination for private investment by companies from across the country and around the world. This project will create jobs and encourage further economic development in the Westman region."

The Manitoba Works Capital Incentive program was introduced in May 2020 as a new approach to tax-increment financing that provides a rebate for the incremental education property taxes on a project for up to 20 years.

Businesses interested in establishing or expanding their operations in Manitoba can apply for the program if they are prepared to make a minimum capital investment of $10 million to a single property for which at least 65 per cent of project costs come from private sources and there is the potential to create and or maintain at least 10 jobs.

 The Brandon Sun
One of Europes largest retailers and an indicator of the Spanish economy, El Corte Ingles, has announced that it will slash 3,500 jobs, its largest job cut since its founding in Madrid in 1940. The proposal was submitted last week to the trade unions, who have already stated their readiness to accept job cuts this year amid mass unemployment.

Most El Corte Ingles stores closed only for six weeks during the total lockdown in the spring of 2020. Its supermarkets and online sales remained active during that period. Nonetheless, the company, with sales revenues of 15.267 billion, is justifying its latest decision by citing the economic impact of the virus.

El Corte Ingles (Wikimedia Commons)

From June to August, the company did not even make losses, thanks to the back-to-work campaign of the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Podemos government which has cost the lives of 100,000 people and infected over 3.2 million. It made a net profit of 64 million, recovering its normal activity since then.

Workers risking their lives on the front line for its profits were cynically given 300 gift vouchers to spend on the companys products. Many were given temporary redundancy (furlough) schemes if they were involved in non-essential activity. This is technically illegal if the company makes profits.

Predictably, its online sales increased, like those of other online outlets, during the pandemic. Before COVID-19, El Corte Ingles consolidated net profits of 310 million in the fiscal year 2019-2020 (between March 2019 and February 2020).

The giant retailer also plans to close a dozen of its 100 stores. This process already began in early 2019 before COVID-19 broke out with the closure of stores in the southern Spanish cities of Los Arcos (Seville) and Bahia Sur (Cadiz). The most recent closure was in Linares (Jaen) in January set to destroy 223 jobs.

This was accepted by the Federation of Trade Union Associations of Department Stores (FASGA), the union with the largest presence in the firm, which claimed it saved 70 jobs during the negotiations.

The store closure at Linares intersected with an incident of police violence in the town, leading to a two-day riot. It revealed the simmering explosive social conditions generated by the criminal herd immunity policy of the ruling class and decades of social counterrevolution.

Linares has Spains highest unemployment rate, above 30 percent and 50 percent among youth. The Socialist Party-Podemos government only brought the town under control with brutal violence, including the unprecedented use of live pellet ammunition by anti-riot police, leaving two protesters severely injured.

Underlying the companys job cuts is its furious competition with Amazon. Last December, El Corte Ingles created a new independent logistics subsidiary for storage and shipping management to compete with Amazon, aiming to offer its infrastructure to third parties, triple its business volume and make 1.2 billion.

In this business war, El Corte Ingles works closely with the unions. For years, the Podemos-linked CCOO trade union and the PSOE-affiliated UGT claimed that the main unions working in El Corte Ingles, FETICO (Federation of Independent Trade Workers) and FASGA (Federation of Trade Union Associations of Department Stores), were yellow unions.

That is, CCOO and the UGT openly stated that these unions collaborated with management at workers expense.

In reality, of course, all the trade unions working in El Corte Ingles, irrespective of their origins, are based on the same nationalist, corporatist perspective. None of them has acted in defense of workers interests against the corporations and the ruling class. Since the earlier decades of the 20th century, there has been a universal degeneration of the trade unions. All of them play a critical role in isolating and suppressing workers struggles, while collaborating with management in defence of competitiveness.

This was on full display this week. On Tuesday, CCOO, UGT, FETICO and FASGA formed a negotiating committee tasked with negotiating the job cuts with El Corte Ingles. After the meeting, the unions posted a joint statement stating their intentions to carry out discussions "with maximum dialogue." They pledged to seek positive measures such as voluntary redundancies and good economic compensations for the workforce.

The unions falsely claim that the cuts will not be carried out in a traumatic way but harmonized with the interests of the workers. They cynically added that they would have a clear and forceful position in the negotiation and would seek a better redundancy compensation above legal limits.

In other words, they are willing to accept 3,500 job cuts without a fight.

Workers cannot put their hopes in the empty promises of the unions. In May 2020, the four unions reached an agreement with the company in which El Corte Ingles promised to not promote any collective process of termination of contracts, in exchange for concessions from workers which they justified, citing the COVID-19 pandemic. Not even 10 months later, the company has broken the agreement, with the trade unions support.

As for the PSOE-Podemos government, it is complicit in the job cuts. Sources at the Ministry of Industry told Vozpopuli: "We have found out from the press. This is hard to believe, however, as Industry Minister Reyes Maroto met with El Corte Ingles in January to discuss the job cuts they were planning.

Podemos Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz tried to maintain the fiction that she was ignorant of the cuts, claiming that there is no legal obligation for companies to inform us of these processes. Although redundancy schemes of this size are usually forewarned, especially when there is such a fluid relationship.

In fact, there is little doubt that the PSOE and Podemos are leading the drive to cut jobs at the company and thus be more competitive against Amazon. The PSOE-Podemos-controlled Credit Institute is the main guarantor of two loans in 2020, for 960 million and 1.2 billion, to El Corte Ingles. The same institute also worked with the European Investment Bank to give the company a grant of 110 million to "accelerate the digital transformation.

Workers should reject all job losses and all the manoeuvres and claims of the union bureaucracy. The only way forward for workers is to break with the trade unions and build independent rank-and-file committees at El Corte Ingles and other retailers, to coordinate a unified political fight in defence of jobs and against store closures.

Other retail workers are facing similar attacks. The ANGED association of department stores, which includes companies such as IKEA, Carrefour and El Corte Ingles, is in discussions with the unions to impose a salary freeze this year and increase the number of Sundays and holidays to work for more than 250,000 workers.

This would set into motion further redundancies, sackings and wage cuts that would serve as a blueprint for further attacks in the sector. Older workers accepting compensation will be unable to find jobs, amid mass unemployment. Last month added an additional 44,436 new jobless claims, pushing the total to number of unemployed to 4,008,789.

Such a fight can only go forward through the development of a broader political movement of the working class, based on a socialist programme directed against the austerity agenda and herd immunity policy being imposed on workers across Europe.

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Happy Women's Day 2021: Wishes, Quotes, Images, WhatsApp status to share on this day

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

New Delhi, Mar 06: International Women's Day 2021 is celebrated across the world on March 8 celebrating the strength and achievements of women. However, this year's women's day is totally different keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first International Women's Day was celebrated in 1911 as a result of the International Conference of Working Women.

Today, however, it is celebrated across the world celebrating the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural and other fields.

This year the theme for Women's Day is "Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world.".

Here are some of the best wishes, quotes and images to share on the International Women's Day:

A strong woman draws inspiration from herself and fights every war bravely. Celebrating the valor of females. Happy Women's Day!!

A smart woman learns from her failure, smiles during her lows and grows stronger when faced with challenges. You are one of them. Happy Women's Day!

"No other creature in the universe is as good and beautiful as women. You deserve the utmost love and respect. Happy Women's Day"

She is a believer, she is a doer, she is an achiever. She is a woman, she is 'You' Happy Women's Day!!

"A very happy Women's Day to a brave and bold women who would never accept defeat."
United Nations, March 6 : There is a need for greater access in Ethiopia's conflict-ridden Tigray region to reach large groups in dire humanitarian need, although more UN humanitarian workers are getting into the region, a spokesman of the world body said.

The government-allowed access is not enough, Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said on Friday.

"We continue to call for more access," Xinhua news agency quoted the spokesman as saying.

"My understanding is that there has been a new system put into place to get humanitarian workers in there more easily, which includes, I think, an advance three-day notification.

"The move is definitely a step in the right direction. But the UN needs more access as there are large groups of people who are in dire need of humanitarian help," he said.

The problem has been a combination of bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of communication, including internet access, said the spokesman.

The UN and its partners do not have enough humanitarian workers to distribute aid and to reach the people who need it, he said.

"There's been some trucks that have come in, but having aid physically go in is not the same thing as us being able to distribute it." The people of Tigray have been caught up in a conflict between regional armed forces and federal government troops.

Since November 4, 2020, the Ethiopian government has been undertaking military operations against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which rules the northernmost Tigray state.

The federal government's operations followed the TPLF's attack on a command base of the Ethiopian Defense Force in Mekelle city, capital of Tigray.
In West Bengals assembly elections, there are frequent political squabbles. Dinesh Trivedi, a former Union Minister and chief of West Bengals ruling Trinamool Congress, recently joined the BJP. JP Nadda, the BJPs national president, was in attendance, as were Union ministers Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan. Nadda said at the time, I am overjoyed that we will be joining Dinesh Trivedi Ji in the BJP today. On behalf of all my colleagues and thousands of activists, I extend my warmest greetings and welcome.

Former Union Minister Shri Dinesh Trivedi joins BJP in the presence of BJP National President Shri @JPNadda at BJP headquarters in New Delhi. pic.twitter.com/yjGYfZdpdW  BJP (@BJP4India) March 6, 2021

Dinesh Trivedi, after joining the BJP, accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of corruption and violence, claiming that the people of Bengal now want reform, not corruption and violence. Dinesh Trivedi said, Whether I stand for election or not, I will be involved in the electoral process. Dinesh Trivedi also said that joining the BJP is a golden opportunity for me.

According to Dinesh Trivedi, Bengal has refused TMC. Bengalis now want prosperity rather than corruption and violence. The Bengali people are now really ready for reform. He went on to say that politics is not a game, but rather a serious endeavor. Dinesh Trivedi has said that while playing politics, he has forgotten his ideals.

Delhi: Dinesh Trivedi, who had resigned as TMC MP in Rajya Sabha on February 12th, joins BJP in the presence of the party's national president JP Nadda. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also present. pic.twitter.com/wCHlDbrcAz  ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2021

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People in Bengal used to call me and ask me what I was doing at this party. He claims that the condition has deteriorated to the point that even a school will be donated. Dinesh Trivedi went on to say that violence in Bengal is on the rise. The public is alarmed by the brutality and abuse that has taken place there. In such circumstances, the citizens of Bengal are relieved that major change is on the way.

On the last day of the budget session, Rajya Sabha member Dinesh Trivedi resigned, praising Swami Vivekanandas statement and Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Narendra Modi). Since then, rumors have circulated that he might soon join the BJP.

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On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would prohibit the use of certain lethal police tactics, introduce measures to increase accountability for police misconduct and place limitations on the use of qualified immunity to shield officers involved in brutality or other misconduct from civil liability.

The passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, named after the African-American worker whose murder at the hands of Minneapolis police last May touched off anti-police violence protests that swept the US and spread around the world, has more the character of political theater than substance. Not only are the bills provisions extremely limited, but, as the Democratic Party is well aware, it has no chance of being passed by the Senate.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 25, 2020, ahead of House vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 [Credit: AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster]

The measure was passed in the House by a vote of 220212. Two right-wing Democrats, Jared Golden of Maine and Ron Kind of Wisconsin, opposed the measure, while Republican Lance Gooden of Texas claimed to have voted for the bill by mistake.

The Democrats control the evenly divided Senate, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the deciding vote in case of a tie, but passage of the police reform measure would require 60 votes to overcome a Republican filibustera virtual impossibility.

California Representative Karen Bass, who initially sponsored the bill, made it clear that the Democrats were prepared to whittle down the House bill even further to meet Republican demands, telling reporters she was confident that we will be able to have a bipartisan bill in the Senate that will reach President Biden's desk. She hastened to add that the bill would increase funding for police departments, including additional money for community policing, especially in minority neighborhoods.

The legislation includes measures that would allow individuals to recover damages in civil court when law enforcement officers violate their constitutional rights by eliminating qualified immunity for law enforcement. Additionally, it would save lives by banning chokeholds and no-knock warrants and mandate that deadly force be used only as a last resort.

The bill aims to encourage state and local police agencies to adopt reforms through the threat of fiscal penalties. Police departments that failed to comply with the bills requirements would lose access to federal police funding, which would then be redistributed to compliant departments.

However, funding for local police departments comes overwhelmingly from state and local governments, rather than the federal government. According to the US Census Bureau, state and local governments spent approximately $120 billion on police in 2018. The federal government contributed only $5 billion.

The House bill would eliminate the doctrine of qualified immunity for police. It also introduces a somewhat less strict standard for holding police criminally liable for unconstitutional activity, striking the word willfully and replacing it with knowingly or recklessly.

Police in the US are overwhelmingly cleared of wrongdoing. According to mappingpoliceviolence.org, over 98 percent of killings by police from 2013 to 2020 did not result in officers being charged with a crime.

The scope of qualified immunity has been expanded in recent years to grant police virtual immunity from civil liability in the use of excessive or deadly force. The Obama administration intervened on behalf of violent police multiple times, and in 2018 the Supreme Court ruled that the question of whether an officer used excessive force depends on the facts and circumstances of each particular case. Furthermore, the court stated, the reasonableness of force must be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer on the scene, rather than with the 20/20 vision of hindsight.

When the George Floyd bill was first passed by the House in 2020, Representative Bass presented police officers as the unwitting victims of poor training and policing practices, and a lack of transparency. I am certain that police officers, professionals who risk their lives every day, are deeply concerned about their profession and do not want to work in an environment that requires their silence when they know a fellow officer is abusing the public, Bass said at a press conference.

When asked about calls to defund the police, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said, We want to work with our police departments. There are many who take pride in their work, and we want to be able to make sure the focus is on them.

The Democrats hope to gain a measure of political cover by passing the George Floyd bill, knowing it is a dead letter, while diverting attention from their own role in overseeing police attacks on protests in states and cities controlled by the Democratic Party. The dead end of all perspectives based on reforming the police within the framework of the existing political and social system is underscored by the fact that in the course of 2020, according to mappingpoliceviolence.org, there were 1,127 police killings, the highest total since it began keeping records in 2013. This is despite the unprecedented wave of multi-racial and multi-ethnic protests against police violence and racism that involved many hundreds of thousands of people across the US.

Marxists have long explained that the police are not peacekeepers. They are an essential component of the capitalist state, which, as Lenin and Engels explained, consists of special bodies of armed men having prisons, etc. at their command. Their essential social function, as of the state as a whole, is to defend the property, profits and political domination of the corporate-financial ruling class, utilizing whatever repressive and violent means are required against the working class.
(Newser)  A New Orleans cop is now a former one after accusations that he groomed and raped a 14-year-old girl he'd taken for a rape evaluation. The allegations against Rodney Vicknair are detailed in a lawsuit by the teen's mother, which says that Vicknair was the police officer dispatched to a rape scene in May 2020 to take the girl to a hospital for a medical evaluation, per the Washington Post. That night, and for four months afterward, Vicknair kept in touch with the girl via "inappropriate" calls, texts, and meetings, states the complaint, filed last week in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Eventually, Vicknair began molesting and raping the teen during their meetings, the suit alleges. He was arrested in September and charged with sexual battery, indecent behavior with a juvenile, and malfeasance in office over his conduct. Vicknair, a 13-year veteran of the force, was first placed on emergency suspension, then fired in January.

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Per the New York Times, Vicknair couldn't be charged with rape under Louisiana law, as he'd used his fingers for the assault; the suit notes that would be considered rape under federal law. But it wasn't only the alleged crime the family of the teen, now 15, is upset about. They say there were previous complaints against Vicknair and that, based on those complaints, he shouldn't have been sent to assist them in the first place. "Officer Vicknair was a singularly bad choice for this task," the lawsuit notes. Among the complaints were ones accusing Vicknair of excessive use of force and verbal intimidation, as well as one in which he was said to have used a woman's license plate to track down her personal information, the suit says. "He preyed on a single mother and her young daughter, a rape survivor, by positioning himself as a role model and protective male figure in their lives," an attorney for the mother told the Post. KIRO has more on the accusations. (Read more police officer stories.)
The Prince of Wales is much more preoccupied with his fathers health than Meghan and Harrys US chat show appearance, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Charles is said to be deeply worried about the wellbeing of Prince Philip, who was last night improving after a successful heart procedure.

A source said of the future King: He is a man who feels emotions keenly and is far more concerned about the Duke of Edinburgh than whatever Oprah Winfrey is up to in California.

Charles is said to be deeply worried about the wellbeing of Prince Philip, who was last night improving after a successful heart procedure

Prince Philip (pictured) had surgery last Wednesday at St Bartholomews in Central London, a leading NHS cardiac centre, before being moved back to the private King Edward VII hospital on Friday

Philip is today spending his 20th day in hospital, but it is hoped he will be well enough to be reunited with the Queen soon.

The 99-year-old had surgery last Wednesday at St Bartholomews in Central London, a leading NHS cardiac centre, before being moved back to the private King Edward VII hospital on Friday.

Buckingham Palace said he is expected to remain in hospital for continuing treatment for a number of days. He was admitted to hospital on February 16 after feeling unwell at Windsor Castle, Berkshire.

It was later revealed he was undergoing treatment for an infection and then was transferred last Monday for treatment on a pre-existing heart condition. The palace refused to comment on the operation, but it is known the Duke had a stent fitted in 2011.

Meanwhile, sources say that while Harry and Meghans expected revelations have made the Prince of Wales very sad, he is still in contact with his younger son. They speak on a regular basis, although they have not discussed the content of the interview and Charles is not thought to have intervened to try to stop the Sussexes going ahead with the plan.

A source said: They have maintained a close father and son relationship for a long time and they leave the work discussions to the men in grey suits.

It is widely accepted that Charles and Harry havent always had the easiest of relationships. Royal insiders say it would have been irritating to the Prince of Wales to see Harry recently defending Netflix drama The Crown, which paints the young Charles as a cruel and heartless cad.

Sources say that while Harry and Meghans expected revelations have made the Prince of Wales very sad, he is still in contact with his younger son

When the latest series was released, there was concern in the palace that the drama had taken liberties  portraying Diana as the victim and painting Charles as a ruthless, uncaring husband determined to destroy her confidence.

Its fictional. But its loosely based on the truth, said Harry, who has a lucrative Netflix deal, in an interview with Hollywood chat show host James Corden.

Charless unwillingness to confront his son, however, may be helpful in a reconciliation that might even reunite Harry with his brother William.

A source said: The Prince will wait to see what happens and will talk to Harry after the programme has gone out.
Burma Local NLD Chair, Nephew Hacked to Death by Myanmar Military-Aligned Mob

Security forces are seen in Pwint Phyu Township on Friday. / Pwint Phyu Hit Tai / Facebook

YANGON Two people including the local chair of the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) in Magwe were hacked to death by a group of military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) members on Friday, local residents said.

The attack by the USDP members came after villagers protested against military council members when they visited villages in Pwint Phyu Township. An NLD member in Khaung Gone Village told The Irrawaddy, When members of the military council came, USDP members welcomed them. So, there was a small fight between the two sides.

During the fight, USDP supporters called police and military personnel to arrest pro-democracy supporters. Later, security forces came and fired three shots to break up the crowd, according to a live broadcast by the residents.

But that night they were unable to make any arrests, as the villagers beat pots and pans to alert each other, the NLD member said.

Next morning at around 9:30 a.m., nearly two dozen USDP members attacked a group of villagers while they were coming back from a friends house. During the attack, U Htway Naing, 53, the NLDs local chair, and his nephew Ko Nan Wai Aung, 17, were killed by sword- and machete-wielding men, and another two people were seriously injured.

They not only hacked them to death, but also dragged their bodies into a house. We were not able to pick up the dead bodies, another NLD member in Khaung Gone Village told The Irrawaddy.

Later, police and military personnel tried to take the dead bodies without arresting the suspects, the resident said. The villagers blocked police vehicles and prevented them from carrying away the bodies without arresting the suspects.

The army and police told the crowd to disperse and not to interfere with their duties. But we insisted they arrest the suspects first. Later, they had to arrest 11 suspects at the scene, he said.

The villagers alleged that U Kyaw Khine Oo, a former USDP candidate for the Lower House, was among the attackers. He lost to the NLD candidate for Pwint Phyu Township in the Nov. 8 election.

He and other criminals have still not been arrested by the police. The family are planning to open a case today, the witness said.

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Meghan Markle's best friend Jessica Mulroney has come out in support of the Duchess of Sussex ahead of the broadcast of her bombshell CBS interview with chatshow legend Oprah Winfrey.

The Canadian stylist, 41, said no one 'has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press' like Meghan in an Instagram post.

Uploading a photo of the pair of them, she added: 'In the face of it all, I have never seen her wave from kindness, empathy and love.'

Meghan and Prince Harry are in a war of words with Buckingham Palace after the Duchess accused 'The Firm' of smearing them and peddling 'a wholly false narrative based on misleading and harmful misinformation'.

The acrimonious back and forth has become increasingly tense ahead of the release of Meghan and Harry's sit-down interview with Oprah while the Duke's 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip remains in hospital.

In other twists and turns in the Royal saga:

CBS is paying Oprah up to $9million to air her bombshell interview;

Senior Royals and Palace aides will reportedly watch the 'shocking' interview 'at the same time' as the rest of the world;

Friends of the Sussexes said the Royal Family is using the Duke of Edinburgh's health as an excuse to keep her 'muzzled';

Tory MP Bob Blackman said: 'To be doing a tell-all interview screened in the UK when Philip is in hospital they are badly advised';

Harry and Meghan's friend Omid Scobie accused the Royal Family of hushing up claims against Prince Andrew in a shock interview;

Buckingham Palace launched an investigation into bullying allegations made by former aides against the Duchess of Sussex.

The Canadian fashion stylist, 41, said no one 'has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press' like Meghan in an Instagram post. Uploading a photo of the pair of them, she added: 'In the face of it all, I have never seen her wave from kindness, empathy and love'

Meghan Markle and Jessica Mulroney attend the Instagram Dinner held at the MARS Discovery District on May 31, 2016 in Toronto

Jessica Mulroney and Meghan Markle attend the World Vision event held at Lumas Gallery on March 22, 2016 in Toronto

It was reported last year that the Duchess had cut ties with Mulroney after influencer Sasha Exeter accused the stylist of 'threatening her livelihood' when she posted a Black Lives Matter call-to-action on Instagram.

Mulroney later faced accusations that she had used Meghan as her 'superpower,' though denied this was the case and refused to speak about the Duchess in interviews.

A source had claimed their friendship is no longer 'what it once was,' adding this was not due to the fall-out with Exeter, but because they have 'just grown apart.'

The insider added: 'Of course, Meghan has been worried about Jess. Shell always have love for her.'

However, Mulroney told Page Six in November that she and Meghan are 'constantly' in touch via FaceTime.

The stylist assisted Meghan in choosing a wedding dress for the actress' Suits character, Rachel Zane, in 2015.

The pair have been close friends for years, with Mulroney's daughter, Ivy, appearing in the Royal Wedding as a bridesmaid. Her two sons, Brian and John, were page boys.

A Hollywood insider with ties to the Sussexes tells DailyMail.com, 'Even if Meghan had the choice to postpone the Oprah special she said she wouldn't'

Confidants of the Duchess have recently taken to social media to defend her against accusations she drove out two personal assistants and that staff were 'humiliated' on several occasions.

Meghan's friend Silver Tree, who directed the US drama Suits - which the duchess starred in, said in a tweet: 'This is Meg. A real person- not a cover story. She is one of my very nearest and dearest. Like all her friends I love her madly.

'She is the friend who insists on always hearing the details of your life, your day, your kids life, your kids day, before hers. Always before hers.'

Harry and Meghan's Sussex Royal charity 'under review from charity watchdog' amid questions on 'how organisation was closed' when couple moved to US The charity watchdog is reviewing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's charity amid concerns on how it was run and whether it complied with charity law before it was shut down last year following their move to the US. Sources told the Telegraph the Charity Commission has opened a 'regulatory and compliance case' into Sussex Royal, though the watchdog has not yet determined whether or not there was any wrongdoing. The Commission first looked at Sussex Royal and Prince William and Kate Middleton's charity The Royal Foundation in July after an anti-monarchy group asked it to investigate hundreds of thousands of pounds' worth of grants. Lawyers for the Sussexes told the newspaper that 'any suggestion of mismanagement or decision-making being handled in a 'rash' fashion solely by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would be entirely false'. They added that the philanthropic organisation was 'managed by a board of trustees which made decision about the charity in accordance with its constitutional document and the requirements of charity law'. It is unclear if the Royal Foundation is also being reviewed by the Commission. A Charity Commission spokesman told the Telegraph: 'Our regulatory compliance case is ongoing. We cannot comment further.' Advertisement

Patrick J Adams, who played Meghan's on-screen love interest in Suits, tweeted that she was 'an enthusiastic, kind, cooperative, giving, joyful and supportive member of our television family'. 'She remained that person and colleague as fame, prestige and power accrued,' he said.

'She fell in love, moved to a new country, became a household name across the entire globe and began the difficult work of trying to find her place in a family dynamic that can at best be described as complicated and at worst, seemingly archaic and toxic,' he added.

Another of the Duchess's friends, Lindsay Roth - a television producer, posted a message of support on her Instagram page: 'Meg's M.O. has always been kindness; goodwill runs in her bones.

'I know this to be true after 22 years of very close friendship. I have seen first-hand how she treats her friends and their families, and her colleagues.'

She added: 'If you have a specific goal, she will help you get there, and your passions will become hers on your behalf. If you ever have the pleasure of meeting Meg - and I hope more of you do - you will see the altruistic, magnanimous friend who I am so lucky to have in my corner.'

It comes amid reports that the Queen has not been given an 'advanced copy' of Meghan and Harry's tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, reports claim.

Senior royals and Palace aides will watch the much-anticipated interview 'at the same time' as the rest of the world with network CBS set to air the two-hour special in the US at 1am UK time on Sunday night.

Officials have vowed to 'reserve judgement' on the show and will decide on Monday whether to make a public response in light of anything specific Meghan and Harry have to say. ITV will broadcast it at 9pm that evening.

In a further blow to relations between the royal family and the Sussexes, sources revealed that the Queen does not have an 'advance copy' of the no-holes-barred special - which is set to contain 'shocking' revelations about Meghan's short time as a working royal.

Over-produced teaser trailers have already seen the Duchess of Sussex accuse the 'Firm' of 'perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Prince Harry while the pair during their time in Kensington Palace.

The couple, ITV and CBS have all faced furious backlash at the decision to push ahead with broadcasting the interview while Harry's 99-year-old grandfather Prince Philip recovers from heart surgery in hospital.

A friend earlier said Meghan would never ask to postpone Sunday's release of her tell-all interview with Oprah and said the royal family is using the Duke of Edinburgh's health as an excuse to keep her 'muzzled'.

Although most of the interview will be a one-to-one chat on what the duchess has to say about her brief but acrimonious time as a working royal, Harry is understood to come in towards the end to have his say on the media and discuss their plans for the future.

It is believed that this approach has in part been done in an attempt to distance himself from any of the stronger allegations made about his own family by his wife.

But if the 36-year-old prince, who is still sixth in line to the throne, thinks it will go any way to protecting his already fragile relationships with his relatives, notably his brother, the Duke of Cambridge, he will have to think again.

William has barely spoken to his brother in recent months and their relationship is said to be 'hanging by a thread' although Prince Charles is understood to have tried not to get involved.

Despairing officials also cannot believe that Harry is so 'blinkered' that he cannot see how the interview is likely to destroy any vestige of trust between him and his family.

It comes as the charity watchdog is reviewing Harry and Meghan's charity amid concerns on how it was run and whether it complied with charity law before it was shut down last year following their move to the US.

Sources told the Telegraph the Charity Commission has opened a 'regulatory and compliance case' into Sussex Royal, though the watchdog has not yet determined whether or not there was any wrongdoing.
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If youre a California resident, you may soon be able to scream outside in a roller coaster at Disneyland again. Today, the California Department of Public Health announced that theme parks could reopen as of April 1, along with outdoor ballparks and stadiums.

The new guidance released today allows theme parks to reopen in the red tier, indicating substantial spread of COVID-19. Parks would be limited to 15% capacity as long as its respective county stays in that tier, and then as cases of COVID-19 drop, parks could increase capacity.

In the orange tier (indicating moderate spread), parks would be able to increase capacity to 25%, and up to 35% in the yellow tier (indicating minimal spread).

Even with the reopening guidance, there are still significant restrictions for visitors. Only in-state residents would be allowed to visit a California theme park. Masking and other pandemic precautions would be mandatory in the parks.

Groups would also be limited to a maximum of ten people, or three household groups with no mixing of the groups. Indoor capacity would be limited to 15%, with time restrictions, and there will be no indoor dining available.

The state would also require theme parks to conduct weekly COVID-19 tests for workers.

Disneyland has not officially announced an opening date. And there's one major caveat to the news: As of today, Orange County remains in the purple tier, meaning that COVID-19 is still widespread in the community. Major theme parks in the area, including Disneyland and Knotts Berry Farm, would not be able to reopen, even on April 1, unless cases in Orange County were to decline and the county reached the red tier.

This week, the county narrowly missed reaching the red tier, the Orange County Register reported Tuesday.

In the Bay Area, Santa Clara's Great America has announced a reopening date of May 22, though it remains to be seen if the park will now reopen earlier under the new guidance. Santa Clara County is currently in the red tier.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday (March 6) launched a Global Encyclopaedia of the Ramayana.

He launched the encyclopaedia in an e-book format. It was prepared by the Ayodhya Research Institute.

He said that Ramayana and the other epic Mahabharata give the best life lessons and that they help envision a better India.

"This encyclopaedia will motivate us to visit Ayodhya as it will introduce everyone to the untouched aspects of science and spirituality," Adityanath was quoted as saying by PTI.

"There are Sapta Puri, seven holy cities, which are considered as the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. Out of these, Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi are in Uttar Pradesh. It is a matter of pride for us that a workshop has been organised by the Department of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs," he said.

The chief minister said that there are still some people who raise questions on the existence of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. But the historical facts cannot be denied, he added.

He further said that parochialism and constricted mentality of certain sections deprived the country of its justifiable pride in history.

People who are misguiding the public for their own benefit and betraying the country will not be spared. People who are creating false propaganda about India for money will face the heat," he said.

He urged people to not let go of the harmonious spirit of the nation by getting involved in petty communal disputes.

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Hundreds of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo on Saturday, denouncing alleged mismanagement of coronavirus funds and economic hardship

Antananarivo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :Hundreds of anti-government protesters took to the streets in Madagascar's capital Antananarivo on Saturday, denouncing alleged mismanagement of coronavirus funds and economic hardship.

Demonstrators in red t-shirts and face masks gathered for the first opposition protest to be authorised since presidential elections in 2018.

Authorities deployed a heavy military and police presence and flew a drone over the protest to surveil the crowd.

Hanitra Razafimanantsoa, spokeswoman for the main opposition party Tiako I Madagasikara (TIM), addressed around 1,000 demonstrators from a stage.

"We have been victims of exclusion," she shouted down a microphone.

The opposition accuses the government of embezzling a $600-million donation to help fight coronavirus.

"None of us have been able to benefit from this aid," Razafimanantsoa said.

Tensions between President Andry Rajoelina and his political rivals have escalated in recent weeks amid growing frustrations at the regime's handling of the pandemic.

A senior opposition figure was detained in July for protesting over a herbal drink touted by the president as a coronavirus treatment and cure.

Former communications minister Harry Laurent Rahajason was sentenced to 44 months in prison for disrupting public order and inciting hatred.

He was denied bail on Friday.

Rajoelina has widely boasted the virtues of the locally-brewed artemisia plant infusion to fight coronavirus.

The drink, which has not been scientifically tested, has been handed out freely across the country and exported to other African countries.

But the Indian Ocean island nation had still recorded more than 19,800 coronavirus cases and at least 297 deaths by the third week of February.

Restrictions brought into to tackle the spread of the virus have compounded the hardships in one of the world's poorest countries, where a severe drought in southern regions is threatening food security.

"The price of rice per kilogramme... is double the price it was two years ago," Razafimanantsoa said.

The government has not yet laid out any coronavirus vaccination plans, saying it will first observe the roll out in other countries.
(CNN)  In 2018, Chinese President Xi Jinping donned military fatigues and boarded a People's Liberation Army Navy destroyer in the South China Sea.

Spread out before him that April day was the largest flotilla Communist-ruled China had ever put to sea at one time, 48 ships, dozens of fighter jets, more than 10,000 military personnel.

For Xi, the country's most powerful leader since Mao Zedong, the day was a way point to a grand ambition -- a force that would show China's greatness and power across the world's seven oceans.

"The task of building a powerful navy has never been as urgent as it is today," Xi said that day.

China was already in the midst of a shipbuilding spree like few the world has ever seen. In 2015, Xi undertook a sweeping project to turn the PLA into a world-class fighting force, the peer of the United States military. He had ordered investments in shipyards and technology that continue at pace today.

By at least one measurement, Xi's plan has worked. At some point between 2015 and today, China has assembled the world's largest naval force. And now it's working to make it formidable far from its shores.

In 2015, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) had 255 battle force ships in its fleet, according to the US Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI).

As of the end of 2020, it had 360, over 60 more than the US Navy, according to an ONI forecast.

Four years from now, the PLAN will have 400 battle force ships, the ONI predicts.

Go back to 2000, and the numbers are even more stark.

"China's navy battle force has more than tripled in size in only two decades," read a December report by the leaders of the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.

"Already commanding the world's largest naval force, the People's Republic of China is building modern surface combatants, submarines, aircraft carriers, fighter jets, amphibious assault ships, ballistic nuclear missile submarines, large coast guard cutters, and polar icebreakers at alarming speed."

Some of those will be the equal or better of anything the US or other naval powers can put in the water.

"The PLAN is not receiving junk from China's shipbuilding industry but rather increasingly sophisticated, capable vessels," Andrew Erickson, a professor at the US Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute, wrote in a February paper.

Those include ships like the Type 055 destroyer -- which some analysts say betters the US Ticonderoga-class cruisers for firepower -- and amphibious assault ships that could put thousands of Chinese troops near foreign shores.

Where the US stands

While China is expected to field 400 ships by 2025, the goal of the current US Navy shipbuilding plan, a goal with no fixed date, is for a fleet of 355 -- a substantial numerical disadvantage.

That's not to say the US Navy has seen its days as the world's premier fighting force come to an end.

When counting troops, the US Navy is bigger, with more than 330,000 active duty personnel to China's 250,000.

Analysts point out several other factors in Washington's favor.

The US Navy still fields more tonnage -- bigger and heavier armed ships like guided-missile destroyers and cruisers -- than China. Those ships give the US a significant edge in cruise missile launch capability.

The US has more than 9,000 vertical launch missile cells on its surface ships to China's 1,000 or so, according to Nick Childs, a defense analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Meanwhile, the US attack submarine fleet of 50 boats is entirely nuclear powered, giving it significant range and endurance advantages over a Chinese fleet that has just seven nuclear-powered subs in its fleet of 62.

Close to home, however, the numbers move in Beijing's favor.

"The big advantage the Chinese navy holds over the US Navy is in patrol and coastal combatants, or corvettes and below," Childs said. Those smaller ships are augmented by China's coast guard and maritime militia with enough ships combined to almost double the PLAN's total strength.

Those are troubling signs for Washington as it grapples with budget and pandemic problems that are much larger than China's. Analysts worry the trend lines, including China's announcement Friday that it will increase its annual defense budget by 6.8%, are going in Beijing's direction.

Nobody can match China's shipbuilding

You can't have the world's largest navy if you can't build a lot of ships. China gives itself that ability by being the world's largest commercial shipbuilder.

In 2018, China held 40% of the world's shipbuilding market by gross tons, according to United Nations figures cited by the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, well ahead of second place South Korea at 25%.

Put in a historical perspective, China's shipbuilding numbers are staggering -- dwarfing even the US efforts of World War II. China built more ships in one year of peace time (2019) than the US did in four of war (1941-1945).

"During the emergency shipbuilding program of World War II, which supported massive, mechanized armies in two theaters of war thousands of miles from home, US shipbuilding production peaked at 18.5 million tons annually, and the United States finished the war with a merchant fleet that weighed in at 39 million tons," said Thomas Shugart a senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security and former US Navy captain, in testimony before Congress last month.

"In 2019, during peacetime, China built more than 23 million tons of shipping, and China's merchant fleet ... totals more than 300 million tons," Shugart said.

The Chinese state-owned companies churning out commercial shipping are also the engines of its naval buildup.

"In conflict, excess PRC industrial capacity, including additional commercial shipyards, could quickly be turned toward military production and repair, further increasing China's ability to generate new military forces," Erickson, of the US Naval War College, wrote last year.

The infrastructure in place, the workforces involved and the technology employed in those commercial shipyards is applicable in turning out warships in quantity.

That's something China does very well. "Between 2014 and 2018, China launched more submarines, warships, amphibious vessels, and auxiliaries than the number of ships currently serving in the individual navies of Germany, India, Spain, and the United Kingdom," according to the China Power Project.

"At the rate China is building naval vessels, and with the capabilities those newer warships have, I would say that they've already progressed from what was a coastal defense navy, to what is now probably their region's most powerful navy -- with some global reach -- and are on their way to building a world-class power projection navy if they continue growing as they have," Shugart told CNN.

The power of missiles

Beijing has been methodical in its naval buildup, with much of its numbers to date concentrated on craft such as corvettes, frigates and diesel-electric-powered submarines that would be useful in waters around China, said Sidharth Kaushal, research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London.

"The bulk of China's shipbuilding, such as its force of (approximately) 75 Type 056 corvettes, are smaller vessels of the corvette/frigate size," Kaushal said. Contrast that to the US Navy, whose closest ship to the frigate class, the littoral combat ship, now numbers only around 15 combat-dedicated vessels.

The corvette force is ideal for tighter, shallower ocean environments, like China's key areas of concern, the South China Sea; around Taiwan; and the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea, controlled by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing.

The ships the PLAN puts to sea near Chinese shores are protected by a large ground-based missile force.

The missiles "problematize US power projection and prevent overwhelming naval and air power from striking the Chinese mainland," said Kaushal. "However, this also has the effect of facilitating power projection against local nations, as these nations are far more vulnerable when the maritime links that enable the US to support them are severed."

For instance, if the US Navy was unable to operate in the South China Sea because of the Chinese missile threat, it would have a hard time protecting the Philippines, with which Washington has a mutual defense treaty.

US military leaders are also cognizant that in 2021 the PLA Navy is much more than ships.

"Take a look at what China's really investing in," US Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday said this week in an interview with Breaking Defense. "Yes, they are putting more ships in the water, but they're investing heavily in anti-ship missiles as well as satellite systems to be able to target ships."

All that gives China a strong hand to play in any possible conflict close to home. And China is adamant its military is defensive.

"The development of China's national defense aims to meet its rightful security needs and contribute to the growth of the world's peaceful forces," said the country's 2019 defense white paper, titled "China's National Defense in the New Era."

"China will never threaten any other country or seek any sphere of influence."

So why is the PLA Navy building aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and large, powerful destroyers and cruisers suitable for operation far from China?

Near seas defense vs far seas protection

Protecting the Chinese mainland and its territorial claims around the region are what Beijing calls "near seas defense."

China's massive naval buildup coincides with it reinforcing its claims to almost all of the 3.3 million square-kilometer (1.3 million square-mile) South China Sea by building up tiny reefs and sandbars into man-made artificial islands heavily fortified with missiles, runways and weapons systems.

"Islands and reefs in South China Sea have unique advantages in safeguarding national sovereignty and maintaining a military presence in the open sea," read a December 2020 article in Naval and Merchant Ships, a Beijing-based magazine published by the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, which supplies the PLA Navy.

But they can't stand alone, the magazine noted. In the events of hostilities, outposts in the southern reaches of the waterway could require reinforcements from near China's southern coast, more than a day's sailing away, it said.

Piling resources in the near seas to achieve that level of control could be problematic for China, some argue. It may leave China vulnerable to a distant naval blockade that could deprive it of vital materials from abroad, severing what are termed sea lines of communication, or SLOC for short.

"China does not control the straits and transit lanes on which its economy depends and 'once a crisis or war at sea occurs, (China's) sea transport could be cut off,'" Jennifer Rice and Eric Robb, senior intelligence analysts at the US Office of Naval Intelligence, wrote in a paper for the US Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute last month. "The regional focus of near seas defense is also insufficient to address the increasingly global scope of China's economic interests."

To bring Chinese military power to bear on its global interests, they said, China has begun implementing "far seas protection."

"Far seas protection reflects Beijing's direction for the PLAN to 'go global,' ... part of a larger Chinese government policy to encourage the expansion of China's economy and cultural outreach," Rice and Robb wrote.

Part of the play is perception. For decades now, nothing has quite projected military power as the image of a US Navy aircraft carrier in waters far from home. It's something China craves, analysts say.

"Some Chinese military analysts suggest it is imperative for the PLA to safeguard China's overseas interests and note that sending out the PLAN is essential to establishing China's image as a great power," Rice and Robb wrote.

Dozens of corvettes can't do that. So China has ramped up its production of ships that form an aircraft carrier task force, like guided-missile cruisers and nuclear-powered submarines, which have much longer endurance than the diesel-electrics that comprise most of the PLAN fleet.

The PLA Navy has two aircraft carriers in service, but their endurance without refueling is limited to less than week, according to the China Power project. That makes them more suitable for use in places like the South China Sea rather than in far oceans.

But more carriers are in planning and production. The newest planned Chinese carrier is expected to be equipped with a nuclear power reactor and electromagnetic catapults that will enable it to launch aircraft with more firepower and greater range than the existing carriers.

Rice and Robb point out that two Chinese defense white papers, from 2015 and 2019, say long-range naval forces are necessary to help with international peacekeeping, disaster relief and naval diplomacy -- in other words, flying China's flag overseas.

But they issue a warning. "The peacetime nature of these activities can obscure far seas protection's wartime applications. The concept encourages offensive operations during wartime, despite the defensive strategy its name implies," they wrote.

Citing Chinese publications, they add, "One source urges naval forces to 'control key strategic channels' far from China. Another source advocates employing strategic 'fist' forces formed around aircraft carriers. ... Another wartime mission is to strike important nodes and high-value targets in the enemy's strategic depth to 'ease pressure on the near-seas battlefield.'"

What's possible now -- and later

Although the Chinese navy would be a formidable opponent for any foe, its practical abilities don't yet match its aspirations.

Firstly, the PLAN would require aircraft carrier battle groups with far stronger air wings than the Chinese fleet's current capabilities.

The PLAN's two active carriers are conventionally powered and based on old Soviet designs. That limits the range of the ships themselves, the range and number of aircraft they carry, and the payloads of munitions on those aircraft.

In short, they are not even near peers to the US Navy's fleet of 11 aircraft carriers. And just one of those US carriers makes an intimidating statement while steaming off a foreign shore.

"A US Navy aircraft carrier, its air wing, is more powerful than most countries' entire air forces," said Eric Wertheim, editor of the US Naval Institute's "Combat Fleets of the World."

The PLA Navy is not there yet. Note how limited China's long-range naval power projection has been to date.

China's aircraft carriers haven't ventured farther than the western Pacific, let alone to projected power globally. While PLAN ships have deployed to the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and into the North Atlantic to northern Russian ports, they've done so in small numbers and infrequently.

Just last week, state-run tabloid Global Times reported on a Chinese naval expedition group of at least five ships led by a guided-missile destroyer crossing the equator and sailing into the open sea. It did not give an exact location of the equator crossing but noted the group had likely been at sea for three weeks.

"Such missions enable the PLA to get familiar with the high seas as China eyes to build a blue-water navy," the report said.

Global Times said a year ago a similar expedition group ventured out into the Pacific, an event noted by Roderick Lee, director of research at the US Air Force's Air University China Aerospace Studies Institute.

"The key takeaway from this training event is that the PLAN is developing the proficiencies to sustain limited offensive strikes against US forces -- perhaps as far out as Hawaii," Lee wrote for the Jamestown Foundation's China Brief.

"The PLA Navy is making significant progress in joint operations, damage control, logistics, and intelligence -- to the extent that they may soon be able to operate on the doorstep of US Navy port facilities in wartime."

But other analysts say the realization of the PLAN's blue-water efforts could be years, if not decades, away.

"By 2049 China aims to have a global military that's able to fight and win wars and project power globally," Meia Nouwens, senior fellow for Chinese defense policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said last week as the think tank released its annual world "Military Balance" report.

Along that timeline, analysts say they are looking for certain benchmarks to measure progress. They include establishing more overseas bases to support the PLAN -- it has only one, in Djibouti on the Horn of Africa -- and building heavy air transport to supply those bases.

"An interesting one will be when a Chinese carrier group makes a long-range deployment of significance, potentially into the Indian Ocean," Childs, the International Institute of Strategic Studies defense analyst, said.

Other notable deployments could include going into the Arctic and possibly the Atlantic, Childs added.

The Taiwan question

But in the near term, the center of attention is Taiwan, the democratic self-governing island that the powers in Beijing say is a historical and inalienable part of their sovereign territory.

Beijing's 2019 defense white paper said the island's authorities were "intensifying hostility and confrontation, and borrowing the strength of foreign influence."

"The 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces and their actions remain the gravest immediate threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the biggest barrier hindering the peaceful reunification of the country," the paper said.

And in a press conference in January, a Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman made clear where the military stands. "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China," Senior Col. Wu Qian said.

"The PLA will take all necessary measures to resolutely defeat any attempt by the 'Taiwan independence' separatists, and firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

In a speech in 2019, Xi said "not a single inch of our land" could be ceded from China.

"We should safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and achieve full unification of the motherland," he said.

In many ways concerning Taiwan, Xi has set up the PLA Navy fleet to do that.

As noted, the concentration of smaller surface ships like corvettes and coastal patrol craft are suited for combat near shores. And there's only about 130 kilometers (80 miles) of relatively shallow water between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland, ideal for the corvettes.

Those six dozen or so corvettes, for example, can carry two anti-ship missiles each with ranges of up to 200 kilometers (125 miles). Imagine the tracking and missile defense headache that creates for the US Navy surface fleet in the Pacific, which can only muster about three dozen destroyers.

PLA capital shipbuilding can also been seen in the lens of Taiwan.

Late last year, the Type 075 landing helicopter dock (LHD), a 35,000- to 40,000-ton multipurpose ship about half the size of China's two in-service aircraft carriers, embarked on sea trials.

As one of the biggest amphibious assault ships in the world, the Type 075 has a full flight deck to handle helicopters, and a flooded well deck that can launch and recover hovercraft and amphibious vehicles, according to an analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). It also has the capacity to carry 900 ground troops, who the helicopters and hovercraft can put ashore.

The ship, the first of three in the water or in production, "considerably elevates China's ability to transport, land, and support ground forces operating outside the Chinese mainland," analysts Matthew Funaiole and Joseph Bermudez Jr. wrote for the CSIS.

"The new class of ship ... represents a significant step forward for enhancing China's amphibious capabilities."

But if China were to invade Taiwan, it would need far more than 900 ground troops to control and occupy the island.

And that brings us back to those numbers, including the coast guard, the maritime militia, even those merchant ships China produces like no one else can.

"We would be wise to assume that China will bring all of its tools of maritime power to bear in ensuring success in a cross-Strait invasion," Shugart, the CNAS analyst, told Congress, who drew an analogy to the escape of British forces from France in World War II to visualize his point.

"In something like the form of a reverse-Dunkirk, we should expect that instead of only dealing with dozens of gray-painted PLA Navy amphibious vessels and their escorts, we would likely see a Taiwan Strait flooded with many hundreds of fishing boats, merchant ships, and Coast Guard and Maritime Safety Administration vessels."

This story was first published on CNN.com, "China has built the world's largest navy. Now what's Beijing going to do with it?."
After closing its theaters in March as the coronavirus pandemic took hold, Regal Cinemas allegedly stopped paying rent for its Fiesta Stadium 16 location at a North Side shopping center.

The chain started reopening its locations in August before shutting down once more in October, but its unclear whether the Fiesta discount theater ever reopened.

One year later, its landlords patience has run out.

A subsidiary of Weingarten Realty Investors, a Houston-based real estate investment trust that owns the Fiesta Trails shopping center, is suing Regal for skipping out on nearly $408,000 in unpaid rent and other charges since April.

In the lawsuit, Weingarten also said Regal may be on the hook for at least $563,245 for future rent through June 2022, the end of its lease term.

Weingarten confirmed last month that the discount theater at 12631 Vance Jackson Road is permanently closed.

On ExpressNews.com: Fiesta 16 theater in Northwest San Antonio is permanently closed

Weingarten is marketing the site for sale to developers who want to build an apartment complex, which may require rezoning it, according to the complaint. But it has yet to enter a binding sales agreement ... and its damages under the lease continue to accrue on a daily basis.

Act III Theatres built the 3,300-seat theater and parking lot as part of a lease deal in the mid-1990s. The company later merged with Regal, which took over the lease.

Regal told Weingarten in September 2019 that it did not want to renew or extend its lease past July 2021. The following spring, amid the pandemic, Regal allegedly stopped paying rent.

After Weingarten sent Regal a default notice in May, the theater chain said in a letter that the pandemic-induced closures had reduced its income to essentially zero.

Regal also claimed Texas law excuses tenants from fulfilling lease obligations in situations where performance is frustrated, impossible, illegal or contrary to public policy.

Although Weingarten disputed that interpretation, it said it amended the lease to forgive 25 percent of Regals minimum monthly rent from April to September and also to defer the remaining 75 percent and other costs.

On ExpressNews.com: COVID pushes Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas into bankruptcy

In return, Regal agreed to extend the lease through June 2022 and start paying 75 percent of the minimum monthly rent and other amounts owed in October, Weingarten alleges. The theater chain also agreed to repay the deferred rent and other costs in monthly installments beginning Jan. 1, 2021, through the end of the lease.

But Regal allegedly didnt pay in October or November of last year, and Weingarten sent another notice indicating it planned to give Regal the boot without terminating the lease. A spokesperson for the trust said it was Regals decision to close and not reopen and declined to comment on the suit.

Weingarten is seeking to recover all amounts due under the lease, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorneys fees and other costs.

Regal, which is owned by Cineworld, did not immediately respond to an inquiry.

Related: Landlords take San Antonio tenants to court over rent during pandemic

Theaters revenues have plummeted during the pandemic as movie-goers opt to stay home and studios sell new releases to streaming services. Landlords are also feeling the pinch, and more are resorting to lawsuits to force tenants to pay back rent.

Mall owners in other cities have sued Regal over unpaid obligations, according to media reports. A firm that owns Park North Shopping Center sued Alamo Drafthouse Cinema last fall after it closed its location there in March and stopped paying rent. The chain recently settled the litigation.

Alamo Drafthouse filed for bankruptcy protection Wednesday and is looking to sell its assets. The company doesnt anticipate disruption in operations, except for three theaters it is permanently closing, including its New Braunfels location.

madison.iszler@express-news.net
China has set a gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of over six percent for 2021 and outlined a plan to promote innovation, green development, and common prosperity in the next five years.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005288/en/

Addressing the country's annual legislative session, Premier Li Keqiang on Friday explained how China is going to tackle the numerous challenges it faces in a new development stage.

"China remains in an important period of strategic opportunity for development. Yet, there are changes in both the opportunities and challenges we face," Li said when delivering a government work report at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.

'Extraordinary year'

Describing 2020 as "an extraordinary year in the history of the People's Republic of China," the premier underscored China's "major strategic success" in fighting COVID-19 and the fact that it was the only major economy to achieve positive growth.

"We attained a complete victory in the fight against poverty, and we scored decisive achievements in securing a full victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects," Li said.

Key achievements in 2020:

Major strategic success in COVID-19 response;

GDP growth of 2.3 percent;

A reduction of burden on market entities by over 2.6 trillion yuan ($402 billion);

11.86 million new urban jobs;

Lifting the remaining 5.51 million poor rural residents out of poverty.

From 13th FYP period to 14th FYP period

China has made "historic new achievements" in economic and social development in the 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period (2016-2020), Li said in his report.

The country's GDP increased from less than 70 trillion yuan ($10.8 trillion) to over 100 trillion yuan ($15.5 trillion) over the past five years, he said, noting that over 60 million urban jobs were added.

The 14th FYP period (2021-2025) will be the first five years when China embarks on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects, he stressed, before outlining the draft Outline for the 14th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development and Long-Range Objectives through the Year 2035.

Main targets in the 14th FYP period:

Major economic indicators to be kept within an appropriate range, and annual targets for economic growth to be set in light of actual conditions;

Surveyed urban unemployment rates of within 5.5 percent;

An annual increase of R&D spending by more than seven percent;

An increase of permanent urban residents to 65 percent of the population;

A reduction of energy consumption per unit of GDP and carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 13.5 percent and 18 percent, respectively;

A raise of the average life expectancy by one year;

Basic old-age insurance to cover 95 percent of the population.

These targets are set to improve the quality of economic growth, pursue innovation-driven development, create a robust domestic market, promote green development and improve people's well-being, according to the premier.

"Innovation remains at the heart of China's modernization drive," he said. The country will strive to make major breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields and formulate and implement a ten-year action plan for basic research, he added.

In order to foster a new development pattern, China will give priority to domestic circulation and work to build a strong domestic market and turn the country into a "trader of quality," he said.

"We will leverage the flow of the domestic economy to make China a major magnet for global production factors and resources, thereby promoting positive interplay between domestic circulation and international circulation," Li explained.

'A good start'

The Chinese government will take various measures this year to ensure "a good start" for the country in the 14th FYP period, Li said.

Main projected targets for development in 2021:

GDP growth of over six percent;

Over 11 million new urban jobs;

A surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent;

CPI increase of around three percent;

Steady increases in both the volume and quality of imports and exports;

A basic equilibrium in the balance of payments;

Steady growth in personal income;

A further improvement in the environment;

A drop of around three percent in energy consumption per unit of GDP;

A continued reduction in the discharge of major pollutants;

Grain output of over 650 million metric tonnes.

China did not set a specific GDP growth target in 2020 amid uncertainty regarding the pandemic, but Premier Li announced a growth target of over six percent this year.

"A target of over six percent will enable all of us to devote full energy to promoting reform, innovation, and high-quality development," Li said.

The government will continue to implement and improve tax reduction policies, he said, announcing that the value-added tax (VAT) threshold for small-scale taxpayers will be raised from 100,000 yuan ($15,450) to 150,000 yuan ($23,175) in monthly sales.

"We will keep our prudent monetary policy flexible and targeted and at a reasonable and appropriate level," he said.

China's annual defense budget will maintain single-digit growth for a sixth consecutive year by increasing 6.8 percent in 2021, according to a draft budget report.

This year's planned defense spending will be about 1.35 trillion yuan ($209 billion), read the draft submitted to the fourth session of the 13th NPC for deliberation.

China's defense budget is about one-quarter of the U.S. figure, which is 740.5 billion U.S. dollars for the 2021 fiscal year.

'Patriots administering Hong Kong'

Li also stressed Beijing's stance on issues concerning the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan.

"We will improve the relevant systems and mechanisms of the two special administrative regions for enforcing the Constitution and the basic laws," he said. "We will ensure the implementation of the laws and enforcement mechanisms for the two regions to safeguard national security."

A draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) was submitted on Friday to the legislative session for deliberation.

In an explanatory speech on the draft, Wang Chen, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, said the electoral system of the HKSAR should conform to "One Country, Two Systems," meet the realities in the HKSAR, and serve to ensure "patriots administering Hong Kong."

Commenting on the Taiwan question, Li reiterated commitment to the one-China principle and opposition to any separatist activity seeking "Taiwan Independence."

"We remain committed to the major principles and policies on work related to Taiwan, to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, and to promoting the peaceful growth of relations across the Taiwan Straits and China's reunification," he said.

Challenges ahead

Despite the remarkable achievements in a highly challenging 2020, China still faces many challenges in the years to come, Li admitted.

"As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, instability and uncertainty are mounting on the international landscape, and the global economy continues to face grave challenges," he underscored the unfavorable external environment.

"Domestically, there are still weak links in our work to control COVID-19," he continued, adding that the foundation for achieving economic recovery needs to be further consolidated.

As China strives to upgrade its economy, Li stressed that the country needs to improve its innovation capacity in key areas.

The premier also highlighted some local governments' "serious budgetary deficits" as well as the "formidable tasks" to forestall and defuse risks in the financial sector and other areas.

Addressing these challenges in its draft development plan, China is embarking on its new journey in a targeted approach.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2021-03-05/China-outlines-plan-to-address-economic-challenges-in-next-5-years-YnRoLgt2Ks/index.html

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005288/en/
Celebrities share the stories behind their favourite photos. This week it's veteran broadcaster and author Peter Snow, 82.

Veteran broadcaster and author Peter Snow (pictured), has shared the stories behind his favourite photos

1942: Here I am aged four with my mother Peggy. I used to order her around  once I shouted down from upstairs, Mummy, I want a bath, and I want it now! My saving grace was inheriting her sense of humour. She was half-Irish and very sociable, with a great sense of mischief. My Army officer father John, in contrast, was serious and upright, though also kind, generous and easy-going

1945: As you can see here, I was terrified on my first day at boarding school in Eastbourne, aged seven. Patrick, my teddy bear, was my only comfort, but the other boys laughed at me so much I wrapped the little chap in a parcel and posted him home. Boarding school made me tough and independent, but less close to my parents than I should have been

1965: I wanted to be a theatre director, but the only people interested in employing me were ITN. Within a week with them I was writing the news, and then reading and reporting it within a year. I was flattered when this led to my being asked to audition to play James Bond, but the producer looked me up and down and said, At 6ft 5in, youre too tall, Mr Snow. We cant have our leading ladies on soap boxes. This photo is of me sitting with colleagues at the ITN studios

1992: Operating the Swingometer for the BBC on election nights was the best job in TV. I took it over in 1992 when the Tories just pipped Labour to the post. We had this wonderful great pendulum [pictured] which changed MPs seats from red to blue and blue to red, depending on which way the swing was going. If it swung right, it was good for the Tories; if it swung left, it was good for Labour. Even today, people call out, Wheres your Swingometer?

1997: This is me with my wife Ann and our children (l-r) Kate, Dan and Rebecca [Peter has three more children from previous relationships]. I was busy presenting Newsnight then and more or less absent during the week, so I threw myself into looking after the kids at weekends, when wed explore old battlefields  thats how we got to know and love each other

2002: Dan and I are making our first TV programme here, marking the 60th anniversary of the pivotal Second World War Battle of El Alamein. Dan had just graduated in history from Oxford, where hed been a keen rower, and a BBC producer had spotted him presenting a training video for the Boat Race and suggested we team up. Dan is a terrific storyteller and, unlike me, is a serious historian and has a phenomenal memory. We often have friendly arguments about historical details  and he usually wins

2010: It was love at first sight when I met Ann [MacMillan] while I was covering a Commonwealth Conference in Canada for ITN in 1973, and we got married three years later. Ann became the news bureau chief over here for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Shes calm and unflappable, a natural soulmate; I bring outrageous enthusiasm. This is the two of us on our 43ft yacht Cerulean, in which I crossed the Atlantic with Dan and our daughter Kate in 2001

2017: Ive been fanatical about steam trains ever since I was a boy, so it was a dream come true when I got the chance to drive one on the Channel 4 series Great Rail Restorations. This was the moment we joined four restored rail carriages together and pulled them up a hill on the Llangollen Railway in Wales, with me in the cab. It was a very exciting moment and all the family came along to cheer me on

As told to Angela Wintle. Treasures Of World History: The Story Of Civilization Told Through The 50 Most Important Documents by Peter Snow & Ann MacMillan is out now.
New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday (March 6) released its first list of candidates to fight the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal.

Suvendu Adhikari has been fielded from the Nandigram constituency, where he will take on TMC chief Mamata Banerjee.

BJP's Central Election Committee has approved the names of candidates on 57 seats for West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP General Secretary Arun Singh said as he released the list.

BJP releases its first list of 57 candidates for West Bengal Assembly elections; allocates Baghmundi seat to AJSU pic.twitter.com/uhKz6ocEQQ  ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2021

The party has allocated the Baghmundi seat to ally AJSU.

Out of 57 seats announced, the Baghmundi seat has been given to AJSU for West Bengal Assembly elections, Singh said.

On Friday, Mamata Banerjee had announced the list of 291 candidates for the upcoming polls. She said she has decided to contest from Nandigram seat only. The TMC list includes 50 women, 42 muslim candidates.

West Bengal assembly elections will be conducted in eight phases starting from March 27 and will go conclude on April 29. The counting of votes will be done on May 2.

Live TV

Behold the wolf and hear its mighty ... bark? A zoo in China has been in the news for a bizarre reason this week: for trying to pass off a dog as a wolf, BBC reported.

The episode has been a hot talk on social media after a footage appeared on Tuesday showing a visitor at the Xiangwushan Zoo in Xianning, Hubei province, visiting its wolf enclosure.

Beijing News

As per BBC, he filmed an animal that looked like a dog lying on its side in a cage, and said to the animal: "Woof! Are you a wolf?" in a short video that has since gone viral.



The incident has cracked up China's social media, with hilarious jokes lighting up the mood online. It has also sparked debate about whether zoos are necessary in a post-Covid era, with many voicing concern about their maintenance.

Also read: Singing Tiger Attracts Locals To Siberian Zoo, Gains Popularity Online

Global Times

The video was filmed by Xu, and he told local news outlet Beijing News that he had asked staff at the park why there was a dog in the wolf's cage. He said he was told that there had been a wolf, but that it had "died of old age".



A zoo employee later confirmed this information to local media, and said that the dog, which had been raised as a watchdog by the park, was only being kept there temporarily.

Also read: Pictures Show How Zoos Around The World Have Gone Eerily Quiet, Due To The COVID-19 Pandemic

Beijing News

Another news website Shine.cn, reported that the employee also hinted that the zoo had been financially struggling, saying it "didn't have enough visitors to keep the zoo up and running well".



The park, which charges 15 yuan ($2.30; 1.70) and also keeps lions and tigers, has now been told by the local forestry bureau to remove the sign leading to the enclosure, the report said.

Also read: How Zoo Animals Stay Cool With Frozen Treats During Soaring Temperatures In Italy
WASHINGTON  Republicans are looking to turn anger over California school closures during the coronavirus pandemic into a red wave for the 2022 congressional elections.

The GOP is laying plans to saddle its top targets in California  Democratic Reps. Josh Harder of Turlock, John Garamendi of Walnut Grove, Katie Porter of Irvine and Mike Levin of San Juan Capistrano  with the states comparably slow reopening of in-classroom teaching.

Republicans believe sustained outrage over the issue in California can make for a potent campaign message in November 2022 as they fight to retake the House and Senate, especially in the suburbs and among women, where the GOP lost significant ground during the Trump administration.

Theyre betting closed classrooms will have staying power in those groups even after schools reopen. After all, they point out, other blue states like New York and Washington widely opened in-class instruction earlier than California, and many California private schools have found ways to bring students on campus for longer stretches than the states public schools.

My wife and I have raised seven kids. Anyone who tells you this is over the second they go back in the classroom, they obviously dont have kids or theyre lying to themselves, Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, told McClatchy.

Especially when you look at the achievement gap between people who can send people to private schools, versus parents who feel helpless because not only are they in blue states that has them closed, but they cant even put their kids in a competitive level playing field with their peers, he said.

Pat Reilly, a parent advocate for Open Schools California, a state advocacy group started in the fall to push for school reopenings, said she identifies as a lifelong Democrat, but that Republicans are hitting a sore point.

She declined to say if this issue might prompt her to vote for a Republican, but said suburban women and women in general are going to be upset if their kids are not in school.

This is going to be most effective where kids were out of school the longest, said Reilly, a mother of two teenagers in the Berkeley Unified School District. So the message is get the kids back in as soon as you can, and youll stop the bleeding.

But even Republicans concede schools should be back to normal by November 2022, meaning their message carries risks for the party because it might not be at the top of voters minds.

Many congressional Democrats also insist they want schools to reopen, but they emphasize that classrooms need to be safe, a message school districts have cited in keeping campuses mostly closed.

If it is true that by fall were going to be moving toward in-person learning, then November 2022 is a long time away from that, said Lisa Garcia Bedolla, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Education. So will the fatigue and emotion and frustration that exists now will still be there next year? Thats tough.

California is behind the curve on reopening schools.

Its one of few states that still has a partial school closure in effect. Gov. Gavin Newsom has called for schools to reopen, but they have to meet key metrics set by the state. Even then, the decision is still up to local districts that can continue to decline to reopen.

People shouldnt be so sure that schools are going back to five-day in-person learning again, Reilly said, which is what parents like her want. Newsom and state Democrats released a plan for reopening this week, which would give school districts $2 billion in incentives to open schools by April 1. Open Schools California called the plan a failure.

Theres nothing in that legislation that forces schools to open, and theyre suggesting that you could have hybrid schools open through 2023, Reilly said.

However, its not clear that parents want schools fully opened right now. While more parents support opening schools versus remote learning in national surveys, parents are about evenly split three ways when asked in early February if they prefer all in-person learning, hybrid learning or all remote learning.

Reilly maintains this is a huge priority for a nonpartisan movement of parents who are pushing for accountability in schools. Opening schools immediately, five days per week, is the only way to lessen Democratic losses at this point, she said.

I think it is folly to imagine that congressional Democrats will not be held accountable for this, Reilly said. And honestly, when it comes to parents who are exhausted after nearly a year of not having our kids in school, theyre wanting their leadership to represent them and do something about it.

House Democrats say they are the ones actually looking our for schools, citing their passage of the latest COVID-19 relief bill. No House Republican voted for it.

The bill included $170 billion for schools  $21 billion for California schools specifically  but much of that money is for later years and not available right away in 2021. Schools receive that money regardless of whether they reopen for in-person learning.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released guidelines in January  right as President Joe Biden took office and former President Donald Trump departed  saying it was safe for schools to reopen if they met certain safety guidelines. The guidelines still say it is safe for some schools to reopen if they take precautions and local infection rates are low.

With the new administration, there is clarity about the requirements for reopening schools, said Rep. Garamendi, who is a new target for Republicans this year. That was never there under the Trump administration. They gave us confusion and chaos.

Democrats also say they want schools reopened. Harders staff pointed to about a dozen tweets hes sent on schools in the last month, with many saying it was a top priority to get schools reopened safely. Porter sent a letter in July 2020 with then-Sen. Kamala Harris calling on the Trump administration to develop a plan on how to reopen schools.

Levin has two children in public school. Porter is a single mother of three children in public schools and Garamendi has adult children working in education as well as 10 grandchildren in schools.

You want to make school reopening an issue? Garamendi asked. Good, lets do it.

Republicans, meanwhile, say Democrats are not only failing to push Bidens administration to call for full school reopenings, but also are prioritizing the demands of teacher unions that want to keep remote learning in the pandemic over the needs of children.

Harder and Porter received a little more than $20,000 each from teacher unions last election cycle. Levin took about $15,000 and Garamendi took $5,000.

Republican Emmer said the GOP plans to highlight those contributions ads aimed at those Democrats constituents.

California voters are going to know that those Democrats chose to put their political interests ahead of their constituents and the school kids in their district, Emmer said. Thats going to come back and haunt them.

Bruce Fuller, professor of education and public policy at UC Berkeley, said he thinks Republicans will struggle to defeat Democrats based on their positions on school reopenings in 2022. But he says the GOP could have some success by accusing them of being in bed with teacher unions.

We have a situation in California where you have a strong interest group, which contributes to one party in the Legislature, is driving policy decisions, Fuller said. So voters might scratch their heads and think, who is running the state? And that would not be helpful for Democrats with independent voters in the suburbs.
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Questions are mounting over Boris Johnsons refurbishment of his official Downing Street flat - AFP

Downing Street has spent more than 2.6 million on renovations in order to hold White House-style press briefings, it emerged on Friday.

The cost of the refurbishments for the televised press conferences in Number 9 Downing Street was revealed through freedom of information laws, prompting fresh questions over the use of taxpayers money.

On Friday night, the Daily Mail claimed that the refurbishment had been paid for by Conservative Party funds with the bill set to be in the region of 200,000.

But, in an attempt to cover up the cost donors agreed to pay an equivalent sum.

However, Downing Street said that all donations are "transparently declared" and published  either by the Electoral Commission or the House of Commons registrar, in line with the requirements set out in electoral law.

They added that details of the makeover would be spelled out in Cabinet Office accounts later this year.

The new format for the daily Westminster briefings was announced last year, followed by the appointment of former journalist Allegra Stratton as the Prime Ministers new press secretary, who will front them.

However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, they have been delayed indefinitely, with Number 10 yet so say when they will begin.

In response to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, the Cabinet Office on Friday issued a breakdown of the costs totalling 2,607,000, largely excluding VAT.

The disclosure was seized upon by Labour on Friday, which claimed that Boris Johnson was spending money on vanity projects at the same time as picking the pockets of NHS workers, who have been offered a 1 per cent pay rise.

Defending the expenditure, a Government spokesman said: This spending is in the public interest as the new broadcasting of lobby briefings will increase public accountability and transparency about the work of this Government now and in the future.

Such spending on maintenance and technical facilities reflects that 9 Downing Street (the Privy Council Office) is a Grade 1 listed building.

Story continues

It came amid mounting questions over Mr Johnsons refurbishment of his official Downing Street flat, which is being overseen by his fiancee, Carrie Symonds.

It has been alleged that the Prime Minister has discussed the possibility of setting up a charity which would raise funds to help preserve Number 10 and Number 11 as buildings of national significance.

However, it has been claimed that the discussions stemmed from Mr Johnsons concerns over the spiralling costs of the makeover of his private living quarters.

Separately, the Daily Mail reported on Friday that Mr Johnson had spent an estimated 12,500 in the past year on gourmet food deliveries from a business run by a Conservative donors wife.

Approximately 30 hampers of organic food from Daylesford have been delivered to Downing Streets back entrance on Tuesdays, along with about 100 prepared meals from the companys farm shop.

Daylesford was set up by Carole Bamford, the wife of Lord Bamford, the chairman of JCB, who has donated millions of pounds to the Conservatives.

Asked about the reports, the Prime Ministers spokesman said: The cost of food for personal consumption are entirely met personally by the Prime Minister."

He clarified that the personal consumption includes food eaten by the Prime Minister and his family.
Iranian authorities foiled an attempt late on Thursday to hijack a domestic passenger plane and fly it to an unspecified Gulf country, the semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Iran Air flight 334 was flying from the southwestern city of Ahvaz to Mashhad in the northeast when a passenger made a bomb threat, Fars cited Civil Aviation Organization spokesman Mohammad Hassan Zibakhsh as saying.

The passenger demanded the plane land in a country on the southern side of the Persian Gulf, Fars said. The pilot made an emergency landing in the central city of Isfahan and the hijacker was arrested. No passengers were harmed.

Iran has tense relations with some of its Arab Gulf neighbours, led by regional rival Saudi Arabia. In 2018, Iran accused some Arab nations" of backing Iranian Arab separatists who attacked a military parade in Ahvaz.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine named the key achievements in numbers for the past year of activities led by Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

As Ukrinform reports, the digital performance indicators are published on the Ministrys website.

Diplomats helped more than 250,000 people return home at the onset of the global lockdown in the spring of 2020. In addition, more than 1,500 lung ventilators of various types, more than 3 million tests of various types, and almost 6 million units of personal protective equipment were brought in from abroad.

In addition, 100% of sanctions against Russia over its aggression in Donbas and Crimea were maintained, despite Russia's attempts to ease them. In addition, Ukraine became one of the six closest NATO partners in the world, receiving the Enhanced Opportunities Partner status.

Another achievement was creating a new format of cooperation  the Lublin Triangle  with Lithuania and Poland and holding its first meeting.

In addition, Ukraine chaired the Danube Commission for the first time in 70 years.

The Foreign Ministry reminds that the Ukrainian diplomats helped to release more than 30 citizens from pirate and terrorist captivity and more than 1,600 citizens from prisons abroad.

All 116 diplomatic missions of Ukraine abroad introduced an electronic queue within the framework of large-scale digitization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In cooperation with the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, three new markets were opened: Singapore (halal meat), Lebanon (dairy products) and Ethiopia (eggs).

Ukrainian companies, with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies, won 73 tenders abroad and signed 53 contracts with foreign partners.

The Ministry added that three new visa-free regimes for Ukrainian citizens were established (with Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the overseas territories of the Netherlands).

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Back in 2014, BAE Systems was awarded a contract for the development of M113s successor. Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) is how the company calls its product, and the first batches are already out in the field, performing tests. The first true operational trials though (under realistic combat conditions) will not take place before the first few months of next year, according to Defense News The initial production run calls for 450 of these vehicles to be delivered, with a final decision from the U.S. Army on whether to go head on for the AMPV expected to be made later in 2022.There are five versions of the AMPV envisioned by BAE. The first is the Mission Command vehicle that will be used for command, control, communications and computer capabilities. Then comes the General Purpose vehicle, designed for resupply, maintenance, and casualty evacuation.Third in line is the more offensive Mortar Carrier, equipped with heavy mortars that can be fired in support of offensive operations. Two medical vehicles, one for evacuation and the other for treatment, are also in the pipeline.Finalizing the first AMPV for delivery marks a major milestone for the program and the U.S. Army, Bill Sheehy, AMPV program director for BAE Systems Ground Vehicles product line said in a statement back in September 2020, when the first BAE AMPV rolled off the lines.The AMPV is designed to meet the Armys missions for the Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT), and lay the foundation for the future of the battlefield.
Iraq's top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani told Pope Francis in a landmark interfaith meeting in the holy city of Najaf Saturday that the country's Christians should live in "peace".

Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani "affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights", a statement from his office said.

For its part, the Vatican said Francis thanked Sistani and the Shiite people for having raised his voice in defence of the weakest and most persecuted during some of the most violent times in Iraqs recent history.

The Pope said Sistanis message of peace affirmed the sacredness of human life and the importance of the unity of the Iraqi people.

The two elderly, respected men of religion met at Sistani's home in the shrine city of Najaf early on Saturday, the second day of the first-ever papal visit to Iraq.

The 84-year-old pontiff is defying a second wave of coronavirus cases and renewed security fears to make a "long-awaited" trip to Iraq, aiming to comfort the country's ancient Christian community and deepen his dialogue with other religions.

He landed at the Najaf airport, where posters had been set up featuring a famous saying by Ali, the fourth caliph and the Prophet Mohammed's relative, who is buried in the holy city.

"People are of two kinds, either your brothers in faith or your equals in humanity," read the banners.

A convoy of cars carried Francis into the Old City, which was under extremely tight security.

No press was allowed inside the meeting as the 90-year-old grand ayatollah is highly reclusive and almost never seen in public.

The Vatican office published an official photo of the meeting that showed neither men wearing masks: Sistani in a black turban with his wispy grey beard reaching down to his black robe and Francis all in white, looking directly at the grand ayatollah.

Story continues

The meeting is one of the highlights of Francis's four-day trip to war-scarred Iraq, where Sistani has played a key role in tamping down tensions in recent decades.

It took months of careful negotiations between Najaf and the Vatican to secure the one-on-one meeting.

"We feel proud of what this visit represents and we thank those who made it possible," said Mohamed Ali Bahr al-Ulum, a senior cleric in Najaf.

'High moral authority'

Pope Francis, a strong proponent of interfaith efforts, has met top Sunni clerics in several Muslim-majority countries, including Bangladesh, Turkey, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Sistani, meanwhile, is followed by most of the world's 200 million Shiites  a minority among Muslims but the majority in Iraq  and is a national figure for Iraqis.

"Ali Sistani is a religious leader with a high moral authority," said Cardinal Miguel Angel Ayuso Guixot, the head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and a specialist in Islamic studies.

Sistani began his religious studies at the age of five, ascending through the ranks of Shiite clergy to grand ayatollah in the 1990s.

While Saddam Hussein was in power, he languished under house arrest for years, but emerged after the US-led invasion that toppled the repressive regime to play an unprecedented public role.

In 2019, he stood with Iraqi protesters demanding better public services and shunning external interference in Iraq's domestic affairs.

On Friday in Baghdad, Pope Francis made a similar plea.

"May partisan interests cease, those outside interests who don't take into account the local population," Francis said.

'Great prestige'

Sistani has had a complicated relationship with his birthplace Iran, where the other main seat of Shiite religious authority lies: Qom.

While Najaf affirms the separation of religion and politics, Qom believes the top cleric  Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei  should also govern.

Iraqi clerics and Christian leaders said the visit could strengthen Najaf's standing compared to Qom.

"The Najaf school has great prestige and is more secular than the more religious Qom school," Ayuso said.

"Najaf places more weight on social affairs," he added.

In Abu Dhabi in 2019, the Pope met Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, the imam of the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo and a key authority for Sunni Muslims.

They signed a text encouraging Christian-Muslim dialogue, which Catholic clerics hoped Sistani would also endorse, but clerical sources in Najaf told AFP it is unlikely.

While the Pope has been vaccinated and encouraged others to get the jab, Sistani's office has not announced his vaccination.

Iraq is currently gripped by a resurgence of coronavirus cases, recording more than 5,000 infections and more than two dozen deaths daily.

Following his visit to the Grand Ayatollah, the Pope will head to Ur, where he will host an interfaith service, with many of Iraq's other religious minorities in attendance.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and REUTERS)
New Delhi, March 4: Security and intelligence agencies have unearthed a major terror-funding racket pumping funds to the militants in Jammu and Kashmir via Nepal-Bihar-UP route, according to knowledgeable sources.

"We have observed the terror-funding operatives using the services of certain jewellers, shopping mall owners and other traders in Nepal and sending money with the help of youths operating in villages of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal", said an official. Pakistan Remains in FATF Grey List Until June; Terror Funding Watchdog Cites 'Serious Deficiencies'.

According to these sources, substantial amounts of money have already been pumped for some militant organisations in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials insist that a number of over-ground workers and their sympathisers working at the instance of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Army, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen are involved in the racket and all of them would be rounded up.

The network, according to these officials, came to light when Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), guarding the Indian international borders with Nepal in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh spotted mysterious activities of the local youths and detained them. Their revelations during sustained questioning made it clear that they were part of a hawala ring engaged in passage of funds to the militants in Kashmir. A number of them had already made multiple trips to Jammu and Kashmir.

The ISI operatives, the Pakistani army and some militant commanders are now known to have deposited cash in different bank accounts of certain Nepal-based traders including jewellers and shopping mall owners. The Nepal businessmen through their couriers have been engaging youths in the villages of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, bordering Nepal, and passing to them cash between Rs 2-5 lakh in the Indian currency. These youths of normal criminal background would pass on the money to the militants in J&K against a fixed commission.

Efforts are said to be underway to gain access of the Indian security and investigating agencies to the Nepal-based businessperson and other functionaries of the terror-funding network with the involvement of the Union Ministry of External Affairs. Most of the identified traders, according to sources, were not linked to militancy but have been indulging in hawala trade for the sake of making easy money.

The dramatic arrest of Hidayatullah Malik of Shopian, the founder-chief of the Jaish-e-Mohammad front and the Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM) has led to the arrest of at least five of his alleged associates. One among them is Javaid Alam Ansari who was arrested from his house at Deobahuara village of Chapra and was brought to Jammu on 20 February on transit remand for sustained interrogation.

Working on specific information about his presence and activities in Jammu, Delhi and other places in India, the special operations group of Jammu and Kashmir Police claims to have arrested Hidayatullah from a shopping mall in Kunjwani outskirts of the winter capital of Jammu on 6 February. His revelations have, among others, led to the arrest of two important terror operatives from Bihar and Chandigarh.

Authorities have learned that at least seven country-made pistols have been smuggled in through this network from Bihar and UP for carrying out terrorist activities in Jammu, Delhi and other places. Two such pistols with some ammunition have been seized by the J&K Police before this case's transfer to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a broader investigation on Tuesday, 2 March 2021.

Working on Hidayatullah's disclosures, the Jammu Police got Javid Alam Ansari arrested from Chapra in Bihar. He has admitted to having supplied seven country-made pistols to the JeM operatives working under the cover of LeM. The supplier of the arms and ammunition, according to sources however was an ordinary criminal and not a militant. He is among the five detainees being handed over to the NIA for further investigation.

The J&K Police were still investigating as to where the LeM militants had spent or concealed the cash of Rs 60 lakh which they had looted from a cash delivery van of the J&K Bank in the Shopian township in November 2020. Nothing of that money has been recovered.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 04, 2021 11:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
New Delhi, March 6 : As the farmers' agitation over the three Central farm laws completed 100 days on Saturday, the Congress attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging that riding on the arrogance of majority, it has gone blind as it can't see anything beyond power.

In a statement, Congress General Secretary and national media in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said, "Riding on arrogance of brute majority, the Narendra Modi government has turned blind. They are unable to see anything beyond power." He said that democracy is not run like an authotarian regime, but it is governed as per the requirements of the people.

Surjewala also said that the defeat of the BJP in four states and one Union Territory in the coming Assembly elections will open the path for providing minimum support price to the farmers and repealing the three farm laws.

Targeting the government over the farm laws, the Congress leader said, "The farmers are being suppressed by the government for the last 100 days. The BJP leaders and ministers have used several words to demonise the farmers, who faced extreme harsh conditions on the borders of the national capital opposing the three farm laws." Highlighting the plight of the farmers in the last 100 days, Surjewala said that the government brought the three black laws to favour its industrialist friends.

"The government passed these bills in the Parliament despite objections from the opposition parties," he said, adding that the government even filed a wrong affidavit in the Supreme Court over the three farm laws.

He said that before arriving on the borders of the national capital, the farmers held a meeting with the government for over seven hours on November 13 last year, but the government did not pay heed to their demands.

"Thus the farmers arrived at several borders of Delhi on November 26 last year to protest against the three laws. But when arrived here, they were welcomed with water canons, tear gas shells and baton charges by the police," he said.

Surjewala alleged that the government instead of listening to the demands of the farmers started a series of meeting with them. But even after 12 rounds of meetings, the issue has remained unresolved till date.

He said the government worked on three formulas to tire out the farmers.

"One of the methods was to tire out the farmers with no conclusive discussions during the meetings, so that they return back to their native places. Another method adopted by the government was to torture the farmers," he said.

Backing his claims, Surjewala said the Income Tax department carried out searches at the premises of several farmers and their leaders.

Explaining the third method adopted by the government to weaken the farmers' agitation, Surjewala said, "The government adopted the policy of defaming and demonising the farmers by describing them as Khalistanis, Pakistanis and Maoists, working with anti-national forces." Earlier on Saturday, agitating farmers blocked the 136-km Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway to mark 100 days of their protest against the three Central farm laws enacted in September last year.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a law aimed at getting students back in classrooms in the nations most populous state. Many students have been out of school and learning online since last March because of the coronavirus.

The plan sets aside $2 billion that districts can tap if they offer in-person instruction by March 31. The longer a district waits to offer students the chance to return to the classroom, the less money it gets.

RELATED: Governor Brown directs Oregon schools to provide in-person learning by March, April deadlines

The deal also sets aside an additional $4.6 billion to help students catch up on the material they have missed during the past year.

But it has no requirements for how long students must be taught in-person and many teachers unions are still resistant to return. Getting students back into classrooms has been a fraught issue nationwide, pitting politicians against powerful teachers unions.

There is still some way to go, still some of that glass ceiling left, but for the women of modern-day Ireland the future appears bright.

Theirs is a future which would have seemed unthinkable thirty, twenty, even ten years ago, a future full of possibilities, one which will see them encouraged to follow their dreams, to pursue paths previously closed off, to become scientists, mathematicians, leaders, pioneers, entrepreneurs, whatever their heart desires.

And when they get there, they will show others the way, continue the fight for equality, for parity with those who have for so long stood in their way.

This certainly wasn't the case in the late 20th century, or even in the early years of this, the 21st century. And the further back you go the deeper the oppression becomes.

Yet there are exceptions to every rule, people who defy convention, regardless of the obstacles placed in front of them.

Eileen Gray was one such person.

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Born Kathleen Eileen Moray Smith on August 9, 1878, the Brownswood native would not only defy convention, not only overcome those obstacles, she would become a world leader in her field, an iconic figure who continues to be celebrated decades after her death.

Eileen's father, James McLaren Smith (1832-1900), was a painter, her mother, Eveleen (1841-1918) an Anglo-Irish aristocrat whose lineage could be traced back to King James V.

Clearly these were not your average Enniscorthy family.

While the young Eileen undoubtedly had a better start to life than most, a most affluent upbringing, she displayed the single-mindedness which would serve her well in later life from a young age.

Patricia O'Reilly is a Dublin-born author who has written extensively about Eileen Gray, penning two books based on her life as well as a radio play. She has also travelled the world giving talks on Eileen, attempting to shed some light on a woman who remains a somewhat mysterious figure.

'From talking to the progeny of locals who have long memories about the habits of those living in the "big house", Eileen had the reputation of being a strange child, a loner, with a habit of sleeping on the floor outside her parents' bedroom,' recalls Patricia.

This strangeness, or perhaps just youthful folly, extended to Eileen 'on occasion adapting the body of the perambulator to toboggan down the slope leading to the river Slaney.'

But the most significant moment of Eileen's childhood occurred when she was eleven years old with the departure of her father. Described as a 'mutually civilised arrangement' between husband and wife, James left Enniscorthy and relocated to Italy, leaving his young daughter bereft. Although the family visited James frequently, this loss had a deep impact on Eileen and perhaps offers an explanation as to why she chose to pour her love into the family home as a teenage girl. At the age of 18 she began redeveloping Brownswood, displaying the first hint of an artistic flair which would one day see her championed across the globe.

'In Eileen's opinion the completed job was an ostentatious mock-Tudor structure,' says Patricia. 'Throughout her life she kept a photograph showing the original building and another of the renovation.'

Of course, that building, the Gray family home is now occupied by Meanscoil Gharman, the Irish-language school, where many of the home's original features are protected, such as 'the half landing stained-glass windows, elegant staircase, plasterwork and sections of the basement kitchens.'

But for all her architectural prowess it was still expected that, having come of age, Eileen would be married off to the most eligible contender and begin a life of motherhood and housekeeping.

However, she had other ideas.

'The family had aristocratic roots reaching back to Scotland and it was expected she'd conform and marry suitably,' Patricia says. 'But she was independent from an early age, her own woman who knew her mind and what she wanted to do.'

What she wanted to do was follow in her father's footsteps, to explore her creative side. To that end she enrolled in the Slade School of Fine Art in London. However, after a few months she professed herself 'disappointed at both her talent and the quality of the teaching and began looking around for another creative outlet.'

That outlet would be found in Paris where, against the wishes of her mother, Eileen moved in the early 1900s. She bought an apartment in the exclusive Sainte-Germain-des-Pres area and attended art classes at the Ecole Colarossi and the Academie Julian and persuaded Seizo Sugawara, a master in lacquerwork, to give her lessons in the art of lacquering.

While she concentrated on her work, on creating an opus worthy of the name, Eileen began to explore her sexuality, as Patricia explains.

'Within the artistic/creative circle she moved in Paris, sexuality was not a problem. Her friends were lesbian, bi-sexual, whatever.

'Eileen had relationships with both men and women, but, doubtless, the love of her life was Marie-Louise Damien, better known as Damia. She had taken the Parisian nightclub scene by storm when she opened Concert Damia, in Montmarte, the place to be seen during the years of the First World War.

'Eileen was a frequent visitor, sitting at her table, sipping champagne, smoking. She created the Sirene chairs for Damia, and the two women were a familiar sight, driving along the Champs-Elysee in Eileen's roadster with Damia's pet panther sitting on the back seat of the car.'

Their relationship broke up when Damia switched her affection to Gabrielle Bloch, the daughter of a wealthy German banker. And although Eileen and Damia lived within a few streets of each other for decades it is said they never spoke again.

By this point there were competing passions in Eileen's life, her work often rendering all other matters obsolete. She began working on 'Le Destin' - a four-panel lacquered screen inspired by a drawing reputed to be of a madman incarcerated in La Salpetriere hospital - and the rest of the world simply faded into the background.

'During the months of creating 'Le Destin' she lived like a hermit,' says Patricia. 'She slept little and survived on chocolate and cigarettes.

'She ignored Picasso's (yes, that Picasso) invitations - he enjoyed discussing cubism with her - shunned the fashionable soirees of Romain Brooks and Natalie Barney; avoided dining with Rodin; and disregarded her friend, Kathleen Bruce, who later married Scott of the Antarctic. Even visits from Jessie Gavin, her lover at the time, were regarded as an interruption.'

'Le Destin' caught the attention of several notable figures in the arts world and Eileen was commissioned to do further pieces. But like everyone else in France her ambitions were cut short by the onset of war in 1914. Never one to take a backseat in proceedings, Eileen attained a driving license and drove an ambulance during the early days of World War I, ferrying casualties to hospital as the Allies repelled the German forces.

Only the illness, and subsequent passing, of her mother cut short Eileen's war-effort.

Upon resuming her career in the post-war years, Eileen designed and created a piece which, 90 years after her death, would sell at auction for 22 million.

'The Dragon Armchair', so named because of the 'ornate sculptures on its sweeping armrests' was a 'canoe-shaped day bed, resembling a seashell, in textured brown lacquer and silver leaf, raised on twelve arches, a form without precedence in furniture design.'

Standing just 24cm tall it was purchased by Parisian art-dealer Cheska Vallois at an auction held by Christie's in 2009. Interestingly, the chair was owned by Yves St Laurent up until his death, Vallois having sold it to him in the 1970s.

Gray's chair remains the second-most expensive piece of furniture ever made, only an 18th-century Badmington cabinet (27.5m) selling for more.

While she would never earn that level of riches or acclaim during her own lifetime, The Dragon Armchair did propel Eileen's career to new heights.

'The media attention surrounding the chair heightened interest in Gray, drawing enquiries from America, commissions from the beef barons of Argentina and Indian maharajas,' says Patricia. 'A poet friend described Eileen as "an alchemist of wood" - a description that stuck, but she was impervious to flattery.'

Indeed, by this point Eileen had almost grown tired of lacquering and furniture, she yearned for greater projects, something all-consuming. She found it at Roquebrune-Cap Martin in the South of France.

Upon completion her E.1027 villa would become one of 'the most iconic houses of the 20th century' but, as Patricia explains, the design and construction of the building presented unique challenges.

'It was challenging - a steep rocky perch, difficult of access but with a fine view over the Mediterranean, and her design for the villa took maximum advantage of the location.'

'Eileen oversaw the construction of the house herself. Dressed in chic trouser suits, she was a familiar sight driving narrow, hilly roads around Menton, personally overseeing every aspect of the building from foundations to furnishings, frequently sleeping on site.'

Completed in 1929 the villa was named E.1027 in commemoration of a new relationship, one with a man. Jean Bodivici was a Romanian architect whom Eileen had befriended during her time studying the work of prominent Modern Movement architects.

Bodivici would assist Eileen in creating E.1027 (E for Eileen, 10 for Jean, 2 Badovici and 7 for Gray) and become her lover as the project progressed.

'They were an unlikely couple - he was penniless, a womaniser, ten years younger than her and a drinker. While she was independently wealthy and abstemious,' says Patricia.

'On completion, she not only gifted the villa to him, she gave him credit for being a collaborator, although the extant plans are solely in her hand.'

But what made E.1027 so unique, why is it renowned to this day as one of the greatest architectural triumphs of the last 100 years?

Patricia O'Reilly once more.

'The house stood on stilts and its roof was accessible by an exterior staircase. Its south window created an open facade; there was an open-plan living room with a mixture of freestanding and fixed walls and horizontally oriented windows.

'The interior was sculpted to create a sense of space, light and optimistic modernity; the walls were pristine white and the furniture designed with whimsy in mind - at the touch of a hand a cabinet transformed to a desk; a bedside table could be dropped to half its height. The house's ambience was playful, talkative.'

Eileen lived in E.1027 with Jean until a visit from La Corbusier who was 'arguably the most famous architect of the era'. During his stay Le Corbusier painted 'eight brightly coloured explicitly sexual murals on the pristine white walls of the villa'.

When he refused to remove them, and Jean refused to confront him, Eileen Gray left, never to return.

In 1956 the villa was taken over by the Conservatoire du Litteral, an organisation dedicated to the protection of valuable French resources, and refurbished. It was opened to the public in 2014.

Eileen continued to work as an architect, creating another villa in the village of Castellar and, in a sign of her changing world view, 'sketched out a scheme for low-cost housing'.

'Her social conscience had risen to the fore, her preoccupations having moved worlds away from lacquer and luxurious villas,' Patricia says.

After the Second World War she became even more of a recluse, continuing to design in her apartment in rue Bonaporte, accompanied by her lifelong friend and maid, Louise Dany.

But by now, as she entered her seventies, Eileen's 'eyesight was failing, her projects were being ignored and her star was in the descent.'

Yet there was one brief flickering of that star before it faded forever, an unexpected return to the limelight for a woman whose name was in danger of being forgotten.

In 1972, with Eileen now aged 94, an auction was held at the Hotel Drouot in Paris. The items up for sale were part of a collection owned by Jacques Doucet, a French fashion designer who had died in 1929.

Among the collection was 'Le Destin'. It was valued at 20,000 francs but eventually sold for 170,000 francs, the highest ever price paid at auction for a modern antique. The buyer? Yves Saint Laurent.

'It was presumed the creator of the screen must be dead. After all it dated back to before the First World War,' says Patricia.

'But the story is that an American journalist tracked down Eileen Gray to her apartment. Eileen had the beginnings of Parkinson's Disease and her eyesight was failing, but she was enjoying the belated recognition with a bemused detachment.

'Although she refused to see the American, the news was out and the spotlight of the international media was back, firmly focused on her.

'Her aversion to publicity hadn't changed during her years as a recluse - she refused to be interviewed by the American or any of the other international TV camera-men, newspaper reporters and radio journalists who came calling.'

Four years later on October 31, 1976, Eileen Gray died in the Paris she so loved. She was 98-years-old.

However, her story doesn't end there.

In 2002 The National Museum of Ireland opened a permanent exhibition of her work at Collins Barracks in Dublin. In 2013 retrospectives of her works were mounted in Centre Pompidou in Paris and IMMA in Dublin.

A documentary on her life Gray Matters was released in 2014, a biopic, The Price of Desire opened in 2016, and several books, including Patricia O'Reilly's Time and Destiny and The Interview (a fictionalised account of Eileen's encounter with that American journalist in the 1970s) have been published.

Eileen Gray continues, and will continue, to be celebrated on a global scale. But what about Wexford? What about Enniscorthy? Well, she has not yet got the statue or monument a woman of her standing perhaps deserves, but at the Meanscoil her legacy lives on through the work of its teachers and students.

Danielle Dempsey is the school's art teacher and she actively encourages her classes to explore the legacy of one of Enniscorthy's most famous exports. The latest in a series of projects designed to educate and inform her students about Eileen Gray began last year.

'We've done a couple of projects on Eileen in recent years. Obviously because we're working in the building where she spent her early life it gives it extra significance,' Danielle says. 'Two years ago we did a ceramic installation based on her work and last September we began a new project on her in association with Wexford Arts Council.'

Helping to bring this latest project to life is Laura Ni Fhlaibhin, Creative Associate with the Irish Arts Council.

'We started a collaborative art in education project focusing on the innovative and dynamic creative practice of Eileen Gray,' explains Laura. 'In partnership with Danielle we devised a workshops series, activating the legacy of Eileen Gray. A series of full-day workshops over the course of the school year are taking place in the Meanscoil with the transition year art students.'

An Irish based architect, Ben Mullen, is delivering the workshop series; exploring approaches to outdoor, sculptural art and architecture, resulting in a series of designed and created outdoor-seating sculptures.

Although the workshops have been curtailed because of lockdown, Laura and Danielle hope the students' sculptures will be completed by the end of this summer, at which point they will be permanently installed in the grounds of the Meanscoil.

And Laura says one of the core aims of the project is to heighten awareness of Eileen's work on a local level.

'This course is about bringing her more to the fore, she is already internationally recognised, what we're doing is a step in the right direction to embed her as a draw for the county, and maybe encourage designers and architects to come here to work.'

Yet in the process of that workshops, Danielle says her students have developed an appreciation for Eileen Gray both in terms of her creative output and her the times she lived in.

'The students find her life story very interesting, this was someone in recent history who wasn't afraid to express her sexuality and was a strong female personality, I do try and push that side of her story when I can.

'She was someone who made her own way through life, and although she was well off, it was her work ethic that made her a success.'
Photo: (Photo : RODNAE Productions from Pexels)

Nine months after the coronavirus pandemic started, there still is no baby boom. Instead, statistics show that there was a baby bust.

Last 2019, births in the United States have been recorded to be the fewest for thirty-five years. And even though people are spending more time at home due to the pandemic quarantines, the entire country is still in the middle of a baby bust.

ALSO READ: Pandemic Baby Bonus: A Way to Avoid Baby Bust and Ensure Baby Boost

Baby bust, not a baby boom

Although there is no official data yet for the entire country, several organizations have already released data that in 32 states, there are 95,000 fewer births in 2020.

This data from CBS shows that the birth rate in the country decreased by more than four percent.

In California, last December 2020, the birth rate decreased by ten percent. Even Hawaii has recorded a decrease in birth rates by 30%.

ALSO READ: Baby Bust, Not Baby Boom, After the COVID-19 Crisis [Experts Say]

Couples choose to delay pregnancy

Although some couples intended to add a new member to the family or start their new family, a larger number still planned to delay pregnancy. That is according to a survey conducted by the Guttmacher Institute.

The survey also said that couples choose to have sex less often and have fewer children because families saw the pandemic's effects and economic costs.

In another study, the birth rate and labor market's connection is explained. According to the Brookings Institute study, "When the labor market is weak, aggregate birth rates decline; when the labor market improves, birth rates improve."

A sociologist from the University of Maryland, Phil Cohen, said that the falling birth rates are the biggest since the end of 1964, which is also the end of the baby boom. He said, "Regardless of whether you think it's good or bad to have a lot of children, the fact that we're suddenly having fewer means things are not going well for a lot of people."

ALSO READ: When Things Get Back to Normal: How to Deal with the New Normal

Baby bust until 2021

According to BBC, even the online searches for terms that are pregnancy-related went down. That is according to the data from Google Trends.

A study by the Brookings Institution also shared that in 2021, there is an estimated 300,000 fewer births are expected.

In an interview with CBS, Laura Lindberg, a research scientist, said that because the impact of COVID is not yet over, there is still no assurance of what's going to happen next. Lidberg added, "Until people feel more confident about the economy and the state of the world, concerns about having children are going to continue."

Since this is not an issue that only became recent, experts believe that this can cause social, demographic, and economic implications in the coming years.

Right now, politicians are reported to be exploring benefits and tax credits options for children.

ALSO READ: Because of the Pandemic, Parents Are Less Strict with House Rules [Survey Reveals]
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New Delhi: Former Railway Minister and Sr. TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi join BJP in the presence of national BJP president JP Nadda along with Piyush Goyal Minister of Railways, Union minister Dharmender Pradhan at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Saturday 06th M Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi: Former Railway Minister and Sr. TMC leader Dinesh Trivedi join BJP in the presence of national BJP president JP Nadda along with Piyush Goyal Minister of Railways, Union minister Dharmender Pradhan at BJP HQ in New Delhi on Saturday 06th M Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, March 6 : Former Trinamool Congress leader and union minister Dinesh Trivedi on Saturday said that politics is serious business and that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has forgotten her ideals.

Trivedi was welcomed in the BJP by party Chief J.P. Nadda in the presence of Union Ministers Piyush Goyal and Dharmendra Pradhan. In February, Trivedi had resigned from Rajya Sabha and the Trinamool Congress.

Speaking after joining the BJP, Trivedi said, "The people are unhappy with the cases of violence and corruption in the state. In the current situation, the people of West Bengal are happy that real change is going to happen there." Trivedi termed the joining the saffron party as a 'golden moment' for him.

He further stated that now the people of West Bengal want development not corruption and violence.

"I will be active in the election process, whether I contest polls or not. West Bengal has outrightly rejected the Trinamool Congress. They want development not corruption or violence. The people of West Bengal are ready for change," he said.

The former union minister said, "We are in public life since the people and the country are important to us. The BJP is like a family in a way and I have joined this family that aims to serve the people. In the other party, they work to serve a family." "For me, the country is above everything. The country is also above all for the BJP that is why it has attained the heights where it exists today," Trivedi said.

Welcoming Trivedi in the party, Nadda said he was the right person in the wrong party. "Now, the right person is in the right party," he added.

"He has paid the price for his principles. For his commitment to serve the nation, he resigned from the Rajya Sabha and joined the BJP," Nadda said.

"In the Trinamool Congress, corruption, opportunism, murder of democracy, strangling of institutions has been enshrined. So Trivedi quit the Trinamool and joined the BJP," Nadda said.
When a powerful derecho slammed South Jersey with 93 mph winds last June and a round of intense thunderstorms followed just hours later, Camden County found itself with a sewage problem.

The storms managed to knock out the two independent power lines that connect the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authoritys sewage treatment plant to the main power grid. Then, the plants backup generator failed.

The pumps that keep sewage flowing through the system stopped working and remained offline for six hours. The waste backed up, and raw sewage spilled into Woodlynne Borough.

To CCMUA Executive Director Scott Schreiber, the derechos impact is the most recent example of why his facility has to become more resilient to future disasters, especially as climate change threatens to bring more intense storms in the future.

Part of that resiliency will come from a microgrid project that is years in the making. Such a microgrid would be independent of the larger power system, meaning if a large outage strikes the area, anything connected to the microgrid would still have power.

But its not just the sewer plant that would benefit in times of emergency. The microgrid could serve nearby hospitals, schools, police stations and other critical infrastructure.

The microgrid project is still a long ways from becoming a reality. Developer Compass Energy warned in a letter last week to the Camden County Board of Commissioners that a final plan for the size and scope of the microgrid is at least six months away. Its still unclear how much this project will cost.

But in the latest update, Compass indicated that the microgrid will use electricity from solar power and anaerobic digestion rather than connecting to a nearby incinerator operated by Covanta. Its a major twist for the plan that comes after months of outcry from local residents and environmental groups, who have long decried the incinerator as a major polluter in a city with some of New Jerseys dirtiest air.

This is a really good sign, said Kate Cruz, the environmental justice coordinator for the nonprofit Center for Environmental Transformation. This means that the county and the city listened, that they recognized that there are very serious and valid concerns about Covanta.

The announcement was touted by Camden City Councilwoman Shaneka Boucher and Camden County Commissioner Jeff Nash in an op-ed published Thursday by ROI-NJ.

Boucher said she was glad that Compass listened to residents concerns and found alternatives to relying on the Covanta incinerator.

I just wanted to make sure that when we approved the microgrid, that we looked at every source possible, Boucher said.

Schreiber said the CCMUA was equally excited by the Compass letter.

If there are ways to produce electricity that dont rely on Covanta, that are otherwise green and renewable, then thats a better outcome for the project, Schreiber said.

Covanta disputes that its facilities are a significant health threat to nearby communities.

We are aware that Compass is reviewing other options for the microgrid, said James Regan, a Covanta spokesman. We remain engaged in discussions with them and with the County and City. We consider ourselves part of the original microgrid benefits group looking for ways to improve Camden County and City of Camden.

Regan added that Covanta believes the incinerator is still a compelling partner for the microgrid, because the facility burns trash and produces power 24 hours a day regardless of the weather. He noted that none of Covantas New Jersey incinerators went offline during Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

But for Benjamin Saracco, an organizer with Camden for Clean Air, Compass decision to move on without Covanta is a step closer to what his group would like to see: The incinerator taken out of service.

This issue isnt over. Covanta needs to leave the city sooner rather than later, Saracco said.

Covanta maintains the microgrid was not critical to the financial viability of its Camden incinerator. Regan said the incinerator will continue to handle the areas waste and produce power for larger electric companies to buy.

For us, the microgrid was an opportunity to establish a stronger local service, Regan said.

Camden County had applied to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for $500,000 in seed money for the microgrid project, but that request was rejected Wednesday by the BPU. The board did not immediately answer questions from NJ Advance Media.

Nash said the BPUs decision will not stop the microgrid from becoming a reality.

That is important seed money, but Compass believes that the project can continue without that seed money from the state government, Nash said.

An unanswered question remains: Who is going to be directly served by the microgrid?

Cruz and Saracco are concerned microgrid planners will prioritize industrial facilities on the Camden waterfront that do not provide critical services to residents, but do contribute to the citys heavy air pollution.

We need to look at other industrial stakeholders that are going to be connected to this grid, some of which have already been handsomely rewarded with public money, Saracco said.

Cruz said she hopes Compass will instead focus on finding ways to get residents connected to the microgrid, and combine the project with community solar power developments to bring cleaner, less expensive electricity to the neighborhood.

This could be really good. It could solve a lot of problems, Cruz said. Theres a lot of potential here.

Nash said its premature for activists to question whether industrial or residential customers will benefit more from the project, because the overall plan is still early in development. Boucher said all feedback would be considered in the development process.

All of those things are options that are on the table, Boucher said.

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Michael Sol Warren may be reached at mwarren@njadvancemedia.com.

Panaji, March 6 : Two persons from Rajasthan were arrested on Saturday for stealing valuables from tourists at North Goa's popular Mandrem beach, the police said.

The thieves had robbed bags containing personal belongings like mobile phones, airpods, speakers and cash belonging to one Karan Wahi, a resident of Peddar road in Mumbai, after the latter along with his friends had gone for a swim off Mandrem beach.

According to Jivba Dalvi, inspector in-charge of the Pernem police station, Chandan Bhanwarlal Sahu (23) and Vishal Bhavanishankar Sahu (22) from Jaipur have been arrested and booked under Section 379 of the Indian Penal Code.
Its odd how Portsmouth seems to produce or stimulate writers and stories. Conan Doyle was a penniless doctor in Southsea (grubby, tarry Pompeys green seaside twin sister). Charles Dickens was born there. H.G. Wells toiled in a drapers shop in Southsea and hated it. The city features often, with its grotesque, ferocious prostitutes known as Portsmouth Brutes in Patrick OBrians matchless series of novels about the Navy in Napoleonic Times, and of course in C.S.Foresters currently under-rated Hornblower stories. The murder victim (as he turns out to be) in Josephine Teys extremely ingenious The Singing Sands is a young man from Portsmouth who used to love crossing Portsmouth harbour on the Gosport ferry, one of the great unsung delights of England. Knowing the ferry as I do, Im not surprised. If I had time Id slip down to The Hard now, and take the ferry again.

Portsmouth is a curious mixture of the ugly and the lovely, best seen on a clear late winters afternoon from the top of Portsdown Hill, where several of my forebears are buried in the unyielding chalk. Amid harsh, practical and warlike buildings, and high walls to keep out saboteurs and spies, plus monstrous Victorian forts to keep out the scheming Frenchies, you find the occasional flash of unintended beauty, especially relics of the 18th century, when it seems even government builders were not immune from grace and proportion. And then theres the pure scoured air, never free from salty wind, and the constant glitter from the unresting sea, and the impossible rural prettiness of the Isle of Wight, its miniature Downs and valleys - like Bunyans Celestial City, clear enough to make out individual buildings, but out of reach beyond deep water.

Find yourself in Pompey on New Years Eve, and youll hear the mournful, heartless howl of the ships whistles and hooters at midnight, all sounding to mark the turn of the calendar. I happen to associate this dismal racket with sad moments, but I defy even a cheerful, optimistic person to hear it without being moved and a bit disturbed. It also reminds me of how, as a child living near the sea, I would listen safe in bed to the giant sirens of transatlantic liners on their way into Southampton, and huge warships inbound for Pompey, feeling their way through the Spithead fogs as the enormous tides tried to tug them away from their courses.

Perhaps its that mixture of tarry smells and slimy seashore stinks, the faint thumping of distant brass bands behind barrack walls, rackety brown pubs exhaling gusts of stale beer, big guns, sea-glitter, glum, momentous memorials . Imagine the day the news came that several Pompey-based ships had been lost with all hands in the Battle of Jutland. I mean, imagine it, in the days when we still took death seriously and suddenly there were hundreds of destitute widows and orphans where before there had been contented families. Whole streets must have been overshadowed at once by the Angel of Death.

Such a city might just stimulate the mind, even among those who didnt especially like the place. Indeed, I have had mixed feelings about Portsmouth all my life. But a year in which I have not visited it is incomplete for me.

In this strange place was born and raised one Olivia Manning, daughter of a Northern Irish mother and a junior naval officer who had risen through the ranks and ended up with a tiny pension, in a dreary street called Laburnum Grove. This is still to be found in the unpretty North End, near the Prison and a large cemetery. She died in Ryde, on the Isle of Wight, from which she could see Portsmouth shimmering in the distance across the sea, without actually having to be there - an understandable arrangement for someone ambivalent about that city. Olivia Manning's younger brother, Oliver, was lost in action, while serving in the Navy's Fleet Air Arm, a loss which is said to have ht her very hard.

Manning is a greatly underestimated author whose two trilogies (the Balkan and the Levant) were dramatised as The Fortunes of War in the late 1980s by the BBC, with Emma Thompson playing Harriet Pringle, the main character, based upon Olivia Manning herself. The three original novels of the Balkan trilogy (normally now sold in a single volume) , with their thought-provoking titles 'The Great Fortune' 'The Spoilt City' and 'Friends and Heroes' have just been republished in the Windmill Books imprint.



Olivia Manning was still alive in 1980 when Emma Thompson was first cast as Harriet in the TV series, and objected a bit because she thought Ms Thompson's feet were too big - so making it plain that Harriet Pringle and Olivia Manning (proud of her small feet) are more or less interchangeable.

The TV version is not a bad attempt at screening a large story featuring many characters, though it tails off a bit at the end because the books are simply too big to televise. In fact they are too big for any stage smaller than the human imagination.

They encompass battle, marital misery, the fear of defeat, the despair of a badly-wounded soldier, many personal betrayals and tragedies, and contain extraordinary portrayals of life as it was really lived in Bucharest, Athens, Cairo, Jerusalem and Damascus, in the very last hours of the colonial era.

They run partly in parallel to Evelyn Waughs Sword of Honour Trilogy (and his Put Out More Flags, which I tend to see as a separate but linked volume) , and are as essential for understanding Britains part in the Second World War.

The series begins with the Pringles, Harriet and Guy, making their way to Bucharest by train in the last minutes of peace in 1939. In the warm dark, a refugee without papers is hustled away to what will probably be his death, while the supposedly safe English passengers look on helplessly. We have all patted our pockets at one time or another to find, with increasing dismay, that something important is missing from them. But in this case it is far more serious.

It was more or less insane for anyone to undertake such a journey in September 1939, but before the rapid collapse of Poland and the wholly unexpected fall of France, few if any English people had any idea of how crazy it was.

Harriet Pringle is a modern woman, a caustically witty, tough and independent young person from 1930s literary London, who would later be pretty much at home in the post-war world. Some of this we know because the books are so obviously autobiographical. An illustration of her toughness is a description, plainly drawn from the life , of a very risky mission, in mid-war, to the disputed city of Cluj. In the book, this crazy journey (at the request of a British reporter anxious to find out what is going on but not prepared to go himself) is made by Prince Yakimov, a White Russian aristocrat, ratfink, sponger, pig and general scapegrace, who is even so a loveable human, one of the most brilliantly drawn figures in fiction, worthy of Dickens himself.

Harriets bizarre marriage to Guy is the constant theme of the book. Guy, based on a Communist called R.J. (Reggie) Smith, is the open-handed friend of all, endlessly dispensing his love (and the copiple's meagre money) to the poor and suffering, almost entirely absent from his wifes life and oblivious to her concerns. He can barely see in front of him through thick glasses, so cannot serve in the Army. His official role in Bucharest is to lecture at the University, part of the soft power efforts of the British Council, the official voice of British culture abroad. It is not really a moment for soft power, though it is hugely touching that , as Hitlers Panzers grind through the Low Countries in a river of grey steel, Guy manages to produce an excellent version of Shakespeares Troilus and Cressida (later he reveals a talent for producing smutty revues as well).

This difficult, sometimes utterly infuriating relationship continues in the most extraordinary circumstances. It is the unchanging theme of all six novels in the series. For those nurtured on legends of British victory and finest hours, the events described may be a shock.

Since they are living, without diplomatic protection, in an increasingly dangerous neutral capital liable at any time to he seized by Stalin or Hitler, Harriet and Guy are extremely exposed to the results of British diplomatic incompetence, military weakness and failure.

The menacing growth of Nazi power affects them personally, gradually interfering with their expatriate lives  neutrality means direct encounters with aggressive and deliberately unpleasant Germans, and the symbolic Nazi takeover of the hotel favoured by the British. Restaurants which used to find them tables begin to turn them down and turn them away. Jewish friends face increasingly nasty and ultimately savage treatment.

A poster war is played out between the British and German propaganda bureaux (the British response usually feeble) , and at one stage Harriet sees a Nazi placard gloating over the bombing of what is obviously Portsmouth.

This bohemian and unconventional young woman (whose equivalents in this age would be tediously left-wing) is wounded to the point of tears by the military collapse of the British Empire. She cannot believe that British troops have fled before the German advance. By mistake, she and her husband and an absurd visiting professor (the appalling Lord Pinkrose, a much more outrageous villain than Anthony Powells Widmerpool) find themselves attending a pro-German propaganda concert, and flee the auditorium amid cold contemptuous stares as the Horst Wessel song is bawled from the stage.

Having escaped (after a dreadful shock) the tragedy of Romania, they almost immediately find themselves embroiled in the even worse tragedy which overcomes Greece, the last unconquered corner of mainland Europe.

Again, we see defeat and incompetence, absurd optimism, the bad behaviour of rather too many of the British community. And there are, alas, the pathetic hopes placed in Britain and its supposed fighting power, by the poor Greeks, who have nowhere to go when the Germans (probably drawn into Greece by British intervention there) arrive. We know as we read, as the Greeks did not, exactly what the Germans brought with them. Olivia Manning's strong liking for the Greek people (a liking she does not seem to have had for the Rumanians) is very beautifully expressed here.

Harriet and Guy manage - just - to escape once more to Egypt, where they find Britain unloved, and its apparently impending defeat at the hands of Rommel happily anticipated by many Egyptians. By the way, this section of the book contains a description of an appalling true incident, whose real-life participants objected strongly to her writing about it. I have read it three times now, and am still unsure whether this very painful event should have been included in the story.

The account of life in Cairo is strongly sympathetic to poor Egyptians and observant about them and their lives (in one extraordinary moment, Harriet notes that a man who makes a tiny living as a porter, has feet which have become almost circular from carrying too many heavy loads), and often unenthusiastic about the conduct of their British occupiers.

And it contains scenes from the battle of Alamein which I believe to be highly realistic accounts of real warfare, presumably passed on by men who had been there.

It is full of life as it actually feels and must have felt at the time  the reader experiences the Bucharest winters, the simultaneously boring and biting hunger of wartime, when there is nothing to eat - even for the fortunate - but the foulest offal; the grey lonely soaking chill of Damascus after the bone-baking, unhealthy blaze of the Cairo heat. For long periods, the immediate possibility of total defeat and utter destitution, lost far from home among strangers, reliant on the pennies of their charity and grateful for it, is a constant danger. The barbarians really could arrive. We have seen them arrive in Bucharest and Athens. Will they come to Alexandria and Cairo too?

For me this setting in melancholy foreign places is especially poignant. Some of the most intense moments of my life were spent in Bucharest around Christmas 1989. I also lived (June 1990 to October 1992) as an expatriate in a turbulent foreign capital (Moscow) for two years, never entirely sure of being safe from events. I learned more about my own country on such travels than I ever would have learned by staying at home. I have been twice to Cairo (and hope never to go again) and find Olivia Mannings account of the same place in another era enormously evocative. The Mediterranean was where my father spent much of his time in the Navy. He was familiar with the Greek Islands, Haifa, Alexandria and Suez, as all naval men were then, and he and my mother spent the early years of their marriage in Malta, then still a last vestige of the Imperial life: British manners and restraint amid the sun-scorched stone buildings of another civilisation.

The war which Olivia Manning saw tearing through her life came to dominate my childhood and adolescence, forming as it did our national politics, literature and self-image. How do we think of it? What do we owe to the dead, and those who knowingly and repeatedly risked death? ? What should we think of it? Where does it leave us, morally and culturally, nearly 80 years later, as the last survivors near the end of their days, and the world finally shakes off the treaties and unwritten deals that brought it to an end?

The brief coda to the last book of the six, The Sum of Things, is so powerful that it made me involuntarily hold my breath. It is a brief flash of the hard, determined and passionate steel beneath the artifice of these books, and may give you a clue as to why they are so very well worth reading. Here it is:

Two more years were to pass before the war ended. Then, at last, peace, precarious peace, came down upon the world and the survivors could go home. Like the stray figures left on the stage at the end of a great tragedy, they had now to tidy up the ruins of war and in their hearts bury the noble dead.
Law firms from the UK and South Africa have partnered to bring a class action lawsuit against Uber on behalf of drivers in South Africa.

The lawsuit is being prepared by Mbuyisa Moleele Attorneys with assistance from Leigh Day and argues that drivers entitled to the same rights as employees under South African legislation.

These rights include compensation for overtime and holiday pay.

Leigh Day was the law firm that won a similar case in the UK, with that countrys Supreme Court ruling that Uber drivers should be legally classified as workers rather than independent contractors.

Estimates suggest that there are between 12,000 to 20,000 drivers in South Africa using the Uber app who will be covered by the lawsuit.

In response to the announcement of a class action lawsuit in South Africa, Uber said the vast majority of the drivers who use the Uber app want to work independently.

It added that at a time when more jobs are needed, they believe Uber and other platforms can be a bridge to a sustainable economic recovery.

Uber has already produced thousands of sustainable economic opportunities, it said.

This is testament to the appeal of the Uber business model which provides drivers with an independent status while allowing them to develop and expand their businesses following their needs and time schedules as well as their business skills and plans, and pursue any economic activities of their choice.

Employees vs workers vs contractors

While the two law firms may pursue a similar argument to that which resulted in the UK Supreme Court ruling, this may not be as applicable to South Africa.

This is according to Webber Wentzel, which published a statement illustrating the potential effects of South Africas operating environment on the argument over drivers employment status.

Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors in their terms and conditions of service, the law firm said.

This means that Uber drivers typically are not entitled to the statutory protections afforded to employees in the various countries in which Uber operates.

In South Africa, this means that drivers may be terminated at will, are not entitled to paid leave and are not subject to restrictions on hours of work, it added.

A number of other countries have ruled on this subject with varied results; France found that Uber drivers were classified as employees, while the UK classified them as workers.

In 2017, the CCMA found that seven Uber drivers who had referred an unfair dismissal dispute to the CCMA were employees of Uber South Africa, but this finding was later overturned by the Labour Court in 2018, which said drivers were not employees of Uber SA as they had failed to prove that they had an employment relationship with the company.

However, the Labour Court explicitly stated that it was not answering the question whether or not drivers were employees of Uber BV, Ubers parent company in the Netherlands, Webber Wentzel noted.

What makes South Africa different

Webber Wentzel noted that while the UK had ruled that drivers were classified as employees, this did not mean that South Africa will follow suit.

The UK Supreme Courts findings were based on the reality of the relationship between Uber and its drivers, the firm said.

The tests used by the UK Supreme Court correspond to the tests traditionally used by the South African courts to determine whether an individual should be classified as an employee or independent contractor.

South Africas operating environment is different, however, as drivers often do not own the vehicles they are using on the Uber platform.

SA Uber drivers tend to be drivers rather than driver-partners. Driver-partners own the cars they use, but drivers use a car owned by someone else (i.e. a driver-partner), Webber Wentzel said.

This means that the employment relationship between the Uber partner and the driver may jeopardise the argument to classify drivers as employees of Uber SA or Uber BV.

Where partners give instructions to drivers and exert a degree of control over how they carry out their duties, such as by specifying where they operate, the relationship between drivers and partners starts to resemble one of employment, which could weaken a claim that SA Uber drivers are employed by Uber.

No indication has yet been given as to when the class action lawsuit against Uber will be launched.
New Delhi, March 6 : The Supreme Court has said if a couple had a consensual relationship, and there was no allegation of a false promise made to the woman at the inception, then it isn't rape. The top court quashed the FIR registered by a woman alleging rape by the accused in guise of false marriage promise.

A bench comprising Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and M.R. Shah said: "There is no allegation to the effect that the promise to marry given to the second respondent (woman) was false at the inception. On the contrary, it would appear from the contents of the FIR that there was a subsequent refusal on the part of the appellant (accused) to marry the second respondent which gave rise to the registration of the FIR." The bench noted the contents of the FIR and the statement of the woman recorded under 164 CrPC (statement before a magistrate) establishes that the relationship between the accused and the woman was of a consensual nature and they were in the relationship for a period of one and half years.

The bench noted that contents of the woman's statement indicate that she had "voluntarily developed relationship of husband-wife with him". The bench said that to establish whether the "consent" was vitiated by a "misconception of fact" arising out of a promise to marry, two propositions must be established. "The promise of marriage must have been a false promise, given in bad faith and with no intention of being adhered to at the time it was given. The false promise itself must be of immediate relevance, or bear a direct nexus to the woman's decision to engage in the sexual act", observed the top court.

The accused had moved the top court after his plea seeking quashing of the FIR was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court. Citing the FIR and statement under 164 CrPC, the counsel for accused argued that there was absolutely no intent on the part of his client, when he entered upon the relationship, not to marry the woman nor can it be even suggested that the promise to marry was false.

The woman's counsels, citing the High Court judgment, submitted the victim's complaint on the basis of which the FIR was registered indicate the accused had developed a friendship with his client on the assurance of marriage.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, objected to the quashing of the FIR. The top court set aside the High Court order of September 26, 2019. "In view of the reasons which have been adduced earlier, the charge sheet dated 25 April 2018, which has been filed in pursuance of the investigation which took place, shall stand quashed. The order of the trial court dated 3 October 2018 taking cognizance shall accordingly stand quashed and set aside", said the top court.

It was alleged in the FIR that parents of the accused were agreeable to the couple getting married, but in the statement, the woman said the accused and his family members are refusing for the marriage and that her sole grievance is that the accused has refused to marry her.
Health Minister Robin Swann said the vaccination programme is "significantly ahead of schedule" as he paid tribute to everyone who has been involved in the effort and said: "Every jab takes us further down the pathway towards a better and safer future. (Russell Cheyne/PA)

More than 600,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Northern Ireland, with almost 50,000 people here having had both doses.

Health Minister Robin Swann said the vaccination programme is "significantly ahead of schedule" as he paid tribute to everyone who has been involved in the effort and said: "Every jab takes us further down the pathway towards a better and safer future.

"We're on our way to a million doses and very soon we will be rolling out the programme to all adults through the mass vaccination phase of the programme."

Northern Ireland is expected to take delivery of a significant amount of vaccine next week, while plans are under way to open a mass vaccination centre at the SSE Arena and Belfast where it will be possible to administer 40,000 doses a week.

It comes as Northern Ireland has recorded a drop in Covid-related deaths for the fifth week in a row in the latest sign the pandemic is being brought under control.

The latest Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (Nisra) bulletin showed there were 44 deaths involving Covid-19 registered in the week to last Friday, February 26.

This is a fall from the previous week's 78 and the fifth consecutive decline since the recent peak of 182 deaths registered in the week ending January 22.

The total number of Covid-related deaths registered in Northern Ireland up to February 26 now stands at 2,816.

Separately yesterday, the Department of Health announced that two more people have died here after testing positive for Covid-19. A total of 216 hospital beds are occupied by Covid-19 patients - 29 are in intensive care. Another 166 positive cases of the virus were confirmed. Some 1,226 new cases have been recorded over the past seven days - a 29% drop from the 1,788 recorded in the previous seven days.

After the two further deaths, the Department of Health death toll now stands at 2,068.

The figures from Nisra are the latest boost to hopes that the Executive will be able to announce a relaxation of some restrictions when it meets to review the situation on March 16. The statistics were published after it emerged that the R-rate currently stands between 0.65 and 0.75, while the positive case rate is down to 5%.
The Department of Energys award of a $1 billion paramilitary security contract at the Savannah River Site has been protested, slamming the brakes on the prospective transition process.

SOC LLC on Feb. 22 filed a bid protest with the Government Accountability Office, a spending and policy watchdog. A bid protest challenges the assigning of a federal contract, like those at the Savannah River Site.

An inquiry made to SOC LLC on Friday morning was not immediately answered. SOC's mission, according to its website, is to be a trusted partner in providing mission support solutions for critical U.S. national security interests.

The accountability offices docket does not describe why the protest was filed but confirms it is tied to the Energy Department. No ruling had been made as of Friday morning. The status was listed as currently open.

The department on Feb. 12 named Virginia-based SRS Critical Infrastructure Security LLC as the next Savannah River Site paramilitary protection force, effectively ousting an established incumbent, Centerra. The new contract could last 10 years at a total value of $1 billion.

The Energy Departments nuclear cleanup office, Environmental Management, received proposals from three teams; SCIS offered the best value to the government, according to an announcement.

Members of SRS Critical Infrastructure Security include Securitas CIS, K2 Solutions, Spectra Tech and System Studies & Simulation.

Centerras contract is scheduled to expire in early June. SOCs protest complicates things, as the formal airing of grievances could result in a reevaluation or reset of the bidding process. A decision is expected by June 2.

The paramilitary security contractor at the Savannah River Site is a critical player. On top of protecting the sites boundaries, nuclear facilities, sensitive materials and employees, the selected team also conducts law enforcement operations and related investigations.

An inquiry made to Centerra on Friday morning was not immediately answered.
Myanmar security forces shot dead an anti-junta demonstrator in Mandalay on Friday, pushing the death toll from violent crackdowns in the country's second-largest city to 11, while the hasty exhumation of the body of protester killed earlier in the week added to anger at military authorities.

The death came as more police quit their jobs to join the protest movement and the U.S. ambassador in Yangon had his first meeting with the junta in the nearly five weeks since the army deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her elected government, sparking daily protests across the country.

In Mandalay, Zaw Myo was shot in the neck as he marched with fellow engineers in a morning protest. Though he received emergency treatment at a private clinic, he died of his wound a few hours later, leaving behind a pregnant wife and a young son, witnesses said.

What happened this morning in Mandalay was a shooting without any provocation, said a city resident who declined to give his name for fear of his safety.

This is beyond lawlessness, he said. People not only are losing their right to express themselves, but also have to watch out for themselves not to get killed. Society cannot condone the current violence committed by the police and those soldiers in police uniforms.

The military on Friday dug up the grave of Kyal Sin, a 19-year-old ethnic Chinese woman who was shot in the head when Myanmar forces opened fire to disperse an anti-coup demonstration Wednesday in Mandalay, residents and witnesses said.

A day after tens of thousands of people attended a memorial service for Kyal Sin, also known as Angel, a military vehicle and six police trucks arrived at the Yunnan Chinese section of the Aye Yeik Nyein Cemetery on Thursday evening and exhumed the young womans body, witnesses said. Security forces cordoned off the area so no one could enter.

Fresh plaster covers the dug-up grave of Myanmar anti-junta protester Kyal Sin at the Aye Yeik Nyein Cemetery in Mandalay, March 4, 2021. Credit: RFA





There was only plaster

When the vehicles left about three hours later, local residents entered the cemetery and discovered the body had been taken.

The grave was dug up and it had been covered with new fresh plaster, said a resident who requested anonymity for safety reasons. By the time we arrived, there was only wet plaster, and we did not know why.

RFA could not reach the military or police to confirm that they removed Kyal Sins body and took it away. RFA also was unable to reach Kyal Sins family for information on the incident.

The Mandalay Daily newspaper, which is under the control of the junta, published a report on Friday saying that military authorities would investigate the young womans death. A similar report appeared Thursday on military-owned Myawaddy TV.

Local residents said that the exhumation appears to have been related to the investigation.

The Mandalay-based Voice of Myanmar (VOM) reported that the body had been exhumed from the grave and placed in a military vehicle for some time, citing those close to the incident.

The military summoned members of the citys judicial and legal community Friday morning to retrieve the body, but they refused without a legal order from the chief justice, VOM said, quoting legal sources. It is not clear whether any medical or legal authorities were involved in the exhumation.

A Myanmar man grieves for a deceased family member killed by security forces during an anti-junta protest, in North Okkalapa township, Yangon region, March 5, 2021. Credit: RFA





We dont care if we die today

Despite the mounting death toll across the country and warnings from troops, anti-coup protesters marched on the streets of several big cities in the country of 54 million people.

In Yangons North Okkalapa township, where more than 22 protesters died in a brutal crackdown on Wednesday, tens of thousands of demonstrators held a rally on a main road at Kantharyar Junction demanding that the military step down.

Demonstrators erected barriers on main roads in Sangyaung, Insein, Thingangyun, South Okkalapa, North Okkalapa, and Thaketa townships in Yangon region.

We cannot accept this military takeover.  We will go on fighting to resist oppression. We dont care if we die today. They should step down if they have any shame, said a young protester at Kantharyar Junction.

At least 50 people have been killed since the protests began. The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), a watchdog group, said that as of Friday, 1,522 people had been arrested, charged, or sentenced in relation to the military coup, with 1,215 still being held.

The extreme violence of the week prompted U.S. Ambassador to Myanmar Thomas Vajda on Friday to urge Vice Senior General Soe Win, deputy commander-in-chief of the armed forces, to immediately stop the violence against demonstrators and to release all detainees, including top leaders of the elected government.

Vajda also called for an end to arrests and communications blackouts, and the restoration of the democratically elected government.

The U.N. Security Council meanwhile met behind closed doors on Friday to discuss the rising death toll from the protests in Myanmar.

Christine Schraner Burgener, the U.N. secretary-generals special envoy for Myanmar, urged the Council to push harder to end the violence and restore democratic institutions.

It is critical that this Council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results, she said, referring to the 2020 election outcome that returned the pro-democracy party of jailed leader Aung San Suu Kyi to power.

Myanmar police regroup after dispersing a crowd of anti-junta protesters in Sanchaung township, Yangon region, March 5, 2021. Credit: RFA





More police join CDM

More than 200 Myanmar police officers, both senior and junior, have left their jobs to join the nationwide civil disobedience movement (CDM) accompanying protests, because they say they no longer can tolerate violent crackdowns on and killings of peaceful protesters across the country.

Those who have joined the CDM said the military, which seized government power in a Feb. 1 coup, is hiding behind police in uniform so soldiers can shoot live ammunition at protesters and use snipers to clear crowds.

One hundred officers from Kayah states total police force of 240 have joined the CDM, police sources said. No other state or region has as many defectors as the state, which borders Thailand. Other officers who have left the police force are mainly from Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing region.

I do not want to serve under the military regime any longer, said Paulu, a policeman from the Hpruso Myoma Police Station in Kayah state. It was not easy leaving the station. All the doors inside were locked, but we tried very hard to escape late at night.

A policeman from Mandalays Shwe Saryan Police Regiment No. 4 who joined the CDM said the military is using the police as human shields.

The officer, who declined to be named out of fear for his safety, said he was among the security forces who participated in a violent crackdown on anti-junta protesters on a jetty at the Yadanapon Shipyard on Feb. 20, through the shootings that killed several demonstrators were carried out by soldiers.

During the incident, police had to lead in the front with their shields, while soldiers and snipers shot at protesters with live rounds from behind them, he said. One man was killed instantly, and another who was shot in the knee died later in custody.

They are using us as human shields, the officer told RFA. We are used to being their handymen, but we've gotten a very negative reputation, so we decided to join the movement.

About three quarters of the security personnel who participated in the shipyard crackdown were soldiers wearing police uniforms, he said.

The violence compelled more than 20 officers from his unit to stop working and join the CDM, he added.

This is a very shameful thing, the officer said of police participating in the violence against peaceful protesters. Our parents cannot be proud of us. It is totally unacceptable that we have to crack down on these people who are of our same generation.

Myanmar anti-junta protesters wear helmets and hold shields to protect themselves from security forces during a demonstration in Mawlamyine, southeastern Myanmar's Mon state, March 5, 2021.





White stars on helmets

Police officer Thant Thura Maung Maung from Kyaukse in Mandalay said he saw some policemen with small white stars on their helmets, which were not issued by the police.

How can we serve them [the military] when we realize they are issuing all kinds of orders and making their own laws to hold onto power? he asked. We cannot follow those orders and enforce these laws.

Many young men dressed as policemen, who appeared as though they just completed training and others who violently attacked protesters, were mostly soldiers in police uniforms, Thant Thura Maung Maung said.

Miemie Winn Byrd, a Honolulu-based Asia Pacific security analyst and retired Burmese-American colonel in the U.S. Army, warned that Myanmar police and military forces could face international criminal prosecution for using live ammunition against peaceful civilian protesters.

They said they had to shoot on orders from higher authorities, but the authorities told ASEAN as well as the international community that they did not give orders to shoot at people, she told RFA on Friday.

And since the authorities told the world that they had not given orders, the commanders at the front line who gave the orders would be accountable for the killings, she said.

Myanmar anti-junta demonstrators hold a candlelight vigil for shooting victims in the town of Tedim, western Myanmar's Chin state, March 5, 2021. Credit: RFA





Still hope for democracy, federalism

Meanwhile, the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH), a national legislative body led by National League for Democracy legislators elected in the 2020 elections, is preparing to meet with ethnic political parties and ethnic armed groups to discuss the prospect of building a democratic federal union despite junta rule, CRPH spokesman Yee Mon said.

Some ethnic armed groups have voiced concern over the framework of the 2008 constitution that ensures the military a dominant role in parliament and politics, while others expressed a willingness to build a unified alliance against the junta dictatorship.

The current constitution, drafted by a previous military junta that ruled the country, enshrines the power of the military in civilian affairs by giving it control over three defense and security ministries, reserving a quarter of seats in parliament for appointed officers, and giving military lawmakers a crucial veto over proposed constitutional amendments.

We will work toward finding a constitution that can guarantee federalism and genuine democracy in our country, Yee Mon said. I believe all the ethnic groups and democratic forces in the country have agreed on establishing a new Union based on democracy and federalism.

The parties now must hold meetings and engage in extensive negotiations before establishing a new government that allows the fullest representation in the country, he said.

Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane and Kyaw Min Htun. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
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When senior Derian Nasca arrived at the University of Georgia as a freshman, there was one thing he craved to do: study abroad.

Nasca, a business risk management and insurance major, said he feels cheated out of experiencing a summer in Valencia, Spain, through the UGA StudyAway program. Nasca initially planned to go last summer, but the program was consecutively canceled for two years due to the ongoing pandemic.

Now, Nasca will not obtain the Spanish minor he was working toward since his freshman year because he is unable to complete the two remaining Spanish classes he planned to take in the study abroad program.

Amid a growing pandemic, students are expressing concern about their future career goals, especially after all faculty-led Maymester and summer 2021 study abroad programs were canceled.

With vaccinations up in the air, the pharmaceutical company Merck has partnered with Johnson & Johnson to quickly produce vaccines. President Joe Biden said the U.S. expects to have COVID-19 vaccines for all adults by the end of May in a press conference Tuesday. The plan will prioritize professors in receiving the one-shot vaccine.

A change of plans

Nasca will begin working full-time in Atlanta this summer. However, he is now unexpectedly scrambling to find an apartment earlier than initially planned.

My original plan was, after I got back from Spain, I would start my job, but now I'm gonna have to move that up and kind of rearrange my whole summer  which was planned around going to Spain  I'm going to have to buy an apartment in Atlanta now at the last second and kind of move all my stuff in, like, that many months earlier, Nasca said.

Earlier this week, the UGA Career Center released data on career outcome initiatives for the class of 2020. These graduates achieved a 91% career outcomes rate, according to career outcomes data. The data includes undergraduate, graduate and professional students who earned degrees between August 2019 and May 2020.

Now, the class of 2021 and underclassmen are changing their majors and minors as they struggle to align the paths they once planned for themselves in their college careers.

I'm never going to have that chance  especially now going into the professional world, Nasca said.

During Nascas job interview in December 2020, the company mentioned how helpful Nascas Spanish minor was to his application when they made the decision to hire him, as they tend to have many Spanish speaking clients who need extra assistance on their accounts.

They said that having the Spanish background really propelled my application forward  now Im only two classes away from actually getting the minor, and I have all the information, and I have all the knowledge that I've learned throughout the Spanish courses that I've taken, Nasca said.

But now, Nasca doesnt have the piece of paper to say it.

'A lesser education'

Nasca isnt the only student whose career has been affected by the pandemic.

COVID has completely upended what I thought I was going to do with my life, said Isobel Still, a sophomore fashion merchandising and German double major.

Like Nasca, Stills German language-intensive summer study abroad program was canceled again. Now, she doesnt know if she can graduate on time.

Hailing from Cumming, Still said studying abroad, especially as a language major, was one influential factor that played into her decision to attend UGA.

It feels like Im getting a lesser education because I wont have a large chunk of that experiential learning aspect, Still said.

Originally, Still planned to do her study abroad last summer and then continue in another exchange program junior year. Now that her schedule is no longer on the same path, Still will not be able to do any exchanges in her college career.

If study abroad programs are held off another year, Still said she may have to demote her German major to a minor.

Coming in as a freshman without any prior German experience, I was going to take 2001 over the summer, that way I could do 2002. Then I would have taken 3010 because it is a prereq for a lot of the exchange programs because you have to have a certain level of fluency, Still said.

A shaky job market

Scott Williams, the UGA Career Center executive director, said the pandemic is impacting the job market with significantly fewer job opportunities for students and postponed or rescinded job offers.

Were seeing more graduating students alter plans to attend graduate school  nobody anticipated this situation, and we were all forced to react, Williams said.

However, Williams said last summers class experienced more last-minute changes and had to quickly pivot and adapt.

Williams encourages every student to connect with their career consultant, find a mentor through the UGA Mentor Program and reach out to employers at the virtual career fairs.

Students are pivoting into new opportunities, and Im proud of the tenacity, determination and resilience they have demonstrated, Williams said.
The explosive findings of a Central Bank investigation into a bond transaction at Davy Group raises all kinds of questions about the culture of the country's most successful stockbroking firm.

Sixteen employees and senior executives secretly bought Anglo Irish Bank bonds from a client  while the firm was also acting as the agent to sell the bonds.

They did not disclose that they were the buyers to the client and processed the deal in a way which bypassed the firm's own internal compliance department.

The deal portrays a culture of arrogance, greed and a cavalier attitude to compliance processes. Davy has been hit with a 4.1m fine by the Central Bank which lamented the level of initial co-operation from the firm.

Latest scandal at Davy follows a recurring theme.

And it isn't the first time Davy has been fined by a regulator or has been at the centre of controversy.

It seems to be part of a culture there that has endured for decades.

It was August 1984. Davy Stockbokers was owned and run by a group of wealthy individuals led by Kyran McLaughlin. The executives were preparing to sell a 29pc stake in the firm to the American bank Citicorp.

The sum involved was to be around IR5m (6.35m). Meticulous to the last, the Davy executives wanted to examine all options about how they might receive the money and where it could be lodged.

So they dispatched a Dublin solicitor to go to Switzerland, where an Irish accountant  who was based in Zurich  put together intricate schemes using Liechtenstein trusts.

The solicitor interviewed several bankers, lawyers and accountants and outlined exactly how one such scheme might work. It was based on the idea that a Liechtenstein trust would hold and control the secret cash.

The trust settlor would take instruction from the person who hired him (the trust founder), but never disclose to anyone else the existence of the trust. This was a bit like the Ansbacher scheme only more polished, more intricate and more secretive.

There would never be any correspondence  only telephone instructions taken between those who place the money abroad and those whod run the trust, according to a memo written up by the solicitor sent by Davys after the visit to Zurich.

"We must be very alive to the fact that the offshore offer will have to be made in such a way that it is completely palatable vis-a-vis the US party. In fact, I am absolutely certain that we shall have to have US advice on this end of things if it develops", the secret memo said.

Read More

I got sight of this secret memo when I worked in RTE in the late 1990s and it formed the basis of a series of questions we put to Davy Stockbrokers at the time. Davy confirmed the memo was prepared for them but said they did not avail of the scheme on offer and that none of the proceeds of the sale went offshore.

The firm didn't avail of it, but Davy chief executive, Kyran McLaughlin did. He stuck around IR250,000 into the Liechtenstein trust. When asked about it by myself and George Lee, he resigned, and said he had used "after tax" money and it was for a trust for his children.

He returned to the Davy fold a few years later in a vein similar to Cecil Rhodes famous advice to Parnell, who didn't take it: "Resign. Marry. Return."

In 1993, Davy was the subject of Dublin and London Stock Exchange inquiries concerning its handling of the sale of government-owned shares in Greencore. The sale was handled by a team headed by Mr McLaughlin.

The stockbroking firm was to sell 25.4 million Greencore shares at 275p each, to raise IR70 million for the Exchequer. When a quarter of the shares were not sold in the IPO, it emerged they were taken up by companies associated with three directors of Davy firm: Mr McLaughlin; Brian Davy and Tony Garry.

Theres no evidence that the money made by the 16 was used to cover settlement cost.

Transparency has never been a forte at Davy. When the management team and staff bought back the firm from Bank of Ireland in 2006, J&E Davy was registered as an unlimited liability company.

This means it does not have to file accounts in Ireland but it also means the directors carry unlimited liability if things go wrong and it goes bust.

To avoid that double-edged sword, keep the benefits of privacy without the risk of unlimited liability, Davy did what some other Irish companies have done.

They adopted a structure where the unlimited Irish company was actually owned by a limited company in the Isle of Man.

This structure assures complete privacy over who owns the shares as well as its financial performance.

This might be all well and good if you are in property development or making wellington boots, but a regulated company in financial services is different.

It complies with Central Bank filing requirements but for many years if you wanted to know anything about its financial position, you had to find a redacted balance sheet located within its website.

The latest scandal at Davy follows a recurring theme: the enrichment of certain principals at the firm taking precedence over the interests of the firm.

Davy staff who were not part of the 16 have seen their firm take a 7.1m hit.

When the man selling the Anglo bonds, property developer Patrick Kearney, discovered theyd been bought by Davy employees, the same firm acting as sales agent on the deal, he sued the firm.

Unsurprisingly, that legal action was settled. The settlement amount was reported to be between 2m and 3m. There is no evidence that the money made by the 16 was used to cover that cost.

Now the firm has been fined 4.1m and the reputational damage could be significant.

Davy executives or staff who were not part of the 16 have seen the company they work for take a 7.1m hit on foot of a deal that personally benefitted 16 of them, including the former two former chief executives, Kyran McLaughlin and Tony Garry, along with the current chief executive Brian McKiernan.

From a Davy perspective, they might argue the firm was investigated by the Central Bank and the firm was sued by Kearney, not the individuals. But the firm that 700 people work for, was financially depleted on foot of actions that personally enriched some staff and the current chief executive in particular.

It is now incumbent on the board to seek the resignation of Davy chief executive Brian McKiernan. If he remains in the job, what signal does it send out to Davy staff and the people they work for, including the Irish State?

But if the non-executives on the board, do seek his resignation, why didn't they seek it before now? They have been aware of the facts of this case for some time. Surely, the potential conflict of interest in the transaction was obvious.

Mr Kiernan put out an initial statement to staff in which he said there was no finding of conflict of interest. The Central Bank pointed out that EU trading rules make no distinction between conflict of interest and potential conflict.

Anyway, if there was no conflict of interest or potential for one, why was this transaction kept secret within Davy and not put through the proper compliance department channels?

Of all the Davy controversies over the years, this is potentially the most damaging.
Tigard police have arrested a man after they say he stole 25 Lego sets from a storage area near Washington Square Mall on Friday.

Police said Nathaniel Nixon, 40, faces charges of burglary, criminal mischief and possession of burglar tools. Nixon is believed to have stolen about $7,500 worth of the toy sets.

Around 6:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to Washington Square Transit Center, near Washington Square Avenue and Blum Road. A Tri-Met driver reported that a man was moving piles of cardboard boxes from a wooded area that backed up to some stores near the bus shelter. The officers found several boxes which had Lego sets in them. They also found a dolly car in the wooded area, as well as several additional Lego boxes nearby.

Nathaniel Nixon was arrested at Washington Square Transit CenterTigard Police Department

Upon further investigation, officers learned that the locks to a secure storage area for the Lego Store inside Washington Square Mall had been cut. Officers also found that Nixon had tools in his backpack that could have been used to get into the storage area, but didnt specify what those tools were.

Store employees confirmed that the dolly cart and the Lego boxes were from their storage area.

Officers arrested Nixon, who also had an outstanding warrant from Multnomah County.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR
Blurry-eyed senators have voted through President Biden's $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill with no support from Republicans after Democrats were forced to cut direct payments to $1,400 and strike a deal with moderates over unemployment benefits.

After labouring through the night on a mountain of amendments - nearly all from Republicans, all of which were rejected - senators approved the sprawling package on a 50-49 vote along party lines just after midday Saturday EST.

Celebrating the passing of the bill after a session that began 7am Friday, Biden hailed the 'bipartisan support of the American people' and said checks could be sent out next week - even though far-left Democrats can still block it in the House.

Conservative Democrat Joe Manchin voted with his colleagues after an agreement to cut unemployment benefits. VP Kamala Harris was not needed to break the tie because Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan returned to Alaska for a funeral.

The legislation will now be shipped back to the House for its expected approval, before being sent to Biden in the coming week for his signature.

The huge package - consisting of nearly one-tenth the size of the entire economy - is Biden's biggest early priority. However, it only passed after cutting direct payments, reducing unemployment benefits and failing on $15 minimum wage.

Senators passed the stimulus bill along direct party lines at just after midday EST Saturday

Biden hopes to sign the bill into law next week providing it passes the House, meaning $1,400 stimulus checks could soon be on their way to households across the country

'We tell the American people, help is on the way,' said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y

Former president Barack Obama told Biden 'congratulations' in a tweet, adding: 'Elections matter - and we're seeing why'

Hillary Clinton called the bill 'one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in a generation'

Speaking outside the White House, Biden greeted the passing of the bill today, saying 'brighter times were ahead'.

He continued: 'This nation has suffered too much for much too long. And everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation, and put us in a better position to prevail.'

Biden continued: 'When we took office 45 days ago, I promised the American people help was on the way. Today I can say we've taken one more giant step forward on delivering on that promise  that help is on the way.'

He thanked Vice President Kamala Harris and senators 'who worked so hard to reach a compromise' after cuts to unemployment benefits were agreed to secure the support of moderate Democrat Joe Manchin.

Biden, who prides himself of his bipartisanship, tried to deflect attention from the lack of any Republican support for the bill by pointing to its overwhelming popularity among voters of all political persuasions.

'I really want to thank the American people for making all this possible,' he said. 'How did they make it possible? Quite frankly, without the overwhelming, bipartisan support of the American people, this would not have happened.'

What does the COVID relief bill include MORE CHECKS: The legislation provides a direct payment of $1,400 for a single taxpayer, or $2,800 for a married couple that files jointly, plus $1,400 per dependent. Individuals earning up to $75,000 will get the full amount, as will married couples with incomes up to $150,000. The size of the check will shrink for those making slightly more, with a hard cut-off at $80,000 for individuals and $160,000 for married couples. Most Americans will be getting the full amount. The median household income was $68,703 in 2019. AID TO THE UNEMPLOYED: Expanded unemployment benefits from the federal government will be extended through Sept. 6 at $300 a week. That's on top of what beneficiaries are getting through their state unemployment insurance program. The first $10,200 of jobless benefits would be non-taxable for households with incomes under $150,000. MONEY FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS: The legislation will send $350 billion to state and local governments and tribal governments for costs incurred up until the end of 2024. The bill also requires that small states get at least the amount they received under virus legislation that Congress passed last March. AID TO SCHOOLS: The bill will provide about $130 billion in additional help to schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Spending for colleges and universities will be boosted by about $40 billion. AID TO BUSINESSES: A new program for restaurants and bars hurt by the pandemic will receive $25 billion. The grants provide up to $10 million per company with a limit of $5 million per physical location. The grants can be used to cover payroll, rent, utilities and other operational expenses. The bill also provides $7.25 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program, a tiny fraction of what was allocated in previous legislation. TESTING AND VACCINES: The bill provides $46 billion to expand federal, state and local testing for COVID-19 and to enhance contract tracing capabilities with new investments to expand laboratory capacity and set up mobile testing units. It also contains about $14 billion to speed up the distribution and administration of COVID-19 vaccines across the country. HEALTH CARE: Financial assistance for ACA premiums will become considerably more generous and a greater number of solid middle-class households would qualify. Though the sweetened subsidies last only through the end of 2022, they will lower the cost of coverage and are expected to boost the number of people enrolled. BIGGER TAX BREAKS FOR HOUSEHOLDS: Under current law, most taxpayers can reduce their federal income tax bill by up to $2,000 per child. In a significant change, the bill will increase the tax break to $3,000 for every child age 6 to 17 and $3,600 for every child under the age of 6. The bill also significantly expands the Earned Income Tax Credit for 2021 by making it available to people without children. The credit for low and moderate-income adults would be worth $543 to $1,502, depending on income and filing status. RENTAL AND HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE: The bill provides about $30 billion to help low-income households and the unemployed afford rent and utilities, and to assist the homeless with vouchers and other support. States and tribes would receive an additional $10 billion for homeowners who are struggling with mortgage payments because of the pandemic. Advertisement

Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said after the bill's passing: 'We tell the American people: help is on the way'.

Citing the country's desire to return to normality, he added: 'Our job right now is to help our country get from this stormy present to that hopeful future.'

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the bill is a 'tremendous step forward' in providing help to families and small businesses hurting during the coronavirus pandemic.

'It honors our heroes  our health care workers, food, sanitation and transportation workers, and teachers  who are on the frontlines on the state and local level.

'It crushes the virus with the equitable and immediate distribution of the vaccine. And it puts our children safely back in school and puts workers back on the job. Overall, this coronavirus-centric legislation puts nearly a trillion dollars in the pockets of America's families.'

Barack Obama tweeted: 'Elections matterand were seeing why. Congratulations to the Biden Administration and to the American people on a COVID relief bill that will improve the lives of families across the country.'

And Hillary Clinton wrote: 'The American Rescue Plan is one of the most ambitious pieces of legislation in a generation. It will materially help families in dire need. It will help end this pandemic. It will cut child poverty in half. Lots more to do. But lets celebrate this hard-fought progress.'

Far-left Democrats are angry at the size of the package, with Ilhan Omar calling it 'very disappointing'. She added: 'We obviously are now ultimately sending money to less people than the Trump administration.'

It came as Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment.

Sen. Sinema, 44, sided with Republicans and seven other senators as she voted down the Sanders amendment - but it was the way she vote her was cast that caused a social media uproar.

Sinema, who entered the Senate in January 2019 after serving in the U.S. House and Arizona state Legislature, was shown standing on the House floor, flashing a thumbs down and curtsying as her name was called to cast her vote.

It was similar to the memorable moment when McCain signaled a thumbs down when he failed to side with other Republicans to overturn the Affordable Care Act in 2017.

After Biden previously predicted that a $15 per hour minimum wage increased would not end up being included in his relief package, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans on Friday in opposing Sanders' bid to include it.

Progressive Democrats were also frustrated at a Senate agreement to reduce eligibility for $1,400 stimulus checks.

This will see the amount gradually reduced until it reaches zero for people earning $80,000 and couples making $160,000.

When asked if she thought this was Biden 'abandoning progressives' Omar responded by calling the vote a 'very disappointing development.'

'You know, the Senate Majority Republicans were willing to. There are going to be 17 million people who will get less money. This is not the promise that we made.

'This is not what we are given the opportunity to be in the majority in the Senate and have the White House.

'So ultimately, it is a failure when we compromise ourselves out of delivering on behalf of the American people and in keeping our promises.'

It came as Moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin struck a deal late on Friday with Senate leaders over emergency jobless benefits, breaking a nine-hour logjam that had stalled the party's showpiece bill.

Jobless workers will now receive $300 per week, on top of benefits offered by their state unemployment system, until September 6.

That is $100 per week less than the unemployment benefit passed by the House.

The bill will now be shipped back to the House - which is expected to give final congressional approval and whisk the bill to President Joe Biden for his signature.

The legislation will provide direct payments of up to $1,400 to most Americans and money for COVID-19 vaccines and testing, aid to state and local governments, help for schools and the airline industry and subsidies for health insurance.

"I see it as a really disappointing development. We obviously are now ultimately sending money to less people than the Trump administration," says Rep. Ilhan Omar on Covid relief.



"It is a failure when we compromise ourselves out of delivering on behalf of the American people." pic.twitter.com/MM8NAykxNk  CNN Newsroom (@CNNnewsroom) March 5, 2021

Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, has expressed her dismay at the size of the package after lawmakers cut direct payments, reduced unemployment benefits and removed a hike of the minimum wage to $15

Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the Senate floor Saturday as the huge stimulus package was passed

Progressives slam senator's 'offensive' thumbs-down sign to vote down Sanders' amendment Democratic Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment. 'It's not just that Krysten Sinema voted against giving Americans a fair working wage, it's the way she did it!' wrote filmmaker Morgan Freeman. 'Did Sinema really have vote against a $15 minimum wage for 24 million people like this?' asked Sawyer Hackett, Senior Advisor and Communications for Julian Castro. Others called out how she had been trying to talk to Mitch McConnell just moments before. 'Maybe even more offensive than @kyrstensinema 's enthusiastic *thumbs down* to raising wages for workers was how she buddies up to Mitch McConnell right before she does it and makes sure he sees her,' wrote The Tennessee Holler. And more called out the senator for the handbag she was holding as she cast the vote. 'I'm humbled to announce in a parody of white feminism Krysten Sinema [sic] voted against a $15 living wage while carrying a giant Lululemon bag,' wrote writer Bess Kalb. 'I wish I could tell you it isn't true, but the bag is evidently called the 'Happy Hatha Hour' bag, and its manufacturer's intent was for the wearer to take it from yoga to cocktails. Goodnight and good luck.' Sinema hit back at the criticism, however, with her spokesperson claiming it was sexist to comment on the 'body language' or 'physical demeanor' of the senator as she cast her vote. 'Commentary about a female senator's body language, clothing, or physical demeanor does not belong in a serious media outlet,' Hannah Hurley, a spokesperson for Sinema, told HuffPost. Advertisement

Earlier Friday, lawmakers responded to the gridlock while pressure was put on Joe Manchin, who is probably the chamber's most conservative Democrat.

'I feel bad for Joe Manchin. I hope the Geneva Convention applies to him,' joked Republican Senator John Thune to reporters on Capitol Hill.

'I just think that the Democrats right now are in a bit of a quandary.'

He continued: 'I mean, they've essentially stopped action on the floor so that they can try and persuade, I think, all their members to stay together on some of these votes.'

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said of Manchin. 'I don't know where they're at. The public needs to know. Save Joe Manchin!'

'I think they're trying to wear down Joe Manchin, who is intent on making sure we don't spend more than we have to. This is on unemployment insurance,' Republican Sen. Mitt Romney told reporters of the hold up.

Moderate Democrats, led by Sen. Tom Carper, had offered an amendment to lower federal unemployment benefits to $300 from $400 per week but to then extend the payments from August until October.

Manchin had reportedly favored a Republican amendment that would have the $300 weekly payments run through July, before the deal was struck.

Democratic Senators Krysten Sinema, Jon Tester and Catherine Cortez Masto cornered Manchin on the Senate floor after senators rejected an effort by Bernie Sanders to include a $15 an hour minimum wage in the package.

When the lawmakers realized their efforts to persuade Manchin were being watched by reporters, they moved back into one of cloakrooms of the Senate floor to speak more privately.

The vote on Sanders' amendment was the first on 422 amendments filed. Not every amendment will get a vote and some will be voted on in blocks to try and speed up the process.

Before the unemployment benefits drama began, senators voted 58-42 to kill a top progressive priority, a gradual increase in the current $7.25 hourly minimum wage to $15 over five years.

Voting continued on the bill Saturday before passing around midday. Senator for Arizona Kyrsten Sinema was earlier slammed by her own party for 'flippantly' copying John McCain's famous 'thumbs down' to help kill Bernie Sanders' minimum wage amendment

Sinema's vote was compared on social media to the memorable moment when late Arizona Senator John McCain signaled a thumbs down when he failed to side with other Republicans to overturn the Affordable Care Act in 2017 (as pictured above)

Eight Democrats voted against the proposal, suggesting that Sanders and other progressives vowing to continue the effort in coming months will face a difficult fight.

But eight hours after that minimum wage roll call began, it still hadn't been formally gaveled to a close as all Senate work ceased while Democrats struggled to resolve their unemployment benefits problem.

By holding open the vote, they prevented any senator from addressing the floor or making a motion. The vote on Sanders' amendment began at 11:03 a.m. ET.

Amid all the drama, the White House wouldn't say whether President Biden had personally called the West Virginia senator to try to get him on board.

'The President supports a compromise so that we can pass the Rescue Plan and get relief out, and he and his team are staying in close contact with Senators to find a resolution that will deliver for Americans who need help the most,' a White House official told DailyMail.com.

Others called out how she had been trying to talk to Mitch McConnell just moments before

Social media users hit Sinema with criticism for the way in which she cast her vote

Democratic Senator from West Virginia Joe Manchin, left, and Republican Senator from Texas John Cornyn, right, walk to the Senate chamber as the Senate begins a so-called 'vote-a-rama'

Senator Kyrsten Sinema (pictured) was among seven Democrats and one Independent to vote against the $15 per hour minimum wage amendment on Friday

Republican senators had offered multiple amendments to the bill, which Democrats claim is necessary to help the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

The GOP protests the bill's cost and claim it's filled with progressive priorities.

'Votearama is upon us,' said Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham before Friday's action started. 'Stay hydrated. Try to keep good cheer. We're going to have lots of amendments today and kind of talk about where we differ on certain things, which will be good for the country.'

'It's going to be a long day,' he added.

Sen. Bernie Sanders shot back: 'Bring it on. We're ready.'

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell accused Democrats of 'ramming through an ideological spending spree packed with non COVID related policies.'

Harris had to rush up to the Capitol on Thursday afternoon to break a tie vote to allow the Senate to start debate on the relief package.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said of Manchin as the Senate stalled. 'I don't know where they're at. The public needs to know. Save Joe Manchin!'

The Senate on Friday will begin a massive vote-a-rama on amendments from Republicans, led by GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell that will challenge Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's to keep Democrats together

After she cast her vote, Johnson made his motion to have the bill read aloud.

Bill readings are almost always dispensed with at the start to allow for debate, but Johnson saw it as way to register his frustration over the massive outlay of federal spending.

'I feel bad for the clerks that are going to have to read it, but it's just important,' said Johnson, who has already faced criticism this week for suggesting the deadly January 6 US Capitol riot was not an 'armed insurrection.'

'Why are we authorizing another $1.9 trillion when we still have a trillion dollars sitting on the sidelines' unspent from the previous pandemic relief bills? he told reporters.

'It's actually hard to spend this much money.'

Sen. Bernie Sanders' began Friday's vote-a-rama with an amendment to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour
Former President, John Dramani Mahama has expressed shock at what he describes as the mutilation of the testimony given by the NDCs General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah in the Supreme Court ruling.



He contends the testimony of his first witness, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah was taken out of context just to shoot down the petition.



The ruling I heard today actually makes our witness, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah appear as the star witness for the first and second respondents. Many of his answers in testimony during cross-examination were taken out of context to create the basis for the dismissal of our election petition, Mr. Mahama said in his post-verdict public address on Thursday, March 4, 2021.



Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah while reading the full judgment said General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Aseidu Nketiah who was the first witness of the petitioner was, however, the star witness as he aided the trial through his cross-examination.



The Supreme Court also described as fanciful the testimonies of Mr Rojo Mettle Nunoo and Dr, Kpessa Whyte who were witnesses of ex-President John Mahama in the 2020 Election petition hearing, saying the least said about their testimonies the better.



However, Mr Mahama in his address to the party folks said the partys legal team will come out with detailed comments on the Supreme Court ruling at the appropriate time.







Source: kasapafmonline.com









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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.

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The remains of a woman who went missing in the devastating 2011 Japan tsunami have been found and identified, police said on Friday, days before the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

Skeletal remains including a skull were found on February 17 on a beach in the northeastern region of Miyagi, a local police spokesman told the AFP news agency.

Forensic dental and DNA analysis this week revealed her to be Natsuko Okuyama, a 61-year-old from Higashimatsushima who disappeared as the wave of black water swept ashore on March 11, 2011, he said.

The confirmed death toll in the 2011 quake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown stood at 15,899 in December 2020, according to Japans national police agency.

But more than 2,500 are officially still considered missing 10 years after the disaster.

That has left many families in limbo, feeling unable to fully process the loss of loved ones whose bodies have never been retrieved.
The highly contagious South African coronavirus strain has reached the ACT in two men who flew in from Singapore on a plane with more than 175 people on board.

The two infected men, one aged in his 40s and the other under 20, touched down on Monday and are in hotel quarantine.

They are not related but genomic sequencing has shown the strains from the two cases are identical.

The highly contagious South African coronavirus strain has reached the ACT. Pictured: Health workers in Canberra

Pictured: The Pacific Suites in Braddon, Canberra - one of the ACT's quarantine hotels

The other 144 passengers on the flight who disembarked in Canberra are also in hotel quarantine and have so far returned negative day one test results.

Another 31 people on the Singapore Airlines repatriation flight went on to Sydney - where they are also in mandatory hotel quarantine.

'ACT Health is continuing to liaise with NSW Health authorities and Singapore Airlines about the two cases to support other contact tracing efforts,' ACT Health said on Saturday.

The two men infected with the super strain have been moved to a separate area of hotel quarantine 'for further care and support'.

Scientists are worried that vaccines, developed for the original Chinese virus, won't be as effective against the South African mutation which has now spread to at least 20 other countries.

There are now thousands of coronavirus mutations circulating, but most of the mutations are harmless.

A 3D image of the coronavirus. The South African strain has a mutation on the spike protein that makes it more contagious as it bonds better with ACE-2 receptors in human mucosa

Singapore Airlines (stock image) carried the two infected men in to Canberra on a flight with more than 175 passengers. All aboard are in hotel quarantine

Experts are worried about the South African strain, officially called 501.V2 or B.1.351, because changes on the spike protein make it spread more rapidly and vaccines may not work quite as well against it, BBC News reported.

Case management for the super strain is the same as with the original virus, ACT Health said, however there are stricter rules for releasing the recovered patients from isolation.

NSW Health recorded three new cases in returned travellers on Saturday but the state has had no new local cases for 48 days in a row.

The three new cases were not on the same flight as the men infected with the South African strain, NSW Health said.

One of the 56 patients with coronavirus in NSW is in intensive care but is not on a ventilator.
Virginia Foley, UpSheRises

I think the first challenge women have is within themselves. Many women are afraid to step up and believe in themselves. I therefore choose to challenge women first; to look inwards and decide what work would really fulfill them and then lean into that with conviction.

We live in an age where we can completely redefine what our work/life balance can look like if we are unapologetically brave enough to challenge ourselves. Only when we find that voice can we look to then make change in the workforce and in society.

I would like to challenge organisations to create exclusive opportunities for working mothers that will allow them to contribute in a more valuable and meaningful way without compromising the family unit. I would also like to challenge the government to rewrite article 41.2 of the Irish Constitution which references the womans place being in the home.

Gillian McGrath Founder of www.changegrowsucceed.com

Gillian McGrath, Founder of www.changegrowsucceed.com

There have been countless studies carried out that advocate the business case for increased diversity and inclusion in the workplace, benefits regularly cited include innovation, creativity and financial performance. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic set to put women back by almost a decade in the workplace, never has the world needed to embrace and lean in to the powerful moral message of inclusivity, as well as belief and hope as we navigate our changing world.

How can we be THE difference while accepting full responsibility for our thoughts and behaviours?

We can start by challenging ourselves on our own personal narrative around gender bias and inequality. We can ask ourselves, what does this mean to me and why do I care? Courageously, we can share our stories and lived experiences. We can connect and empathise with our colleagues and leaders, both for support and accountability. Once we begin to make this topic relational, collectively, we can create a future different to the past.

Lets be role-models to ourselves and for each other. With courage and curiosity, lets #ChooseToChallenge and play our role in creating a more inclusive environment. One where everyone belongs, can contribute and feel valued. 

Tricia Cruz, Workvivo

Tricia Cruz, Workvivo

To me, International Womens Day is about recognising and celebrating all the amazing women in my life  family, friends and work colleagues  and the impressive work they do every day. It is also a reminder of how far we have come towards achieving gender equality in the workplace and community, but also of how far we have yet to go. I raise my hand high to show my commitment to #ChooseToChallenge the status quo and to step up and play my role in helping bring about a more diverse and inclusive world.

Georgina Foley, Green Rebel Marine

Georgina Foley, Green Rebel Marine

This shouldnt even be a topic of discussion. Im putting my hand up so my daughter and all future generations never have to shine a light on this. Let them focus on addressing other world challenges such as climate change.





Bernadette Connolly, Cork Environmental Forum Coordinator

Bernadette Connolly, Cork Environmental Forum Coordinator

I am very aware of gender imbalances and choose to challenge. I am lucky to work in a sector that is very representative of women, with many of the eNGOs having key positions such as Coordinators or Directors represented by women.

I have also had the experience throughout my life of great female role models, within my family, my friends and in different work situations. I grew up with three brothers and two sisters and always felt on a par and appreciate the fortunate situation of living in Ireland as I have also lived in countries where there is much more inequality and discrimination towards women and girls.

However, the glass ceiling may be shattering here but it certainly has not been broken down in all areas of life, we just have to look at some professional sectors.

The prism of Covid has highlighted particular issues such as domestic violence which women experience to a greater degree and the fact that globally women represent 70% of the health and social sector workforce.

We need to deliver on the goals of SDG5, Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. Women too are key to a sustainable future and have proven to be leading the way towards more equitable and sustainable solutions to climate change.

Louise Riordan Manager, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UCC

Louise Riordan, Manager, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, UCC

I #choosetochallenge period poverty. I challenge the Irish government to follow through on their commitment to make sanitary products freely available in schools, universities, hospitals, Direct Provision centres, refuges, garda stations and prisons. Scotland is the first country in the world to offer free universal access to period products, and shows it can be done.





Lynda Moore, Midwife and Chair of Midwives Section INMO

Lynda Moore, Midwife and Chair of Midwives Section INMO

I #choosetochallenge the lack of a Chief Midwifery Officer in Ireland. We need investment in midwifery leadership to promote the best health outcomes for mothers and babies.

We need representation at the highest levels of government to give voice to issues that affect midwives and the choices offered to women. Midwives want low risk women to have more choice in their labour care and are concerned at the high rates of interventions.

Midwives are concerned that the choices women have depend on their location. For example, waterbirth is an option for women in the Coombe, Dublin and Wexford areas but has been disallowed at present for home births.

Home visits for postnatal women have commenced in Limerick and Drogheda but have been pulled in Cork and some hospitals in Dublin. We are concerned at the reduction in breastfeeding services during the pandemic and the potential impact on breastfeeding for women and their babies.

A Chief Midwife is the voice for women and midwives, a door into government policy, an overseer of the maternity services. The World Health Organisation calls for a Chief Midwifery Officer for every country. We need to advocate for women in Ireland and not be in fear of speaking up.

Sandra Murphy, Trigon Hotels

Sandra Murphy, Trigon Hotels

I was brought up in a home where both sexes were equal and also where opportunities were equal.

From a professional perspective, I have not experienced gender-based discrimination, but I am acutely aware that so many women do. Women make up 50% of the population and we are entitled to equality in all areas  particularly, we deserve to sit at the table where decisions are being made.

From a political perspective, we need to strive to have more females elected in order to ensure that there is a balance of interests represented.

From personal experience, female healthcare is poor in areas in Ireland  I know this, as I had to travel to the UK for surgery as there was insufficient skill in the particular discipline in Ireland.

Clearly, as it was not prioritised. I firmly believe that if we had gender equality, these interests and priorities would be brought to the forefront. With the theme this year #ChooseToChallenge  we, as a society, need to put our hands up and challenge when we see inequality. I certainly have had experiences where questions were posed to me that would never be asked of a man. I have also experienced comments  whether it be about style or appearance  that again, would rarely be experienced by a man. But, together, we need to challenge this behaviour to show that it is no longer acceptable.

Maebh McCarthy. I am the Chairperson of UCC Government and Politics Society

Maebh McCarthy, Chairperson of UCC Government and Politics Society and Deputy News Editor of the University Express

I am a second year law student at UCC. I choose to challenge gender bias and inequality in the areas of politics, journalism and law. These areas have been typically dominated by males but, with challenge comes change. There should be no sector, career or path that should exclude people of a specific gender. We can call out bias and create an inclusive world. To do so, I believe we must continue to empower, amplify and support womens voices and achievements.

Vaccine nationalism has become alarming, as politicians have criticized the previous US President Donald Trump for his "America First" doctrine.

More than 55% of Israelis have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Photo: Timesofisrael

When I wrote this article, 4.77 million Israelis had received at least 1 dose of the Covid-19 vaccine; 3.44 million of them had completed second injections. More than 55% of Israel's population have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

But not many countries are as lucky as Israel. This is a special case as Israel has a small population and enormous financial capacity. Meanwhile, many poor African countries may only be able to start vaccinating next year.

Wealthy countries, accounting for only 16% of the world's population, have bought up to 60% of the worldwide supply of vaccines. Some have even ordered a volume of vaccine that is much higher than their population. Canada bought vaccines for 453.1% of its population, the UK 270.3%, Australia 225.1%, and the US 182.8%.

At the same time, most developing countries are waiting to receive the vaccine distributed by the COVAX Facility. COVAX is part of an unprecedented global effort to provide vaccines for at least 20% of the population in each participating country by 2021 to protect those most at risk from severe illness from COVID-19 and save lives. It is co-led by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and works in partnership with UNICEF, the PAHO Revolving Fund, the World Bank, civil society organizations, manufacturers, and others.

Immune oasis

Covid-19 vaccination for a volunteer in the state of Florida, USA.

Even the new US President Joe Biden, who declared that America was back to engage with the rest of the world, has focused solely on vaccinating the American people, reinforcing an "oasis of immunity" for themselves.

A recent study by the Economist Intelligence Unit estimates that the US, UK, Israel and the European Union (EU) will achieve "wide coverage of immunization" by the end of 2021, while developing countries will not be so lucky. It also said that 84 of the world's poorest countries will not receive enough vaccines to achieve immunity until 2024.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, General Director of the World Health Organization (WHO), in an article published in the Foreign Policy magazine in early February, wrote: "Vaccine nationalism is not just morally indefensible. It is epidemiologically self-defeating and clinically counterproductive.

In fact, weak cooperation across countries is a major hurdle in the worldwide rollout of vaccinations at a scale that can contain and end the pandemic.

Vaccine fairness is just a slogan

Vaccine fairness has become a slogan but it should have been a tool to protect people around the world, in both rich and poor countries, and urban and rural areas, enhancing the international community's ability to block Covid-19.

Unfortunately, this is not the case today. The COVAX Facility is struggling to buy enough vaccines for 20% of the population of low-income countries by the end of 2021, a not so strenuous target.

Volunteers wait to be tested at a vaccine testing facility in Johannesburg, South Africa. Photo: AP

The prospect of vaccine inequality is clear and visible. While children in many countries are forced to stay at home, and many children out of school have become child laborers and child brides, Israel has begun to set up corridors for its citizens to travel to some countries after receiving vaccinations.

So-called "vaccine passports" will become important to economic, educational, and social development. Inequality in access to vaccines, besides the pandemic in general, will wreak havoc on many poor countries and their citizens.

In a report released last October, the World Bank predicted that a recession caused by the Covid-19 pandemic could push about 150 million people into extreme poverty between 2020 and 2021. The UN migration network estimated that, in 2019, remittances sent by 164 million migrants working in wealthy countries to their relatives at home - in poorer regions  helped about 800 million people with a total value of $554 billion.

In 2020, this figure is expected to drop by a fifth, the largest reduction in history. Europe and Central Asia are expected to suffer a nearly 28% drop in wages sent home from other countries, while it is 23% for sub-Saharan Africa, 22% for South Asia, and more than 19% for the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

At the end of February, WHO announced that globally, the number of Covid-19 vaccinations surpassed the number of reported infections. However, it said that more than three-quarters of those vaccinations were in just 10 countries that account for nearly 60% of global GDP. About 130 countries, home to 2.5 billion people, had yet to take a single dose of the vaccine as of Feb. 5.

As a result, this vaccine nationalism will lead to widespread lack of access to vaccines in many countries, even by 2023.

Vicious circle

Some researchers around the world have called the current vaccine access a new form of racism.

If immunization continues in the current uncooperative manner, it will take a long time to reach the level when the pandemic is under control. Scientists have pointed to another gloomy scenario, in which new variants develop and spread to people who may have been immune to the previous virus. And the new variants may be even more devastating.

The world could fall into a vicious cycle again.

Not only do developing countries suffer the consequences of not being properly vaccinated, a study by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) conducted last spring indicated that if countries continue to pursue the uncooperative approach to vaccine distribution, the global GDP loss could reach $9.2 trillion.

A more optimistic scenario shows that the damage could be reduced to $4.4 trillion, of which developed economies will suffer 53%, or about $4.8 trillion or $2.4 trillion in the optimistic scenario.

The ICC study also recommends that investment sources in equitable vaccine access should be seen as a major investment opportunity, and developed countries have a clear economic incentive to speed up vaccine distribution on the basis of global coordination, minimizing the possibility of the negative impact of supply-demand shocks in third world countries, which can lead to great economic losses in developed countries.

Some researchers around the world have even called the current vaccine access a new form of racism (and I agree), characterized by priority access to vaccines for certain countries and for certain people. Much of this priority is based on wealth and geography, creating a global supply crisis.

In a global pandemic, that means no one is safe and worldwide immunity is at stake.

Pham Quang Vinh

The dangers of vaccine nationalism Success in developing a vaccine is one thing, but giving it to everyone in need is a completely different matter.
888poker Ambassador Vivian Saliba's New Passion for Poker Streaming

March 06 2021 Will Shillibier Sarah Herring

The last year has seen people take up new hobbies including running, baking or crochet. But 888poker Ambassador Vivian Saliba has used the time away from the live poker felt to embark on a new journey - streaming on Twitch.

With the new 888poker software and a revamped tournament schedule, Saliba is using her new base in Austria to stream her poker play live on Twitch - alongside her dog Napoleon.

Head to the NEW 888poker Hub Want to stay up-to-date on all the latest 888poker news right here on PokerNews? Why not try out the new 888poker Hub! Find Out More

Setting Up Base in Austria

In an exclusive video interview with PokerNews' Sarah Herring, Saliba explained how after searching for a place to call home in Europe, she settled on Austria where she now lives with her boyfriend.

"I had been living out of a suitcase for 2-3 years," explained Saliba. "My boyfriend is European, and I hold dual Italian/Brazilian citizenship, so moving to the EU made a lot of sense. Plus a lot of the 888Live stops are in Europe.

Having moved to Austria at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Saliba admits she hasn't got the "proper Austrian experience" yet, but can't wait until the pandemic is over to enjoy it.

Related: "Bigger Fields and Better Value" in New 888poker Tournament Schedule says Moorman

From Live to Online Poker

In the meantime, the pandemic hasn't stopped Saliba from being able to enjoy her poker still. Having learned to play in Brazil, Saliba says that she didn't use to study that much. That was because the level of poker was, in her words, "horrible".

"Poker was so new, and the level of play was horrible  including myself! You could make a good amount of money playing pretty badly. But after I started to travel and play around the world, I realized I needed to brush up on a few things."

And now with online poker enjoying its time in the spotlight, Saliba has started to study more and more.

The new 888poker app is available for free download on iOS and Android devices.

Saliba Starts to Stream

Saliba explains that this journey of study, in order to become a better online poker player, ignited a fire within her.

"I really wanted to improve and beat the online games. I know that once I play live again, things will be easier than they used to be. Its brought me a new passion.

Missing the social connection that so many players enjoy about poker, Saliba started to stream on Twitch.

Its way more challenging than I thought it would be," said Saliba. "There are so many things to manage; its not just play poker and have a camera! You have to interact with people, control the stream and play the whole time. And Im not so good at multitasking!

"There are so many things to manage; its not just play poker and have a camera!"

Ive lost track of the times Ive timed out of tables because Ive been trying to focus on so many things, but Ive improved so much since I started. For sure I have a lot more things to improve on.

The community that she has created is already a strong one, bringing her love and support every time she streams. Saliba says that there are people there every day, just to chat, share their experiences and discuss strategies.

888poker New Tournament Schedule

Whilst also streaming popular games like Tetris and Geoguesr, Saliba's main focus is always on poker, especially Omaha cash games and MTTs. And with 888poker's rebranded tournament schedule, she says she's looking forward to diving into the client.

"It's super exciting. The new schedule, along with the new software and mobile app that came out a couple of months ago. Everyone thinks its so easy to come out with a new product with everything figured out, but its not. Its a lot of work, and it was a huge improvement.

Im super excited for the new tournament schedules! We have some higher buy-in events and better structures. I took a look at the schedules and they look amazing.

How to Download the 888poker Mobile App

The 888poker mobile app is available for free download on iPhone and Android devices. Follow the links below to get yours.

If you don't have an 888poker account you are eligible to a free bonus as soon as you register an account to play.

888Poker bonuses vary depending on your location and range from a free $88 bonus to a 20 UK poker bonus with no deposit needed.
Tuesday afternoon, on Texas Independence Day, #ihateithere started trending on Twitter, fueled by Texans who, yet again this year, were wondering whether our proud state had lost its ever-loving mind.

The hashtag followed Gov. Greg Abbotts announcement that he was ending the states mask mandate and reopening all businesses 100 percent. The number of Texans vaccinated was rising, he noted, and the number of severe infections was declining. Small businesses were struggling to pay their bills.

Never mind that the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had just warned against reopening too fast. Or that fewer than 7 percent of Texans were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Or that all three of the scary, faster-spreading new COVID variants are loose in Houston.

This does not remove personal responsibility, the governor told his largely unmasked audience. Personal vigilance is still needed to contain COVID. Its just that now, state mandates are no longer needed.

To many both inside and outside of Texas, the announcement was boggling  almost as boggling as the near-collapse of the power grid and widespread loss of water that had plagued the state only a couple of weeks before, leaving millions of Texans shivering in the dark.

Many Houstonians laughed to keep from crying. One meme showed the outline of the state surrounding the kind of sign seen at construction sites: 0 days without being a national embarrassment. Another described the users status as In a toxic relationship with Texas, saying, Texas tried to kill me last week. And its trying to kill me next week as well.

Other people rolled with the one-two punch. On Facebook, Jake Walker of Sugar Land wrote that neither the outages nor the mask ordinances had dented his pride in Texas. Without heat or internet, he did what he figured his grandfathers must have done: He bundled up and read books. He doesnt think that Texas mask requirement was having much effect anyway.

But in much of the Houston area, this Texas Independence Day was different from the 184 that had come before it. This year Texans were #hatingithere.

The 21st century is catching up

The problem isnt Texas, said Mimi Swartz, senior editor at Texas Monthly. Its the government of Texas.

For decades, Republicans have so heavily dominated statewide elections that the real competition lies not in the general election, but in the Republican primary. Attracting moderates is a far harder path to office than revving up the base by railing against socialism and higher taxes. But will that pattern last?

The 21st century is catching up to Texas, said Rice University/Kinder Institute sociologist Stephen Klineberg, whos studied the Houston area for more than 40 years. The attitude used to be, Who cares if its ugly? Who cares if it smells? Were making money!

That low-tax, low-regulation attitude worked well enough for the citys economy, which relied on extracting oil from the ground. But now, Klineberg said, the states major challenges are the stuff of government, not individual responsibility. Individuals cant be responsible for educating the future workforce on their own, or for building infrastructure, such as an Ike dike, to protect the Gulf Coast from ever-more-threatening hurricanes and flooding.

Or to shore up our electric grid. Experts such as Ed Hirs, an energy fellow at the University of Houston, have long argued that the market structure of Texas deregulated electric system doesnt give power-plant operators enough incentives to weatherize or take other measures that would keep the lights on. Though energy prices spike when demand is high, for any given operator, theres often not enough guaranteed profit to make it worth preparing for the weather that causes those spikes.

And it turns out that Texans love of a free market has limits  as former Gov. Rick Perry found out. Texans would be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business, he said on a Republican blog.

On social media, Texans whod melted snow to flush their toilets begged to disagree.

Science and business

In the post-Trump era, politicians seem ever less tethered to verifiable facts. See, for instance, Abbotts incorrect statement that loss of wind power was largely to blame for Texas outages. And in choosing to reopen the state and drop the mask requirement, Abbott didnt seek the advice of most experts on his own COVID panel; no doctors or scientists stood beside him at the press conference. After Abbotts announcement, many Texas scientists seemed shaken.

At Texas A&M University, Ben Neuman, one of the worlds top coronavirus virologists, posted a video on YouTube in which he explains his deep opposition to reopening and lifting the mask order. Science is simply what works, he concludes. Thats all science is. Its things that work beyond a mathematical reasonable doubt. To turn away from that  to make policies that are possibly anti-science  does not seem a productive thing.

Of course, no one has ever believed that scientists run this state. Maybe more surprising is how much less power Texas business interests seem to wield these strange days.

When Abbott lifted state COVID restrictions, it was like watching water gush out of a pipe after the freeze, said economist Vivian Ho, of Rice Universitys Baker Institute for Public Policy. Texas has had these two big mistakes in a row. Theyre both setting back economic recovery.

Ho said that without the restrictions, COVID-conscious Texans who now feel less safe in public will be less likely to go out and spend money. And the likely post-opening increase in COVID cases will cause its own economic drag: Besides pain, suffering and lost work hours, the average COVID hospitalization costs $30,000. Taxpayers will pick up that bill for the uninsured, and insurance rate increases will cover it for those with policies. Either way, she said, the cost will be a drag on the economy.

Bob Harvey is president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, the heavy-hitting business advocacy group whose members include Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Shell, CenterPoint Energy, BP and JPMorgan Chase.

No, he said, the partnership wasnt pushing the governor to reopen Texas now or drop its mask requirement. The groups formal statement on the reopening encourages Houstonians to continue wearing masks and encourages businesses to require masks and limit crowding: Lets continue to be responsible, with or without state requirements.

Its simply a fact, said Harvey, that without the state mask requirement, its harder for businesses to make their customers wear masks.

For instance, though H-E-B will encourage customers to wear masks, it wont require them to. H-E-B President Scott McClelland told Chron.com thats in part to protect store employees from belligerent customers, who he said have caused nearly 2,000 mask-related incidents in H-E-Bs Houston stores alone.

As for the freeze outages, Harvey, who was previously an executive at Reliant Energy, is happy to explain in deep, wonky detail the many complex problems with Texas power market and electric system. The integrity of the power grid is important to Texas business, he said, but he worries that Texas legislators wont make the difficult changes that Texas businesses  and all Texans  need.

This stuff is boring, Harvey said. Its complicated. It doesnt lend itself to easy answers.

Hyperpartisanship, he said, has changed business relationship to Texas government. A decade or so ago, business interests traditionally aligned with Republicans, but lately, conservative ideology has more and more frequently been at odds with business practicality  see, for instance, the partnerships opposition to the 2017 Texas bathroom bill that targeted transgender people.

But at the same time as Republicans have moved right, Harvey said, Democrats have moved further left. Ten years ago, whatever party was in power at whatever level of government, generally business was able to sit down with them and arrive at a reasonable outcome. But these days many business people choose just to back away and not engage. I think thats problematic. It means that we dont get good outcomes. But thats where we are.

Oaxaca, maybe?

This past week, rattled by the double whammy of the outages and the lifted COVID restrictions, many Houstonians were rethinking their relationships with Texas. Philanthropy officer Rachel Dvoretzky said that sticking with the state these days is like living with a beloved family member whose self-destructive behavior makes it hard to hold on to why you still love them.

On Facebook, longtime Texans discussed whether maybe its time to move. To Oaxaca, maybe? Louisiana? Vermont? Elizabeth Sosa Bailey, a sixth-generation Texan, was considering California.

But for Rebecca Bass, another sixth-generation Texan, giving up on the state isnt an option. Shes not going to leave Texas, she said. Shes going to fight like hell to fix it.

lisa.gray@chron.com

twitter.com/lisagray_houtx
Republicans in Congress attacking President Joe Bidens plan to pour hundreds of billions of dollars in pandemic relief aid into local governments are facing resistance  from GOP-run states and cities.

Republican mayors in Texas, Arizona, Florida and Oklahoma are among those backing Biden's state and local government funding plan as part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus aid bill that's before the Senate, defying GOP lawmakers in Washington, who are broadly resisting the spending.

"In a crisis and an emergency, you check partisanship at the door, and you get through the crisis," said John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Ariz. "You can get back to playing politics when the crisis is over. And so this is one of those times."

The clash between local and national Republicans is a rare public division in a party that has generally been united in opposition to policies being pushed by Biden and Democrats in control of Congress. It's a breach that Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi have gone out of their way to exploit as the coronavirus legislation enters the final stretch.

Lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida, and Ted Cruz of Texas have been among the most vocal national Republicans in rejecting the aid, calling it a "bailout" of what they say are poorly run Democratic states and arguing that state budgets fared much better than expected during the pandemic. They also say that a good chunk of the money doled out to the states by Congress last year remains unspent.

McConnell slammed the relief package in his opening remarks Friday, calling it an ideological spending spree packed with non-Covid-related policies and panning the $350 billion targeted for state governments as a massive cash bailout for mismanaged state and local governments.

But Giles and other mayors say their residents are locked in a struggle to fill pantries with food as municipal reserves and other dedicated funds are running dry.

Story continues

"There has been an overwhelming backlash from our Republican congressmen and senators because of how much money is in this bill," said Arlington, Texas, Mayor Jeff Williams. "For us, the reality is the need is very much here for cities."

Williams said that when he talks with his counterparts in Washington he tells them "we have seen the great economists of our country all come together" in support of these additional funds for state and local governments.

He also draws on comments by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. While Powell hasn't taken a specific position on state aid or the coronavirus legislation itself, he has often spoken of the drag on the economy from the loss of more than a million state government jobs during the pandemic.

Biden underlined the conflict within the party by inviting a bipartisan group of governors and mayors to the White House last month to discuss local funding issues. Pelosi late last month said Republicans in Congress were choosing to "mock" the aid package despite its broad support, citing a bipartisan letter signed by mayors across the country requesting more aid  including signatures from more than 30 Republicans.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, a Republican who attended the White House meeting, told POLITICO, "We're hoping that it doesn't become a partisan punching bag." He said he hoped that "hearing from local officials that are on the ground, day in and day out, will be something that motivates elected officials from both parties" to support the funding.

GOP lawmakers say that a surge in tax revenue for most states following last year's massive aid packages makes more help unnecessary now. But while the financial picture is brighter than many officials projected, some of the states hardest hit by the pandemic are represented by these lawmakers.

A recent report from Moody's Analytics showed that five of the 10 states with the biggest budget shortfalls are Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alaska, Florida and Kansas. They were among 19 states where Moody's identified looming budget shortfalls even after accounting for federal aid and local reserves. Ten of the 19 are represented by at least one GOP senator.

"It would be a dereliction of duty for me not to try to fight for $116 million that would allow us to restore our police, fire and other core services," said Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, a Republican.

City and county leaders are amplifying calls for support because the new bill sets aside more than $100 billion for municipal and county governments  just over $120 billion in a "local fiscal recovery fund," according to the latest Senate version of the bill.

So while just 38 cities got funding in the first round in March, the United States Conference of Mayors estimates the new formula expands eligibility to 19,000 cities, towns and villages. That's why more than 30 Republican mayors signed on to the letter in support of the package last month that Pelosi touted, with Giles, Holt, Suarez and Williams among them.

Giles said the city of Mesa was lucky enough to get $90 million in the first round of aid, but added, We could have turned in twice that much in receipts that were tied to virus relief; our expenses have gone higher."

"Because we're in the food bank business, we're in the buying laptop computers for school business, we're in the rent, utility business. We're doing all of these things that we weren't doing a year and a half ago," he said.

Even some Republican governors have publicly vouched for the plan, including Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Larry Hogan of Maryland, citing the financial stakes ahead.

Meanwhile, 22 Republican governors in a statement issued at the end of February criticized Biden's funding plan  but only because their states will see a smaller share of the direct grant funding compared to what Congress sent them in March.

"The new stimulus proposal allocates aid based on a states unemployed population rather than its actual population, which punishes states that took a measured approach to the pandemic and entered the crisis with healthy state budgets and strong economies," read the statement, whose signatories included Republican Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma and Doug Ducey of Arizona.

Many of Florida's tourism-dependent cities have taken a financial beating, and the state faces a big shortfall for the coming budget year. Local media reported last month that the state deficit was estimated at $2 billion.

Yet the same day that Miami's Suarez traveled to Washington to discuss local funding with the president, Republican Sen. Scott slammed Biden's proposed aid package for the states in an editorial, saying the money would be used to "bail out fiscally irresponsible governors in New York and Illinois." Rubio, Florida's other Republican senator, has also spoken critically of more local aid, saying that some states "see this as the latest opportunity to get bailed out."

But even with better outcomes for states overall, state and local government employment still hasn't recovered from the pandemic downturn. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that they are still down about 1.4 million jobs from a year ago  about 1 million of which are in education.

Teryn Zmuda, chief economist of the National Association of Counties, said states do need the help.

"Local government specifically is down 1 million of those 10 million jobs that the nation is short right now," Zmuda said. "So, aid to local governments will get those 1 million workers back in the workforce."
The head of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan received Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi at the presidential palace in Khartoum on Saturday.

This is the first time El-Sisi visits Sudan following the formation of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council in August 2019.

El-Sisi and Al-Burhan last meeting was held in Cairo last December when the Egyptian president affirmed Cairo's support for the political leadership in Sudan in shaping their countrys future, welcoming all efforts aiming to aid Sudan in facing its economic crisis, and towards accomplishing regional stability and peace.

El-Sisi's visit is meant to affirm Egypts support of Sudan at this critical juncture, a statement by the Egyptian presidency said earlier on Saturday.

It is also part of efforts to coordinate visions and stances on various issues of common interest.

Scheduled during the visit are an Egyptian-Sudanese summit and meetings with senior Sudanese leaders and officials, the presidential statement noted.

The meetings will see discussions over means to cooperate and boost bilateral relations on the military, security, and economic levels, as well as talks about regional and continental developments, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, security in the Red Sea, and Sudans borders, the presidential statement added.

El-Sisi's current visit to Khartoum comes against the backdrop of various high-level meetings between Egypt and Sudan that have been held in recent weeks.

Last week, Cairo and Khartoum signed a military cooperation agreement on the sidelines of Egypt's Army Chief of Staff Mohamed Farid to Sudan. Farid and his Sudanese counterpart stressed that the military cooperation agreement was set to strengthen cooperation in security issues and preserve the national security of both countries.

In November, Egypt and Sudan conducted Nile Eagles 1 air forces' drill for the first time, which took place in one of the Sudanese air bases and involved the Egyptian special forces Thunderbolt.

Today's visit also comes less than a week after the reception of Mariam Sadek Al-Mahdi, Sudans newly appointed minister of foreign affairs, in Cairo.

During her visit, Al-Mahdi and Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry called for international mediation to facilitate a legally binding agreement with Ethiopia ahead of the second filling of the GERD, planned by Addis Ababa next Summer.

Both foreign ministers warned that the water security of Egypt and Sudan "will be in danger if Ethiopia goes on with the second filling of the GERD" without reaching a legally binding agreement.

The last round of GERD negotiations, mediated by South Africa, the former president of the AU, stalled in January due to Khartoum's withdrawal from the latest meetings in objection to the methodology upon which the talks had been held.

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A century ago, women were oppressed in a multitude of ways, especially as professionals. A Jacksonville native was the first American woman to serve in a top diplomatic post.

Ruth Bryan Owen Rohde, who was born in Jacksonville on Oct. 2, 1885, served as minister to Denmark from 1933 to 1936, the first woman in U.S. history to serve in a major diplomatic position. She also was the first woman to serve on the Foreign Affairs Committee in the U.S. House.

Certainly, Rohde had the background for political success. She was the daughter of William Jennings Bryan, who practiced law in Jacksonville from 1883 to 1887 and was the Democratic nominee for president in 1896, 1900 and 1908. Bryan later served as secretary of State from 1913 to 1915 and was the prosecutor in the famed Scopes Monkey Trial in 1925.

Rohdes mother, Mary, also was an attorney, a rare profession for women of the time. Ruth later said, I would like to emulate (my mother). She is a thoroughly feminine woman with the mind of a thoroughly masculine man.

The Bryan family left for Lincoln, Nebraska, when Ruth was only 2 years old, then headed for Washington in 1890, when William was elected to the U.S. House. Young Ruth regularly joined her father on the floor during his two terms in officeand earned the nickname the sweetheart of the House.

Her engaging nature, however, belied a burning ambition for success. She attended Monticello Female Academy in Godfrey before enrolling in 1901 at the University of Nebraska, where she stayed for two years until her marriage to artist William Homer Leavitt.

The union produced two children before a divorce in 1909, and a celebrated custody case followed. One source claims Rohdes family disinherited her over the marriage, while others say her father disapproved of her divorce and second wedding, to British Engineers officer Reginald Owen in 1910; that marriage resulted in two more children before his death in 1927.

Whatever the case, Ruth worked as her fathers traveling secretary during his third bid for the presidency in 1908. She later accompanied her husband to a variety of foreign-duty posts, including Cairo, where she served as a nurse in the British Volunteer Air Detachment during World War I. But her husband fell into poor health in 1919, inducing her to move to Miami, where her parents now lived.

For the next decade, Rohde appeared on the professional lecture circuit and taught at the University of Miami. She was appointed vice chairman of the university Board of Regents in 1925. Meanwhile, she devoted ample time from 1919 to 1922 to a new interest in filmmaking. Her work resulted in a Hollywood motion picture, Once Upon a Time, in 1922. One commentator notes that she clearly saw herself as a film pioneer.

In 1926, Rohde ran for the U.S. House from Floridas Atlantic Coast. Though the state had declined to ratify the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote, Rohde ran a surprisingly strong race, falling by only 800 votes in the Democratic primary to William Sears, a six-term incumbent. Two years later, she again faced Sears in the primary and rolled to victory by more than 14,000 votes.

One modern source notes that Rohde adopted the high-energy campaigning tactics and spirited oratory for which her father was known. One of her trademarks was the green Ford coupe in which she crisscrossed her district. However, she refused to endorse the Democratic nominee for president, Al Smith, because he was Catholic. She recognized that an endorsement would be a liability, since her district  and Florida as a whole  was fervently anti-Catholic.

In the end, Rohde read the voters well and won the general election with 65% of the vote to become the first female member of Congress from the Deep South. The losing candidate, Republican William Lawson, challenged the outcome, claiming she had relinquished her American citizenship with her marriage to a British citizen and then living overseas. Lawson argued this violated the 1922 Cable Act, which required seven years citizenship.

Rohde responded by putting her oratory on display, carefully arguing that she was eligible while pointing out weaknesses in the Cable Act. As a result, she was successfully sworn in as one of nine female members of Congress that session. Rohde ran unopposed for a second term in 1930.

An active House member, Rohde sponsored legislation to establish the Everglades as a national park; the effort failed but became the bulwark of a later, successful effort to designate the area. She also fought for flood control and gained $4 million in federal funds to fight a fruit fly that was damaging to the states citrus crop.

She also voted in favor of the Smoot-Hawley tariff, breaking with her fathers anti-tariff stances.

To vote No when I know without a doubt that my constituents want me to say Yes would be a form of political treason, she said.

Rohde was the first woman to serve on a major congressional committee, Foreign Affairs, and fought strenuously for family and childrens legislation.

However, she held on to a dry stance during Prohibition, which cost her a shot at a third term, losing in the 1932 Democratic primary. Ruefully, she later said, I did not turn wet enough to suit my constituents. As a lame-duck House member, she supported her constituents wishes by voting for repeal of Prohibition.

In April 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt named Rohde as minister to Denmark, the first time an American woman headed a diplomatic body. She remained in the position for three years, until she married Capt. Borge Rohde of the Danish Royal Guards. The marriage gave her dual citizenship, meaning she had to resign as minister.

Rohde remained an active political force, serving on the Advisory Board of the Federal Reformatory of Women from 1938 to 1954. In 1949, President Harry Truman named her as an alternate delegate to the United Nations. She continued to lecture and wrote several books on Scandinavia.

She died on July 26, 1954, while in Copenhagen to receive the Danish Order of Merit from the king of Denmark for her work on American-Danish relations. Rohde is buried in the Danish capital.


Springfield police cordoned off large swaths of the Old Hill neighborhood Saturday afternoon after two people were shot and wounded near the Pendleton, Walnut and Pine streets intersection.

Officers were responding to a ShotSpotter activation when they found the victims.

Ryan Walsh, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department, said the pair, one adult male and one adult female, were shot at about 1:10 p.m. then transported to the Baystate Medical Center for treatment. Walsh said it appears that the victims wounds are not life-threatening.

Springfield detectives are investigating the incident.
Britain's Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives to meet academics and students during a roundtable discussion on female access (Photo : REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo)

Meghan, Britain's Duchess of Sussex, said she had given an in-depth interview to U.S. chat show host Oprah Winfrey to be aired on Sunday because she was now free speak for herself, adding that being a royal was "not what people imagine it to be".



Meghan, 39, and her husband Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson, stunned the royal family in January last year by announcing they would step down from their official royal roles to forge a new, independent life in California.



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The split was confirmed last month, and, in the last week, the couple and Buckingham Palace have engaged in an increasingly bitter war of words, amid claims of lies, bullying and smears.



"I'm ready to talk," Meghan, a former American actress, told Winfrey in an excerpt shown on U.S. station CBS on Friday ahead of Sunday's broadcast, as she explained why she had agreed to the interview.



"As an adult who lived a really independent life to then go into this construct that is different than I think what people imagine it to be, it's really liberating to be able to have the right and the privilege in some ways to be able to say yes."



Harry and Meghan married in May, 2018, becoming global celebrities combining British royalty and Hollywood glamour.



But less than two years later, they stepped away from official duties, saying the media intrusion was overbearing. Meghan later revealed she felt "unprotected" by the monarchy while pregnant with son Archie.



Their decision to give the interview to Winfrey has been criticised by some newspapers as hypocrisy, flying in the face of their stated desire for privacy.



'LIBERATING'



"We have the ability to make our own choices in a way that I couldn't have said yes (to a previous request for an interview). That wasn't my choice to make," Meghan told Winfrey, a guest at their wedding, in Friday's excerpt.



Winfrey said she had first asked Meghan for an interview in early 2018.



In a previous excerpt, the duchess told Winfrey that Buckingham Palace had been guilty of "perpetuating falsehoods" about her and her spouse.



Earlier this week, the Palace said it would be investigating allegations that Meghan had bullied former members of staff, saying it was very concerned about the claims following a report in the Times newspaper.



Another preview clip has shown Harry saying he feared "history repeating itself", an apparent reference to his mother Princess Diana, who died aged 36 in a crash in Paris as her car fled chasing paparazzi.



The interview comes as Harry's 99-year-old grandfather, Prince Philip, is in hospital, where he has undergone a successful procedure for a pre-existing heart condition, prompting some criticism of the timing of the Winfrey broadcast.



"There's absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the situation is toxic," royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Reuters. "All of this will define their relations with the royal family for the foreseeable future. It's extremely perilous."



A move to withdraw support for the Good Friday Agreement by a body that represents loyalist paramilitaries should be "deplored", Lord Trimble has said.

The former UUP leader, one of the architects of the peace deal, criticised the Loyalist Communities Council's (LCC) actions.

The LCC wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Taoiseach Micheal Martin this week stating that paramilitaries were temporarily withdrawing their backing over the protocol.

The letter was signed by the chairman of the LCC, David Campbell, formerly a senior figure in the UUP who was chief of staff to Lord Trimble when he was First Minister.

On Friday, referring to the letter, Lord Trimble told the Belfast Telegraph: "That is to be deplored. They must realise that by repudiating the Belfast Agreement of 1998, they are also kicking out that which they and their communities depend on."

Ulster Unionist grandee Lord Empey also criticised the LCC's move.

He told this newspaper: "I regret that the support for the agreement has been withdrawn at this stage because I believe that is the key to constitution guarantee and indeed that is why those parties supported it back in 1998, and it was endorsed by a referendum at that stage.

"I understand the frustrations that people feel. We all share them at the moment but I think in a very fast moving situation that we are in, with the implications for the Protocol etc ... it does require a strategic approach from all of unionism, in my opinion."

Earlier, a former No 10 chief of staff warned the protocol undermines the guiding principles of the 1998 accord.

Jonathan Powell, who worked for Tony Blair and was involved in negotiations that forged the agreement, said he understood loyalist anger at the protocol, which has led to an economic border in the Irish Sea.

Mr Powell criticised the Government's move to unilaterally delay the full implementation of the protocol, accusing it of unnecessarily "poking the EU in the eye" when it needed to work with the bloc to find solutions to the trade problems.

He said the Government's actions in extending Protocol grace periods without EU approval were counterproductive at a time when it was important to build relationships, rather than damage them - particularly in regard to Ireland.

On Friday the EU said the UK's move could make it "more tricky" to find permanent solutions to trade disruption.

The European Commission did not rule out ultimately agreeing to the extension of protocol exemptions announced by the UK, but it said those decisions should only be taken on a joint basis.

The Commission also confirmed that preparatory work on its legal action against the UK was continuing.

Commission spokesman Eric Mamer said if the EU was to demonstrate flexibility on protocol issues, the UK had to demonstrate it was prepared to implement commitments it had already agreed to.

In an interview with Friday's Financial Times, European Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic - who is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the agreement - said the European Commission is now working on "infringement proceedings" against the UK.

But First Minister Arlene Foster accused the EU of belligerence.




It had been 492 days since the Covenant volleyball team last played a match inside Barnes PE Center and the Scots celebrated the return with a sweep of Wesleyan on Friday night in USA South action.Covenant (2-0, 1-0 USA South) cruised to set wins 25-6, 25-11, 25-17. The Scots' last home match was Oct. 30, 2019.The Scots produced 31 kills in the match, lead by Reagan Keener's six, while tallying 17 service aces. Summer Johnson had 14 assists, four kills, five aces, and eight digs in the win, Alexa Spurling had three kills and two blocks, while Rachel Barlett had 10 assists.All 16 available players saw action for Covenant.Covenant used an 8-0 run in the first set to open up a big lead (17-4) and ease to a 25-6 victory.The Scots totaled nine kills in the frame and hit .333 as a group. In the second set, Johnson opened the stanza with four consecutive aces and Covenant scored 13 of the first 14 points to take a 2-0 match lead.Wesleyan (0-1, 0-1 USA South), playing its first intercollegiate match since restoring the volleyball program, hung with Covenant in the third set. The visiting Wolves tied the score at 9-9 on a Lativa Ray kill, but Covenant answered with an 8-1 run to take a 17-10 lead after a Johnson kill.A Keener kill on a free-ball capped the victory for the Scots.Leah Buys added eight digs for Covenant as the Scots had a 32-27 edge in that category. Emma Kalbfleisch and Kyla Bailey each had three aces.Wesleyan was led by Ray's five kills along with eight assists and 11 digs from Jermaya Love.Covenant hosts Agnes Scott on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
The Tibetan spiritual leader received a shot of a Covid-19 vaccine (Office of the his holiness the Dalai Lama via AP)

The Dalai Lama, the 85-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, has been administered with the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine at a hospital in India.

After receiving the injection, he urged people to come forward, be brave and get vaccinated.

In order to prevent some serious problems, this injection is very, very helpful, he said.

Dr GD Gupta of Zonal Hospital, where the shot was administered, told reporters that the Dalai Lama was observed for 30 minutes afterwards.

He said: He offered to come to the hospital like a common man to get himself vaccinated.

Expand Close The Dalai Lama leaving hospital after receiving the jab (AP/Ashwini Bhatia) / Facebook

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Ten other people who live in the Dalai Lamas residence were also vaccinated, Dr Gupta said. All eleven received the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine.

India has confirmed more than 11 million cases of the coronavirus and over 157,000 deaths. The country, which has the second-highest caseload in the world behind the US, rolled out its vaccination drive in January, starting with healthcare and frontline workers.

Earlier this month, it expanded its inoculation drive to older people and those with medical conditions that put them at risk.

The Dalai Lama made Dharmsala his headquarters in 1959, fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. China does not recognize the Tibetan government-in-exile and accuses the Dalai Lama of seeking to separate Tibet from China.

The Dalai Lama denies being a separatist and says he merely advocates for substantial autonomy and protection of the regions native Buddhist culture.

and on Friday vowed to enhance cooperation against all forms of terrorism, reaffirming their firm belief that there can be no justification for the menace, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

At the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, his Nigerian counterpart Major General (retd.) Babagana Monguno visited New Delhi for the First Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Dialogue between and at the level of NSA from March 4 to 5.

Within the framework of the close and strategic partnership between and Nigeria, the national security advisors held in-depth discussions on the threats and challenges faced by democratic societies from terrorism, extremism, radicalisation including through cyberspace, as well as from international crime, arms and drug smuggling and piracy, the MEA said in a statement.

The two sides identified specific areas of cooperation to enhance their fight against all forms of terrorism, reaffirming their firm belief that there can be no justification for terrorism in any form or manifestation, it said.

They also agreed to enhance their cooperation in the international arena and maintain regular contact in this area, it said.

During his visit, Monguno also called on External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

(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.)
From the idealistic liberalism of my high school English teachers, I learned that to try to get rid of offensive literature is the great sin of easily triggered rubes. A special horror at banning books, which usually meant removing them from the curriculum in some rural school district, pervaded our libraries and classrooms. And a particular shame seemed to throb in my teachers breasts when they admitted that some books were even targeted  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, say  for misguided progressive reasons.

This week I learned from a different kind of liberalism that only easily triggered rubes care when offensive books are made to disappear. It was mildly creepy to hear that the custodians of Theodor Geisels estate, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, consulted with a panel of experts and decided to cease publishing six Seuss titles because they portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong. But it was much creepier that so few people notionally in the free-expression business, so few liberal journalists and critics, seemed troubled by the move.

There were exceptions  Substack exiles with their free-speech absolutism, the occasional libertarian contrarian. But often the Seuss cancellation was dismissed as a boob bait for Fox News viewers and a move to which only someone sunk in white anxiety could possibly object.

Plus, we were told, its only six books. And is Seuss so great anyway? The vast, vast majority of his books, the ones without racist images or references, wrote Philip Bump of the Washington Post, will still be sold. And if Dr. Seusss profile wanes a bit  to whom is harm being done? In The Guardian, Lili Wilkinson noted dismissively that the six books in question were far from being bestsellers, while Bumps colleague, the usually perspicacious critic Alyssa Rosenberg, took the cancellation as an occasion to complain about the tiresome lack of imagination of people who obsess over Seuss but not, say, Peter Spier.
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The decision by the US government to lift the tariff on single malt whiskeys is great news for Bushmills, according to North Antrim MP Ian Paisley.

In a move designed to ease trade tensions with the US, the Biden Administration announced the lifting of the tariff on some goods imported from the UK, including certain cheeses and matured whiskey.

"I am delighted. I've been engaged for months about this," said Mr Paisley. "I've also lobbied the US administration about the significance of this for Bushmills and jobs in North Antrim."

He added: "This is great news for the single malt distilleries in NI like Bushmills where the US has been such a key market over the years.

"These tariffs had a direct impact on sales. It is now a level playing field and looking forward to a successful long term negotiation on trade."

Bushmills declined to comment on the lifting of the tariff, or what impact it had on sales in the US.

The company sold 243,000 nine litre cases of its product in the US in 2019, third behind the clear leader in Irish whiskey sales, Jameson, and Tullamore Dew, according to statista.com, the online data site.

Scottish distilleries claim the tariff cost their businesses hundreds of millions, but exports were also impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Total UK whiskey, or whisky, sales in the US in 2020 amounted to $973m (704m) in the year to the end of December, down from the $1.4bn (1.01bn) the previous year, according to data compiled by the Distilled Spirits Council, a US trade group.

The council, in a statement, said: "We urge the US and UK to build on this positive momentum by negotiating an agreement to simultaneously eliminate retaliatory tariffs on all distilled spirits, which will benefit hospitality businesses on both sides of the Atlantic that are struggling to recover and rebuild from the global pandemic."

Duty on single malt whiskey, along with other goods, is suspended for four months while the two sides thrash out a long term agreement.

It was introduced in October 2019, one move of many in a long running dispute between Europe and the US over the latter's subsidies to Boeing.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the trade truce, to come into force on Monday, will boost British business.

"The US decision to suspend tariffs on some UK exports today will benefit businesses right across the UK," he tweeted.

Bushmills last September reported healthy overall sales in 2019 of 43.3m, up 10m on the previous year, posting profits of 8.9m, from 6.6m.

The company is in the middle of a 60m expansion plan that includes a 30m extension to its distillery that is aimed at doubling production within the next five years.

When compete, it is planned to have a distilling capacity of seven million litres of alcohol annually.

Global sales of all Irish whiskey brands have soared by more than 300% over the last decade, with overall exports doubling to 12 million nine-litre cases, according to the Irish Whiskey Association.

Bushmills is owned by Casa Cuervo of Mexico following its 2014 sale by Diageo.
Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi reiterated on Saturday the Egyptian-Sudanese rejection of Ethiopias announcement to implement the second phase of filling the Ethiopian dams (GERD) reservoir even if a binding legal deal is not reached between the three countries.

This procedure may threaten [to cause] serious damage to the interests of Egypt and Sudan, El-Sisi said in a press conference in Khartoum with Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, the the head of the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council.

During an official visit to Sudan, El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and Vice President of Sudan's Sovereign Council Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo.

The president's meetings included discussion of the GERD issue and other issues of cooperation.

During the press conference with Al-Burhan, El-Sisi cautioned that Egypt and Sudan - as the downstream countries - will be directly affected by the GERD.

We affirmed the necessity to return to serious and effective negotiations, with the aim of reaching a just, balanced, and legally binding agreement on the filling and operating of the dam at the earliest opportunity and before the next flood season, El-Sisi said during the conference.

The president stressed the legal agreement must take into consideration the interests of all three countries.

Our visions coincided on the rejection of any approach that is based on endeavours to impose a fait accompli and extend control over the Blue Nile through unilateral procedures that do not take into account the interests and rights of the two downstream countries, El-Sisi said.

The Egyptian president added that he discussed with Al-Burhan the means to relaunch the GERD negotiations through forming a quartet composed of the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), European Union (EU) and United States to mediate talks.

This is the mechanism proposed by Sudan and endorsed by Egypt and which seeks to support the efforts of President Felix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and to maximise the chances of success of the negotiations path, the president added.

We affirmed our full confidence in his excellency [Tshisekedi] ability to manage and achieve a breakthrough in these negotiations in order to reach the desired agreement, El-Sisi said.

During the meeting with Hamdok, the president urged intensifying Egyptian-Sudanese efforts during the coming period with the aim of reaching a binding agreement on GERD, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said.

El-Sisi and Hamdok agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Nile Basin countries with the aim of achieving sustainable use of the Niles water resources, in a way that helps achieve the common interests of the people of the three states and avoid any harm to any one country.

Comprehensive peace deal

During the press conference with Al-Burhan, the Egyptian president congratulated Sudan on the signing of the comprehensive peace agreement in the country, calling it a historic achievement."

[The agreement] was achieved after major efforts that were crowned in success as a result of sincerity from all Sudanese parties and their keenness to take the dear Sudanese nation to a new era of peace, development and prosperity that includes all people of Sudan, the president said.

I would like to affirm to you that Egypt would remain with you, in heart and soul, supporting your efforts for [achieving] development, stability and prosperity to the brotherly Sudanese people, the president added.

In late 2020, Sudans transitional government and the Sudan Revolutionary Front signed the comprehensive peace agreement to end decades of conflict in Sudan.

Development cooperation

During the meeting with Hamdok, El-Sisi also affirmed Egypts keenness to boost bilateral cooperation with Sudan in various fields, including the implementation of electricity and rail linkage projects.

The president stressed Egypt's keenness to boost trade and economic relations between the two countries and to create an appropriate environment for the establishment of joint developmental projects in manufacturing and agriculture.

El-Sisi also stressed the need to activate the joint technical committees and implement the MoUs and protocols of bilateral cooperation signed by the two countries.

Meanwhile, Hamdok affirmed Sudans keenness to create the required atmosphere for cooperation with Egypt in various strategic, development fields.

The Sudanese prime minister also affirmed that his country relies on the Egyptian role in supporting the ongoing Sudanese efforts to cancel or restructure Sudan's foreign debts.

During the press conference with Al-Burhan, the Egyptian president said he discussed with the Sudanese leader regional and international issues of mutual concern, within the framework of bolstering the national security of both countries.

The president said these discussions aimed at unifying the efforts of the two countries "to achieve stability on the Arabic and African arenas."

I would like, in the end, to take this important occasion to express my full confidence that the next stage of joint work and cooperation between our two countries will continue in various fields, guided by common vision, clear determination, solid political will and sincere efforts by Cairo and Khartoum, the president said.

Meanwhile, Al-Burhan thanked the Egyptian president for accepting the invitation to visit Sudan, saying the that Khartoum needs support during the current transitional period.

The Sudanese state is now going through a transition phase that is facing many difficulties ... a transition that requires concerted efforts and needs the support of friends and brothers, Al-Burhan said duringthe press conference.

This visit represents real support for Sudan and for the revolution as well as the people of Sudan, Al-Burhan added.

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Chandigarh: Punjab's Jalandhar administration imposed a night curfew in the district from Saturday (March 6) to tackle upsurge in COVID-19 cases.

According to the announcement made by Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori, the night curfew in the district will remain in place from 11 pm to 5 am.

He said that the order will remain in place until further directions.

The district on Friday had reported the maximum 134 new COVID-19 cases taking the total active cases to 856, as per the medical bulletin.

The state has been witnessing an upsurge in the number of fresh COVID-19 cases for nearly a month now.

Earlier, last month the state government had authorised deputy commissioners (DCs) to impose night curfew in COVID-19 hotspots in their districts if required.
Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon on Saturday, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action against the ruling junta for the killings of protesters.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged into turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1, with daily protests and strikes that have choked business and paralysed administration.

Sporadic protests were staged across Myanmar on Saturday and local media reported that police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to break up a protest in the Sanchaung district of Yangon, the country's biggest city. There no reports of casualties.

More than 50 protesters have been killed according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone. Protesters demand the release of Suu Kyi and the respect of November's election, which her party won in landslide, but which the army rejected.

"How much more can we allow the Myanmar military to get away with?" Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener told a closed meeting of the 15-member U.N. Security Council on Friday, according to a copy of her remarks seen by Reuters.

"It is critical that this council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results."

A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment.

The army says it has been restrained in stopping the protests, but has said it will not allow them to threaten stability.

On Saturday, in the southern town of Dawei, protesters chanted "Democracy is our cause" and "The revolution must prevail". Protesters were also gathering in the biggest city, Yangon.

People have taken to the streets in their hundreds of thousands at times, vowing to continue action in a country that spent nearly half a century under military rule until democratic reforms in 2011 that were cut short by the coup.

"Political hope has begun to shine. We can't lose the momentum of the revolution," one protest leader, Ei Thinzar Maung, wrote on Facebook. "Those who dare to fight will have victory. We deserve victory."

At least one man was killed by security forces in protests on Friday. An official from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD) and his teenage nephew were also stabbed to death by military supporters, local media reported.

OUTRAGE

The killing of protesters has drawn international outrage.

"Use of violence against the people of Myanmar must stop now," South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a tweet, calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees and for the restoration of democracy.

The United States and some other Western countries have imposed limited sanctions on the junta and independent U.N. human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, has called for a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions.

But in an effort to preserve council unity on Myanmar, diplomats said sanctions were unlikely to be considered anytime soon as such measures would probably be opposed by China and Russia, which have veto powers.

"All parties should exercise utmost calm and restraint," China's U.N. Ambassador Zhang Jun said, according to remarks released after the U.N. meeting. "We don't want to see instability, even chaos in Myanmar."

The army took power over allegations of fraud in last year's election which had been dismissed by the electoral commission. It has promised to hold a new election at an unspecified date.

That plan is rejected by protesters and by a group representing lawmakers elected at the last election that has begun to issue statements in the name of a rival civilian administration.

On Friday, it listed four demands - the end of the junta, the release of the detainees, democracy and the abolition of the 2008 constitution which left significant political representation and control in the hands of the military.

Instead, it said Myanmar should have a federal constitution - an appeal to the ethnic groups in the country's borderlands which have chafed under domination of the Bamar majority both under the military and Suu Kyi's party.

On Friday, thousands of people rallied in the southeastern Karen state, accompanied by fighters from the Karen National Union (KNU), one of the ethnic armed groups engaged in long-running wars.

During the rally - the strongest indication yet of support for the anti-coup movement from one of the country's myriad ethnic armed groups - KNU troops flashed the three-finger salute popularized by protesters and handed out water bottles.

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AFL star Rory Sloane and his wife Belinda Riverso tragically lost their first child, Leo, to a stillbirth in 2018.

In an interview with Stellar magazine for The Daily Telegraph this weekend, the 30-year-old Adelaide Crows captain candidly discussed the heartbreaking event.

Rory described Belinda as the 'most courageous and brave person' he has ever met.

Heartbreaking event: AFL star Rory Sloane described wife Belinda (both pictured) as the 'bravest person' he has ever met, in an interview with The Daily Telegraph's Stellar magazine this weekend, as he discussed the heartbreaking stillbirth of their first child Leo in 2018

'My wife is unbelievable. We lost our first child Leo and she's the most courageous and brave person I've come across in my time,' he told the publication.

The athlete added: 'What she does for our family, I can never thank her enough in return, really.'

The couple lost Leo at 34 weeks, after scans revealed the baby had no heartbeat.

Praise: 'My wife is unbelievable. We lost our first child Leo and she's the most courageous and brave person I've come across in my time,' the Adelaide Crows captain told the publication

At the time, Rory announced the tragedy on his Instagram, sharing a photo of their son's hand.

'Last week we said goodbye to our beautiful little man. Leo Rory Sloane was born into the world still, but perfect,' he wrote.

'Thanks for making us the proudest parents and filling our hearts with love beyond measure.

Heartbreaking: At the time, Rory announced the tragedy on his Instagram, sharing a photo of their son's hand

Family: The pair have since become the proud parents of two other sons, Sonny and Bodhi (all pictured)

'The moments we had with you are now beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.'

The couple tied the knot on a farm in Byron Bay, in New South Wales in 2016 and have since become the proud parents of two other sons, Sonny and Bodhi.

Both boys have 'Leo' as their middle name.

For confidential support, please visit Stillbirth Foundation Australia or SANDS.

Wed! The couple tied the knot on a farm in Byron Bay, in New South Wales in 2016. Mr and Mrs Sloane were joined by a number of high profile AFL stars such as Adelaide Crows veteran Scott Thompson (middle)
Like so many others, he worked remotely, taking calls about film projects 9 to 5. Other than that, its been lots of streaming (The Office, The Larry Sanders Show), lots of pot and lots of tweeting.

Mr. Rogen began to trend on Twitter when he squared off in a much-publicized flame war with Senator Ted Cruz of Texas that went on for days following Inauguration Day, suggesting that Mr. Cruz was fit for admiration only if youre a white supremacist fascist who doesnt find it offensive when someone calls your wife ugly, along with various obscenities.

When Senator Cruz later tweeted that Mr. Rogen behaved online like a Marxist with Tourettes, Mr. Rogen responded that he did have a very mild case of the syndrome, but he certainly did not back down. Twenty years ago, it would have been hard to tell off a famous stranger in this manner, Mr. Rogen said  but now, thank God, I can do it. People are always like, Youre like that on Twitter, but if you met him face to face you wouldnt do that. And that is very not true. I would one hundred percent tell Ted Cruz to  cover your ears, kids!

Still Life

Mr. Rogen joked on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last April that he had been self-isolating since 2009.

Mr. Goldberg, a friend since elementary school in Vancouver who speaks with him daily, concurs that Mr. Rogen was the polar opposite of going crazy.

As a celebrity who doesnt like to go out and drink and stuff like that, hes probably one of the best situated to deal with this. He loves being in his house, Mr. Goldberg, 38, said. He loves pursuing his hobbies, he loves watching TV on his couch with his wife and his dog. And thats it. Thats what he loves. I know he secretly loves being stuck.

With the offices of Point Grey Pictures, their production company, closed, Mr. Rogen and Mr. Goldberg still had plenty to talk about. They are writing a script for the director Luca Guadagnino about Scotty Bowers, a onetime gas station attendant who arranged sexual liaisons for the stars in the silver-screen era.
Istanbul, March 6 : Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a video conference during which they discussed the Covid-19 pandemic and other regional issues.

According to Turkey's Directorate of Communications, Erdogan told Merkel on Friday that Ankara continues its vaccination program against the coronavirus at a rapid pace, and a gradual and controlled normalisation process has already started, Xinhua news agency reported.

"President Erdogan stated that barrier-free and safe tourism would resume in April following positive developments," the Directorate noted.

Turkey launched its vaccination program in mid-January with China's Sinovac vaccine and a gradual normalization process at the beginning of this week.

The two leaders also addressed the latest developments in the region, according to the Directorate.

Erdogan urged the European Union to provide financial and technical support for Syrians who want to voluntarily leave Turkey to return home, it said.

Turkey is home to over 3.6 million Syrian refugees.

The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) recently issued a notice to advance green development of e-commerce enterprises, guiding the industry to become more friendly to the environment.

Twelve measures in four major areas, including promoting the management of green supply chain for express parcel packages, were launched.

According to statistics released by the State Post Bureau, China's courier industry handled a total of 83 billion express parcels in 2020, up 30.8 percent year on year. The booming development of the industry has facilitated people's daily life, but the packages of express parcels are also generating massive waste. Data from the State Administration for Market Regulation indicate that China's courier industry produces around 1.8 million tonnes of plastic waste and over 9 million tonnes of paper waste each year.

Realizing the serious environmental problem, many e-commerce enterprises have taken measures to "slim" the packages of express parcels.

"It was recommended by a courier," said a man surnamed Li from Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, pointing to a "Feng BOX," a recyclable express parcel package launched by Chinese express delivery giant SF Express. "I just want to contribute my part to environmental protection," he told People's Daily.

The Feng BOX is not sealed by traditional packaging materials, such as adhesive tapes, cartons or plastic fillings, but a smart anti-theft seal. According to statistics, each Feng BOX can be used at least 50 times, which is able to significantly reduce the consumption of packaging materials.

The MOFCOM notice requests e-commerce enterprises in key areas to gradually stop using non-degradable plastic bags and disposable woven bags, and reduce the use of non-degradable plastic cohesive tapes.

Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group, replaced part of its plastic packaging with environmental-friendly bags made from bio-based materials during the "Double 11," the largest online shopping festival in China, last year. The new bags, made from reproducible materials such as straws and ageing grains, can each save 4.4 grams of plastics at the production end, which significantly mitigates the negative impacts of express parcel packaging on environment.

Direct sourcing and direct shipping can also effectively reduce the use of packaging materials. According to an employee of JD.com, a major e-commerce platform in China, the company is encouraging merchants to apply external drop-shipping. At present, over 1,000 kinds of commodities on the platform are directly shipped from the suppliers, which reduces the use of 150 million cartons.

The notice also proposed to further enhance the capability of digital operation, encourage modern information technologies among e-commerce enterprises, such as cloud computing, big data and artificial intelligence, better match supply and demand, improve stock turnover, and enhance the sharing of multi-channel logistics to reduce logistics cost and consumption.
County Wexford Chamber has criticised the lack of a plan to help businesses survive 2021.

Chamber CEO Emma Dunphy said the three month extension is not long enough, calling on the Government to leave incremental half-measures in the past, and start afresh with an expansive, data-driven plan to support business through the impact of Covid-19.

'The extension of existing financial supports is good news, as it reduces some of the uncertainty for businesses. Yet, right across our county, there is the very real concern that Government is still failing to engage with the reality of the situation facing our local economies,' Ms Dunphy said.

Among the provisions that are required for most of 2021 are wage supports, commercial rates waivers and debt warehousing, she added.

'While the announcements on Wednesday evening are welcome, the business community fears we will be back in this position again in a few short months, seeking clarity on further extensions. The need to rebuild business confidence is now critical. Since the start of the year, County Wexford Chamber has warned that existing financial supports do not go far enough - far too many businesses are left out. For many who are eligible, the existing rates of support do not go far enough given the scale of economic shock facing the most vulnerable sectors and the length of time they have been impacted.'

Debts for many businesses are mounting and the supports available are rarely enough to offset them, she added.

'When a reopening finally occurs, many businesses will see their lockdown debts threaten their long-term viability. None of our members want to risk a fourth wave, combined with another lockdown. County Wexford Chamber urges for a measured, conservative, data-driven approach to re-opening the economy which includes realistic supports for, and better communication with, restricted businesses.'

Reducing, if not eradicating, community transmission will be essential for businesses to re-open safely, Ms Dunphy said.

'Ensuring the reopening is sustainable is another key challenge. Robust public-health measures must be in place to prevent the introduction of new strains of the virus. Without them we will undermine our progress in reducing transmission, which has come at such great sacrifice to so many, while also running the risk of undermining our own vaccine programme.

'There is growing frustration throughout the business community regarding the Covid-19 communications and guidance. Trust is easily lost, and hard earned. Many business owners are losing their faith in the adequacy of the Government response, and if this happens, we are very concerned that it will erode adherence to the public health protocols. We are now 12 months on from the first case of Covid-19 in Ireland. County Wexford Chamber hopes the new Government strategy will be a fresh start, and an opportunity for us to use the lessons of the past year to suppress the virus while supporting local economies.'
New leadership will be in place at the Menlo Park Memorial Veterans Home next week, where one in three residents died from the coronavirus and its CEO was ousted last year.

But some residents and a state Senator already have raised concerns about the people the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has selected to fill the top two jobs.

Jennifer Causer, who has served as executive director for two Genesis Healthcare long-term care facilities, will be the new CEO at Menlo Park starting Monday. Scott Mueller was re-appointed assistant CEO, a job he held before the management shake-up in October, a state spokesman confirmed.

Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, chairman of the Senate health committee, said he had hoped the next CEO for Menlo Park would have been someone with a medical degree, such as a nurse, nurse practitioner or a doctor, given the significant loss of life at the state-run nursing home. Causers degree is in recreational therapy, according to according to her LinkedIn account.

I had advocated for the replacement of the last CEO and for the next CEO to have a background in infectious disease, said Vitale, who said he has been contacted by residents and families who have expressed concerns. The Department says she is the best candidate, he said.

Causer was named executive director at the Genesis facility in Voorhees six months ago. She held the same job at the Whiting facility from 2014 to 2019, according to her LinkedIn account.

A message left at Causers office at the Voorhees facility was not returned Friday.

While at Whiting, the facility won a national award for quality, Military and Veterans Affairs spokesman Kryn Westhoven said.

We are very excited to be welcoming a leader with such extensive long-term care experience and a true passion for providing care of the highest quality to those entrusted to her care, he said.

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Glenn Osborne, president of the veterans home resident council, said Muellers return to Menlo Park is would serve as a constant reminder of that period last year, when 102 residents died. Do you know what that makes us feel like?

The proper authorities are not listening to us. it feels like they have left us here to die, he said.

During a virtual hearing led by Republican state legislators on Friday, Osborne said the former CEO, Elizabeth Schiff-Heedles, discouraged employees from wearing masks in the four to six weeks of the pandemic out of concern it would scare residents.

Osborne also said he witnessed residents discharged from the hospital after being treated for COVID-19 return to their rooms, potentially putting their roommates at risk. The practice didnt end until May, nearly two months after state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli issued a directive to all long-term care center operators that said residents returning from the hospital needed to be segregated from the rest of the population, Osborne said.

Sen. Joseph Pennacchio, R-Morris, who co-chaired the hearing, expressed disappointment with the decision to reinstate the assistant CEO. The Governors bold idea for new leadership to fix our veterans homes is to bring back those who failed the first time around, he said. I cant believe thats the best he could do.

Vitale said he has spoken to residents and families about the appointments and has conveyed their concerns to Gov. Phil Murphys senior aides.

They feel blindsided by the decisions, Vitale said. State officials are selecting the person who will oversee their well-being. They dont have a lot of faith. If I were in their position I wouldnt either.

The department of Military and Veterans Affairs also announced that Timothy Doyle Jr. has been picked as CEO of the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home, where 89 residents died during last year due to the pandemic.

Doyle is administrator of the Dwelling Place-Respiratory Rehabilitation Center at St. Clares Hospital in Dover, a job he has held for a decade, according to his LinkedIn profile. He was the administrator and Vice President at Sarah Frances/Tally-Ho Manor in Boonton from 1982 to 2004.

Mueller has been serving as acting CEO while the state searched for a permanent replacement, according to the state.

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Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio.
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EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR SATURIDAY, MARCH 6, 2021

China Plans Future Development; U.S. Plans Future Wars

March 5 , 2021 (EIRNS)Chinas annual Two Sessions began March 4, as Premier Li Keqiang gave the Work Report, the overview of Chinas plans for the futurein this case, the 14th Five Year Plan which begins this year, and a perspective for 2050. Following up the historic completion of the project to eliminate abject poverty altogether from the entire nation of 1.4 billion peopleaccomplished through a combination of infrastructure development even in the most desolate areas of the country, building new cities with millions of new urban jobs, introducing modern agricultural techniques, providing adequate health and education facilities for all, and morethey now have launched a national Rural Revitalization project to raise the standard of living and the productivity of the rural communities, and to assure there is no back-sliding into poverty. R&D is to be expanded by 7%, to close the tech gap and break the choke points created by the sanctions and the overt attacks on the tech sector by the U.S. He Lifang, the head of the National Development and Reform Commission, identified the primary areas for expanded investment: quantum information, interstellar exploration, energy and food security, and industrial supply chains.

In the U.S., on the other hand, Joe Biden is not to be found. He has held no press conferences, while his totally inexperienced Vice President Kamala Harris is handling his relations with senior foreign leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, Bibi Netanyahu, Justin Trudeau, and Scott Morrison. Biden has handed over the reins of the economy to a cartel of Wall Street and City of London financial institutions, which are imposing the Green New Dealcutting off credit to fossil fuels, industry and agriculture, under the pseudo-scientific hoax of carbon-induced climate change. The Malthusians behind this plan are, at the same time, working hand-in-glove with the military-industrial complex to continue and expand the military confrontation with both Russia and China launched by Barack Obama and continued in the Trump Administration despite Trumps stated intention of being friends with the other two great powers.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken on March 3 revealed his British Imperial mentality; China is the only country with the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to seriously challenge the stable and open international systemall the rules, values, and relationships that make the world work the way we want it to. Bidens choice to run planning at the Pentagon, Colin Kahl, told the Congress March 4 that the Biden Administration will fully endorse the 2018 National Defense Strategy, which accurately identifies the strategic competition with China and Russia as the primary challenge animating the global security environment. On Russia, he lied: Russian behavior indicates it seeks to undermine and overturn the rules-based international order established during the post World War II period, accusing Moscow of blatant disregard for the sovereignty of its neighborsthis from the people who have bombed multiple nations (that pose no threat to the U.S. or to anyone else) into oblivion, without even pretending to follow the U.S. Constitutional restraints on waging war. These same people are now standing by while their bombs and their sanctions have unleashed one of the greatest genocides in modern history in Yemen, Syria, and more.

The target is development itself, as has now been identified by the governments in Russia and China. While the financial bubble in the Western banks has demanded the printing of trillions upon trillions of dollars over the past years to keep them afloat, leaving no credit for the real economy, the policy of these imperial monsters is not to compete, but to destroy their competitors development. Consider the unprovoked attacks on Huawei, on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and the new yellow-peril racism of the anti-China McCarthyism. The target is the New Silk Roadthe Belt and Road Initiativewhich is taking the Chinese economic miracle to the impoverished nations of the Global South, giving the formerly colonized nations their first realistic hope to escape poverty and become modern industrial nations. The British Empire will not allow it. Prince Charles insists that the growth will expand carbon in the atmosphere and burn up the world. Does anyone really believe this is science?

The Schiller Institute is gathering leading spokesmen from Russia, China, Africa, Europe and the Americas for a dialogue on meeting this existential crisis for mankind, with the idea of peace through development presented by Lyndon LaRouche over the past fifty years, by looking ahead to the next fifty years, to create the necessary revolution in human affairs to both meet these crises together as a human race, and to unleash the creative potential of mankind, to create a world worthy of the dignity of man.

Join us for three panels:
International

Protests continue in Myanmar; UN calls for action

Protesters react as they engulfed by tear gas fired by police. (AFP)

Yangon, Mar 6 (Reuters) | Publish Date: 3/6/2021 1:07:03 PM IST

Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon on Saturday, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action against the ruling junta for the killings of protesters.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged in turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with daily protests and strikes that have choked business and paralysed administration.

Sporadic protests were staged across Myanmar on Saturday and local media reported that police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to break up a protest in the Sanchaung district of Yangon, the countrys biggest city. There were no reports of casualties.

More than 50 protesters have been killed since the coup, according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone. Protesters demand the release of Suu Kyi and the respect of Novembers election, which her party won in landslide, but which the army rejected.

How much more can we allow the Myanmar military to get away with? Special Envoy Christine Schraner Burgener told a closed meeting of the 15-member U.N. Security Council on Friday, according to a copy of her remarks reviewed by Reuters.

It is critical that this council is resolute and coherent in putting the security forces on notice and standing with the people of Myanmar firmly, in support of the clear November election results.

A junta spokesman did not answer calls requesting comment.

The army says it has been restrained in stopping the protests, but has said it will not allow them to threaten stability.

Several hundred people gathered in Sydney on Saturday to protest against the coup, singing and holding up three fingers, a salute that has come to symbolise solidarity and resistance across Myanmar.

We would like to urge the Australian government to work closely with the U.S., UK and EU governments and take strong action against these Myanmar military dictators, said protest organiser Thein Moe Win.

In Myanmars southern town of Dawei, protesters chanted Democracy is our cause and The revolution must prevail.

People have taken to Myanmars streets in their hundreds of thousands at times, vowing to continue action in a country that spent nearly half a century under military rule until democratic reforms in 2011 that were cut short by the coup.

Political hope has begun to shine. We cant lose the momentum of the revolution, one protest leader, Ei Thinzar Maung, wrote on Facebook. Those who dare to fight will have victory. We deserve victory.

On Friday night, authorities disturbed the grave of a 19-year-old woman who became an icon of the protest movement after she was shot dead wearing a T-shirt that read Everything will be OK, a witness and local media said.

One witness said the body of Kyal Sin, widely known as Angel, was removed on Friday, examined and returned, before the tomb was re-sealed in Myanmars second city of Mandalay. The independent Mizzima news service also reported the event.

A military spokesman did not answer calls seeking comment. Reuters was unable to contact police for comment.

The killing of protesters has drawn international outrage.

Use of violence against the people of Myanmar must stop now, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a tweet, calling for the release of Suu Kyi and other detainees and for the restoration of democracy.

The United States and some other Western countries have imposed limited sanctions on the junta and the independent U.N. human rights investigator on Myanmar, Thomas Andrews, has called for a global arms embargo and targeted economic sanctions.

The army took power over allegations of fraud in last years election which had been dismissed by the electoral commission. It has promised to hold a new election at an unspecified date.

That plan is rejected by protesters and by a group representing lawmakers elected at the last election that has begun to issue statements in the name of a rival civilian administration.

On Friday, it listed four demands - the end of the junta, the release of the detainees, democracy and the abolition of the 2008 constitution which left significant political representation and control in the hands of the military.

A civil disobedience campaign of strikes running parallel with the protests has been supported by many government workers including a trickle of policemen.

Authorities in Myanmar have asked India to return eight policemen who sought refuge across the border to avoid taking orders from the junta, an official in northeast India said on Saturday.

Indias foreign ministry responded to a request for comment by referring to a statement given at a media briefing on Friday which said the ministry was still ascertaining the facts.
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Donald Trump has slammed President Joe Biden and his 'disastrous leadership' for allowing a 'spiraling tsunami' of migrants and 'criminals' over the United States border.

The former president claimed the Biden administration has 'disrespected, demeaned, and mocked' Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol in a lengthy statement issued on Friday.

Trump's forceful comments come as the Biden administration struggles to combat the swarms of unauthorized migrants currently crossing the border, and as U.S. Border Patrol agents revealed on Friday that they had detained nearly 100,000 migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in February.

It was the highest arrest total for the month of February since 2006.

On Wednesday alone, agents detained more than 4,500 migrants crossing the border with Mexico, according to Reuters. It has sparked fears that illegal entries could soar in the coming weeks.

Despite the administration's floundering response, in a press briefing on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dismissed Trump's border comments, slamming the former president's policies as 'ineffective' and 'inhumane'.

'We don't take our advice or counsel from former President Trump on immigration policy, which was not only inhumane but ineffective over the last four years,' Psaki told reporters.

'We're going to chart our own path forward and that includes treating children with humanity and respect and ensuring they're safe when they cross our borders.'

Scroll down for video

Donald Trump has slammed President Joe Biden and his 'disastrous leadership' for allowing a 'spiraling tsunami' of migrants and 'criminals' over the United States border. Pictured, Gladys Melinda and Alex Rodriguez from El Salvador embrace as they hold their four-month-old son Alex Josue while walking down a dirt road after crossing the Rio Grande River into the US

Pictured: Pedro from Honduras holds his 2 year-old-son Daniel as migrant families and children wait along a dirt road for transport after they crossed the Rio Grande River into the United States from Mexico on Friday

Pictured, migrant families and children climb the banks of the Rio Grande River into the United States as smugglers on rafts prepare to return to Mexico on Friday. Thousands of migrants are currently crossing into the US a day

Despite Biden administration's floundering response to the crisis, in a press briefing on Friday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dismissed Trump's border comments, slamming the former president's policies as 'ineffective' and 'inhumane'

Donald Trump in a statement on Friday slammed President Joe Biden and his 'disastrous leadership' for allowing a 'spiraling tsunami' of migrants and 'criminals' over the United States border. Pictured, migrants cross the Rio Bravo river to turn themselves in to U.S Border Patrol agents to request for asylum in El Paso, Texas, on Thursday

Trump's comments come amid a spike of migrants at the border, as pictured above on Thursday U.S. Border Patrol agents revealed they detained more than 4,500 migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, according to government figures

Trump had already slammed Biden on the border during his CPAC speech on Sunday, as pictured above

Biden has shown some concern over the sudden surge in migrants at the border, especially the spike in unaccompanied children who are attempting to make the crossing.

It comes after the president exempted children in February from a Trump-era policy known as Title 42.

Trump blames Biden for the spike, touting his own 'wonderful relationship' with the 'great president' of Mexico, as he accused the new administration of 'gross incompetence'.

'Our border is now totally out of control thanks to the disastrous leadership of Joe Biden,' Trump said in the statement.

'Our great Border Patrol and ICE agents have been disrespected, demeaned, and mocked by the Biden Administration. A mass incursion into the country by people who should not be here is happening on an hourly basis, getting worse by the minute.'

Of the migrants in question, the former president claims that 'many have criminal records' and 'are spreading COVID'.

'Criminals that were once promptly removed by the Administration are now being released back onto the street to commit heinous and violent crimes,' he continued. 'ICE officers are desperate to remove these convicted criminals, but Biden won't let them.'

Trump added that the new influx is 'overwhelming local communities, depleting budgets, crowding hospitals, and taking jobs from legal American workers.

'When I left office, we had achieved the most secure border in our country's history. Under Biden, it will soon be worse, more dangerous, and more out of control than ever before. He has violated his oath of office to uphold our Constitution and enforce our laws,' he said.

Migrants are seen going to turn themselves in to U.S. Border Patrol agents to request for asylum in Texas on Thursday

Families and children walk along a trail as a smuggler on a raft transports more migrants across the Rio Grande River into the United States from Mexico on Thursday. On Friday, U.S. border agents revealed that they had detained nearly 100,000 migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border in February, two people familiar with preliminary figures told Reuters

Smugglers use rafts to transport migrant families and children across the Rio Grande River into Texas from Mexico on Thursday. It comes as thousands of migrants cross the border in an influx that Trump has blamed on Biden's administration

It comes after Biden's rolled back Trump policies such as the Migrant Protection Protocol. Pictured, U.S. police supervise the access of migrants to the U.S. as part of the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) program at the border with Mexico

MPP, branded the 'Remain in Mexico' policy by Trump, was an 'incredible' policy, the former President claimed as he blasted Trump for ending it. Pictured, members of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) escort migrants to the United States as part of the Migrant Protection Protocol (MPP) program at the border with Mexico on Thursday

Trump slammed Biden in particular for reinstating the 'Catch and Release' policy, stating that as a result, 'illegal immigrants from every corner of the Earth will descend upon our border and never be returned'.

'You can never have a secure border unless people who cross illegally are promptly removed,' the statement added.

Trump also blasted Biden's decision to end the Remain in Mexico Policy, which he believed was 'incredible'. He accused Biden of abandoning it 'probably because it worked so well'.

'Likewise, our Safe Third Agreements in Central America were extraordinarily successful, so Biden foolishly ditched them too,' he continued.

Trump ended the statement will a direct call to action to Biden and his administration that more must be done to stop the thousands that are currently crossing into the U.S. on a daily basis.

'The Biden Administration must act immediately to end the border nightmare that they have unleashed onto our Nation,' Trump insisted. 'Keep illegal immigration, crime, and the China Virus out of our country!'

The shocking 100,000 February figures released by border agents in Friday show the scope of a growing surge of migrants arriving at the southwest border as Biden seeks to roll back some of Trump's restrictive policies.

Doanld Trump issued a lengthy statement in Friday in which he accused Biden of letting 'criminals' across the border

In particular, an increasing number of children arriving at the border without a parent or legal guardian has forced U.S. officials in recent weeks to scramble for housing options and take steps to speed up their release to sponsors in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said that as of March 4, the agency had 7,700 unaccompanied minors in custody, the highest level since 2019. As of last week, it had roughly 7,700 beds available.

The nearly 100,000 migrants detained at the U.S.-Mexico border in February is a significant increase over 78,000 encountered in January.

February's total appears to be the highest monthly number since June 2019 during a large border surge that Trump cited as justification for a broad immigration crackdown.

The 4,500 people caught by agents on Wednesday are also believed to be an indicator that the figures could rise further in March.

The figure is comparable to the daily average of arrests in May 2019, the peak of a major border surge that Trump used to justify his broad immigration crackdown.

In contrast, in January 2021, Border Patrol caught about 2,400 migrants a day at the southwest border.

The spike comes after Biden rolled back Trump's immigration policies since taking office - including halting the construction of the border wall, ending the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), and resuming catch and release.

Sheriff Mark Dannels of Cochise County, Arizona, has claimed that the halt in construction at the wall has left gaps for people to sneak through.

'As a result of that one area where the fence is not complete, we get five or six groups a day coming across there,' he told Fox & Friends.

MPP, branded the 'Remain in Mexico' policy by Trump, was crafted with Mexico as part of an agreement not to impose tariffs. Biden has ended the asylum cooperative agreements (ACAs) with Northern Triangle countries as well, which were brought in by Trump during the 2019 migrant crisis.

And Biden has also declared that he wants to offer a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

Republicans have criticized Biden for rolling back Trump's hardline immigration policies, saying the shift will lead to more illegal immigration.

Kevin McCarthy, the top Republican in the House of Representatives, sent a letter to Biden on Friday that requested a meeting to discuss the issue, saying he had 'great concern' with the Biden administration's approach to border.

'We must acknowledge the border crisis, develop a plan, and, in no uncertain terms, strongly discourage individuals from Mexico and Central America from ever making the dangerous journey to our southern border,' McCarthy wrote in the letter.

'We are weeks, maybe even days, away from a crisis on the southern border,' Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat whose Texas district abuts Mexico, said in a statement on Thursday. 'Our country is currently unprepared to handle a surge in migrants in the middle of the pandemic.'

the chain link enclosures used by the Trump administration in a south Texas warehouse. CBP is now renovating the camp

Migrants are held in a South Texas warehouse by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials

Adult migrants being detained in a U.S. Customs and Border Protection sit in south Texas

Amid the criticism, Biden has taken some action to address the issue and is sending senior advisors to the border to assess the problem, the White House claimed.

'President Biden has asked senior members of his team to travel to the border region in order to provide a full briefing to him on the government response to the influx of unaccompanied minors and an assessment of additional steps that can be taken to ensure the safety and care of these children,' White House spokesman Vedant Patel said.

The timing of the visit would remain confidential because of security and privacy concerns, Patel added.

The administration is also now taking steps that would speed up the processing of families caught at the border and greatly reduce the use of family detention centers.

It plans to convert two family detention centers in Texas into facilities that would quickly process incoming migrant families and allow them to be released pending the outcome of their cases, according to three people familiar with the plan.

Yet Biden's administration is also asking migrants to stop attempts to cross the border.

'We are not saying don't come. We are saying don't come now, because we will be able to deliver a safe and orderly process for them as quickly as possible,' Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said this week.

Trump's forceful statement on Friday came after his speech at the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) last Sunday in which he also hit out at Biden over the border.

He accused Biden of creating a 'self-inflicted humanitarian and national security disaster'.

On Tuesday, 13 people who crossed into the U.S. illegally died after the SUV they were crammed into with 12 others was involved in a deadly car crash with a semi-truck in California.
By Angelo Amante

ROME (Reuters) - Italy will further tighten coronavirus restrictions in three of its 20 regions, the government said on Friday, after health officials warned of the growing spread of new, highly contagious variants.

Earlier, the health ministry announced 24,036 new daily cases of coronavirus, up from 22,865 the day before. Over the last five days, new infections have increased by 23% by comparison with the same period last week.

"The virus is spreading rapidly across Italy," said Silvio Brusaferro, chief of the Superior Health Institute (ISS). He said a highly contagious variant first discovered in Britain was now prevalent.

Italy's average reproduction number has risen to 1.06 - the first time it has moved above the threshold of 1 after seven weeks, the ISS said. An "R" number above 1 indicates infections will grow at an exponential rate.

Italy has established a four-tier colour-coded system (white, yellow, orange and red) with curbs calibrated according to the infection levels and revised every week.

Campania, centred on the southern city of Naples, will join Basilicata and Molise in the strictest red zone as of Monday. Movement will be severely limited, and bars, restaurants and schools closed along with most shops.

Two northern regions will move from the yellow to the intermediary orange list - Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto. That brings the total number of orange regions to 10, with just six marked yellow and one white - Sardinia.

In orange zones, restaurants and bars are closed except for takeaways and people are not allowed to leave their towns except for emergencies, work and health reasons. Some areas, such as Lombardy, centred on the financial capital Milan, have additionally decided to shut schools as a precaution.

The country has so far registered 99,271 deaths linked to COVID-19, the second-highest toll in Europe after Britain.

However, data released on Friday suggested the toll might be higher still.

Statistics bureau ISTAT said there were 100,525 excess deaths in Italy last year compared with the average for 2015-2019. According to official data, there were 75,891 deaths linked to coronavirus in 2020.

(Editing by Crispian Balmer and Giles Elgood)
Our joint communities already have made considerable progress by working together in the pursuit of recovery. I am inspired and encouraged by how Irish firms worked with North American partners to develop technologies, protocols and programs to address the pandemic and aid recovery. Ireland is fifth in the world for global exports of COVID-19 solutions and sixth in the global market of countries responding best in terms of innovation to the pandemic. Much of this progress has been in lockstep with North American partners and in service of North American communities.


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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A new solar wind project planned for Wolfes Pond Park will be discussed Tuesday, March 9, during a committee meeting of Community Board 3.

The pilot project will be presented to the Parks and Recreation and Environmental committees by the New York City Parks Department during a virtual meeting at 7 p.m. The project will include the installation of small solar wind turbines in the park. The turbines will be used to light various amenities along a linear pathway adjacent to the beach.

Additionally, on Wednesday, March 10, the Land Use Committee will discuss the proposed development of a three-story commercial building at 56 Page Ave., in Richmond Valley. A portion of the building would be located within the bed of mapped, but unbuilt Sewell Street. The virtual meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Those interested in attending either meeting must register by 9 a.m. the day of the meeting by visiting www.nyc.gov/sicb3. An email with a link to join the meeting will be sent the day of the meeting.

Community Board 1

During a virtual full board meeting of Community Board 1 on Tuesday at 6 p.m., a representative from the city Health Department will speak about the covonavirus (COVID-19) vaccine and testing sites.

Additionally, representatives from the city Parks Department will give a presentation on a temporary public art installation coming to the Alice Austen House, Rosebank, and then to the North Shore Esplanade.

The art installation, by artist Tony DiBernardo and coordinated by Worthless Studios as part of their Plywood Protection Program grant, will be at the Alice Austen House for the months of May and June. In July, it will move to the North Shore Esplanade until November.

To attend the Zoom meeting, go to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81740136842 . Those interested in speaking at a Community Board 1 meeting must register to do so by the Friday prior to the meeting.

Community Board 2

Community Board 2 has no meetings planned this week.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

All Community Board meetings and meetings of their committees are open to the public. They provide an excellent opportunity for residents to learn about happenings in their neighborhoods and surrounding areas.

Below is more information about the Islands three Community Boards:

COMMUNITY BOARD 1

Arlington  Castleton Corners  Clifton  Concord  Elm Park  Fort Wadsworth  Graniteville  Grymes Hill  Livingston  Mariners Harbor  New Brighton  Port Richmond  Randall Manor  Rosebank  St. George  Shore Acres  Silver Lake  Stapleton  Sunnyside  Tompkinsville  West Brighton  Westerleigh

The district manager is Joseph Carroll. The Board chairman is Nicholas Siclari. The telephone number is 718-981-6900.

COMMUNITY BOARD 2

Arrochar  Bloomfield  Bulls Head  Chelsea  Dongan Hills  Egbertville  Emerson Hill  Grant City  Grasmere  High Rock  Lighthouse Hill  Midland Beach  New Dorp  New Springville  Oakwood  Ocean Breeze  Old Town  Richmond  South Beach  Todt Hill  Travis.

The phone number is 718-568-3581. The fax number 718-568-3595. The chairman is Robert J. Collegio, P.E. The district manager is Debra A. Derrico.

COMMUNITY BOARD 3

Annadale  Arden Heights  Bay Terrace  Charleston  Eltingville  Great Kills  Greenridge  Huguenot  New Dorp  Oakwood  Pleasant Plains  Princes Bay  Richmond Valley -- Richmond -- Rossville -- Tottenville -- Woodrow.

The office phone number is 718-356-7900. The Board chairman is Frank Morano; the district manager is Charlene Wagner.
The U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan proposed a shakeup of the stalled peace process this week, including an interim government and a conference of key players, according to diplomatic and political sources, but his plan faced immediate objections by the warring sides.

Afghan-born U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad is on a visit to Kabul, Doha and other regional capitals, his first since U.S. President Joe Biden's administration began reviewing its options for the peace process and as time runs out before a May 1 U.S. troop withdrawal deadline.

With peace negotiations in the Qatari capital making little progress and violence in Afghanistan escalating, Khalilzad is trying to build consensus around alternative options with all Afghan sides and key regional players, sources said.

"(The United States) thinks Doha isn't working and needs impetus and an alternate approach," said one diplomatic source who closely follows the process.

In Kabul, Khalilzad met Abdullah Abdullah, the chief peace envoy, President Ashraf Ghani and other political and civil society leaders, including former President Hamid Karzai.

Three diplomatic sources, two sources on the teams of political leaders who met with Khalilzad and two international sources in Kabul said one of the envoy's main proposals was an interim government arrangement, referred to as a participatory or representative government.

A former Afghan government official familiar with the matter said Khalilzad shared a document detailing the power-sharing proposal and that it revised a paper he circulated in December.

Another proposal was a meeting with a similar format to the 2001 Bonn conference, to involve representatives from a wide range of Afghan parties meeting in person while international agencies and diplomats push them to a solution.

Anti-Taliban leaders met under international auspices in the German city of Bonn after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion ousted the insurgents from power and agreed on a provisional administration and a roadmap for forming a permanent government and writing a new constitution.

"We're considering a number of different ideas that might accelerate the process," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters on Friday.

"The United States is not making any formal proposals and is continuing to review all relevant options for future force posture - and all means all," a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday. "Ambassador Khalilzad has discussed a range of ways to move the diplomacy forward, nothing more."

The two international sources said Khalilzad is asking the United Nations to take a lead role and call the conference.

Spokespeople for the U.N. mission in Afghanistan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Two of the sources said the conference could be held in Turkey, but a third cautioned that location might meet resistance from Western nations and other countries including Germany and Uzbekistan were being considered.

CHALLENGES AHEAD

Khalilzad's plans immediately encountered objections from both the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Ghani made a fiery speech in Afghanistan's parliament on Saturday, repeating his refusal to step aside for an interim government. "Any institution can write a fantasy on a piece of paper and suggest a solution for Afghanistan" he said, warning any transfer of power would have to take place through elections as required by the constitution.

Two international officials in Kabul said Ghani's fierce opposition would be a problem for the plan.

"The problem here is that Ghani can blame the United States directly ... by challenging his legitimacy and considering an interim government it implies they are undermining the democratic process," one of the officials said.

A Taliban leader in Doha who spoke on condition of anonymity said Khalilzad raised the possibility of an interim government and a conference with the insurgents' negotiating team, as well as asking for a ceasefire or reduction in violence by 60-70%.

"Khalilzad has come with some ideas and his top agenda is the intra-Afghan dialogue to deliver some tangible results and very soon," he said.

He said the Taliban would not join an interim government, but was not opposed to one being formed.

"We would recommend people with a good reputation for the interim government and this set up would need to work for at least two years to depoliticise all the government departments, including the security establishment," he said.

They could consider the reduction in violence, but not a ceasefire, the Taliban leader said, and had asked Khalilzad to pressure the Afghan government to release 7,000 more Taliban prisoners.

"We don't believe anThe U.S. special envoy to Afghanistan proposed a shakeup of the stalled peace process this week, including an interim government and a conference of key players, according to diplomatic and political sources, but his plan faced immediate objections by the warring sides.

Afghan-born U.S. diplomat Zalmay Khalilzad is on a visit to Kabul, Doha and other regional capitals, his first since U.S. President Joe Biden's administration began reviewing its options for the peace process and as time runs out before a May 1 U.S. troop withdrawal deadline.

With peace negotiations in the Qatari capital making little progress and violence in Afghanistan escalating, Khalilzad is trying to build consensus around alternative options with all Afghan sides and key regional players, sources said.

"(The United States) thinks Doha isn't working and needs impetus and an alternate approach," said one diplomatic source who closely follows the process.

In Kabul, Khalilzad met Abdullah Abdullah, the chief peace envoy, President Ashraf Ghani and other political and civil society leaders, including former President Hamid Karzai.

Three diplomatic sources, two sources on the teams of political leaders who met with Khalilzad and two international sources in Kabul said one of the envoy's main proposals was an interim government arrangement, referred to as a participatory or representative government.

A former Afghan government official familiar with the matter said Khalilzad shared a document detailing the power-sharing proposal and that it revised a paper he circulated in December.

Another proposal was a meeting with a similar format to the 2001 Bonn conference, to involve representatives from a wide range of Afghan parties meeting in person while international agencies and diplomats push them to a solution.

Anti-Taliban leaders met under international auspices in the German city of Bonn after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion ousted the insurgents from power and agreed on a provisional administration and a roadmap for forming a permanent government and writing a new constitution.

"We're considering a number of different ideas that might accelerate the process," State Department spokesman Ned Price told reporters on Friday.

"The United States is not making any formal proposals and is continuing to review all relevant options for future force posture - and all means all," a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday. "Ambassador Khalilzad has discussed a range of ways to move the diplomacy forward, nothing more."

The two international sources said Khalilzad is asking the United Nations to take a lead role and call the conference.

Spokespeople for the U.N. mission in Afghanistan did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Two of the sources said the conference could be held in Turkey, but a third cautioned that location might meet resistance from Western nations and other countries including Germany and Uzbekistan were being considered.

CHALLENGES AHEAD

Khalilzad's plans immediately encountered objections from both the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Ghani made a fiery speech in Afghanistan's parliament on Saturday, repeating his refusal to step aside for an interim government. "Any institution can write a fantasy on a piece of paper and suggest a solution for Afghanistan" he said, warning any transfer of power would have to take place through elections as required by the constitution.

Two international officials in Kabul said Ghani's fierce opposition would be a problem for the plan.

"The problem here is that Ghani can blame the United States directly ... by challenging his legitimacy and considering an interim government it implies they are undermining the democratic process," one of the officials said.

A Taliban leader in Doha who spoke on condition of anonymity said Khalilzad raised the possibility of an interim government and a conference with the insurgents' negotiating team, as well as asking for a ceasefire or reduction in violence by 60-70%.

"Khalilzad has come with some ideas and his top agenda is the intra-Afghan dialogue to deliver some tangible results and very soon," he said.

He said the Taliban would not join an interim government, but was not opposed to one being formed.

"We would recommend people with a good reputation for the interim government and this set up would need to work for at least two years to depoliticise all the government departments, including the security establishment," he said.

They could consider the reduction in violence, but not a ceasefire, the Taliban leader said, and had asked Khalilzad to pressure the Afghan government to release 7,000 more Taliban prisoners.

"We don't believe any other conference in any country would help resolve the Afghan conflict," he said.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said they had not yet seen the plan, but if an alternative to talks in Qatar was sought, "it is doomed to failure."

Two sources said Khalilzad was expected to visit Islamabad, Pakistan, a key player in the peace process, on his trip.

The envoy was the architect under President Donald Trump's administration of a February 2020 deal between Washington and the Taliban, which envisaged the Afghan government and Taliban negotiating a peace agreement and setting a final withdrawal of foreign forces by May 1. other conference in any country would help resolve the Afghan conflict," he said.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said they had not yet seen the plan, but if an alternative to talks in Qatar was sought, "it is doomed to failure."

Two sources said Khalilzad was expected to visit Islamabad, Pakistan, a key player in the peace process, on his trip.

The envoy was the architect under President Donald Trump's administration of a February 2020 deal between Washington and the Taliban, which envisaged the Afghan government and Taliban negotiating a peace agreement and setting a final withdrawal of foreign forces by May 1.

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It turns out increasing the cadence of Chrome updates isnt the only change Google has planned for its web browser. In a tweet spotted by 9to5Google (via XDA Developers), Chrome design head Alex Ainslie detailed a new feature that makes it easier to try out any experimental functionality that Google is working on. As of this week, the browsers Canary version includes a beaker icon where you can enable experimental features, as well as send feedback to the Chrome team.

 We hope to gather more feedback about @googlechrome updates as they're in development. If you're using Canary today (and soon Dev and Beta) you'll notice a little beaker on the toolbar that makes it easier to try out new stuff and share suggestions about how it should evolve. pic.twitter.com/doPLzJbnRW  Alex Ainslie (@alexainslie) March 5, 2021

In the past, trying out experiments in Chrome meant enabling flags. That made them tricky to access if you didnt know what you were doing. It also wasnt easy to see at a glance which ones you had enabled. Ainslie said Google is adding the menu to collect more feedback on updates as theyre in development. To that end, the beaker icon will make its way to the developer and beta versions of Chrome as well. That means you won't have to use Chrome's least stable release to see what Google has in store for users.
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
"On the one hand, it might be possible that mixing of vaccines can lead to bad reactions... On the other, science also indicates that mixing of vaccines could be useful and lead to an increase in immunity but a severe reaction and harm cannot be ruled out and therefore there is research going on in other countries.
While a public desperate for protection against COVID-19 is quick to shame vaccine hunters, the real culprits are the companies refusing to share their publicly funded intellectual property and the governments allowing them to get away with it.

by Sonali Kolhatkar

At a recent virtual gathering of parents and faculty at my childrens school, one parent who is a teacher and therefore eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine mentioned that she got her first Pfizer shot at a local pharmacy, and when she asked about a leftover dose that could be given to her husband rather than thrown away, her husband got lucky. The rest of us parents eagerly took down the drug stores information and called about leftover doses after the meeting. Better for the vaccines to be dispensed than thrown into the trash, was our logic. But the pharmacist, perhaps tired of being hounded about extra doses, informed us they would no longer give them out to those who werent currently eligible.

Its the vaccine Hunger Games. Or, as the creator of the Minneapolis Vaccine Hunter Facebook group told the New York Times, Its like buying Bruce Springsteen tickets.

In the private Los Angeles Vaccine Hunter Facebook group in which I lurked for a few days, both as a bona fide member and as a journalist, I observed Southern Californians sharing tips about how to obtain leftover doses at Kedren Community Health Center in South Los Angeles, a private clinic serving a vulnerable community. Vaccine hunters reminded one another to be polite and considerate to the community they obviously did not hail from, and some even said they made a donation after getting their shots. Obtaining leftover doses requires standing in a separate line, sometimes for hours, with no guarantee of getting a vaccine. Many fear being judged.

There is shame and blame all around. There are accusations that those who are privileged are cutting ahead of others. There is disappointment and unfairness. In January, journalists like me were included in an early tier of eligibility in California, classified as essential workers under Communications and IT. As a daily television and radio show host, I am required to come into contact with at least one staff member daily. News reporting cannot stop. And yet by February, the eligibility had disappeared as Los Angeles County reconfigured its eligibility tiers.

In the meantime, my husband, a work-from-home scientist, is classified as an educator because he is employed by a university. Although in-person classes will not resume until the fall on many campuses, he and others like him are eligible to get the vaccine now simply because county authorities decided so. As one vaccine hunter asked on Facebook, why are we letting the government dictate who gets to live or die, and labeling who is essential and who is not essential to society?

And yet, even for those who are eligible, finding a vaccine has turned into a blood sport. The conservative Wall Street Journal recommends that elderly Americans who may not be tech-savvy should simply Recruit a College Kid with Tech Skills and Patience, to navigate the bewildering field of online portals and limited supplies.

So far in California, most of those who need vaccines the most have not received them. According to the Associated Press, African Americans have received 3% of vaccine doses while they make up 6% of the state. Latinos, who make up 39% of the state, have received 17% of doses. Meanwhile, Republican-led states like Texas and Mississippi are ending all quarantine and safety requirements, well before vaccination rates are at safe levels.

Given the extreme difficulty in obtaining a vaccine, authoritative exhortations by officials to get a shot if its offered to you and to set aside any guilt about who deserves it and who is cutting in line ignore the real problem: we live in a nation where health care is considered an individual privilege by way of employment, not a right. Health care in the United States is considered an industry where profits are a critical priority over the delivery of care.

At the heart of the desperate stampede to obtain vaccines is one simple dilemma: there arent enough vaccines against COVID-19 being produced. Variants of the virus are developing faster than nations are able to inoculate their populations, and plummeting infection rates in the U.S. have now leveled off.

Part of the problem is that former President Donald Trump, who quietly got vaccinated recently and wants all the credit for vaccine development, last year turned down the chance to purchase additional Pfizer vaccines beyond the first 100 million doses. After President Joe Biden threatened to invoke the Defense Production Act to force Pfizer and Moderna to produce more vaccines, the companies agreed to sell more doses faster than had been agreed upon.

Also showcasing that governments can indeed force private companies to do what is needed, Biden more recently brokered a deal with the pharmaceutical company Merck to produce extra doses of a new vaccine developed by Johnson & Johnson. Merck is being paid handsomely with $268.8 million of taxpayer funds. Biden has also invoked the Defense Production Act to help the company obtain the supplies it needs. Had Trump last year used the might of the U.S. government against these private companies, we might not be fighting to sign up for vaccines today.

Pharmaceutical companies whose vaccines were funded by massive public investments still refuse to share their intellectual property with the world. The Open COVID Pledge, created by a group of academics and scientists to make virus-related technology freely available, has urged corporations to prioritize public health over profit. But notably absent from the pledges list of signatories are Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or Merck.

The United States and other nations where these pharmaceutical companies are based could force them to share the life-saving information, especially because doing so keeps all of us safe. Unless nations stop all international travel across borders, hoarding vaccine technology from the rest of the world will not help anyone. The old adage of no one is safe until everyone is safe applies especially well to the pandemic.

Journalists with the Associated Press say they found three factories on three continents that could begin manufacturing hundreds of millions of COVID-19 vaccines on short notice if only they had the blueprints and technical know-how. Except that such knowledge belongs to the large pharmaceutical companies who have produced the first three vaccines.

Instead of blaming and shaming one another over the frustrating lack of vaccine availability and the individual race to obtain it, Americans ought to turn their gaze to the companies that are manufacturing the products. Pfizer and Moderna have earned near-mythical status for the life-saving vaccines, but it behooves us to remember that these private entities were paid handsomely to do their job and cannot be allowed to hold humanity hostage over their profits.

This article was produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute.

Sonali Kolhatkar is the founder, host and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, a television and radio show that airs on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. She is a writing fellow for the Economy for All project at the Independent Media Institute.

WASHINGTON, March 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. Senate passed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which includes $350 billion in direct financial relief for state and local governments. Since the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, cities have been confronting diminished revenues while taking expensive measures to keep their residents safe, facilitate COVID-19 testing and treatment, and encourage vaccine distribution. As a result, cities have been forced to lay off more than one million employees and cut essential services at a time when residents need them most. Following Senate passage, USCM President and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer released the following statement:

"Mayors everywhere thank the Senate and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for passing the American Rescue Plan and delivering hope to the millions of Americans who are hurting during this pandemic. We are especially grateful to Senator Schumer for his leadership in restoring the full funding for local governments that was approved by the House. We know we have a challenging road ahead, but this legislation will pave the way for America's recovery from the worst public health crisis in a generation. This bill will allow our cities to keep our residents healthy, provide essential services, keep our first responders on the job, and begin to unleash the full power of the American economy. With this legislation, we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. America's mayors thank President Biden for his bold leadership to defeat this virus and rescue our economy. We look forward to the House passing the bill under the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and seeing the President sign this critical legislation into law."

About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors

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www.usmayors.org


Russian UFC fighter Zubaira Tukhugov is forced to withdraw from the fight against Brazilian Ricardo Ramos, the organization's press service reports.

It is noted that Tukhugov was diagnosed with a knee injury.

The fight with Ramos was scheduled to take place on March 14 at UFC Vegas 21.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Steering Committee of the Sint Maarten Recovery, Reconstruction and Resilience Trust Fund met virtually and was joined by Prime Minister Jacobs, Minister of Finance Irion of Sint Maarten, and State Secretary Knops of the Netherlands in a High-Level Meeting. The High-Level Meeting focused in particular on the sustainability of projects critical for Sint Maartens development. It also discussed practical implementation timelines, human capacity, and funding.

Participants agreed that the reconstruction of the Princess Juliana International Airport is critical to Sint Maarten and the Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring appropriate conditions for its reconstruction, including that all stakeholders continue to uphold good corporate governance. The Government of Sint Maarten reiterated the importance of timeliness in the completion of the tender process under international procedures, followed by the start of works and their execution per projected timelines.

High Level Meeting participants underlined the urgent need to advance with the Emergency Debris Management Project and Sint Maarten and the World Bank agreed to a Roadmap for its implementation. The Roadmap sets out key steps and responsibilities to initiate any needed resettlement by the summer of 2021, introduce sector reforms to finance waste management, and professionally reconfigure and clean the landfill. To realize these aims, the Government endorsed the resettlement timetable, confirmed its commitment to waste management sector reform, and welcomed critical additional Technical Assistance from the EDMP and from the Netherlands, as outlined in the Roadmap.

The Steering Committee reaffirmed its full commitment to use Trust Fund resources to the benefit of all Sint Maarteners to build a stronger and more resilient Sint Maarten. Nine projects financed from the Trust Fund are completed or under implementation. Details about project progress and achievements to date are available on the Trust Fund dashboard and on the NRPB website.
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People are being encouraged to donate to their favourite local organistations.

The Acorn Foundations annual Give back and get back campaign runs until the end of March, and general manager Lori Luke says it makes for an ideal time for people wanting to donate to their favourite local organisations.

If you make a donation before March 31, you get a 33.3 per cent tax credit this year so theres a two-fold benefit: for the community and for the donor. Many people like to give at this time of year as it makes a lot of sense for their tax planning.

Lori says with Acorn, theres plenty of flexibility for donors to find a preferred way to give.

Some donors choose to fund scholarships and provide excellence awards, others wish to honour family members who have died by supporting causes meaningful to them and some work with us to find just the right local organisation to support, simply because that want to have an impact on the community that they live in and love.

Heralded as a unique giving model, the Acorn Foundation gives local charitable organisations a guaranteed lifeline of funding.

The difference with giving through Acorn Foundation is that your giving lasts forever, since every year a donation is made to the community organisations that you have chosen to support. For those organisations, it enables them to budget for these annual donations.

Acorn Foundation itself has not been exempt from the need to seek funds to operate. However, in the last financial year they reached another milestone, achieving financial self-sufficiency.

Simply put, thanks to the long-term support of individuals, businesses and trusts all across our region, money that was needed to fund Acorns expenses over the years can now be directed to local charities. Its a huge milestone for our team and really illustrates the commitment of our donors to the success of our local community foundation.

Adeptness and a responsive approach to the region are attributes Acorn Foundation has valued since its inception in 2003.

In line with this approach, the ways people can give through Acorn Foundation has grown beyond gifts in a Will.

Giving models now include Workplace Giving, Giving Circles, Corporate Funds, Christmas Giving, giving regularly to Community Group Funds, one off donations, support for the Vital Impact Fund and Living Giving.

We must always adapt to meet our communitys greatest needs, both in terms of the organisations that need our support but also in ensuring our donors have options in ways to give. Donors are at different ages and stages of life and having easy ways for people to support the community through Acorn - regardless of life stage - is important. says Lori.

Lori says Acorn Foundations work and achievements are testament to the philanthropic nature of our community.

Our work is only possible because of the incredible generosity of our donors. We have so many charitable organisations transforming lives at the grassroots in this region, and they need our support. Its incredibly gratifying to see more and more people recognise these needs and demonstratively show their support for the Western Bay by becoming a donor.

The Acorn Foundation holds more than 380 donor funds with nearly $42 million invested in perpetuity and has helped more than 266 local charities over the past 18 years.

Last year, their annual distributions topped $1.85M and in total, theyve distributed $8.3 million to the community.

Acorn expects to pass $10M in total support for the Western Bay of Plenty and other regions important to our donors later this year.
IN the space of one month, the families of 326 people were left in shock and heartbreak after losing their loved ones to the Covid-19 virus.

May 2021 was the deadliest month of the pandemic in Trinidad and Tobago and the month with the highest number of Covid-19 cases.
New Delhi:

A 3-mile big asteroid Florence will pass safely by earth on September 1. The Florence is one of the largest near-Earth objects currently being tracked by NASA.

Florence is a stony asteroid of the Amor group, classified as a near-Earth object and potentially hazardous asteroid, approximately 5 kilometers in diameter. It was discovered on 2 March 1981 by American astronomer Schelte Bus at Siding Spring Observatory.

Florence orbits the Sun at a distance of 1.02.5 AU once every 2 years and 4 months (859 days). Its orbit has an eccentricity of 0.42 and an inclination of 22 with respect to the ecliptic.

Florence is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA), due to both its absolute magnitude (H  22) and its minimum orbit intersection distance.

Asteroid Florence is among the largest near-Earth asteroids that are several miles in size. Measurements from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope and Near-Earth Object Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) mission indicate it is about 4.4 kilometers in size.

Also Read| Aliens may easily attack our Earth because of NASA maps, here's how

"While many known asteroids have passed by closer to Earth than Florence will on September 1, all of those were estimated to be smaller," said Mr Paul Chodas, manager of NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS).

"Florence is the largest asteroid to pass by our planet this close since the NASA programme to detect and track near-Earth asteroids began," Mr Chodas said.

This relatively close encounter provides an opportunity for scientists to study this asteroid up close. Florence is expected to be an excellent target for ground-based radar observations, NASA said.

The resulting radar images will show the real size of Florence and also could reveal surface details as small as about 10 meters.

Asteroid Florence was discovered by Schelte Bus at Siding Spring Observatory in Australia in March 1981. It is named in honour of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

This year's encounter is the closest by the asteroid since 1890 and the closest it will ever be until after 2500, according to the US space agency.

Florence will brighten to the ninth magnitude in late August and early September, when it will be visible in small telescopes for several nights as it moves through the constellations Piscis Austrinus, Capricornus, Aquarius and Delphinus.

Also Read| Evolution of first animals on Earth began with the rise of algae 650 million years ago, discover scientists

For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and the worlds largest express transportation company, has been recognised with the award for Best Gender Equality Workplace by the World HRD Congress at the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Awards 2021.

The Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Awards recognise and celebrate individuals, advisory firms, industry partners, and institutions for their work and passion in enabling diversity and inclusion initiatives. This year, more than 400 organisations participated in the awards conducted by the World HRD Congress, a statement said.

Recently, FedEx Express launched the Leadership, Education, Advancement, and Placement (LEAP) initiative in its Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa region; a mentoring program aimed to equip women with mentorship opportunities, and the tools they need to advance their career within the organisation.

In March 2020, Jack Muhs, regional president of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, signed the CEO statement of support for the Womens Empowerment Principles  Equality means Business. The principles were established by the United Nations Global Compact and United Nations Women, and outline actions to encourage gender equality in the workplace, and the community.

FedEx has been named by Forbes Magazine in 2019 as one of the Best Employers for Diversity globally, and was also recognised as one of the Best Workplaces for Women 2020 in the GCC, by the Great Place to Work Institute.TradeArabia News Service


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WASHINGTON - Senate Democratic leaders reached an agreement over unemployment benefits with moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III of West Virginia, late Friday, ending a nine-hour standoff that threatened to derail action on President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief bill.

The agreement would extend the existing $300 weekly unemployment benefit through Sept. 6, as well as provide tax relief on up to $10,200 in unemployment benefits for households making under $150,000.

"We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with [an] unexpected tax bill next year," Manchin said in a statement.

The deal revived action on Biden's relief bill, his first major legislative initiative, which had stood in limbo in the Senate over hours of uncertainty after an earlier attempted compromise on unemployment insurance unraveled - raising questions about Democrats' ability to govern with a 50-50 Senate.

With Manchin on board, Democrats are now within reach of passing the sweeping legislation that would send out a new round of $1,400 stimulus checks, $350 billion to cities and states, $130 billion to schools, billions for a national vaccine program and more - although they'll first have to plow through dozens of other amendments in a chaotic process known as a "vote-a-rama" certain to last into the early morning hours Saturday.

"The president supports the compromise agreement, and is grateful to all the senators who worked so hard to reach this outcome," said White House press secretary Jen Psaki. "It extends supplemental unemployment benefit into September, and helps the vast majority of unemployment insurance recipients avoid unanticipated tax bills. Most importantly, this agreement allows us to move forward on the urgently needed American Rescue Plan."

The legislation would still have to go back to the House for final passage before getting sent to Biden to sign, something that's expected to happen early next week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has guaranteed the House will pass the Senate's version of the bill, though House liberals were voicing growing discomfort over changes pushed by Senate moderates they said watered down the bill.

Washington Post photo by Salwan Georges.

The announcement of the final deal with Manchin capped a confounding day that began with Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., vowing passage of Biden's relief bill - only to watch the process go off the rails as it became clear Manchin was not on board with an earlier version of the unemployment insurance agreement.

As originally passed by the House, the relief legislation would have increased the existing $300 weekly benefit to $400 and extended it through August. The benefits are now set to expire March 14, which Democrats and the Biden administration are eyeing as the deadline for passing the wide-ranging relief bill into law.

But Manchin had voiced persistent concerns about increasing the unemployment benefit over $300 per week, suggesting that doing so could keep workers from rejoining the workforce just as the economy tries to get back on its feet. So Friday morning Democratic aides announced that an agreement had been reached on a compromise amendment, to be offered by Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., that would keep unemployment benefits at $300 a week and extend them through September, while also making the first $10,200 in benefits nontaxable to avoid tax shock hitting some Americans who've received the benefits.

Instead of clearing the way for action on the legislation, however, the supposed deal brought the Senate floor to a standstill for hours as Manchin huddled with Republicans who were offering competing amendments - and multiple other senators and aides milled about with little clear idea of what was happening.

In its final form, the deal extends the $300 weekly benefit to Sept. 6, instead of through the end of September as proposed Friday morning, and makes tax relief available only to those with household incomes below $150,000.

Despite Democrats' ultimate success in breaking the logjam, the baffling developments underscored the challenges Biden faces in getting his agenda through Congress given the exceedingly narrow Democratic majorities in both chambers. After disavowing bipartisan negotiations to pass a sweeping relief bill opposed by the GOP, Biden confronted a scenario where a single balky moderate Democrat had the ability to upset his plans.

As the day wore on Friday , Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., and others jokingly expressed concern for Manchin, who single-handedly had the ability to throw Biden's first major legislative effort off-track.

"I hope the Geneva Conventions applies to him," Thune said.

"Save Joe Manchin!" said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Even after the deal was announced around 8 p.m. Friday evening, floor action was delayed as senators worked on setting up an amendment schedule for the night. In the process the Senate broke a record for longest roll-call vote ever, since a vote that opened at 11:03 a.m. Friday morning on an motion by Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., aimed at restoring the $15 minimum wage was never officially gaveled shut even though it was headed for defeat. The previous record of 10 hours and 8 minutes for a roll-call vote was set in 2019 on a defense measure.

Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in an interview that he had spent the day in several conversations with Manchin and Schumer about the unemployment provisions in the bill. While disappointed the weekly benefit amount would not grow, Wyden praised the extension of benefits through the first week of September, expressing concern about the implications had they been set to expire in August with Congress out of session.

"We felt very strongly about avoiding this August cliff ... having a cliff in August is a prescription for chaos. Our priority was avoiding that; we have been able to do that," Wyden said. He added: "These are not my first choices. Not by a long shot."

The extended unemployment benefits are just one piece of a much larger bill that Biden insisted anew on Friday was critical to shoring up the economy and helping to stabilize the health-care system.

"The rescue plan is absolutely essential to turning this around, getting kids back to school safely, giving a lifeline to small businesses and getting the upper hand on covid-19," Biden said at an event at the White House.

Republicans, however, attacked the legislation as a liberal wish-list and said the chaotic events of Friday demonstrated the dangers of attempting to govern on a partisan basis in a narrowly divided Congress.

"That's why reconciliation is a bad idea. They should have worked with us," said Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, referring to the "budget reconciliation" process Democrats are using to push the legislation through the Senate on a simple majority vote, instead of with the 60 normally required.

Portman had authored an alternate unemployment insurance amendment that would have extended the $300 weekly benefit into mid-July, and had spoken with Manchin throughout the day Friday to try to bring him on board, ultimately unsuccessfully.

The uncertainty around the unemployment insurance provisions arose as the Senate was about to plunge into a grueling "vote-a-rama," which involves votes on dozens of amendments, one after another, hour after hour until senators exhaust themselves and stop.

The first to be offered was by Sanders on the minimum wage. The complicated rules governing reconciliation bills prohibit certain items without a particular budgetary impact, and the Senate parliamentarian ruled last month that the minimum wage increase, a top priority for many liberals, did not pass that test.

The Senate was poised to defeat Sanders's move, with Republicans united against it along with eight Democrats - but the vote was held open for hours to accommodate the drawn-out behind-the-scenes drama over jobless benefits.

Schumer vowed to stay in session until Democrats passed the underlying bill.

"We need to get this done. It would be so much better if we could in a bipartisan way, but we need to get it done," Schumer said. "We're not going to make the same mistake we made after the last economic downturn, when Congress did too little to help the nation rebound. . . . We're not going to be timid in the face of big challenges."

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., lambasted Democrats for using a partisan procedure to rush through the giant legislation after Biden campaigned on promises to unify the nation - but conceded there was little Republicans could do to stop it.

"In this supposed new era of healing leadership we're about to watch one party ram through a partisan package on the thinnest of margins," McConnell said. "Go figure."

Friday's debate kicked off after Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., forced Senate clerks to read the entire 628-page bill aloud, a process that took almost 11 hours and concluded around 2:05 a.m. Friday. That came after the Senate voted 51 to 50 on party lines Thursday afternoon to open debate, with Vice President Harris breaking the tie. The partisan vote to start debate was a likely sign of the final outcome, although Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said she was still examining the bill after Democrats made some last-minute changes that could help her state and others.

The last-minute wheeling-and-dealing was a sign of Democratic leaders' determination to hold together to pass Biden's first major piece of legislation. It would be one of the largest bills ever enacted in congressional history, and its passage would stand as an early success for the new president.

Even before the late change on unemployment benefits, Biden and Democratic leaders already had agreed to some other changes aimed at addressing concerns raised by moderate Democrats, including narrowing eligibility for stimulus payments and earmarking some of the state and local funding for capital projects.

Congress passed a series of bills last year totaling some $4 trillion to fight the pandemic, including $900 billion in December, and Republicans said that was more than enough.

The debate came as the U.S. economy saw encouraging news on Friday in a jobs report showing 379,000 jobs had been added in February. Still, the unemployment rate remained dramatically elevated above pre-coronavirus levels with more than 9 million Americans remaining jobless.
Tehran, March 6 : Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced that a plot to hijack a passenger plane was successfully thwarted.

"A conspiracy to hijack a Fokker 100 aircraft belonging to Iran Air was neutralised thanks to the vigilance of the IRGC flight security unit," the IRGC public relations office said in a statement published on its official website on Friday.

Iran Air flight IA334 took off after delay at 10.22 p.m. on Thursday night from Ahvaz airport toward Mashhad.

It did an emergency landing in Isfahan airport where the perpetrator was arrested, the IRGC's statement said, noting no passengers were hurt in the accident.

The detainee intended to deviate the flight toward an unspecified country on the southern shore of the Gulf, according to the statement.
New Delhi:

A driver deliberately ploughed a van into pedestrians on one of Spains busiest streets on Thursday, wounding a number of people in what police said was a terrorist attack.



Huge collision on Las Ramblas in Barcelona by an individual driving a van, many injuries, a statement from Catalan police said.



The area around the incident was cordoned off, with several ambulances and police vehicles on the scene, an AFP correspondent said.



Police in Barcelona, Spains second-largest city, told crowds fleeing the scene by megaphone that they were dealing with a terrorist attack.



The famous Las Ramblas boulevard is one of Barcelonas busiest streets, normally thronged with tourists and street performers until well into the night.



Spain has so far been spared the kind of extremist violence that has occurred in nearby France, Belgium and Germany.



But it was hit by what is still Europes deadliest jihadist attack in March 2004, when bombs exploded on commuter trains in Madrid, killing 191 people in an attack claimed by Al Qaeda-inspired extremists.



Vehicles have been used in several terror attacks in Europe in recent years, including a jihadist massacre that claimed 86 lives in the French Riviera city of Nice.



That onslaught in July last year and other similar attacks were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group.



In July 2015, a hooded attacker opened fire outside a hotel in downtown Barcelona near Las Ramblas, leaving two people injured, police said.



One person was struck by bullets while the other was hurt as they tried to flee the shooter, who fled the scene. No suspected motive for the attack was given.Spain has emerged as a potential target for jihadists, with extremist websites mentioning it for historical reasons, since much of its territory was once under Muslim rule.



Generally, authorities in Spainthe worlds third largest tourism destinationremain discreet on the terror threat.



But they publicise every arrest of alleged jihadists, most of them detained for propaganda, recruitment for extremist groups or glorifying terrorism.



According to the interior ministry, more than 180 jihadist terrorists have been arrested since June 2015 when Spain raised the terror alert level to four out of a maximum of five, in domestic and foreign operations.

More details awaited.

LIVE UPDATES:

#1:17AM: ISIS claims responsibility for van attack in Barcelona through its Amaq news agency

#12:22 AM: At least 13 people were killed and over 50 injured today when a driver ploughed a van into pedestrians on a busy street in Barcelona popular with tourists, the region's interior minister said. "We can confirm there are 13 dead and more than 50 injured," Joaquim Forn tweeted.

#11:45 PM: I am in constant touch with Indian Embassy in Spain. As of now, there is no report of any Indian casualty:EAM Swaraj

#11:11 PM: Police have found second van connected to Barcelona attack in Catalan town of Vic - local authorities

#11:08 PM: Reports suggest one suspect arrested by Barcelona Police

Sec. Tillerson: We offer condolences to the loss of life & the injuries that have occurred to so many innocent people yet again. #Barcelona pic.twitter.com/RKcE5MCqNB  Department of State (@StateDept) August 17, 2017

Police identify one of Barcelona terrorists as Driss Oukabir. pic.twitter.com/KZ83U8IE6I  Paul Joseph Watson (@PrisonPlanet) August 17, 2017

#10:45 PM: Police confirms death of 1 victim; 32 injured, 10 seriously

#10:38 PM: Barcelona terror attack: local media says up to 13 dead, reports AP

#10:04 PM: Suspect holed up in bar after Barcelona van attack: police

#10:03 PM: At least two dead in Barcelona 'terror attack': regional government source

#10:02 PM: Local media reports that Police has ordered stores and nearby Metro and train stations to close

#9:58 PM: Catalan police have confirmed there are dead and injured victims after van crashed into a group of people in Las Ramblas area of Barcelona

#9:45 PM: Twitterattis request people not to share graphic footage of victims, many reqesut site to take it down.

BREAKING: Armed police hunting for terrorists in vicinity of Barcelona attack pic.twitter.com/EAHK7mRq9r - @polaymerich  Shawn McKenzie  (@SMcK17) August 17, 2017

#9:40 PM: Videos from the site show graphic scenes oif injured bodies lying on the footpath

#9:33 PM: Barcelona police tell people to stay where they are until told otherwise

#9:25 PM: 2 armed men enter reportedly enter restaurant: Local media

Breaking! A van hits dozens of people in #Barcelona pic.twitter.com/8A3zoXODcK  EndiZentarmi  (@EndiZentarmi) August 17, 2017

Van rams into crowds in #Ramblas area in #Barcelona, several injured, Spanish police say pic.twitter.com/1DlfyN4ipX  Yotam Rozenwald (@Yotam_R82) August 17, 2017

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The Charger Blog

Amber Marrero 21, a recent graduate of the Universitys cybersecurity and networks program, was the first member of her family to go to college. She is grateful for the many gratifying opportunities she had in the classroom and while connecting with her fellow students and her professors. By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Amber Marrero 21 earned a degree in cybersecurity and networks.

When Amber Marrero 21 got her first iPhone when she was in high school, she was surprised  and disturbed  by how easily it could be hacked by those who knew how. That same year, her computer was hacked, and the vulnerability of her gadgets inspired her to learn how to protect them.

Marrero saw potential in the field of cybersecurity, and in the opportunity to study at the University of New Haven. When she was awarded her bachelors degree in cybersecurity and networks from the University as part of its Virtual Winter Commencement, she became the first in her family to earn a college degree.

Amber Marrero 21.

Being a first-generation student means being and setting an example of what can be achieved within my family and my community, said Marrero, who hails from the Bronx. This is meaningful to me because I realize not everyone has the opportunities and resources that I have had. I strive to succeed so I can inspire others to be the best they can be  not only for themselves, but for their families and the people around them.

Marrero enjoyed the challenge that cybersecurity presented, since, she says, the technology is constantly evolving. She also enjoyed the many hands-on experiences she had to apply what she learned in the classroom, which included innovative and exciting opportunities such as taking part in the investigation of a mock cyber crime.

It was important for me to continue my education so I could better understand and learn about cybersecurity, said Marrero, who also minored in behavioral economics and sociology. It was also important because of opportunities such as living on campus, meeting new people, and making the memories I always hoped to have when I was younger and dreamed of going to college.

As part of the Universitys I Am a Charger campaign, Amber Marrero 21 was featured on lawn signs that were displayed on campus.

I have learned what it means to be a leader

Marrero embraced every chance she had to connect with her fellow Chargers. A member of the Universitys NAACP chapter and its Black Student Union, she also fostered diversity and inclusion through her work with the Undergraduate Student Government Associations judicial council and campus inclusion advocacy committee. She was one of the featured speakers at the Universitys inaugural Celebration of Excellence event.

She also has fond memories of connecting with her sorority sisters as part of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc., and she served as president of the Universitys All Greek Council.

Dedicated to ensuring that all Chargers  including new and prospective students  felt welcome, Marrero served as a tour guide, office ambassador, and Charger Ambassador for the Universitys Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She also welcomed new students as an orientation assistant for the Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation and as part of the Welcome Wagon.

Amber Marrero 21 (center) and her Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Inc. sorority sisters and Latino America Unida and Lambda Alpha Upsilon Fraternity Inc. brothers.

The University has prepared me for success by providing the resources for me to be a better student and person, she said. I have learned what it means to be a leader, a better professional, and I have improved my communication and social skills. The University has also helped me to envision what I want to do in the future.

As part of its commemoration of First-Generation Celebration Day, a national initiative created by the Council for Opportunity in Education on Nov. 8, the University of New Haven launched an ongoing campaign that will regularly highlight the success of first-generation students in its community and alumni of the University who are the first in their families to earn a college degree. Read earlier features about Sofia Martinez 22, Ariana Eastwood 23, and Kyle Longo 21.

This is the scene of a Feb. 19 crash on Union Street that Bennington Police said involved a driver who left the scene and was operating while under the influence. They said Leon Lovelace, 25, faces charges in Bennington Superior Court-Criminal Division.


The co-author of the recent study and the author of the new book called The New Climate War: Doctor Mann Michael discloses in recent climate research that humans are possibly the cause of the shift in Atlantic hurricane cycles.

Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation

In the previous set of decades, meteorologists and researchers thought Hurricane energy structures were due to the warming of nature and the cooling in our climate named A.M.O. Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation. AMO was formed by Doctor MannMichael and he explained that science can always amaze you. "Since 20 years ago I formed the term the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation" he said.

He assisted in bringing about the fame of the idea that there is an internal oscillation in the climate system, but he heeded where the science led him, and finally, that has led to the summary 2 decades later that this likely doesn't exist - it likely isn't real.

Read More: Tropical Storm Iota To Hit as Major Hurricane in Central America Next Week

The Multidecadal Climate Oscillations

The recent research named Multidecadal climate oscillations during the previous millennium steered by volcanic forcing, published in the Science journal, discovered that humans - not nature - are probably the main cause of changes in Atlantic hurricane structures.

It lead to 20 years of extra research that has brought us up to realize that what we believed was just a few natural internal wobbles in the climate system was largely the rivalry between two human factors.

Mann including some scientists discovered the AMO - which reveals the progression of hurricane activity over 60 years cycles is probably an outcome of two factors of "human forcing" in this new era - the heightened concentration of carbon waste in the atmosphere, which is warming up the world, and the reduction of sulfur dioxide waste, which causes a cooling impact.

Hurricane Movement

The research indicates that humans have since been the steering force in the variability of hurricane movement - not natural variability similarly believed before. But the research's argument may lead several critics and researchers to query why these oscillations were obvious even prior to the industrial times

Mann and his group discovered that oscillations in the climate system or pre-industrial wobbles were steered by natural force - especially volcanic eruptions that had a cooling effect on the climate.

Hurricanes are Becoming Tougher for Some Reasons

Vicious hurricanes that cause damages in billions of dollars are striking more frequently. They just occurred in the space of 70,60,50 years apart or so for many centuries to make that reaction appear like it was an oscillation. Analysts may also assert that climate standards aren't up to the mission of simulating the AMO very well to make these hypotheses.

Mann explained it is always likely that there are aspects that are omitted in our models. However, Mann's research indicates that hurricane energy could continue to enlarge as human factors, involving the burning of fossil fuels that discharge carbon dioxide.

Related Article: Hurricane Eta: Batters Nicaraguan Coast as Category 4 Storm

For more news, updates about hurricanes and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Two rallies took place in the Armenian capital on March 6. A few thousand supporters of the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement gathered close to parliament in downtown Yerevan to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian. And outside the city center, a few hundred veterans and their supporters gathered outside the Defense Ministry to support the chief of the General Staff, Onik Gasparian. Pashinian ordered Gasparians dismissal after he criticized the prime minister over the handling of the six-week conflict between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year.

New Delhi:The New US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin will be visiting India later this month. His trip will be a part of a larger plan to visit Indo-Pacific countries. This will be the first in-person visit of any top US administration official to Delhi and since Joe Biden took charge as the new US President in Washington.

The visit, likely to take place in the later part of the month, will take place as even the Quad leadership meeting is in the works. The Quad meet will see US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, Indian PM Narendra Modi, and Japan's Yoshihide Suga in attendence.

During his India visit, Llyod will hold talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Remember both defence ministers held talks in January, with key focus on Indo Pacific vision backed by New Delhi and Washington.

Confirming plans of the meet Australian PM Scott Morrison said, "I am looking forward to that first gathering of quad leaders. It will be the first-ever gathering of quad leaders. I already had bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi and Yoshihide Suga, the PM of Japan and PM of India."

India, US share close defence cooperation with Washington authorising over $20 billion in defense sales to India.

The US State department last week said, "Its these offers of advanced US defense platforms that demonstrate our commitment to Indias security and sovereignty. It demonstrates our commitment to that global, comprehensive, strategic partnership."
New Delhi: Highlighting the Indo-Japan ties which are rooted in history and based on common values, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla had said both countries are working together to construct resilient and reliable value chains in a post-pandemic world. Japan is the fourth largest investor in India and around 1400 Japanese companies are present in India.

Speaking at an event on Indo-Japan Collaboration in India's northeast, the Foreign Secretary said, "It is a valuable partner for us in our efforts to navigate the vagaries of the post-pandemic international system and in generating new opportunities for the cooperative endeavor in all areas of India including the North East."

Japan is involved in a number of connectivity projects in northeast India. They are involved in Four road connectivity projects in part of India, the longest bridge in the country across the Brahmaputra in Dhubri in Assam is being constructed with Japanese support. The country is also helping India modernize the Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Station in Meghalaya and Guwahati Water Supply.

The Japanese envoy Satoshi Suzuki was also present at the virtual event and said, "on the ground, Japan has been actively promoting connectivity both within the northeast region and with the neighboring countries".

He added, "our national highways projects, be it in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura, will be extended to the border of Bangladesh. Japan and India have been working road connection improvement projects in Bangladesh as well".

In 2017, Indian Prime Minister Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Abe established the India-Japan Act East Forum to coordinate joint efforts for the overall development of the region. The key aim of the forum is to enhance connectivity between India's North East Region and SouthEast Asia and Bangladesh.

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A Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday found Henry Asuquo guilty on a two-count charge of impersonation, cybercrime and fraud.

Mr Asuquo, who had been parading himself as a soldier to defraud people, was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He was arraigned by the anti-craft agency following a petition from a victim whom he fraudulently withdrew N700,000 from her FCMB bank account by swapping her phone SIM card.

The convict, despite admitting to the crime and having refunded N100,000 to the victim, initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to a statement by the EFCC.

However, the defence lawyer, Dennis Adiaka, on March 5, informed the court of his clients intention to change his plea. The application was granted and Mr Asuquo then pleaded guilty to the charges.

Army uniforms, boots and bullet proof jackets, recovered from Mr Asuquos house, were tendered by the EFCC lawyer, Adebayo Soars, before the court as exhibits.

The prosecution lawyer presented two witnesses and a letter from the Nigeria Army to the court during the trial.

Justice Agatha Okeke, in her judgement, ruled that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses proved the ingredients of the offences in the charges.

She, therefore, convicted Mr Asuquo on both counts and ordered his remand at the state correctional facility until March 23 when he would be sentenced.

The American real estate market has never been an accommodating space for Black folks. Systemic racism has made it difficult for us to buy property and build generational wealth. COVID-19 just brought more job and income loss to our communities.

The pandemic also had an unexpected byproduct: A Black real estate movement.

From January to September 2020, Black Millennials across the country began purchasing a lot of homes. The National Association of Realtors tracked the trend. In November, NAR released data showing Black people age 26 to 39 accounted for 5% of home buyers in the U.S. during the first six months of the pandemic. This group raised the homeownership rate of all Black Americans during that time by 2%.

We need this trend to flourish in the Bay Area. Years of gentrification in historically Black neighborhoods have pushed many of my people out of the region. The pandemic spurred some outward migration in San Francisco. Housing remains expensive and inventory is low, but theres still space in the demand for a Black presence.

Black people must capitalize on this chaotic moment. This could be the time to increase our community wealth and to have a real investment in the future of the Bay Area.

Natalie Goolsby, a Black homeowner, told me the preservation of Black culture is why she recently purchased a two-bedroom house in East Oakland. Goolsby is renting one of the rooms to her niece and is looking for more local housing to buy. A growing number of her Black friends are doing the same, she said.

Theyre focusing their efforts on Oakland. The city has a long history of being a Black cultural mecca. Oakland gained national attention in the 1940s and 1950s when Black jazz and blues musicians turned West Oakland into the Harlem of the West. The Black Panther Party was born in the 1960s. By the 1980s, we were half of Oaklands population. Now were closer to 23%, according to U.S. census data. This decrease hasnt dimmed Oaklands significance as a landmark for Black America.

Growing up out here, you knew if you wanted to be around Black people, you came to Oakland, Goolsby said. I wanted to do my part to keep driving Black homeownership. ... Right now is the time we should be doing this.

Sarahbeth Maney / Special to The Chronicle

It wont be easy drawing more Black folks to the effort. We wearily remember how our communities were debilitated by the countrys financial crisis in 2008. Our household wealth in 2009 was around $5,700, compared with $113,000 for white households, according to the Pew Research Center. From 2007 to 2010, our home equity dropped by an average of 28%, according to a 2013 study published by the Urban Institute. And many Black homeowners became renters.

Black communities have yet to recover. Our 13% of the U.S. population accounts for only 4% of the countrys overall wealth. The homeownership gap between Black and white Americans was nearly 30% in 2020. The last time the national gap was this wide was in 1960, before Congress passed the 1968 Fair Housing Act.

Land ownership leads to generational wealth in American families, or assets that can be passed from one generation to the next. Historically, Black people have been denied access to this type of financial security. A wave of us buying property in the Bay Area could change that. While both single- and multifamily units may appreciate over time, the extra income that comes with being a landlord could be a boon to Black families.

This fact is why Steve Peterson, the president and CEO of Black-owned Infinity Investments, an Oakland brokerage, said hes directing Black people to properties with two to four units. Multiple family members may help pay the mortgage, or it may jump-start a family members path toward homeownership, he said.

There is a reawakening, a movement of Black homeownership, Black wealth building, Black business sustainability that Im seeing across the Bay Area, he said. In the world of multifamily homes, apartment buildings, there is a window of opportunity for us. Its time for Black and brown communities, in both Oakland and San Francisco, to really get back in the market and start buying up our neighborhoods that we lost so much of in the last 20 years.

Land inequity has been an issue for Black Americans since slavery. America never gave formerly enslaved Africans reparations, or 40 acres and a mule, for their stolen labor. Americas history of discriminatory practices like redlining and racial covenants has scarred the Black populace. Today, we still find ourselves in neighborhoods where access to mortgage loans and other capital are limited, and even the homes some of us own can be undervalued just because were Black.

Combating the fear and hesitancy around homeownership can help inspire a Black real estate renaissance in the Bay Area, according to Shawneequa Badger of the Badger Real Estate Group in Oakland.

Over the past two months, Badger said she has worked with numerous Black people interested in buying and investing in local property. She is among a growing number of Black real estate agents and community organizations hosting classes to educate Black home buyers. Her solo efforts are mirrored by community organizations like San Franciscos SF Black Wallstreet, which was formed in June 2020, and has recently hosted webinars to teach Black locals about buying and selling homes.

When I do my workshops, I show people the numbers of where were at as a population, versus where our white counterparts are in the home-buying and wealth-generating process, Badger said. When people start seeing those numbers  for every white dollar, Black families have one cent  when they see that, their thought process tells them they have to buy a home. Right now, were seeing a movement. Were seeing a purpose.

The purpose, in my eyes, is for Black people to not only survive in the Bay Area, but to thrive. Hearing Black folks are trying to buy more land in this pandemic is a beautiful way to start the process.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Justin Phillips appears Sundays. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (March 6) expressed appreciation towards the armed forces for their efforts during the challenging situation on the northern border

While addressing the valedictory session of the Combined Commanders Conference organised by the Ministry of Defence at Kevadia, Gujarat, Modi also praised the forces for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He was briefed by the Chief of Defence Staff about the discussions during this year's Conference. He praised the structure and agenda of the Conference.

Modi particularly appreciated the inclusion of junior commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers in this year's Conference. This was the first time the jawans were invited at the prestigious event.

Speaking to the highest civilian and military leadership of the National defence system, PM Modi conveyed his strong appreciation for the resolute dedication shown by the Indian Armed Forces over the past year.

The prime minister stressed the importance of enhancing indigenisation in the national security system, not just in sourcing equipment and weapons but also in the doctrines, procedures and customs practiced in the armed forces.

He emphasized the need to optimise manpower planning in both military and civilian parts of the National security architecture. He also called for a holistic approach, focused on breaking down civil-military silos and on expediting the speed of decision making. He advised the Services to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that have outlived their utility and relevance.

Taking note of the rapidly changing technological landscape, Prime Minister highlighted the need to develop the Indian military into a 'future force'.

Prime Minister pointed out that the country would be celebrating 75 years of its independence next year, and called upon the armed forces to use the occasion to undertake activities and initiatives that would inspire the youth of the country.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Work could start this year on the planned National Surfing Excellence Centre in Strandhill after a Government funding boost of an additional 350,000.

Minister for State Frank Feighan has been informed by the Minister for Community Development, Heather Humphreys, that she has allocated an additional 351,493 to assist bringing the project to the construction stage in 2021. The project had been delayed due to increased costs associated with the project and issues of outstanding funding remain in order to get the project off the ground. The National Centre for Surfing Excellence Strandhill is a Category 1 project that was approved for funding of 615,752 from the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund in November 2019. The project is co-funded with Failte Ireland which allocated 1,042,171, while Sligo County Council provided matching funding to its RRDF application of 200,000.

The completed centre will consist of 510 sq. metres of indoor space, encompassing a lobby area, changing rooms, showers and toilets, a multi-function meeting room, meeting spaces, offices etc, and 107 sq. metres of outdoor covered space. The National Surf Centre also deliver a Peace Park and surrounding Public Realm of approximately 1,200sq. metres. The centre will include an interpretive aspect telling the history of surfing in Strandhill and Sligo and an information hub ad visitor focal point for the area.

Minister Feighan said: "Following the completion of the procurement process, the total cost of the project has risen by 872,962. As a result, the Council has requested additional funding of 321,478 from Failte Ireland and 351,493 from the RRDF to meet this shortfall and will also provide 200,000 of its own funding.

"The project has undergone further development since the original cost estimates were submitted at the application stage and more detailed design elements have driven greater costs. It is understood that Failte Ireland has accepted the case for further funding, but this awaits final decision by its board."

"Minister Humphreys called me this week to advise that she has decided to approve the additional funding but his is conditional on Failte Ireland's approval of further funding. The Minister's approval is also subject to strict monitoring by the Department and further conditions including that the project will now be delivered in full as set out in the documentation submitted, confirmation that the Council will meet any further increases in costs that arise during the project implementation and that appropriate signage following the RRDF Branding Guidance will be displayed at the construction site and evidence of this signage will be sent to the Department," said Minister Feighan.




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Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it has thwarted a plane hijacking.

An unidentified perpetrator tried to hijack an Iran Air flight from Ahwaz to Mashhad on Thursday night. The elite Iranian military unit said members of its Flight Security Guard Corps foiled the plan. The plane conducted an emergency landing in Isfahan and the would-be hijacker was arrested, the semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported Friday.

The IRGC statement, which was released to state media, left out many details, including the motivation of the perpetrator and how the IRGC stopped the hijacking. The corps said the hijacker intended to land the plane in a Gulf country.

Initial reports suggested that the perpetrator of this conspiracy intended to land the plane at an airport in one of the southern Arab states of the Persian Gulf, they said.

Ahwaz is in southwest Irans Khuzestan province near the Iraqi border. It is a diverse city with a large Arab population. Mashhad is a holy city for Shiite Muslims in northeast Iran. It was the site of one of the several mysterious explosions at Iranian facilities last summer.

The plane was a Fokker 100 aircraft. These planes are produced in the Netherlands. Nobody was injured during the attempted hijacking, according to the IRGC.
The headquarters of Portland Public Schools was vandalized overnight in what the district superintendent is calling an attack on our citys public school system.

Multiple school district vehicles were set on fire, office windows were broken and graffiti was scrawled on the district headquarters, 501 N. Dixon St., Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero said.

While I am relieved that no one was hurt and there was no further damage to the building, this malicious act of arson and property destruction last night was criminal and it has no place in our community, Guerrero said in a statement posted to the districts Twitter account Saturday. This was an attack on our citys public school system.

Food delivery trucks and maintenance vans were destroyed.

This act of violence will not deter us from our commitment to educating our students, providing them meals, or any of the other work we are privileged to carry out every day in support of students and families, Guerrero said.

I want to thank the Portland Fire Bureau @PDXFire for their quick response in effectively containing what could have been further destruction. Thank you also to our dedicated @PPSConnect security, custodial, & facilities teams for addressing all of the property damage. pic.twitter.com/5RHPArlLIc  Guadalupe Guerrero (@Super_GGuerrero) March 7, 2021

The Portland Police Bureau said Saturday that it is investigating the incident, though it has yet to make any arrests. A preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect or suspects broke into a fenced-in area on the property, started the fires and then vandalized the buildings, police said.

Portland Fire & Rescue arrived at the headquarters after 3 a.m. Saturday, where they found two cargo vans and a large box truck on fire in a parking garage, police said. Crews extinguished the fires before they caused additional damage, according to Guerrero. Cleanup began before sunrise Saturday.

A crew was putting up plywood to patch five large broken windows near the buildings main entrance late Saturday morning. Graffiti was visible on the building. No burned vehicles were present.

It was unclear who was responsible for the damage or what their motivations were. No additional information was announced Saturday morning.

The vandalism came as the district is preparing to return students to school buildings. On Friday, Gov. Kate Brown ordered Oregon schools to shift into in-person instruction by spring break. She has increasingly faced pressure from parent groups and some lawmakers to reopen the states public schools.

Guerrero said he was confident the district would meet Browns deadline. He pointed to the districts late February announcement that schools would begin offering hybrid instruction by mid-April.

Investigators are asking anyone with more information to contact Detective Meredith Hopper at Meredith.Hopper@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-3408. Tipsters should reference case No. 21-60173.

 The Oregonian/OregonLive


Visakhapatnam, March 6 : Telugu Desam Party (TDP) national president N.Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday said that the Visakhapatnam corporation elections should herald the downfall of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Naidu who was campaigning in the city, called on the voters to not laze when it comes to voting and asked them to be bold.

"We have to be bold. Only then they (ruling party) will think that there is a backlash from the people. They should think that people taught them a lesson with the votes. They should get a thought to change at least now," he said.

The TDP supremo said all the people have to be united if that has to happen.

"Many people think of voting. Think of strengthening the opposition. On the voting day they will think it is a sunny day where can we go? Even educated people do that. Some think I have some work. Some think we have been threatened against voting while some think we have been bribed Rs 2,000 so we should vote," observed Naidu.

The TDP chief also lambasted YSRCP's senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP V. Vijayasai Reddy and called on the people to get rid of that 'evil'.

He told the people to loathe Reddy wherever he comes in the city.

Meanwhile, TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh visited party leader Maganti Babu's son Maganti Ramji at Vijayawada hospital where he is receiving treatment.
Courtesy photo

A San Antonio man has been indicted on a murder charge in connection with the fatal stabbing of another man during a fight behind a gas station in November.

Richard Paul Lunas indictment was among the more than 150 felony indictments handed down this week by two newly impaneled Bexar County grand juries, according to a statement from the Bexar County District Attorneys Office.
Louth gardai who received a 999 call about a man being abducted forced entry to a house to find the victim crouched in a bath and covered in blood, a court has heard.

Dean Thornton (23), was yesterday, Friday, March 5th, jailed for three years for his role in the offence.

He was described in court as not being one of the ring leaders in the attack.

Thornton, with an address at Beechwood Drive, Marley's Lane, Drogheda, Co Louth pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm to Aaron Rochford at the Moneymore Estate, Drogheda on November 11, 2018.

Gardai were policing the estate on the night in question as there were heightened tensions as a result of an ongoing feud. After a 999 call outlined serious concerns for the safety of a man described as being abducted, the armed support unit breached the front door of a house in the estate.

Mr Rochford, then 22 years old, was found by gardai in a state of shock, unclothed in a bathtub and covered in blood having sustained a broken jaw and slash wounds to his upper torso and head.

The court heard Mr Rochford has since passed away in circumstances completely unrelated to this case.

His grandmother Mary Rochford said Aaron was a lovable rogue and described going to see him in the hospital, where he was kept for a week.

She said her heart stopped beating because she was so upset at how he looked with bruises, cuts, blood and wires everywhere.

Judge Martin Nolan said Thornton had been involved in a rather nasty and serious assault.

He said every crime had a context but mob rule and mob law had no place in Drogheda or any other part of the country and Thornton should not have involved himself.

Judge Nolan said the principle mitigation in the case was the guilty plea and expression of remorse. He noted Thornton did co-operate with arrest and had ambitions to reform himself.

He said the case fell at the higher end but Thornton was entitled to some discount. He noted the court was constrained to some degree by the maximum sentence of five years for this offence.

Judge Nolan imposed a three year sentence with credit to be given for time already spent in custody.

Seamus Clarke SC, defending, said it was a distressing case with nasty wounds inflicted. He noted the wounds were superficial in nature but said that did not take away from the number of them.

He handed in testimonials on his client's behalf as well as a heartfelt letter of apology.

Thornton outlined in the letter that he had been exposed to criminal conduct in the area he came from and was led down the wrong path. He said on release he will not engage in criminal conduct and will remain drug free.

He apologised to the family of Mr Rochford.

Mr Clarke asked the court to take into account his clients' guilty plea, the difficulty of serving time in prison in Covid times and the fact he had used his time in custody well to gain qualifications.
The Oregon Health Authority announced 251 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday, along with nine new deaths.

The new cases came in as Gov. Kate Brown announced she would require all schools to return to in-person learning within the next month and a half.

Brown said in a news conference that she would order the Oregon Health Authority and Department of Education to revise guidelines on how to operate schools during the pandemic by March 19. She said elementary schools should begin offering classroom instruction by March 29 and that middle and high schools should do the same by April 19.

Districts that fail to meet Browns deadlines risk losing some state funding. But Charles Boyle, a spokesperson for Brown, told The Oregonian/OregonLive the governor doesnt believe that will happen based on conversations shes had with local leaders.

Virtual learning will still be an option for students, but districts must default to offering either full in-person instruction or a hybrid model based on community infection rates, Brown said.

Where the new cases are by county: Baker (7), Benton (5), Clackamas (17), Clatsop (1), Coos (31), Crook (1), Curry (5), Deschutes (15), Douglas (24), Grant (3), Jackson (29),Jefferson (1), Josephine (7), Klamath (4), Lake (1), Lane (14), Linn (4), Malheur (4), Marion (22), Multnomah (13), Polk (10), Tillamook (4), Umatilla (10), Union (2), Wallowa (1), Washington (15) and Yamhill (1).

Who died: The 2,285th COVID-19 death is a 77-year-old Deschutes County woman who tested positive on Dec. 25 and died on Jan. 20 at her residence.

The 2,286th COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old Deschutes County woman who died on Jan. 24 at her residence.

The 2,287th COVID-19 death is an 82-year-old Jackson County man who tested positive on Jan. 28 and died on March 3 at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.

The 2,288th COVID-19 death is an 80-year-old man in Jackson County who tested positive on Jan. 27 and died on Feb. 26 at his residence.

The 2,289th COVID-19 death is a 64-year-old Josephine County woman who tested positive on Dec. 22 and died on Feb. 19 at Stanford Health Care.

The 2,290th COVID-19 death is a 95-year-old Lane County man who tested positive on Feb. 19 and died on Feb. 27 at his residence.

The 2,291st COVID-19 death is an 88-year-old Lane County woman who tested positive on Dec. 23 and died on Dec. 29 at her residence.

The 2,292nd COVID-19 death is an 84-year-old Polk County woman who died on Jan. 27 at her residence.

The 2,293rd COVID-19 death is an 81-year-old Washington County woman who tested positive on December 31 and died on Jan. 10 at her residence.

Unless noted above, each person who died had underlying health conditions or state officials were working to determine if the person had underlying medical conditions.

Prevalence of infections: On Friday the state reported 827 new cases out of 52,906 tests performed. Thats a positivity rate of 1.5%.

Who got infected: New or presumed infections grew among the following age groups: 0-9 (14); 10-19 (30); 20-29 (44); 30-39 (34); 40-49 (13); 50-59 (37); 60-69 (31); 70-79 (15); 80 and older (2).

Whos in the hospital: As of Friday, 132 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state, eight fewer than the previous day. There were 30 patients with the virus in intensive care, one more than Thursday.

Vaccines administered: The state reported 38,632 new vaccine doses were added to its immunization registry as of Friday. Of that total, 22,438 doses were administered Thursday and 16,194 were administered on previous days but entered into the registry Thursday. Oregon has now administered 1,082,241 first and second vaccine doses  about 80% of its total supply.

Since it began: Oregon has had 156,884 confirmed or presumed cases of COVID-19 and 2,293 deaths since the pandemic began, one of the lowest positivity rates in the country. The state has reported administering 3,850,973 tests.

Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR

Eder Campuzano of The Oregonian/OregonLive contributed to this report.
Chandigarh, March 6 : Punjab Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan chaired a high-level meeting here on Saturday to discuss ways to contain the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state, which is expected to witness a spike of 3,000 cases per day by the end of March.

Mahajan said the second wave has started and all the Deputy Commissioners and Police Chiefs must ensure that large gatherings like marriages, religious events and social functions should be restricted as per the guidelines of the government.

She said that Covid monitors should be deputed at wedding venues and other places of gatherings.

The Chief Secretary said that schools will continue with the regular classes as the overall positivity rate was low, adding that the teachers should be encouraged to get themselves tested and those eligible must be vaccinated as frontline workers on priority.

Mahajan also expressed concern over steep rise in coronavirus cases across nine districts in the last two weeks.

Principal Secretary (Health) Hussan Lal said that 238,367 persons have been administered the first dose of vaccine.

Lal added that models predict surge in number of cases by mid-March and by the end of the month, it is projected to spike to 3,000 per day.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP)  Eddy Egun had 14 points to lead Montana to a 92-61 win over Warner Pacific on Friday night.

Cameron Parker had 13 points and seven assists for Montana (12-12). Josh Vazquez added 12 points and Kyle Owens had 11 points and nine rebounds.

Christian Hodge had 17 points for the Knights. Isaac Etter added 12 points. Miles Brown had 11 points.

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For more AP college basketball coverage: https://apnews.com/Collegebasketball and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25

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This was generated by Automated Insights, http://www.automatedinsights.com/ap, using data from STATS LLC, https://www.stats.com
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A growing number of Americans plan to get vaccinated against COVID with confidence increasing particularly among African Americans, according to the latest Pew Research Center survey.

Sixty-nine percent of the adults polled last month by Pew said they have already been vaccinated or plan to get dosed, up from 60% who said they planned to get vaccinated in November.

Of the 69%, 19% said they had already received at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine, according to results published on Friday.

It comes amid a continuing row over states' reopening plans as daily cases in the US crept back towards 70,000.

Ex-FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottilieb contradicted Dr. Anthony Fauci by saying governors are right to begin easing restrictions as long as mask mandates stay in place.

Dr. Gottlieb told CNBC's 'Squawk Box' Friday he believes states 'need to try to provide a pathway that allows people to gradually get back to normal activity' as the US continues to get more vaccines into the arms of the American people.

People wait in a line stretching around the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan to receive the COVID vaccine

This graph - produced by the Pew Rshows views of the COVID vaccine among US adults

Dr. Gottlieb, who headed up the Food and Drug Administration from 2017 until April 2019 under Donald Trump and is now on the board of Pfizer, raised the example of Connecticut, where he lives and also acts as a pandemic adviser to Democratic Governor Ned Lamont.

The state announced the lifting of all capacity limits on several businesses from mid-March but is leaving its mask mandate in place.

This strategy is somewhat different, he said, to the blanket lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions and scrapping of mask mandates that Texas and Mississippi embarked on earlier this week.

It came after Joe Biden blasted Republican governors for their 'Neanderthal thinking' while Fauci described the move as 'inexplicable' and said restrictions shouldn't be eased until new daily COVID-19 cases fall below 10,000.

Meanwhile, the Pew study showed America's successful vaccine drives appears to be increasing confidence in the jab.

A total of 61% of the African-Americans surveyed said they planned to get vaccinated, up sharply from 42% who said they would in November.

The African-American population has been particularly hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic which has killed more than 520,000 people in the United States.

Democrats are 27 percentage points more likely than Republicans - 83% to 56% - to say they plan to get vaccinated or have already been vaccinated, Pew said.

Two-thirds of those surveyed said they know someone who has been hospitalized for Covid-19 or someone who has died of the disease, a figure which rises to 78% among Black Americans.

The survey found 49% of Black adults consider the coronavirus a major threat to their personal health compared with 26% of white adults, Pew said.

Sixty-nine percent of the adults polled last month by Pew said they have already been vaccinated or plan to get dosed. Pictured is a man receiving the vaccine in Los Angeles

A number of reasons were cited by the 30% of adults who said they did not plan to get vaccinated. Among them were concerns about side effects and a sense the vaccines were developed and tested too quickly.

The Pew survey of 10,000 people was conducted February 16-21, before the approval by US authorities of the latest vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.

Andy Slavitt, White House senior advisor for COVID-19 response, said Friday that more than 82 million Covid shots have been administered in the United States -- 'more than any country in the world.'

'Nearly 55% of people aged 65 or older have received at least one shot,' Slavitt said.

The US is now vaccinating a sustained two million people a day, according to data from Bloomberg.

Two million shots were administered on Thursday, keeping the seven-day rolling average of doses administered a day to two million for the second day in row

Two million COVID shots were administered on Thursday, keeping the seven-day rolling average of doses administered a day to two million for the second day in row.

It puts the Biden administration well ahead of the president's goal of giving 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office - a feat that was well within reach even before vaccine makers increased supplies and third shot, Johnson & Johnson's one-dose vaccine, was authorized last week.

More than 82.5 million doses have been administered since the US vaccine rollout began on December 14. More than half of seniors 65 or older have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, White House officials announced Friday.

Since President Biden took office on January 20, 65.3 million doses of vaccine have been given, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Bloomberg data.

That puts the president way ahead of his modest goal. With 34.7 million shots to go, at this rate, the US could reach 100 million doses by March 22, rather than the end of April.

Johnson & Johnson's one-dose vaccine was hoped to help get shots more easily into the arms of those in rural areas, elderly people who have trouble getting to appointments or those whose jobs don't give them time off to get vaccinated.

But it's hitting a stumbling block familiar to Britons. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has declined the Michigan city's first allotment of 72 percent J&J vaccines, saying he'd rather have others, despite the fact that the one-dose shot prevents 100 percent of COVID-19 deaths.

'So, Johnson & Johnson is a very good vaccine. Moderna and Pfizer are the best. And I am going to do everything I can to make sure the residents of the City of Detroit get the best,' he said during a Thursday press conference.

He is among the first to turn down the allocation of the shot, despite assurances from Dr Anthony Fauci, the FDA and the CDC that no shot is better than any others.

Moderna's and Pfizer's vaccines are each more than 94 percent effective after two doses, compared to the 72 percent effectiveness of J&J's shot. But all three are thought to completely prevent COVID-19 deaths.

Ex-FDA chief Dr. Scott Gottilieb has waded into the fray about states reopening plans by contradicting Dr. Anthony Fauci and saying governors are right to begin easing COVID-19 restrictions as long as mask mandates stay in place

Florida beach hot spot BANS Spring Breakers to curb the spread of COVID A Florida beach hotspot has banned Spring Breakers from out of state who are under 23 years old, as they brace themselves for an influx of thousands of college students amid COVID-19 concerns. The Wharf announced on Friday that throughout March, it will not allow in anyone from out-of-state who is younger than 23 in a further effort to curb Spring Break debauchery. The popular bar said in an Instagram post that guests who have out-of-state IDs will be restricted to those 23 or older. Partygoers had already crowded onto beaches and into bars and restaurants in Florida on Friday, as the first students began to arrive and set about enjoying the state's weather and the lax coronavirus restrictions. Students ignored pleas from city officials hoping to prevent the wave of young people from descending on the state in the coming weeks. Advertisement

On Friday, infections crept up once more toward the 70,000 mark, according to the COVID Tracking Project.

The US recorded 68,787 new cases Friday, up from 65,487 Thursday, resulting in a seven-day average of 61,270 cases.

Daily deaths also inched up from 1,743 Thursday to 2,221 Friday, however this is still around half the daily death toll recorded one month ago.

With the data moving in the right direction in recent weeks, several governors have lifted COVID-19 restrictions - a move that is dividing health experts.

Dr. Scott Gottilieb told CNBC he thinks now is the time to begin easing rules without 'taking our foot off the brake all at once'.

'I think it's the kind of thing we need to be doing around the country, is at least providing a map of where we're heading if the situation continues to improve without taking our foot off the brake all at once,' he told CNBC.

However, Gottlieb said the last thing that should be lifted is mask mandates.

'Leaving the masks in place, having that be the last thing we lift, I think that's prudent,' he said.

Gottlieb also pointed to differences in the relaxation of restrictions in different parts of the US calling Connecticut a 'middle path' compared to Texas's 'full reopening.'

In the Constitution State, it is 'not quite the full reopening that Texas did,' he said.

'I think the governor here is carving a prudent middle path.'

On Friday, infections crept up once more toward the 70,000 mark and deaths also rose, according to the COVID Tracking Project
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) (C) walks with Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) (L) and Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) on their way to a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 11, 2021. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Senate Approves $1.9 Trillion COVID-19 Stimulus Package on Party-Line Vote

The Senate narrowly approved the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 stimulus package on March 6 on a party-line vote.

After more than 24 hours of debate, the evenly divided Senate voted 5049 to approve the measure. Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan was absent because he was in Alaska for a family funeral.

The bill, also known as the American Rescue Plan or H.R. 1319, was passed by the House on Feb. 27 by a vote of 219212, with all Republicans and two Democrats voting against it.

The Senate was able to pass the bill after several amendments. The bill will be returned to the House for reconciliation, which is expected to happen early this week.

The amendments adopted by the Senate included removing the $15 minimum wage proposal, reducing the unemployment bonus on top of the usual unemployment benefit to $300 per week from $400, while extending the payment of the extra unemployment benefit to Sept. 6.

Republicans in the House and Senate refused to support the stimulus package for a variety of reasons. They said the bill isnt targetedwith only 9 percent spending directly related to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemicincluded a Democratic wish list of items that are unrelated to the public health crisis, and was advanced with little input from the Republican side.

Senate Democrats just managed to pass their bloated spending bill disguised as COVID relief. This is the first COVID bill to be entirely partisan because it isnt designed to help end the pandemicits a blatant attempt from Dems to jam through a partisan wish list, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the Senate Republican whip, wrote in a Twitter post after the passage of the relief bill.

This boondoggle of a bill is a case study in the pitfalls of pure partisanship. Democrats set the record for the longest recorded vote in modern history because it wasnt ready for primetime.

The White House appears to be satisfied with the stimulus bill as amended.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters on March 5, before the passage of the bill, that the relief bill remains incredibly progressive, despite Senate compromises.

Tom Ozimek and Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to the report.
Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media

In February, 2020, the coronavirus was still an abstract idea on this side of the globe. It was a major public health crisis centered in Wuhan, China, though.

And by the beginning of March, the first few fatalities hit Washington State nursing homes, in a hint that the nations seniors, the Greatest Generation that survived World War II and the Great Depression, were vulnerable.
Idaho National Guard leadership said weather and human factors were the main contributors to the fatal helicopter crash in February that killed three pilots outside of Boise.

During a news conference Friday at Gowen Field, officials gave further details of the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crash southeast of Boise on the night of Feb. 2 that claimed the lives of all three men on board.

Because of weather, the Black Hawk crew lost outside visuals and had only 14 seconds to correct elevation safely. However, the crew was unable to do so and crashed, according to Col. Christopher Burt, state Army aviation officer for the Idaho Guard.

Though he said the primary cause of the crash was "the crew's inability to successfully complete the emergency procedure," weather played a significant role and the three continued to work together as a crew.

Burt said investigators found no mechanical issues during the preliminary investigation.

"It was also determined that all aircraft inspections and required maintenance were current, and that the unit's maintenance programs and procedures were deemed healthy and fully functional," Burt said.

The three men who died in the crash  Jesse Anderson, George "Geoff" Laubhan and Matthew Peltzer were members of the 1st Battalion of the 183rd Aviation Regiment and were decorated chief warrant officers. All three lived in the Treasure Valley, and each man is survived by a wife and children.

The Guard said the crash remains under investigation and findings have yet to be finalized.

Flying nearly blind

Burt said that as the crew was en route back to Boise that night, weather conditions deteriorated rapidly. Fog and precipitation caused the crew to lose all visuals for the ground and the surrounding terrain, which Burt described as "mountainous."

At that point, the only reference the crew had was the helicopter instruments. This occurrence, Burt said, is "one of the most difficult and dangerous emergency procedures that we can be exposed to" as helicopter pilots.

Burt said the crew performed as it should, but with no outside visuals, they were unable to navigate the mountainous terrain. He said that after the crew lost visuals, it was a matter of seconds before the helicopter crashed.

Lt. Col. Nicole Washington  the commander of the Idaho Guard's 1st Battalion, 183rd Aviation Regiment  likened the scenario the crew faced to sprinting on an indoor track and anticipating a hurdle, only to have the room go dark.

Leading up to the crash

Burt gave a detailed timeline of events leading up to the crash, saying the three pilots took off from Gowen Field at 6:50 p.m. that day and flew southeast of Boise. As they were flying, the crew reported no anomalies with the helicopter, Burt said. At 7:09 p.m. and 7:29 p.m., the crew reported to operations that everything was normal.

At 7:45 p.m., the crew notified operations that they had completed their training tasks and were heading back to Boise. It was the last time the crew spoke with ground operations.

The crash occurred sometime around 8:05 p.m., as Guard officials in Boise were notified by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center in Florida that it had received an active emergency transmitter from the Black Hawk. Seconds after getting the transmitter beacon, operations staff tried to reach the flight crew, but did not get a response.

The transmitter gave local flight officials a grid and starting point for a search, which began immediately. Another aircraft that was training that night was diverted from its planned route by 8:07 p.m. and began to fly toward the crash area.

However, at 8:42 p.m., that aircraft indicated that it would not be able to fly safely to the reported crash area due to weather conditions, and it returned to Gowen Field. A ground search began at about 9:30 p.m. The air search began again at 11:45 p.m., as the weather had significantly improved by that time.

Just after midnight, at 12:13 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, the air search crew found the crash site and confirmed that there were no survivors. Elmore County search and rescue teams later arrived and began securing the scene.

On Feb. 4, a safety investigation team with the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center arrived in Boise and began investigating.

With the help of the Nevada National Guard, the helicopter wreckage was recovered from the crash site and moved back to Gowen Field.

Other fatal Black Hawk crashes

The fatal Black Hawk crash was the fourth to occur in the United States since late 2019, with nine National Guardsmen dying in crashes in New York, California and Minnesota.

After the crash in Idaho, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a New York Democrat, asked newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to investigate the string of crashes and give a classified briefing on the findings.

Despite the calls to investigate, Army National Guard officials later said they would continue to fly Black Hawks.

"Based on the current data, the Army does not see a mishap trend with National Guard UH-60s (Black Hawks)," Army spokesman Jason Waggoner told McClatchy News. "There are currently no plans to conduct an Army-level stand down. Any lower-level stand down would be up to the unit."

This article is written by Jacob Scholl from The Idaho Statesman and was legally licensed via the Tribune Content Agency through the Industry Dive publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@industrydive.com.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Assemblyman James Gallagher announced a bill that would provide financial relief to fire victims.

The bill would exempt state taxes from payments made to victims out of PG&Es Fire Victim Trust.

AB-1249 clarifies tax exemption criteria for victims of the three most destructive fires in California, including the Camp Fire.

The Republican assemblyman said victims deserve to receive the maximum amount of compensation from PG&E.

The bill is co-authored by Tehama Senator Jim Nielsen and four other Republican senators.

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Meghan Markle's half-brother, Thomas Markle, claimed that the Duchess of Sussex has "shown her true colors" by "bullying people before and getting her way, no matter what." Thomas Markle Jr. made the shocking accusations after the most surprising events in the Megxit saga.

Meghan Markle's half brother accused her of bullying people

The Queen conducted an unprecedented investigation into allegations that Meghan and Harry bullied their employees. In an interview with Bild after the new preview clip of Meghan and Harry's upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey was posted, Thomas said he and his family agree she is a "changed person."

Meghan accused the Royal Family in the 30-second clip of "perpetuating falsehoods" and tells the interviewer that "a lot has been lost," The Sun reported. Meanwhile, Thomas, who shares Meghan's father, told a German newspaper that the "sensitive young lady" making anti-Royal Family allegations is not his half-sister. Thomas said he thinks it is showing Meghan Markle's true colors that none of the family knows.

"The last time I had contact with Meghan was in 2011, at my grandmother's memorial," he continued. The 55-year old half-brother admitted that he had not seen the Duchess of Sussex in almost a decade.

Read also: Prince Harry Is Advised To Go Back Home To Say 'Goodbye' To Prince Philip Amid Hospitalization

The Duchess allegedly drove two personal assistants out of the household and damaged a third's trust, as per The Times' reports this week. Meghan, on the other hand, vigorously denied the accusations.

Royal aides said they were left shaking with fear after encounters with her, and Buckingham Palace has now declared a formal investigation into the accusations. Meghan and Harry reacted to the news by accusing the Queen's team of orchestrating a "calculated smear strategy" ahead of their dramatic two-hour interview. But Thomas claimed no one knows who the Meghan is that people see right now.

A visibly emotional person, "I don't know how they could expect us to be quiet after all of this time if The Firm is actively involved in spreading false information about us," Meghan said in one of the interview clips. The Duchess added, "a lot that has been lost already if that comes with risks of losing things." However, Meghan's half-brother said he assumed Meghan and Harry would step down as senior royals before Megxit went ahead.

Read also: Prince Philip Recovering After Surgery, Spending More Days in Hospital as Interview Looms

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's response over bullying allegations

According to a source, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have insisted on being included in any 'formal' investigation into accusations that they bullied their staff. The investigation, which is reportedly being billed by human resources as an 'internal review,' could hear evidence from up to 12 royal aides who served the pair.

According to Daily Mail, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have yet to be informed about the investigation, headed by a Royal Household human resources officer. Past and current staff will be asked to reflect on their experiences to strengthen the palace's human resources policies and see what lessons can be learned.

However, a palace aide told the Daily Telegraph that the Sussexes are unlikely to be included in or even informed about the 'internal review' operation. According to a source close to Harry and Meghan, who now lives in Montecito, California, they were not informed about the investigation and were unaware of its depth.

"If there were any kind of inquiry into them, there would have to be a formal process where they would have to be involved," the source added. Formal allegations are part of a formal HR inquiry. The investigation's conclusions could not be made public until next year, as per royal insiders, which adds no fixed timeline since the bombshell charges were made.

Read also: Paris Hilton Accepts Sarah Silverman's Apology, Expresses Comedian's Regret Over Jokes in 2007

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Yangon: Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon on Saturday, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action against the ruling junta for the killings of protesters.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged into turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with daily protests and strikes that have choked business and paralysed administration.

Sporadic protests were staged across Myanmar on Saturday and local media reported that police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to break up a protest in the Sanchaung district of Yangon, the countrys biggest city. There no reports of casualties.

Anti-coup protesters wearing helmets and face masks gather during a protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Credit:AP

More than 50 protesters have been killed according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone. Protesters demand the release of Suu Kyi and the respect of Novembers election, which her party won in landslide, but which the army rejected.
While Shaffer began speeding away, Underwood fired one gunshot that struck the 32-year-old in the upper torso, prosecutors said. Shaffer only made it about a block before his car stopped at the intersection, and police officers found him unresponsive inside. He was taken to Stroger Hospital and pronounced dead about 30 minutes later, according to the Cook County medical examiners office, which ruled his death a homicide as the result of a gunshot wound to the torso.
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During his life, David Hayes created in all mediums. Acrylic paintings, gouaches, wood cuts, ceramics, stained glass, prints and etchings.

Steel, however, stood out as his distinct favorite. Considered one of the great American sculptors, his steel structures dotted downtown Syracuse for a time, planted outside of the Everson Museum of Art as well as Columbus Circle, City Hall and the Museum of Science and Technology.

Its durable, as opposed to wood, which eventually is going to rot away, said Hayes son, also named David Hayes. The steel, if its kept properly, will last for several hundred years.

The younger Hayes, who lives in Oneonta, has dedicated himself to running his fathers foundation, maintaining his property and preserving the legacy of his work, which has been displayed at both the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

His quest will be featured in an upcoming episode of the PBS series Legacy List with Matt Paxton, a show that explores the sentimentality of possessions by helping families sort through their homes and uncover items that hold stories.

The show typically works with families who are looking to downsize and get rid of belongings, but in the case of the Hayes family, it went through the process of moving art out of Hayes barn to be stored, photographed, and cataloged, and so that the barn could be repaired.

The show uncovered artworks by Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali, which the younger Hayes was not expecting.

They surprised me with some of the artwork, he said.

Hayes guessed that his father likely obtained this artwork during his time in Paris. Originally there on a Fulbright scholarship, the artist remained in Paris for a decade, flourishing alongside other creatives in the 60s.

There were a lot of highly talented, creative people and a lot of accomplished artists working in Paris at the time. said Hayes. My parents had a wonderful time. They would go to the Embassy parties, and they would go to dinners and soirees amongst writers, and painters, and musicians.

After his return from Paris in 1968, the elder Hayes moved into his home in Coventry, Conn., in 1971, where he remained until his death in 2013. It is here that he had his full-time studio, split into three locations across the property: a welding studio in a detached shed away from the house, a painting studio upstairs in the house, and another painting studio in the barn.

The property is home to several thousand pieces, at least 300 to 400 of which are large sculptures. Hayes estimates that there are another five to 10,000 individual objects such as paintings, ceramics, small sculptures, and stained glass.

For the show, all of the artwork was looked through and examined, some of which the artists son was seeing for the first time. He explained that he learned a lot about his father through the process of going through his belongings, which is one of the goals of the show.

The biggest thing for him, however, was helping to maintain his fathers legacy. He said, I understand what the show is trying to dofinding items that were personally important to a familybut for me, its much more profound mission is advancing my dads reputation down into future decades.

He explained what he likes to call the 100-year rule: In 100 years, is it going to matter? In 100 years, is anybody going to know?

With my father, I have a possibility, an outside possibility, of reaching down into the future 40, 50, possibly 100 years because of the career that he chose. Because what he did was really unusual and significant and serious, said Hayes. If people are still talking about my dad in a half century, Ill be perfectly happy. If theyre talking about him in 100 years, Ill be long since dead, but Ill be thrilled.

The David Hayes Art Foundation is a family collaboration between Hayes, his three living siblings, and his daughter. This foundation manages the property and art of the David Hayes Sculpture Fields, which are open to the public free of charge.

The hour-long episode of Legacy List titled You Gotta Have Art will air on WCNY, along with 200 PBS stations across the country.

More information on David Hayes work can be found at http://www.davidhayes.com/.

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It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

opinion

The initial insights from the study, aptly named DESIRE (Developing and Evaluating Short-acting Innovations for Rectal Use), are being reported on March 6 in a Science Spotlight session at the virtual meeting of the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), March 6-10. The presentation will be available for registered participants and media to view throughout the meeting.

Conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Microbicide Trials Network (MTN), DESIRE focused on potential delivery methods for rectal microbicides - topical products being developed and tested to reduce a person's risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections from anal sex. MTN researchers are particularly interested in on-demand options - used around the time of sex - and behaviorally congruent options that deliver anti-HIV drugs via products people may already be using as part of their sex routine.

"DESIRE stands out as a unique study because we took a step back and said, 'Let's figure out the modality without automatically pairing it with a drug'," explained Jose A. Bauermeister, Ph.D., M.P.H., study protocol chair and Albert M. Greenfield Professor of Human Relations at the University of Pennsylvania. "It gave us the ability to manipulate the delivery method without having to worry about how reactions to a particular drug might confound the results. We also had people trying out these methods in their own lives, and only then asked them to weigh the attributes of each." As such, he said, participants weren't making choices based on theoretical concepts, but instead using real experiences to guide their preferences.

Launched in 2019, DESIRE, also referred to as MTN-035, is the first study to explore multiple placebo methods for delivering a rectal microbicide. The three delivery methods assessed included a fast-dissolving placebo insert approximately two-thirds of an inch in length, a placebo suppository approximately an inch and a half in length, and a commercially available 120 mL douche bottle that participants were instructed to fill with clean tap or bottled water prior to use.

The study enrolled 217 participants who used each rectal delivery method for a month at a time, with a week-long break in between. Study participants, whose average age was 25 years, included cisgender men who have sex with men (79 percent) as well as transgender women (19 percent) and transgender men (2 percent) who have sex with men. The participants, based in Malawi, Peru, South Africa, Thailand and the United States (Birmingham, Pittsburgh and San Francisco), were instructed to use each method between 30 minutes and 3 hours prior to engaging in receptive anal sex, or once a week if they had not engaged in receptive anal sex in a given week.

To evaluate the acceptability of each method, participants were asked to complete a four-item survey once a week by text, commonly referred to as short message service (SMS), in their preferred language. After a month of using a particular delivery method, they were asked to complete a computer-assisted interview, with a subset of participants also completing an in-depth interview led by one of the study researchers.

At their final study visit, participants ranked attributes of a hypothetical product for preventing HIV from anal sex, and researchers used conjoint analysis - a market research approach that measures the value consumers place on features of a product or service - to calculate the percentage of weight participants gave to each attribute. They found that efficacy was the strongest determinant of participants' stated modality choice at 30 percent, followed by delivery method (18 percent) and side effects (17 percent). Other factors - timing of use before sex, duration of protection, frequency of use, and the need for a prescription - were not weighted as having as much importance by study participants. Through further analysis, researchers identified the participants' most preferred package based on the product features: A douche used 30 minutes before sex with 95 percent efficacy that offers three to five days of protection. This ideal product would also only need to be used once a week, have no side effects, and be available over the counter.

While this market research approach offered insights into the most common package of features, participants also underscored how each of the modalities could offer unique advantages in their daily lives.

"As you might expect, the context of the participants' lives informed their product choice," said Dr. Bauermeister. "When asked to rank the most preferred product attributes, they based their answers on their own experiences and the tradeoffs they might make in real-life situations." In some instances, he explained, discretion might be important, so a small tablet in the form of a fast-dissolving rectal insert that could be carried in your pocket might be the best option. At other times, hygiene may be a priority and a douche would be preferred. As a pre-lubricated product, even the suppository had unexpected advantages with some participants commenting about it's potential as an alternative to sexual lubricant.

"The lesson we learned from MTN-035 is that even though the douche was preferred overall, we shouldn't assume it's right for everyone every time they plan to have sex," said Dr. Bauermeister. "Depending on who you are, what you do and where you live, it may not be a viable, or even a desirable, option for HIV prevention. At the end of the day, people could see all three of these modalities fitting into their lives."

Researchers like Dr. Bauermeister are hopeful these results will inform the development of rectal microbicides moving forward, and lead to expanded choices in preventing HIV from anal sex.

###

MTN-035 was conducted at the following clinical research sites (CRSs): the College of Medicine-Johns Hopkins Research Project in Blantyre, Malawi; the IMPACTA CRS in Lima, Peru; the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa; the Chiang Mai University HIV Prevention CRS in Thailand; and, in the United States, the University of Pittsburgh CRS, Bridge HIV CRS in San Francisco, and University of Alabama at Birmingham CRS.

The MTN is funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Mental Health, all part of the NIH. The placebo rectal insert used in the study was developed by CONRAD, a not-for-profit research and development organization based at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Va.

Dr. Bauermeister's presentation "Developing and Evaluating Short-Acting Innovations for Rectal Use (Desire): Acceptability and choice for three placebo products used with receptive anal intercourse among young MSM and TG people" will be viewable beginning at 12:01 a.m. (EST), Saturday, March 6. Please visit http://www. croiconference. org for more information.

The MTN is funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health grants UM1AI068633, UM1AI068615, UM1AI106707. CONRAD's support for MTN-035 and provision of the placebo insert is made possible by the generous support of the American people through a Cooperative Agreement (AID-OAA-A-14-00010) with the U.S. Agency for International Development/U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

About the Microbicide Trials Network
Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week
New Delhi:

In a remarkable achievement, two critically-ill patients suffering from dilated cardiomyopathy got a new lease of life after a hospital in Mulund carried out two heart transplants in a gap of four hours on Thursday.

In the first case, heart of a 22-year-old woman from Kolhapur, who was declared brain dead at Pune's Ruby Hall Clinic, was transported to Fortis Hospital through a green corridor and transplanted into a 24-year-old college student from Ghatkopar.

Synonymising a similar case, a 58-year-old man from Thane who had been placed under the 'Super Urgent List' after he registered for a heart just last week, was gifted life after another organ came from MGM Hospital in Vashi. The donor was a 45-year-old woman was declared brain dead after a railway accident. Her family consented to retrieve her heart, liver and kidneys. The liver of the donor was given to Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai Central, while one of her kidneys was allotted to a patient in Jaslok Hospital and another was transplanted to the patient of MGM Hospital itself.

Read more: 3 million people died due to COPD and asthma, study says

Doctors said the next 72 hours will be critical for the patients and they will be monitored round the clock.

Following an all-night session, the U.S. Senate on Saturday approved President Joe Bidens $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill after amending the legislation  including reducing the threshold for the $1,400 direct payments and cutting the extra weekly unemployment insurance benefits.

No Republicans voted in favor, the same as when the U.S. House passed its version of the measure. One senator was absent.

The legislation now goes back to the House for final passage. Lawmakers there could make more changes, but that would delay approval of legislation that Democrats planned to send to Biden by March 14, when the current extension of unemployment insurance benefits expire.

This nation has suffered too much for much too long, Biden said at the White House after the vote. Everything in this package is designed to relieve the suffering and to meet the most urgent needs of the nation and put us in a better position to prevail.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said the chamber would take up the bill on Tuesday.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., urged the House to act quickly.

I urge my colleagues in the House to pass the American Rescue Plan without delay, Menendez said after the vote. To me, this legislation is ultimately about rescuing the American way of life, so that our children can learn in classrooms instead of on computer screens, so that we can gather with loved ones without fear, so that we can join hands in prayer in our houses of worship, enjoy a night out at our favorite restaurants, and rebuild a spirit of community across our country that we have all missed out on over the last year.

The legislation, considered under a procedure known as reconciliation that pre-empted a filibuster and allowed passage by majority vote, includes $1,400 payments to those making up to $75,000, eliminating them entirely for those making more than $80,000, and $2,800 payments to couples making up to $150,000, while ending them for those making more than $160,000.

Those thresholds were less than the $100,000 and $200,000 cutoffs approved by the House, and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a progressive research group, said the lower income limits would mean that 400,000 fewer New Jerseyans would get stimulus checks.

Biden said the checks would be sent out starting later this month.

The legislation also would extend extra unemployment benefits of $300 a week through Sept. 6, down from $400 from the House version, and to forgive federal income taxes on up to $10,200 of unemployment insurance payments for those making less than $150,000.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

The Senate version also does not contain a raise in the federal minimum wage to $15. Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough excised it from the bill, saying it could not be included under the rules governing the reconciliation process, and lawmakers rejected an amendment by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to restore it.

The reductions in the stimulus payments and the unemployment benefits and the exclusion of the minimum wage increase troubled Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-12th Dist., a vice chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Im frankly disgusted with some of my colleagues and question whether I can support this bill, she said on Twitter.

This trend is outrageous:



Eliminating $15/hr

Reducing thresholds for payments (cutting off ~400k New Jerseyans)

Cuts to weekly payments



What are we doing here? I'm frankly disgusted with some of my colleagues and question whether I can support this bill.



1/ https://t.co/r9dqZpuCbU  Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) March 5, 2021

Democratic senators, though, applauded the bills passage.

As we face economic and public crises unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes, the American Rescue Plan is an urgently needed and historic investment in the health and financial security of New Jerseyans and people across the country, a boost to our small businesses, a lifeline to state and local governments and a necessary step in our countrys long-term recovery, said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J.

But Senate Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who used the same reconciliation process to pass a tax law without any Democratic votes that the Congressional Budget Office said would increase the federal deficit by the same $1.9 trillion over 10 years as the stimulus bill, bemoaned Democrats acting on their own.

We could have worked together to speed up victory, McConnell said. But Democrats decided their top priority wasnt pandemic relief. It was their Washington wish list. It was jamming through unrelated policy changes they couldnt pass honestly.

For New Jersey, the bill contains a provision that makes its rural hospitals eligible for extra Medicare reimbursements to cover the higher costs of treating patients in less-populated areas.

Besides New Jersey, Delaware and Rhode Island also would benefit from the provision because all three states are classified as all-urban, meaning that their hospitals that serve rural populations do not qualify for the funding.

Since 2005, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services made New Jersey hospitals eligible for the money, about $36 million a year, but the Trump administration ended the policy in 2018.

The Senate defeated an effort by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., to remove the provision. Tennessee in 2019 received $28 billion more from Washington than it paid in federal taxes, according to the State University of New Yorks Rockefeller Institute of Government. New Jersey received $10 billion less.

This is about leveling the playing field and restoring fairness and equity for New Jerseys hospitals at a time when their doctors, nurses and staff are on the frontlines courageously fighting the pandemic and saving lives, and need all the help they can get, said Menendez, who led the effort to keep the provision.

The legislation also includes $350 billion in aid for state and local governments.

Under the Senate formula, New Jersey would receive $9.3 billion with about $6.4 billion for the state and $2.9 billion for local governments, Menendez said.

Officials had been clamoring for the assistance to help them keep paying the salaries of first responders, school teachers and other municipal employees during the pandemic. The number of state and local government employees nationwide has dropped by 1.4 million since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The federal funding could be used for coronavirus-related expenses, economic assistance for businesses and residents, replacing lost revenue to avoid layoffs of employees and investments in high-speed internet connections and water or sewer systems. It could not be used to bail out underfunded pension plans, nor cut taxes.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.

Victoria Beckham, Stacey Solomon and Billie Faiers led the stars celebrating the last day of homeschooling on Friday.

The fashion designer, 46, who is currently in Miami with her brood, told her Instagram followers she felt 'relieved' it was the end of the week.

Meanwhile, Loose Women star Stacey, 31, danced with joy with a hoover in hand while Billie, 31, said she was looking forward to a large glass of wine after months of remote education.

School's out! Stacey Solomon (pictured) and Billie Faiers led the stars celebrating the last day of homeschooling on Friday

Emma Willis, 44, and Samia Longchambon, 38, also expressed their relief about their kids going back to school on Monday, after the government confirmed all students - not just the children of key workers - will go back.

Victoria, who has children Romeo, 18, Cruz, 16, and Harper, nine, still in school shared a picture of a whiteboard with the words 'Happy Friyay' written on it.

She captioned the post: 'End of homeschooling for the week! And I'm relieved!'.

The Beckham family, including eldest son Brooklyn, 22, are currently in Miami as David, 46, headed out for work purposes for Inter Miami FC.

'Happy Friyay!': Victoria, who has children Romeo, 18, Cruz, 16, and Harper, nine, still in school shared a picture of a whiteboard with the words 'Happy Friyay' written on it

Other side of the pond: The Beckham family, including eldest son Brooklyn, 22, are currently in Miami as David, 46, headed out for work purposes for Inter Miami FC

Weekend: The fashion designer, 46, told her Instagram followers she felt 'relieved' it was the end of the week

Stacey's eldest sons, Zachary, 12, and Leighton, eight, will be among the millions of pupils returning to school.

She also revealed her son Rex, 21 months, will be going to nursery for the first time.

Taking to Instagram, Stacey sang 4 Non Blonde's hit What's Up and wrote in the caption: 'Joe came home I gave up parenting and I locked myself in the front room for some self care I just needed to scream my favourite song at the top of my lungs.

'Pour yourself a LARGE glass of wine': Billie, meanwhile shared a photo of her daughter Nelly, six, grinning on the sofa and wrote: 'Homeschooling complete. I think Nelly's face says it all'

'We f*****g did it!': The Loose Women presenter, 31, danced with joy with a hoover in hand

Exciting: Stacey's eldest sons, Zachary, 12, and Leighton, eight, will return to school and her son Rex, 21 months, will go to nursery for the first time

'Homeschooling is over. We f***king did it. Pat yourself on the b****y back and give yourself all the credit in the world because you smashed it!...

'Even if you think they didn't learn a thing and just Fortnite for a whole year. Don't worry. Mine did too but we did it. Go and have the best weekend ever... you deserve it.'

Billie meanwhile shared a photo of her daughter Nelly, six, grinning on the sofa and wrote: 'Homeschooling complete. I think Nelly's face says it all. Pour yourselves a LARGE glass of wine tonight.... we made it.'

Changes: It's been a stressful time for the Mummy Diaries star, who also has son Arthur, three, as major renovations have begun on her 1.4million Essex home

It's been a stressful time for the Mummy Diaries star, who also has son Arthur, three, as major renovations have begun on her 1.4million Essex home after nearly a year of planning permission problems.

Samia also treated herself to a glass of bubbly and her mood seemingly matched her 'Paradise' jumper.

The former Coronation Street star, who is mum to daughter Freya and son Yves, five, wrote: 'End of home school you say? And it's Friday night? I'll drink to that!

'Shout out to to all the parents, guardians, teachers and above all, the children who have made it this far. Let's hope we can wave goodbye to class calls, printing out worksheets, not knowing how to do maths equations (me not the kids), and the endless snack requests during 'school time'!

'Huge respect to all you teachers out there! And yep, a big part of me will miss having my kids around the house all day but I'm so glad they can get a bit of normality back in their lives and see their friends as of Monday...Have a great weekend everyone.'

Celebrations: Samia Longchambon also treated herself to a glass of bubbly and her mood seemingly matched her 'Paradise' jumper

Cheers! The former Coronation Street star, who is mum to daughter Freya and son Yves, five, wrote: 'End of home school you say? And it's Friday night? I'll drink to that!'

School: 'Huge respect to all you teachers out there! And yep, a big part of me will miss having my kids around the house all day but I'm so glad they can get a bit of normality back', she wrote

Family: Samia is married to French skater Sylvian Longchambon, the couple have son Yves. Samia is also mother to Freya, whom she welcomed in 2009 with her ex husband Matt Smith

Happy days: Mum-of-five Rebekah Vardy said she 'definitely had a couple of G&T's after the school day was over

Yay: Posting a leggy mirror selfie on Instagram she wrote: 'Happy Saturday everyone. How did you guys celebrate the end of homeschooling yesterday? I definitely had a couple of G&T's'

Mum-of-five Rebekah Vardy said she 'definitely had a couple of G&T's after the school day was over.

Posting a leggy mirror selfie on Instagram she wrote: 'Happy Saturday everyone. How did you guys celebrate the end of homeschooling yesterday? I definitely had a couple of G&T's.'

Big Brother host Emma, meanwhile, shared a photo of one her child's desks, with the laptop firmly shut for the week.

She wrote: 'Over and out homeschool. Homework is gonna feel like a breeze now'.

Last year, Emma revealed the 'stresses' and 'frustrations' she faced over 'not being good enough' at homeschooling her three children.

The TV host told MailOnline she and husband Matt, 37, put 'a lot of pressure' on themselves when they first attempted to give their children Isabelle, 11, Ace, nine, and Trixie, four, lessons away from the classroom.

In an exclusive interview The Voice presenter said she was aware of not wanting to pass on her worries to her young family and she eventually gave up on the ideal of being the 'perfect' homeschool teacher.

'Over and out school': Big Brother host Emma, meanwhile, shared a photo of one her child's desks, with the laptop firmly shut for the week

She said: 'For me in the beginning we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be perfect schoolteachers and make them have the absolute school day that they would have but at home.

'I didn't want my stress at having to be a schoolteacher and not being good enough having a knock on effect to them and them getting stressed because they know I'm getting stressed, or them getting worried because they know I'm getting wound up.

'After a couple of weeks you realise, you know what I am not a schoolteacher, they aren't at school and we have to do what we can do.

'I have never loved teachers more in my whole life.'
A Met Police officer was knocked unconscious and another suffered a suspected hand fracture while trying to break up a 'hostile' lockdown-breaching party of 30.

Six other officers were left injured in the raid and police issued 30 800 fines - one to each party attendee.

Two men, aged 17 and 18, and two women, aged 17 and 19, were arrested following the gathering in Walworth, south London.

Bodycam footage showed police stumbling upon the party by mistake while trying to track down two robbery suspects who allegedly assaulted a passerby and stole his phone.

The 17-year-old male accused of stealing the phone was found at the party and arrested. The phone was also recovered.

Under current lockdown rules, households are banned from mixing indoors unless they form part of a legally-permitted support bubble.

A Met Police officer was knocked unconscious and another suffered a suspected hand fracture while trying to break up a 'hostile' lockdown-breaching party of 30 (bodycam footage of the raid, pictured)

Officers trying to track down two robbery suspects attended an address in Walworth - and stumbled upon a house party at around 5.30am on February 28.

The group of 30 people became 'hostile' towards the officers as they tried to identify the suspects and shut the party down.

The officers had drinks and other items thrown at them during the raid - which left eight officers injured.

One was knocked unconscious and another was left with a suspected fracture to their hand.

The officers withdrew from the party for their own safety and other units were called in.

Bodycam footage (pictured) showed police stumbling upon the party by mistake while trying to track down two robbery suspects who allegedly assaulted a passerby and stole his phone

Each partygoer was dealt with one by one - and 30 people were reported for fines of 800.

The victim of the robbery identified a 17-year-old male as the person who took his phone. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Officers searched a 19-year-old man and discovered the victim's stolen phone. The man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

A 19-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and assaulting a police officer.

The 17-year-old male accused of stealing the phone was found at the party (pictured) and arrested. The phone was also recovered

Officers trying to track down two robbery suspects attended an address in Walworth - and stumbled upon a house party (pictured) at around 5.30am on February 28

A 17-year-old female was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and handling stolen goods after she was searched and found to be carrying a number of different debit cards and an oyster card within her belongings, all with different names on them.

All four suspects were taken into custody at a south London police station. They were later bailed to return on date in late March.

Chief Inspector Richard Blears, from the Central South Command Unit, which covers Southwark, said: 'Restrictions are still in place to protect lives; every person who attended this illegal gathering has acted selfishly and irresponsibly and has potentially put others at risk.

'Not only that, but some have even gone as far as physically harming the officers who attended the scene, which is totally unacceptable.

'We will continue to enforce breaches of Covid-19 restrictions when they are alerted to us.'
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 12:57:22|Editor: huaxia

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Laqini Bayika is patrolling the border in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Sept. 23, 2011. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

by Xinhua writer Zhang Zhongkai

BEIJING/URUMQI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- For China's some 3,000 national lawmakers, the annual session of the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's top legislature, is an occasion they feel obliged to attend.

The NPC annual session mostly happens in early March. Lawmakers come to the capital Beijing from across the country to review reports, submit suggestions and make joint decisions on laws and other key issues.

But Laqini Bayika, an NPC deputy from China's far west Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is absent this year, and for good.

The 41-year-old man of the Tajik ethnic minority died about two months short of the opening of the annual grand political gathering.

On Jan. 4, while taking part in a training course at a college in southern Xinjiang's Kashgar city, he happened to see a boy fall through the ice on a frozen lake. Laqini ran to the boy and saved him from drowning but could not escape the freezing water himself.

Photo taken on Jan. 5, 2021 shows the frozen lake where Laqini Bayika saved a boy from drowning. (Xinhua/Zhang Man)

He died a heroic death, leaving a lasting legacy as a committed border patrolman, national lawmaker, and Communist Party of China (CPC) member.

Born in a small village in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, the only Tajik autonomous county in China, Laqini grew up tough on the Pamir Plateau in a harsh environment.

With an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, his hometown borders Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Patrolling the border has been a tradition for many locals. Laqini's father and grandfather were both border patrolmen, and he started to carry on the mission in 2004 when he joined the CPC.

His job was by no means easy. The border route that Laqini frequented snakes over several mountains more than 5,000 meters above sea level, and it is so tortuous, rugged, and slippery that only yaks can transport people here.

He voluntarily offered his yaks, the major asset of local families, to carry fellows over the mountains. But even yaks got hurt during the patrols, and he would shed tears over the loss of these animal friends.

"I miss them so much that sometimes I dream of them. But I know they died for a worthy cause," Laqini said.

He saved many people's lives during nearly 20 years of patrols. Ethnic Tajik people living in Taxkorgan are known as the "eagles of the high mountains." "The given name of Laqini refers to a kind of eagle and stands for bravery and perseverance. He lived up to it," said Bayika Kalidibek, Laqini's 68-year-old father, who is also nationally acknowledged for his patrol work.

Laqini was elected as a national lawmaker in 2018, the only Tajik NPC deputy at that time. He made a string of suggestions during the past annual sessions to improve local people's wellbeing.

He called for optimized usage of water resources to boost local farming and animal husbandry during this year's NPC session and even bought a new suit for the special occasion.

Laqini couldn't make it, but Musajan Nurdun, who witnessed Laqini's heroic behavior on the lake and also as a national lawmaker, brought the motion to the session. Musajan is the Party chief of a village in Yining City in the region and used to be Laqini's roommate during their training courses.

"He is a role model for me in many ways," said Musajan, who visited Laqini's hometown before coming to Beijing. "He invited me to his hometown. It's beautiful."

Taxkorgan shook off poverty and was listed as one of the top national tourist destinations in 2019.

Earlier this week, Laqini was posthumously awarded the title "role model of the times," whose patriotism, devotion, and bravery moved millions of people across China.

His table at his village committee office, as well as the college class where he took the training course, has been kept as if he was still there.

"He is always here. His legacy lives on," said Zarefebayi Balati, Laqini's colleague at his hometown village committee. 
Egypt's president visited Sudan on Saturday, his first visit to the country since a popular uprising led to the military's overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi landed at Khartoum international airport and headed to a meeting with Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan, head of the ruling Sovereign Council, at the presidential palace.

There, they inspected a military guard of honour.

El-Sissi also met with Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagal, deputy head of the sovereign council.

This visit "strengthens the ties between the two countries and will help our transitional period," Burhan told a news conference with el-Sissi. "We discussed all the files that support mutual cooperation."

The Egyptian leader discussed with Sudanese officials an array of issues, including economic and military ties and the two nations' dispute with Ethiopia over a massive dam it is building on the Blue Nile, Egypt's presidency said.

El-Sissi also discussed Sudan's border dispute with Ethiopia and security in the Red Sea region, which has become a theatre of growing competition among world and regional powers in recent years, the statement said.

Both Sudan and Egypt are members of a newly established Red Sea forum, along with six other African and Asian nations.

The visit came amid a rapprochement between the two governments.

Egypt has in recent years sought to rebuild ties with its southern neighbour, an effort that has intensified since al-Bashir's ouster in April 2019.

Top civilian and military officials from both nations have exchanged regular visits.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
When Phil Spector died, we were faced with a problem at the radio station Joan and I work at. Its called scotland69am.com and it streams out of Scotland. All of the deejays are given free reign to play anything they want. The problem wasnt with his music. He was an acknowledged musical genius. It was with the lifestyle that got him thrown into jail.

In 2003, Phil Spector was accused and convicted of the murder of actress Lana Clarkson. The murder took place at his estate, where they had gone after a night of revelry.

Phil had a reputation for violent behavior and carrying around firearms. He shot a hole into a recording room ceiling during a session. He held Ronnie Spector captive during their marriage. He was often violent and abusive when he was either drunk or stoned or both. His family history was riddled with psychosis.

Our team of deejays gathered via email to discuss the situation. Should there be a memorial show? What should be the tone and tenor?

We decided that, although his life played out like a Hollywood bio-movie, his art could not be denied. In the words of Bruce Springsteen: Trust the art, not the artist.

I have my own interpretation: the arts bring us closer to G-d, or whatever we may acknowledge as a higher power. G-d (or someone/thing) taps us on the shoulder and says: This is who you were meant to be! But, we cant stay there. Like Bottom in Midsummer Nights Dream, we must return to the real world and our artistic families to create and present our art to the rest of the world.

Spector created the fabled wall of sound, found on recordings such as River Deep, Mountain High by Ike and Tina Turner, Be My Baby by the Ronettes (starring wife Ronnie), Youve Lost That Loving Feeling by the Righteous Brothers. You can hear his influence in George Harrisons Try Some, Buy Some and Billy Joels Say Goodbye To Hollywood. Spector produced, among other artists, the Beatles, the Beach Boys and the Ramones.

He was jealous and paranoid, restless and creative, bossy, manipulative and able to bring out the best in people by working them to the bone. But he was also a workaholic, obsessing over the music until it was perfect.

His legacy is that perfection.

He is not alone. People question whether its okay to still listen to music by Michael Jackson, watch films starring Kevin Spacey, listen to comedy by Louie C.K.

I have one arbiter: Does it still move you?

If you can dismiss the musicality of Michael Jackson, the artistry of Kevin Spacey, the interviewing capabilities of Charlie Rose, the comedic fearlessness of Louie C.K., then, yes, walk away, banish them from your life. There are lots of other artists to turn to.

Phil Spector created music that was pivotal, inspirational, empowering. If we judge artists solely by their personal lives, we will never be able to enjoy art again. Salvatore Dali was horrific. Jerome Robbins was sadistic. Stanley Kubrick gave some of his actors nervous breakdowns.

I do not mean to condone the many sins committed by those with power and money that used their positions to control and threaten the lives and careers of talented young people.

Harvey Weinstein financed movies no other studios would make. He also used his power to harm up and coming actors.

William Randolph Hurst banned the showing of Citizen Kane because it cut too close to the bone. There are myriad tales of movies, albums, and novels that never saw the light of day because somebody, somewhere didnt want a particular skeleton dangled in front of an eager public.

We see that kind of behavior at movie studios, in recording studios, in Congress and even in local politics. Money and power often rule against the common good.

Eventually, the truth will always come out. We learn of the machinations of an LBJ or a Louie B. Mayer or a Dick Cheney and we think differently about them. But, when we gaze at the grandeur of a Van Gogh, when we re-read A Catcher In The Rye for the 20th time, when we thrill to Charlton Heston parting the Red Sea in The Ten Commandments, are we consciously thinking Why did he cut off his ear? or Why was he so reclusive? or Why was he so enamored of his guns? No. We are able to separate the artist from their art.

No one wants to be judged by either their best or worst days because those are extremes. A persons entire life should be considered when deciding what their legacy will be.

Phil Spector died at age 81 of symptoms related to the COVID disease.

As Ronnie Spector tweeted: He was a great musician and a lousy husband.

What will your legacy look like?

Comments may be submitted to Talk To The Old Guy on Facebook.
Mar. 6The Texas Cardinals Minor Football team is preparing for a big event in three weeks with their first combine for the upcoming season.

Texas Cardinals General Manager Thirston Hall said the combine is set for March 27 at Globe Life Field in Arlington.

It will start about 10 a.m. and the dance team will come that day by appointment only. They will be 18 years old with modeling and dance skills.

"The combine is a Texas Cardinals combine, but it is also a regional combine," Hall said. "We will have teams from the Southwest Region in the Oklahoma Cowboys, The Texas Cardinals, the Louisiana Packers, the Texas Rams and The Texas Steelers. The combine should have about 250 guys show up and you can go to www.mflishere.com to sign up and pay the registration fee."

The event will be run by Hall and his Texas Cardinals coaching staff along with David Giasco from San Antonio.

"He also has a deal with D1 out of Dallas and they are supposed to come and help us out," Hall said. "They will be joining up with his nonprofit organization so that is a better deal. We are focused on guys who have a lot of talent that get overlooked and came out of college and couldn't get on an NFL team. We want to focus on guys that just got out of college and still are young enough to get out there and try to play. We are looking for players who have outstanding grades in college and had a good upbringing."

Hall said participants at the combine will still following the guidelines laid out during the global pandemic with face coverings, gloves, hand sanitizer, temperature checks and filling out waivers prior to the event.

Hall said when it comes to the drills during the event, participants will take part in normal combine drills.

"We are going to be running the L-drill, the shuffle drill, 40-yard dash, bench press, a lot of agility test with the broad jump and vertical jump. This is for the athletic side and guys who want to make the team," Hall said. "We will have three combines with a region combine, a Texas Cardinals combine and then one more after that. The focus of the combine is to find talent and guys who want a second chance to play and looking for jobs inside the MFL."

Story continues

Hall said the Cardinals staff will be looking for local guys so they don't have to travel far to participate in games.

"We are hoping to have guys from East and North Texas to sign up for the combine. If they want to contact me, they can be on my watch list," Hall said. "I want this location for guys to pick from so I can give our guys a chance first. Until we can get a facility for them to stay during the course of the season, I want them to be able to travel home."

Media and Promotions

He said details on ticket sales are continuing to be worked out and they are also working on finding investors and sponsors.

"We are working on those details and we will sell suites," Hall said. "We are looking for investors and sponsors. We need sponsors to help with promotions and advertising. The sponsors will contact me at 903-203-2616 or by email at thirstonhall@gmail.com or deshun8309@gmail.com, which will probably be the best one to reach me at. With the investors, I have a document drawn up with plenty of perks for that and we have sponsor packages drawn up. We have that laid out for them on both sides."

The Texas Cardinals have also partnered with KCKL radio and the Blaze out of Tyler for coverage of the team.

"We will use KCKL on days that I pick and do shows and give away tickets on the radio station," Hall said. "The Blaze will be helping us with color commentary at the game, which is really nice. Our team photographer is going to be Mark Roberts out of Tyler. He does a lot with sports in Tyler and all of East Texas. We have a guy who is going to be streaming our games on a Youtube channel out of Houston. They will do the ones in the United States and that is good for us."

He said with the season getting closer to starting, he feels good with where things are headed right now.

"I think this is really taking off. I think considering the Arlington City Council reaching out has been big for us," Hall said. "I have had a lot of meetings with them and they would like to be at the combine. I will send them a special invitation and have special guests coming from other radio stations. I think TV stations are waiting to see how the season goes."

Mask mandate being lifted

Hall said with the recent announcement by Governor Greg Abbott lifting the mask mandate, his organization will be careful in how they deal with things.

"We are going to approach it with caution," Hall said. "I think we are going to make sure people still have face coverings and get checked at the stadium to see if they have any symptoms. We want them to practice safe distancing. We are going to have a percentage of seats that we will be selling tickets for during the games. They are working on a deal to where we can open it up, so we just want to make sure we are not liable. It is their choosing and there will be waivers for them to sign."

For more on the league, check out www.mflishere.com

NEW YORK, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating ProSight Global, Inc. ("PROS" or "the Company") (PROS) relating to its proposed acquisition by TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. and Further Global Capital Management. Under the terms of the agreement, PROS shareholders are expected to receive $12.85 in cash per share.

The investigation focuses on whether ProSight Global, Inc. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether the transaction is properly valued.

Click here for more information: http://monteverdelaw.com/case/prosight-global-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2019 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.



If you own common stock in ProSight Global, Inc. and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.



Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341



Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

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(TSXV: HAPB)

VANCOUVER, BC, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Hapbee Technologies, Inc. (TSXV: HAPB) ("Hapbee" or the "Company"), a wellness technology company utilizing groundbreaking magnetic field technology in its Hapbee wearable, is pleased to announce that it has granted stock options exercisable to purchase up to an aggregate of 40,000 shares of the Company and restricted stock units exercisable to purchase up to an aggregate of 100,000 shares of the Company, to certain consultants pursuant to the Company's stock option plan (the "Option Plan") and restricted stock unit plan ("RSU Plan"), as the case may be. The options are exercisable at the price of C$0.67 per share until March 5, 2029, subject to any earlier termination in accordance with the Option Plan; the restricted stock units are exercisable until March 5, 2024, subject to any earlier termination in accordance with the RSU Plan.

About Hapbee

Hapbee is a wearable magnetic field technology company that aims to help people choose how they feel. Powered by patented ultra-low Radio Frequency Energy (ulRFE) technology invented and licensed by EMulate Therapeutics, Inc., Hapbee delivers low-power electromagnetic signals designed to produce sensations such as Happy, Alert, Focus, Relax, Calm and Sleepy.

You can learn more about how Hapbee works at www.hapbee.com/science.

Forward-Looking Information Disclaimer

Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This news release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Statements (if any) about the size and growth rate of markets or sectors, Hapbee's business plans, e-commerce strategies or its upcoming development targets are all forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. 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, anticipated costs, and the ability to achieve its goals.

Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, failure to obtain regulatory approval, the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, changes in legislation and regulations, increase in operating costs, equipment failures, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, litigation, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants and fees charged by service providers. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, but are not limited to, those described in Hapbee's prospectus dated October 26, 2020, a copy of which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements.

This news release contains information obtained by the Company from third parties. The Company believes such information to be accurate but has not independently verified such information.

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 Hapbee Technologies Inc.
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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully deployed a new batch of 60 Starlink internet satellites into orbit on Thursday, March 4. Elon Musk's company completed the long-awaited task with a successful landing on a floating platform at sea.

The Falcon 9 rocket took off at 3:24 a.m. ET from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, just hours after its Starship concept rocket crashed after performing a high-altitude test flight in Texas.

The booster of the Falcon 9 rocket returned to Earth and landed eight and a half minutes later on SpaceX's drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You," which floats in the Atlantic Ocean a couple of hundred miles offshore.

"This will mark our 75th successful recovery of an orbital class rocket and the eighth recovery of this particular booster," SpaceX Dragon propulsion engineer Youmei Zhou announced during a livestream of the launch.

Deployment of 60 Starlink satellites confirmed pic.twitter.com/ta7iXyr7BK  SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 4, 2021

Although SpaceX depends heavily on its fleet of flight-proven rockets and prefers to recycle its Falcon 9 rocket stages for reuse, the company's primary goal is still to successfully carry a flight's payload to orbit.

How Many Overall SpaceX Starlink Satellites Deployed?

According to Space.com, Thursday's launch was the 109th overall for SpaceX's flagship satellites.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launched the 60 Starlink satellites just over an hour after the launch time.

NASASpacelight.com said the widely awaited launch has already been delayed three times this week, due to an automatic trigger and adverse weather conditions.

ALSO READ: SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launch: Mission Preparations, How to Watch, and What You Need to Know

This is the company's sixth mission of the year and the company's 20th Starlink mission overall.

According to Fox 35 Orlando, there are currently over 1,200 Starlink satellites in orbit. some of which are no longer operating, making it the world's biggest artificial satellite constellation.

Earlier this year, SpaceX used a preorder reservation scheme to give public members an existing or proposed coverage area access to the satellites.

There will be a lot of missions in the future, as SpaceX's initial Starlink constellation will have 1,440 satellites. However, the firm has applied for permission to build tens of thousands more homes.

SpaceX launched a total of 26 missions in 2020, with 25 of them taking off from Florida. The corporation plans to fire as many as 40 rockets this year from its California and Florida launch sites.

Is SpaceX Expanding Its Megaconstellation?

The corporation unveiled its huge constellation with a single aim in mind: to unite the whole world. SpaceX has planned a fleet of flat-paneled broadband satellites that would orbit above the Earth, providing internet access to people worldwide.

SpaceX has begun accepting preorders for its public launch. Users could register for the service on the website, pay a deposit, and then be alerted when coverage becomes available in their region.

Although the organization conducts a lengthy international and domestic beta-testing process, the rollout is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Musk said on February 22 that the constellation would have active coverage to the majority of the Earth by 2021, and full global coverage by 2022.

RELATED ARTICLE: SpaceX CEO Elon Musk Aims At Recycling Numbers Of Its Falcon 9 Rockets For Future Missions





Check out more news and information on SpaceX on Science Times.
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Victoria has recorded no new local coronavirus cases for the ninth day in a row, as GPs prepare to begin vaccinating Victorians against the virus in just over two weeks.

There are now five active cases remaining across the state - all from community transmission - with 11,024 tests completed across Saturday.

There were no new cases reported in hotel quarantine.

GPs have told The Age that the rollout in Victoria will begin from March 22, with clinics across the state to receive their vaccine allocations across four weeks.
A total of nearly 900 million people have been granted the health code launched by Chinas integrated national government service platform for recognition of health status during the country's prevention and control of the COVID-19, a report said.

Relevant mini-programs have been used for more than 40 billion person-times, indicated the recent report released by China Internet Network Information Center.

So far, most of the regions in China have realized mutual recognition of health codes, thanks to the support from the integrated national government service platform in aspects including information sharing.

People can now travel more easily among these regions, for they are allowed to pass checkpoints with either the health code granted via the integrated national government service platform that represents the health status of no sign of abnormity or a green health code granted by any of these regions.

At Hangzhoudong Railway Station, I showed security guards my health code on the national government service platform and they let me pass the checkpoint. The health code is like a digital identity card now, said a man surnamed Wu, who recently made a business trip from east Chinas Jiangsu province to Hangzhou, capital of east Chinas Zhejiang province.

Wu felt that his recent trip was much easier than the previous ones made since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, as his digital health code applied via the national government service platform was also recognized as effective in Hangzhou, which means that he could visit public places in the city without having to apply for a new health code from the local health authority.

In addition to facilitating travel and cross-provincial mobility of people, Chinas digital health code mechanism is playing a significant role in improving efficiency in various services launched for the benefit and convenience of people, such as medical treatment and civic services.

East Chinas Fujian province has implemented a program that integrates digital health code, medical insurance settlement code, and financial payment code. Relevant functions have been adopted by 14 hospitals administered by the Fujian Provincial Health Commission and have covered more than 36.8 million people.

In south Chinas Guangdong province, digital health code has helped 70.97 million residents enjoy convenient medical and health services. Each citizen has one health code, and with it the owner can enjoy services at any of the medical and health institutions in the province.

Hangzhou has integrated citizens health code, digital health card and digital social security card, and promoted connectivity and information sharing among relevant institutions and authorities. Such integration is expected to be expanded to more fields in the city such as public transportation, commerce and trade, as well as tourism.

With more efforts being made to promote the integration of various applications and programs, health code is going to play an increasingly important role in peoples lives, said Zhou Ping, director of the information technology research center of China Electronics Standardization Institute.

The application of health code not only concerns travel, but also services in areas such as online medical care and health care for the elderly, Zhou said, adding that in the future, health code will also be used in social security fields like insurance.
Vaccines may be rolling out across the world, but the return of normal international travel may still be a ways off. So Singapore has come up with an intermediary solution: a COVID-safe "bubble" hotel for business travelers.

Advertised as "the world's first bubble facility for non-quarantining business travelers," Connect@Changi offers business travelers a space to stay where they can bypass the city-state's mandatory 14-day quarantine, according to Business Insider. The only catch? They can't leave.

Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

However, the facility is designed to offer travelers everything they need for a "test-stay-work-meet" short stay: built inside a massive expo center originally designed for live concerts and conferences, Connect@Changi features 150 hotel rooms, gym pods and 40 COVID-safe meeting rooms.

The meeting rooms, designed for conducting in-person business with outside visitors, are separated down the middle with air-tight glass panels and separate ventilation systems. Those on opposite sides of the glass are able to communicate via a microphone system.

Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images

Travelers are required to take a COVID test before their flight, and once again when they arrive at Changi Airport in Singapore. They are then shuttled from the airport directly to Connect@Changi, where they check in and await test results via text message for about six to 12 hours.

Room rates per night starts at 384 Singapore dollars, or about $287, which includes meals delivered to a cubbyhole outside your door and COVID tests (the hotel has its own on-site COVID-19 testing center, where all guests are tested periodically throughout their visit).

Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images

"Without such a facility, travel options are essentially binary  either stay at home due to travel restrictions, or fly overseas and endure long periods in quarantine," Robin Hu, the head of one of the project's developers, said in a press release, according to Business Insider.

For more photos of the facility and information on the rooms, food and amenities, read the Business Insider story here.

By Eli Walsh

Bay City News Foundation

Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders celebrated the signing Friday of a $6.6 billion legislative package intended to support the statewide reopening of grades K-6 by the end of the month and grades 7-12 in early April.

The package includes $2 billion in grants to support safety measures for students and educators returning to in-person classes, including personal protection equipment, improvements to classroom ventilation and regular coronavirus testing.

The remaining $4.6 billion will fund voluntary learning expansions, including extending the school year into the summer, tutoring to make up for learning lost amid the pandemic and mental health services for students.

"We all recognize how stubborn and challenging this process has been over the last 60-plus days," Newsom said during a virtual signing ceremony for the legislative package.

The reopening plan comes after months of negotiation between officials in the Newsom administration, state legislators and teachers' unions over details like required vaccinations and a reopening timeline that all sides agree is safe.

While the package does not require the vaccination of educators before in-person classes resume, state officials have argued they've taken steps to ensure there are vaccine doses available to educators who want them.

On Monday, the state began reserving 10 percent of the weekly vaccine shipments sent to local health departments and multi-county health care entities for K-12 educators and child care workers.

Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, framed the legislative package as the first of several steps toward reopening schools and cited his children's experience with distance learning to underscore the need for schools to reopen.

"I have two children in San Francisco public schools and they've been Zooming since last March," he said. "I've seen the effects on them firsthand, whether it is their drop in their desire to learn, their withdrawal, their inability to connect with friends. We've seen the devastating effects."

Ting added that while the San Francisco Unified School District has yet to approve a reopening plan, he is still excited to offer resources from the legislative package to schools in need.

"We're going to go home to all our districts and beg all our (school) districts to open up, use this money and do everything possible," he said.

The deal stops short of mandating that all grades return to in-person classes across the state, instead using state funding as an incentive.

The deal requires in-person instruction at public schools to resume for K-2 students and all "high-needs" students in grades K-12 -- including English language learners, students in the foster care system and unhoused students -- by the end of the month.

Non-complying schools would lose 1 percent of their funding per day if they are not open by then.

Once a county is in the red tier of the state's pandemic reopening system, schools would risk the same penalty if they do not offer in-person instruction to all elementary grade students and students in at least one middle or high school grade level.

State officials noted on Friday that the state's legislative package is also not contingent on federal funding or the COVID-19 relief bill Congress is currently considering, allowing the state to avoid waiting on political machinations in Washington, D.C., to reopen schools.

"I feel very confident that the resources provided in this (legislation) in combination with those we anticipate from the federal government will provide us the sufficient funds for our classrooms to open safely," said state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley.

Schools in at least 35 of the state's 58 counties have already resumed in-person classes in some form, according to the state.

The state's school reopening website can be found at https://schools.covid19.ca.gov.

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.
Washington, March 06, 2021 (SPS) - NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday denounced the heavy and almost constant surveillance imposed by Moroccan security forces on Sahrawi activist Sultana Khaya for more than three months.



Without providing any justification, these forces prevented several people, including relatives of the activist, from visiting her, the Washington-based NGO indicated in a statement.



The surveillance of this activist, Sultana Khaya, and violations of her right to freely assemble with others at her home in Boujdour, Western Sahara, are emblematic of the Moroccan governments intolerance of calls for self-determination that thwart the kingdoms claim to the territory, HRW said.



It recalled that Khaya is known locally for her vehement opposition to Moroccos control over Western Sahara.



Moroccan authorities may have little taste for Sultana Khayas pro-independence views and her spirited way of displaying them, said Eric Goldstein, acting Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. Nonetheless, peaceful expression is her right, and there is no justification for barring entry to her home without legal grounds, Goldstein said, as quoted in the statement.



He added: The strong police surveillance of the house of Sultana Khaya illustrates it well: Morocco is determined to put under pressure, including psychologically, any opponent to the sovereignty it claims over Western Sahara.



The NGO indicated that the Sahrawi activist returned to the family home in Boujdour on November 19, 2020, after a trip to Spain. While she was away that evening, members of the Moroccan security forces raided her home. During the raid, they hit her 84-year-old mother on the head. Since that day, the security forces have not left the vicinity of her home.



On February 13, while filming the police from an open window, Khaya was hit in the face with a stone that she said a member of the security forces had thrown from the street. (SPS)



062/090/T
RTHK: UK newspaper told to publish royal case statement

British newspaper the Mail on Sunday must publish a front-page statement to say Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, had won a privacy case against it, according to a ruling handed down by a London High Court judge on Friday.

Last month, judge Mark Warby ruled the tabloid had clearly breached the royal's privacy and infringed her copyright by publishing parts of a five-page letter she wrote to her father, Thomas Markle, who she fell out with around the time of her 2018 wedding to Queen Elizabeth's grandson, Prince Harry.

As a consequence of that ruling, Warby has ordered that the newspaper must run a notice on its front page and a statement about the outcome of the case in its inside pages.

He also ruled that MailOnline must also publish the notice of Meghan's victory for a week.

"In my judgment these are measured incursions into the defendant's freedom to decide what it publishes and does not publish, that are justified in pursuit of the legitimate aim I have identified, and proportionate to that aim," Warby said.

"They will involve little if any additional expense, and certainly nothing approaching the scale of the expense that has been lavished on this litigation."

Last week, Warby awarded 450,000 pounds (US$630,000) as a provisional payment towards Meghan's legal costs, with her legal team seeking an overall amount of more than 1.5 million pounds

At that hearing, Warby refused the paper permission to appeal against his decision, but said it could approach the Court of Appeal directly, saying he saw "no real prospect" it would reach a different conclusion.

"We will be applying to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal, including in relation to aspects of the Judgment today," the Mail on Sunday said in statement following Friday's ruling.

Warby criticised the paper for failing to remove the offending articles from its website after his ruling.

"This cannot be accidental, or an oversight. In the absence of any explanation, I am tempted to infer that it is a form of defiance," he said.

Meghan and Harry have been headline news in Britain in the last week ahead of the broadcast of an interview they gave to chat show host Oprah Winfrey which is due to be broadcast on US television on Sunday. (Reuters)

This story has been published on: 2021-03-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Manitoba has flagged another case of the highly communicable South African COVID-19 variant, public health officials announced today.

The third case of the B 1.351 variant, first identified in South Africa, was detected in the Winnipeg health region, Dr. Jazz Atwal said.

That brings the total number of variants of concern in Manitoba to nine, with six of B.1.1.7 first identified in the U.K. and three of the South African B.1.351 variant. Manitoba's deputy chief provincial public health officer said the case is under investigation but there is no threat to the public and unless there is, officials won't release further information.

"They are travel-related, to the best of my knowledge," Atwal said. "We aren't going through the details of every single case... If there is a risk to the public, we will provide that (information) as well." He said all the individuals who have tested positive for the variants of concern have been identified and "are doing what public health is asking them."

There is no indication there has been any community transmission of the variants, he said.

Atwal reported one additional COVID-19 death Friday: a woman in her 90s linked to the outbreak at Golden Links Lodge in Winnipeg.

The current five-day COVID-19 test positivity rate is three per cent provincially and 2.4 per cent in Winnipeg. A total of 2,069 laboratory tests were performed Thursday.

Today, 54 new cases of the virus were announced, including two in the InterlakeEastern health region, 33 in the Northern health region, one in Prairie Mountain, four in Southern Health and 14 cases in the Winnipeg health region.

The province has 1,133 active cases and 171 hospitalizations. Fifty-five people were in hospital with active COVID-19; 116 people were in hospital with COVID-19, who are no longer infectious. Nine people remained in intensive care with active COVID-19 as well as 15 people with COVID-19 who are no longer infectious but continue to require critical care, for a total of 24 ICU patients;

Outbreaks have ended at Health Sciences Centre GA5 and St. Amant Health and Transition Services of Winnipeg, and at St. Pauls Personal Care Home in The Pas.

Atwal said communities in the Northern Health region, which has the highest number of new cases, are getting help to get them under control.

"Work is being done with all the communities to mitigate issues."

He said disadvantaged folks with crowded housing is a greater issue in the north. The hard-hit First Nations communities of Island Lake and Cross Lake are starting to see their COVID-19 case numbers improve.

"There's a whole team here to help reduce that risk and get it under control," said Atwal. "We should see these cases settle down." Meanwhile, Pukatawagan residents are in the early stages of an outbreak, he said.

Atwal offered words of encouragement, on a sunny warm day when Canada announced it had approved a fourth vaccine, and Manitoba eased some of its pandemic restrictions.

"It feels great," he said. "It's a promising moment. I think we're headed into a really good time here and Manitobans can get back to the things they love.. With the weather changing, it provides Manitobans with greater opportunities to do things outdoors."

They need to remain on guard, limit their interactions and get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as it is offered, Atwal said.

"When your name gets called for a vaccine, go get that vaccine... Remain resilient a little longer and I think Manitobans won't be disappointed."

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at an apartment in the Bluebell area of Inchicore, south Dublin (PA)

A woman and a man are in a serious condition in hospital following a shooting in south Dublin.

The incident happened at around 1pm on Saturday at an apartment in the Bluebell area of Inchicore.

The pair, both aged in their 30s, are being treated at St Jamess Hospital.

Garda forensic investigators are at the scene carrying out a technical examination.

A Garda spokesman said investigations are ongoing.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact them at Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666 9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

By Tomomi Tomita, KYODO NEWS - Mar 5, 2021 - 17:15 | All, Japan

In a book by an Okinawan women's civic group documenting sex crimes by U.S. soldiers in Japan, a 9-month-old infant girl is listed as the youngest rape victim.

Among a litany of cases the group began compiling after the rape of an Okinawan elementary schoolgirl by three U.S. soldiers in 1995, the 1949 crime by a U.S. serviceman who was an acquaintance of the baby's mother stands out as arguably the most heinous and unimaginable -- the baby reportedly died soon afterward.

But the acts of sexual violence by U.S. servicemen are likely to be even more extensive than research has so far uncovered, according to the group, called Okinawan Women Act Against Military Violence.

"We need to uncover how much pain has been caused to people because of the military stationed here," said Suzuyo Takazato, 80, co-chair of the group. It has published a chronology titled, "Postwar U.S. Military Crimes Against Women in Okinawa."

According to Harumi Miyagi, a researcher of Okinawan women's history working together with Takazato on the project, the baby, who was taken away by the U.S. serviceman, "clearly" had been sexually assaulted and died after she was returned to the mother.

Other cases include a teenage girl who suffered a mental breakdown after being raped by a U.S soldier in front of her father and older brother in the mid-1950s, a high school girl who was raped in a park by three U.S. servicemen on her way home from school in 1984 and a 20-year-old woman whose body was discovered after she had been raped and murdered by a U.S. civilian-military employee in 2016.

The booklet (also in English), which was six pages when it was first published in 1996, is now 26 pages long since the most recent publication in 2016 -- a poignant history of the suffering women have endured as a sacrifice for Japan's security in Okinawa, which bears the brunt of hosting U.S. military bases in the country.

According to government documents, newspaper articles, and testimonies compiled by the group, such atrocities have occurred since immediately after U.S. soldiers landed to fight in the Battle of Okinawa in April 1945 during World War II.

A public outcry was sparked over the September 1995 rape of a Japanese schoolgirl, leading to a massive protest to denounce the U.S. troops stationed in Okinawa, attended by more than 85,000 people in a park in Ginowan on Oct. 21, 1995. The ripple effects of outrage were felt across Japan.

The girl's case led to a review of the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement and a request to reorganize and reduce the number of bases, while the problem ignited a political firestorm between the two countries over the delay in handing over the suspects to Japanese authorities. But it was a call to action for Takazato.

"The perspective one can take on the bases can completely differ depending on who is looking at them and from what angle. Looking at the bases from the point of view of the sex crimes committed by U.S. soldiers clearly shows me one essence of the military," Takazato said around the time of the 1995 incident.

Takazato, who lives in the capital of Naha and previously worked as a women's counselor, said she was questioned in the wake of the girl's rape by the media inside and outside Japan about the number of sex crimes committed over the decades by U.S. soldiers but had no answers.

Although there have been arrests made since the southernmost prefecture of Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972, Takazato said that based on her experience as a women's counselor, she believes scores of cases have occurred without ever being prosecuted.

That is when she started to comb through newspaper articles and books, arranging the content of U.S. military rape cases she found in chronological order to make a booklet.

In February 1996, with the completed first edition of the booklet in hand, she visited the United States with Okinawan women to appeal to the American public and was met with astonishment and tears from some people who said they had "no idea" of the reality.

The group's members delved further into available documents, such as local government materials under the American occupation of Okinawa, official U.S. documents, and prefectural history to unearth clues about unresolved cases, eventually publishing a 12th edition, which depicts stark details of roughly 350 U.S military sex crimes.

An article published in Time magazine on Nov. 28, 1949, entitled, "Okinawa: Forgotten Island," which is cited in the booklet, called Okinawa during the U.S. occupation "a dumping ground for Army misfits and rejects..." The article adds: "In the six months ending last September, U.S. soldiers committed an appalling number of crimes -- 29 murders, 18 rape cases, 16 robberies, 33 assaults."

In current times, some critics have suggested that the incidence rate of sex crimes is much higher for citizens of the prefecture than for U.S. military personnel in Okinawa. Takazato, however, believes the real figure for U.S. servicemen is likely much higher than official figures suggest, partly because she believes women have been afraid to come forward.

As recently as February this year, a U.S. Marine Corps member was arrested in Okinawa for allegedly kissing a woman by force and pulling off her underwear, and, as the group continues to monitor sex crimes by U.S. servicemen, it is scheduled to publish a 13th edition of the booklet this year.

"With the continued stationing of soldiers who commit violence, women's human rights are repeatedly being violated. The military bases issue is a human rights issue," Takazato emphasized, calling for the withdrawal of U.S. soldiers from Okinawa.

Some young women who were raped and found out they were pregnant afterward had abortions, while others, unable to have an abortion, gave birth to children who were eventually put up for adoption.

After learning of the chronology, there was even a case of a woman who contacted the group to say she had been sexually assaulted by a U.S. serviceman while still an elementary school student. "I want you also to record my testimony," she was quoted as saying.

Takazato and her group have only uncovered the tip of the iceberg, she says, adding, "Countless women are living in pain, suffering, and fear who have not been able to tell anyone."

The group's mission is "shedding light on the existence of women who have been forced into silence and creating a society where they feel they can speak out," Takazato said.
President Joe Biden highlighted his $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bills $1,400 payments at a White House meeting Friday, while senators worked into Saturday to pass a bill after a 10-hour delay to resolve a dispute holding up passage.

Senate Republicans already had planned to delay a final vote on the bill as long as possible by offering dozens of amendments, but the Democrats were the ones who responsible for the first holdup as they sought to secure the support of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to extend unemployment insurance benefits.

Manchin finally agreed to support extending benefits of $300 a week through Sept. 6, down from $400 in the House-passed bill, and to forgive federal income taxes on up to $10,200 of unemployment insurance payments for those making less than $150,000.

We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with unexpected tax bill next year, Manchin said in a statement after the deal was reached.

Biden quickly jumped on board.

This agreement allows us to move forward on the urgently needed American Rescue Plan, with $1,400 relief checks, funding we need to finish the vaccine rollout, open our schools, help those suffering from the pandemic, and more, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

The compromise cleared the way for voting on the stimulus package to resume, with passage on track to likely pass later on Saturday.

The Democrats spent hours trying to craft an alternative acceptable to Manchin, lest he provide the deciding vote on an amendment by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, to reduce the $400 payments to $300 and cut them off in mid-July, while taxing all unemployment benefits.

While Manchin did cross party lines to support Portmans proposal, allowing to pass by 50-49, the Democratic compromise would supersede it.

Republicans have continued to insist that higher unemployment benefits encourage employees to stay home. But studies by the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Institute, economist Ernie Tedeschi and Yale University all found that people would rather return to their jobs, a conclusion also supported by Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

Before the stalemate began, the Senate rejected an amendment by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to restore the $15 federal minimum wage that Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough excised from the bill. The legislation is being considered under a procedure known as reconciliation, which allows passage by majority vote but limits what kind of provisions can be included in the legislation.

The amendment failed, 58-42.

11 hours and 50 minutes: Senate set a new record for its longest vote tonight,defeating Senator Sanders' efforts to include his $15 minimum wage amdt in $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill on a 42-58 vote. Vote was held open while negotiations continued on further amdts to the bill. pic.twitter.com/iESZ1xv6HV  Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) March 6, 2021

Although Senate Democrats tried to ensure they had the support of all 50 of their lawmakers, Biden pitched the stimulus checks to a paratransit worker, Navy veteran and health center volunteer, who joined him around a table at the White House.

Speaking to reporters at the beginning of the meeting, Biden said the money would make a big difference in terms of their lives.

Its going to provide immediate relief for millions of people that are going to be able to use it in a very constructive way and also grow the economy in the process, he said.

The legislation includes $1,400 payments to those making up to $75,000, eliminating them entirely for those making more than $80,000, and $2,800 payments to couples making up to $150,000, ending them for those making more than $160.000.

Those thresholds are less than the $100,000 and $200,000 cutoffs in the House-passed bill, and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a progressive research group, said the lower income limits would mean that thousands fewer Massachusetts residents would get stimulus checks.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Friday in his floor speech that even with the lower income limits, the vast majority of Americans will get the full $1,400 we have asked for, with the legislation providing direct checks to American workers and families struggling with the cost of groceries, medicine and the rent.

Also Friday, both supporters and opponents of the stimulus bill seized on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that 375,000 new jobs were created last month.

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky praised a jobs report that shattered expectations, nearly doubling the job growth experts had expected to see, as he argued on the Senate floor against the stimulus bill.

But Psaki said that the economy was still down 9.5 million jobs since the start of the pandemic a year ago.

This is a larger jobs hole than at any point in the Great Recession, Psaki said at her daily press briefing. At this months pace, it will take us more than two years to get to pre-pandemic employment levels, and will take even longer at the average pace over the last three months.

Studies by S&P Global and the Brookings Institution said spending $1.9 trillion would return the economy later this year to what it was before the pandemic. And Moodys Analytics said the plan would help create 7.5 million jobs this year and another 2.5 million next year.
By Panos Kotzathanasis | Published on 2021/03/05

Hong Sang-soo's style has been the perfect fit for European film festivals for decades now, and "INTRODUCTION" continues the "trend", in a black-and-white movie that deals, once more, with the mundanity of "regular" human relations.

"INTRODUCTION" screened at the Berlinale

Yeong-ho is summoned by his father, an acupuncturist who seems to believe in the power of praying to God. Upon his arrival, however, he finds him busy, treating a famous theatre actor, and has to wait, with the middle-aged secretary who knew his since he was much younger, keeping him company, before she indulges in a behaviour that could be described as flirting.

Yeong-ho's girlfriend has moved to Berlin to become a fashion designer, and through her mother, she has found lodging with a beautiful painter (played by Kim Min-hee) who in a style of humor that is one of the Hong's trademarks, she is repeatedly referred to as being old. Eventually, Young-ho surprises her and visits, even suggesting that he would try to move there also.

On the third segment of the film, Young-ho goes to lunch with his mother, who wants to talk to him about his acting career, and has brought with her a friend, who happens to be the actor Young-ho's father was treating, but also rather drunk. Young-ho has also brought a friend with him, whose relationship is somewhat mysterious, while the actor's drunkenness eventually makes things uncomfortable for everyone.

Finding out what Hong Sang-soo's films are about was always an almost futile task, and "INTRODUCTION" does not differ in that regard. The way parents want to shape their children and the way they react to this attitude seems to be a central topic, while the film also deals with how people change (or not) with age, the implications studies and in general the search for a profession can have for relationships, and as usually, how people get when they are drunk. This last aspect is among the most entertaining in the film, with Ki Joo-bong playing the old drunken fool with utter realism and gusto at the same time. The scene where the acupuncturist forgets about him and goes to pray and the pain the needles begin to cause is also funny, in ironic fashion.

The concept of what is acting, and the connection of love and cinema is also briefly touched upon, essentially connecting the various aspects of the narrative.

The rest of the film follows this episodic nature, which lingers between the ironic humor, the unrevealed nature of many relationships and the blurred timelines, although the fateful meeting in the beach puts things into perspective, at least time-line wise.

The approach Hong Sang-soo implements is also almost stage-like, even more so than usual, with the film focusing almost exclusively on the dialogues between the characters, while featuring almost no action. The cast, however, seems to thrive under this approach, with particularly Shin Suk-ho as Yeong-ho giving a great performance, highlighting both his cool and his sensitive side with equal artistry.

Hong Sang-soo handled both the cinematography and the editing of the movie (along with the music) with the result being a characteristic black and white spectacle, occasionally featuring his trademark sudden zoom-ins (although not so frequently here) and a leisure pace that seems to fit the narrative, although the sudden, and somewhat confusing, flash forwards are also present.

"INTRODUCTION" continues the legacy of Hong Sang-soo, in his usual style everyone seems to enjoy, particularly when the duration is measured.

Review by Panos Kotzathanasis

___________



"INTRODUCTION" is directed by Hong Sang-soo, and features Shin Suk-ho, Park Mi-so, Kim Young-ho, Ye Ji-won, Ki Joo-bong, Seo Young-hwa. Release date in Korea: 2021.
Criminal enterprises -- like their legitimate counterparts -- have suffered during the pandemic-induced economic crisis. But the Italian mafia has already laid the foundation for a massive payday.

Last year, when countries were seized by lockdowns, the mafia started infiltrating cash-starved companies in a bid to siphon money from the European Union's recovery fund and the 1.8 trillion euros ($2.2 trillion) that will, in part, start flowing to struggling firms later this year, according to Maurizio Vallone, Italy's top investigator on organized crime.

Criminal groups including the N'drangheta in the southern Calabria region and Cosa Nostra in Sicily have sought to gain footholds in lawful businesses that will be first in line to get EU aid, such as those in environmental and digital sectors, said Vallone of the Antimafia Investigative Directorate, which groups investigators from the main police forces.

"The mafia has been choosing the companies that are best-placed to take part in recovery fund tenders, especially in the health and infrastructure sectors where a great deal of money will be spent," Vallone told Bloomberg at his Rome office on Tuesday. "It will try to take everything. We have to make sure they don't get even one euro."

And Italy is a prime target for criminals since it's poised to be the largest recipient of EU grant money.

The new government of Prime Minister Mario Draghi is drafting a spending plan for its 209 billion-euro share of the EU funds as it struggles to shake off the worst recession since World War II. Italian firms are particularly vulnerable since a scheme for state-guaranteed bank loans has been too complex and limited to be effective, said Vallone.

As a result, companies that have shaky credit-worthiness have benefited little from state help, he said.

Mafia gangs have seized on the opportunity, with regional and national lockdowns, to reach out to small and medium-sized companies desperate for liquidity in an economy that contracted 8.9% last year.

Mafiosi typically seek to muscle in on a firm's share capital, fund struggling businesses through usury, or exploit them through a hidden partner, Vallone said. The number of suspicious financial operations reported by the Bank of Italy increased by 7% last year to 113,000. "That makes us strongly suspect that there is organized crime interest," he said.

The European Anti-Fraud Office, called OLAF, will screen spending plans by member states to ensure they meet control and anti-fraud requirements, and will in the future carry out investigations of its own, according to a spokeswoman. The organization will also team up with national authorities and partners including Europol.

Vallone wants tighter anti-mafia checks on public works. Under the current system, police forces assess the winner of a tender before a project begins. Under a proposal Vallone said he will send to the interior ministry later this month, anti-mafia investigators would automatically monitor money transfers as well as sub-contractors and suppliers for the duration of the project.

"The recovery fund is the priority, but this procedure should apply to all public works contracts," Vallone said.

Stricter rules are needed also because of pressure from Brussels. "The European Commission doesn't wait for the biblical time-spans of traditional public tenders, it wants to give the money and see the results within a reasonable period," said Vallone.

There may well be a downside to more anti-mafia checks however. Italy, plagued by red tape, already fails to spend much of the structural funds it receives from the EU. The country had used only 30.7% of allocated funds at the end of 2019, according to an EU report, compared to 66.2% for leader Finland, and an average for the bloc of 39.6%. More controls could risk stalling recovery money too.

In the Sicilian capital Palermo, many are facing a stark choice, according to Patrizia Di Dio, head of the local, 13,000-strong branch of the Confcommercio business lobby.

"When a businessman cannot any longer support even his own family, he'll find organized crime ready for him with its doors wide open," Di Dio said. "If the state wants to protect the legal economy, it should make loans more accessible, and it should suspend taxes. It's crazy and hypocritical not to help you, and to threaten you with taxes at the same time."
The Bauchi State government has commissioned a N6. 2 billion reconstruction and rehabilitation of the state government house, at a groundbreaking ceremony in Bauchi.

Speaking during the ceremony, which was carried out on the margins of the 4th North East Governors Foruming, the governor, Bala Mohammed, said that the project was part of his administrations vision to leave legacies and landmarks as a government and as a people.

Mr Mohammed explained that the project was conceptualised in order to give Bauchi a new impetus by giving them a befitting government house, similar to those in other states.

This is a legacy project that we are doing as a government and as a people so that we will leave landmarks and legacies behind for posterity.

This is not about Bala or about PDP or APC and that is why it is very auspicious that the person commissioning this project is a person of pedigree, our chairman of the North-East governors forum who is in APC.

This project was conceptualized in order to give Bauchi renewal a new impetus by giving them a befitting government house of the same level with other government houses in the country, he said.

The governor also said that he believed the project would gladden the hearts of those who voted for his administration, irrespective of party divide.

He said that it was glaring that his administration and those who voted for him were connected inexorably, by a common desire to make sure legacies and landmarks were left behind. He added that it would also impact positively on the lives of the people.

Mr Mohammed, who stated that the contract was awarded to a trusted Nigerian, whom he had worked with in the Federal Capital Territory, revealed that the government had received quotations from about five companies.

We have received quotations from about five companies, the least was thirteen billion naira (N13bn).

However, after due process, this project was scaled down to N6.2billion with phase one being the construction of the governors office.

We will completely demolish the current governors office and build a befitting one, Mr Mohammed said.

Speaking earlier, Ruben Okoya, the contractor of the project, who promised to deliver the job within the shortest possible time, said that the government house is the peoples house.

He appreciated the state government for awarding them the project, saying, a new dawn is here in Bauchi State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project also included the construction of the International Conference Centre, governors residence and residences of key staff.

Others are a clinic, mosque, new roads, drainages and power distribution systems, among others.

NAN also reports that the governors at the foundation laying ceremony included Babagana Zulum of Borno, Mohammed Yaya of Gombe and Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa.

Others included; Darius Ishaku of Taraba, represented by Haruna Manu, his deputy, as well as the deputy governor of Yobe State, Idi Gubana, who represented Mai Mala Buni.

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(Bloomberg) -- A cyberattack on JBS SA, the largest meat producer globally, has forced the shutdown of some of worlds largest slaughterhouses, and there are signs that the closures are spreading.JBSs five biggest beef plants in the U.S. -- which altogether handle 22,500 cattle a day -- have halted processing following a weekend attack on the companys computer networks, according to JBS posts on Facebook, labor unions and employees. Those outages alone have wiped out nearly a fifth of America
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Last week, Susan B. Anthony List and American Principles Project announced a $5 million Election Integrity Campaign led by former Department of Homeland Security official Ken Cuccinelli. Their stated aim is to restore confidence in election outcomes for social conservatives by opposing H.R. 1 and going on offense at the state level around election reforms. Days later, former President Trumps speech at CPAC in Orlando picked up on many of the same themes, and those polled at the political conference listed election integrity as their top issue.

With confidence in our democratic institutions at a dangerously low point, the first step toward restoring confidence in our elections is to tell people the truth. With Christian-led Jericho Marches calling for overturning the 2020 election, prominent pro-life Christian leaders speaking at the "Stop the Steal rally, and a Jesus Saves sign and Christian crosses and iconography held high by individuals storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, Christian leaders have a particular responsibility to tell the truth about the 2020 election: President Joe Biden won a free and fair election.

In Cuccinellis interview with RealClearPolitics, he chose instead to give a wink and a nod to the Big Lie, the false claim that Trump actually won the election:

[Conservative leaders] are clearly getting feedback from their members and their universe that is questioning, Why should we put this much effort into a system that cheats us? he said, adding, Im not saying it does or it doesnt, but that is the perception of many of them.

Cuccinelli is engaging in the same destructive wordplay that many GOP leaders have deployed since the 2020 election: pushing the Big Lie in a way that appeases the most dangerous elements of the conservative coalition while giving himself enough wiggle room to backtrack when challenged  or when such language leads to violence. The quickest and most effective way to restore confidence in our elections is for conservative leaders like Cuccinelli to abandon this rhetorical trick and tell the plain truth about the 2020 election.

Conservatives have raised some legitimate issues that merit consideration for future elections, for example, pushing for clearer standards around the limits of what secretaries of state can do during a crisis to make voting accessible. But these conversations are impossible as long as Republican leaders continue to use them to undermine the results of the 2020 election. They must be rooted in the truth, starting with the findings from Cuccinellis own DHS in the Trump administration: The 2020 election was the most secure election in American history. Not only was it the most secure, but it was also the most transparent, most observed, and most audited election ever, with multiple states conducting recounts and forensic audits that confirmed the results and found no widespread issues. More than 60 judges  including judges appointed by the former president  confirmed the same. On Jan. 4, over 2,000 religious leaders, including Barbara Williams-Skinner and World Vision founder Richard Stearns called on Congress to affirm the clear will of the voters, noting their acceptance of the results.

Any effort to increase confidence in our elections must start from a place of reassuring the American people of these indisputable facts.

Taking Cuccinellis campaign at its word that this effort is about voter integrity and election transparency, no productive outcome can come from feeding the Big Lie and rooting the effort in debunked conspiracy theories. Undermining confidence in the 2020 election and aligning against robust voting access is a disastrous position for social conservatives if they want to be viable in the future, particularly at a time when they are attempting to build a racially diverse, socially conservative, working-class Republican Party.

The campaigns initial statements indicate that they will oppose measures such as early voting and efforts to make voter registration easier. No political movement in the U.S. should rely upon restricting voting access to achieve its goals. Such a movement has no durable future in electoral politics. Our democratic republic can be frustrating, especially when many of our fellow Americans dont agree with us on issues as fundamental as the right to life. But the response to losing elections should be to regroup, win the argument, and win at the ballot box.

All of the freedoms we cherish, including our religious freedom, depend on a functioning democracy and free and fair elections. As some individuals say our democracy is so flawed as to be unworkable, the conservative response should be to defend our institutions, not undermine them; to tell the hard truths to preserve them, not easy obfuscations that appease a political base and the former president.

Trust in our democratic institutions has eroded to the point that nearly three in 10 Americans support political violence. Actual deadly violence broke out in the U.S. Capitol as a direct result of conspiracy theories about the 2020 election. To restore trust and make our country safer, we must unequivocally reject the faulty premise of widespread voter fraud rather than accommodate it. Then, we can work across party lines to enact broadly popular reforms that ensure voting access, further secure our election infrastructure, and increase confidence in our elections.
Eight year old Hannah Finnegan from the Dublin Road put her artistic talents to good use when she sold her artwork to family and friends at a drive-by craft fair on Saturday, raising 560 for Temple Street Children's Hospital.

Proud Mum Jennifer explains that Hannah came up with the idea for the venture herself.

'She was finding lockdown hard as she was fed-up with not being able to see her friends. She decided to have a craft fair and to paintings and cards to sell to family and friends in a socially different drive-by outside our house.'

Hannah, also came up with the idea of donating the money for Temple Street Children's Hospital.

The idea was a huge success and it helped Hannah pass the time as well as being a successful fund-raiser.

'Every day when she got the school work done, she would sit down and spent a couple of hours on her artwork.'

'We invited all our family and friends living within 5km to come to the drive-by craft fair on Saturday and it was great as she saw all her cousins and friends.'

Hannah also returned to St Peter's NS, Dromiskin, where she is a second class pupil, yesterday morning.

'She was absolutely delighted,' said Jennifer, a nurse with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service who had been sharing the home-schooling duties with her husband Garreth.
A body has been recovered in the search for a man who has been missing since a kayaking accident almost a week ago.

A body was recovered on Saturday afternoon during a search for Declan Reid (34) who went missing while out kayaking with his son.

The boy (8) was rescued from the water by a passerby when the kayak capsized on the river Barrow near Ardreigh Lock last Sunday.

Mr Reid had managed to keep the boy afloat and raise the alarm.

Gardai in Athy have recovered the body of a male, aged in his 30s, this afternoon following a search operation in the River Barrow, Co. Kildare which commenced on 28th February 2021, said a Garda spokesperson.

At approximately 4pm, Gardai from the Sub-Aqua Unit recovered the body from the water. The body of the male remains at the scene and the local coroner has been notified.

His body will be removed from the scene shortly, and taken to the mortuary in Naas for a post-mortem examination.

Mr Reid, who was due to become a father again, was out kayaking on the lock near his family home.

Expand Close Members of the Civil Defence search the River Barrow / Facebook

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When the kayak capsized, he managed to keep the boy afloat and a passerby jumped in and made it to the riverbank. But when he returned to save the father he could not be seen.

Speaking earlier this week, Scott McQuaid (23), from Athy in Co Kildare, told how he walking nearby when he heard the cries for help from the water. He had taken lifeguard training so was able to assist.

We were at the lock and I heard the young boy crying for help. I barely had time to get my shoes off and went into the river, and as I got towards the middle of the river he either kicked towards me or his dad pushed him to me, Im not sure, he said.

The river was fast and high, and the current seemed to be pulling everything into the middle and down towards Carlow. The boy and his dad got separated from the kayak, and I got the boy and started making it towards the riverbank, but the current kept pulling us back towards the middle.

At one stage I was shouting for help too. It took me around ten minutes to get the boy to the bank. He was calling for his dad, and he had taken on water, but I kept his head up and kept talking to him.

He went quiet for a few minutes and he was kicking in the water to help me get to the bank. When we got there we were too tired to get out. We had to stand in the water at the edge for a few minutes to recover, he added.

There were a few people on the riverbank, and the people in the house had called the emergency services, but we couldnt see the lads dad anywhere. His father had jumped in to try to get him but he had to swim back. The current was too much, said Scott, who had taken lifeguard training when he was younger.
A Derry councillor has written to the Mayor asking for the local council headquarters to be lit up this week to remember victims of terrorism.

Thursday, March 11, will be European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism.

This came about following the the 2004 Madrid bombing.

Each year this event has been remembered on this date for the victims of terrorist atrocities worldwide.

DUP Alderman Graham Warke, who is the Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, said he had been contacted by a local man who had lost both his legs in a bomb attack in Derry in 1988.

Alderman Warke said he believed that the council headquarters at Strand Road should be lit up red on Thursday to support the remembrance event.

Back in March 2016 l had the honour travelling to Brussels for this event along with victims from the Omagh bombing.

I met victims from 7/7 bombing in London, Paris attacks and also the Tunisia attacks. One year later members from the Omagh bombing and Tunisia attacks were hosted at event in the Guildhall.

He said he has written to the Mayor, Brian Tierney, asking for the council building to be lit up 'in honour of the innocent victims and survivors of terrorism'.
New Delhi: TV couple Mahhi Vij and Jay Bhanushali have hit back at trolls who accused them of ignoring their foster kids, Khushi Ray and Rajveer Ray after the birth of their biological daughter- Tara.

Taking to Instagram, the actress released a statement and clarified why her foster kids do not live with her and Jay. A lot of you have been questioning, a lot of you have been assuming, a lot of you have been writing anything and everything and its just NOT FAIR! Yes we are parents, FOSTER Parents! Tara entered our lives as a beautiful blessing but that doesnt change our feelings for Khushi and Rajveer, the statement released by the TV stars read.

When Khushi came into our lives, we became parents but a part of us knows that the decision and the first rights belong to her father and mother, they added.

She also revealed the reason behind her foster kids living in their hometown. So, today to all of you who may question why aren't you seeing them with us or feel that we have abandoned them, please don't! It pains us and it will hurt our children when they grow up. For us all our three children are equally loved but two of them though living in their hometown are still precious for us. Our video calls and frequent exchange of messages keep us close to them and that's a decision none of us have a right to interfere in."

These kids will keep coming and they have two homes for a lifetime, one in their hometown and one with us. All our festivals like Diwali and even Khushi's birthday are celebrated together. The love doesn't change and will always only grow! We hope that all your questions and assumptions are rested for once and all! Please bless our children, wish them well because that's all we want, positivity and Good Karma, the couple signed off.

Take a look at Mahhis post:

The Laagi Tujhse Lagan actress frequently shares posts with her kids and husband. She is often trolled by a section of people who accuse the duo of abandoning their foster kids.

The couple had adopted their house helps kids in 2017. Mahhi and Jay, who tied the knot in 2010, welcomed their biological child, Tara, on August 21, 2019.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-07 00:10:10|Editor: huaxia

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GABORONE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi is expected to pay a working visit to Malawi next Monday at the invitation of his Malawian counterpart Lazarus Chakwera.

During the working visit, the two Southern African presidents will exchange views on bilateral and regional issues of mutual interests, including potential areas of cooperation between Botswana and Malawi, said the Botswanan Ministry of International Affairs and Corporation in a press release issued Friday.

Masisi will use the opportunity to solicit support for Botswana's candidate Elias Magosi for the position of executive secretary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), according to the press release.

Over the years, the two SADC members have benefitted from a cooperation agenda that has facilitated collaboration in various areas such as education and training in defense and security, the release said.

Masisi and his entourage, which will include Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Lemogang Kwape, will return the same day. Enditem
The preview trailers are straight out of Hollywood: high profile stars, titillating language, dramatic pauses and a two-word tagline to lure viewers in.

On Sunday night, CBS will present chat show queen Oprah Winfrey talking to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in what's being billed as the 'scoop of the decade'. The two-hour special will air in the US first, before going out on ITV on Monday, March 8 at 9pm.

Already, interest in The Interview is huge, both here and across the pond. The teasing short clips released ahead of its broadcast have ensured that. Using cinematic music to build suspense around what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will reveal and Oprah telling viewers in advance that 'no subjects are off limits', the three trailers released so far - including Friday's latest - are certainly tantalising and concerning for the royal family, who will undoubtedly be watching it along with millions of viewers across the UK.

Before filming began, CBS announced that the programme would commence with a one-to-one interview with Meghan, before being joined by Harry.

In a statement released by CBS, it said that Meghan was expected to discuss topics ranging from 'stepping into life as a royal, marriage, motherhood (and) philanthropic work, to how she is handling life under intense public pressure'.

In the initial movie-like trailer, released early last week, Oprah asks Meghan 'were you silent or were you silenced?'. The presenter then uses the phrases 'almost unsurvivable' and 'sounds like there was a breaking point'.

The short clip ends with Oprah dramatically declaring 'wait, hold up!', creating even more suspense.

That same clip features Harry telling Oprah that his biggest concern was 'history repeating itself', referring to the death of his mother, Princess Diana, who was killed in a high-speed car crash in Paris in 1997 while fleeing paparazzi.

During the first trailer, Meghan isn't heard speaking at all, but in the follow-up, released after news broke that Buckingham Palace is to investigate claims that she bullied her staff, she opens up more.

Asked by Oprah how she feels about the Palace hearing her 'speak your truth', the Duchess replies: "I don't know how they could expect that after all of this time, we would still just be silent if there is an active role that The Firm is playing in perpetuating falsehoods about us."

In the third trailer, released on Friday afternoon, Meghan says it is 'liberating' to be able to 'speak for herself'.

She also tells how she struggled transitioning from an independent life to one within the 'construct' of the royal family, adding that she and Harry now have 'the ability to make our own choices'.

By referring to 'some pretty shocking things' in the first of the three trailers, Oprah is clearly enticing viewers to tune in to hear what these revelations could be. Through her own use of the phrase 'The Firm', it seems Meghan won't hold back when it comes to describing her time with the royal family.

But with the Duke claiming that their decision to move to the States followed an 'unbelievably tough' time for the couple, their united front looks set to be a constant theme in the show.

In one of the earlier clips, Harry tells Oprah he is grateful to have had Meghan's support throughout his exit from royal life, while also expressing admiration for what his mother had to endure under similar circumstances.

He told the chat show host: "I'm just really relieved and happy to be sitting here, talking to you, with my wife by my side, because I can't begin to imagine what it must have been like for her (Diana), going through this process by herself, all those years ago."

Of course, it's not the first time a member of the royal family has given a hugely publicised television interview. In 1995 Martin Bashir landed a massive scoop for the BBC when Princess Diana agreed to talk to him, just nine months before her divorce from Prince Charles.

The interview dropped bombshell after bombshell, including her reference to Camilla Parker Bowles as the 'third person' in her marriage to Prince Charles, her admission of infidelity with army captain James Hewitt, her struggles with bulimia, and her doubts over her then husband's suitability to be king.

The interview, which was the subject of an independent inquiry last year into how it was acquired, was watched at the time by 23 million people. While it rocked the monarchy, it won widespread support and sympathy for Diana. Only this week it was confirmed that Bashir would not face a criminal investigation over documents relating to the interview.

On the other hand, Prince Andrew's now infamous Newsnight interview in 2019, in which he spoke to journalist Emily Maitlis about the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, did him no favours.

The intention of the interview was to deny he'd had sex with a 17-year-old girl and that he'd been a friend of Epstein's, but the Duke of York didn't fare well and was mocked on social media for the bizarre claim that he didn't sweat and that he'd taken his daughter Beatrice to a party at Pizza Express on the day he was supposed to have been with the teenager.

While many viewers will reserve judgement about Harry and Meghan's tell-all interview until they've watched it, there is growing anger at the timing of the show. Harry's 99-year-old grandfather, Prince Philip, is recovering from heart surgery and has just been moved back to London's King Edward VII Hospital after a stay at St Bartholomew's.

Also, the pair has faced criticism about speaking out so publicly when they claim to value their privacy so much.

Belfast-based PR consultant Chris Love said he believed Harry and Meghan's decision to grant Oprah Winfrey the interview showed that they weren't "planning on fading into obscurity" as initially expected, following their break from the royal family. But he also said that while the teaser clips were dramatic, there was a good chance the full interview could be less explosive.

"Harry and Meghan are not stepping out of the limelight gracefully with this interview," he said.

"The couple have set out hoping to shape the narrative of their self-exile from the royal family, but with allegations of bullying staff, their attempt to control the media has backfired, even before the interview has aired.

"It is without doubt the most anticipated interview this decade, so it's no surprise the television station is maximising its marketing of the interview to its advantage.

"CBS is sensationalising the interview with several teaser clips which lead us to believe the interview will be explosive and place the Palace's communications team on tenterhooks. The teasers may be hype about nothing."

Chris said that with Harry still a member of the royal family, albeit no longer a working royal, he expected the couple to take aim at the tabloid press rather than the family itself.

And he said that as they continued along their new path of establishment-free life, they should be recognised for the work that they were carrying out.

"We should be there to support the young couple for their work in highlighting mental health, disability and climate change issues rather than continuously scrutinising and attacking their decisions, even when they do make mistakes," said Chris.
Pet ownership is a growing social phenomenon. These days, animals are increasingly seen as part of the family, with all the repercussions that go with that. This is a trend common to towns and cities in most developed countries, and Malaga province, including the Costa del Sol, is no exception. In fact, pet ownership has increased so much that there are now more domestic animals in homes in the area than there are children.

Figures from the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Malaga show that 428,779 dogs and 65,784 cats are registered (494,563 in total), which is practically one pet for every three people in Malaga province (1.6 million).

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Statistics (INE) shows a local population of 260,225 children under the age of 14. This means there are 234,338 more animals than children: almost double.

Rural areas have more pets

If we look at Malaga city on its own the difference is not as great, although pets do still outnumber children: 88,179 youngsters and 110,000 animals, which is 20 per cent more. The trend is similar in all large towns, but is more acute in rural areas, partly due to their lower birth rate and also because so many dogs are used for hunting and security.

see also Products and services for pets, a sector that is growing fast

Why has this happened? Luis Ayuso, professor of Sociology at Malaga University, says this is a very contemporary debate, and he points out that some political parties are now calling for pets to be regulated as family members, with all that that would entail from a legal and judicial aspect.

He points out the growing number of single-occupant homes, "where animals adapt very well as a tool for combating loneliness". This is why a high number of elderly people are now enjoying what he defines as "animal warmth".

Low birth rate

"We are heading towards more individualised societies. In 2050 Spain will be the country with the highest number of elderly people, after Japan. We have the lowest fertility rate in the world," he explains. He also warns of the great difficulties families are having in creating new generations, because more young people are preferring to have pets rather than children.

Combined with the ageing population, there appears to be a progressive evolution towards a "society of emotions", which Ayuso describes as the feelings people experience. "A dog is always delighted to see you, and that makes you feel happy," he says.

He says the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the evolution of this new society. "We have more tools than ever to relate to others these days, whether face to face or digital. We are highly connected, personally and digitally, but our feelings of loneliness are increasing, and that is a very interesting paradox," says Ayuso.

More pets are being given as gifts A study carried out by Fundacion Affinity has provided some clarity about the growing trend for pet ownership in modern Spanish society. Among its conclusions, it highlights that 21 per cent of the population are considering giving an animal as a gift to help their loved ones cope better with the coronavirus restrictions. Also, about 24 per cent of those surveyed said a member of their family had asked for a pet in recent months. With regard to the reasons people gave for having a pet, these included a companion for their children (35%); having more time available to look after an animal (31%); the need for support due to loneliness (22%) and the intention to get outdoors more and take exercise (17%).

More social awareness

Everything that has to do with pets, from food, hygiene and grooming to healthcare, is a growing business in this crisis. Juan Antonio de Luque, president of the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Malaga, says that in the past decade society has become more aware of animal health and wellbeing, especially for dogs and cats.

"Nowadays, people think of them as another member of the family, and that forces vets to be properly trained and have the latest technologies and knowledge for their treatment and care," he explains.

In the spring, a Law of Animal Wellbeing is expected to be approved in Spain, so this public concern is on the way to being reflected in national laws and municipal bylaws.

Malaga is the Andalusian province with the most vets and also one of the highest number in Spain, a major network which De Luque's believes covers people's pet care needs. There are also five veterinary hospitals in the province.

De Luque also points out that a veterinary career is still one of the most popular with students, and this is leading to more private veterinary clinics starting up. At the same time, more women are choosing this profession: at present 80 per cent of newly qualified vets are women.

People take more care of pets

The fact that a growing number of people are acquiring pets instead of having children also means that they look after their animals as if they were their offspring.

"These families think of their vets as pediatricians, for the whole of the animal's life. They are very loyal to them," he says. For that reason, he is among those calling for the IVA rate to be cut, because it has repercussions on animal health. "If they are considered part of the family, why should people be charged more for their care?" he asks.

Carmen Manzano, president of the 'Protectora' animal shelter in Malaga, strongly objects to the word 'pets'. She says they are members of the family. "What is important is not just loving animals but also respecting them, because if they are respected they will not be neglected," she says. She agrees that there is greater awareness nowadays, especially in cities. "It is much easier, more comfortable and cheaper to have a dog than a child, and they cause you fewer headaches," she says.

This explains why a growing number of young couples are reluctant to become parents, but are not afraid to adopt a dog or cat, because those don't interfere with their comfort and, if their life changes, many still think they can abandon the pet and nothing will happen. "The responsibility people feel for a child is not always extended to animals," she says.

Animals want to be animals

On the other hand, Manzano is critical of the trend in treating pets like human beings. "Animals want to be animals. They shouldn't be dressed up or have their fur dyed. They are part of the family, but that doesn't mean they want to be treated like humans," she says.

She agrees that many people who adopt an animal do so because they are lonely. Most are looking for a small dog, because they live in small apartments and small breeds are easier to handle.

In terms of adoptions, the past year has been marked by the pandemic, because during lockdown they restricted adoptions due to fears that the animals would be abandoned afterwards. The number of pets adopted by people in other countries, on the other hand, has continued to increase.

"Dehumanisation"

"We humanise animals and dehumanise people; as bullfighter Paco Camino said, it is sad to see dogs in houses and grandparents in old people's homes". These are strong words from Jose Maria Mancheno, the president of the Andalusian Hunting Federation, who is critical of animal baptisms, birthdays and weddings.

"Many who attack hunting are people who treat their animals like members of the family. We suffer these attacks on a daily basis and they are hurtful," he says.

Mancheno points out that "our dogs are much happier running in the countryside than curled up under a table," he insists.
Putting people safely into orbit is no small feat, especially without the seemingly limitless R&D budgets afforded to national space programs. However that has done little to dissuade a new generation of the private spaceflight companies from looking to the heavens above and thinking, "yeah, I can get up there, no sweat." In Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days that Launched SpaceX, senior Ars Technica space editor, Eric Berger chronicles the company's tumultuous 20-year effort to field reliable and reusable rocket technologies, culminating in a heady decade-long run at the forefront of private spaceflight.

HarperCollins

From the book LIFTOFF: ELON MUSK AND THE DESPERATE EARLY DAYS THAT LAUNCHED SPACEX by Eric Berger. Copyright  2021 by Eric Berger. Published on 3/2/2021 by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Reprinted by permission.

In the spring of 2016, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos invited a handful of reporters into his rocket factory in Kent, Washington. No media had been allowed inside before, but Bezoss secretive, fifteen-year-old space company named Blue Origin was finally beginning to reveal the full scope of its plans. Like Musk, Bezos had identified low-cost access to space as the key hurdle standing between humans and moving out into the Solar System. He, too, had begun building reusable rockets.

Over the course of three hours, Bezos led a tour through his glossy factory, at turns showing off Blue Origins tourist spacecraft, large rocket engines, and large 3D printers. He also shared his basic philosophy of Gradatim ferociter, Latin for Step-by-step, ferociously. Rocket development begins with the engine, explained Bezos, who was then working on his fourth-generation engine, known as the BE-4. Its the long lead item, he said, casually strolling through the factory, wearing a blue-and-white-checkered shirt and designer jeans. When you look at building a vehicle, the engine development is the pacing item. It takes six or seven years. If youre an optimist you think you can do it in four years, but it still takes you at least six.

In the fall of 2019, as we talked on board his private Gulfstream jet, I related this story to Musk. It was a Saturday afternoon, and we were flying from Los Angeles to Brownsville, Texas. This interview had originally been scheduled for early evening the day before, at SpaceXs factory in Hawthorne, California. An hour past the scheduled time on Friday, his apologetic assistant texted that a crisis had come up. Musk felt terrible, she said, but we would have to do the interview at a later date. I returned to my hotel, preparing to fly back to Houston, when the assistant called back that evening. Musk had decided to visit the companys Starship build site in South Texas that weekend and wanted to know if I cared to tag along. We could do the interview during the flight.

Three of Musks sons joined their dad for the trip, along with their dog Marvin (as in Marvin the Martian). A well groomed and mannered Havanese, he adored his master. With Marvin at Musks feet, we had gathered around a table at the back of the plane, for the interview. Clad in a black Nuke Mars T-shirt and black jeans, Musk wanted the boys to hear Dads stories about the old days.

Musk laughed when told about Jeff Bezoss timeline for engine development. Bezos is not great at engineering, to be frank, he said. So the thing is, my ability to tell if someone is a good engineer or not is very good. And then I am very good at optimizing the engineering efficiency of a team. Im generally super-good at engineering, personally. Most of the design decisions are mine, good or bad. Boastful? Maybe.

But SpaceX built and tested its first rocket engine in less than three years with Musk leading the way. Musk and Bezos, at least, would agree on this much: the process of building a rocket begins with the engine. After all, engine is the root word of engineer. In principle, a rockets propulsion system is simple: An oxidizer and a fuel flow from their respective tanks into an injector, which mixes them as they enter the combustion chamber. Inside this chamber, the fuels ignite and burn, producing a superhot exhaust gas.

The engines nozzle channels the flow of this exhaust in the opposite direction a rocket is meant to go. Newtons Third Law of Motion  for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction  does the rest.

Alas, the reality of building a machine to manage the flow of these fuels, control their combustion, and channel an explosion to lift something toward the heavens is staggeringly complex. And thats not to mention fuel efficiency. A rocket engines thrust depends on the amount of fuel burning, its exit velocity, and pressure. The greater each of these variables are, the more thrust an engine produces, and the heavier payload it can power into orbit. Conversely, if it takes too much fuel to produce a large enough thrust, or the engine is too heavy, a rocket will never leave the ground.

Musk recognized early on that when it came to propulsion, [founding member of SpaceX and American aerospace engineer Tom] Mueller was not a good engineerhe was a great one. For the Falcon 1 rocket Musk wanted a lightweight, efficient engine that produced about seventy thousand pounds of thrust. This, he reasoned, should be enough to get a small satellite into orbit. Mueller had helped design and build several engines at TRW, some more powerful than this, and some less so. The Merlin engine would draw upon some of these concepts and ideas, but Mueller said he and Musk began with a clean sheet design.

Few of Muellers friends in the industry believed building a brand-new, liquid-fueled rocket engine without government backing was possible. All these guys told me a private company cant build a booster engine, that takes the government, Mueller said. SpaceX did not invent the Merlin engine out of whole cloth. As with almost all rocket engines, the Merlin drew on previous work. For example, although Mueller had developed a lot of different engines, he lacked experience with turbopumps. Rockets use a staggering amount of fuel, and a turbopump is the machine that feeds propellant into a rocket engine as fast as possible. Inside the Falcon 1 rocket, liquid oxygen and kerosene fuels would flow from their tanks into a rapidly spinning pump, which would spit out this propellant at high pressure, delivering fuel into the combustion chamber primed to produce the maximum amount of thrust. One of the first issues Mueller had to address was how to build a turbopump.

In the late 1990s, NASA had developed a rocket engine nearly as powerful as the proposed Merlin engine called Fastrac. There were other similarities. Fastrac used the same mix of fuels, liquid oxygen and kerosene, a similar injector, and had the potential for reuse. Despite a series of successful test firings, NASA canceled the program in 2001. Given these commonalities, Mueller thought SpaceX might be able to use the turbopumps NASA built for the Fastrac engine. He and Musk visited NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama shortly after Fastracs demise in 2002, and asked if they could have them. Yes, they were told, but SpaceX would have to go through NASAs procurement program, which could take a year or two. This was too slow for SpaceX, so Musk and Mueller moved on to Barber-Nichols, the contractor that had built the turbopumps.

Barber-Nichols, it turned out, had had a devil of a time building the Fastrac turbopump. To work with the larger Merlin engine, Barber-Nichols would need to do a lot of redesign work. They went back and forth with the SpaceX engineers. During one visit to the Colorado-based company, a designer there happened to suggest a name for the engine to Mueller. Musk had chosen the Falcon name for the rocket, but said Mueller could name the engine, stipulating only that it shouldnt be something like FR-15. It should have a real name. One Barber-Nichols employee, who was also a falconer, said Mueller should name the engine after a falcon. Then, she began listing various species of the bird. Mueller chose the merlin, a medium-sized Falcon, for the first-stage engine. He named the second-stage engine after the smallest of falcons, the kestrel.

When Barber-Nichols finally delivered the redesigned turbopump to SpaceX in 2003, it still had major problems. This forced Mueller and his small team to begin a crash course in turbopump technology. The bad news is that we had to change everything, Mueller said. The good news is that I learned everything that can go wrong with turbopumps, and really how to fix them. Because the pressurization of rocket fuel allows an engine to squeeze out a maximum amount of thrust, good turbopumps are essential. This would become one secret to SpaceXs eventual dominance of the global launch market. Mueller said the original pump from Barber-Nichols weighed 150 pounds, with an output of about 3,000 horsepower. Over the next fifteen years, SpaceX engineers continued to iterate, changing the design and upgrading its parts.

The turbopump in the modern-day Falcon 9 rockets Merlin engine still weighs 150 pounds, but produces 12,000 horsepower.
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Pennsylvania Teen Awarded Over $1 Million in Scholarships, Gets Accepted Into 18 Colleges

Many teens apply for college scholarships, hoping to ease the cost of tuition after high school. When one young woman in Philadelphia applied for financial support, she never imagined that shed be awarded over $1 million for her education.

Shanya Robinson-Owens applied to more than 20 colleges and was accepted into a total of 18 schools. The 17-year-olds determination won her the scholarship yield of a lifetime.

I was pretty excited, the teen told Good Morning America. I wasnt really expecting it.

Shanyas aunt, Christine Owens, says her niece always got good grades, but the $1,074,260 in scholarship money was a shock.

We are overjoyed, Christine said. I knew she wouldnt have a problem getting into colleges, but we didnt know they would award her this much money in scholarship funds.

The George Washington Carver High School student, who says she currently has a GPA of 3.2, was surprised, as well.

I was really shocked, she said in a video interview posted by ABC on Feb. 24. I didnt know what to do. I didnt know if I could cry, laugh, I didnt know what to do.

Good Morning America reports that among the schools she was accepted into are Lincoln University in Missouri, and Pennsylvania schools Cabrini University, La Salle University, and Moravian College.

Shes interested in subjects such as chemistry, journalism, and Chinese language.

For fellow students hoping to succeed, Shanya says to take your time, be kind to yourself, and trust yourself. She pointed out that things arent easy for students in our current pandemic world.

You really have to be patient, she said. Stay focused. If you need to have some time away, its OK. You can tell your teachers because they know youre stressed.

Christine says Shanyas family is extremely proud of her.

My mother has helped raise Shanya since she was a baby, Christine said. Weve just been working as a team making sure Shanya keeps God first in anything she does and she is succeeding.

The principal at George Washington Carver, Ted Domers, added that Shanya has earned herself a reputation at her school.

[S]hes involved in a number of extracurricular activities that show the breadth of her skills, from robotics to journalism, he said. It is a privilege for us to count Shanya as one of our own and we are excited to see her create opportunities for her future.

Shanyas aunt told ABC that they arent surprised by the number of schools she was accepted into.

Were just surprised by the amount of financial award letters shes been receiving, she said. Ive just been keeping track of all of the acceptances and prizes shes been given and its just adding up day by day.

The teen plans to major in psychology.

Shanya will graduate this June. She still hasnt decided which college shell attend, but one things certain: she has her pick of the field.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  After almost a week of rollout, the Department of Health said it has observed an increase in the number of health workers willing to receive Chinas Sinovac vaccine.

I think that the perception of the people and the trust of the people dito sa mga bakuna, specific sa Sinovac, ay nagbago kasi nga nakikita natin ang per day na accomplishment ng bawat ospital, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said during a briefing.

[Translation: I think that the perception of the people and the trust of the people on the vaccines, specifically on Sinovac, changed since we see the per day accomplishments of each hospital.]

She noted that a total of 13,639 health workers have been already vaccinated as of March 5, an improvement from only 700 on the first day of the programs implementation.

Vergeire said this is expected to increase since health workers are now given another option with the availability of AstraZeneca vaccines.

Some 600,000 doses of Sinovacs CoronaVac arrived early this week, which was followed by 487,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVAX facility on Thursday. The remaining 38,400 doses also from the said facility are expected on Sunday.

Concerns were earlier raised regarding the use of Sinovac vaccines to health workers, given its low efficacy rate at 50.4%, especially for those exposed to COVID-19 patients. However, after further evaluation, health experts said it would be best to use the first vaccine available to these workers to give them the protection they need.

Meanwhile, Vergeire assured that nothing is uncontrollable at this point amid increasing COVID-19 cases in specific areas.

Ang sinasabi namin (What we are saying is) there is marked increase of cases. We are not going to say that it is a wave, it is a surge, she said, adding that vaccination will continue despite the detection of more cases of the United Kingdom and South Africa variants since there is still insufficient evidence that state these affect vaccine efficacy.

Strict quarantine restrictions may also be implemented, if needed, but this may be prevented by following health protocols, the health official said.

Vergeire said they will meet with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Metro Manila mayors, hospital chiefs, and regional directors to discuss remedies to the situation.

Vanessa Hudgens looked like a ray of sunshine as she enjoyed the warm Los Angeles weather.

The 32-year-old Spring Breakers star donned a casual, 1990s inspired getup for a visit to a senior care facility with her mother on Wednesday.

She wore a black crop top for the outing to show off her abs and a pair of baggy yellow, black and white plaid pants.

Ray of sunshine: Vanessa Hudgens donned a casual, 1990's inspired getup for a visit to a senior care facility with her mother on Wednesday

Vanessa also sported a matching yellow bucket hat and black leather combat boots for the trip.

She kept her hair brunette locks tied up into long pigtails before eventually letting her curls hang free in the Southern California breeze.

The actress rocked a black face covering to protect from contracting COVID-19.

Never one to leave home without an accessory, Vanessa wore a black crystal and gold medallion around her neck as well as an array of gold bangles on her left wrist.

The 32-year-old Spring Breakers star wore a black crop top for the outing to show off her abs and paired it with baggy yellow, black and white plaid pants

Vanessa showed off the same outfit later in the day on Instagram.

She posed without a mask in one post while playfully sticking her tongue out.

'Not so mellow but still yellow,' she wrote.

Her longtime friend GG Magree, whom she called 'My wiiiifeee,' complemented her look with a green plaid skirt and pink hair in another post.

They pressed their hands against each other while sticking their tongues out again in a third photo with their friend Vince Rossi, which Vanessa captioned: 'Self timer for the win.'

Mellow yellow: Vanessa showed off the same outfit later in the day on Instagram. Not so mellow but still yellow,' she wrote

Best buds: Her longtime friend GG Magree, whom she called 'My wiiiifeee,' complemented her look with a green plaid skirt and pink hair in another post

Perfect timing: They pressed their hands against each other while sticking their tongues out again in a third photo with their friend Vince Rossi. 'Self timer for the win,' Vanessa wrote

The sunny outing came shortly after she reunited with her High School Musical co-star Ashley Tisdale for the first time in nine months.

The BFF's posed for an adorable photo on Tisdale's Instagram as the 35-year-old pregnant actress prepares to give birth to a baby girl.

Vanessa sweetly hugged her friend's growing baby bump in the snap, clad in the same outfit as her walk earlier in the day.

'It's taken 9 months but safely we got a picture before my girl left again. Love you,' Tisdale gushed of her best friend.

Reunited: The sunny outing came shortly after she reunited with her pregnant High School Musical co-star Ashley Tisdale for the first time in nine months

Safety: Vanessa also sported a matching yellow bucket hat and black leather combat boots for the trip, staying safe with a black face mask to keep from contracting COVID-19

Hudgens recently returned to Los Angeles after she wrapped filming the third Princess Switch adventure in Scotland.

The star celebrated the end of shooting with a festive black and white Instagram shot on Wednesday, seen sticking her tongue out while crouching down and flashing a shaka sign as she thanked the film's crew for working under the tough conditions imposed by the global pandemic.

'Man everyone worked their a**es off. AND stayed safe. BIG thanks to @netflix for taking the extra precautions to keep us on track and bring that new new to your screens,' she captioned the photo.

Back home: Hudgens recently returned to Los Angeles after she wrapped filming the third Princess Switch adventure in Scotland

Movie star: Hudgens starred as multiple characters in the first two entries in the hit holiday Netflix film series, the first of which was released in 2018

Hudgens starred as multiple characters in the previous two entries in the hit holiday Netflix film series, the first of which was released in 2018.

She also took to Instagram earlier in the week to celebrate being back with her dog Darla, kissing the side of her pup's face while holding her up to her chest in the snap.

'REUNITED AND WOOOW IT FEELS SO GOOOOOD,' she captioned the image to express her excitement about being able to spend time with her pet again.
New guidelines approved by judges will see awards for minor whiplash injuries cut by more than half.



There will also be significant cuts to a range of other injuries in what amounts to a seismic shake-up of the personal injury claims landscape.



At a virtual meeting of the Judicial Council judges voted by a margin of 83 to 63 to adopt the guidelines.



Despite the level of cuts approved, insurance costs campaigners said the guidelines did not go far enough.



The Alliance for Insurance Reform, which had sought an 80pc decrease in the size of minor whiplash awards, said it was dismayed and called on the Government to intervene and legislate to cap damages.



Minor whiplash is seen as the most significant injury in the insurance costs debate.

The Book of Quantum, which the new guidelines will replace, currently allows awards of up to 19,400 for whiplash injuries where a full recovery is expected.



In practice lawyers say minor whiplash injuries currently attract awards of between 8,000 and 12,000 where a substantial recovery occurs between six months and a year, and between 15,000 and 18,000 where the claimant substantially recovers within one to two years.



Under the guidelines, awards will drop to between 3,000 and 6,000 for so-called one-year whiplash and to between 6,000 and 12,000 where recovery takes place within two years.

Cuts of between 40 and 60pc were made to a range of other injuries.



One of the most severe cuts saw awards for minor nose fractures cut from between 18,000 and 22,100 to between 500 and 3,000.



The most minor of leg, knee, ankle, Achilles tendon, foot, toe and facial scarring injuries could also attract awards as low as 500.



While minor and middling jury awards are being cut, general damages awards for the most devastating and catastrophic injuries are set to be increased from 500,000 to 550,000.



The guidelines were drawn up by a committee chaired by High Court President Mary Irvine.

Although endorsed by the board of the Judicial Council, they faced opposition from certain quarters of the judiciary, with some believing the cuts to be too severe.



In a document published today, Ms Justice Irvines committee said that aside from reducing damages for lower and middling injuries, it also hoped the improved guidance would provide greater certainty as to what can be recovered for a particular injury, lead to more cases settling early and reduce legal costs.



The committee compared Irish awards with those in Northern Ireland and England and Wales. In contrast to the Personal Injuries Commissions finding that damages for soft tissue injuries were approximately 4.4 times those in the UK, research commissioned by the judicial committee found Irish awards were 1.2 to 1.3 times higher than in Northern Ireland and twice to 2.3 times higher than in England and Wales.



In a note on its website, the Judicial Council said that if there is a correlation between award levels and insurance premiums, the impact of the guidelines on insurance premiums would depend upon whether insurance companies pass on saving to consumers.



Personal injuries solicitor and former Law Society president Stuart Gilhooly described the award cuts as savage.



But he expressed doubts that insurers would cut premiums significantly as a result.



They can either decide to provide severe cuts in premiums, which they should do, or more likely they will provide minor ones and find an excuse not to do so, he said.

Insurance Ireland said the guidelines were a step in the right direction but did not represent the comprehensive reform it was seeking.

It said that while it believes the guidelines will help to reduce premiums over time, these reductions could have been much greater had the proposals been more radical, particularly on the issue of soft tissue injuries.
The story presented by this woman claiming racism has been shown to be inaccurate. Three employees have had their lives turned upside down by her false accusations. It seems that today no one is safe from accusations of racism. Careers are being ruined. It once again makes clear the destructive capability of social media.

Smith is a far different place from when I was there, in large part because of the very real efforts to have a diverse student body. This article undermines all that Smith has sought to achieve. If I were a Black student, I might think twice about applying, and if I were a white student or employee, I would not want to be in an atmosphere where Im walking on eggs for fear of being targeted as racist.

Smith has been a unique and rewarding experience for the women who have been there. This fact is lost in your article.

Susan Steiger

New York

To the Editor:

I found myself feeling sympathetic toward almost all of the people in the unhappy tale of an emotionally charged incident at Smith College. The young woman at the center of it was apparently so anxious about possible stereotyping that she interpreted everything about the situation as a potential threat, such as assuming that the unarmed security officer had lethal weapons.

The janitor who reported the presence of a possible intruder in a closed building was just doing what he had been instructed to do in calling security to check on the situation. And the security officer who responded was also just doing what he was supposed to, yet both were subsequently attacked as racists.

The president of the college, while seeking to not offend anyone, wound up offending people on many sides.

The only people I dont feel sympathetic toward were those not directly involved who casually lobbed accusations of racism around, without considering possible consequences.
Seventeen people from the North Texas area accused of being involved in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol have been arrested, and more people are expected to be taken into custody in the coming days, an FBI official said Friday.

That total is one of the highest among FBI offices in the nation.

It is troubling to me and concerning to watch images of the global symbol of democracy, the United States Capitol, overrun by extremists carrying racist and hateful symbols, and in some instances malicious intent, said Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno of FBIs Dallas office on Friday during a meeting with news agencies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

More than 300 people from across the country have been arrested by the FBI and accused of the violent intrusion.

On Jan. 6, a joint session of Congress convened to certify the vote count of the Electoral College declaring President-elect Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Trump supporters claimed at the time that then President Donald Trumps loss in the presidential election in November was fraudulent, a position that is not supported by evidence.

At about 2 p.m. on that day, Trump supporters forced their way through and over barricades and officers of the U.S. Capitol to get inside of the building, according to the affidavits filed against some of those arrested.

Local, state and federal authorities have received more than 200,000 tips as to the identity of the suspects in the Capitol.

My office is working very hard to identify and hold accountable anyone who we can identify that came from this area or who is in this area who participated in that attack, DeSarno said. We will continue to dedicate all necessary resources.

DeSarno said domestic terrorists are presenting authorities a challenge because of the volume of people involved.

The FBI official said they have diverted resources in the FBI-Dallas office to focus on domestic terrorists.

Many of those arrested are not fringe types. They are the mainstream of society, DeSarno said. They were radicalized to a point where they mobilized and committed federal crimes.

As of Friday, DeSarno noted the government and media remain the targets for those people inspired to commit violence.

At the same time, the FBI official said authorities must continue to investigate international terrorist attacks in this country, pointing out two attacks on military bases in the past year.

Two farmers were killed in Isaba Ekiti, in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Friday by suspected herders.

This is coming as two herdsmen were sent to prison in Ondo State for killing another farmer.

The Ekiti victims were killed by armed men after an encounter with herders at the farm on Friday evening.

It was gathered that one of the victims was a man popularly called Jisoro in the town, while the other one served as a security guard at a construction company.

The suspects were said to have fled the scene of the incident after killing the victims.

Police account

Speaking further on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, said the crisis between the farmers and herders led to the death of the two persons.

Mr Abutu stated it was a confrontation between the farmers and people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen called Bororo, who were alleged to have been terrorising the Ipao-Oke Ako-Irele axis of the council area.

He added that the corpses of the two persons had been recovered and deposited in the morgue at Ikole General Hospital.

There was a crisis between some farmers and Bororo herders, the police spokesman said. In the process, there were casualties.

The police were contacted and operatives have been deployed to that axis to maintain peace.

Meanwhile investigation has already commenced to unravel the reason for the crisis and to ensure that culprits are brought to book.

Amotekuns account

The Commander of Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Joe Komolafe, also said the victims were declared missing on Friday, having gone to the farm and failed to return home.

According to him, the development fueled speculations that something terrible must have happened to them.

Mr Akomolafe, a retired brigadier general, said the incident was reported to the police and Amotekun, who assembled their operatives and went to their farm where the victims were found dead.

Upon inquiry, we learnt that the victims fought with the Bororo herders for coming to harvest bees honey in their farms on Wednesday, which degenerated to an exchange of fisticuffs, the Amotekun boss said.

In a reprisal attack, the Bororo herders were said to have come back to the farm again on Friday and shot the two men dead.

Herdsmen remanded

Meanwhile, the two herdsmen, remanded in Akure, are Babuga Mallam, 28, and Manu Abubakar, 18.

They were alleged to have killed a farmer identified as Adebayo Festus, who was aged 51.

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The two accused persons reportedly committed the offence at about 2 p.m. on February 5 at Ajowa Akoko farmland.

The police prosecutor, Mary Adebayo, an inspector, said the offence committed contravened sections 324 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 37, Vol. 1 Laws of the Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

She urged the court to remand the accused persons pending the outcome of the legal advice of the Director of Public Prosecution.

The magistrate, N. Aduroja, ruled that the suspects be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the outcome of DPP advice.

The case was adjourned to April 4, 2021, for mention.

Presiding Magistrate, N. Aduroja, ruled that the suspects be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending the outcome of DPP advice.

The case was adjourned to April 4, 2021 for mention.
Fort Polk, LA (71446)

Today

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms likely this evening. Then a chance of scattered thunderstorms overnight. Storms may contain strong gusty winds. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
SOHC

When it comes down to customizing Triumphs beloved machines, the Spanish experts over at Alicantes Tamarit Motorcycles are no amateurs, alright? Ever since the companys birth, these folks amassed an impressive number of bespoke ventures, some of which have adorned the autoevolution pages with their grace.These exploits include a downright feral Thruxton 900 (aka  The Titan ) and one tastefully reworked Bonnie . Today, well be paying Tamarit another visit to drool over a majestic Thruxton 1200 R that goes by the name of Dakota Iglesias. Id encourage you to sit down, because this thing is absolutely breathtaking!Within its tubular steel cradle frame, the donor houses a fiendishparallel-twin powerplant that boasts eight valves and a gargantuan displacement of 1,200cc. This nasty piece of liquid-cooled machinery will gladly summon up to 96 hp at approximately 6,750 rpm. On the other hand, the engine is fully capable of supplying as much as 83 pound-feet (112 Nm) of crushing torque at 4,950 revs.A chain final drive receives this force via a six-speed transmission, enabling Triumph s predator to reach a respectable top speed of 135 mph (217 kph). When this sexy beast landed on Tamarits doorstep, the aftermarket doctors wasted no time casting their surreal spells to create something truly outstanding.For starters, they went about replacing the Thruxtons factory bodywork with a selection of custom alternatives from their own range. At the front, you will spot a retro-style fairing and a tiny fender keeping it classy, while the bikes rear end is adorned by a bolt-on tail section that complements the lines of the stock gas tank. On the flanks, they installed a pair of fresh side panels, as well as polished engine covers bearing the creatures name.In terms of performance, the parallel-twin colossus was treated to free-flowing air filters developed by Free Spirits experts. On the other end of the combustion cycle, Tamarit proceeded to equip a neat exhaust system from the Italians over at Mass. The front and rear suspension setups wear an assortment of top-grade Ohlins components thatll improve handling by a significant margin.Lastly, Dakota Iglesias crawls on a pair of lightweight laced hoops hailing from Kineos catalogue. The entire structure was enveloped in a delicious two-tone color scheme, divided by gold pinstripes that run the length of the bike.

Once upon a time, I naively thought that Meghan Markles entrance into the royal family represented a changing institution and a changing society. How wrong I was.

From the day their relationship was officially announced in late 2016, there has been excessive criticism and abuse directed at them. Meghan is a woman who fell in love with a man. Thats it.

Unfortunately for her, this man happened to be a British prince. For that, she has paid an incredibly high price: attempts to undermine her character, unprovoked criticisms and bizarre anger from royal commentators determined to disrespect her. All this quickly became the norm. And so, under a barrage of abuse, the pair decided to leave the UK last year, relocating to Los Angeles.

But that, of course, was not the end of the story. As relations between the couple and the palace appeared to sour, Harry and Meghan were recently asked to hand back certain titles and royal patronages. The palace released a statement, explaining: In stepping away from the work of the royal family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

The couple hit back, releasing their own statement, in which they declared that service is universal.

Meanwhile, two weeks ago, Oprah Winfrey announced she had recorded an interview with the couple. And then this week, all of a sudden, it was revealed royal aides wanted to talk about their experiences working for Meghan at Kensington Palace, amid claims they had allegedly been bullied by the Duchess.

At this point, we have to analyse the way she has been constantly pursued and indeed bullied herself from day one, to the point where private letters between her and her father were published in a national newspaper. If the media and the public are going to hound someone for alleged bullying, we must view these attacks in context and perspective.

Prior to all this, the couple have been largely self-sufficient in their new life, championing noble causes, literally halfway across the world. So what is it about Harry and Meghan  but particularly Meghan  that makes people so irate?

The writer RS Locke points to the fact that she is a mixed-race woman at the top of the pyramid by marriage, negating both the birth and blood requirements society had previously been told were preconditions... Because she lacks those prerequisites, shes considered unworthy.

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If that is true  and I suspect it is  it is a damning indictment of British society.

Locke points to comments such as: I look at her and I think, I dont think Id like you in real life, or, We Brits prefer true royalty to fashion royalty and, She just doesnt speak our language. And where was The Firm to defend her? Where is it now? Lets not forget, Meghan is pregnant, an incredibly vulnerable time.

It would be hard to argue that the Sussexes are completely blameless. Wed all love to fly on private jets but, unlike them, many of us would be uncomfortable championing environmental causes at the same time. And even I recoiled slightly when I heard about the sit-down interview with Oprah. Even I fleetingly thought, hang on, this isnt exactly protecting the privacy they claim to want.

Yet the hard fact is that they have done the British taxpayer a favour by paying for themselves. For some reason, though, were all still unhappy. They cant win. In her 1995 interview with Martin Bashir, Diana, Princess of Wales said she believed there was an orchestrated smear campaign against her and that she was a problem for the royal family.

Meghan now says the palace has perpetuated falsehoods about her. There are clearly parallels here. I tweeted the other day that the allegations of bullying made against her arrived at a suspicious moment. These allegations first appeared in 2018, yet it is only now, days before the interview, that Buckingham Palace has decided to announce an investigation.

Something is amiss, particularly as the palace has been silent on the issue of the FBIs repeated request to question Prince Andrew and his links to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Will there be an investigation into this, too? The world waits. Both allegations should be investigated, yet only one investigation has been launched. Again, something is amiss.
Education and religion have been comfortable bed fellows since the birth of Northern Ireland 100 years ago. Indeed, it is only in the last few years that the legs have become restless, with the dawn of integrated education and the slow movement of teachers from Catholic and Protestant backgrounds to, and the phrase is used in a historical context here, "the other side".

The landscape of education is set up for division and in much need of an overhaul. It is shaped to maintain the status quo. And that shape, according to Ulster University's UNESCO Education Centre, must now be moulded into something different. If the foundations are not changed, the educational houses will remain the same and that cannot foster change in the future.

Education stands as one of the few remaining bastions of segregation, and though that wall has been chipped away at, segregation runs through the veins of the system.

"If you see a fork in the road, pick it up," was how Dr Matthew Milliken from the university's education think tank summed it up.

The problem, though, is that this fork is so deeply embedded in history that a fair amount of digging is needed before it can begin to be shifted.

In 1976, the Fair Employment (Northern Ireland) Act declared that teachers and clergy were exempt as "the essential nature of the job requires it be done by a person holding, or not holding, a particular religious belief".

That was then, this is now. Between then and now opportunities to address the issue were spurned. The Fair Employment and Treatment (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 made no change.

But the issue over church influence on education dates back long before that. Go back 100 years and the division of the island of Ireland in 1922 saw a battle for the educational rights to children in the new Northern Ireland.

A common management system for schools attended by both Protestant and Catholic pupils was proposed, but was resisted by the churches on both sides.

What emerged cemented the path of the education system for a century to come, three classes of school: (state) Controlled, (Catholic) Maintained, and Voluntary (grammar schools: both Catholic and non-denominational). The Protestant churches handed over control of education to the state, but at a price.

"The right of a school to select teachers according to their faith was a key demand of the Protestant churches in return for their agreement to transfer their schools to the state in the 1920s," explained Dr Milliken. "It protected Protestant teaching jobs in the controlled sector.

"They argued that without the exception, Catholic teachers would be able to access 100% of the available teaching posts while Protestant teachers would only apply for 50%, those in controlled schools."

For 60 years the status quo remained, keeping teachers and children of faith apart. It was only in 1981, when Northern Ireland's first integrated school opened, that Lagan College began to build bridges between communities at educational level.

"Division in the community here is reflected and arguably sustained by division within our school systems," said Dr Milliken.

"Shared education is undoubtedly making inroads and making opportunities for young people from different schools to learn alongside one another but the potential of shared education to impact on reconciliation has been constricted by a reluctance on the part of many teachers to engage with these issues of identity and conflict in the shared classroom.

"Education needs further transformation if it's to contribute effectively to the building of a peaceful society and teachers must be at the heart of that process."

A willingness to address the issue has been hard to find.

"The limited research that does exist was undertaken by Ulster University in 1977, and more recently by the Equality Commission between 2002-04," he said.

"Both identified that, on the whole, schools here are staffed by teachers whose community identity is consistent with that of the pupils that they teach.

"It's commonly presumed that teachers will follow a community consistent path. The primary school they attend will be aligned with their religion or community identity, as will the post primary school they transfer to.

"They then choose to enter a community consistent college, St Mary's or Stranmillis. They will be prepared for either teaching at a maintained school, attended almost exclusively by Catholic pupils, or a controlled school, attended mostly by Protestant pupils.

"We expect teachers to deliver and promote shared education programmes, yet by virtue of the community consistent path described they themselves are unlikely to have had any meaningful professional experience of engaging across this divide.

"It's small wonder there's a particular reluctance to raise contentious issues in shared education programmes. Teachers' career paths have been limited and opportunities to make contact with 'the other side' have remained restricted."

That restriction remains written in the laws of the land.

It is still perfectly legitimate for an employer to discriminate between applicants for teaching posts in grant aided schools solely on the basis of faith.

"Unlike other organisations that employ 10 or more staff, authorities employing teachers are not required by law to monitor the practices for fairness or to record the community composition of their workforce," said Dr Milliken.

"The teacher exception has been upheld in European law. Its removal was debated in Stormont in 2016, but that debate was informed by outdated research conducted by the Equality Commission at the turn of the century."

Delving deeper, the 1989 Education Reform Order states all grant aided schools in Northern Ireland are required to provide an act of daily, collective worship.

"Schools are also mandated to include religious education in the curriculum for all pupils from foundation to Key Stage 4," said Dr Milliken.

"Unlike post primary, primary school teachers are generalists. They're required to teach all subjects. Those who teach in primary schools in the maintained sector are required to demonstrate that they can do so in line with Catholic principals."

They must be in possession of a Certificate in Religious Education (CRE).

"That's routinely provided at St Mary's College and for primary school postgraduate students at Ulster University," said Dr Milliken.

"From September 2019 it has been available at Stranmillis, and only as an option, facilitated by St Mary's."

For a century, then, the situation remained that the vast majority of Catholic pupils were taught by Catholic teachers, and likewise Protestant pupils by Protestant teachers, though the discrimination laws also permitted Protestant schools to select new teachers by faith, a Presbyterian possibly favoured over a Methodist by some Boards of Governors, depending on the ethos of the individual school.

"Movement of teachers was less conspicuous in maintained primary schools, with less than 2% of teachers, one in 50, came from a Northern Ireland Protestant background," Dr Milliken's research showed.

"Around one in 16 of teachers in controlled primary schools was a Northern Ireland Catholic.

"In non selective secondary schools it's no longer unusual for a teacher educated through a Catholic system to teach in a controlled post primary school. Around 17% of the workforce in these schools have crossed the divide.

"The requirement to be in possession of the certificate can only be extended to RE teachers and those with a pastoral role in post primary schools with a Catholic ethos. Other posts have no such restrictions and consequently have around 8% of those teaching in maintained secondary schools come from the Protestant background.

"Nearly a quarter of all teachers in non-denominational grammar schools are Catholics and around 20% of teachers in Catholic voluntary grammars are Protestants. 38% of all teachers in Protestant primary schools and 48% of teachers in Catholic primary schools were recorded as being culturally encapsulated. They never really had encounters with 'the other side' professionally."

The future rests in the hands of politicians. Dare they attempt to prise open the grip religion has on the education system?

Religious pruning of sorts has begun at the top of the educational tree.

In 2019 Queen's University ended links, which had stood since 1927, with the Presbyterian run Union Theological College, citing that the teaching was not broad enough to include other faith perspectives and criticising the lack of women in full-time teaching roles.

This year, a full review of education will begin and while the early words may signal change is in the offing, those words can be said. Actions are harder to take.

For Protestant background teachers, the Certificate in Religious Education is seen as a piece of paper that prevents them from teaching in Catholic schools. Fair employment exemption permits Protestant schools to select Protestant teachers in return. Both backs scratched behind the closed doors of history.

Those doors need to be opened to at least allow teachers the opportunity to walk through and into the 21st century. A little more faith in educators to educate is needed.
A farm in Washington state is asking residents to keep a lookout for an escaped emu that slipped through a damaged section of fencing.

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AJ's Acre in Everett said someone cut through the facility's fence Wednesday night, allowing three emus to get loose.

Two of the large Australian birds were soon recaptured, but the third, named Sarah, remained at large.

The farm said the emu was last seen wandering through a Mukilteo neighborhood.

The owners said animal control has been notified of the flightless bird's escape and members of the public are being asked not to approach Sarah, as she could become spooked and run into traffic or go into hiding.
A Nigerian Christian pastor, who has been held captive by Boko Haram terrorists for nearly 3 months, praised God after he was released Wednesday evening, hours prior to the given deadline for his ransom, a report says.

Pastor Bulus Yikura of the Church of the Brethren Nigeria, along with around six other hostages, was abducted on December 24 last year during Boko Haram's attack at the Chibok local government area of Southern Borno State, where at least seven people were killed.

Pastor Yikura was freed on Wednesday evening, security sources told the Nigerian media outlet Premium Times. A reporter from the outlet allegedly saw Pastor Yikura being transported to Borno's State Security office on the outskirts of Maiduguri that night.

Boko Haram, according to The Christian Post, is considered as one of the world's deadliest terrorist groups that have performed a number of mass abductions in the past.

The group released a video on Feb. 24, which was obtained by Humangle, wherein the pastor was seen in front of a masked man holding a knife, begging the government and the Christian Association for help, claiming that the terrorist group threatened to kill him if the ransom is left unpaid after the given ultimatum.

This, however, is not the first time the pastor appeared in a video by the Boko Haram terrorists. Pastor Yikura also appeared in a December video last year, days after their abduction, and another one in early January 2021.

"I'm calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and the governor of Borno to help me, because I have been given a one-week ultimatum today, Feb. 24," says Pastor Yikura on the video.

"If you want me alive, I beg you in your capacity as president, the governor, and our local government chairman to save me from this suffering," he added, pleading. "I am also calling on the EYN president to help mobilize help that will rescue me, and also pray for me so that God will make things easy for me here."

"Today is the last day I will have the opportunity to call on you in your capacity as my parents and relatives in the country. Anyone who has the intention should help and save me. Please release me from this pain." Pastor Yikura continued.

Security forces also told Premium Times that the pastor's family, along with the EYN church, have been working on the release of Pastor Yikura since the past week.

Following Yikura's release, Save the Persecuted Christians believes that the EYN church is responsible for paying Yikura's ransom.

When Pastor Yikura was asked Wednesday about his freedom, he said repeatedly, "I thank God, I thank God."

Dede Laugesen, the executive director of Save the Persecuted Christians, gave her statement regarding the release of Yikura in an interview with the Christian Post Thursday:

"We celebrate his release and also the children from Zamfara being released, but the plague of kidnapping for ransom that has been rampant in Nigeria since 2019 has been unaddressed, and [we are] now very concerned that we have seen the increase in the kidnapping of schoolchildren."

She also added that mass abduction or kidnapping for ransom has become more and more rampant in Nigeria, which she described as "a problem that is very difficult to resolve, especially when the government is likely also involved."

"Nigeria is essentially the new headquarters for the Islamic jihad seeking to establish a caliphate ...," Laugesen added. "The Christians in Nigeria and others are very concerned that the government continues to give impunity to Islamic extremists in Nigeria. ... So there's no real accountability coming from the Nigerian government."

According to Global Terrorism Index, Nigeria is the third country to have been majorly affected by terrorism in the world.

Furthermore, Open Doors 2021 World Watch List also ranked Nigeria as the 9th country with the worst cases of Christian persecution.
The success of Zali Steggall in ousting the former prime minister Tony Abbott in the seat of Warringah by a double-digit margin has continued to inspire others to attempt the same kind of exercise around the country. The latest I am aware of  because they have been in close touch with Steggalls backers in my own seat of Warringah, taking notes on how it was done  is down in the southern NSW seat of Hume where two groups, called Voices of Hume and Vote Angus Out, are going after the Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, the rather scandal prone Angus Taylor. One of the key organisers of the latter group, Alex Murphy, a 30-year-old pilot, is nothing if not confident.

Angus Taylor is facing a challenge from grassroots groups. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

We have been stunned, he says, [at] how many people have come out of the woodwork to help us. So many people want Angus Taylor gone. He does not represent us. If you had to say to the people of Hume Who is your ideal candidate?, no one would say We want a bloke who appears to be in it for himself, has been plagued by scandals, who has voted against pensioners, dairy farmers and a federal corruption watchdog, and done little to act on climate change. So we have had people coming from everywhere, saying What can we do to help?

We are early days, but we are getting a lot of advice from the Voices of Warringah people who got rid of Abbott, so we are feeling like we are making great headway.

In fact, the Steggall victory, together with that of the Independent Cathy McGowan in the seat of Indie over Liberal hardliner Sophie Mirabella in 2013, might have got something close to a whole movement going.
Women seem less likely to be arrested but more likely to be humiliated.

Its a big hit to your dignity the first time you have to squat down in a field or by the side of the road, said Raven Drake, 37, who until recently was homeless and now works with Street Roots, a Portland group supporting the homeless. Slowly you take these hits to your dignity, and one day you dont even think youre a person anymore.

Drake told me that she had lived in a homeless encampment in Portland that was two miles from the nearest restroom she could use, and she flinched as she recounted the shame of having to relieve herself where she could, trying to avoid people leering. Toilets, she said, are an infrastructure issue, but also far more than that: Bathrooms are a humanitarian issue.

In the 19th century, the United States did set up public toilets in many cities. They were often called public urinals, abbreviated as P.U. (this may be part of the origin of P.U. to mean something that stinks, although there are competing theories). In the early 20th century, these were supplemented by comfort stations for men and women alike, but most closed in waves of cost-cutting over the years.

Thats partly because this is a class issue. Power brokers who decide on infrastructure priorities can find a restaurant to duck into, while that is less true of a Black teenage boy and utterly untrue of an unwashed homeless person with a shopping cart.

Granted, operating toilets is tough. American cities have experimented with various approaches to providing public restrooms and found that they are costly to maintain and sometimes attract drug use and prostitution. Still, no one would build a home today without a bathroom, even though it adds to the expense. So why economize and accept cities without lavatories?

Americans have had tumultuous debates about transgender use of restrooms, but we havent adequately acknowledged a more fundamental failing in Democratic-run and Republican-run cities alike: the outrageous shortage of public restrooms generally.

The White House can work with cities to experiment with various approaches to expand restroom access. We can work with corporate sponsors. We can use advertising to help underwrite the expense. We can give tax breaks to businesses that make restrooms open to all. There are models all over the world, such as India turning old buses into clean public toilets.
Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins (pictured) claims she was raped in 2019 on a sofa in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office

A pending review into Parliament House workplace culture is likely to reveal more allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct, Labor Senator Katy Gallagher says.

The review to be conducted by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has been agreed to by the prime minister and opposition leader following weeks of intense pressure over former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins' claims.

Ms Higgins said last month she was raped in 2019 on a sofa in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds' office.

'I don't think we can stand here and in all honestly say that we don't think there will be more, because if we didn't think there would be more, why would we be having the inquiry?' Ms Gallagher told reporters on Saturday.

'I would hope that we do see more complaints or allegations or concerns or experiences of bullying, sexual harassment, whatever, come forward during this process. It would be a lost opportunity if we don't.'

Labor's shadow finance spokeswoman also criticised Prime Minister Scott Morrison for a lack of leadership regarding the rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter, which date back to when he was 17.

Neither Mr Morrison nor Mr Porter had personally read the dossier of allegations against the latter, and yet had decided there was no need for an inquiry, she said.

The only way for Mr Porter to clear his name was to have an independent process, she said.

'This will not go away. The prime minister needs to take action.'

Ms Higgins' allegations are unrelated to Mr Porter and the allegations levelled at him.

A pending review into Parliament House workplace culture is likely to reveal more allegations of bullying and sexual misconduct, Labor Senator Katy Gallagher (pictured) says

The review comes following numerous allegations from women claiming they were raped

Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce on Saturday passionately reiterated his view that an independent inquiry was needed but said many of his colleagues wanted Mr Porter's 'head on a plate'.

An independent inquiry would offer a more 'dignified' alternative to the 'inquisition' by press and the Opposition, otherwise the allegations would hang over Mr Porter's 'remarkable career', the New England MP wrote on Facebook.

'Christian knows many in the opposition and some on his own side don't want the truth unless it comes with his head on a plate. They just want his scalp,' he said.

'They will ultimately get what they want unless he can refer them to a deliberation on the allegation, beyond reasonable questions of efficacy.'

He linked his views on the matter to 2018 allegations against himself that contributed to his resignation as deputy prime minister. Mr Joyce has vehemently denied the allegations.

'I am at odds with my coalition colleagues but I don't want Christian to end up sitting at the back of the chamber under the exit sign where my colleagues have kindly placed me,' he said.

Mr Porter is on mental health leave this week and has strongly denied raping a woman when they were both teenagers in 1988.

Mr Morrison is resisting calls from lawyers, women's advocates, human rights groups, Labor and crossbench MPs for an independent inquiry, saying there was 'no alternative process' available to him.

He has backed Mr Porter's decision to stay put as first law officer of the land.

Attorney General Christian Porter (pictured) denies claims that he raped a teenage girl in 1988

Mr Morrison has said he would welcome an inquest into the death of the woman at the centre of the historical rape allegations against Mr Porter.

The South Australian coroner is weighing up whether to launch an inquest into her death in June 2020.

NSW Police detectives met with the woman in Sydney in February last year and had contact with her on at least five occasions over the next three months.

However, on June 23 she indicated in an email to NSW police she did not wish to proceed with the complaint and two days later SA police advised them she had died.

NSW police are no longer investigating.

Meanwhile, Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins has asked for staff members and politicians to provide their first-hand experiences, to be treated with sensitivity and confidentiality, with trauma support available.

She will provide an interim report mid-year and final recommendations in November.

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Bloodletting may be the best-known example of a once widely used, faulty medical treatment, but there are many more. Hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women, famously touted by experts, turned out to be complicated and sometimes harmful.

The list of medical reversals is long, and one cause is common. When observational studies compare people in the community who receive treatment with those who dont, the treatment often looks rosy. Later, randomized trials, where people are randomly assigned to the treatment or a placebo, clean up the mess.

Observational studies are fraught, it turns out, because theres always a reason some people receive treatment in the community when others dont. For example, in early hormone replacement studies, women receiving the drugs were, on average, wealthier, healthier, with better access to care. These characteristics (not the drugs, as trials showed) meant the women were less likely to have heart attacksbut they were misinterpreted as showing hormone replacement therapy saves lives. However, such differences are instantly neutralized by randomly assigning people to receive a treatment or no treatment.

Therefore, it is a simple and historical fact that observational studies, no matter how rigorous, can never be counted on to find what randomized trials would find because they cant correct for these built-in biases.

Until now.

Last week the New England Journal of Medicine published an observational report from Israel, where roughly 90 percent of citizens over age 60 were vaccinated in a national effort to interrupt a COVID surge. Incredibly, the study finds preciselypreciselythe same results as Pfizers randomized trial of the vaccine.

The new study finds 94 percent vaccine efficacy; the trial found 95 percent. It also finds the vaccine effect starts 12 days after the first shotexactly, to the day, what the trial found. Before day 12, the groups have identical COVID-19 infection rates, just like in the trial. One could literally overlay most findings from the Israeli study onto the Pfizer trial.

Is this a paradigm shift? Have the researchers at Clalit, one of Israels four large health services, truly cracked the codedesigning and executing observational studies so perfect that randomized trials may no longer be necessary?

The website OurWorldInData, which has been publicly tracking and posting Israeli COVID-19 data, offers an interesting contrast, examining the data nationally rather than just from one health system. In one instructive graph, titled New hospitalizations for COVID-19 by age, citizens over age 60 are divided into those vaccinated early versus late.

The graph shows that on December 18thbefore Israels vaccination program beganthe late vaccinated group over age 60 was already experiencing nearly three times more hospitalizations than the early vaccinated group. This is a jarring contrast to the Israeli study, which suggested the early and late groups are essentially identical before receiving the vaccine.

The large difference between early and late groups in national data is far more typical of observational studies. Perhaps citizens were vaccinated later because they were more hesitant about vaccination, or less healthy and mobile, or more obese, or otherwise socioeconomically at higher risk. Either way, one thing is clear: hospitalizations for COVID-19 were wildly different between groups long before vaccinations began. (It is also notable that, relative to each other, the two groups begin, traverse, and end at nearly the same place, reflecting little or no impact of vaccination).

Observational studies from England, Scotland, and even others from Israel, show many of the same differences but come to conclusions that are all over the board. Some say the vaccine works after one shot, some say not until after a second, some say 50 percent efficacy, others say 90 percent. Such is the nature of observational data: inconsistent and full of hidden differences that can mislead.

So how did the Clalit researchers achieve observational study nirvana? They would say by carefully matching each vaccinated person in their study to an unvaccinated person with similar characteristics. Of course, matching in observational studies is not new. Propensity scoring and other adjustment tools have long allowed researchers to even out risk differences between groups (in the hormone replacement studies results were just as wrong after adjustment).

But the Israeli researchers appear to have accomplished freakishly perfect matching. They matched almost 800,000 vaccinated people to an unvaccinated person with virtually identical characteristics. Though its difficult to understand how. Finding two people who match perfectly across all of their seven categories (age, sex, religion, COVID risk factors, neighborhood, prior flu shots, and pregnancy) is very difficultbut they did it 800,000 times. And they only had two unvaccinated people to choose from, on average, for each vaccinated person. But wait, theres more: The two groups then matched almost perfectly across an additional 21 medical conditions.

Perhaps congratulations are in order. Or perhaps someone should check their work.

Daniel Hopkins is a physician.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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(Natural News) In his 2009 book entitled, The Rise of the Fourth Reich, the late Jim Marrs warned about, The Secret Societies That Threaten to Take Over America.

Those secret societies are largely rooted in Nazi ideology, and they are offshoots of the Third Reich which researched and developed exotic technologies for the destruction of humankind (pharmaceuticals, pesticides, space weapons, etc.).

In the aftermath of World War II, the United States brought hundreds of Nazi scientists to the U.S. via Operation Paperclip. They were given new identities and job, put to work developing weapons technology with the Pentagon and NASA. The entire U.S. space program that landed a man on the moon was based on Nazi technology and run by Nazi scientists.

Nazi ideology of authoritarianism and global genocide against inferior races continues today and is abundantly observable in the actions of globalists like Bill Gates who seek depopulation as a final solution to save the planet.

Today, the worst fears of Jim Marrs have come true, with a fascist, authoritarian regime now controlling U.S. politics, media, culture, technology, education and more. Full-blown fascism is now right in our faces as government conspires with corporations to criminalize political dissent and weaponize every system against pro-America conservatives and Christians.

This devastating outcome was foreseen and documented by Jim Marrs in the years leading up to 2009. Sadly, Marrs didnt live long enough to see his analysis confirmed by real-world events.

In private conversations with Marrs, by the way, he told me how his publisher would force an alteration of his book titles to make sure they didnt sell very well. Even his own publisher was working against him, it seems.

In todays Situation Update, I cover Jim Marrs, Steve Quayle, the post-WWII Nazi victory against the West, hidden Nazi technology and underground bases, and how we are now living in the Fourth Reich.

The Nazis actually won World War II in 2020, it turns out. And we are now living under the rule of Nazi-inspired lunatics on the Left who are following in Adolf Hitlers footsteps with the burning of books (Dr. Seuss), gun control (Hitlers 1933 gun control act), genocide (the mass murder of black babies via abortion), eugenics, government control over the economy (covid lockdowns) and much more.

To understand where all this is going, you need to understand the history of how it all started. And you cant grasp that until you know the truth about the Fourth Reich.

Brighteon.com/d7921cc9-016d-4cd6-a28d-9d53e55f23a7

Watch for a new podcast Monday morning at:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Saturday the national capital will have its own school education board similar to other states. During a Cabinet meeting, the AAP-led state government approved the constitution of the Delhi Board of School Education.

The national capital has 1,000 government schools and around 1,700 private schools. All government-run schools in Delhi are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and so are most private schools in the state, the Chief Minister explained on Saturday.

"20 to 25 government schools will be made part of the new state education board in the coming academic year and will be removed from the CBSE," Kejriwal said. The government will decide which schools will be brought under the new state board after discussing it with the principals of the said schools.

"The focus will not be on learning by rote. It will be on understanding (of concepts) and personality development," Kejriwal added. The Delhi Chief Minister further explained that students will be assessed throughout the year. He added that Delhi's education system would be on par with international standards.

In July 2020, the state government had constituted two committees to work on the scheme and prepare a framework for the establishment of the state education board and other school curriculum reforms.

Also read: COVID-19 vaccine private hospitals list: Check out private vaccination centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, other cities
The United Kingdom government is planning to slash hundreds of millions of pounds in foreign aid to countries in conflict zones around the globe. A leaked document obtained by openDemocracy has revealed that British civil servants have discussed reducing aid to Syria from 137 million pledged last year to just over 45 million this year. In South Sudan, the UK officials are planning to cut spending from 110 million to 45 million, while aid to Libya could be cut by 63% and Somalia by 60%.

While speaking to SkyNews, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) did not dispute the document and further said that the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic had forced the government to take tough but necessary decisions. The FCO said that it was temporarily reducing the overall amount that the UK government spends on aid.

The officials added that they are still working through what this means for individual programmes. The FCO said that the government would remain a world-leading aid donor and will spend more than 10 billion this year to fight poverty, tackle climate change and improve global health.

READ: UK: Mystery Person With Brazil Variant Traced, No Sign Of 'onward Transmission'

Ministers, charities condemn the move

The potential move, however, has been criticised by politicians and charities, with some waring people will die and some saying that there will be huge impacts on issues such as terrorism, migration and refugee crisis. Labours Pree Kaur Gill, who is the shadow secretary for international development, said that this is a devastating reminder of the real-world impact the governments politically motivated decision to abandon its manifesto commitment on aid will have on the worlds most vulnerable people. She added that cuts in support to countries in the midst of multiple humanitarian crisis would cause devastation and would cause stretched healthcare systems to collapse and access to clean water stripped away. Make no mistake, people will die, Gill said.

READ: UK Says Vaccine Shipment From India Won't Hurt Poor Nations

Tory MP and chair of the House of Commons Defense Select Committee Tobias Ellwood also joined the criticism and said that terrorist groups such as Islamic State and Boko Haram will benefit from the UK stepping back. Ellwood said that extremism, terrorism, refugee crisis, migration will be affected when the UK government take the retrograde steps. Moreover, several charities have also condemned the decision to cut aid to Yemen.

In a letter to UK PM Boris Johnson, the charities said that the cuts are taking place with no transparency, consultation or meaningful strategy. They said that history will not judge the nation (UK) kindly if the government chooses to step away from the people in Yemen and thus destroy the UK's global reputation as a country that steps up to help those most in need.

READ: Meghan Markle Wins Legal Battle In Court; UK Paper Ordered To Print Front-page Apology

READ: UK Says Vaccine Shipment From India Won't Hurt Poor Nations
New Delhi, March 6 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced that the capital will have its own school education board in the line of other state education board.

The decision in this regard was taken in a Delhi Cabinet meeting at the Delhi Secretariat. After chairing the meeting, Kejriwal said, "Delhi Cabinet has given approval for constitution of the Delhi Board of School Education." The Chief Minister further stated that Delhi has around 1,000 government schools and 1,700 private schools and all the government-run schools are affiliated with the CBSE.

Kejriwal said, "In the academic session 2021-22, the Delhi government will include 25-25 schools in the proposed upcoming board. This SBCE affiliation will be scrapped and they will be affiliated to Delhi Board of School Education." He further said that the selection of schools will be done after discussion with the principals, teachers and parents. "We hope that all schools will voluntarily get affiliated to this board within in next few years," Kejriwal added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Ashanti Coleman after earning her doctorate. Courtesy of Ashanti Coleman

Ashanti Coleman, a nurse and stroke survivor, was discharged with what doctors called a migraine.

She really had a torn and blocked artery, and could have died if she didn't go to another facility.

The way doctors dismissed her pain, she said, is common among Black female patients.

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Ashanti Coleman wished she could rip off her head. Over the past week, what had started as an ache on the right side had become increasingly persistent and intense. As a stroke survivor and nurse practitioner who works in a pain clinic, Coleman knew she wasn't experiencing a run-of-the-mill headache.

But in the emergency room that May of 2019, Coleman said she waited several hours before being seen. Eventually, she was admitted with a "mini stroke" diagnosis, but spent days awaiting attention from a neurologist to determine the source of her now severe headaches.

When the doctor did see her, he didn't ask about her pain or conduct a neurological exam, Coleman said. Rather, he dismissed it as a migraine and discharged her - despite the fact he had treated her first stroke and so knew her health history and profession. "That did nothing for me," said Coleman, who lives in Memphis with her husband and two kids.

That night, Coleman woke up with excruciating pain in her neck. "It felt like something was tearing," she said. So she went to a different hospital, where learned her right carotid artery - one of the two major sources of blood to the brain - was ruptured and 50% blocked, and she needed emergency surgery right away.

It turned out that, when doctors attempted to remove a clot after her first stroke in 2017, they damaged that artery. It didn't fully repair itself, creating the tear, blockage, and Coleman's symptoms.

"The whole right side of my brain was not getting in any oxygen or blood, which was causing those headaches," Coleman, now 41, told Insider. "Eventually, that tear could have gotten worse, and I could have died."

Story continues

Coleman, an American Heart Association Go Red for Women volunteer, spoke to Insider about her experience as a two-time stroke survivor and Black woman navigating the healthcare system. Even as a PhD-level nurse, she said, she's subject to systemic racism that negatively affects care.

Coleman was 38 years old and healthy when she suffered her first stroke

When Coleman woke up one morning in 2017 with an ache on the right side of her head and body, she brushed it off and went to Starbucks. Back home, though, "the headache just kept pounding, just kept persisting," she said. Then, her husband noticed her speech was garbled.

In retrospect, Coleman says the symptoms were "textbook" stroke. But she was 38 years old, maintained a healthy weight and good blood pressure, exercised regularly, and didn't drink, smoke, or eat red meat. "I was just a little bit in denial when the symptoms started because I'm like, 'I don't have anything wrong with me,'" Coleman said.

But then a sharp pain went down her left side, the left side of her arm felt numb and tingly, and she lost coordination. "That's when I knew I was having a stroke," she said. Her race and birth control medications were her only risk factors.

At the hospital, she was promptly diagnosed with a stroke caused by a blood clot in the right side of her brain. Doctors first gave her a "clot-buster" medication and then attempted to remove it, but it was small enough at that point to leave in place.

She then began physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to recover her lost functioning. Early on, for example, Coleman couldn't open and close her left hand by herself. "My mind was telling my hand to do it, but it would not do it, so that was so frustrating," she said. "I couldn't do my daughter's hair, my hair, or my clothes."

As some stroke survivors do, she also developed an accent that lasted about six months. Hers sounded Jamaican. "My speech therapist actually asked me where I was from," Coleman said. "I was like, 'I from Chicago.'"

But after more than two months of rehab, Coleman was back to work as a nursing professor at the University of Memphis. "I was determined to get back functioning as quickly as possible," she said.

Ashanti Coleman and her family at the American Heart Association's Heart Walk. Courtesy of Ashanti Coleman

Coleman felt dismissed during her second stroke

Coleman doesn't know why her second experience at the same hospital and with the same provider went so differently. But she does know it feeling ignored and having pain overlooked by healthcare professionals is all too common among Black women.

"I hear it a lot," she said, "that African Americans, and specifically women, are just dismissed with their pain."

One 2016 study, for instance, found that about half of white medical students and residents endorsed false beliefs about biological differences between Black and white people, like that Black people's nerve endings are less sensitive and their skin is thicker. In turn, they rated Black patients' pain as lower and made less accurate treatment recommendations.

Coleman said her pain wasn't treated at first because, as the neurologist told Coleman's primary care physician, "she doesn't look like she's in pain."

"They presume that individuals are not in pain because we're not presenting the way they think we should," Coleman said. "I wasn't writhing on the ground. I wasn't using profanity. But everyone's pain is different."

Coleman, who's currently administering COVID-19 vaccines and working to publish research on women and cardiovascular disease, wants to teach her nursing students just that. "I hope to train them where they are not looking at a person as this skin color," she said. "I hope that they are looking at a person as a whole."

She hopes patients don't box themselves into a category either, like thinking that because they're young and healthy, they can't experience a stroke. "I use my strength to keep going and pushing forward and advocating for other people," Coleman said, "so that another young lady does not have to go through what I've been through."

Read the original article on Insider

ONE of the main educational events in the Irish medical calendar has moved online as University Hospital Limerick hosts the Sylvester OHalloran Virtual Perioperative Symposium.

Among the keynote speakers later this Saturday will be Professor Susan Standring, Emeritus Professor of Anatomy at Kings College London and Editor-in-Chief of Grays Anatomy; and pioneering colorectal cancer surgeon Professor Werner Hohenberger, Emeritus Professor, Chair of Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremburg, Germany.

From its beginnings in 1992, the annual Sylvester OHalloran meeting has developed into one of the most anticipated such events in Ireland and, increasingly, internationally. The symposium has been posted on some of the leading surgical websites around the world, including the American College of Surgeons.

Best wishes to all delegates attending the Sylvester OHalloran Perioperative Symposium today.



The virtual surgical conf, being hosted by UHL, features Editor-in-Chief of Grays Anatomy, one of the most important foundation texts for students of medicine worldwide. #SOH2021 pic.twitter.com/s102FeKT52  UL Hospitals (@ULHospitals) March 5, 2021

Grays Anatomy is arguably the most famous textbook in medicine, said Prof J Calvin Coffey, Foundation Chair of Surgery at the Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick (UL) and general and colorectal surgeon, UHL.

It started in 1858 and remains one of the most important foundation texts for every student of medicine worldwide. So to welcome Prof Susan Standring, its Editor-in Chief is a remarkable honour for the organisers, the Mid-West region and indeed for Ireland, added Prof Coffey.

Similarly, Prof Werner Hohenberger is a renowned surgeon and educator who has won numerous honours in his native Germany and around the world. His innovations in surgical oncology have been practice-changing for surgeons around the world. These have been adopted to save lives and improve quality of life for patients.

In a normal year, the symposium can attract over 500 attendees to Limerick.

However, this years event, which began yesterday, has been moved to a virtual platform in line with the public health guidelines.

The virtual platform allows the organisers to overcome geographical limitations and already attendees have registered from Malaysia, Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA.

The pandemic has radically altered how we as surgeons work and how surgical training is carried out. It has changed each patients perioperative journey. It has also altered how education and research events such as this are organised, said Prof Coffey.

One of the most eagerly anticipated sessions of the symposium will be on Covid-19 and on how we as surgeons have had to adapt to keep patients and colleagues safe. This is the first occasion such a session is being held at the Sylvester OHalloran Symposium. It is a sign of the times and reflects how rapidly our focus has changed as clinicians, he added.

It is almost exactly 12 months since UHL and other hospitals around the country began to admit their first Covid-19 patients.

"In fact, last years Sylvester OHalloran symposium had to be abruptly cancelled and the CERC Building evacuated on March 5 as we moved to active management of the crisis and curtailing non-essential activity," recalled Prof Coffey.

This was in advance of any national lockdown and some felt we had acted precipitously in cancelling the conference but nothing we have learned about Covid-19 over the last 12 months has led us to believe the decision was incorrect. We have all had to adapt and it is heartening that one year on, we can organise such a comprehensive programme and learn from colleagues around the world how we can continue to care for our patients in the Covid-19 environment. It is a tribute to the trainees, nurses, surgeons, doctors, students, management and administration that they have been able to overcome the tremendous challenges presented by the pandemic in organising this symposium, he added.

The Sylvester OHalloran Virtual Perioperative Scientific Symposium is now the single largest national perioperative surgical meeting in Ireland and is collaboratively hosted by the Departments of Surgery, Anaesthesia, Nursing, ENT and Orthopaedics, in conjunction with the Perioperative Directorate at UL Hospitals Group and the School of Medicine, University of Limerick.

The Sylvester OHalloran Virtual Perioperative Scientific Symposium is supported the UL Hospitals Group Executive Management Team. It is also supported by industry.

See soh.isrs.ie for more.
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A Massachusetts man charged with attacking a woman and her pregnant daughter as they walked their dogs has been ordered by a judge to undergo a mental health evaluation.

Jake Kavanaugh, 23, hit the mother with his vehicle twice and attacked her with a box cutter, injuring her eyes and neck, in Haverhill on Wednesday afternoon, prosecutors said in court Thursday.

Although Kavanaugh and the women lived in the same neighborhood and were acquainted, the motive remains unclear. Police are still trying to determine if there is a motive or if this is a random attack, prosecutor John DePaulo said.

The older woman, 54, was brought to a Boston hospital where she remains in critical condition, prosecutors said. The younger woman, 26, was treated at the hospital and released. Her baby appears to be OK, a family member told The Eagle-Tribune.

Authorities did not release their names.

Kavanaugh pleaded not guilty to several charges including armed assault with intent to murder.

Defense attorney Timothy Connors said his client waived his right to protest that he is considered a danger to the community. Connors asked the judge to have a court clinician evaluate Kavanaugh for criminal responsibility and competency.
The Royal Family launched a full-scale takedown of the Duchess of Sussex, one of her closest friends claimed yesterday.

American broadcaster Gayle King, who also suggested that the Duchess was vilified, made the accusation on her radio show.

She is one of a number of key Meghan allies, a group which includes best friend Jessica Mulroney, whose public support has intensified an already rancorous war of words.

Ms King, 66, said: The Palace  also known as The Firm  has launched what appears to be a full-scale takedown of Meghan which is raging in the UK right now, saying she was a mean girl who mistreated staff, and if you meet Meghan Markle nothing could be further from the truth.

Meghan's best friend Jessica Mulroney (pictured right) spoke of the pressure Meghan had endured and said she dealt with the situation with kindness, empathy and love

Ms King, who attended Meghans New York baby shower and is the best friend of Oprah Winfrey, also criticised what she perceived as the Palaces failure to intervene in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.

Comparing it to the bullying investigation, she said: I was thinking how is that investigation going with Prince Andrew who was a friend and associate of Jeffrey Epstein and there were allegations of sleeping with underage girls? Weve interviewed some of those girls, who are now women, who have told that story.

But they appear to be on a huge takedown of Meghan. And what a coinkidink [US slang for coincidence] that these [bullying] allegations first surfaced in 2018 and he Palace has decided to investigate them now.

Prince Andrew has repeatedly and firmly denied all accusations of impropriety with women, including underage girls.

Elsewhere Ms King said Meghan will make very serious revelations about her mental health during the interview. Then people can make up their own minds, she added. Because vilified is the word for what has happened to Harry and Meghan, Meghan in particular.

Meanwhile Ms Mulroney spoke of the pressure Meghan had endured and said she dealt with the situation with kindness, empathy and love.

Sharing an image on Instagram of the Duchess sharing a drink with her, Mulroney wrote alongside it: I dont know that anyone has ever had to deal with the pressure, the politics and the press like this woman. In the face of it all, I have never seen her waver from kindness, empathy and love.

Recently, there were reports that the two women were no longer close. However, Mulroney denied the rumours and referred to Meghan as family.

Gayle King accused the Royal Family of launching a full-scale takedown of the Duchess of Sussex on her radio show

Silver Tree, who directed the US drama Suits, in which the Duchess starred, tweeted: This is Meg. A real person  not a cover story. She is one of my very nearest and dearest. Like all her friends I love her madly. She is the friend who insists on always hearing the details of your life, your day, your kids life, your kids day, before hers. Always before hers.

Another friend, Lindsay Jill Roth, said goodwill runs in her [Meghans] bones, adding: I know this to be true after 22 years of very close friendship. I have seen first-hand how she treats her friends and their families, and colleagues.

And Meghans make-up artist friend Daniel Martin posted a defiant poem: Because she isnt self-centred, people can see the light in her. Because she does not boast of herself, she becomes a shining example. Because she does not glorify herself, she becomes a person of merit. Because she wants nothing from the world, the world cannot overcome her.
WE are now reading that the Minister of Sport has come out with a statement regarding our participation in the Tokyo Olympics.

As with the usual run-of-the-mill political type, the statement vacillates, kicks the can down the road and seeks to avoid the issue. Let us be clear on what the situation is regarding these Olympics.

Another four Covid-19 related deaths in Northern Ireland have been reported by the Department of Health.

Those deaths occurred in the 24 hours up to 10am on Saturday.

The death toll has now risen to 2,072.

Another 172 new Covid cases were also identified in testing.

There have been 1,223 positive cases in the last week, down from 1,670 in the previous seven days.

Read More

Hospital occupancy is at 91% with 2,713 people in beds. A total of 30 patients with Covid-19 are in intensive care - 25 of those are ventilated.

And 18 care homes are dealing with an outbreak of the virus.

Read More

The figures come as it is expected that the Republic of Ireland will reach half a million coronavirus jabs administered this weekend.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin hailed progress in the pandemic.

Speaking in a video posted on Twitter, Mr Martin said he was inspired by recent visits to vaccination centres where thousands of front line healthcare workers are receiving the inoculation.

He said government and the HSE is doing everything it can to secure supplies and to give those vaccines to people as quickly as possible.

"Over the coming days we will have administered half a million doses since the first vaccination was given to Dubliner Annie Lynch 63 days ago," he said.

"Next week we will begin to vaccinate those with underlying health conditions as well as continuing to vaccinate the over-70s and healthcare workers.

First Minister Arlene Foster said on Thursday that Irelands slower Covid-19 vaccination programme will cause problems as Northern Irelands continues to move at pace.

Read More

Speaking during Thursdays Covid-19 press conference, Mrs Foster said the differing speeds at which the vaccine programmes are progressing will bring headaches.

Its very clear that we are going to be finished our vaccination programme and the Republic of Ireland will still be in the midst of theirs. That does bring headaches, stated the DUP leader.

I think we will have to hear from our Chief Medical Officer [Dr Michael McBride] in relation to that - whether we need to take any actions.

On Saturday the number of patients in Ireland with Covid-19 dropped to 99 with the number of cases in hospital at 401.

On Friday, there was one further death with the virus and 522 new cases.


Oneida County's largest school district is preparing to welcome back students for the first time since the global pandemic forced them out, last March. The Utica City School District begins a staggered, part-time return to the classroom on Monday, March 8th.

"K6 is starting on Monday, two weeks later, on the 22nd, middle school, and then a few weeks after that, high school," says Superintendent, Bruce Karam. "It's gonna be great. Teachers missed the kids, I missed the kids, the principals missed the kids, the kids missed school."

Fifth-grade teacher, Tony Miller, was busy Friday preparing his class. The class he prepares is much different from the classroom the pandemic chased him out of one year ago. There are fewer desks, spaced far apart. The walls, normally filled with colorful posters are bare, and sterile; anything touched must be sanitized.

"It is weird, it doesn't really feel like my usual classroom, you know, last year I had posters up, and anchor charts up and it kind of felt more homey. This kind of feels pretty sterile and empty a little bit but it is what it is. Gotta make the best of it, so.... I'm happy at least to have the kids back," says Miller.

Students will be greeted by directional markers in the shape of footprints on hallway floors, distance markers, and overed water fountains. They'll only go to the cafeteria to get their breakfast and lunch; meals will be eaten in the classroom. In spite of the new restrictions and departure from the familiar, Superintendent Karam is very happy just to have the kids back, and thinks the time is right.

"Your infection rate is rolling below 2% and you have the vaccine. So, it's just, it's a good time to do this. We have to get the kids back, we wanted to get the kids back all year. I'm glad this is happening," says Karam.

Karam remains hopeful, in spite of looming spring break and possible vacations next month.

"There's always gonna be a concern but what's different right now is that at least the spread of the virus is very low right now and coupled with the fact that most people are getting the vaccine so we're hoping with that and people with prior exposure, there'll be enough immunity out there, that'll mitigate."
The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill championed by President Joe Biden and Democrats passed through the Senate narrowly Saturday bringing it one step closer to reality.

All that is left is for the House to give final congressional approval next week, and Bidens signature and the massive package  the Associated Press said it is one-tenth the size of the entire U.S. economy  will be set into action.

The big questions for Americans who may be most in need of the financial boost it will provide, though, is when will money be coming their way and just how much they might see?

Multiple reports are that payments to individuals will look a lot like that of the first stimulus package with many Americans expected to receive payments of up to $1,400. Married couples would get $2,800. And, parents would reportedly get an additional $1,400 for every child on their tax returns. There figures to be less payments in this round, however, with money beginning to phase out for individuals making $75,000 or more and cutting off all together for folks making more than $80,000. Likewise, CBS News reports that couples who file taxes jointly would begin to see their payments phase out if they make $150,000 or more and cutting off altogether if they make more than $160,000 combined. The first stimulus package cut off individuals at $100,000 and couples at $200,000.

And for those needing money as soon as possible, Saturdays Senate vote means things are likely to move quickly now when it comes to getting that cash out to Americans, according to CBS News. It said the House is expected to move it forward to Biden who will sign it and that Americans could start seeing payments as soon March 13.

CBS cited Morning Consult economist John Leer as saying that a third round of $1,400 checks would allow nearly 23 million adults to pay their expenses for more than four months without going into more debt or eating into their savings.

The third stimulus check is absolutely vital, Credit Karma Chief People Officer Collin McCreary was cited as telling CBS MoneyWatch in the piece. I dont see a world where people will have their financial footing without some additional stimulus money.

And after Saturday it appears we are just days away from seeing that third, vital payment become a reality.
Americas public education system is so bad that it is an existential threat to the survival of the republic. I have known this for a long time, but I continue to be shocked by the depths to which the teachers unions and the Democratic Party have dragged millions of our countrys children.

This story comes from Baltimore, an increasingly godforsaken urban landscapebut one which, to be fair, has enjoyed economic growth during the 21st century that, while poor, is still better than my own Twin Cities metro area.

A shocking discovery out of a Baltimore City high school, where Project Baltimore has found hundreds of students are failing. Its a school where a student who passed three classes in four years, ranks near the top half of his class with a 0.13 grade point average.

This studentor studentmust rarely have attended class or submitted a homework assignment. His test scores must be unimaginably bad. Yet his single mother believed that he was progressing satisfactorily toward a high school diploma, since he kept getting promoted.

Tiffany France thought her son would receive his diploma this coming June. But after four years of high school, France just learned, her 17-year-old must start over. Hes been moved back to ninth grade.

***

She thought her oldest son was doing well because even though he failed most of his classes, he was being promoted. His transcripts show he failed Spanish I and Algebra I but was promoted to Spanish II and Algebra II. He also failed English II but was passed on to English III.

In Baltimore, and no doubt in most major cities, you will be promoted even if you fail almost every class by essentially refusing to participate in your own education. The remarkable fact is that young Mr. France is average for the environment in which he is learning.

In his four years at Augusta Fells, Frances son earned a GPA of 0.13. He only passed three classes, but his transcripts show his class rank is 62 out of 120. This means, nearly half his classmates, 58 of them, have a 0.13 grade point average or lower.

Anyone who thinks we can have a successful, competitive society when our public schools are this bad is deluded.

As for poor Mr. France, what future awaits him? On those rare occasions when he showed up for class and listened to his teachers, he most likely was told that America is a systemically racist society, which means that he has no chance. So why do homework? The Lefts equity campaign is perhaps the only thing that could possibly make an incompetent public school system even worse.
Missile strikes on makeshift oil refineries in northern Syria killed four people and injured more than 20 others, a war monitor said Saturday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a series of strikes launched from Russian warships and by allied Syrian government forces hit the makeshift refineries in Aleppo province on Friday night, causing a massive blaze in the area controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel proxies.

The Britain-based monitor "documented the deaths of four people, while 24 others sustained various injuries and burns" in the attacks near the town of Jarablus.

At least one Syrian rebel was among the dead, said Observatory head Rami Abdul Rahman.

Rescue workers spent hours trying to extinguish the fire which spread to about 30 oil tankers, according to the war monitor.

Oil installations in Turkey-controlled parts of Aleppo have come under repeated attack in recent months although Moscow and the Syrian regime have not claimed responsibility.

The Observatory reported two such missile attacks last month.

In January, unidentified drones also hit oil refineries in Turkish-held areas of Aleppo, causing a large fire, according to the Observatory.

Syria's war has killed more than 387,000 people and displaced millions since starting in 2011 with a brutal repression of anti-government protests.

It later evolved into a complex conflict involving jihadists and foreign powers.

Northern neighbour Turkey has seized control of several regions inside Syria in military campaigns against the Islamic State group and Kurdish fighters since 2016.

Short link:


The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon at an apartment in the Bluebell area of Inchicore, south Dublin (PA)

A woman and a man are in a serious condition in hospital following a shooting in south Dublin.

The incident happened at around 1pm on Saturday at an apartment in the Bluebell area of Inchicore.

The pair, both aged in their 30s, are being treated at St Jamess Hospital.

Garda forensic investigators are at the scene carrying out a technical examination.

A Garda spokesman said investigations are ongoing.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact them at Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666 9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

SHARJAH, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 06th Mar, 2021) On a recent visit to Sharjah's new iconic cultural landmark  House of Wisdom (HoW)  Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President, International Publishers Association (IPA) received Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth. During her visit, the minister gained a deeper insight into ways this first-of-its-kind social hub in the region has been built as an immersive space for accessing knowledge and learning, cultural exchange and creative pursuits.

The tour offered a comprehensive overview of HoWs key features  an impressive collection of physical and digital resources including rare books, its multipurpose halls, spaces dedicated for reading, working, hosting events and exhibitions, fabrication laboratories, and an advanced printing facility.

"Societies advance when they are able to learn from and fully appreciate their history and culture, and know more about the individuals whose invaluable contributions in the past laid the foundations fro our present and future. The amalgamation of past achievements with our plans for the future is the premise behind HoWs overarching vision. That is why this futuristic space for learning is named after the House of Wisdom' in Baghdad, which was a beacon of knowledge during the Golden Age of islam," Sheikha Bodour noted.

The International Publishers Association (IPA) President, added: " HoW is a fitting ode to Sharjah's distinctive standing as a place where books, knowledge and cultural enrichment are at the heart of the public domain  meant to be easily accessed and enjoyed locally as well as by regional and international communities."

Following her visit, Al Kaabi said: "HoW is one of the grandest contributions to the country's cultural offerings. It embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to invest in human knowledge through books and learning resources. HoW further solidifies the foundations of community development and paves the path for a glorious future."

The minister added: "The House of Wisdom defines the model of the future library, globally. It is not merely a place for reading and research, but also an immersive space for collaborative learning that provides opportunities for interaction and experimentation to unleash capacities and talents, and foster self-development."

During the tour, Marwa Al Aqroubi, Director of HoW, briefed Al Kaabi on the integration of physical spaces with smart, intuitive and extremely user-friendly technologies at HoW.

The monumental library, she added, will be home to 305,000 traditional and digital resources in various formats, languages, and genres. Of these, 105,000 will be physical books and includes 100 Braille books and 2400 large print format books, while nearly 200,000 learning resources are in the digital format.

The minister was also briefed on the Wisdom Vault, which currently contains the first eight volumes of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, a first-of-its-kind project by the Arabic Language academy that chronicles 17 centuries of development of the Arabic language and spans five distinct periods in history  the pre-Islamic period, the Islamic era, Abbasid Caliphate, development of nation states, and the modern day era. The Wisdom Vault will also host rare books and publications collected from around the world.

Al Kaabi also toured the seven specially designed pods; the Al Rasheed Hall, a high-tech conference room equipped with the latest audio-visual aids; and the Little Reader, a dedicated space to educate and entertain 3 to 10-year-olds in a safe and fun environment.

She visited the Al Jazri Lab or the Fabrication Lab, a makerspace equipped with cutting-edge technologies including state-of-the-art 3D printers, and the "Book espresso machine", a state-of-the-art on-demand printing and binding machine that can produce a perfectly bound book in just a few minutes. The tour also included a visit to the Ladies Diwan, a dedicated place for women for collaboration and quiet contemplation.

The tour included a visit to Al Khawarizmi Exhibition, a dedicated exhibition space that now hosts 168: 01', Iraqi-born, New York-based artist Wafaa Bilals fitting monument to the staggering cultural losses endured throughout Iraqs history, most notably when a fire destroyed more than 70,000 books at the library of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Baghdad in 2003.

The minister also toured the artist's 'The Ashes Series (2003  2103)' exhibition of photographs that depict painstakingly reconstructed media images of the destruction caused by the war in Iraq.

Al Kaabi also stopped at the Wisdom Square, the central courtyard, which is also the heart of HoW. Open to the sky and filled with plants, a fully-grown tree and water features, the Wisdom Square brings nature into this essentially modern structure, bathing it in natural light and lending an aura of natural green and calm to the bustling social space.
United Nations, March 6 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered to help break the tripartite impasse between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile river.

In a phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Friday, Guterres confirmed that the UN is available to support and participate in the African Union-led negotiation process on the dam, Xinhua news agency quoted Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General's spokesman, as saying on Friday.

The UN chief expressed the hope that the process will count on the full engagement of the parties in a serious negotiation, the spokesman added.

Ethiopia started building the dam in 2011.

While Egypt is concerned that the dam might affect its share of the Nile waters, Sudan has also raised similar concerns over the dam.

Over the past few years, tripartite talks on the rules of filling and operating the Ethiopian dam have been fruitless, including those hosted by the US and recently by the African Union.
In Manitobas new best-case scenario, everyone in the province who wants to be vaccinated could get their first COVID-19 shot by May 18.

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In Manitobas new best-case scenario, everyone in the province who wants to be vaccinated could get their first COVID-19 shot by May 18.

New projections were unveiled by members of the provinces Vaccine Implementation Task Force on Friday, just two days after it was announced Manitoba would be adopting advice from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, which recommended second doses of vaccine be spaced out by up to four months to allow more people to get the protection offered by a first dose.

In the less-optimistic low range scenario, Manitobans aged 18-29 would still receive their first doses of vaccine by June.

To accommodate the new strategy, the call centres that book vaccinations appointments are making changes to their procedures starting today.

Manitobans will no longer have to book their first and second vaccination appointments at the same time. People will be now notified when they should come in for their second dose.

When calling to book an appointment, appointments for multiple people can now be made at once. This will allow, for example, spouses to book appointments for the same day and time.

The new strategy will not change how many doses the province is receiving or the provinces daily maximum capacity for administering doses, said Johanu Botha, a co-lead of the Vaccine Implementation Task Force.

"Weve built a racetrack that can accommodate the cars coming down the line," said Botha. "We dont have to build a bigger racetrack, it remains the exact same. Were ready for the cars to come and race through it. The only difference is that every single car doesnt have to go through it twice before exiting."

Next week, the province is now expecting to receive 18,000 doses of the recently-approved AstraZeneca vaccine. This vaccine is expected to eventually be rolled out to pharmacies and doctors offices for distribution as it has less stringent cold-chain requirements than either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.

The province is also expecting to receive 20,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine next week and 16,400 of the Pfizer vaccine. The week after next, Manitoba is not expecting to receive any Moderna vaccines, but 14,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

On the week of March 22, the province is expecting 40,600 doses of the Moderna vaccine and a further 14,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccines. For the week starting March 29, Manitoba will be receiving no Moderna doses and 14,000 Pfizer doses.

During a Friday morning media briefing on vaccines, Vaccine Implementation Task Force medical lead Dr. Joss Reimer said that information will be sent to these offices telling them how many doses they can expect as well as who should be prioritized for vaccination.

"I want Manitobans to be aware of our plans, but I also dont want you to start calling your physicians or pharmacies yet, as you wont be able to make an appointment because they dont yet know how many doses theyll be receiving," Reimer said. "But when you can, we will let you know. Im going to steal one of Dr. Roussins usual lines and say, Now is not the time."

The AstraZeneca vaccine will first be prioritized for people aged 50-64 who have a serious health condition that puts them at higher risk of severe outcomes if they were to contract COVID-19. This vaccine is not currently recommended for people older than 65 years of age.

Reimer said the list of prioritized health conditions has been finalized and would be shared with participating locations sometime Friday.

Though Health Canada announced Friday it had approved the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine for use in Canada, the province does not yet know when doses of that vaccine will arrive and be ready for use. Reimer said the province is also waiting on guidelines from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for how this new vaccine should be used.

Vaccine eligibility was slightly expanded on Friday, with Manitobans aged 87 and older and First Nations people in Manitoba aged 67 and older now allowed to call to book vaccination appointments.

Larger centres in the north that dont have a supersite, like in The Pas, Flin Flon and the RM of Kelsey, will be able to have residents visit the Thompson supersite as well as pop-up clinics in the communities themselves.

In a vaccine bulletin sent out by the province Friday afternoon, it was announced a new emergency order issued under the Emergency Measures Act will allow Shared Health to investigate and confirm whether health-care workers were eligible to receive their vaccinations.

If it is discovered that someone gave false information to obtain a vaccine early, Shared Health may share that information with a persons employer, with law enforcement or a professional regulatory body. This order is retroactive to Dec. 12, 2020.

So far, Manitoba has administered 84,937 doses of vaccine. That includes 55,090 first doses and 29,847 second doses.

Next week, focused immunization teams will be vaccinating residents of the following congregate living facilities in Prairie Mountain Health:

 Carberry: Carberry Plains Lodge

 Stonewall: Thunder Hill Cour

 Minitonas: Pioneer Lodge, Chalet

 Neepawa: Yellowhead Manor, Elks Manor

 Cypress River: Cypress River Lodge

 Holland: Victoria Manor

 Dauphin: Dauphin Regional Health Centre

 Ste. Rose du Lac: Leisure Apartments, Trois Villas Apartments

 Roblin: Roblin Health Centre, Maple Manor, Roblin Residence

 Brandon: Brandon Regional Health Centre

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark

If someone was previously infected with COVID-19, the immune system may not as effectively fight off a second infection with this variant, Dr. Egon Ozer, assistant professor of medicine in infectious diseases at Northwestern, said in a news release There is also some concern that the current vaccines might not be as effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 with this variant, though the degree to which they differ is unclear.

LITCHFIELD COUNTY  Theres a shortage of affordable housing in towns throughout Litchfield County, and many of those towns are now under pressure to remedy this.

The towns are required to follow the 2017 state statute that states all municipalities must develop an affordable housing plan by July 2022. The Northwest Hills Council of Governments is currently assisting nine county towns  Washington, Warren, Morris, Barkhamsted, Cornwall, Canaan (Falls Village), Harwinton, Norfolk, and Goshen  in its 21-town area with developing an affordable housing plan. The long-term goal of these plans is to meet the housing needs of current and future residents and workers in those towns.

Affordable housing is housing that costs less than 30 percent of the income of a household earning 80 percent or less of the areas median income. In 2020, the Connecticut Department of Housing made grant money available to help municipalities develop an affordable housing plan.

According to a Housing Needs Assessment Study the town of Washington presented at a recent affordable housing meeting, about 480 households in Washington are considered cost burdened, meaning theyre paying more than 30 percent of their income on their housing costs.

The study also said while just 18 percent of Washingtons households have children, 70 percent of the towns homes have three or more bedrooms.

The majority of housing available may not fit the needs of young adults, young families or seniors that do not want to pay for or maintain a single-family home with three plus bedrooms, said Jocelyn Ayer, NHCOG community and economic development director.

In the entire town, Washington has 44 affordable housing units and 12 units of affordable senior rental housing.

The town of Warren has even less housing thats considered affordable than Washington. According to a presentation at a recent meeting in the town, one home in all of Warren qualifies under the states definition of affordable housing. Theres also no affordable senior rental housing.

At the meeting, Melissa Woodward, Warrens social services director, said theres a strong need for senior affordable housing options in Warren, as well as affordable housing for all ages.

I have a lot of clients who are seniors who would benefit from downsizing their home, but they dont have an option to, Woodward said. If we had affordable housing available, I know that there would be residents within our town who would access it, qualify for it and benefit from it immediately.

According to Woodward, over the past year, 17 Warren residents accessed grants to aid with fuel, utilities and medical devices. At the towns food pantry, she said shes seen a great increase of need of families who are food insecure. Twenty-five individuals are consistently using the pantry who are single seniors to families with children.

The town of Salisbury is in the process creating more affordable housing geared toward young people. A recent petition was circulated to develop a proposed building site for this housing. The petition, Young People Support Affordable Housing in Salisbury, on Change.org garnered about 400 signatures in three weeks.

Salisbury resident Hannah Pouler, 22, said young families are being priced out of town. Her fear is the town will become just be a retirement home, a place that gets really crowded on weekends with people from out of town.

The town of New Milford is also looking for a new affordable housing plan, and has been getting calls about younger people who are struggling with mental health and having a hard time finding suitable housing.

The purchasing department in New Milford is accepting applications from professional planners and consulting firms ready to develop the plan. Theyre focused on providing workforce housing and homes to those who cant afford New Milford prices.

We hear all the time from banks, grocery stores, schools restaurants, retirement homes, hospitals and manufacturers in our NWCT small towns about the need for affordable housing for their workers, and about the open jobs they cannot fill because the applicants for these positions cannot find housing they can afford, or they would like to rent, and no rental housing options are available, Ayer said.

Ayer added many residents are concerned that creating affordable housing in a town would affect its rural character or increase its property taxes.

In response to those concerns, she said retaining the towns rural environment is a foundational goal of the affordable housing plan. She also said typically, towns do not fund the construction or operating costs of affordable housing.

Over the coming months, the housing steering committees of many Litchfield County towns will be holding additional public meetings to further develop goals and strategies to move their housing plans forward.

sfox@milfordmirror.com
Washington, March 6 : Democratic House lawmaker Eric Swalwell, one of the nine impeachment managers, filed a lawsuit accusing former President Donald Trump of inciting the deadly January 6 Capitol riot.

The 65-page civil lawsuit was filed on Friday at the US District Court in Washington, D.C., reports Xinhua news agency.

It accused the former President, his eldest son Donald Trump Jr., lawyer Rudy Giuliani and House Republican Mo Brooks of conspiring to block incumbent President Joe Biden's election victory, inciting the Capitol riot, aiding and abetting common-law assault, committing bias-related crimes, as well as intentionally inflicting emotional distress and negligence.

"The horrific events of January 6 were a direct and foreseeable consequence of the Defendants' unlawful actions," the complaint states.

"As such, the Defendants are responsible for the injury and destruction that followed." It's the second lawsuit from a sitting member of Congress accusing Trump for inciting the riot.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, together with civil rights group the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, filed their own suit against Trump and Giuliani last month, accusing them of conspiring to stop Congress from confirming Biden's win.

The riot interrupted Congress' electoral vote count of Biden's victory on January 6, forcing a joint session of Congress into hiding while leaving five people dead, including a Capitol police officer.

The evenly split Senate last month acquitted Trump over the riot in a five-day speedy impeachment trial.
LANSING, MI  A Michigan State Police trooper is facing felony charges for his on-duty actions in restraining a man with a K-9 for nearly four minutes while the man remained still and begged for relief from the dogs bites.

Parker Surbrook, 33, was arraigned March 5, on one count of felonious assault in 54-A District Court in Ingham County, police said. He is on unpaid suspension until the criminal matter is resolved.

The charge stems from Surbrooks actions during a Nov. 13 arrest in Lansing, recorded by the in-car camera in the police vehicle, police said.

Surbrook, who joined MSP in 2012 and became a K-9 handler in 2017 at the Lansing post, was making a traffic stop where a passenger in the vehicle was believed to be armed, when the vehicle fled and crashed into a tree, police said.

Surbrook responded to the scene with an undercover officer. Once on scene, Surbrook set his K-9 on the driver who had exited the vehicle, leaving the dog on the man for what in-car video published by MSP shows was about three and a half minutes.

The driver can be heard screaming in pain on the video and saying, Please sir, hes on my face, and Surbrook responding with, I dont care. The driver then begs, Please sir, please sir. Please Im begging you sir. Please. Please sir. Please.

Surbrook then tells the dog, Stay on him. Good boy. Surbrook also can be heard asking for backup to arrive faster multiple times.

The driver, who stayed on the ground in the mostly same spot, then says, Im not moving sir.

Surbrook then yells Dont move! and the driver responds with, It hurts sir.

The K-9 is removed from the driver after backup arrives  three and a half minutes later.

The driver then tells the backup officers he is unable to stand. His hip was broken, according to an MSP investigation into the incident.

During the MSP investigation, the driver said he suffered bite injuries to his head, left shoulder blade area, left arm bicep and forearm, left side rib area, left and right side of his pelvic bone area, genitals and the top of the thighs.

Surbrook was taken out of service until supervisors reviewed his report, as per department policy. He was allowed back to work after the report was reviewed, but before video of the incident was watched, according to the investigation. He was again removed from service Dec. 8, after the investigation started.

The passenger in the vehicle did have a gun and was taken into custody by the undercover cop with the help of Surbrook, according to the investigation report.

Its normal to leave a K-9 on a person until a second suspect in an incident is in custody, according to the report. Surbrook is trained in multiple ways to remove the K-9 after the second suspect is in custody, but he left the K-9 on the driver for one minute and 50 seconds after the second suspect in this incident was in custody until backup arrived., the report states.

The Michigan State Police is an agency that prides itself in our troopers abilities to react with calm and confidence even in the most dangerous and harrowing of circumstances, MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper said in a statement.

While the unfortunate reality for police officers is that use of force is sometimes a necessary action to ensure the protection of themselves or others, care and concern for human life should always be at the forefront of any police officers actions. This makes Trooper Surbrooks disregard of the drivers pleas for help totally unacceptable.

Read the MSP investigation report here.

Surbrook was granted a $5,000 bond and a preliminary examination is scheduled for March 25.

More:

Homeless beagle gets permanent home  and a job  with local police

With no arrests made in drowning deaths of puppies, animal lover works on boosting the reward
Cairo, March 6 : The number of people vaccinated against Covid-19 in Israel has surpassed 4.9 million, or 52.7 per cent of its total population. Meanwhile, the Omani health authorities announced that the second doses of Covid-19 vaccines will start to be administered from Sunday.

Israel's Ministry of Health reported 3,779 new Covid-19 cases on Friday, raising the tally in the country to 796,465, Xinhua news agency reported.

The death toll from the Covid-19 in Israel reached 5,834 after 13 new fatalities were added, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased from 699 to 690, out of 1,091 hospitalized patients.

In Oman, the latest Covid-19 statistics showed that the total number of coronavirus cases has increased to 142,896, including 133,491 recoveries and 1,583 deaths.

In Turkey, the tally of confirmed coronavirus cases climbed to 2,757,460 after 11,302 new infections, including 698 with symptoms, were detected, according to Turkish Health Ministry.

The Covid-19 death toll in Turkey surged by 62 to 28,901, while its total recoveries reached 2,608,848, the ministry said.

So far, over 7.5 million people in Turkey have been vaccinated, including 2.36 million who have received two doses of the Chinese Sinovac vaccine.

The Iranian health authorities registered 8,367 new Covid-19 infections, raising the country's total number of confirmed cases to 1,673,470.

Between Thursday and Friday, 81 new deaths related to the coronavirus were detected, pushing the death toll up to 60,512, spokeswoman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education Sima Sadat Lari said at her daily briefing.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported on Friday 5,127 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 719,121.

It also announced 30 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,537, while the total recoveries in the country climbed by 3,134 to 653,149.

Morocco registered 420 new Covid-19 cases, taking the tally in the North African country to 485,567, the health ministry said in a statement.

The total number of recoveries from Covid-19 in Morocco increased to 471,410 after 477 new ones were added. The death toll rose to 8,673 with four new fatalities during the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, 3,877,687 people have received so far the first vaccine shot against Covid-19 in the country, and 499,942 people have received the second dose.

The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on January 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines.

Lebanon registered on Friday 3,202 new Covid-19 cases, raising the tally of infections to 390,053, the Health Ministry reported. Meanwhile, the number of deaths went up by 52 to 4,971.

Kuwait reported on Friday 1,613 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 198,110.

The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced eight more deaths, taking the death toll to 1,113. The tally of recoveries nationwide rose by 918 to 184,239, while 12,758 coronavirus-related patients were receiving treatment.

The Qatari health ministry on Friday announced 469 new Covid-19 cases, raising the total confirmed number in the Gulf state to 166,015, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Meanwhile, 337 more were recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 155,407, while the death toll increased by one to 261.

Palestinian Health Minister Mai al-Kaila said on Friday that Palestine has recorded a total of 218,628 Covid-19 cases including 2,333 deaths, after 1,826 new coronavirus cases and 19 more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Center Fruit, Nepals largest selling gum brand from Perfetti Van Melle has announced Nepalese leading actress Swastima Khadka as its brand ambassador. Swastima will be seen in Center Fruits latest Campaign that embodies the brands purpose of mood upliftment through its tagline Mood Ting Tong.

All of us have unavoidable moments of boredom in our daily life, and an occasional mood upliftment in such moments goes a long way. Center fruits new advert showcases a similar slice-of-life scenario. The character played by Swastima is seen in a situation of extreme boredom, waiting for a bus which has been delayed by an hour. This is when she decides to pop in a Center Fruit whose fruity taste instantly lifts her spirits. Her vibrant spirit helps her add enthusiasm and joy to the waiting time of her fellow passengers as well. True to its proposition, Center Fruit this comes to the rescue of one and all delivering the brand promise of mood upliftment.

Speaking on the new Campaign and partnership, Mr. Mayank Pandey, Country Manager said, We are excited to have Swastima on board with us on Center Fruit and be a part of the Perfetti Van Melle family. Her cheerful nature and vibrant spirit embodies the brands personality . We are sure, this partnership would help Center Fruit deepen its connect with our audience .

Commenting on the partnership, Swastima Khadka said, One thing that I have learnt in last few months is how important it is to stay happy and cheerful no matter what the circumstances are. It gives me great pride to be associated with a brand I relate to and carries a message that means a lot in our lives 

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Australias NT Remote Town Vaccinations Set to Start

Australias Northern Territory is set to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to workers in some remote towns, as the first phase of the rollout nears completion.

About 2,200 people in the Top End have now received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, with the second shots expected to begin in the coming weeks.

About 450 of those are aged care residents and staff living in the territorys capital, Darwin, as well as Alice Springs, and Katherine.

The remainder are frontline health, airport, and quarantine workers vaccinated in Phase 1A of the rollout, which should be completed within a fortnight.

Which is 3.4 percent of all vaccinations so far in Australia despite the fact we only make up one per cent of the population, NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said on Friday.

Health care workers in Nhulunbuy (1000km east of Darwin), Tennant Creek (500km north of Alice Springs) and Katherine will be among the Territorians expected to be vaccinated next week, along with government workers in the towns.

Gunner said 1,440 AstraZeneca vaccine doses were expected to arrive in the coming days, which will be followed by a further 4,000 doses.

This is unaffected by events in Italy, Gunner said.

In total, 18,000 vaccine doses have been secured, including an additional 11,120 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Which will easily allow us to complete Phase 1A in five weeks, he said.

Phase 1B will is expected to kick off on March 22, with Territorians 70 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 55 plus to be vaccinated.

Health care workers not already vaccinated, emergency service workers, people with underlying health conditions and other high-risk workers, such as Defence personnel and meat workers, will also be given the jab.

AstraZeneca is likely to be used in remote communities.

It comes as the NT government gets set to ramp up processing at the Howard Springs quarantine facility in Darwin.

From late May, capacity at the former mining camp will increase from 850 arrivals to 2000 per fortnight.

By Aaron Bunch
China in Focus (March 5): U.S. May Ease Ban on Chinas Main Chipmaker

The U.S. may soon ease trade restrictions on Chinas largest microchip maker. Former President Trump had put the company on a trade blacklist over its ties to the Chinese military.

A Chinese internet censor says he helped the Communist Party track down and arrest six netizens last year. He boasted about his power to suppress others in a video shared online.

An expert makes a major discovery while analyzing satellite images. He finds 16 new underground nuclear missile launchers built in China.

Nearly three-quarters of Americans say the U.S. should stand up against Chinas human rights abuses. A survey says they value it more than fostering economic ties with the regime.

And U.S. colleges gain new power to resist Chinese influence. A new bill passes the Senate, targeting Beijings overseas Confucius Institutes.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more first-hand news from China.

For more news and videos, please visit our website and Twitter.

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Cubans are anxious for President Biden to make good on a campaign promise of re-examining Trump administration policies.

Video Transcript

JOE BIDEN: We have to vote for a new Cuba policy as well. This administration's approach isn't working. Cuba's no closer to freedom and democracy today than it was four years ago.

ANDREW RAFFERTY: Then candidate Joe Biden on the campaign trail this past October saying it's time to rethink US policies towards Cuba. But today, more than 120 days later, the same Trump-era policies exist. Ezekial [INAUDIBLE] operates horse and carriage tours in Havana. He says he's been out of work for a year and a half, and he's hoping President Biden reverts back to Obama's policies, easing restrictions on Cuba and letting Americans travel once it's deemed safe to do so.

BARACK OBAMA: Today, the United States of America is changing its relationship with the people of Cuba.

ANDREW RAFFERTY: President Obama thawed relations, allowing more Americans to visit Cuba. In 2016, the first US cruise ship in 50 years docked in Old Havana. By 2018, 20 cruise lines were ferrying nearly a million passengers to the island. That ended with President Trump.

DONALD TRUMP: Frankly, we just said, what did Obama do? And I heard. And you know what I did? I did the opposite.

ANDREW RAFFERTY: Collin Laverty runs a company offering cultural and educational tours to Americans. Under Obama, he organized 5,000 trips each year. Now they've slowed to a trickle. He expects changes.

COLLIN LAVERTY: But he's clearly supporting liberalizing US travel to the island. I suspect that he's going to start by restoring a series of travel categories that were eliminated.

ANDREW RAFFERTY: And new tonight, a Biden Administration official tells Newsy that a policy shift is not among the president's top priorities right now. Instead, they want to help Cuban people determine their own future and promote policies that fight for human rights around the globe. Andrew Rafferty, Newsy, Washington.
Everybody knows that Barack Obama was the guiding force behind the 2020 election. Heck, he's been the guiding force behind much of the last four years, including weaponizing the federal government against Donald Trump by setting up the Russia Hoax. As the Democrats' eminence grise, what Obama has to say about politicians vying for power within the party matters. That's why his dismissive comments about Pete Buttigieg, an unqualified man who lasted long into the primaries, are so interesting. According to Obama, Buttigieg was too young, too short, and too gay ever to be president.

There's a new book out  one that Amazon's sure to carry  called Lucky: How Joe Biden Barely Won the Presidency, by Amie Parnes and Jonathan Allen. According to The Hill, the book recounts an October 2019 meeting that Obama held in New York City with Black donors. He was pushing them hard to support Elizabeth Warren, even though the corporate donors were worried about Warren's attacks on wealthy people.

Another candidate whose name came up was Pete Buttigieg, the young mayor from South Bend, Indiana. Buttigieg was making a good showing then and continued to do so until quite late in the campaign.

Buttigieg's success was impressive given how little he brought to the table. While Buttigieg had shown academic abilities (Harvard University plus a Rhodes Scholarship), he'd made no mark in the business world during his short stint at McKinsey and Company. He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve but made no mark there, either. His time in South Bend was also entirely undistinguished  except for the fact that he'd managed to offend the city's Black community by firing the first Black police chief.

During the campaign, Buttigieg's claims to fame were few: he was openly gay, he had a pleasantly deep voice, and he was young  which, when allied with a cherubic baby face, made him look remarkably like Mad Magazine's Alfred "What, Me Worry?" Newman.

Democrat voters were intrigued. Obama was not. The Hill quotes from the new book regarding Obama's dismissive references to Buttigieg:

"It was a ninety percent Warren sermon," said one donor in the room. When he was asked to return to the original question on his advice, Obama said he liked Buttigieg, a rising talent who'd worked on his own campaign. But despite his affinity for the South Bend mayor, he rattled off a list of reasons why Buttigieg couldn't win. "He's thirty- eight," Obama said, pausing for dramatic effect, "but he looks thirty." The audience laughed. Obama was on a roll, using the tone of light ridicule he some-times pointed at himself  " big ears" and "a funny name," he'd said so many times before. Now, it was directed at Buttigieg. "He's the mayor of a small town," the former president continued. "He's gay," Obama said, "and he's short." More laughter. Only months earlier, Buttigieg had sat in Obama's postpresidential office in Washington seeking counsel on how to maintain equanimity in the face of homophobia on the campaign trail. Now, behind his back, Obama was riffing on him to some of the wealthiest Black men in America at a time when Buttigieg had been dubbed "Mayo Pete" by critics who believed he couldn't connect with African American voters.

What's interesting is that it's unclear about whom Obama was being derisive: Buttigieg, who was too young, too little, and too gay, or the American people, whom Obama deemed too primitive to accept a short, young, gay candidate. Either way, Obama's trademark nastiness was on full display.

There's one other interesting point the book makes about this October 2019 meeting:

Obama kept going, acknowledging that he knew Kamala Harris but offering no further commentary. But when he wrapped up, he had left someone out. "You forgot Biden," one executive said, reminding him of his two-term vice president. Obama seemed apprehensive, according to a source in the room. "His support for Biden was tepid at best," the person said. At that point, it didn't matter what he said about Biden. His silence spoke for him.

Joe's nothing but a filler, holding the place for another Obama protegee, Kamala Harris, a woman Democrats disliked so much that she couldn't even make it to the first primary vote before dropping out.

Image: Pete Buttigieg. YouTube screen grab.
Laurence Fox, Leader of UK Anti-Woke Reclaim Party Announces Run for Mayor of London

Laurence Fox, the leader of the recently established Reclaim Partywhose name plays off the idea that culture has been captured by the politically hyper-correct and needs reclaiminghas announced he is running for mayor of London.

Calling the decision slightly daunting, but needed, Fox told the American Thought Leaders program in a March 4 interview that hes running to say its important that we have a full debate within society on political correctness and freedom of speech, and to ensure that one set of views is not silenced or cancelled in order to not offend other people.

Fox decried the illiberal surge of wokeism in Great Britain and said its impact on various spheres of public life threatens to upend policymaking.

Similar to America, the United Kingdom is really struggling with the principle of freedom of speech, Fox said. And its affected everything from our handling of the COVID crisis to the handling of how we deal with our historical heritage, he said.

He blamed what we loosely call wokeism, but is essentially progressivism on a range of questionable phenomena in British society, echoing a recent op-ed he authored in the newspaper Express.

From the tentative non-investigation of the Rotherham grooming gangs, to the two-tiered policing of political protests, to the silencing of eminent scientists in the COVID debate, to people losing their jobs for holding the wrong views. There are real victims in these stories, Fox wrote.

Without a full debate on free speech and cancel culture, we cannot make good decisions on a personal, public or government level, Fox told American Thought Leaders in the interview.

Fox, an actor, made headlines in September 2020 when he announced he was founding the Reclaim Party, which he said in a statement was born out of a desperate need of a new political movement which promises to make our future a shared endeavour not a divisive one.

He sparked controversy in January 2020 during an appearance on British television, where he clashed with Rachel Boyle, a researcher on race and ethnicity at Edge Hill University in Lancashire, over media coverage of Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex. Fox insisted that negative media coverage of Markle was, unlike Boyle claimed, not rooted in racism, and said it was racist for Boyle to call him a white, privileged male.

No, thats just not true, Fox said of the claim that Markle had been bullied out of the UK by racism. Theres a huge amount of goodwill towards Megan Markle, and Prince Harry in the UK. And then the woman proceeded to call me a white privilege male, he told American Thought Leaders.

So I said to her, I think thats direct racism. And then everything exploded, he recounted.

Asserting his stand on the limits of the free speech debate, Fox said, I think one needs to accept that you have the right to offend and you do not have the right not to be offended.

Fox also denounced what he said was a progressivist hypocrisy which elevates the historic sins of the West, such as slavery, but downplays the misdeeds of those more closely ideologically aligned with the leftist movement, such as genocide perpetrated by the Chinese communist regime in Xinjiang or forced organ harvesting from members of the Falun Gong spiritual group across China.

It doesnt balance the idea of genocide of the Uyghur Muslims in China, compared to the way that we look at ourselves as a culture and how we operated in the past, Fox said.

We seem in Western civilization and Western free democracies to have reached this sort of apotheosis of, we have now weve worked everything out where its all our fault, and were very sorry, he said.

So theres a desire to tear down what we are, rip it away, and feel ashamed. But at the same time, youll allow a global superpower to commit horrendous acts of genocide against people and its fine, he said.

Its consistently inconsistent, Fox said, calling wokeism very anti-reason and very anti-rational.

Its worrying, actually, he said. It feels like the rise of a new religion, a new secular religion, as Douglas Murray says, with no redemption and no forgiveness.
A year into lockdown, its probably safe to say we have all exhausted our full range of culinary skills. Personally, I am getting tired of both dishes I can cook, while my relationship with my local takeaways now resembles a loveless marriage. We stay together but the spice has gone bland and really things are more routine than anything.

The return of Masterchef (BBC) may be just the taste injection our lives need. The hit series returned for its latest course on Monday, as five amateur cooking enthusiasts competed to show they are as good as the professionals.

The recipe behind Masterchef is tried and trusted. There are no formalities. The huge viewership the programme has built up over the years means the producers see no need to waste time introducing the judges. We are expected to know them. I didnt, but I Googled them and found out their names are Gregg Wallace and John Torode and they are, apparently, quite big deals. They seem like very nice men, albeit ones with an abnormal passion for asparagus texture.

The contestants are introduced at pace and with no back stories. We know their names and we can guess that they like cooking, but thats about it. Were shown to our tables straight away, with no time to top up with wine in between courses.

Two of the contestants are women and three are men. The women are called Dominique and Madeeha, but the men are called Mike, Ross and Tom because they are too busy coming up with elaborate chowders to waste time with more complicated names.

Only two of the five contestants can progress to the next round. Their first task is to create their chosen signature dish inside 90 minutes. This is a bit like the Leaving Cert when you have to memorise an essay and are then judged on how quickly you can write it down. What follows is a montage of people furiously chopping onions to fast tempo music.

Several struggle with the time limit. It can take me 90 minutes to figure out how to open a tin so its no surprise that whipping up a smoked trout tian topped with a quenelle of creme fraiche proves a challenge. Mike gets the tarragon sauce wrong (weve all been there, Mike) but is later forgiven when the judges taste his gnocchi. Your gnocchi are like little fluffy pillows, says Gregg, which Im almost certain is a good thing.

In the second round, contestants have to produce a meal based on the limited ingredients available to them. This is a nightly routine for most of us but is presented by the judges as some sort of Mad Max-style scenario. Tom puts together a monkfish dish. I didnt come to Masterchef to play it safe, he says, although it is notable that he lacked the courage to produce Weetabix and baked beans.

Ultimately, Tom and Madeeha make it through, with the other three contestants sent packing to cry into their panna cottas.

Masterchef is always a hit but with its audience now quite literally captive, this season promises to be its biggest yet. Just keep a bib handy in case the salivating gets too much.

From whipping-up venison curries in well stocked kitchens to dealing crack cocaine on the streets of Brooklyn, this week brought us the story of one of the 1990s biggest hip-hop stars. Using a combination of interviews and home recordings, Biggie: I Got A Story To Tell (Netflix) told the story of Christopher Wallace, better known as Notorious BIG.

Two-thirds of the documentary focuses on Wallaces childhood and descent into drug dealing. By the time he was 15 years old, he was earning thousands of dollars each week dealing crack cocaine. This glimpse of the violence and chaos of 1980s New York is the most interesting aspect of the documentary. After yet another shooting, one neighbour tells news reporters, Its like a warzone. Such is the inter-gang violence at the time that Sean Puff Daddy Combs, whose own father was murdered over drugs, doesnt feel its possible to venture from Harlem to Brooklyn in search of the young rapper he had heard so much about.

The documentary doesnt pull any punches about Wallaces involvement in the drugs trade and is keen to promote his talents as a rapper (he is still regarded by many as the greatest rapper of all time). The issue it shies from slightly is his murder at the age of just 24. BIG was murdered soon after the killing of fellow rapper 2Pac, with whom he had been engaged in a feud. Who killed both rappers remains a source of much speculation, but one not satisfactorily dealt with here.

The killing of a young man is also the theme of Your Honour (Sky Atlantic), a series which sees Bryan Cranston return to the small screen for his first major series since Breaking Bad. Cranston plays Judge Michael Desiato, whose son, Adam, is involved in a road accident in which the son of a local crime boss is killed. The stage is set for a moral dilemma as the judge tries to protect his son from the consequences of his actions.

Although the storyline differs from Breaking Bad, the overall theme is similar: a good man doing bad things and sliding down the moral ladder while trying to avoid various criminal elements. As well as the fundamental moral issue at play, episode one hints at exploring issues of race and class, including one frankly bizarre courtroom scene that is the least accurate portrayal of the US justice system since Judge Judy.

Despite that minor transgression, Your Honour is dark, well-paced and a welcome return for one of the finest television actors of his generation.
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Mar. 6SCRANTON  The Diocese of Scranton announced that an independent audit determined full compliance with child sex abuse prevention policies set by the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops.

A media release noted the local diocese has passed such audits of its procedures every year since the policy was adopted by the USCCB in 2002. The latest audit was done by StoneBridge Business Partners base in New York, contracted to conduct such work in all 195 U.S. Dioceses.

"The findings are a result of a review of data collected for the 2019/2020 Charter audit period," according to a media release issued Friday. "The annual audit evaluates each diocese's efforts to ensure the protection of children, including criminal background checks and educational awareness programs on recognizing and preventing abuse."

The diocese provided information to the auditors, including:

A total 11,526 students currently enrolled in Catholic schools in the diocese or in parish religious education programs received Safe Environment training.

The training has also been provided to 232 active ministry priests, 72 permanent deacons and 25 seminarians and candidates for the Diaconate.

"Valuable information to keep children safe" has also been provided to More than 425 educators and administrators in diocesan schools, more than 1,160 employees of parishes across 11 counties, and 3,598 volunteers in schools, parishes and other diocesan facilities.

More than 3,180 individuals completed training on recognizing and reporting child abuse in Pennsylvania.

"This independent verification highlights the ongoing commitment that the Diocese of Scranton, along with its parishes and schools, has in protecting children," Bishop Joseph Bambera said in the release. "Our long record of compliance emphasizes that reliable reporting mechanisms are in place to ensure our zero-tolerance for any misconduct by a bishop, priest, deacon, lay employee or volunteer."

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The announcement of the closure of Bank of Ireland's branches in Tubbercurry and Ballymote has been described as 'a nail in the coffin of rural towns'.

On Monday morning Bank of Ireland announced it is to close 88 of its branches nationwide, with the two South Sligo towns included in the closures, along with Manorhamilton, Bundoran and Drumshanbo.

In what has been described as 'changes to branch services', the branches will close from September. A new partnership with An Post is planned to provide banking services locally to Bank of Ireland customers.

The news has been met with shock, with many people describing it as a devastating blow for the communities of Tubbercurry and Ballymote especially.

For Ballymote, the latest announcement now means there will be no bank left in the town. With Charlestown's branch also closing, it means people's nearest Bank of Ireland branch will now be in Sligo town.

Speaking to The Sligo Champion following the announcement, President of Tubbercurry Chamber of Commerce and Community Association, Roger McCarrick said people were 'reeling' from the news.

Expand Close Francesca McDonagh, group CEO of Bank of Ireland. Picture by Fergal Phillips / Facebook

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"We didn't expect Tubbercurry would be one of the ones for the chop. Ballymote is only 10 miles from Tubbercurry, and Charlestown is 7 miles, our nearest branch will now be Sligo town or Ballina. This is another nail in the coffin for rural towns. We have suffered over 200 job losses in the last 7 years with the leaving of Government offices relocating to bigger towns, Aurivo relocated into Sligo town and Basta closed permanently. This is another nail in the coffin."

The chamber president says he will be writing to the bank to call on them to review the decision.

"That's three branches proposed to be closed within the same catchment area."

Mr McCarrick explains that two years ago the Tubbercurry branch's cash desk was closed

"Bank of Ireland closed the cash desk in our branch two years ago. We were only dealing with lodgements and transactions with a machine. We're devastated, it will be a huge loss for the town."

The bank says the 'changes' are in response to significant trends in how people are banking.

"Bank of Ireland is closing a number of branches nationwide and footfall at the closing branches is down on average by 60% since 2017, while digital usage has increased by one third."

The bank has stated it will not be closing branches immediately to ensure the An Post partnership is "up and running before any branches close."
PHOENIX, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Embrey Partners has closed on its site purchase for The Quincy at Kierland, a 266-unit multifamily project on Scottsdale Road in Phoenix, which continues to be one of the most vibrant multifamily markets in the U.S.

The project is a six-story, podium-style multifamily development with high visibility and convenient access to the 101 Loop, featuring walkability to Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, The Promenade, and the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa.

"Our site preparation will begin immediately for this exciting project in one of the most desirable areas in the state of Arizona," said Jimmy McCloskey, Executive Vice President of Development for Embrey. "This community reflects our Embrey signature high-end design and will offer luxury living with premium amenities and an embracing ambience that promotes active lifestyles."

The Club and first units are expected to be available in early 2023, with project completion later in the year.

Amenities will include a clubhouse with game room and business center; a state-of-the-art fitness studio with on-demand technology and a yoga room; a cyber-lounge with coffee bar; a conference room; and, structured parking.

Residents will have access to a resort-style pool; outdoor grilling areas and a fireplace; an inviting, landscaped courtyard; and a dog spa.

Interior finishes will include contemporary kitchens with backsplashes and under-cabinet lighting; quartz countertops; stainless steel appliances; gas ranges; side-by-side counter-depth refrigerators in two-bedroom plans; and custom cabinetry. Spacious living, depending on selected floor plan, is highlighted by 9- and 10-foot ceilings; walk-in closets and linen closets with built-in shelving; soaking tubs and walk-in showers; and private outdoor patios and balconies.

Frost Bank serves as the lender for the project and is excited to continue building on the strong relationship between the bank and Embrey Partners.

Story continues

About Embrey Partners

San Antonio-based Embrey Partners, Ltd., is a diversified real estate investment company that owns, develops, builds and manages multifamily and commercial assets in targeted markets across the United States. Since 1974, Embrey has developed more than 41,000 apartments and over 6 million square feet of commercial property. Embrey is a leading developer in the multifamily sector, with more than 6,000 units under construction or in development. www.embreydc.com

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Photo: The Canadian Press Free Reformed Church is seen as people attend service, in Chilliwack.

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has reserved his decision on a request from three churches to throw out provincial health orders that prevent them from holding in-person services.

Chief Justice Christopher Hinkson said Friday he doesn't want to delay unnecessarily and he appreciates the urgency of the matter from the petitioners' point of view, but he must give the case careful thought.

"You've presented me with very difficult issues to resolve and I will take the time necessary to try and resolve those issues fairly."

Hinkson gave no date on when he would release his decision.

Jacqueline Hughes, a lawyer for B.C.'s attorney general, told the court the orders by provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry do not single out or ban all in-person religious services and Henry has invited exemption requests.

The petitioners include the Riverside Calvary Chapel in Langley, Immanuel Covenant Reformed Church in Abbotsford and the Free Reformed Church of Chilliwack.

Hughes said the churches are now permitted to hold in-person services of up to 25 people, outdoors and with safety measures in place, through a "variance" to Henry's orders granted late last month.

Individual worship and drive-in events are also permitted under the orders, subject to conditions, she said, while weddings, funerals and baptisms may include no more than 10 guests.

Henry has the statutory powers during an emergency to issue orders she reasonably believes are necessary to prevent and mitigate further harm from a health hazard, including restricting entry to a place, said Hughes.

The province's top doctor has made efforts to consult faith leaders while weighing their charter rights against data about COVID-19 cases in B.C. and explaining her reasoning in public briefings and in writing, she said.

Paul Jaffe, legal counsel for the petitioners, has argued Henry's orders reflect a value judgment. On Friday, he said his clients have been subjected to discriminatory treatment compared with other groups.

Orthodox Jewish synagogues were granted variances to hold indoor services on the Sabbath around the time Henry and the attorney general sought an injunction to stop his clients from worshipping in person, Jaffe said.

Hinkson dismissed the province's injunction application last month, saying the provincial health officer has means under the Public Health Act to enforce the rules without a court order.

Jaffe told the court on Friday there has been no change in the degree to which Henry's orders arbitrarily infringe on his clients' charter right to freedom of religion from the time they were made last November to now.

"All the Crown has been able to show you are the opinions of Dr. Henry," he said. "But opinions aren't evidence. You need cogent, persuasive evidence to justify those opinions and there simply isn't any."

He told the court earlier this week that his clients have adopted safety measures similar to those approved by the provincial health officer in places that remain open.

Jaffe works with the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, a Calgary-based legal advocacy group that's also asking the court to dismiss tickets of up to $2,300 each for alleged violations of the public health orders.

Hughes told the court on Friday "there's no absolute rule that constitutionally protected interests must be preferred to those that are just pressing and substantial" in matters such as the petition at hand.

The only requirements, she said, are that any balance struck is reasonable, that "sincere religious practice" is accommodated where possible, and that religious and non-religious beliefs are treated neutrally.

"We say Dr. Henry understood these requirements and applied them to best of her ability," Hughes told Hinkson.

Henry's mandate to protect public health is a balancing exercise, she said, and "charter rights do not trump the public health mandate that she has and is continuing to exercise over the course of this pandemic."
Thiruvananthapuram, March 6 : The Congress party in Kerala will be contesting on 92 seats out of the 140 in the Kerala Assembly, leaving the rest to its allies, said a top Congress leader on Saturday.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 6 and the votes will be counted on May 2.

H.K. Patil, the screening committee chairman for Kerala, after their first round of meeting here told Congress aspirants in the state that there is no need for them to rush to Delhi, seeking tickets.

Speaking to the media, Patil said they have decided that close to 60 per cent of the seats will see new faces including youth and women.

"Present Congress Lok Sabha members will not be asked to contest to the assembly polls. The yardstick for selection of candidates is winnability. Those who have lost in two successive polls will not be considered. We expect to finalise and announce the list of our candidates either on March 8 or 9 and it would be done from Delhi. There is no need for aspirants to come to Delhi," said Patil.

Over the years, during candidate selection in the Congress claims and counter claims of various factions surface and dirty linen is washed in public, but so far this time things appear to be calm.

In the outgoing assembly the Congress has 22 seats and Patil said by and large all the sitting legislators will be returning, but the final decision will be made on the 9th.

"I have met around 200 leaders here and all are confident that the Congress party will regain power and that's what people in Kerala wish and want," added Patil.
After months of conducting the "Operation Volunteer Strong," 150 missing children were finally rescued and brought back to their families, along with one of the endangered children in Tennessee who had been missing for more than a year.

In a news conference streamed on Facebook Live Wednesday, The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Headquarters in Nashville announced the results of the operation they conducted which was planned for several months.

The operation being said was called "Operation Volunteer Strong" which was planned and conducted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Children's Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service, in which the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also helped in providing supporting data, according to The Blaze.

In the news conference, it was mentioned that the operation was planned for several months which started in the fall of 2020, and their mission is to "identify and locate" all the missing children in Tennessee.

There were 240 missing children recorded in Tennessee's three grand regions and they were able to rescue 150 of the children ages 3 to 17, since they have started the operation on January 4.

8 of these rescued children were found outside of Tennesse.

In East Tennessee, 56 out of the 86 identified missing children were rescued, while three of the rescued children were suspected to be victims of human trafficking.

While in Middle Tennessee, 42 out of the 72 identified missing children were rescued, and one of them is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking.

On the other hand, in West Tennesse, there were identified 82 missing children and 52 of them were rescued where one of the rescued children is suspected to be a victim of human trafficking. Authorities were also able to locate 2 suspected adults with outstanding warrants.

In addition, authorities were also able to arrest the suspect of one of the rescued children's kidnappers.

A kid who was suspected as a possible victim of human trafficking, who has been missing for 460 days, was also rescued, says US Marshall Denny W. King.

"We can't give up. We need the public, we need the media, we need our law enforcement partners, the other children services departments to not give up on these children. To continue to look for them to make sure they know that someone is looking for them," King claimed, asking for help as they search for the other 90 missing children.

"This work is transformational, we cannot stop. And there is nothing more worthwhile," Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Children's Service Jennifer Nichols also said.

Representative Tim Burchett praised the team behind the operation for delivering good results, but also reminded people to be alert at all times as there are "sick and twisted people out there looking to exploit minors."

The president and Chief executive officer of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, John Clark, also commended the team.

"Operation Volunteer Strong is a great example of how working together, we can find missing children and get them the help they need to move forward," he said. "We're thrilled to see so many missing children recovered in Tennessee, and we thank all the agencies involved for their dedication to child protection."

As of the moment, there has been a number of successful rescue operations for missing children and the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Tennessee David Jolley assured that they will continue to do their jobs in finding the other missing children.

"We will use every resource at our disposal to help find these missing children," Jolley assured.

The U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee Tyreece Miller also warned predators that they are doing their best to find them and make them pay for their acts.

"Our efforts should also serve notice to those who prey on society's most vulnerable that these children are not forgotten. Investigations will continue and the next knock at the door could be for you." Miller said.

Among the successful operations are Operation Broken Heart in February, Operation Reclaim & Rebuild in January, Operation Lost Angels in January also, Operation Find Our Children in November last year, Operation Autumn Hope in October last year, and many more.
A Peruvian presidential candidate on Friday called on the government to let private entities buy Russia's COVID-19 vaccine.

Cesar Acuna, the presidential candidate for the Peruvian Alliance for Progress, also met the Russian ambassador on Friday to discuss the possibility of private businesses buying the Sputnik V vaccine.

Ambassador Igor V. Romanchenko replied that the decision was in the government's hands, according to Acuna.

Peru's health authority has not yet approved the Sputnik V vaccine, while the government has relied on the Chinese Sinopharm's vaccine that was also tested in the country.

President Francisco Sagasti said that no private entities were currently in charge of vaccine acquisition and inoculation.

He also warned that counterfeit vaccines were a danger across the globe, and that vaccine administration should be handled by the government.

Acuna called on Sagasti to change that stance.

In February, the government confirmed that nearly 500 people received an early vaccination ahead of health workers, using samples made available while Sinopharm tested the vaccine in 2020.

The surreptitious vaccinations included a then-president, his wife and brother, rousing anger over inequality in a country that has been badly battered by the pandemic, which has taken the lives of at least 310 doctors.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

On the second day of his Apostolic Journey to Iraq, the Pope arrives in the city of Najaf on Saturday morning for a meeting with Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani.

By Vatican News staff reporter

At the start of his second day in Iraq, Pope Francis on Saturday morning flew to Najaf for a private meeting with the Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani at his residence.

Before meeting with the Grand Ayatollah, the Pope was met by his son Mohammed Rida.

The city of Najaf

The city of Najaf is located about 160 km south of Baghdad, 30 km from ancient Babylon, and 400 km north of the biblical city of Ur.

It was was founded in 791 AD by Caliph Harun al-Rashid, and its development took place mostly after the 10th century.

Najaf is Iraq's main Shiite religious centre and a pilgrimage destination for Shiites from around the world. It is also home to the tomb of one of Islam's most revered figures, Ali ibn Abi Talib, also known as Imam Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law and the first man to convert to Islam.

The tomb of the first Imam of the Shiites, located inside the Imam Ali Mosque, is considered one of the holiest places in Islam, and is to be found near the centre of the city.

In addition to mosques, shrines and religious schools, the holy city of Iraqi Shiism is known for the Wadi al-Salam cemetery.

The Residence of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani is located near the Shrine of Imam 'Ali or Mosque of Imam Ali, which is considered by Shiites to be the third holy site of Islam after Mecca and Medina.

The mosque was destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries; the last reconstruction, begun in 1623, was completed in 1632.

The Grand Ayatollah

The Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Husayni Al-Sistani is the leader of Iraq's Shiites, who comprise more than 60 percent of the population, and is an influential figure in global Shiism and throughout the country. Preaching the abstention of religious authorities from direct political activity, he is considered a valuable interlocutor for the various political and religious factions in the country.

In 2004, he supported free elections in Iraq, thus making an important contribution to the planning of the first democratic government in the country, while in 2014 he called on Iraqis to unite to fight against the self-styled Islamic State. More recently, in November 2019, when the population took to the streets in protest against the high cost of living and national political instability, Al-Sistani called on protesters and police to remain calm and not to resort to violence.

In an interview with Vatican News Michele Raviert, Shahrazad Houshmand, an Iranian theologian and member of the Women's Council of the Pontifical Council of Culture said, Al Sistani can be defined as "rabbani", which means "wise religious man", in the sense that besides having made a very deep and wide study of theology, of the history of the Koran, of Islamic tradition and law, he is above all a spiritual figure who gathers and unifies the Iraqi people.
New York, March 6 : What makes you swipe right a profile on Tinder or any other dating apps? May be attractiveness and the race of a potential partner, a new study reveals.

The findings indicate that people's reason for swiping right is based primarily on attractiveness and the race of a potential partner, and that decisions are often made in less than a second.

"Despite online dating becoming an increasingly popular way for people to meet one another, there is little research on how people connect with each other on these platforms," said researcher William Chopik from Michigan State University in the US.

"We wanted to understand what makes someone want to swipe left or swipe right, and the process behind how they make those decisions," he added.

For the study, published in the Journal of Research in Personality, the team used two studies to measure how dating app users from different walks of life interacted with available profiles.

The first study focused on college students, while the second focused on middle-aged adults, averaging 35 years.

Participants were given a choice to either view profiles of men or women, depending on their dating preferences.

Male participants, on average, swiped right more often than women, and it was also found that individuals who perceive themselves to be more attractive swipe left more often overall, proving to be choosier when picking out potential partners.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's decision to lift the statewide mask mandate will soon strip San Antonio authorities of their power to issue citations.

But private businesses, backed by law enforcement, could fill the vacuum.

City agencies have issued over 200 citations for mask violations since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Abbott's executive order will take away their ability to do so beginning Wednesday, but the order leaves room for private businesses to require masks.

READ ALSO: Gov. Abbott crisscrosses Texas to distract from power grid crisis, critics charge

On Tuesday, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo blasted Abbott's decision as "grossly misguided." He reminded Texans that they may be criminally trespassing if they decline to wear a mask and are asked to leave and refuse.

The San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff's Office confirmed they will enforce state law in such cases.

Both agencies noted they cannot enforce in-house rules for privately owned businesses. So police officers will not force people to wear masks at a business where masks are required.

However, law enforcement will only respond if a business  which has the right to refuse service for failing to comply with their guidelines  reports that someone is refusing to leave.

Officers will first give the individual a warning and the opportunity to leave the property, an SAPD spokesperson said. If they refuse, the officer can issue a citation or arrest the person.

A Class B misdemeanor for criminal trespassing carries a fine of up to $2,000 and a jail term of up to 180 days.

At a COVID-19 briefing Wednesday, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff thanked local businesses that plan to keep their mask mandates.

"If a business calls and says, 'This guy is trespassing on my property and not following the rules that I have, will you come out and remove him? [Sheriff Javier Salazar] said he would go out and remove them," Wolff said.
(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Missouri teachers and caregivers now have two options for getting immunized against COVID-19.

Last week, Gov. Mike Parson announced Missouris critical infrastructure workers -- teachers, caregivers, grocery store workers, and individuals in the agriculture sector -- would be eligible for a COVID-19 shot starting March 15.

Since then, the St. Joseph School District has been finalizing plans to get its workforce lined up for vaccines.

Weve got a list of folks who want to get immunized when the time comes on the 15th and thats kind of what we are leaning towards at the Gordmans site getting in and getting immunized, said Maria Burnham, the St. Joseph School District Coordinator of Nursing Services.

Burnham said the district has about 430 district employees interested in getting a COVID-19 vaccine who havent already qualified under the states vaccination plan because of age, health condition, or other criteria.

But this week was a bit of a curveball for a significant portion of the soon-to-be-eligible Phase 1B Tier 2 Missourians. President Joe Biden announced teachers and caregivers would be fast-tracked for vaccine shots regardless of a states priority plan.

"We want every educator, school staff member, child care worker to receive at least one shot by the end of the month of March," Biden said.

Prior to the federal directive, 34 states had already begun administering teachers and caregivers vaccine shots. Missouri was one of the remaining 16 that had not. Although, the plans were in motion to get the group in line in mid-March.

Through the CDC-managed program, teachers and caregivers could qualify immediately, sign up for a vaccine with one of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program partners and begin vaccinations the week of March 8. In Missouri, those federal partners are CVS, Walmart, Sams Club, and HyVee. The participating pharmacies in the federal program will be allocated and directly shipped vaccines from the federal supply.

The director of Missouris health department, Dr. Randall Williams, expressed frustration about the federal directive and the confusion that it has caused.

We had a conversation with the CDC and the White House a few weeks ago in which we had hoped that the prioritization of states would be kind of respect because you can imagine it creates a little bit of confusion but be what it may, they decided not to do that for the first time. Thats the first time that thats happened, Williams said Thursday during the states weekly COVID-19 briefing in Jefferson City.

While the federal order was a bit confusing, Burnham said she believes the quicker and more versatile options are for teachers and school staff to get a vaccine, the better.

Now that weve had the information come out from President Biden about working through pharmacies, beginning on Monday the 8th, if people want to go that route, that is totally fine also, you know? Just get when and where you can, she said.

President Joe Biden highlighted his $1.9 trillion coronavirus stimulus bills $1,400 payments at a White House meeting Friday, while senators worked into Saturday to pass a bill after a 10-hour delay to resolve a dispute holding up passage.

Senate Republicans already had planned to delay a final vote on the bill as long as possible by offering dozens of amendments, but the Democrats were the ones who responsible for the first holdup as they sought to secure the support of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to extend unemployment insurance benefits.

Manchin finally agreed to support extending benefits of $300 a week through Sept. 6, down from $400 in the House-passed bill, and to forgive federal income taxes on up to $10,200 of unemployment insurance payments for those making less than $150,000.

We have reached a compromise that enables the economy to rebound quickly while also protecting those receiving unemployment benefits from being hit with unexpected tax bill next year, Manchin said in a statement after the deal was reached.

Biden quickly jumped on board.

This agreement allows us to move forward on the urgently needed American Rescue Plan, with $1,400 relief checks, funding we need to finish the vaccine rollout, open our schools, help those suffering from the pandemic, and more, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.

The compromise cleared the way for voting on the stimulus package to resume, with passage on track to likely pass later on Saturday.

The Democrats spent hours trying to craft an alternative acceptable to Manchin, lest he provide the deciding vote on an amendment by U.S. Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, to reduce the $400 payments to $300 and cut them off in mid-July, while taxing all unemployment benefits.

While Manchin did cross party lines to support Portmans proposal, allowing to pass by 50-49, the Democratic compromise would supersede it. New Jerseys Democratic U.S. senators, Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, both voted no.

Republicans have continued to insist that higher unemployment benefits encourage employees to stay home. But studies by the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Institute, economist Ernie Tedeschi and Yale University all found that people would rather return to their jobs, a conclusion also supported by Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

Before the stalemate began, the Senate rejected an amendment by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to restore the $15 federal minimum wage that Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough excised from the bill. The legislation is being considered under a procedure known as reconciliation, which allows passage by majority vote but limits what kind of provisions can be included in the legislation.

The amendment failed, 58-42. Booker and Menendez supported the wage hike.

If any senator believes this is the last time they will cast a vote on whether or not to give a raise to 32 million Americans, they are sorely mistaken, Sanders said after the vote. Were going to keep bringing it up, and were going to get it done because it is what the American people demand and need.

11 hours and 50 minutes: Senate set a new record for its longest vote tonight,defeating Senator Sanders' efforts to include his $15 minimum wage amdt in $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill on a 42-58 vote. Vote was held open while negotiations continued on further amdts to the bill. pic.twitter.com/iESZ1xv6HV  Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) March 6, 2021

Although Senate Democrats tried to ensure they had the support of all 50 of their lawmakers, Biden pitched the stimulus checks to a paratransit worker, Navy veteran and health center volunteer, who joined him around a table at the White House.

Speaking to reporters at the beginning of the meeting, Biden said the money would make a big difference in terms of their lives.

Its going to provide immediate relief for millions of people that are going to be able to use it in a very constructive way and also grow the economy in the process, he said.

The legislation includes $1,400 payments to those making up to $75,000, eliminating them entirely for those making more than $80,000, and $2,800 payments to couples making up to $150,000, ending them for those making more than $160.000.

Those thresholds are less than the $100,000 and $200,000 cutoffs in the House-passed bill, and the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a progressive research group, said the lower income limits would mean that 400,000 fewer New Jerseyans would get stimulus checks.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said Friday in his floor speech that even with the lower income limits, the vast majority of Americans will get the full $1,400 we have asked for, with the legislation providing direct checks to American workers and families struggling with the cost of groceries, medicine and the rent.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage

Also Friday, both supporters and opponents of the stimulus bill seized on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting that 375,000 new jobs were created last month.

Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky praised a jobs report that shattered expectations, nearly doubling the job growth experts had expected to see, as he argued on the Senate floor against the stimulus bill.

But Psaki said that the economy was still down 9.5 million jobs since the start of the pandemic a year ago.

This is a larger jobs hole than at any point in the Great Recession, Psaki said at her daily press briefing. At this months pace, it will take us more than two years to get to pre-pandemic employment levels, and will take even longer at the average pace over the last three months.

Studies by S&P Global and the Brookings Institution said spending $1.9 trillion would return the economy later this year to what it was before the pandemic. And Moodys Analytics said the plan would help create 7.5 million jobs this year and another 2.5 million next year.

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Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him at @JDSalant.
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Your guide to living in the Capital Region, Catskills, Hudson Valley

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Reasons to be really rather cheerful at present include the prospect soon of a night out, a staycation, or maybe even a trip abroad.

The nation is ready to get dressed up and strut its funky stuff, or at least go down the pub.

While planning how you will celebrate June 21, when clubs and restaurants are due to re-open, there is also fun to be had from spotting the shares and sectors that should be boosted by the pent-up desire to be wined, dined and entertained.

Supporting the feel-good mood will be the vaccine roll-out and the 'fiscal firepower' pledged in this week's Budget.

Even before the Chancellor's speech, there was a leap in the shares of such companies as Carnival, the cruise operator, British Airways owner International Airlines Group, Wetherspoon, the pub chain, travel group Tui and the hotel business Whitbread.

They are all forecast to prosper from a summer spending spree financed by the 180billion in lockdown savings that will have been amassed by people working from home by the summer.

Rishi Sunak's measures should help those in less secure circumstances feel more able to treat themselves.

But when choosing which companies should do well from lockdown lifting, it's wise to take into account the changes in tastes and habits during the months of staying at home. We may not party again like it's 2019  or at least not straight away.

Giles Parkinson of Aviva Investors says: 'You have to look not only in the rear-view mirror, but also through the front windshield.'

Taking off?: British Airways has cut costs and boosted its liquidity

For example, British Airways has cut costs and boosted its liquidity. But Parkinson says: 'Business travel may be permanently impaired, as executives stay in contact on Zoom.

'Flying will be for meeting new customers, not existing ones  which is why one of the largest holdings in our Global Endurance Fund is Relx, whose businesses include conferences. Those will be the places to meet new customers.'

On the basis that it could pay to look beyond the obvious names. Parkinson considers Heineken a better bet than Wetherspoon.

The world's second largest brewer has suffered from the closure of hospitality, but its shares do not reflect its shift towards low- and no-alcohol beers, ideal for those who embraced healthy living in lockdown and will be sober party animals.

On the basis that it could pay to look beyond the obvious names. Parkinson considers Heineken a better bet than Wetherspoon

DIY has been another craze. Laura Foll of Janus Henderson, co-manager of the Lowland, Henderson Opportunities and Law Debenture trusts, believes that lockdown savings could fund larger projects, since confidence in the property market will be bolstered by the Budget stamp duty holiday extension.

She picks Lloyds, one of those lenders offering the 95 per cent guaranteed mortgages, also pledged in the Budget.

Foll's other picks include Headlam, Europe's largest carpet and flooring distributor. Two-thirds of its sales go to domestic customers.

Back in fashion: Shoppers keen on evening gowns will boost Burberry

As we look forward, it's useful to observe events in China and Australia where restrictions have already eased. It seems people are indulging themselves  but slightly differently.

Swetha Ramachandran, luxury goods investment manager at GAM, says that shoppers, weary of loungewear, want evening gowns, which is good for Burberry and for Gucci, part of Kering. But, significantly, there has been a shift: 'Lockdown has also increased concerns about sustainability and impact in accessories. People are showing signs of wanting to buy less, but buy better.'

She says that this should be good for Louis Vuitton, a brand in the LVMH stable. This stock is a top 10 holding at Fundsmith which also owns Estee Lauder, whose lipsticks and serums will be sought after for post-lockdown events.

Terry Smith, its manager, seems persuaded that we are keen to spoil ourselves, a view I share which is why this fund is in my portfolio.

As we learnt in the Budget, the economy is forecast to grow by 4 per cent this year and 7.3 per cent in 2022, underlining the forecast that the billions in lockdown savings will be put to use.

If you are still unsure about where and how people are going to splash out, Darius McDermott of Fund Calibre suggests the Ninety One UK Special Situations Fund which has stakes in builders merchants, Easyjet  and Next, for that June 21 outfit. Excited? I certainly am. -
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 20:41:08|Editor: Xiang Bo

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BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday extended festive greetings and best wishes to the country's women of all ethnic groups and from all walks of life ahead of the International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended the greetings when he attended a group meeting at the fourth annual session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body. Enditem
Nearly 700 million people, meanwhile, go to bed hungry every night, according to UN estimates, but on the other side, there is a criminal wastage of food materials.

An estimated 17% of food available to consumers was wasted in homes, retail outlets and restaurants in 2019, according to research published by the United Nations.

AFP

The report, produced jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and WRAP, also found that consumer waste was broadly similar in rich and poor countries.

Food wastage index

The United Nations is producing a Food Waste Index (FWI) as it seeks to support efforts to halve food waste by 2030.

"For a long time, it was assumed that food waste in the home was a significant problem only in developed countries," said Marcus Gover, CEO of WRAP, a charity that works with governments to reduce food waste.

AFP

The report estimated that 931 million tonnes of food was wasted in 2019, roughly equal to 23 million fully loaded 40-tonne trucks - bumper-to-bumper enough to circle the earth seven times.

Of the 121 kilos of consumer-level food thrown away each year for every person on the planet, more than half, 74 kilos, is disposed of by households.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2011 estimated that one-third of the world's food was wasted or lost ever year.

BCCL

Food Loss Index

The FAO has produced a Food Loss Index which shows that around 14% of the world's food is lost from post-harvest up to, but excluding, the retail level.

An estimated 8 to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with food that is not consumed (waste and loss), a similar amount to road transportation.

Household per capita food waste generation is found to be broadly similar across country income groups, suggesting that action on food waste is equally relevant in high, uppermiddle and lowermiddle income countries. This diverges from earlier narratives concentrating consumer food waste in developed countries, and food production, storage and transportation losses in developing countries.

BCCL

As far as India is concerned, the study found that an average household ended up wasting 50 kgs of food a year amounting to 6,87,60,163 tonnes.

This however is the lowest in South Asia compared to 82 kg in Afghanistan, 79 kg in Nepal, 76 kg in Sri Lanka, 74 kg in Pakistan and 65 kg in Bangladesh.

"If food loss and waste were a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions on the planet," Richard Swannell, development director of the Waste and Resources Action Programme said.

BCCL

"You have to fix the food system if you're going to fix climate change, and one of the key priorities in the food system is tackling waste."

Even as efforts to avoid food waste are scaled up, there remains the problem of what to do with whatever unused or unusable biowaste is left over.

The one place it should not go is landfills, where it emits the powerful greenhouse gas methane and serves no productive purpose, the authors said.

SPRINGFIELD  As state education leaders set the stage on Friday for the reopening of schools in April, in phases under the coronavirus pandemic, city officials said they have gone above and beyond the call to make the buildings safe.

The measures include $1.2 million invested in ventilation improvements targeting all school buildings that has now been completed, along with other renovations and COVID-19 precautions, city officials said this week.

No system is doing what the city of Springfield is doing, said Mayor Domenic Sarno, chairman of the School Committee. Weve gone above and beyond -- well beyond the (state) standards.

While school officials are pursuing a hybrid system for the reopening of schools, the 55 buildings are ready and safe with state-of-the-art ventilation technology, said Sarno and City Facilities Director Patrick Sullivan.

The work finishes as the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted Friday to give the states education commissioner, Jeffrey Riley the authority to determine when hybrid and remote learning no longer count.

A phased in approach is planned with Riley saying he hopes to see students through 5th grade back to traditional learning by April 5, to be followed by middle and high school students at a date to be determined.

Springfield Superintendent of Schools Daniel Warwick said this week he anticipates applying for waivers to pursue a hybrid system, as sought by the School Committee, but was among city officials saying school buildings are safe.

They are ready and they exceed the requirements that were recommended, Warwick said. We are going to continue to do everything possible to make sure our kids come back to school and come back to school. our students and staff, in a safe environment. Thats appropriate for them, and their education and their safety.

While essentially completed, the city will still need to change filters over time and has some work remaining in gymnasiums, officials said.

School Committee member Denise Hurst said that while the ventilation improvements were greatly appreciated, parents and teachers have been raising concerns about other matters related to safety, including vaccination of teachers that was just prioritized this week by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Baker announced that educators in Massachusetts can start signing up for vaccination appointments next week. starting March 11 for K-12 employees, early childcare, and school staff.

Hurst said there is also a concern about any abrupt change from completely remote to completely in-class without a transition period and concerns about policies such as cases when someone is potentially infected.

School Committee Vice-Chairman Christopher Collins said that ventilation measures were also of concern, and he hopes more parents become aware of the improvements in the schools.

Sullivan said there were different ventilation improvements done, that varied depending on the age and physical conditions at the schools. The improvements were designed to meet higher standards for ventilation set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers. The city consulted with Sullivan, Warwick and Health Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris.

The work, as detailed in January, included:

Installing iWave air purifier systems at 41 schools including the culinary center.

Installing new Carrier OptiClean air filtration systems at four schools that do not meet set filtration standards. The OptiClean systems are being placed in all classrooms and instruction areas at the Brightwood, Homer Street, Kensington, and Springfield Day Middle Schools. They serve as air scrubbers, removing contaminated air from the rooms.

Installing, adjusting and daily flushing of filters in all schools.

The city is using both Carrier and iWave units at police and fire stations and selected municipal buildings.

Sullivan said his daughter is a first-grade teacher in Springfield and he is convinced of her safety, and othes and the students.

Were confident for her and any other teacher and student going back to school, they are going to be in a very safe environment to work and learn, Sullivan said. Our facilities team has gone above and beyond getting these technologies installed. Teachers and students should feel very comfortable going back to these school buildings.

Fellow freshman Liberal Melissa McIntosh said this week Parliament had to become a place where everyone was respected, protected and listened to. I can tell you that being in Canberra, everyone has felt shocked, distressed and sick, that a young woman who is a staffer could experience sexual assault in what is our second home. This should never happen, she says. We are all wanting to ensure Brittany Higgins is the last person that has to go through this in our workplace. Minister for Women Marise Payne on Friday said the events of the past three weeks had been disturbing, distressing and horrifying and had shown that Parliament was starkly, clearly not immune from these sorts of issues. Despite the efforts of individual female MPs, the message Australians are hearing is that Parliament is not a safe place for women. Caitlin Figueiredo founded Jasiri Australias Girls Take Over Parliament program to encourage more young women to consider a political career and equip them with skills to do so. Over the past few years, 95 per cent of those who complete the two-month program, including a stint in Parliament House, say they want to pursue politics.

A survey of past participants this week found less than one in three now wanted to become involved in politics in any way. Nine in 10 said that right now, there was no way they would consider running for office. Tame underscored this feeling when asked at the National Press Club on Wednesday if she would ever consider seeking election. Nooooooooo, was her response. At the same time, an Essential Research poll of 1074 Australians found three in five did not trust political offices to ensure work was a safe place for women. Two-thirds said the government was more interested in protecting itself than women who had been assaulted and 61 per cent said politics had a particular problem with harassment and assault, more so than other workplaces. Figueiredo says even though she thought the negative stories about parliamentary culture would have some impact, she was shocked at the results. I cannot tell you how heartbreaking it is to hear what these young women are telling us, she says.

They want to be engaged in politics but they dont feel safe, they dont feel like their voices are being heard, they dont feel like the women in politics are being supported or even considered as human beings. It feels like were setting up our country for failure. By not making politics safe for every individual, were actively discouraging the next generation of young women and leaders from wanting to enter public service, from wanting to shape our country for the better. Higgins going public with her allegations  at the start of a fortnight of parliamentary sittings  before making a formal complaint to police ensured there were days of pressure on Morrison, Reynolds and other ministers about who knew and did what and when. It culminated in Reynolds admitting herself to hospital for a pre-existing heart condition, the same day she was due to speak at the National Press Club, and AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw writing to MPs with the instruction they should pass on to police on any allegations of criminal behaviour as a matter of urgency. In the midst of all this, Labors Senate leader Penny Wong and Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young - both South Australians - received an anonymous dossier outlining historical rape allegations against Attorney-General Christian Porter. They passed it on to police. Liberal MP Celia Hammond, who was initially given the task of reviewing the culture within Coalition MPs offices, also received a copy and made the prime ministers office aware of it. The ABCs Four Corners aired a story on February 26 outlining the allegations that an unnamed cabinet minister had raped a woman at a schools debating competition in 1988, when he was 17 and she 16. The woman took her own life last June.

Attorney-General Christian Porter at his press conference on Wednesday where he denied allegations he raped a member of his high school debating team when he was 17. Credit:Trevor Collens After days of online speculation about the ministers identity, Porter gave an emotional press conference on Wednesday to out himself and deny the allegations. It just didnt happen, he said repeatedly. Hours before Porter fronted media, the nation heard from Tame again. She again called on survivors of sexual abuse to use their voices, to be bold and courageous, and for governments to listen and enact national reforms. It is up to us as a community, as a country, to create a space, a national movement where survivors feel supported and free to share their truths, she said. Lets drive a paradigm shift of shame away from those who have been abused and onto abusive behaviour. Just as Tames words in January inspired Higgins to speak up, the staffer sharing her story has prompted others to come forward. Three other women spoke anonymously to media about their experiences at the hands of the same man Higgins has alleged raped her. Worksafe ACT has had a surge in reports of sexual harassment. The Herald and The Age are aware of other staffers now considering what to do with their own stories of bullying and sexual harassment.
Baghdad, March 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Mar, 2021 ) :In the sun-soaked courtyard of Baghdad's St Joseph Cathedral, members of Iraq's dwindling Christian community waited in solemn silence for a man they'd never dreamt they would see.

Some of the women, who appeared to outnumber the men, wore dainty black or white veils, a sign of respect for the leader of their faith, 84-year-old Pope Francis.

They sat on wooden benches decorated with bright flowers and fingered rosaries or small prayer books as they counted down the minutes for the pontiff to arrive.

Then, suddenly, the quiet was shattered by shrill ululations as hundreds of hands spontaneously flew toward the sky.

The white-clad pope had just stepped into the outer courtyard -- and he too seemed just as happy to be close to his faithful.

The other gatherings of his Iraq visit -- in Baghdad on Friday and at the ancient site of Ur earlier on Saturday -- were much more orchestrated, and Francis was physically further from worshippers.

Young attendees were rare in Baghdad amid the rows upon rows of greying hair and eyes ringed by wrinkles -- but they were visibly excited.

Many pulled out their phones to take selfies, tugging down their masks to reveal ear-to-ear grins for the historic occasion.

A children's choir had been prepped to welcome Francis with song.

"We've been practising for three whole days!" said one of the young girls, wearing an oversized cap with the pope's face printed on it.

Inside the church, the congregation greeted Francis with more ululations and wisps of incense, ubiquitous in the Chaldean liturgy.

They sung Arabic hymns about love and heaven, muffled only slightly by medical masks worn to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

- 'Heal these wounds' - Attendance was limited to allow for social distancing, amid fears the service could become a super spreader event as a deadly second wave of coronavirus cases has hit Iraq.

Each church in Baghdad granted just 13 invitations to distribute to their parish, according to Father Nadheer Dakko of the St.

Joseph Cathedral.

"This is the first real encounter his Holiness is having with his flock," he told AFP.

As the pope began delivering his homily in Latin, many raised their phones to begin filming while listening intently to the Arabic translation.

Francis spoke of the humility of love, of bearing witness, of strength in the face of persecution.

It resonated for Nabeel Yaacoub, a 46-year-old Baghdad resident.

"I survived everything, all of the sectarianism, the violence, the explosions in Baghdad," said Yaacoub, sitting in the first row in the church's courtyard, where he could watch the service on a screen.

"Now that the pope is here, in this land where there has been so much hurt, he can heal these wounds," he told AFP. "It's like a father finally coming home." In a first on the Iraq trip, communion was served.

Francis blessed the bread and wine, which Catholics believe are the body and blood of Jesus Christ, but did not give out the Eucharist himself.

Instead, a half dozen priests fanned out across the church to spray disinfectant in the hands of the faithful before placing the communion bread in their palms.

- 'Viva Papa' - One woman asked a priest to place a Eucharist in a small jewelled metal box to take home to a sick relative.

As Francis was leaving, people starting screaming "Viva Papa".

The limited tickets had irked many Baghdadi Christians, who had skirted around security checkpoints set up all around the church to reach its gates.

"I've been waiting outside the church since noon, but I've been waiting for this moment my whole life," said Samira Youssef, a Catholic Iraqi who came with her sister to try to attend the mass.

"If they don't let me in? I'll cry." Nearby, a young child scratched his head while looking at the Vatican guards, easily three times his height, blocking the church gate.

"I live around the corner and I come here all the time to light candles," said Fahad, a 12-year-old Muslim.

"But today the pope is here! Still, I hope it'll become normal. I hope he comes to Iraq all the time."
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Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  A bill that would reform the way children are sentenced in New Mexico garnered opposition from victims who said repeated parole board hearings would re-traumatize them.

The Juvenile Life Sentences Without Parole bill, sponsored by Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil and Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, both Albuquerque Democrats, passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Friday evening, but with an amendment proposed to ease the burden on victims.

Only Senate Minority Leader Greg Baca, R-Belen, voted against the bill. The legislation, Senate Bill 247, is now headed to the Senate floor for a vote. If passed, it will head to the House.

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The bill would allow people sentenced as juveniles to get their case reviewed after 15 years and then have parole board hearings every two years until released. Before the amendment, the crime victims would have to be notified and involved in each parole board hearing. Most crime victims who testified said this would re-traumatize them.

Nathan Spulak spoke in opposition of the bill and said his sister was attacked and left for dead by a juvenile offender. He said his family wouldnt be able to move on from the crime if theyre forced to relive the trauma every two years at a parole board hearing.

Among the crime victims who spoke in opposition of the bill were survivors of the 2017 Clovis Library shooting. Nathaniel Jouett was 16 years old when he killed two people and seriously wounded four others, according to previous news reports.

An amendment would allow crime victims to opt-out of these parole hearings. If they changed their mind later, they could opt back in.

But crime victims werent the only ones opposed to the legislation.

The New Mexico Attorney Generals Office voiced its opposition to the two-year parole provision of the bill, also mentioning the burden it has on victims.

Matt Baca, chief counsel for the office, said the office has heard an outcry from crime victims against the bill. He said the office isnt against the intent of the bill, but cant support the frequency of the parole hearings and the toll it takes on crime victims.

First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said she supports the bill and its based on the recognition that young people have the capacity to change. She said she accepts the science that juvenile offenders are unable to asses the risks and consequences before committing a crime. Young people can also change and be rehabilitated, she said.

Carissa McGee was one of those people. At the age of 16, McGee was sentenced as an adult to 21 years in prison for two counts of attempted murder.

After eight years in prison, she said she was a changed woman. She was given a second chance at a parole board hearing and has now successfully completed her probation and parole.

She said shes in the process of earning a graduate degree, has a full-time job and started a nonprofit and wrote a book about her experience. She said all this was possible due to the second chance the court system gave her.

She was a violent felon convicted as a child, she said, and proof that redemption is possible.
In 1969, Tom DiCioccio was 19 years old and he had a secret that was burning a hole in his life.

Unable to accept his attraction to other men, the Oceanside resident said he attempted suicide and was on the verge of undergoing electroshock conversion therapy. Then, he confessed his secret to a high school friend named Marla Epstein, and she taught him a lesson in unconditional love.

What she said to me was, So what? Youre Tommy. Youre a good person. What difference does that make with your life?  said DiCioccio, now 68.

Epsteins open-hearted response started DiCioccio on a journey toward self-acceptance, but then she abruptly disappeared from his life. This month, his decades-long quest to reconnect with Epstein is featured in Well Meet Again, a six-part television series hosted by Ann Curry.

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The series, which airs at 8 p.m. Tuesdays nights on KPBS, features reunions of long-lost friends and acquaintances separated by war, natural disasters, distance and other circumstances. DiCioccios story is part of the final episode, Coming Out, airing Feb. 27.

Toms story is deeply moving, Curry said in an emailed comment for this story. It documents how courage spreads from one human being to another and lifts humanity toward compassion and authenticity.

Last summer, DiCioccio and a film crew spent two weeks traveling the California coast searching for the elusive Epstein, who he hadnt seen or spoken to in nearly 30 years.

His goal was to thank Epstein for accepting him when he needed it most and to let her know that his life had turned out happy and purposeful. Unfortunately, he discovered that Epsteins life had gone in the opposite direction. But he found that she was the same loving person he remembered.

She refused to put people into little boxes and thats why I love her heart, he said. She still has that same sparkle in her eyes.

DiCioccio grew up in a poor neighborhood in Bloomfield, Conn., with parents who were deeply religious. From an early age he knew he was different and his conservative upbringing led him to believe he was damaged. He lived in fear of anyone finding out.

Back in those days, you didnt tell anybody, DiCioccio said. Saying you were gay was like saying you were a pedophile. It was the worst possible thing. It was hard for anyone to grasp.

After high school, he moved out of his parents house, struggled with depression, dropped out of college and visited a psychiatrist who recommended shock therapy to cure his homosexuality. With Epsteins support, he decided against the treatment.

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In August 1969, they drove to the Woodstock music festival together and not long after they returned home, her strict parents shipped her off to live in Israel. It would be 21 years before they would see each other again, and even then for only two days before another 27-year gap in contact.

In his 20s, DiCioccio said he lived a double life in Connecticut. By day, he was a shoe salesman living as part of the straight community. But late at night he would visit gay bars, often driving in circles around the block to pluck up the courage to go inside. In 1977, he moved to California and met the love of his life, Jack Kessler, a school teacher.

DiCioccio became a successful shoe designer for national brands and they bought a home in Valencia, where he began devoting free time to gay causes. Then in the 1980s, the AIDS epidemic began ravaging the gay community. DiCioccio lost most of his friends to the disease and then in April 1990, he buried his partner, Jack.

Somehow, word of his loss made its way to Epstein, who had also migrated to California years before. She was living the hippie lifestyle in a van in San Francisco. She drove to comfort him for two days, then disappeared without a trace.

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After Jacks death, DiCioccio spent three years studying to become a counselor. And at age 45, he retired from his shoe industry job to become a full-time gay rights activist. Thats the career hes most proud of today.

He served for three years on the board of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center; spent two years facilitating a group of HIV-positive men for Shanti Los Angeles; volunteer for Aids Project Los Angeles; lobbied for a decade for AIDS funding; and he served on the human relations commission for the city of Santa Clarita from 1996 to 2002.

Since he moved to Oceanside in 2009, hes been active in local Democratic politics and he was a longtime fundraising chair for the North County LGBT Resource Center.

Over the years, he often wondered whatever happened to Epstein but had no idea how to find her. He put out feelers to friends and left word at the Woodstock museum in New York in case she ever turned up.

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Thats how the London-based producers of Blink Films found him last year. Over the course of two weeks, they recorded dozens of hours of interviews with DiCioccio at his home in Oceanside and other locations. Then they traveled to San Francisco to trace Epsteins last known whereabouts.

A database search found a P.O. box for someone with her name in Klamath, a tiny forest town just south of the Oregon border. After further sleuthing, they eventually tracked her down. She happily agreed to an on-camera reunion, where DiCioccio discovered she has spent most of her adult life homeless.

Since then, DiCioccio said hes mailed Epstein three letters, but theyve gone unanswered. He worries about his old friend, so he is planning a road trip to Northern California to check in on her again.

He said he feels a debt of gratitude to her for helping him find inner peace and a new life many years ago.

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Some people spend all their lives in that search for the hereafter. I wanted Marla to know that I found paradise, he said. I have a great life, hundreds of friends and I love life and thats what its all about.

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pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Largest Muslim population nation names evangelical Christian as head of police

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Indonesia has named an evangelical Christian as the new national police chief, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that a member of the religious minority has held the post in the Muslim-majority nation.

According to UCA News, Commissioner General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, 52, was sworn in on Jan. 27 as police chief, succeeding Gen. Idham Azis who retired on Feb.1. A Protestant, Listyo is the first Christian to hold the post in nearly 50 years and only the third since Indonesia declared independence in August 1945.

Despite opposition from Islamic groups, Listyo was the only candidate unanimously approved by the People's Representative Council, Indonesias lower house of parliament. Described as a close ally of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Listyo said that in his new role, he would try to promote diversity and would step up efforts to address issues like intolerance and radicalism.

He also vowed to support religious freedom and work to create a trustworthy and transparent police, to be the protector of all citizens of the nation."

The various experiences of the nation and the state so far will certainly be valuable lessons for all of us in the effort to continue police reform, he said, according to Evangelical Focus.

The national police chief also emphasized that under his leadership, the police will continue to carry out law enforcement efforts to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure public safety.

In February, Listyo called for greater discretion when enforcing the country's controversial internet law, which regulates online activity including defamation and hate speech, Reuters reports.

Listyos appointment comes after a Muhyiddin Junaidi, a leading figure in the Indonesian Ulema Council, the countrys top Islamic clerical body, stated that the new police chief must be Muslim.

Even though Indonesia is a secular country, it would not be appropriate if the leader of the police had a non-Muslim background. It was natural for leaders of any country to have the same religion as that of the majority of the population, he said.

His appointment was applauded by Communion of Churches in Indonesia (CCI/PGI), which said Prabowo's religion did not play a role, what matters is his past achievements and successes, as well as his vision for the future of Indonesia as a democratic, free, but orderly country.

His appointment shows that every citizen has the same rights to reach a position of leadership," they added.

Father Paulus Christian Siswantoko, executive secretary of the Indonesian bishops' Commission for the Laity, said that by appointing a new chief from a religious minority, Widodo demonstrated that any Indonesian citizen has an equal right to become a leader.

"This is an affirmation that this nation chooses leaders not based on religion, not based on a minority or majority, but based on achievement, track record and vision," he told UCA News.

He also expressed hope Listyo would enforce the law fairly for all people without discrimination, adding: "The impression that the law is blunt upward and sharp downward must change.

Home to the worlds largest Muslim population, Indonesia ranks as the 47th worst country for Christian persecution on Open Doors USAs 2021 World Watch List.

The human rights group reports that the situation for Christians in the Southeast Asian country has deteriorated in recent years because the Indonesian society has taken on a more conservative Islamic character.

In 2017, Indonesian Muslims succeeded in pressuring the countrys judiciary into convicting former Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama  a Chinese Indonesian Christian also known as Ahok  for blasphemy against Islam.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has advised the U.S. State Department to list Indonesia on its special watch list of countries that engage in or tolerate severe religious freedom violations.

In its 2020 annual report, USCIRF notes that Indonesia's religious freedom conditions are trending negatively since many religious minorities are prosecuted under blasphemy laws, and intolerant hardline groups continue to threaten religious minority houses of worship.

Reports from local nongovernmental organizations indicated that the provinces of West Java, Jakarta, and East Java had the highest number of incidents of religious intolerance  including discrimination, hate speech, acts of violence, and rejections of permits to build houses of worship for minority religious communities, the annual report states.
The business community in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis (STMA) says the supreme court ruling upholding the election of Nana Akufo-Addo as President could help enhance investor confidence and boost local economic development.



They said the ruling in the election petition case had cleared investors' uncertainty and that of the business community.



Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview, Mr Samuel Alabire, a General Merchant, called on Ghanaians especially, party supporters, to accept the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling in good faith.



He said Ghana was the ultimate winner and, therefore, everyone must endeavour to put the petition issues behind and worked for the collective development of the Region and the Country.



Mr Charles Mintaba, a school Proprietor, commended the Supreme Court for adjudicating on the petition in less than three months.



He said, already, the COVID-19 pandemic had dealt a blow to businesses and was happy that the petition had ended peacefully.



Mrs Abundant Aggrey, CEO of Golden Mother's Vision, said, "I am much amazed about how the Supreme Court has intellectually and intelligently concluded the case. The verdict should be taken in good faith... We all must move on in our daily activities."



She appealed to both parties to respect the verdict.



"Ghana has come far and we thank the Lord for the peace, which is critical to the survival of everyone and the revamping of our economy."

Source: GNA









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Tom Green, who spent six years in prison in Utah after being convicted of polygamy and child rape in a case that garnered widespread attention, died on Feb. 28. He was 72.

His death was announced by his family, who did not say where he died or what the cause was.

Before his trial in 2001, Mr. Green appeared frequently with five wives on national television shows including Jerry Springer and Dateline NBC, arguing that his lifestyle was a constitutional right.

The appearances proved to be his undoing: He caught the attention of David O. Leavitt, a county prosecutor in Utah (and the brother of the states governor, Michael O. Leavitt). In a rare use of a state law, Mr. Leavitt charged Mr. Green with bigamy.

In court papers, Mr. Leavitt, a Mormon, contended that Mr. Green had been able to elude prosecution by marrying without state sanction. Green has intentionally made very complex his legal relationships to his wives, he wrote. But, he added, Greens scheme is a very public challenge to our marriage laws.
The Biden administration is looking at a Virginia military base as a possible site to house unaccompanied migrant children. A Pentagon spokesman confirmed on Friday that the Fort Lee was under consideration, Reuters reported.

"Upon request from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Army coordinated a site assessment at Fort Lee, Virginia for HHS personnel to determine if certain facilities at Fort Lee may be suitable for providing temporary housing for unaccompanied children," Mitchell said in a statement to The Hill.

However, Mitchell noted that the Defense Department has yet to receive a formal request from HHS to use the Army facility about 30 miles south of Richmond.

After President Joe Biden exempted migrant children in February from a Trump-era policy known as Title 42, there was a sharp rise in the number of unaccompanied migrant children arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border in recent weeks.

HHS runs shelters that hold the migrant children before they are released to parents or other sponsors in the U.S., and the increasing number of migrant children coming across the southwestern border puts a strain on these HHS facilities.

Facing overcapacity in the facilities, the Biden administration plans to convert two family detention centers in Texas that were used shortly by the Trump administration. HHS said it urgently needs to find more shelter sites for migrant children.

RELATED ARTICLE: Mexico Stops Holding Migrant Children in Detention Centers

Biden's Immigration Reform Bill

House Democrats halted plans for a vote on Biden's immigration reform bill after a count revealed that it might not pass, according to a New York Post report.

The immigration reform bill would create a path to citizenship for some 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. However, Republicans said that would create a sudden spike in new migrants rushing to the border.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadler said they need to engage in some consultation with key members and stakeholders, adding that he sees no reason why it would not mark up when they reconvene in April.

Centrist Rep. Tom O'Halleran noted that he was among the lawmakers that feel uneasy with the immigration reform bill.

"We need to have a discussion. It was put together by a few people. I don't know what the role of the administration has been," O'Halleran told Politico.

Biden's immigration plan would allow illegal immigrants a five-year period of temporary legal status, which would then be followed with a green card, after which they could apply for citizenship.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on Friday that all children who report to the U.S.-Mexico border would be allowed into the country despite the current immigration crisis, according to another New York Post report.

Psaki noted that it should be no surprise that there is an increase in illegal immigrant children coming without their parents after the policy changes under Biden.

He said more migrant children are coming to the U.S. since the administration has let unaccompanied minors stay, "and the last administration "kicked them out."

Psaki immediately answered "No" when asked if there are any discussions within the White House about a possible reversal of the policy the allows all migrant children to enter the U.S.

READ NEXT: Biden Administration to Expedite Release of Migrant Children by Flying, Bussing to U.S. Homes

WATCH: Psaki Slams Trump's 'Immoral' Immigration Policies - From Bloomberg Quicktake: Now




BERGEN, Norway, March 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BerGenBio ASA (OSE: BGBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, selective AXL kinase inhibitors for severe unmet medical need, today delivered a Science Spotlight oral presentation on preclinical COVID-19 data at the annual Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), taking place from 6-10 March 2021.

The presentation was led by BerGenBio's collaborator, Professor Wendy Maury, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, USA), who presented data showing that AXL enhances the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cell lines from the human airway, increasing the amount of virus measured in those cells. Treating the human cell lines, Vero E6 and human ACE2-expressing A549 lung cancer cell lines, with the AXL kinase inhibitor, bemcentinib reduces the amount of SARS-CoV-2 virus infecting these cells, and it does this by reducing ACE2-mediated viral cell entry by endocytosis, rather than at the cell surface.

Additionally an in vivo study also measured the effect of bemcentinib to treat a type of coronavirus which naturally infects mice - murine hepatitis virus (MHV). In this study, not only was bemcentinib found to significantly inhibit the viral load of MHV found in the liver of these animals, but it also significantly enhanced signatures of a type I IFN response, a potent mediator of the innate antiviral response.

In conclusion, the effect of bemcentinib demonstrated potent antiviral effects in preclinical SARS-CoV-2 and other coronavirus models. Further, the findings support BerGenBio's ongoing Phase II trial evaluating bemcentinib for the treatment of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in South Africa and India.

The presentation will be made available on BerGenBio's website under 'Presentations'.

Full details of the presentation are as follows:

Title: Targeting the receptor AXL by bemcentinib prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection

Author: Professor Wendy Maury, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa (Iowa City, USA)

Abstract No. 2672

About AXL

AXL kinase is a cell membrane receptor and an essential mediator of the biological mechanisms underlying life-threatening diseases.

In COVID-19, AXL has two synergistic mechanisms of action, it acts a co-receptor to ACE2, to which the spike protein of the Sars-Cov-2 virus attaches and enters the host cell, and AXL expression is upregulated that leads to suppression of the Type 1 Interferon immune response by host cells and in their environment. Research data confirms bemcentinib inhibits SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry and promotes the anti-viral Type I interferon response.

In cancer, increase in AXL expression has been linked to key mechanisms of drug resistance and immune escape by tumour cells, leading to aggressive metastatic cancers. AXL suppresses the body's immune response to tumours and drives treatment failure across many cancers. High AXL expression defines a very poor prognosis subgroup in most cancers. AXL inhibitors, such as bemcentinib, therefore, have potential high value as monotherapy and as the cornerstone of cancer combination therapy, addressing significant unmet medical needs and multiple high-value market opportunities. Research has also shown that AXL mediates other aggressive diseases including fibrosis.

About Bemcentinib

Bemcentinib (formerly known as BGB324), is a potentially first-in-class selective AXL inhibitor in a broad phase II clinical development programme. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating bemcentinib in multiple solid and haematological tumours, in combination with current and emerging therapies (including immunotherapies, targeted therapies and chemotherapy), and as a single agent. Bemcentinib targets and binds to the intracellular catalytic kinase domain of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and inhibits its activity. Increase in AXL function has been linked to key mechanisms of drug resistance and immune escape by tumour cells, leading to aggressive metastatic cancers.

About BerGenBio ASA

BerGenBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative drugs targeting AXL as a potential cornerstone of therapy for aggressive diseases, including immune-evasive, therapy resistant cancers. The company's proprietary lead candidate, bemcentinib, is a potentially first-in-class selective AXL inhibitor in a broad phase II clinical development programme focused on combination and single agent therapy in lung cancer, leukaemia and COVID-19. A first-in-class functional blocking anti-AXL antibody, tilvestamab, is undergoing phase I clinical testing. In parallel, BerGenBio is developing a companion diagnostic test to identify patient populations most likely to benefit from AXL inhibition: this is expected to facilitate more efficient registration trials supporting a precision medicine-based commercialisation strategy.

BerGenBio is based in Bergen, Norway with a subsidiary in Oxford, UK. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: BGBIO). For more information, visit?www.bergenbio.com

Contacts

ir@bergenbio.com

Richard Godfrey CEO, BerGenBio ASA

Rune Skeie, CFO, BerGenBio ASA

rune.skeie@bergenbio.com

+47 917 86 513

International Media Relations

Mary-Jane Elliott, Chris Welsh, Lucy Featherstone, Carina Jurs

Consilium Strategic Communications

bergenbio@consilium-comms.com -

+44 20 3709 5700

Media Relations in Norway

Jan Petter Stiff, Crux Advisers

stiff@crux.no

+47 995 13 891

Forward looking statements

This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which as such are not historical facts, but are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this announcement by such forward-looking statements



This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/bergenbio-asa/r/bergenbio-presents-preclinical-covid-19-data-at-annual-conference-on-retroviruses-and-opportunistic-,c3301312

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Federal officials were struggling to understand how the latest hack compared with last years intrusion into a variety of federal agencies and corporate systems by Russian hackers in what has become known as the SolarWinds attack. In that incident, the Russian hackers planted code in an update of the SolarWinds network management software. While about 18,000 customers of the company downloaded the code, so far there is only evidence that the Russian hackers stole material from nine government agencies and roughly 100 companies.

In the hack that Microsoft has attributed to the Chinese, there are estimates that 30,000 or so customers were affected when the hackers exploited holes in Exchange, a mail and calendar server created by Microsoft. Those systems are used by a broad range of customers, from small businesses to local and state governments and some military contractors. The hackers were able to steal emails and install malware to continue surveillance of their targets, Microsoft said in a blog post, but Microsoft said it had no sense of how extensive the theft was.

Asked whether China was responsible for the hack, Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said: China has reiterated on multiple occasions that given the virtual nature of cyberspace and the fact that there are all kinds of online actors who are difficult to trace, tracing the source of cyberattacks is a complex technical issue. It is also a highly sensitive political issue to pin the label of cyberattack to a certain government.

The campaign was detected in January, said Steven Adair, the founder of Volexity. The hackers quietly stole emails from several targets, exploiting a bug that allowed them to access email servers without a password.

This is what we consider really stealth, Mr. Adair said, adding that the discovery set off a frantic investigation. It caused us to start ripping everything apart. Volexity reported its findings to Microsoft and the U.S. government, he added.
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Simon Case, the cabinet secretary, could be drawn into the bullying investigation launched amid the royal rift over the Duke and Duchess of Sussex just as the government is facing the challenges of coronavirus, Brexit and Scottish independence.

Mr Case may have to answer questions in an investigation announced by Buckingham Palace into allegations of bullying of staff by the duchess.

He was told about the allegations, it is claimed, 16 months ago while working as the Duke of Cambridges private secretary.

Mr Case has since been appointed cabinet secretary, succeeding Mark Sedwill, and becoming the youngest head of the civil service for a century.

Boris Johnson is reported to have personally approached Prince William to bring the highly regarded civil servant back into government in September.

His previous posts have included strategy director at GCHQ, policy adviser at the Ministry of Defence and director general at the Northern Ireland Office.

Mr Case is reported to have received an email in October 2018 from a colleague, Jason Knauf, then communications secretary at Kensington Palace, saying, I am very concerned that the duchess was able to bully two PAs out of the household in the past year.

The email, leaked to The Times, said the treatment of another member of staff was totally unacceptable and that, the duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights. She is bullying Y [name withheld] and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y.

Buckingham Palace announced on Wednesday evening that an investigation will be launched into the bullying claims.

It said: We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article.

Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned.

The royal rift is due to widen further on Sunday with Meghan appearing in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey screened on CBS in America. ITV will broadcast the interview in the UK on Monday.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan has denied the allegations of bullying, calling them a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful information.

In a legal letter to the The Times, they added that the duchess was, saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma.

On Thursday, the government reached a settlement  reportedly worth around 340,000  with Sir Philip Rutnam, the former permanent secretary in the Home Office, who had threatened to take Priti Patel, the secretary of state, to an employment tribunal, claiming he was forced out for trying to stop her bullying staff, which she denied.

A senior Whitehall official said: This is a big distraction for Simon Case at a difficult and busy time for us all. He has been dragged into this and will probably have to speak to this investigation.

As far as one knows, the conclusions [of the investigation] arent expected to be made public for quite a while but one thing one can bet on is theres going to be lots of leaks in the media.

There are likely to be legal repercussions If its proved that bullying did take place, then, presumably, there will be people seeking compensation, especially if there was any kind of cover-up over this. This is a pretty toxic subject.

Another Whitehall official held it was highly unlikely that any evidence will be found that Mr Case is culpable of wrongdoing.

The official said: As far as I am aware Simons remit did not include handling this sort of issue with staff, and he passed the matter on to the HR people.

Anyone who knows Simon will know he is not a person to condone bullying. But therell be a fair amount of publicity, no doubt, with so much briefing now going on by both sides.

Asked about Mr Case and the bullying allegations, the prime ministers spokesperson said, it is a matter for the palace.
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden said he was sending a bill to Congress called The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021.

The aim of the bill is to provide ways to give more immigrants the chance to gain citizenship. The bill also proposes to make it easier for graduates of U.S. universities with advanced STEM degrees to stay in the United States.

STEM is a term that describes the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The bill was introduced in the U.S House of Representatives on February 18 and will have to be debated in the House and the Senate. However, many of the ideas in the bill are in line with what many university officials want to see.

Stephen Teitsworth is a professor and the director of graduate studies for the physics department at Duke University in North Carolina.

Teitsworth said Duke has about 80 graduate students in physics this year. He said his department has not seen less interest in its program over the last few years. He thinks this is because Duke is a private university and does not receive a significant amount of state funding for its programs.

But, he said, his students are worried that they will not be able to stay in the U.S. once they graduate. They currently live in the U.S. with student visas. Teitsworth thinks it is important for the U.S. government to make clear, consistent policy decisions related to foreign students being able to work in the country.

The big issue is just greater clarity, consistency, and consistency from year-to-year, not you know, having policies change on a dime. I think consistency and predictability are really going to be critical so that our students can focus on doing great research.

Many foreign graduate students, who were accepted to U.S. universities for the 2020-2021 academic year, chose not to come. That was because of the coronavirus health crisis. However, the number of foreign graduate students had already been decreasing. Some experts who follow higher education say doctoral programs in other countries, like Great Britain and Australia, are getting more competitive with American ones.

Earlier this year, the American Council on Education (ACE) wrote a guide for how American universities should think about foreign students. It offered ideas to deal with what it described as falling numbers of international students starting in 2015.

The situation for foreign students in the U.S continues to be difficult. VOA spoke to Jack Li, a student from China. Jack Li is not his real name because he wanted his identity protected.

Li recently received a science Ph.D. from a university in the southeastern U.S. He said research opportunities in the U.S. remain strong.

VOA: Was the opportunity better for you and your education to come to the U.S.?

Jack Li: Yes, I think yes. I think for doing a Ph.D., the U.S. still has a better research environment and more research opportunities. I would still say that the U.S. is a better choice for me for receiving a Ph.D. education, yeah.

Although he had a good experience in the U.S. and graduated, he is going to do additional study in Germany. He said he is leaving for two reasons: to continue a personal relationship and because of the political environment in the U.S.

Li said he thinks some Americans recently became less willing to accept Asian people because of both economic and social tension with China. He gave as an example former President Donald Trump calling the coronavirus the China virus. However, he still advises students to come to the U.S. if they can.

I think U.S. is still the center of the science and technology developments. So its just easier to get to know the new research developments in the U.S. and also to network with good people.

He said, even if he spends some time in Germany, he will be able to come back to the U.S. if he gets a good research position and foreign worker rules change.

Li said he hopes its going to be like the Obama administration, the U.S.  China tensions are going to relax a little bit. I guess it should be easier to come back to the U.S. with the new administration.

Teitsworth, the Duke professor, said if new foreign worker rules are put into place, it would be good news for higher education in the U.S. He added that it would also be good news for students who are worried about coming to the U.S. to study.

So, I think its very significant, obviously. Certainly for the, for the many students who will choose to stay in the U.S. and have great careers here, but even for those who go elsewhere, it shows that the welcome mat is out and a spirit of collaboration, so I think it's really a win-win situation from that point of view.

Even if the universities do not get exactly what they want, the legislation seems to support their goals. During his presidential campaign, Biden himself said that he did not want to prevent some skilled young people from staying in the U.S. if they can provide something good for the world economy.

Im Dan Friedell.

Dan Friedell wrote this story for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.

Would you still consider coming to study in the U.S. if you were not offered residency after graduation? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section and visit our Facebook page.

Quiz - Proposed Law Could Make It Easier for Foreign STEM Students to Stay, Work in US Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

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Words in This Story

significant adj. very important

funding n. an amount of money that is used for a special purpose

consistent adj. continuing to happen or develop in the same way

clarity n. the quality of being easily understood

on a dime v. very quickly, without thought

critical adj. extremely important

focus v. to direct your attention or effort at something specific

doctoral adj. related to the highest degree that is given by a university; also known as a graduate degree because it is only given to student who already have a university degree

opportunity n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done

relax v. to ease; to become less intense

obviously adv. used to emphasize that you are talking about something that is easy to see, understand, or recognize

welcome mat n. used to express the idea of welcoming someone in a warm and friendly way

collaboration n. the act of working with another person or group in order to achieve or do something

Vietnam attends meeting of ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee

Ambassador Nguyen Hai Bang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to ASEAN, attended the 22nd meeting of the ASEAN-China Joint Cooperation Committee (ACJCC) via videoconference on March 5.













At the online meeting (Photo: VNA)



Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force, Bang welcomed Chinas active participation in projects within the IAI framework.



He suggested it continue supporting the IAI Work Plan IV with new and practical projects in the five strategic areas of food and agriculture, trade facilitation, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, education, and healthcare.



The Chinese side hailed its relationship with ASEAN as an outstanding model for Asia-Pacific cooperation, adding that it considers ASEAN a top priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy and supports the bloc in community building and the strengthening of its central role in the regional architecture.



It committed to assist ASEAN in implementing the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, and the IAIs Work Plan IV for 2021-2025.



Apart from the 1 million USD it committed to the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, China pledged to donate 5 million USD to the ASEAN-China Community Medical Cooperation Initiative, considering it a highlight project within the framework of the ASEAN-China Cooperation Fund (ACCF).



ASEAN member states spoke highly of Chinas contributions over recent years and hoped that both sides would enhance their cooperation to realise the ASEAN-China Plan of Action for 2021-2025, approved during Vietnams ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020, which is considered a lodestar for bilateral cooperation in the immediate future.



ASEAN and China designated 2021 as the Year of Sustainable Development Cooperation.



On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateral ties (1991-2021), China proposed nearly 40 activities covering ASEANs three pillars of politics-security, economy, and socio-culture.



The 23rd meeting of the AJCCC is scheduled for 2022./.


Robin Cannon is the director of a vast care home service in the UK. He is a multimillionaire and, as of 2019, a divorcee still paying for the messy divorce. Following the sale of the family home, which was technically a manor with a 12-car museum-quality garage in which he kept his impeccable collection of Bentleys , he is now selling the car collection as well.The Newton House Collection, named after the Newton House property Cannon and his wife bought in 2007 and renovated in the following years, is considered one of the finest  if not actuallyfinest  private Bentley collection in the world. It includes seven impeccable vehicles spanning 80 years of the history of the marque. Cannon bought the collection five years ago, after work on the custom garage was completed.He hoped to be able to drive each and every one of the seven Bentleys, but health ailments prevented him from ever taking them out. Today, he has to sell the cars because he has to pay for the divorce and, perhaps just as importantly, because he no longer has a place to store them in.My ex-wife and I split up in September 2019, and after selling the house, I didnt have anywhere to store the cars, Cannon tells The Times . I have been under pressure to sell them as part of the divorce. I am making the effort to sell them. It is not a distress sale, and I am not being forced into it, but it is sensible for me to sell them. I am assured that there has been quite a lot of interest in them already and I hope they all end up going to good homes.All seven Bentleys and one gorgeous 1959 Chevrolet Corvette C1 are being listed with Dukes Auctioneers of Dorchester, Dorset and are expected to fetch in excess of $2 million combined. The jewel of the crown is a rare 1929 WO Bentley 4.5 Liter with an incredible history. Its one of the 665 examples ever built and has traveled from India to Afghanistan and then to England on its own. It is expected to sell for a hair under $1 million.The other examples in the collection are a 1935 Derby 3.5 Liter, a 1956 S1 Continental Fastback, a 1961 S2 Continental, a 1964 Continental S3, and the newer models, a 2007 Azure and a 2014 Continental GT Speed Convertible. The beautifully maintained 1959 Corvette is estimated at $95,000.Bidding closes on all examples next week, on March 11, 2021.
Britains ITV will return to Love Island for 2021, after cancelling its 2020 season due to COVID.

The series is a juggernaut in the UK, which has kept the brand alive by screening the Australian production hosted by Sophie Monk.

But the UK series is also a huge drawcard for 9Now where Nine can sell targeted advertising to younger viewers.

Media reports suggest the island of Jersey has been identified as a back-up for the Love Islands traditional home in Mallorca -the last season was filmed in South Africa.

Meanwhile the Australian series of Love Island is also due later this year after skipping 2020 and tipped to shoot on the Gold Coast.

In January programmer Hamish Turner told TV Tonight, It wont be overseas, thats for sure, he insists. Were just working through whether Sophie comes back or not. It really depends on Beauty & the Geek and whether she can do both. Shes still an option.

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Dehradun/New Delhi, 6 March : The much-awaited core committee meeting of the BJP in Uttrakhand on Saturday gave a breather to Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, who faces growing resentment from his party MLAs and MPs.

The meeting, attended by two Central party observers, former Chhattisgarh chief minister Raman Singh and National General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam, hinted at a possible reshuffle in the cabinet to accommodate a few MLAs not happy with CM Rawat's style of functioning.

Both observers would now give a detailed report to Home Minister Amit Shah and President J.P. Nadda.

Later, talking to mediapersons, state Party President Bansidhar Bhagat clarified that as of now there is no change-of-guard in Uttarakhand.

For the past several days, there was speculation that CM Trivendra Singh Rawat may be replaced as most of the party MLAs and MPS, particularly officials close to the CM office, had complained against the working style of the CM and his bureaucracy.

"All is well. We discussed the four-year tenure of the government and a few other issues. Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank was also expected to be present in the meeting but he could not come," Bhagat told reporters.

Sources at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi revealed to IANS that National President J.P. Nadda had sent senior leaders Raman Singh and Dushyant Kumar Gautam to Dehradun in the light of increasing resentment against CM Rawat.

"Now Rawat has also been called to New Delhi. He would be meeting the top leadership. We will have to wait and see what the next step taken by the high command is, as far as a change-of-guard in Dehradun is concerned," said a party office bearer.

Earlier several names were doing the rounds in Dehradun as well in Delhi as possible candidates to replace Trivendra Singh Rawat as CM. Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank, who represents Haridwar in the Lok Sabha, seemed the frontrunner for the job. Nishank has earlier been Chief Minister of Uttarakhand from 2009 to 2011. Besides, a few other candidates, including former state Party President and MP from Nainital-Uddham Singhnagar Ajay Bhatt, state cabinet minister Satpal Maharaj and state General Secretary Suresh Bhatt were also being considered for the coveted post.

In fact several complaints, including those filed in the Nainital High Court, have pointed out the inefficiencies in the state government's functioning.

A recent complaint filed in the High Court relating to major projects of Haridwar Kumbh Mela, highlighting incompletion of important works, caused embarrassment to the party.

A controversial sting operation against CM Rawat which snowballed into a political controversy in Uttarakhand was also not seen in good light by the central leadership. "Though Rawatji has got a breather, I feel the matter is not yet over as the resentment of the MLAs needs to be addressed," a source said at the party headquarters here in New Delhi.

Present CM Trivendra Singh Rawat, who comes from the RSS mainstream, has been a pracharak in the mid-1980s. In 2002, Rawat became an MLA and in 2007 a state minister in the BJP-ruled government in Uttrakhand. In 2017, he became the Chief Minister of the state after the Harish Singh Rawat-led Congress lost the the political battle to the BJP.
One of two registered sex offenders wanted by Victorian police has been taken into custody.

Paul Kraft, 55, who was wanted for failing to supply his residential details to police, was taken into custody in Moorabbin in Melbourne's southeast on Saturday evening.

Police are still looking for Robert Crilly, 36, and are appealing for help to find him.

Paul Kraft, 55, who was wanted for failing to supply his residential details to police, was taken into custody in Moorabbin in Melbourne's southeast on Saturday evening

Crilly is believed to be living in the Shepparton area, though recent information indicates he may be living in Melbourne, in the suburb of Coburg or Pascoe Vale.

He was last seen in December 2020 when he was served with a court order.

Crilly is Caucasian in appearance, about 189cm tall with a solid build, short brown hair, a dragon tattoo on his left shoulder and the name 'Jacky' tattooed on the back of his neck.

Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach but to call 000 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
A Camp Hill couple, who was shot at their former Lower Windsor Township residence in September 2018, was sentenced to federal prison this week for tax fraud.

Matthew and Kim Forney, shot by their daughters boyfriend at their York County residence, will both serve one year in prison, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the Middle District.

Matthew Forney, 42, pleaded guilty to four counts of tax evasion and Kim Forney, 48, pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.

Robert Hedrick, 21, was charged with aggravated assault for the shootings of the Forneys. The York County District Attorneys Office dropped the case in June 2019.

Additionally, Matthew was given one year of supervised release and a $40,000 fine by U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer P. Wilson. And, Kim was given one year of supervised release.

Police were called to the couples home on September 23, 2018 for shots fired. When they arrived, they followed a trail of bloody footprints through the house to an outside pool house, authorities said. Inside the pool house, police found a garbage bag of cash.

Officers obtained and executed a search warrant, which led them to find a large gun safe holding more bundles of cash. The cash and receipts were seized by officers.

Investigators discovered that the Forneys didnt report $817,713 on their taxes, which resulted in $292,066 in unpaid taxes. That amount has been fully repaid, according to the York Dispatch.

The couple didnt account for any cash income earned through business sales on their tax returns for the years 2014 through 2017, according to an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service  Criminal Investigation.

Checks and credit card sales were filed on their taxes. The couple, however, never paid any taxes on cash payments.

The license to run a business is not a license to evade taxes, said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Thomas Fattorusso. Mr. and Mrs. Forney thought they could hoard all of their cash earnings and fly under the radar of the IRS, but they couldnt be more wrong. Anyone contemplating similar criminal conduct should beware; IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents are uniquely qualified to trace all sources of income.

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More people are heading in to the office every day than working from home in the wake of the announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown.

Only 32 per cent of Britons surveyed said they are still exclusively working at home, while 39 per cent are working every day at their normal place of work.

The study was carried out by the Office for National Statistics in the period between February 24 and 28 on 4,000 adults, The Telegraph reported.

More people are heading in to the office every day than working from home in the wake of the announcement of the roadmap out of lockdown

In the first lockdown, the proportion of office workers overtook home workers for the first time in June when some Covid-19 restrictions were eased.

Then, 33 per cent of people were working exclusively from home compared to 36 heading into the office every day.

The gap continued to widen until the third lockdown was announced at the start of January, forcing people back into their homes.

On February 22, Boris Johnson announced plans for the easing of lockdown, prompting a surge of confidence that life could soon be returning to normal.

But the prime minister did not encourage people to change their working plans, advising people to continue to work from home until the review on social distancing measures.

This means the advice could remain in place until June 21.

Only 32 per cent of Britons surveyed last week said they are still exclusively working at home

But employers clearly took the gradual loosening of measures as a signal to herald the return of office life.

Last week, the boss of Goldman Sachs slammed working from home as an 'aberration' and said it is not the 'new normal'.

David Solomon, 59, also insisted the firm would be looking to 'correct' the remote working situation 'as soon as possible'.

'Thats a temporary thing. I do think that for a business like ours, which is an innovative, collaborative apprenticeship culture, this is not ideal for us. And its not a new normal,' he told a virtual conference organised by Credit Suisse.

In September, JP Morgan's chief executive Jamie Dimon said that working from home has had a negative effect on productivity while Barclays boss Jes Staley recently said he hoped the vaccine would allow employees to return to the office.

But many other businesses have indicated that the pandemic will permanently shift their business models, allowing for more flexibility in working from home.

HSBC is planning to axe 40 per cent of its global office space, while Lloyds is preparing to cut 20 per cent of its offices by 2023.

An internal survey found three quarters of the bank's staff would prefer to work from home for three or more days a week.

The new ONS report also found that the number of workers combining the office and the home has remained mostly stable.

Around 10 per cent of adults are currently mixing up their workplaces.

This figure was at its highest in September when 14 per cent were combining home and office working.

Last week, Mr Johnson predicted commuters will flock back to their desks 'in a few short months'.

Speaking at a rail industry conference, he said he believed normal work patterns would resume once the lockdown restrictions are finally lifted.

Addressing the conference via video link, he said: 'I know that some people may imagine that all conferences are going be like this, held over Zoom, Teams or what have you and we've got to prepare for a new age in which people don't move around, do things re-motely, they don't commute any more.

'I don't believe it. Not for a moment. In a few short months, if all goes to plan, we in the UK are going to be reopening our economy. And then believe me the British people will be consumed once again with their desire for the genuine face-to-face meeting that makes all the difference to the deal or whatever it is.

'Never mind seeing our loved ones, going on holiday or whatever.'

The ONS study also found that optimism has grown in the British public that life will return to normal within six months.

Almost a third of adults, 32 per cent, said they believe normality will resume this year, an increase of ten per cent on the previous week.
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Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock got fired up on the set of their new film.

The two Oscar-winning actors were spotted shooting an intense crash scene on the fiery location of their upcoming thriller Bullet Train in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The 57-year-old Fight Club star looked bloodied and beaten as he was made up with fake blood and bruises for the shot.

Fired up: Brad Pitt and Sandra Bullock were spotted shooting an intense crash scene on the fiery location of their upcoming thriller Bullet Train in Los Angeles on Saturday

Bloody costume: The 57-year-old Fight Club star looked bloodied and beaten as he was made up with fake blood and bruises for the shot.

The two performers have been in the midst of filming the sleek action flick co-starring Joey King, Zazie Beetz and Logan Lerman.

Pitt plays Ladybug, a deadly assassin, in the highly-anticipated film which is being directed by Deadpool 2 helmer David Leitch.

The dirtied white t-shirt Brad wore had a huge gash down the front, covered in red stage blood. His face and arms were also covered in dust and fake blood.

The two Oscar-winning actors have been in the midst of filming the sleek action flick co-starring Joey King, Zazie Beetz and Logan Lerman

Dressed for business: The 56-year-old Gravity actress looked less worse for wear in her costume, sporting a white blouse and long beige trenchcoat for the scene

Action packed: Pitt plays Ladybug, a deadly assassin, in the highly-anticipated film which is being directed by Deadpool 2 helmer David Leitch

His light hair was unkempt, but still pulled back behind his ears to avoid covering his face.

The 56-year-old Gravity actress looked less worse for wear in her costume, sporting a white blouse and long beige trenchcoat for the scene.

While the details of Bullocks role in the film are currently unknown, she looked every bit the government agent in her business attire, including wide-legged slacks and and leather shoes.

Plot: Bullet Train is based on the novel Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka and follows five assassins who find themselves on a bullet train in Japan and realize that their assignments are related

Down and dirty: The dirtied white t-shirt Brad wore had a huge gash down the front, covered in red stage blood. His face and arms were also covered in dust and fake blood

Mystery part: While the details of Bullocks role in the film are currently unknown, she looked like a government agent in her business attire, including wide-legged slacks and and leather shoes

She rocked a shoulder-length feathered haircut for the shoot and a collection of gold necklaces.

Both stars wore face shields between scenes to keep the cast and crew safe from contracting COVID-19 on set.

Face shields, masks and rigorous testing are all being currently employed on major Hollywood productions to reduce the rate of potential onset transmission as much as possible.

Match made in Hollywood heaven: Bullet Train marks the first time the two Academy Award-winning peformers have worked on a project together

Staying safe: Both stars wore face shields between scenes to keep the cast and crew safe from contracting COVID-19 on set

All-star cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon, Bad Bunny and Brian Tyree Henry round out the all-star ensemble, as well as a rumored appearance by Lady Gaga

Bullet Train is based on the novel Maria Beetle by Kotaro Isaka and follows five assassins who find themselves on a bullet train in Japan and realize that their assignments are related.

This marks the first time the two A-listers have worked on a project together.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Michael Shannon, Bad Bunny and Brian Tyree Henry round out the all-star ensemble, as well as a rumored appearance by Lady Gaga.


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The UKs reputation for compassion will be destroyed unless a near-60 per cent cut in aid to war-torn Yemen is halted, charities are telling Boris Johnson.

More than 100 organisations have joined forces to condemn the shock move as a betrayal and a death sentence for millions of people in desperate need.

They also say the prime minister has badly misjudged the national mood if they believe the cut  the start of a 4bn-a-year reduction from the aid budget  will have public support.

Cutting aid to starving people is not the action of a global leader about to host both the G7 Summit and the climate change negotiations for Cop26, a letter reads.

Recommended The shame of cutting aid to Yemen will haunt the UK

History will not judge this nation kindly if the government chooses to step away from the people in Yemen and thus destroy the UKs global reputation as a country that steps up to help those most in need.

The protest comes as similar cuts to a swathe of the worlds other poorest countries are revealed, to start within weeks  as MPs are denied a promised vote on the controversy.

Syria, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Libya, Nigeria and Lebanon are all poised to lose more than half of their funding, according to information seen by The Independent.

MPs had made repeated attempts to obtain the details of the cuts planned, but were rebuffed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The 101 charities that have written to Mr Johnson include Oxfam, Christian Aid, Save the Children and Care International.

Slashing aid to Yemen  a country on the brink of famine  is a betrayal of Britains claim to global leadership and of British values, said Danny Sriskandarajah, Oxfams chief executive.

Aid cuts are a false economy that will remove a vital lifeline from millions of people in Yemen and beyond who cant feed their families, have lost their homes and whose lives are threatened by conflict and Covid.

And Laurie Lee, chief executive of Care International, said: The government must reverse this decision urgently before more lives are lost.

Several Conservative MPs, including former ministers Andrew Mitchell, Jeremy Hunt and Tobias Ellwood, and rising star Tom Tugendhat, have also condemned the cut.

It is the first stark impact of the controversial decision to cut spending on international aid from 0.7 to 0.5 per cent of national income.

Dominic Raab, the foreign secretary, had promised legislation  admitting the move could be unlawful without it  but a vote was shelved and may now not take place at all.

Until last night, only the Yemen cut had been revealed  a reduction to 87m, from 197m last year  and only because an international donor conference was staged.

Criticised by Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons, Mr Johnson drew fresh condemnation for saying Labour should not be focusing on the interests of the people of Yemen.


Domestic violence services have seen a rise in calls for help. Stock image

There were further increases in women and children contacting domestic violence service in County Louth during the second lockdown of 2020.

Across the country, including County Louth at least 2,018 women and 550 children received support from a domestic violence service each month from September to December 2020, according to a new report called Tracking the Shadow Pandemic - Lockdown 2.

The report is being launched today by Safe Ireland, the national agency working with 39 frontline domestic violence member services, including Women's Aid Dundalk.

November was the busiest month of the four-month period. When Ireland was at the height of its second Level 5 lockdown, over 2,180 women and 602 children received support from a dedicated domestic violence service.

Locally, Women's Aid Dundalk, were contacted by 337 new women in the four month period.

Nationally, the report shows that over 2,445 new women and 486 new children contacted a domestic violence service for the very first time in these four months. This equates to 611 new women and 122 new children every month, or 20 new women and 4 new children every day, who had, as far as is known, never contacted a service before.

The statistics for the latter part of 2020 were higher generally than those reported over the first six months of the pandemic. The first Safe Ireland Tracking the Shadow Pandemic report, which covered the six month period between March and August 2020, showed that at least 1,970 women and 411 children received support each month.

Cara Murphy, Support Co-ordinator at Women's Aid Dundalk, said that even in an extraordinary time of crisis, these numbers were shocking. Adequate resources and creative solutions were needed to respond to the needs of women, but also the needs of the frontline emergency professionals like those working at Women's Aid Dundalk, she said.

"Since last March, we have been working under enormous pressure to respond to those fleeing domestic abuse," she said. "This work cannot stop. It can take no breaks. Our message to survivors remains clear and steadfast. You do not have to live in an oppressive home. You do not have to endure abuse and control. There is professional support available right here in your community."

"However, it is also essential that our services are adequately resourced," she continued. "At the moment, and as a legacy going back many years, there are significant disparities between those working in DSGBV and other social care settings. Parity and respect must be afforded to domestic violence frontline workers."

She said that multi-annual funding must be established to enable proper planning and service development, adding that technocratic processes hamper the urgent work of response and prevention of domestic violence.

The national report shows that helpline calls were also up on average over the second part of the year. Domestic violence services answered 23,336 helpline calls over the period. November was the busiest month of the period, with 6,409 calls answered - that's 213 a day or nearly 9 calls every hour.

On average 167 women and 265 children stayed in a range of domestic violence accommodation (range of refuge, safe homes and supported housing) each month between September and December. This is slightly down on those in accommodation over the first six months. In total, 808 requests for refuge could not be met in the four months because there was no space. In October, however, 306 requests for refuge could not be met, the highest for the tracked months of 2020.

Tracking the Shadow Pandemic 2 - September to December 2020

On average, 2018 women and 550 children received support from a domestic violence service every month from September to December 2020.

2,445 new women and 496 new children accessed services for the first time.

23,336 helpline calls were answered, an average of 191 calls a day.

November was the busiest month for women (2,180) and December for children (604).

167 women and 265 children stayed in a range of domestic violence accommodation.

808 requests for refuge could not be met due to lack of space.

Services held 18,892 phone support sessions, 166 video support sessions and 8,783 in-person support sessions.
(NBC News) The United States added 379,000 new jobs during the first full month of the Biden administration, 80 percent more than economists had predicted.

The unemployment rate remains steady at 6.2 percent.

The monthly jobs report comes ahead of President Biden's Friday briefing on the economy and a roundtable in support of the American Rescue Plan.

Eighteen million people are drawing unemployment checks.

Meanwhile, the Senate is considering limits on who will receive $1,400 direct payments as part of President Biden's COVID relief plan.

Republicans have complained that much of the bill, including direct aid to states and cities, has nothing to do with the pandemic.

The White House disagrees.

"State and local governments need assistance now to keep cops on the beat, to keep teachers, to keep firefighters employed," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki says.

The Senate has decided to cut debate down from 20 hours to just three; a "vote-a-rama" on amendments will likely start Friday afternoon.

Read more: http://nbcnews.to/38fQOlc
The Caring Generation: How to Talk About Getting Old

CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson 303-810-1816

Email: Inquiry_For_Pamela@pameladwilson.com

Golden, Colorado  March 6, 2021

The Caring Generation How to Talk About Getting Old and Not Be Afraid

Golden CO- Caregiving expert Pamela D. Wilson hosts The Caring Generation podcast show for caregivers and aging adults. This coming Wednesday, March 10, 2021, the topic is How to Talk About Getting Old and Not Be Afraid

Wilson releases a new podcast in The Caring Generation series every Wednesday, sharing tips and conversations about aging, caregiving, and family relationships to help caregiving families plan for what's ahead. The podcasts are available on Wilson's website and all major podcast sites.

How to Talk About Getting Old and Not Be Afraid

During this podcast, Wilson addresses the unpopular topic of aging and how hopes for retirement years don't always meet expectations. Public speaking and death are two top-ranking fears. While practice can help overcome the fear of public speakingdeath isn't an experience that can be overcome through practice or repetition.

Consumers and family caregivers cite a lack of time or not wanting to receive bad news as a reason for not going to the doctor. A lack of self-care is a significant issue among caregivers who often experience health concerns in equal measure, if not more substantially than elderly parents, spouses, or others for whom they care.

Regular medical care is among many preventative actions that can minimize health concerns, pain, and suffering. Age increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with a health condition that can pose long-term consequences. During this program, Wilson talks about how treatments or interventions like pacemakers or dialysis begun at earlier ages can be viewed differently when one is 80 or 90.

The Experiences of Family Caregivers

Wilson interviews a family caregiver, Barb, who shares the experience of caring for her elderly mother diagnosed with dementia. In talking about caring for her mother, she shares stories of how her mother's changing health affected relationships with her siblings.

While Barb is a devoted caregiver for her mother, she acknowledges that when she needs care, there is no guarantee that her children, committed today, will be there to care for her. Join Pamela D Wilson on Wednesday, March 10th, for this thought-provoking and honest discussion about the challenges of aging.

Wilson works with caregiving organizations and corporations worldwide to educate about the role strain that caregivers experience and how to be proactive to plan ahead for health and aging issues. More about Wilson's online courses for elderly care: How to Get Guardianship of a Parent and Taking Care of Elderly Parents, caregiver support, webinars, and speaking engagements is on her website www.pameladwilson.com. Pamela may also be contacted at 303-810-1816 or through the Contact Me page on her website.

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New Delhi, March 6: Amidst growing tensions in the South China Sea, Beijing has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a "Polar Silk Road" and actively participate in the development of Arctic and Antarctic regions raising fears of increased militarisation and environmental damage to the planets fragile ecological area.

"China will participate in the pragmatic cooperation on the Arctic and the building of a 'Polar Silk Road'," according to the draft outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through the year 2035, the country's Xinhua news agency reported from Beijing on Friday.

The plan states that China would "participate in pragmatic cooperation in the North Pole" and "raise its ability to participate in the protection and utilisation of the South Pole". according to a Reuters report from Shanghai.

China has been eyeing rich mineral resources as well as new shipping routes in the Arctic region, as climate change melts ice in the region.

The document makes it clear that the aggressive Xi Jinping regime is stepping up plans to increase the country's presence in the Polar regions even as it adopts a hostile policy of blocking sea lanes to international waters in the South China Sea.

Ironically, China claims it is a "near-Arctic country" to justify its foray into the polar region.

The aggressive stand was spelt out in an article in the Global Times which states: "China is a near-Arctic country. It has been participating in the region's affairs with an inclusive, cooperative and win-win attitude. It is not a courtesy extended by Arctic countries but a right endorsed by the international law that allows China to take part in regional affairs." China had released a white paper in 2018 announcing its vision of extending the Belt and Road Initiative to the Arctic for developing shipping lanes in the region. It had said enterprises would be encouraged to build infrastructure and conduct commercial trial voyages, paving the way for Arctic shipping routes that would form a "Polar Silk Road".

Energy-hungry China has ensured its presence in the Arctic through the Russian Yamal Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) project in which the country holds a 20 per cent stake. The project is expected to yield four million tonnes of LNG a year.

Earlier most of the traffic through the northern sea route merely linked Russian vessels travelling between Russian ports along the Arctic. However, after the Russia-China cooperation in the region, Chinese companies started making trial runs to develop it as an alternative route to reach the European markets.

The route cuts the distance between Europe and Asia by 3,000 miles and reduces the travel time for ships by as many as 11 days compared to the southern voyage via the Strait of Malacca and the Suez Canal. The route is increasingly being viewed as the next big shipping route over the next decade.

After the release of the white paper, western nations and critics fear China's increasing footprint in the Arctic and possible military deployment.

US President Joe Biden's response Meanwhile, to counter the growing military presence in the north from Russia and China, the US and Canada plan to modernize a network of defence satellites and radar in the Arctic, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.

President Biden asked Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to ramp up Canada's spending on defence, including an upgrade of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, commonly known as Norad, during a bilateral meeting between the two leaders recently, recently, the report said.

Norad was a central part of the US and Canadian military's Cold War deterrence strategy against the former Soviet Union. Consisting of satellites, ground-based radar, and air-force bases located mostly in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic, the surveillance system was designed to give the military allies notice of any impending attack from the north.

The system, once state-of-the-art, has since become outdated. New missiles being deployed by Russia and China can travel at more than five times the speed of sound and fly much farther than their predecessors, which would overwhelm the existing surveillance network, Michael Dawson, who served as Canadian political adviser to Norad command in Colorado from 2010 to 2014, was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.

(This content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative/

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
With about $128 billion currently up for grabs, the Paycheck Protection Program will sunset at the end of this month--and, as yet, there are no plans to revive it.

Neither the House nor Senate versions of the latest $1.9 trillion stimulus package--dubbed the American Rescue Plan Act, which is expected to reach the President's desk by March 14--include an extension of the PPP. Though, lawmakers do earmark another $7.25 billion additional funding for the program, which kicked off again in mid-January with $284.5 billion. Lawmakers also intend to open it up to larger non-profits.

The forgivable loan program, which has helped more than 7.3 million businesses access more than $679 billion in aid, is largely expected to end with money left over. However, business groups and owners themselves say more time is needed to help those that have, thus far, been unable to gain access to the offering.

Pointing to troubling survey data from August--showing still high levels of concern among U.S. businesses--a coalition of business groups led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to lawmakers this week, urging them to extend the PPP through December 31, 2021. "Small businesses continue to struggle, especially minority-owned businesses," the business leaders wrote. "Extending the PPP deadline through the end of this year will ensure that the segment of small businesses facing the greatest obstacles do not get left behind."

In other words, it's still necessary. While the first round of PPP, which amounted to $349 billion, was exhausted in about two weeks, as banks routinely favored their existing and bigger ticket clients, this latest round has been marked by delays.

If second-draw PPP borrowers weren't mistakenly rejected outright for one reason or another, widespread delays affected legions of other borrowers. As many as one third of second-draw applicants received requests for more information, after the Small Business Administration's automated PPP system increasingly returned error codes arising from everything from mismatched data between one round to the next to straight up wrong information--like applicants who were told, incorrectly, that they had criminal records. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), as many as 40 different potential error codes are causing additional validation checks, which can delay loan approvals for weeks. Lenders were eventually given tools to resolve these issues, however delays continue to be a source of consternation among business owners.

Biden's own request on February 22 that the SBA rework its lending formula for soloprenuers--allowing them to apply for loans with their gross income versus their net income, which removes taxes and other expenses--also contributed delays. The guidance on how to process loans under the new formula, along with updated applications, weren't available to stakeholders until late in the day on March 3.

"Many PPP lenders have said that they need at least one week to update their systems for this guidance before they accept new applications," said Barry Melancon, AICPA's president and CEO, in a statement Friday. "That gives small businesses less than two weeks to submit a complete and accurate application." He further urged lawmakers to extend the PPP by at least 60 days--if not through this pending stimulus bill then through a standalone measure. "The March 31 deadline simply does not make sense."

Even the Biden administration's 14-day exclusive application window--meant to help lenders focus their efforts just on companies with fewer than 20 employees--is pushing applications out. Eligible businesses with more than 20 employees cannot apply until the program opens back up on March 10.

What's more, there's still strong interest from borrowers--in spite of the slow pace of loan approvals, says Mike Trabold, Paychex director of compliance risk, who notes that the program is reaching smaller and smaller borrowers and that's why the pace seems slow. "Because small businesses are [getting] undivided attention from the entire lending community," he says, "the presumption is it will help people get through the bureaucracy at lenders. And a lot of the getting hung up in the process with banks--hopefully--will go away."

Of course, the PPP had to end at some point. And indeed, some financial experts suggest that lawmakers would do well to focus their attention on different forms of aid that may be better suited to help growing companies--particularly as the economy shows continued signs of improvement.

"My position might not be popular," said Ami Kassar, the founder and CEO of MultiFunding, a small-business loan adviser in Ambler, Pennsylvania, in a recent statement: "It's time to put the PPP to bed." Good funding options still exist, he said, in the SBA's longstanding business aid offerings like the Economic Injury Disaster Loan and the 7(a) working capital loan programs, which have been beefed up during the pandemic.

"We must create incentives for entrepreneurs to start and or grow companies," said Kassar. "We must be sure there are incentives to grow payrolls, and make sure that businesses have access to capital to grow, hire, and expand."
Christian Porter's rape accuser wrote in her statement detailing her claims that she gained a better understanding of her memories by using a discredited form of therapy.

The Attorney-General, is on mental health leave this week and has strongly denied raping the woman when they were both teenagers in 1988.

The woman said while she had 'always remembered' about the alleged events, she 'only really understood' her memories after her psychologist introduced her to recovered memory theory.

The details emerged as Mr Porter was defended by Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce, who slammed what he called a 'salacious' inquisition and called for a confidential inquiry.

Christian Porter fronted the media on Wednesday and repeatedly denied raping a 16-year-old girl after a debating competition in Sydney in 1988

Mr Porter's accuser said in her statement she was referred to the book The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and body in the Healing of Trauma, by American psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk, Crikey reported.

'I had not previously heard of it, nor had I read it,' she said in the statement.

'Bessel van der Kolk explains that for survivors of torture and trauma our bodies will store traumatic events and only allow them to resurface when our minds are able to re-examine them, usually several decades later.'

The alleged victim said she had a 'better understanding' of her memories after reading a book on the therapy of repressed memory theory written by Bessel van der Kolk

This therapy, which is used to target horrific memories individuals may have forgotten because they were so traumatic, has been discredited in recent years.

Recovered memory therapy has been criticised by some psychologists who labelled it 'the worst catastrophe to befall the mental health field since the lobotomy era.'

But friends of the alleged victim have claimed she told them about the allegations well before she read Dr van der Kolk's book.

'This is wrong. Our friend sought professional help for her trauma years before 2019,' friend Jo Dyer, the director of the Adelaide Writers Festival told news.com.au.

'Her memories never had to be 'recovered' as she lived with them constantly. An inquiry would establish this beyond a shred of doubt.'

Another friend who spoke to the woman after she met police in February last year said she had a clear mind at the time.

'She was lucid, calm, rational, attentive, forensic,' Rick Kalowski told The Sydney Morning Herald.

'In no way was she delusional or away with the fairies.'

Barnaby Joyce has fired back at what he calls the 'salacious' inquisition given to Attorney-General Christian Porter after he publicly denied rape allegations

In a lengthy Facebook post on Saturday, Mr Joyce called for a 'confidential' inquiry into Mr Porter and his accuser, and not one in front of the 'media's camera'.

Referencing allegations he himself had faced, Mr Joyce said he didn't want Mr Porter 'sitting at the back of the chamber under the exit sign where my colleagues have kindly placed me'.

'I have had allegations placed against me and no one ran to my defence,' he wrote.

'Christian Porter may not want an independent inquiry but he has got one by default. A demeaning, cathartic inquisition by the press and Opposition.

'It is achieving little beyond ratings as salacious dissonance and certainly not offering any solace to any party involved.

'The alternative should be an inquiry, in camera, the confidential one, not the media's camera.'

Mr Joyce said he feared the sexual assault allegations would 'hang like fog' over Mr Porter's 'quite remarkable' career if the public inquisition did not stop.

In 2018 a woman from Western Australia made a sexual harassment complaint against Mr Joyce.

He stepped down from his role as Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader in February of that year.

'Christian knows, many in the Opposition and some on his own side don't want the truth unless it comes with his head on a plate,' Mr Joyce continued.

'They just want his scalp.'

Police said there was 'insufficient admissible evidence' to continue with the investigation into the rape allegations.

The alleged victim took her own life in June, 2020, after reporting the incident to police a year earlier.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 21:01:31|Editor: huaxia

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Wang Chen, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), speaks at the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th NPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

The design is aimed to form a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's realities and with Hong Kong characteristics.

HONG KONG, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, on Friday started deliberating a draft decision on improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).





Why is it imperative?

In recent years, especially after the turbulence over the proposed amendment bill in 2019, anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical localists in Hong Kong have openly called for "Hong Kong independence."

They used the electoral platforms of the HKSAR and the deliberation platforms of the Legislative Council (LegCo) and the District Councils or their position as public servants to blatantly carry out anti-China and destabilizing activities.

The rioting and turbulence that occurred in Hong Kong reveals that the existing electoral system in the HKSAR has obvious loopholes and deficiencies, which the anti-China, destabilizing elements jumped on to take into their hands the power to administer the HKSAR.

Necessary measures must be taken to improve the electoral system and remove existing institutional risks to ensure the administration of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with patriots as the main body.





What is HKSAR's current electoral system like?

The electoral system of the HKSAR includes the methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and for the formation of the LegCo.

According to the Basic Law of the HKSAR, the Chief Executive is elected by the broadly representative Election Committee and appointed by the central government.

The Election Committee is composed of 1,200 members from different sectors.

The LegCo has 70 seats, with 35 returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections, and the other 35 by functional constituencies.





What is the design?

The overall design will be centered around the reformation and greater empowerment of the Election Committee. The size, composition and formation method of the Election Committee will be adjusted and improved.

The Chief Executive will continue to be elected by the Election Committee. The Election Committee will be entrusted with the new function of electing a relatively large share of LegCo members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for the LegCo. Through the Election Committee, the balanced and orderly political participation will be expanded and broader representation ensured in the Hong Kong society. Relevant elements of the election will be adjusted as appropriate, and a mechanism of qualification review will be established throughout the entire process.

This design is aimed to form a new democratic electoral system suited to Hong Kong's realities and with Hong Kong characteristics.





How will it be carried out?

A two-step approach, namely, "decision plus amendment," was proposed.

In the first step, the NPC makes the decision on improving the electoral system of the HKSAR, which lays out the basic principles for revising and improving the electoral system as well as the core elements of such revision and improvement. Meanwhile, the NPC authorizes its Standing Committee to amend Annex I and Annex II to the Basic Law in accordance with the decision.

In the second step, the NPC Standing Committee amends Annex I: Method for the Selection of the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and Annex II: Method for the Formation of the LegCo of the HKSAR and Its Voting Procedures of the Basic Law of the HKSAR.

The amended Annex I and Annex II will contain specific and express provisions on the new democratic electoral system of the HKSAR.

After the amendment of Annex I and Annex II at the state level is completed, the HKSAR will amend relevant local laws accordingly.
Hauliers travelling from Ireland to France will no longer need to provide a negative Covid-19 test, the Department of Transport has confirmed.

The French Government has amended its legislation with immediate effect and will no longer require proof of a negative COVID test result from hauliers travelling on direct maritime routes from Ireland to France.

The Department of Transport has said this is in light of the very low positivity rates of COVID-19 among commercial vehicle drivers, and is in line with the EU Green Lanes recommendations.

From January 28 up to the end of yesterday, March 4, RocDoc have reported that 5,743 antigen tests have been carried out on drivers, with 14 positive test results  a positivity rate of 0.24%.

Proof of a negative test result will still be required for drivers travelling from Great Britain to France or the Netherlands, and therefore any hauliers travelling from Ireland via the UK landbridge route to enter France or the Netherlands must still have proof of a negative test result.

Proof of a negative test result is also still required for travel to Germany. Drivers intending on travelling on such routes may continue to obtain a test here in Ireland at existing testing facilities, or in Great Britain.

In a statement, the Department of Transport said: "In accordance with EU Green Lane recommendations, Ireland will continue to maintain a policy of exempting essential transport workers not showing symptoms of COVID-19 from quarantine and testing requirements when entering Ireland and we will continue to encourage all EU Member States to follow this policy also in the interests keeping supply chains open within the Single Market.

"This is particularly important for the continued movement of medical supplies and essential goods into the country."
New Delhi, March 6 : With game nights, workout videos and fun with family and friends, Katrina Kaif's social media platform has been followed avidly by fans. The actress recently spotted in PepsiCo India Slice's newly launched TVC which encourages consumers to take the 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' challenge thereby reaffirming its position as the thickest and tastiest mango drink in India. IANSlife caught up with the star to talk about the shoot, her days in lockdown and what she's looking forward to in 2021.

Q: How does it feel to be back to work after months of lockdown?

A: As much as I have learnt and grown internally during the lockdown I really did miss the hustle and bustle of my job. While the lockdown was critical at that point, I made sure I spent quality time on things I rarely get to do, but now that work has gradually begun with all the necessary precautions, I cannot be happier. The joy of filming is irreplaceable.

Q: Do you feel there is a difference between shooting in a pre and in a post-Covid world?

A: There surely is a difference as maintaining social distancing and various other precautionary norms are a must unlike before. But all the sets I've been on have made sure that the crews' safety is a priority which makes it a very safe working place, giving us artists the creative liberty needed.

Q: International travel is on standstill... did you manage to take a holiday or a getaway and how was it?

A: I actually made a trip to Maldives during the pandemic for the shoot of Slice's new 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' campaign. I had mixed feeling when I was getting ready for the trip -- on one hand I was excited about the shoot post the lockdown and on the other hand, I was nervous about travelling in the 'new normal' and ensured I took all the right precautions, throughout the trip -- COVID tests, ensuring social distancing, using face masks. Shooting in Maldives was such an exhilarating experience and it was one of the best shoots I had.

Q: Women's Day is around the corner, the lockdown has been especially tough on women, how do you feel they should celebrate this Women's Day?

A: I feel everyone has their own struggles to deal with, men, women, kids as well as senior citizens. The lockdown has been challenging for everyone. We should be so grateful for our lives of privilege and these times have been really hard for so many people. However, I'm glad to see how women have realised the importance of "me time" and hope they continue to take time for themselves even post the lockdown.

Q: What are you looking forward to in 2021 and what is the one lesson of 2020 you will carry with you forever?

A: While 2020 has reminded me about the joys of little things, 2021 is a very exciting year for me as well. I'm thrilled about the work I'm doing and cannot wait to share it with the world.

Q: Last and certainly not the least why is Slice your go to drink in the summer?

A: My association with Slice goes back a long time -- it gives me pure, indulgent joy to drink Slice. Slice is my favorite mango drink and I am beyond excited to launch the new 'Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty' campaign that exudes my confidence in the brand. I cannot wait for my fans to take the taste challenge and discover the pleasure of drinking the thick and tasty Slice themselves.

Speaking on the new campaign, Anuj Goyal, Associate Director, Tropicana and Slice, PepsiCo India said,"Consumers have expressed immense love for Slice which is a testament to our confidence in the product. However, we wanted to take a step further and encourage our consumers to take the new Sabse Thick Sabse Tasty blind taste challenge to bolster Slice's position as the tastiest and thickest mango drink in India. We are excited to reach out to our consumers this summer through this campaign featuring the incomparable Katrina Kaif." The TVC film, set against the beautiful backdrop of a beach, shows brand ambassador posing the ultimate taste challenge to a fan. The blind taste challenge set off by Katrina urges him to make a choice and take up the taste challenge to discover the thickest mango drink in the market.

(Tanya Banon can be contacted at tanya.b@ians.in)

-- Syndicated from IANS
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Edgar Allen Poe's classic 1842 short story, "The Pit and the Pendulum," is about a victim of the Spanish Inquisition who is imprisoned in a black dungeon with a deep pit in the middle. It's so dark and foreboding that he must feel his way around, but he can hear the grinding of stone against stone and the swish of a large blade swinging above him.

He realizes the walls are slowly closing in, and the large, sharp pendulum that swings above is lowering in tandem with the ever-constricting walls, making his space even smaller, pushing him slowly to the edge of the pit and his demise.

His choice is to be sliced by the blade overhead or fall into the pit filled with ravenous rats.

Just as there is almost no footing left to avoid the pit, a savior named General LaSalle of the liberating army grabs his arm as he begins to fall and saves him from certain death.

Our present political situation could be represented by this story with the left as the inquisitors tightening the walls around an imprisoned America along with a relentless blade swinging over her head, cutting our laws, traditions, and history.

Our laws and rights are being ignored or cast aside. Executive orders are the new law, a rule by edicts with no need to go through Congress, which is fenced in like a concentration camp.

Conservatives and supporters of President Trump are being blacklisted and accused of all sorts of misdeeds while the left does as it pleases with impunity.

Certain races are considered good, while others are the source of all evil, inherently racist.

Our children are being indoctrinated to hate their country and people and to be ashamed of our great history due to the distortions being taught.

Our citizenship is being made a mockery of as even the right to vote for our own leaders is being diluted by non-citizens, with citizenship set to be handed out cheaply and the gates open for even non-citizens to vote in our elections illegally.

It seems widespread voting fraud and cheating are considered permissible as long as they benefit the chosen party.

There's no need for legal immigration; everyone is invited to come on in, even if he is carrying COVID to spread or is otherwise infected. It all seems to be a move to replace the current despised population.

These disparate people are uneducated and therefore easily manipulated. Some are used to being told what to do, while others bring in a sense of entitlement. Therefore, they are excellent choices for the new American population.

As the walls squeeze in, our rights as a free and independent country are being diminished toward a one-world government cartel, even to the point of severely harming our own interests in the process.

How did this all happen?

We did it to ourselves in some cases by complacency and laziness  by not vetting the politicians that run for office, nor holding them accountable once they get elected.

By never questioning how these elected officials go from almost broke to multimillionaires once in office. By believing everything we hear on the nightly news, no matter how slanted, distorted, or untrue it may be. By wanting all the free stuff being promised instead of having to work for it. By not bothering to vote in person, by leaving the election system vulnerable to fraud by voter identity theft.

How did the school curriculum get so out of tune with the truth and history? We the people complacently let it happen. We the people are the ones who tied the hands of America and left her in the dark, dank dungeon of socialism and dirigisme at the merciless hands of the leftist inquisition by our meek acquiescence.

Who is our General LaSalle? When will he come to rescue us? Who will save America from the pit or the blade's lethal swath? My hope is that it is Lady Liberty reaching her righteous hand to pull America from her demise. It's you and me, all of us who believe in America, the United States, and all it represents. We are liberty. We have to unite and link hands together to pull ourselves out of this morass.

If we need a convention of states, then let's plan one. If we need to recall corrupt politicians, then let's get started. And we certainly do not need to re-elect backstabbing representatives who promise one thing but do another. We should force the removal of those party leaders who do not follow our desires. Yes, I mean you, Mitch, Liz, Eric, Nancy, and Mitt, among others, many others who must go.

It's time for term limits, voter ID, and government that works for the people. We must ensure that America stands forever in the form the Founders created. We are facing the enemy within that we have long been warned of that is being aided and abetted by our foreign adversaries. They all long to carve up America and glut themselves at the feast. It's up to us to prevent this from ever happening. We will soon have yet another president in a person that no one wanted and a new vice president (that none voted for) once the current "president" is no longer useful to the left cartel. Don't expect this change at the top to be an improvement. It won't be.

If your governor is tyrannical and working against your interests, then recall him. The same with mayors, state senators, and/or rogue attorneys general and any other scofflaws. Don't wait for the next election cycle. It will probably be too late by then.

We must start to act and do it now before it is too late. America is steadily being nudged toward that precipice. The poison now in our veins is quite quick-acting. It won't take as long to kill the country as it did to conceive it. Don't ask if there's a doctor in the house; rather, be that doctor, be that General LaSalle, that hand of liberty. Save America from the perils of the pit and the pendulum. Start today.
CBC

Michael Megenbir was someone who generally kept his personal life separate from work. That is, until one June day in 2017. Sitting among his fellow educators in the library of the Regina school where he worked at the time, the intensive support teacher rose at the year-end staff meeting to announce to his colleagues that he's transgender. "I really love and respect all of you, and I think you all feel the same way about me," Megenbir, now 37, remembered saying. He went on to tell them that when they return to work in the fall, he'd be changing his name to Michael and using he/him pronouns. Megenbir's palms were sweaty as he assessed the room. "I remember looking out and seeing the faces, focusing in on a couple of the staff who I had become really close with and just watching them smile," he said. Then came the applause. "It was honestly a little overwhelming, but in a good way," Megenbir said. "It gave me that little boost of confidence and it just let me know that I was doing the right thing." In 2018, Megenbir had his long-awaited top surgery, marking the first time in decades he says he felt 'comfortable in my own skin.'(Submitted by Michael Megenbir) Allison Boulanger, who knew Megenbir as a friend and colleague for years before his transition, remembers smiling and clapping in the crowd. "When he got up to tell the staff, you could tell this was something that was right for him and it was how he needed to live his life  and live his life truthfully," she remembered thinking. Megenbir was reassured he had the support of his co-workers and school administration; what he couldn't predict was how his openness about his identity would inspire his students and colleagues to live their truths, and pave the way for more conversations around inclusion in schools. 'Business as usual' Fast forward to the new school year that fall, and Megenbir said it was a welcome surprise to notice there was "very little change" in how people treated him. He joked it was almost as though his colleagues practised over the summer. "It was kind of business as usual," he said with a chuckle. Megenbir noted that seemingly little things, like the use of his pronouns and new name, made the biggest impact on feeling accepted. And on the off-chance people messed up, they were quick to correct themselves and didn't draw attention to it. "It was the happiest he'd been," Boulanger remembered noticing. "You could tell that he felt like himself." The next year, Megenbir had long-awaited top surgery  a mastectomy and chest-sculpting procedure. "It was the first time in my life since I was probably nine or 10 years old that I felt comfortable in my own skin," he said. Megenbir dressed up as Kenny Rogers for Halloween in 2019 while his friend and colleague, Allison Boulanger, dressed up as Dolly Parton.(Submitted by Michael Megenbir) Making students feel 'a little bit more understood' When the opportunity arose for Megenbir to help start a gay-straight alliance (GSA) at the school, it naturally sparked conversations about his gender identity with students. On the first day of the GSA, when he got everyone to introduce themselves, he said, "I'm excited to be here and to be a part of the GSA because I am transgender"  something that surprised a few students. All that I hope my students take away from any encounter with me personally is that it's OK to be who you are.  Michael Megenbir Some kids told Megenbir he was the first person in the LGBTQ community they had ever met. That's the moment he knew sharing a piece of who he was added a layer of support for those children who needed it. "All that I hope my students take away from any encounter with me personally is that it's OK to be who you are," he said. "As an educator, if that's the only thing I ever teach a student, I will have felt like I did my job." Megenbir and his former student, Rylan Moir, show off their matching moustaches at the Regina Pride festival in 2018. Megenbir said the support he received during his transition from his students and their parents was 'overwhelmingly positive.'(Submitted by Michael Megenbir) As a teacher outside the LGBTQ community, Boulanger said having Megenbir as a resource for students across the entire school proved invaluable. "I'd always tell students, 'I'm here if you want to talk to me,' but Mike was just the person they gravitated towards because he just knows what's going on and how they're feeling," she said. "He just has a way of making them feel a little bit more understood." Looking back on his childhood in rural Saskatchewan, Megenbir wonders how different his gender identity journey might have been had he had a teacher who was open about being queer, or resources like a GSA. He thinks it might not have taken him until he was 30 to live out his truth had he had those positive influences. "It was really hard to feel that you were different, and also be made to feel like there was something wrong with you because of that," he said. He points to a picture of himself in a dress at his parents' wedding as an example. When he looks at his childhood photos, Michael Megenbir says he doesn't recognize who he used to be on the outside; however, on the inside, he said he's 'the exact same now, just in different packaging.'(Jessie Anton/CBC) "As a kid, I never liked dressing up, especially in dresses," he said. "This picture is how my family explains who I am and have always been: a little goofy, dancing to my own drum and not caring what anyone else thinks about me. "I'm the exact same now, just in different packaging." LGBTQ inclusion in the classroom Talking about LGBTQ representation among teachers is important, too, said Raylee Perkins, a teacher-librarian at another Regina school. "Whatever a person's coming out story is, it's often sad and steeped in trauma," said Perkins. "Seeing someone like Mike, who's happy and radiates this love and joy, it demonstrates that you can also have that joy in your future  and you don't always see that in books or on TV." Raylee Perkins, a Regina teacher-librarian who openly identifies as queer at school, says it's important for teachers and students to see LGBTQ role models with positive experiences.(Richard Agecoutay/CBC) That's in part why Perkins is open about identifying as queer at school. But that also means the advocacy work to promote LGBTQ inclusion in the classroom tends to fall on her shoulders, despite the best efforts of allies around her. "Sometimes, it's felt like I was the only queer voice in the room or queer voice in the conversation, and that can be really tiring," she said. According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education's website, the government "is committed to ensuring schools are safe and inclusive environments for all students, including those who identify as gender and/or sexually diverse." That includes encouraging school divisions to develop policies specifically to include groups, like GSAs, to create safe spaces for LGBTQ students and their allies. The province's Deepening the Discussion: Gender and Sexual Diversity framework from 2015 also contains curriculum for teachers and school administrators. Regina's public school board also recently unanimously approved training for teachers and staff about gender and sexual diversity. While LGBTQ inclusion exists under the curriculum, Boulanger said there are still some teachers who don't cover it in their classrooms. "If they can start talking about it and talk to people who identify as LGBTQ, that might help them to realize that it's not something to fear; it's something to learn about and to grow," she said. Creating more transgender inclusive spaces To make sure her classroom or library is visibly inclusive to transgender people, Perkins hangs posters that delineate the room as a safe space, and she wears rainbow pins and pronoun buttons. "For some kids, they'll never notice those little details, but for the kids who need it, they will notice even the smallest detail," she said. Perkins also makes a point of not shying away from answering tough questions and having more complex talks with her students. Allison Boulanger, Megenbir's friend and former colleague, says having openly LGBTQ teachers can give students a sense of belonging.(Richard Agecoutay/CBC) Boulanger agreed, saying that on top of the curriculum around diversity and identity, she finds informal chats with her students to be the most impactful. Looking back on Megenbir's positive "coming out story" at work, Perkins said it has created a safe place for other LGBTQ people to do the same. "Both [students and teachers] can look to him as a role model or for hope  whatever that is for them," she said. "The more we can see it and talk about it and not be afraid of those conversations and face them head-on, I think the more progress we'll make."
[March 05, 2021] SONIC AUTOMOTIVE INVESTIGATION INITIATED by Former Louisiana Attorney General: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of Sonic Automotive, Inc. - SAH

Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF"), announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Sonic Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: SAH). On October 7, 2020, news sources reported that the Company's Chief Executive Officer, David Bruton Smith, had been arrested and charged with felony assault by strangulation and misdemeanor charges of false imprisonment, assault on a female, and interfering with emergency communication. Shortly thereafter, the Company's Board of Directors issued a statement affirming that the Company "remains steadfast in its support of [its] CEO." Then, on March 1, 2021, news sources reported that Smith had been indicted by a Mecklenburg County, N.C. grand jury on all four charges related to the October 2020 arrest, according to the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office. KSF's investigation is focusing on whether Sonic's officers and/or directors breached their fiduciary duties to Sonic's shareholders or otherwise violated stae or federal laws.



If you have information that would assist KSF in its investigation, or have been a long-term holder of Sonic shares and would like to discuss your legal rights, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com), or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-sah/ to learn more. About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC

KSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking to recover investment losses due to corporate fraud and malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, California and Louisiana. To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005606/en/

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Colorado judge dismisses 1 of 2 charges against Jack Phillips for not making pro-transgender cake

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A judge has decided to throw out one of two charges against Colorado-based Christian baker Jack Phillips over his refusal to make a transgender-themed cake.

A trans-identified man who goes by the name Autumn Scardina filed a lawsuit against Masterpiece Cakeshop in June 2019 after the baker refused to make a cake celebrating Scardinas gender transition.

The suit claimed that Phillips violated two state laws, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, when refusing to create the cake.

However, in a ruling released Thursday, Denver District Court Judge A. Bruce Jones granted the defendants motion to drop the charge of violating the CCPA by allegedly engaging in an unfair or deceptive trade practice.

Defendants contend that Plaintiff cannot show an unfair or deceptive trade practice because the most salient materials Plaintiff allegedly relied on are not advertisements. Because the Court agrees with this contention, it need not address Defendants remaining arguments, wrote Jones.

Plaintiff has failed to establish an actionable unfair or deceptive trade practice. Accordingly, summary judgment enters in Defendants favor on Plaintiffs CCPA claim.

Jones did not dismiss the second charge, however, which accuses Phillips of violating CADA, explaining that Scardina need not establish that [his] transgender status was the sole cause of the denial of services.

Perhaps the analysis would be different if the cake design had been more intricate, artistically involved, or overtly stated a message, continued Jones.

The Court cannot conclude, based on the current record, that the act of making a pink cake with blue frosting, at Plaintiffs request, would convey a celebratory message about gender transitions likely to be understood by reasonable observers.

Alliance Defending Freedom General Counsel Kristen Waggoner, who is helping to represent Phillips, said in a statement on Thursday that the decision was the first step toward final justice for Phillips.

Jack has been threatened with financial ruin simply because he makes decisions about which messages to create and celebrate  decisions that every other artist in Colorado is free to make, she stated.

Tolerance for different opinions is essential. We look forward to defending Jack  and ultimately prevailing  on the remaining claim.

Over the past few years, Phillips has weathered extensive legal battles over his religious objections to making same-sex wedding and pro-transgender cakes.

In 2018, the United States Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that Colorados Civil Rights Commission was wrong to punish Phillips for refusing to make a same-sex wedding cake in 2012 when gay marriage was illegal in that state.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Commission violated Phillips' right to free exercise of religion due to the bias showed in their application of civil rights law.

To describe a man's faith as 'one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use' is to disparage his religion in at least two distinct ways: by describing it as despicable, and also by characterizing it as merely rhetoricalsomething insubstantial and even insincere, wrote then-Justice Anthony Kennedy, for the majority.

This sentiment is inappropriate for a Commission charged with the solemn responsibility of fair and neutral enforcement of Colorado's anti-discrimination lawa law that protects discrimination on the basis of religion as well as sexual orientation.


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In a February 22 episode of The Table Podcast, Mikel Del Rosario, John Dickson, and Darrell Bock discussed how secular historians have no doubt that Jesus Christ --the Jesus Christ of the Bible-- really existed.

In the podcast entitled "Is Jesus History?", they talked about how Jesus is one of the "most influential figures in history" and gave references to further prove their claims.

Del Rosario, the host of the podcast and a cultural engagement manager at the Dallas Theological Seminary's Hendricks Center, asked how do scholars see Jesus as being a historical figure and how do these secular historians study Him?

Dr. Darrell L. Bock, the executive director of cultural engagement and senior research professor of the New Testament at DTS, answered that just like any other historical figures-- secular historians look at all the historical sources, remnants (may it be in text or those pieces of evidence left behind), and they put it all together to conclude the study.

Bock also mentioned Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, who wrote about Jesus. He referred to the works and testimony of Josephus as a non-Christian source that provided evidence of Jesus' existence.

He said that some of Josephus' testimonies about Jesus were later doctored, but despite that, "some of the core elements of what the New Testament shows are there," The Christian Post wrote.

"You strip [the doctored sentences] away, and you have what's left: a declaration that Jesus existed, that He did unusual works, that He is responsible for the origins of Christianity," Bock assured.

The podcast's title is in reference to John Dickson's book "Is Jesus History?" which "presents the evidence and the conclusions of the vast majority of scholars, both Christian and not, in this area. But more than that, it asks some more pertinent questions: If Jesus really did exist, was he who he claimed to be and if so, what does that mean for you today?", as written in Amazon's description of the book.

John Dickson, the author of the book, a religion historian, and the founding director of Australia's Center for Public Christianity, challenged non-believers in social media in 2014 that he would eat a page from his Bible if anyone can provide him a professor of classics, ancient history, or New Testament based in a secular university, who claims that Jesus' existence is not real.

"I was talking about people who have actually got what we call in the British and Australian tradition, tenured professorship. And then there are thousands of them, right? It's not like this is too narrow. Thousands of these characters, who argue Jesus didn't live? Find me one. Well, they are still looking," says Dickson.

Del Rosario then said that "Jesus mythers," as he calls non-believers, who counters Jesus' existence are "so far out of the mainstream," and he even compared them to be like the "flat earthers," whose claims are unbelievably impossible.

Del Rosario also quoted Bart D. Ehrman, a popular New Testament professor, who said that "whether we like it or not, Jesus existed!"

"Even if you want to rail against Christianity, the best way to do it is not to deny what every historian on the planet agrees upon-- which is that Jesus was a real person and he really existed," Del Rosario explained.

Dickson went on to claim he can prove that secular historical scholarships have "no doubt at all" on the fact that Jesus really did exist.

"You pick up the Oxford Classical Dictionary, which is just up there on my shelf here, 1,600 pages of compendium of all things Greek and Roman," said Dickson. "You turn to the section on Christianity, and you will find several paragraphs that begin to just outline what we know of the historical Jesus, and zero doubt is raised. Zero doubt is raised about whether this figure really lived."

Dickson also added that it can also be further proved in Cambridge Ancient History (Volume 10), "Turn to the section on the birth of Christianity and there are several pages written by a famous classicist about what we know of the historical Jesus. We could go on and on with this."

Furthermore, is the Brill New Pauley, which features scholarly accounts of the classical world, that has a 5,500-word essay on the historical Jesus which proves that historians are "very confident" about Jesus' existence.

Bock previously did an essay on historical Jesus and in the essay, he cited D.G. Dunn, a British New Testament scholar, who claims that no classical scholar ever doubted that Jesus existed.

"Think about it for a second, Why would you even have a historical Jesus discipline if historical Jesus never existed?" Bock said.

Watch their discussion below:



Community News Editor / Librarian

Jeannie Maschino is community news editor and librarian for The Berkshire Eagle. She has worked for the newspaper in various capacities since 1982 and joined the newsroom in 1989. She can be reached at jmaschino@berkshireeagle.com.
Details still pending on third agreement between Emmet and Bay Bluffs

New Delhi, March 6 : Government may examine a proposal to extend provision of free LPG cylinders for Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries for three months again in FY22 to provide relief to over 83 million BPL households from rising price of the cooking gas.

The 14.2-kg cylinder's price has risen by over Rs 125 per cylinder since January in the wake of a global price hike. This has taken up the price of a LPG cylinder to Rs 819 from Rs 694 in January. In fact since May last year the price of cooking gas has risen by Rs 237.50 in Delhi.

Sources said that with Covid pandemic still affecting the country and causing disruptions at different levels, government may come up with further stimulus measures even in FY22. Provision of three free LPG cylinders to Ujjawala subscribers may form part of these stimulus measures when they are announced.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package during the pandemic last year, free LPG cylinders were given to all Ujjwala scheme beneficiaries for three months. Cash amounts equivalent to the retail selling price of the LPG cylinders were transferred directly to the beneficiaries' accounts.

The budget 2021-22 has also announced addition of 10 million beneficiaries under Ujjawala over two years. The government's flagship scheme under which cooking gas connections are given free of cost to women of below poverty line (BPL) families.
Newsmax Media CEO Christopher Ruddy attends a dinner with President Donald Trump in Bedminster, N.J., on Aug. 7, 2018. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)

Newsmax Adds Rudy Giulianis Son Andrew as a Contributor

Newsmax TV has added Rudy Giulianis son as a contributor.

Andrew Giuliani, 35, began the job this month after appearing on the channel as a guest while he was still working at the White House, Newsmax told news outlets.

Andrew is a bright and articulate young conservative, and were glad hes part of the Newsmax lineup, Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy said in a statement.

A spokesman said he would be sharing his take on news and politics.

During a recent appearance on his fathers radio show, Andrew Giuliani said he received a call from Ruddy and a job offer.

I felt very blessed to accept, he said, according to Mediaite, adding that the gig was obviously a way to continue the meaning that I had found during the Trump administration.

Andrew Giuliani says on his Twitter profile that hes a political analyst and correspondent for Newsmax. On Wednesday, he said hed be on the network later in the day to discuss New York Gov. Andrew Cuomos press conference, H.R. 1, and the SUV crash near the southern border.

Former President Donald Trump hired Andrew Giuliani in 2017 to the position of associate director in the Office of Public Liaison. Trump named him to the United States Memorial Holocaust Council in late 2020.

Andrew Giuliani attends an event in New York City on Aug. 2, 2010. (Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images)

Newsmax previously hired former White House press secretary Sean Spicer.

Another former Trump press secretary, Kayleigh McEnany, joined Fox News this week as a contributor.

Larry Kudlow, Trumps top economic adviser, recently started a show on Fox Business while Natalie Harp, a Trump 2020 advisory board member, has been hired as an anchor by One America News.

Erin Schaff, a Trump campaign aide, was hired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) last week.

Other former administration officials have joined think tanks. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, for instance, joined the Hudson Institute. Former Housing Secretary Ben Carson started his own think tank called the American Cornerstone Institute.

Carson told The Epoch Times in a recent interview that the nonprofit aims to promote and preserve individual and religious liberty.

At HUD, one of the things that I wanted to do very quickly, is to change the attitude of there, there you poor little thing, Im going to take care of you to how do we put you on a trajectory so that you become self-sufficient, he said. Thats real Liberty.

Joshua Philipp contributed to this report.
Kigali: A key piece of the mystery around the arrest of the man who inspired the film Hotel Rwanda was solved when a pastor told a Rwandan court on Friday (Saturday AEDT) that he worked with someone from the Rwanda Investigation Bureau to trick him onto a private plane from Dubai.

The pastor, Constantin Niyomwungere, alleged that Paul Rusesabagina, who now faces terror-related charges, had acknowledged that rebels backed by his opposition platform had killed Rwandans.

Myself, the pilot and cabin crew knew we were coming to (the Rwandan capital) Kigali. The only person who didnt know where we were headed was Paul, Niyomwungere said.

Paul Rusesabagina lashed out in court at the pastor and former friend who told him the plane was going to neighbouring Burundi. Credit:AP

The 66-year-old Rusesabagina, once praised for saving hundreds of ethnic Tutsis from Rwandas 1994 genocide while a hotel manager, now faces nine charges including: the formation of an irregular armed group; membership in a terrorist group; financing terrorism; and murder, abduction and armed robbery as an act of terrorism.
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Residents in one of Sydneys most affluent suburbs have suffered the stench of sewage for years, as a multimillion-dollar upgrade of a 100-year-old wastewater tunnel encounters problems and delays.

Concerns about the maintenance of the Northern Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer, which runs from Sydneys western suburbs to North Head at Manly, have culminated in an anonymous note sent to some residents in Mosman who have complained about the unpleasant odours.

Residents of Quakers Hat Bay in Mosman have suffered the stench of sewage for years. Credit:Janie Barrett

Bev Stephen said residents around Quakers Hat Bay in Mosman had been putting up with the smell on and off for three years.

Its beyond unpleasant sometimes, she said. It really does smell like the worst public lavatory you can imagine. If Im in the kitchen and theres a slight southerly breeze, it really puts you off.
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Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Saturday said the government is ready to amend three new farm laws to respect the sentiments of protesting farmers, even as he attacked opposition parties for doing politics on this issue at the cost of agriculture economy and by hurting farmers' interest.

Addressing the 5th national convention of Agrivision, the Union minister said the government has held 11 rounds of talks with farmer unions and has even offered to amend these laws.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, are protesting at Delhi borders for over three months, seeking a repeal of these three legislations and a legal guarantee of the minimum support price (MSP).

Eleven rounds of talks between the Centre and 41 protesting farmer unions have so far remained deadlocked. The government has offered concessions including suspension of the legislations for 12-18 months and setting up a joint panel to find solutions, but the unions have rejected.

Tomar said the government has passed these three laws to boost investment in the farm sector and give freedom to farmers to sell their produce wherever they want and at price determined by them.

The laws, which were passed by Parliament in September last year, would also enable to grow those crops that can fetch more prices in the market, he added.

Referring to the ongoing farmers' agitation, Tomar wondered how this agitation was going to benefit farmers.

"Main ye manta hoon, loktantra mein asahmati ka apna sthan hai, virodh ka bhi apna sthan hai, matbhed ke bhi apne mahatva hai. Lekin kya virodh is keemat par kiya jaana chahiye, jo desh ka nuksan kare (There is a place for disagreement in democracy and so is for opposition and difference of opinion, but should there be any opposition that can harm the nation)," he said.

No one is ready to talk on how these protests can be in the interest of farmers, the minister said.

Tomar regretted that farmer unions as well as the Opposition parties have failed to point out faults in provisions of these laws.

"Loktantra hai toh rajneeti karne ki swatantra sabko hai. Lekin kya kisan ko markar rajneeti ki jayegi, kisan ka ahit karke rajneeti ki jaayegi, desh ke krishi ki arthvybastha ko tilanjali dekar apne mansoobon ko pura kiya jayega, is par nischit roop se naye phidi ko vichar karne ki zaroorat hai (Everyone is free to have any political view in democracy, but the new generation must think, should there be any politics by sacrificing farmers or by hurting farmers' interest or at the cost of the agriculture economy)," he asked.

Tomar stressed that the government's proposal to amend laws does not mean that there were any deficiencies in these reform laws.

He said the government has made a proposal to amend these laws as farmers continue to be the face of this ongoing protest.

Stating that the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to farmers' welfare, Tomar said the government's priority is to upheld farmers respect and therefore, it is ready to make amendments in the laws.

The minister said there are always an opposition to big reforms, but people do accept changes if the intention and policies are correct.

The Supreme Court had on January 12 stayed the implementation of the three contentious farm laws for two months and asked the committee to submit a report after consulting the stakeholders.

The three laws are -- The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement On Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

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A fourth earthquake has stuck off the coast of New Zealand as the country braces for more intense tremors over the coming days.

The 6.1 magnitude quake struck 140km east of Te Araroa, off the North Island, at a depth of 33km at around 1.14pm on Saturday.

More than 1,000 residents felt the shake with moderate tremors, according to GeoNet.

The 6.1-maginitude quake struck 140km east of Te Araroa, off the North Island, at a depth of 33km at around 1.14pm on Saturday (pictured)

Papamoa Beach residents wait on the top of a hill after authorities issued a tsunami alert

The moderate quake follows a number of weaker earthquakes that were felt overnight and on Saturday morning.

An hour before the large quake, two smaller quakes measuring 4.6-magnitude and 5.6-magnitude also struck the east coast.

Locals quickly reported their experiences on social media.

'That definitely got the heart going! Was hoping it wasn't going to get worse,' one person wrote on Twitter.

'Lots of shaking over here in New Zealand. I keep getting earthquake notifications which I set for 6.0 and higher,' another woman wrote.

More than 1,000 residents felt the 6.1 shake with moderate tremors, according to GeoNet (pictured)

Locals have described waking up in the early hours of the morning to a 'very long, swaying shake' and houses making 'cracking sounds' (pictured, residents on high ground at Whangarei)

Following the 6.1 earthquake, a number of weak quakes ranging from 4.5-5.0 magnitude shook the east of Te Araroa within minutes of each other in the late afternoon.

Scientists warned that New Zealand was 'very likely' to be struck by major aftershocks of magnitude 7.0 to 7.9 in the coming days.

On the Richter scale, 7.9 is a major earthquake that can inflict serious damage and generate tsunamis.

Scientists from New Zealand's government advisory service GeoNet warned it is 'very likely' that the North Island's East Cape will suffer strong aftershocks over the next month.

'This includes the potential for earthquakes in the M7.0-M7.9 range (more than 80 per cent probability within the next 30 days),' GeoNet's website warned on Friday.

The warning comes after a series of strong tremors rocked the North Island on Friday.

Aftershocks up to 5.6 magnitude have been striking about 174km northeast of Gisborne, NZ, as of Friday night (pictured: the US Geological Service monitor). New Zealand's northern region is now on high alert for more major earthquakes and tsunamis

New Zealanders scrambled to high ground at Whangerei after they were texted an emergency alert on Friday

Three major earthquakes struck early on Friday morning sending New Zealanders scrambling

A 8.1 magnitude shock - of the largest to hit the South Pacific in modern times - struck the Kermadec Islands 800km northeast of New Zealand early on Friday morning, sending panicked North Islanders scurrying for higher ground in fear of a tsunami.

NEW ZEALAND AFTERSHOCK SCENARIOS NZ Government advisory service GeoNet says aftershocks will hit the northeast of NZ and the central Kermadec Islands over the next 30 days. The likely scenarios are: Magnitude 7.0 to 7.9: Up to 90% probable A quake of this size is strong, destructive and may cause tsunamis Magnitude 8.0: Up to 15 per cent probability but more likely to strike the Kermadecs than near the East Cape of NZ A magnitude 8.0 earthquake is a major event that can destroy a community if it strikes close and shallow The 2011 Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people was a magnitude 6.3 that struck 6.7km southeast of the city at a depth of 6km A catastrophic magnitude 8.5 or higher: tiny 1% chance Source: GeoNet website Advertisement

It was the third and largest shock in a series of three, following a 7.4 in the same region and a 7.2 that hit 174km northeast of Gisborne, NZ, at a depth of 20.8km.

Scores of aftershocks ranging from 5.0 to 6.2 on the Richter scale have since struck the Kermadecs as of Friday night, according to the US Geological Service which monitors earthquakes worldwide.

More than 10 aftershocks ranging from magnitude 4.4 to 5.6 have struck the East Cape region northeast of Gisborne.

GeoNet reminded New Zealanders to drop, cover and hold during the shaking when a major earthquake strikes.

'As soon as the shaking stops, move immediately to the nearest high ground, out of all tsunami evacuation zones, or as far inland as possible,' the website read.

GeoNet worked out the likelihood of three scenarios in the wake of the major quake.

'We recognise these events are dramatic and unsettling for many people,' GeoNet said.

'While we do not know for certain what will happen next ... we do have some statistical models that help us know what could happen next.'

GeoNet's forecast models gave a 90 per cent likelihood that aftershocks will hit New Zealand's northeast and the central Kermadecs in the next few days, decreasing in frequency over the next 30 days.

That includes an 80 per cent likelihood of a strong and damaging earthquake of magnitude 7.0 to 7.9, although this is more likely to hit near the central Kermadecs, GeoNet said.

The agency gave a smaller chance - 15 per cent - of a destructive 8.0 quake striking the central Kermadecs and a smaller possibility this could hit the East Cape region.

A magnitude 8.0 earthquake is a major event that can destroy a community if it strikes close and shallow.

The US Geological Service showed more than 20 aftershocks have hit the Kermadec Islands, most between magnitude 5.0 to 6.2 since Friday morning's major 8.1 earthquake. Most are striking at a shallow depth of 10km

The map shared by NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern showing how many people had reported the quake in New Zealand, with more reports in darker-brown areas

Residents chose to flee Whangerei by foot with some locals seen taking their pets with them after three large earthquakes hit on Friday morning

The 2011 Christchurch earthquake that killed 185 people was a magnitude 6.3 that struck 6.7km southeast of the city at a depth of 6km.

There is a tiny but frightening 1 per cent chance of a catastrophic earthquake of magnitude 8.5 or greater being triggered within the next 30 days by the recent seismic activity, GeoNet said.

'Although it is still extremely unlikely, the chances of this occurring have increased since the M8.1 earthquake,' the agency said.
Pro-democracy supporters hold up their cellphone lights outside the West Kowloon Magistrates Courts in Hong Kong during a bail hearing for 47 opposition activists charged with violating the city's national security laws. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

The largely pro-Beijing committee that elects Hong Kongs leader will also choose some members of the legislature, a top Chinese official announced yesterday, as part of a major revamp that will increase Chinas control over Hong Kong politics.

The election committee will be entrusted with the new function of electing a relatively large share of Legco members and directly participating in the nomination of all candidates for the Legco, said Wang Chen, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National Peoples Congress, during the annual session in Beijing.

He added that the size, composition and formation method of the current election committee will also be adjusted, and that the chief executive, currently Carrie Lam, will continue to be elected by the election committee.

At present, half of the citys 70-member Legislative Council is directly elected by voters.

The other half is elected by professional or special interest groups from sectors such as insurance, engineering and agriculture.

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With the largely pro-Beijing election committee nominating all candidates for the legislature, opposition figures could be barred from running in the elections.

The draft changes came after the top Beijing official overseeing Hong Kong, Xia Baolong, declared that Hong Kong must be governed by patriots.

Mr Wang said in his speech that clear loopholes and shortcomings in Hong Kongs electoral system have led to anti-China forces undermining the overall stability in Hong Kong and jeopardised national sovereignty, security and development interests.

The draft decision to revamp Hong Kongs electoral system comes after the citys pro-democracy movement gained traction in recent years as Beijing tightened its control.

Pro-democracy supporters say this increased control over Hong Kongs political system goes back on Beijings word to give the region 50 years of autonomy under the one country, two systems framework, when the city was handed over to China by the British in 1997.

Hong Kongs last British governor, Chris Patten, said the move to change Hong Kongs electoral system completely destroys the pledge of one country, two systems.

Chinas Communist parliament has taken the biggest step so far to obliterate Hong Kongs freedoms and aspirations for greater democracy under the rule of law, he said in a statement.

Months of anti-government protests erupted in 2019, at times descending into violence between police and protesters.

This eventually led Beijing to impose a national security law on Hong Kong.

The legislation criminalises secession, subversion, collusion with foreign forces to intervene in the citys affairs and terrorism, and has since been used to charge about 100 people in the city, including 47 pro-democracy activists last week.

The activists were charged with conspiracy to commit subversion over their involvement in an unofficial primary election last year, aimed at selecting the strongest candidates who could give the pro-democracy camp a legislative majority.
David Rosen, an Israeli Rabbi and a prominent figure in interfaith dialogue, speaks from Jerusalem about the Pope's trip to Baghdad. It is great that the journey that began in Abu Dhabi continues. The fact that Judaism was mentioned in the speeches at the presidential palace is important. But the three religions must come together.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews)  The Pope is in Iraq to renew interest in the message about fraternity in the Middle East starting with the figure of Patriarch Abraham. How does the Jewish world view this event from Jerusalem?

AsiaNews spoke to Rabbi David Rosen, an auditor at the 2010 Synod of Bishops of the Middle East, someone who has been personally involved for years in dialogue with Muslims in the Gulf countries.

The visit by Pope Francis is linked to the Declaration on Human Fraternity signed in Abu Dhabi two years ago, Rabbi Rosen said. I am happy about this gesture and I hope it will bear fruit.

From my perspective, however, I also hope that this path will further expand, because at present, it is still an initiative only between Christians and Muslims. I am happy that it now involves the whole Islamic world.

Still, it would also be important for the recognition of fraternity include an official Jewish representative. This is not only because of the deep bond that exists with Christianity, but also because of what it would mean for Islam. Until we dont get one, a declaration on fraternity will lay open to the risk of being misinterpreted.

Iraq is important in the history of the Jewish people. Since biblical times and the exile to Babylon, an important Jewish community lived in the country until the exodus caused by Arab-Israeli wars

In yesterday's speeches at the Presidential Palace in Baghdad, both Pope Francis and Iraqi President Barham Salih mentioned Judaism.

It's a good sign, Rosen said, and I'm very grateful for that. I hope however that there will be another opportunity to have a Jewish representative on the same stage with Ayatollah al Sistani or Imam al Tayeb.

I am conscious that today this cannot happen yet. Pope Franciss trip is something very sensitive; such a presence would be perceived as provocative. But I also know that Pope Francis will not allow fraternity to be understood as an exclusive value towards the Muslim world.

For Rabbi Rosen, it is obvious that the pontiff's visit to Iraq has the political implications, but I doubt that those who have shown little interest in recent years in the presence of Christians in Iraq and the Middle East, or even oppose it, will be persuaded by the Pope's words.

Can the hand extended to the Shia world change anything in political relations with Iran in the Middle East?

Divisions are not between religions or even between confessions, Rosen explained. They are within the same communities. It is the divisions between those who have opened their minds and hearts to others and those who remain turned inward onto themselves.

In the Shia world, al Sistani is someone open; others are not. That is why it is important for the Pope to go to Iraq today to shake his hand.
'Dragged in the street': Christian persecution in Tunisia still rampant decade after revolution

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A decade after the Tunisian Revolution, a new human rights report details the siege on religious freedom for Christians and other faith minorities in the Muslim-majority country, sharing cases in which followers of Jesus were harassed, dragged into the street, threatened and arrested.

The Attalaki Association for Liberty and Equality Committee on Religious Freedom published the annual report on the freedom of religion and belief in Tunisia for 2020. The organization was founded in 2016 to call for dialogue between religions and make the voices of religious minorities heard.

Its committee on religious freedom, established in 2019, monitors religious freedom abuses and documents the situation for religious minorities living in the north African country.

The new report shared that though its been over 10 years since the Tunisian Revolution, which ended the regime of then-President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and led to the Arab Spring protests across the Middle East as well as began the process of Tunisian democracy, managing pluralism in Tunisia remains a challenge.

The report shared that Tunisias 2014 Constitution is the first Arab countrys constitution to explicitly enshrine freedom of conscience." Yet, it makes Islam the religion of the state and stipulates the president must be Muslim. Religious minorities are also kept out of positions in the government and military.

Even though the Constitution of the Second Republic states that the state is the guardian of religion and guarantees freedom of belief and conscience, free exercise of religion in Tunisia for religious minorities is threatened by multiple factors.

Many Christians in Tunisia live out their faith in isolation for fear of backlash from family members or society and often struggle to find employment, the report finds.

The report said despite the fact both religious and non-religious communities are citizens, many minorities feel as if they are second-class citizens excluded from some citizenship rights due to the lack of security.

The researchers warn that the state often ignores religious freedom issues, and policy to protect the Christians, Jews, Baha'is and other faith minorities is virtually nonexistent. Additionally, the report states that hate speech against religious minorities is also prevalent.

Instances of persecution present themselves in a variety of ways. Over the last year, there were multiple accounts of persecution against religious minorities.

According to the report, a Christian family living in the southern suburbs of the capital was victim to harassment and hate slogans from the community last March. One of the female family members was dragged into the street by her hair and punched in the face repeatedly as neighbors called her obscene names.

After filing a complaint after the attack, the committee stated that police paid little attention to the issue until a medical charge was submitted to inspect the violence committed against her. The police then began to interrogate her about her religion, how she could obtain religious books and publications, what church she attends and who she communicates with.

The Attalaki Association appointed a lawyer for the victim, who plans to submit a complaint to the public prosecutor due to the police stations initial negligence.

The association also reported on the case of a Christian girl who was arrested and interrogated by police at the metro station in the capital for wearing a cross necklace on June 25. She was released to her mother less than two hours after her arrest.

In August, a Christian pastor in southern Tunisia was said to have been threatened on Facebook to leave the country or be killed. He said he lives in a state of constant fear and has been harassed multiple times for being an apostate and social threat in the eyes of the extremists.

In October, a woman in her 50s was beaten by her brother for having religious beliefs outside of Islam. She filed a police complaint but was not listened to by authorities, the report claimed.

Since the COVID-19 quarantine protocol Tunisia began on March 22, Attalaki Association observed complete disregard by state institutions for the status of religious minorities.

Once restrictions were lifted, the Association of Freedom and Equality and the German think tank Konrad Adenauer Foundation held a discussion on the governments inequality toward non-Islamic religions in handling the pandemic.

Minority faith groups face a national identity crisis and the absence of a legal framework to protect their ability to exercise religion freely, the report continued. This leads to the promotion of hate speech and extremism.

The threats faced by non-Muslim Tunisians and Muslims from sectarian minorities in Tunisia are a product of the legal disregard for the status of these semi-marginalized minorities, the report read.

At the end of the report, Attalacki Association offered recommendations to official state institutions concerning religious liberty.

Open Doors USA, an international nonprofit that spreads awareness of the persecution in over 60 countries, reports the average Christian in Tunisia experiences a very high level of persecution, especially for Christians from a Muslim background.

There are roughly 23,000 Christians in the population of 11.9 million, with over 99% of the population practicing Islam. Most of the Muslims are adherents to Sunni Islam, according to World Watch Research, the research arm of Open Doors.

Ranked No. 26 on the Open Doors 20201 World Watch List for Christian persecution, Tunisia is a hostile place for Christians due to intense Islamic oppression. Tunisias rank rose from No. 34 since last year due to an increase in violence against Christians and destruction of Christian homes, businesses and properties, as well as pressure on Church life, according to WWR.

Canadian Broadcasting Company journalist, Priscilla Hwang, said persecution in Tunisia is often seen below the surface.

Tunisian Christians face discrimination and targeting that is often obscure and hidden to the public eye, Hwang said. It affects their day-to-day lives. Because of their Christian identities, many experience job insecurity, abandonment from family, friends and even fiances; they are victims of verbal, mental and physical abuse.
Akhil Gogoi first in Assam to win election from jail

Who will be the next CM of Assam? Sarbananda Sonowal or Himanta Biswa Sarma?

She is very much with us: Congress on reports of Sushmita Devs resignation ahead of Assam polls

India

oi-Deepika S

Guwahati, Mar 06: The Congress on Saturday said that its women''s wing chief Sushmita Dev was with the party, dismissing reports in a section of the press that she has resigned amid differences over seat-sharing.

The reports of Dev''s resignation came amid differences with party leaders over seat-sharing with AIUDF.

"It has been brought to the notice of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee that a speculative news about resignation of President, All India Mahila Congress Ms Sushmita Dev is doing the rounds on television and web portals. We want to make it clear that Ms Sushmita Dev has not resigned from the party," party spokesperson Bobbeeta Sharma said in a statement.

Earlier, Dev barged out of a Congress meeting on the selection of candidates at a city hotel, party sources said.

Her supporters also demonstrated against Congress leaders who favoured allotting more seats to AIUDF in the Barak Valley.

However, sources close to Dev said that though there were differences she was sure that those would be resolved soon.

The Congress-led ''Mahajoth'' or grand alliance has AIUDF, BPF, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML) and the Anchalik Gana Morcha as its constituents.

The Congress is engaged in hectic parleys with its alliance partners and also within the party over the seat- sharing.

The elections to the 126-member Assam assembly will be held in three phases, beginning on March 27.

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Janis Dardris with one of her dogs. (Instagram/janisdardaris)

The man who beat Law & Order actress Janis Dardaris' 11-year-old dog to death won't spend time in jail, receiving five years probation instead.

36-year-old Vincent Tang avoided what could have been up to two years in prison as he appeared virtually in court Friday.

A judge on the Manhattan Supreme Court instead handed down a sentence that included probation, mental health counselling and a ban on owning animals for the next ten years.

Mr Tang had previously admitted to two counts of aggravated cruelty for killing one of the Maltese dogs and torturing another.

Actress Janis Dardaris was out of town acting in South Carolina and left her dogs with a sitter, whose boyfriend at the time, Mr Tang, got ahold of the keys to her apartment, snuck in when she wasn't there and killed her 11-year-old dog Alex and beat the 12-year-old Frankie so badly that the dog nearly died.

The attack took place on 24 October 2019. After killing Alex, Mr Tang was accused of taking Frankie up to the building's rooftop and kicking, throwing and punching the small dog, The New York Post reported.

The beating was caught on camera by someone in the next building over, The Daily Mail reported.

Read More: Man caught in dash-cam footage punching dog in street and throwing it in car boot

Police took Frankie to an animal hospital with head injuries, two cracked ribs and an injured left eye, according to court documents. The criminal complaint says that Alex died of traumatic brain injuries after suffering several skull fractures.

Mr Tang is being sued by Ms Dardaris for causing her emotional distress. The actress' Instagram is filled with images of the dogs.

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I am beyond disappointed at the decision to sentence Mr Tang to only probation, Ms Dardaris told The New York Post. Mr Tang will also be registered in New York Citys animal abuse registry.

Apart from Law & Order, Ms Dardaris has also appeared on The Sopranos and in The Sixth Sense.

Story continues

She added: I dont understand how someone who committed such cruel and violent acts against two small dogs would not have to face more serious consequences. Mr Tang has caused me so much pain. I live with the consequences of his actions every day.

Defence lawyer Jason Goldman told the paper: This has been a mental-health issue since day one, adding: Were appreciative that the court, unlike the government, agreed that ongoing treatment is a better solution for him than sitting in a jail cell.

Mr Goldman was referring to the deal that the judge offered Mr Tang despite the objection of the prosecutor.

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Playlands Castaway Cove will reopen at the end of March, less than two months after a fire burned through its arcade and offices.

The Ocean City boardwalk staple will reopen on March 27 with about 16-20 rides, Castaway Cove vice president Brian S. Hartley told NJ Advance Media.

Five rides will remain closed due to fire damage in the electrical room: Merry-Go-Round, Whirlwind, Bumper Cars, Double Shot, and Buccaneer, he said.

The fire broke out at the amusement park on Jan. 30, sparing the outdoor portion of the park and most of the rides. No one was injured in the blaze.

The company has said it plans on rebuilding the damaged buildings while the outdoor portion is open.

Officials have said the fire was accidental in nature, caused by an undetermined electrical source.

Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-07 00:33:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan

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BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- As a national lawmaker, President Xi Jinping joins other deputies to China's top legislature each year as they deliberate issues of national importance during the annual "two sessions."

The 13th National People's Congress kicked off its fourth session this week, unveiling a draft of China's modernization plan for the next 15 years, in which "green development" is highlighted as a priority.

On Friday, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sat down with fellow lawmakers from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with ecological conservation among the main topics of discussion.

Inner Mongolia, situated along China's northern border, is seen as a shield for the country's ecological security. The region is China's "green Great Wall," according to Xi.

During the deliberations, Xi discussed desertification control and forest protection with fellow deputies.

Lawmaker Zhang Xiaobing from the city of Bayannur reported to Xi on local efforts in eco-system restoration and the prevention of desertification near the northerly bend of the Yellow River.

Xi, who is familiar with the situation in the region near this section of the Yellow River, said, "Local environmental protection involves both tackling the salinization of agricultural land and preventing and controlling desertification."

Xi has always stressed adopting "a holistic approach" to conserving mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes and grasslands. This time, he brought "deserts" into the picture.

Top-level design and comprehensive measures are needed to protect the eco-systems in mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, Xi said.

Lawmaker Zhou Yizhe, who works at a tree farm, told the story of his changing identity, transforming from a logger to a forest ranger. The tree farm where he works has completely abandoned timber production, shifting its focus to environmental protection.

Zhou said that more wild animals are coming to the tree farm now, and according to research, the eco-system in the forests and wetlands there has become a source of wealth.

"Your identity shift from a logger to a forest ranger epitomizes our country's transformation in industrial structures," Xi said after hearing Zhou's story.

Highlighting the concept of "green GDP," Xi said that maintaining a good ecological environment is of enormous value.

He called on Inner Mongolia to continue to fight pollution and improve the environment in both urban and rural areas. Enditem
Following the verdict by the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 4, 2021, some government officials have taken to the social media, to congratulate President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on his affirmation as President of the Republic of Ghana.



On his Twitter page, Information Minister-designate Kojo Oppong Nkrumah wrote,"We celebrate the hard work of the legal team of H.E @ Akufo-Addo in the just ended 2020 Election Petition.



"The industry and dedication of these men and women is amazing.



"Congratulations H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party".



The seven-member panel of the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the Election Petition brought before it by former President John Dramani Mahama, who was the NDC's Flag bearer for the 2020 Presidential Election.



Chief Justice Kwasi Anin Yeboah read the verdict, saying the petition was without merit, hence its dismissal.



The Supreme Court said the Petitioner did not demonstrate in any way how the errors committed by the Electoral Commission affected the declaration of the election results.



"We have therefore no reason to order a re-run of the poll. We accordingly dismiss the petition.

The verdict, therefore, officially affirms Nana Akufo-Addo as the President of the Republic of Ghana.



The SC said the EC Chairperson's error of using the total votes cast, instead of the total valid votes cast in declaration of the 2020 Election result, could not take away the will of the people.



The Presidential Election results announced by the EC gave the then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo -6,730,413 of the valid ballots cast, representing 51.295 per cent, which is above the 50 per cent plus one vote threshold.



The declaration of the result did not violate Article 63(3) of the 1992 Constitution.



Also, the allegations of vote padding was not proven by credible evidence.



Therefore, there was no reason to order a re-run of the 2020 Presidential Election as requested by Former President John Mahama, the Petitioner in the case.

Source: GNA









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John Stossel is author of No They Cant! Why Government Fails  But Individuals Succeed.
March 13 will make one year of pandemic instruction for Fisher Middle High School in Jean Lafitte. When the lockdown came, Principal Dawn Matherne said, teachers had to learn how to do their jobs all over again so they could educate students either virtually or in a hybrid model of both online and in-person classes.

A week shy of the anniversary, Matherne was finally able to breathe a sigh of relief Saturday when she and 499 other employees of Louisiana's largest public school system received their first dose of the Moderna vaccine against COVID-19. Jefferson Parish government worked with Jefferson's school system and PassportHealth to host the event at the John A. Alario Sr. Event Center near Westwego.

The race to vaccinate New Orleans area teachers: meager supplies slow pace Even with less than two-thirds of area teachers and school support staffers indicating a desire to get the COVID-19 vaccine, demand has still 

"Not only is it a gorgeous day, but its also a huge day for our educational system to be able to cover so many teachers today," Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said.

It was the first event hosted by Jefferson Parish to offer vaccines exclusively to school employees.

"We know how important our teachers are to educating our kids," schools Superintendent James Gray said. The event, he said, "provides an opportunity for people to have a peace of mind that they are safe in our schools."

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Mass vaccination site opens at Convention Center: Here's what to know, how to sign up The mass vaccination site at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will begin administering shots on Wednesday, adding another avenue for are

Registered nurse Cindy Moran said she has been administering vaccination shots wherever PassportHealth directs her in Jefferson Parish. When the company needed a second nurse Saturday, Moran said, she asked her husband, also a registered nurse, to tag along.

Moran said school employees were ready, even excited, that they're "finally in the number."

Despite the vaccination progress, Gray said it was too early to decide on loosening public health restrictions in the school system and returning all classes to in-person instruction. Lee Sheng said she doesn't want people to let down their guard against COVID-19 just yet.

"We have to do this very carefully," she said.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 16:14:43|Editor: huaxia

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MOSCOW, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China can achieve sustainable economic development in decades to come, which will also benefit the rest of the world, a Russian scholar has said, voicing his confidence in the country's long-term growth.

China's gross domestic product (GDP) growth target of "more than 6 percent" for 2021 can be surely attained, said Alexander Lomanov, deputy director at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

The GDP target was made out of "caution and political modesty" and there is a consensus that the growth rate is likely to be higher than 6 percent this year, Lomanov told Xinhua recently.

Lomanov was impressed by China's new economic development pattern of "dual circulation," in which the domestic and overseas markets reinforce each other, with the domestic market as the mainstay.

In his view, the transition to the "dual circulation" model is an important stage in the development of China's economic policy.

"It has its own internal logic and the Chinese leadership has stressed the importance of domestic demand for years," he noted.

Lomanov said China has found a way that will drive growth for the coming decades and help the country avoid falling into the so-called "middle-income trap" or stagnation.

"This is important for the outside world. For those who intend to continue constructive cooperation with China, this is an important signal that they can be sure China is a promising partner as well as a reliable one in terms of honoring commitments," he said.

The Russian expert also praised the country's victory in eradicating absolute poverty as one of China's major achievements over the past five years.

"This success, in terms of its significance and historical meaning, goes beyond the scope of one five-year plan," Lomanov said. Enditem
ZEE Entertainment appoints Nitin Mittal as President  Technology & Data 01 Jun 2021 | 11:34 PM Kolkata, Jun 1 (UNI) Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE), a leading media and entertainment powerhouse, has announced the appointment of Nitin Mittal as President  Technology & Data. see more..

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Restrictions extended in Jharkhand till June 10, criteria of e-pass done away with 01 Jun 2021 | 10:17 PM Ranchi, Jun 1 (UNI) The state government on Tuesday decided to extend the restrictions imposed as part of the health safety week to control the second wave of Coronavirus by another week to June 10, 6 AM. see more..
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I come as a penitent, asking forgiveness of heaven and my brothers and sisters for so much destruction and cruelty.

POPE FRANCIS, who is visiting Iraq to nurture ties with Shiite Muslims and encourage a decimated Christian population. He is the first leader of the Roman Catholic church to visit the country.
The transition of presidential power from Donald Trump to Joe Biden  not entirely peaceful, but ultimately successful  is just the beginning. The Democrats now control the House, the Senate and the White House, but the change will be fleeting if Biden and the Democratic Party take a victory lap and focus on forcing liberal policies down the throats of the countrys voters.

Biden can work to undo Trumps legacy, but what will keep the next president from doing the same thing to Bidens legacy? If the country is to heal, it has to face the fact that it is deeply divided.

The division in the country is more profound than is usually understood. The problems of rich vs. poor, black vs. white, high tech vs. tech-deprived and urban vs. rural are very real and deserve our attention. But the most significant issue we face today is that about half of Americans believe the country is slipping away from a more pristine past, where everything was better and purer.

Liberals see this and quickly conclude that this longing is nothing more than racism, sexism, homophobia or other hateful attitudes. But while this is definitely true for a portion of those who long for the past, it is not a complete explanation.

This country has changed significantly and continues to change. And change is happening more quickly than ever before. Definitions of gender once widely accepted are increasingly challenged. Religious diversity is increasing, and religious minorities are more assertive than they once were. Ethnic and racial changes are taking place everywhere. And the world is more interconnected and interdependent.

Are all the changes good? Thats a matter for study and reflection. Are most needed? Probably. The real division in the country is between those who welcome the changes and those who dont. This is what makes us a house divided.

Many people are uncomfortable with changes in their personal lives, so it shouldnt surprise us that many are uncomfortable with changes in society as a whole. Trumps Make America Great campaign presented its followers with a created past designed to comfort them. In the same way that peoples childhood memories often include created memories for which they mistakenly yearn, many in Trumps base have been encouraged to long for a version of America that never was.

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The question is this: What is the best way to usher in change  even if the change is important and long overdue? When change is forced down peoples throats, they will be more likely to resent it and even fight it. Politicians tend to think only of short-term goals. They believe they have succeeded if they can produce policy changes. But the country also needs a change in temperament.

We will all lose if we just keep taking turns pushing for our own policy objectives, no matter how right we feel they may be. In August 1858, Abraham Lincoln said, Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed. Consequently, he who molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes or pronounces decisions. With all of his faults, this is something that Trump grasped.

The divide between Republicans and Democrats is not just about Trumps actions  personal or political. It is about how the country should be understood. And at the moment, neither Republicans nor Democrats see any common ground. But there is common ground.

The problem is that finding the common ground takes effort, and communicating about it is complex. For this we need more than politics as usual. We need a president who can teach. We need someone who has a profound understanding of our past, with all of its good and bad, who can find a way to explain the need for change. Understanding the road before us demands that we understand the road behind us. Lincoln said in June 1858 that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

We need a change in public sentiment, not just a change, to heal our divide.

Solomon D. Stevens of Ladson received his doctorate in political science from Boston College. His two books include Challenges to Peace in the Middle East and Religion, Politics, and the Law (co-authored).
The retired GP who called from NHS Test and Trace had a reassuringly old-fashioned voice.

He was hundreds of miles away in another part of England but his bedside manner was soothing and clearly honed in a bygone age.

Perhaps my Covid-induced fever was at work but it was easy to imagine him dressed in a tired tweed jacket, his battered leather case at his side.

When, suspecting I had the virus, I contacted the much-maligned service by dialling the dedicated 119 number, it was with a sense of dread.

Not that my fears I had Covid would be confirmed, but that I was about to endure hours of infuriating inefficiency.

I had read the stories of people being sent hundreds of miles from home for tests, only to be turned away; of phone lines manned by unqualified call-centre staff; and of IT problems bringing the system crashing down.

The retired GP who called from NHS Test and Trace had a reassuringly old-fashioned voice, writes DAVID DILLON

I wearily anticipated that in this tick-box era, my interactions with the NHS over the next few hours would consist of a series of blunt conversations either with a recording or, at best, someone woefully unqualified who would feed my responses into a computer and let it decide my fate.

Instead, as I lay in bed feeling steadily worse, this charming family doctor called just 20 minutes after I had completed an online questionnaire about my symptoms.

It was a Sunday morning three weeks ago when infection rates were edging down, so perhaps falling demand had made the system run more smoothly and I had just got lucky.

But the friendly efficiency of all those handling my case in those worrying few hours  and over the ten days of my self-isolation period  left me convinced that, much like our globally envied vaccination programme, NHS Test and Trace is now something we can be proud of, too.

Its purpose is to control the spread of Covid by identifying those who might have the virus and testing them, and then tracing everyone they have come into contact with so they can be told to isolate and or get tested.

And the figures are astonishing. Over the past seven days, almost 4.8 million Covid tests have been carried out, including 992,812 reported on Thursday alone.

Latest official figures also show that NHS Test and Trace reached 88.5 per cent of people who tested positive for coronavirus in the last week for which there are figures available (February 18 to 24).

Of those positive cases, tracers managed to reach 93.3 per cent of their contacts. In total the service has managed to reach nine million people since its launch last May.

Last month, its boss Dido Harding told MPs that testing, tracing and self-isolation was expected to lead to a drop in the 'R' number  an indicator of the rate at which the virus is spreading  of 0.6 to 0.8 by the end of March.

That number is in dispute, as teasing out exactly how much it is due to tracers telling people to self-isolate, when some would do it anyway, is difficult.

However, it seems likely that NHS Test and Trace has had a significant impact on controlling the spread of the virus.

My telephone consultation with the doctor was a million miles from the hurried ten-minute encounters we have all grown used to at GP surgeries.

He devoted close to 30 minutes of his time to carefully and forensically examine me from afar.

He apologised for having to run through some questions I'd already answered online, then did a simple test  asking me to count my breaths as he silently counted down from ten  to judge if my lungs were severely impaired.

Last month, NHS Test and Trace boss Dido Harding told MPs that testing, tracing and self-isolation was expected to lead to a drop in the 'R' number  an indicator of the rate at which the virus is spreading  of 0.6 to 0.8 by the end of March

I could almost feel his cool stethoscope pressed to my chest. This was followed by detailed questions about my symptoms and some comforting small talk. I was surprised that my medical records were at his fingertips.

I can't be the only person who has had NHS hospital appointments where doctors inexplicably had no way of checking my history.

The NHS's multi-billion-pound attempts to give doctors seamless access to medical records have been beset by problems, yet here were mine, magically available at the touch of a button.

The doctor decided I needed a test and told me to await a call from a colleague who would direct me to a testing centre.

I foresaw a painful day ahead. I imagined waiting in a line a long way from home with Covid symptoms worsening by the hour.

With this prospect in mind, it was tempting to concede to my wife's assertion that all I had was 'man flu' and call a halt to the process  but I didn't get a chance.

My phone rang within minutes and another friendly voice, a woman this time, was giving me the choice of attending one of two test centres within easy reach of my home in South-West London. One was a drive-through, the other a walk-in centre.

I chose the walk-in centre five minutes away by car.

All of this had happened before 9.30am. I was even offered a choice of slots: would I like 10am or 10.30am?

Not quite believing the speed with which this was happening, I grabbed the earlier appointment, cynically predicting there was no way I'd been tested on time and would have to wait at least an hour.

At the test centre, a converted single storey council building in the middle of a housing estate, a man in a face mask and high-vis jacket directed me to a parking space, then used a two-way radio to tell his colleagues inside that I was on my way.

I held up my mobile phone to a scanner which read my details from a QR code emailed to me earlier, then I was directed to a booth to administer the test  a swab of the throat and nose  myself. I was in and out in five minutes.

At 6.07am the next day, my mobile pinged and a text message informed me that I had tested positive for Covid.

It also informed me that I, my wife and our two sons must isolate at home for ten days.

Not long after, an email directed me to an online form asking for details of all those I'd come into contact with in the previous few days.

This was followed by a phone call from another Test and Trace worker who checked that I'd accounted for everyone.

Where possible I was asked to let those I'd identified know they would be contacted.

Over the next ten days I received either a text message, a phone call or both every other day reminding me of my obligation to stay indoors and to make sure the rest of my family did the same.

Each began with an enquiry about how I was feeling and a script about my privacy being safeguarded.

I was feeling wiped out so had no desire to move very far from my bed but I suspect that by day five my teenage sons were itching to get out.

Psychology plays a key role in times like these and I believe the frequent calls thanking us for helping to prevent the spread of the virus by staying at home must have done something to convince them of their duty.

The final call came on day ten of our isolation to check my symptoms had subsided enough for me to go outside again.

Thankfully they had and life could return to something approaching normal.

Headlines that screamed Test and Trace was a shambles were justifiable in the weeks after it launched.

Now, having experienced it, I believe it has become another Covid success story the Government and NHS deserves to take credit for.

My only complaint is that I still haven't had an apology from my wife  it wasn't man flu after all.
The small quarter around the narrow Hussein Basha Al-Meamari street has been one of the most important cultural spots of Downtown Cairo.

After several months of stagnation, due to the administrative complications followed by the pandemic, the area is now ready to return to its dynamics.

For the performing arts community, Rawabet is an iconic theatre which over past years hosted new voices in the field and it will now reopen as Rawabet Art Space and under new management: the Orient Productions.

An important cultural player in Egypt, the Orient Productions headed by Ahmed El-Attar, is already known for the studio Emad Eddin, the Downtown Cairo Arts Festival (DCAF), the newly launched Maktabi work spaces, among other achievements of the company and its creator.

In its turn for the artists and art-lovers, until recently the Rawabets area was known for the theatre launched in 2005, in addition to two other locations  Factory Space and the former Townhouse Gallery  that focused on visual arts among other activities.

The Townhouse Gallery was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization and with time acquired other venues overlooking their operations. In the recent past, the administrative dynamics have changed with the Townhouses operations being affected by numerous factors including: reported issues with the authorities, partial collapse of the building, departure of its director William Wells and the recent passing of his Egyptian business partner.

Replaced in early 2020 by the registered company Access gallery, the contracts with Rawabet and the Factory Space have ended, leaving the destiny of the latter two unknown.

Today, as Rawabet moves under the management of Orient Productions, it will continue following its main vision, whereas its main focus remains on performing arts on the large sense.

Naturally, with all those changes, we are all curious to know more about El-Attars plans and priorities for the venue.

Our choice of Rawabet was an obvious one, El-Attar said to Ahram Online adding that, for over 15 years, Rawabet has been an important venue for independent and alternative performances in Cairo. To many young artists it was their starting point. In Orient Productions we knew that losing Rawabet will create a significant gap in the cultural sector. It had to be reinvigorated in a way or another. Over the past months, we have renovated Rawabet to be a true multi-disciplinary stage that can host talks, rehearsals, workshops, performances, dance, theatre and music events etc.

The theatre is registered in the district as Rawabet Art Space and it goes without saying that it will function as such especially in the hands of Orient Productions, which will be now in charge of all the operations taking place in the theatre providing the management team for the venue.

As El-Attar reveals he is the artistic curator of the venue underscored that we are open to the whole sector. We are welcoming all proposals, ideas, etc. As long as we are able to financially maintain the operation, well be happy to do so. At the same time, Rawabet Art Space also has PR, Marketing and technical teams dedicated fully to the theatre. He adds that the new manager of the venue is Mram Abdel-Maqsoud working with Orient Productions on implementing its vision.

The new space comes with many new face-lifts which, as El-Attar believes, will infuse fresh blood into the cultural scene, boosting its presence and development.

Basically we have had the whole venue re-done. We changed the place of the stage, renovated all floors, walls, auditorium, office spaces etc. The equipment and the sound-proofing have been improved and expanded. We also worked on anti-fire installations, electrical circuits among many other elements. We now offer better facilities for both the audience and the artists backstage.

El-Attar clarifies that the auditorium which can now seat an amount of 150-280 members of the audience  a number increased from the previous 120  in a much more comfortable manner.

We all remember the large crowd gathered on a tiny street in front of Rawabet and at the nearby coffee shop while waiting for the performance to begin. El-Attar points to the new, larger lobby with all necessary facilities that can accommodate the shows attendees.

In short, everything has been revamped to the highest standard possible within the context of our work field course. We have a better venue, we are better-equipped, something that will serve the performers, the audiences and the cultural scene at large, he said.

Once the operations begin, the improvements will definitely have a direct impact on the community of artists who will hopefully find the needed comfort and professionalism at the venue.

At the same time, the audience will have an opportunity to embrace and benefit from the new creative dynamics.

El-Attar added that Rawabet Art Space will start operating fully after Eid (after Ramadan), while the soft opening will last throughout the upcoming weeks and the month of Ramadan.

We are trying to find ways to produce the works by young people, as well as the established ones, those in their 30s. We want the wheel to start turning fully after COVID-19. We will also have a proper season which will kick off in September, preceded by a semi-season that would span throughout the summer months, El-Attar said.

As El-Attar explained, apart from hosting individual events, Rawabet will also be giving its stage to festivals and other larger cultural events.

Our long term plans are linked to serving the cultural sector, to be there, to present new and fresh work. We want to continue developing the audience while were working on the sustainability of the venue.

Though El-Attars priorities are focused on young theatre-makers, he does not want to limit the space to one group of artists. We are open for everyone who wants to experiment and present new fresh works.

Usually the young generation has a fresh outlook on reality, so I expect we will host many of such productions. However, we are not setting any intentional limits on those operating within the scene at large. We are ready to work with everyone.

For the time being, the interested artists can contact Orient Productions by email. As the operations begin, Rawabet will announce the channel of communication with the venue. The theatre will implement regular procedures in terms of bookings, contracts, etc. The requirements will follow the procedural aspects of the scene, such as approval for the text issued by the censorship authority.

We will definitely look at the quality of the submitted projects. For this reason we will also produce our own works to be performed in Rawabet and probably other venues across Cairo, other governorates, and why not internationally, El-Attar added.

With the Rawabet Art Space reopening soon, El-Attar is already laying plans for further developments. We hope to keep boosting equipment as we go. Proper air-conditioning also needs to be addressed, but this is something to still be thought about in the near future, he concluded.


A Hixson man is facing federal charges in connection with an alleged COVID fraud.

David Michael Wright, who was formerly from Chickamauga, Ga., was charged with wire fraud and money laundering. He has agreed to plead guilty to the charges.

Prosecutor Steve Neff said Wright became acquainted with a resident of Chattanooga, identified only as J .F., who operated various businesses, including Premier International LLC. The criminal information says J.F. has an existing relationship with a manufacturer of hand sanitizer located in Miami, Fla.

It says Wright devised a scheme beginning in April 2020 to defraud J.F. They began discussing investing in personal protective equipment.

The prosecutor said, "Wright falsely represented to J.F. that he had contacts with Chinese manufacturers to source the manufacture of PPE products, and that Wright was importing PPE products from China which he was then selling in the United States at a significant profit, including the purchase of KN95 masks which Wright was selling to CHI Memorial.

"It was part of the scheme to defraud that on or about July 13, 2020, the defendant, Wright sent an email to J.F. with an attached fraudulent $49,700.00 pro forma invoice from an alleged Chinese manufacturer for the purported purchase of 70,000 KN95 masks which Wright falsely claimed could be purchased by J.F. and then resold to CHI Memorial Hospital for $210,000. Thus, for an investment of $49,700.00, J.F. would make a profit of $140,000.00.

"It was also part of the scheme to defraud that on July 13, 2020, Wright sent another email to J.F. with an attached fraudulent $708,000.00 proforma invoice from an alleged Chinese manufacturer for Wright's purported purchase of one million KN95 masks which he falsely represented he would resell to CHI Memorial.

"On or about July 14, 2020, J.F. sent a text message to Wright a photo of $49,700 cash which J.F. would invest in the KN95 masks; and on or about July 15, 2020, J.F. gave the cash to Wright for the intended purpose of purchasing KN95 masks which would then be sold to CHI Memorial.

"It was part of the scheme to defraud that on or about July 31, 2020, Wright sent a text message to J.F. with fraudulent DHL tracking information about the KN95 masks allegedly being delivered from China.

"After learning of J.F.'s relationship with the hand sanitizer manufacturer in Miami, Florida, Wright falsely represented to J.F. that he was friends with the CEO of Publix Super Markets, that Publix was interested in purchasing hand sanitizer from Wright and J.F.; and that Publix would be issuing a purchase order for the hand sanitizer. Relying on Wright's representations that Publix was going to purchase the hand sanitizer, J.F. ordered hand sanitizer from the Miami manufacturer, including an order of 40,000 bottles for $46,000, the cost of which Wright and J.F. were going to split evenly. On or about July 21, 2020, J.F. emailed Wright a copy of the $46,000 invoice from the Miami manufacturer.

"Wright maintained a bank account at First Volunteer Bank which Wright used for the purpose of facilitating, promoting, and concealing violations of wire fraud.

"After agreeing to pay for half the cost of the 40,000 hand sanitizer bottle order, Wright , on or about July 21, 2020, deposited $13,200 of the cash which he had received from J.F. on or about July 15, 2020, to his bank account at FVB. On or about July 21, 2020, he then wire transferred $13,000 from his FVB account to the J.P. Morgan Chase bank account of the hand sanitizer manufacturer in Miami, Florida, as a partial payment of his investment.

"On or about July 29, 2020, Wright attempted to falsely assure J.F. that Publix was going to purchase hand sanitizer; and Wright did so by texting J.F. screen shots of alleged text messages between him and the CEO of Publix. In these fraudulent text messages, the CEO allegedly assured Wright that he was instructing a Publix employee to order the hand sanitizer from Wright and J.F. However, as Wright then knew, the CEO had never sent him any texts and Wright had sent the fraudulent text messages to himself utilizing the cellphone of a family member.

"On or about August 13, 2020, Wright gave J.F. a $210,000 check drawn on Wright's FVB account payable to Premier, representing J.F.'s alleged proceeds from the sale of KN95 masks to CHI Memorial. However, as Wright knew at the time he wrote the check and gave it to J.F., there were insufficient funds in Wright's FVB account because in reality, CHI Memorial had never agreed to purchase any KN95 masks and had not paid for any masks.

"When J.F. inquired about the money due to JF. from the investments in PPE products, and why the $210,000 check had been returned for non-sufficient funds, Wright made various false statements and excuses for the delay in payment, including: a) That the FBI had frozen his bank accounts because the bank had contacted the FBI to report suspicious deposits to Wright's accounts; b) That Wright met with an FBI Agent named Kevin Garnett who eventually agreed to release Wright's money; c) That the FBI then re-seized Wright's FVB accounts alleging that Wright was price-gouging on the KN95 masks; d) That Wright had hired a price-gouging attorney who was working on getting the money in Wright's FVB accounts released, and was threatening to initiate a lawsuit against the FBI."
British veterans who fought in Iraq could be prosecuted for war crimes if a bill aimed at protecting British troops from relentless legal witch-hunts becomes law.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace received a letter from International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda.

She warned that soldiers could face trial at the Hague if the Overseas Operations Bill passes through parliament.

The Bill puts a five-year time limit on claims against British soldiers by insurgents or civilians.

After five years, the accused soldier would be presumed innocent. New evidence must be brought forward and the attorney-general needs to give the go-ahead for the assumed innocence to be lifted.

Ministers hope this will end the relentless 'vexatious' legal probes that soldiers have faced for more than a decade after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In her letter on March 3, Ms Bensouda told the Defence Secretary that if soldiers were presumed innocent, it would 'render such cases admissible before the ICC' - and she was 'duty bound to emphasise' this to Mr Wallace.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace (pictured) received a letter from International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda

In her letter on March 3, Ms Bensouda told the Defence Secretary that if soldiers were presumed innocent, it would 'render such cases admissible before the ICC' - and she was 'duty bound to emphasise' this to Mr Wallace

But a defense source dismissed Ms Bensouda's threats, telling The Times: 'The ICC is for warlords and the people who ran Auschwitz.'

They added: 'No soldier is going to go before the Hague because we lock up people who have done wrong.'

So far, of the accusations made against the forces in the Iraq war, 3,500 have been dropped.

Last year, Labour warned that the Overseas Operations Bill will block soldiers' own injury claims.

Defence spokesman John Healey said parts of a new bill amounted to 'penny-pinching' because they put a time limit on compensation claims from UK forces.

It means soldiers who have suffered life-changing trauma could find it more difficult to seek compensation.

Figures uncovered by Labour reveal the Ministry of Defence could save millions from future claims when the Overseas Operations Bill becomes law.

So far, of the accusations made against the forces in the Iraq war (file image), 3,500 have been dropped

But the party says the bill also puts a six-year deadline on compensation claims against the MoD brought by troops or their families for injuries and loss while posted overseas.

Labour said the bill will 'deny troops serving overseas the same employment rights as everyone they serve to defend back home'.

The party wants claims from troops themselves to be exempt from the time limits.

Mr Healey said at the time: 'This is an 'MoD protection bill' that will block rightful claims from our own British troops when the MoD fails them. It's penny-pinching.'

The MoD said: 'The changes to the time limits for bringing claims are needed to stop service personnel and veterans having to repeatedly give evidence in relation to historical incidents.'
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Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan spent much of his election campaign in 2018 denying he was a military stooge. Yet after suffering a shocking loss in parliament this week, he turned to the nations powerful army chief.

Khan met General Qamar Javed Bajwa along with the head of the militarys spy agency on Thursday after his finance minister lost a vote in the National Assembly, or lower house, during an election for the Senate. That defeat prompted Khan to seek a confidence vote on Saturday to prove he still commands a majority to govern.

The conversation with the head of the army sent a strong signal to lawmakers: The institution has ruled Pakistan for about half of its existence since independence in 1947 and retains tremendous sway over policy. It gives a wrong message," opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said at a briefing on Thursday.

For the army, Khan represents stability as the economy recovers from the pandemic-induced contraction. Last month, Pakistan reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to resume a $6 billion bailout program to help shore up the nations finances.

Bajwa also wants to make a good impression with U.S. President Joe Biden, who has urged allies to uphold democracy and led international criticism of a Feb. 1 coup in Myanmar. Khan has exerted influence in peace talks with neighboring Afghanistan as U.S. troops prepare to depart, meeting with delegations that have included Taliban militants.

The federal governments spokesman and the army had no immediate comment.

Bajwa is keen to maintain continuity and show that all is well," said Burzine Waghmar, a member of the Centre for the Study of Pakistan at SOAS University of London. The army is also keen to start on a good footing with the Biden administration."

Khan Defections

Khan needs the support of 172 lawmakers in the 342-member National Assembly to win the confidence vote, which unlike the Senate election will be conducted through an open ballot. Although his Tehreek-e-Insaf party and its allies control 178 seats, Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh only won 164 votes in the lower house on Wednesday in the secret Senate vote.

In a national address Thursday, Khan alleged that 15 or 16 of his lawmakers were bribed to vote against the party-backed candidate. He cited a video of lawmakers stuffing bags with currency, though didnt provide direct evidence.

To ensure Khan retains the support of his bloc of lawmakers, Pakistans spy agency has been asked to monitor their movements and ensure they vote in parliament on Saturday, according to officials with knowledge of the situation. They asked not to be identified speaking to the media.

No party can remain in power without institutional support from the army," said Amit Ranjan, a research fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore.

The army already has an outsized role in Khans administration, with a say on everything from foreign policy and security matters to economic decisions. Generals have been known to hold private meetings with business people and policymakers.

Meanwhile, former and current military officials are in prominent government-backed roles, such as running the state-owned airline and Khans low-cost housing program.

The idea that the establishment is completely neutral seems a bit far-fetched," said Niaz Murtaza, executive director at the Islamabad-based research group Inspiring Pakistan, referring to the military. The army is still backing the government and theyll continue to do so at the moment."

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The mother of a boy born 14-weeks premature last March has raised 5,700 for two Cork facilities that helped her son survive and facilitated her and her husband to be close by during his first 100 days, all spent in hospital.

Avril Butler (30) completed her 100k challenge on Sunday, raising vital funds for Cork University Hospital maternity unit and Bru Columbanus.

Charlie is thriving ahead of his first birthday this Wednesday and his mother said she is delighted to have been able to raise money for both facilities.

Primary school teacher Avril undertook a 100km challenge in early February to raise money for Bru Columbanus and CUH, running within 5km of her Gusserane home.

Charlie weighed just 640g (1 lb 7oz) when he was born. He spent the first 100 days of his life in hospital receiving life-saving treatment. Avril and her husband Rhyan were given a 50/50 survival prognosis.

'That is why to us he is such a little miracle, especially with everything else going on in the world. He is a good news story,' Avril said in an interview with this newspaper last month.

Expand Close Rhyan Butler holding his son Charlie, beside Avril, with the AIB cheque for 5,700 / Facebook

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Whatsapp Rhyan Butler holding his son Charlie, beside Avril, with the AIB cheque for 5,700

Rhyan stayed at Bru Columbanus five minutes from CUH throughout. Bru Columbanus provides 26 ensuite family rooms with a supporting kitchen and lounge where families can meet other families who are in similar situations and can lend support and understanding to each other and draw on their shared experiences. They rely on fundraising to fund this fantastic facility and the Butlers would love to support them in continuing their work.

Avril said: `I completed the challenge this morning, all 100km! It was great to be able to finish in the sunshine! We raised 5,700 in total which was amazing! We were blown away with the support the fundraiser received and over 200 kind and generous donations were made in the 28 days. We are just so very grateful to each and every person that donated and must say a special word of thanks to our friends, family and neighbours who showed such support and sent such lovely messages to us throughout the month. We are delighted to be able to give back to both CUMH and Bru Columbanus.'

She said: 'It is fantastic to be able to support two places so close to our heart and in turn, help other families who may have a loved one face their own difficult journey through the hospital.'

Now that the fundraiser and 100km challenge is over, Avril and Rhyan have a very busy start to the month of March, with Charlie's first birthday on Wednesday.

'It is certainly an emotional time reflecting on the last year, but we are so very proud of all our little boy has overcome in the past 12 months and have so many reasons to celebrate!'
The leader of the state's affordable housing agency has been suspended while he's being investigated for allegations that he sexually harassed
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / March 5, 2021 / Golden Lake Exploration Inc. (CSE:GLM)("GLM" or the "Company") (OTCQB:GOLXF) is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated February 23, 2021, the Company has closed the non-brokered private placement with a lead order from Mr. Eric Sprott, through his company 2176423 Ontario Ltd. The Company issued 22,305,404 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.45 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $10,037,431.80. Each Unit is comprised of one common share ("Share") and one half of one transferable common share purchase warrant of the Company ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the Subscriber to purchase one Warrant Share for a 24-month period after the Closing Date at an exercise price of $0.60 per share.

Mr. Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a corporation that is beneficially owned by him, acquired 4,444,444 units at $0.45 each for consideration of approximately $2,000,000, pursuant to the private placement. As a result, Mr. Sprott beneficially owns and controls 4,444,444 common shares of the company and 2,222,222 share purchase warrants, representing approximately 7.5% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 10.9% of the issued and outstanding common shares on a partially diluted basis assuming exercise of the warrants acquired hereunder forming part of the units. Prior to the current acquisition, Mr. Sprott did not beneficially own or control any securities of the Company.

The units were acquired by Mr. Sprott through 2176423 Ontario Ltd. for investment purposes. Mr. Sprott has a long-term view of the investment and may acquire or sell additional securities of the company, including on the open market or through private transactions, in the future depending on market conditions, reformulation of plans and/or other relevant factors.

A copy of Mr. Sprott's early warning report with respect to the foregoing will appear on the company's profile on the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") at www.sedar.com and may also be obtained by calling Mr. Sprott's office at (416) 945-3294 (2176423 Ontario Ltd., 200 Bay Street, Suite 2600, Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2J1).

Proceeds raised will be used for advancing the Company's Jewel Ridge property in Nevada as well as for general working capital.

Finders' fees of $406,216.46 cash and 902,701 finders' warrants were paid to arm's length parties.

Shares issued pursuant to the Financing will be subject to a four-month hold period according to applicable securities laws of Canada.

About Golden Lake Exploration Inc.

Golden Lake Exploration Inc. is a junior public mining exploration company engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to acquire, explore and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to aggressively advance its exploration program on the Jewel Ridge property.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

" M ike England"

Mike England, CEO&DIRECTOR

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Telephone: 1-604-683-3995

TollFree:1-888-945-4770

The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Golden Lake Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/633817/Golden-Lake-Exploration-Announces-Financing-Closed
The Mail On Sunday must publish a front-page statement about the Duchess of Sussexs victory

The Mail On Sunday must publish a front-page statement about the Duchess of Sussexs victory in her copyright claim against the newspaper over the publication of a personal and private letter to her estranged father, the High Court has ruled.

Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL)  the publisher of The Mail On Sunday and MailOnline  has also been ordered to print a notice on page three of the paper stating it infringed her copyright by publishing parts of the letter sent to Thomas Markle.

In a ruling on Friday, Lord Justice Warby also granted Meghan a declaration that ANL misused her private information and infringed her copyright.

The duchess, 39, sued ANL over a series of articles which reproduced parts of a heartfelt letter to Mr Markle, 76, in August 2018.

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She claimed the five articles published in February 2019 involved a misuse of her private information, breached her copyright and breached the Data Protection Act.

Last month, Meghan was granted summary judgment in relation to her privacy claim, meaning she won that part of the case without having to go to trial, as well as most of her copyright claim.

At a remote hearing this week, ANLs lawyers applied for permission to appeal against that ruling on 10 grounds.

But Lord Justice Warby refused permission to appeal, saying it had no real prospect of success.

In his ruling on Friday, Lord Justice Warby explained he did not consider that there is any real prospect that the Court of Appeal would reach a different conclusion as to the outcome of the claim for misuse of private information, or as to the issues I decided in the copyright claim.

The judge said he would order ANL to publish a notice about Meghans victory as it would have genuine utility.

He added: The defendant devoted a very considerable amount of space to the infringing articles, which it continued to publish for over two years.

It has devoted a very considerable number of further column inches, and many hundreds if not thousands of words, to coverage of earlier stages of this litigation and commentary upon them.

The wording sought is modest by comparison, and factual in nature.

But I am not persuaded of the case for prolonged publication.

The judge ordered that The Mail On Sunday must print on a single occasion a statement on the front page, which refers readers to a further statement on page three of the newspaper.

The statement will read: The court has given judgment for the Duchess of Sussex on her claim for copyright infringement.

The court found that Associated Newspapers infringed her copyright by publishing extracts of her handwritten letter to her father in The Mail On Sunday and in MailOnline.

There will be a trial of the remedies to which the duchess is entitled, at which the court will decide whether the duchess is the exclusive owner of copyright in all parts of the letter, or whether any other person owns a share.

Lord Justice Warby also ordered ANL to publish the statement on MailOnline for a period of one week with a hyperlink to his full judgment.

The judge added: In my judgment, these are measured incursions into the defendants freedom to decide what it publishes and does not publish, that are justified in pursuit of the legitimate aim I have identified, and proportionate to that aim.

They will involve little if any additional expense, and certainly nothing approaching the scale of the expense that has been lavished on this litigation.

In the ruling last month, the judge said publication of Meghans letter to her father was manifestly excessive and hence unlawful.

He said: It was, in short, a personal and private letter.

The majority of what was published was about the claimants own behaviour, her feelings of anguish about her fathers behaviour, as she saw it, and the resulting rift between them.

These are inherently private and personal matters.

He said the only tenable justification for any such interference was to correct some inaccuracies about the letter, contained in an article in People magazine, published just days before ANLs five articles, which featured an interview with five friends of Meghan.

But the judge added: The inescapable conclusion is that, save to the very limited extent I have identified, the disclosures made were not a necessary or proportionate means of serving that purpose.

For the most part they did not serve that purpose at all.

Taken as a whole the disclosures were manifestly excessive and hence unlawful.

He also said ANLs arguments on ownership of the copyright of the letter seem to me to occupy the shadowland between improbability and unreality.


'The biggest defender': Why Wolf's legacy matters in 2022

Gov. Tom Wolf's veto pen has frequently been the only thing to stop legislation passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature from becoming law.
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Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
Trent Ashby is the state representative for District 57 that includes Angelina, Houston, Leon, Madison, San Augustine and Trinity counties. His email address is trent.ashby@house.state.tx.us.
In a gesture both simple and profound, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani welcomed Francis into his spartan home. The 90-year-old cleric, one of the most eminent among Shiites worldwide, afterward said Christians should live in peace in Iraq and enjoy the same rights as other Iraqis. The Vatican said Francis thanked al-Sistani for having raised his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted during some of the most violent times in Iraqs recent history,
It was recently announced that Interior Health will be withdrawing its funding to Pathways in Penticton as of May 31, 2021. That funding makes up 95% of Pathways operating budget. My initial reaction was one of total disbelief!

For over 45 years Pathways has provided an unwavering commitment to provide education and counselling to those impacted by alcohol and drug addiction. They provide hope to clients and their families. Their clients include some of the communitys most vulnerable; sometimes they are our sons and daughters, our wives and husbands, and our mothers and fathers. A thousand people a year use their services.

I have seen firsthand how important Pathways support can be to someone whose life is impacted by addiction. For my nephew, Pathways was a safe place with a friendly face, wise counsel and hope. Justins counsellor helped him explore options for rehab, lobbied on his behalf with rehab and medical personnel, helped him regroup when he relapsed, conducted an intervention to get him back into rehab, and all the while reminding him of his true worth. That is the kind of compassionate work Pathways staff does day in and day out.

Pathways also provides crucial support for caregivers. Living with someone whose life is impacted by addictions is not easy. My time with Pathways was invaluable to my own overall mental health. I know I am not alone in expressing my gratitude.

Justin is no longer with us; he passed in February 2020, one of too many caught up in this addiction epidemic. Part of my commitment to those who have lost the battle is to shine a light on the problem of addictions and push for solutions.

What happens now? If Pathways is to keep the doors open, they will need financial support. Where will that money come from? How can we help?

And - what about the IH model? It has been reported that Interior Health has a plan to put all the addictions services in-house to establish a single point of access to develop team-based care with IH clinicians. It is a lofty goal. They talk about being a nimble response to the changing needs of a client. I hope that is true. Will that single point of access be located in Penticton? What services will they provide? How accessible will they really be? Will clients sense it will be the safe place that Pathways is known to be?

Before we jeopardize Pathways future, we need answers.

May 31, 2021 is less than one hundred days away and the clock is ticking.

Marian Rudisill, Summerland
Portugal and the Spanish islands have followed Cyprus in welcoming British holidaymakers from the middle of May.

The Spanish government said it hopes to allow British tourists to visit the Canary and Balearic Islands from May, as long as they have a negative test.

Rita Marques, Portugals tourism minister, hoped the country would soon allow restriction-free travel for those who have been vaccinated or test negative.

Portugal and the Spanish islands have followed Cyprus in welcoming British holidaymakers from the middle of May. A beach on the Algarve is seen above

Travel experts believe that Greece and Turkey will also announce that they want Britons to return. However, a spokesman for the French government said no decision had been made.

It comes after Cyprus announced it would accept British tourists from May 1 if they have had both vaccine shots.

Deputy tourism minister Savvas Perdios said these individuals can visit Cyprus without a negative test or needing to quarantine.

However, the UK Government said that the roadmap states that international travel will not be allowed before May 17.

It comes after Cyprus announced it would accept British tourists from May 1 if they have had both vaccine shots. Akamas Peninsula National Park is seen above in Cyprus

Portugal is currently on the UKs red list, with arrivals banned from entry, unless they are UK residents or Irish nationals who must quarantine in a hotel. Travel industry expert Paul Charles, of the PC Agency, said that as more countries unveil their opening plans, bookings will increase as confidence returns.

And airlines are developing a Travel Pass app, which can include a travellers vaccine or Covid-19 test result status, through industry body IATA.

Last night government sources insisted that the roadmap dates would not be brought forward and one said: The holiday debate is yet to be had but expectations need to be reined in.
New Delhi:

A new-born baby girl, who was delivered in a toilet in Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh, was found alive after two hours of birth on Independence Day. The doctors and police are bewildered on the survival of girl child.

After being found in a toilet, the baby girl was immediately rushed to the neonatal ICU of a hospital in Sheopur. The girl is said to be stable in hospital.

"The police along with the women and child development department have begun a probe to figure out whether there was something malafide behind the incident," the SP of Sheopur Shiv Dayal told New Indian Express on Friday.

As per reports, a 28-year-old woman named Papita Gurjar came out of toilet complaining acute abdominal pain to Ghanshyam Gurjar on Tuesday.

The husband immediately took her to community health center (CHC) in Vijaypur area and informed doctors that the woman was pregnant. The doctors took her to operation theatre to find out that there was no baby.

The doctors said that the baby might have been delivered in the toilet itself.

The hospital staff then rushed to the toilet. After entering inside the toilet, they heard the baby cry.

After the examination of baby at the neonatal unit of hospital, doctors found that the babys umbilical cord had been cut.

After the suspicion on the development, the doctors informed the matter to Police. Police is now investigating the matter.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Farmers blocked Western Peripheral Expressway in Kundli, Sonipat following their announcement of blocking the Expressway today. The 136-km-long Western Peripheral Expressway, also known as Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway is facing a five-hour blockade, called by farmers to mark the 100th day of their protest against farm laws.

Farmers marched on the expressway while carrying farmer unions' flags in their hands. Few farmers were also seen on tractors. They were also raising slogans against the government. The farmers' protest against the Central government's three farm laws has entered its 100th day on Saturday. The protesting farmer unions have decided to observe March 6 as 'Black Day'.

Heavy deployment of police has been ensured in Haryana's Palwal to avoid any unusual incident.

"We are fully prepared to avert any unprecedented situation. We have deployed enough police force. Nobody is allowed to break the law. If anybody does so, they will face the law," Vijaypal, Deputy SP, Palwal told ANI.

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), which is leading the protests, had on Friday requested the common people to wave black flags at homes and offices to support the movement and protest against the government.

On February 25, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar reiterated that the central government is ready to talk to protesting farmers at any time.

Farmers have been protesting on the different borders of the national capital since November 26 against the three newly enacted farm laws - Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; the Farmers Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.

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A boy who was 10 months old when he was a passenger in a car that was involved in a minor road traffic accident has been awarded 10,500 in damages.

The boy, now five years old, who was represented by Callan Tansey solicitors, was a passenger in the car driven by his mother when the car was stationary at The Mall, Sligo on November 11th, 2016. The car was driven into from the rear. Barrister, Mr Keith O'Grady outlined to the Circuit Court the accident was not severe and was "essentially a tip".

Sligo Circuit Court was told his mother had already settled her "very modest case" in relation to the accident. After the accident the 10 month old was examined by a doctor and had no injuries.

In her evidence the child's mother said following the accident he was more anxious and clingy, this lasted for a period of nine months.

The court was told the child had other issues not relating to the accident and attends an autism unit.

Evidence from Dr Frank Hayes informed the court it was his belief the child's autism was not the result of the accident.

Judge Francis Comerford said it was "next to near impossible" to prove whether the accident was linked to the child's autism.

The offer of 10,500 by FBD Insurance was accepted and confirmed by the court.

The monies were directed to the plaintiff's mother until such a time as the child reaches majority age.
While researching Jupiter, a third grader at Discovery School of Innovation in The Woodlands discovered a NASA project she had never heard of before, the Europa Clipper. Soon after, her class was Zooming with a planetary scientist involved in the mission.

Europa, one of Jupiters Galilean moons, is covered in a salty global ocean that contains more liquid than all of the oceans on Earth combined. Right now, NASA is working on a mission to Europa with the intent of finding out if there is life on the fourth planet from the suns smallest moon.

To learn more, the school decided to reach out to the experts at NASAs Jet Propulsion Lab who put her in contact with Tracy Becker, a planetary scientist at the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio who is the Composition Working Group Co-Chair for NASAs Europa Clipper mission.

Its just nice to see so much excitement around learning, said Catherine Sagar, the schools director.

Becker is very familiar with speaking to students about her work but this time was a little different because the students had already been studying Europa and had much more specific questions about the planet and NASAs mission. Speaking with the students about such a complex topic was actually fairly easy.

The basics of what the mission is going to do is one of these kinds of questions that people have had throughout the ages and from when theyre little kids to grown adults, which is Is there life out there? Becker said. The Europa Clipper, the goal is to assess the habitability. So, its goal isnt to necessarily say there is or there isnt life, but were trying to understand the conditions of Europa, if theyd be suitable for life as we understand it.

Related: Montgomery County schools will review COVID-19 mask rules

This question is an easy one to talk about with people of all ages, including elementary school students, Becker said. The things they will be studying on Europa are not so different from things they have studied here on Earth.

At Discovery, Sagar said the students are encouraged to learn by following their interests and passions. Often, the class will learn about something new together based off the interests of the students, contacting experts for more information. Its how they ended up interviewing a scientist in Europe about trees.

As part of their research, the students made their own models of the Europa Clipper, sometimes adding to the space craft with their own ideas. Already several of the students have expressed an interest in becoming engineers or working at NASA in some capacity.

(The students) got into single celled organisms, and what could it be, could there be alien sharks? Who knows, Sagar said of watching the students growing interest in Europa. I just feel like this is a good example of, if you dont give students the freedom to research, explore, and express their creativity as thinkers, then you never know what youre missing.

Zoe Clarkmoore is the third grader who discovered Europa in a book she was reading while researching Jupiter. She asked Sagar if the class could study the moon more. Now, she is interested in possibly becoming a scientist or engineer.

I want to make robots which can fly to planets, Clarkmoore said of her future ambitions.

Its likely, Sagar said, that the class would not have explored Europa if one of their own third graders hadnt discovered it. Now, they will be following along with the Europa Clipper mission as it prepares to launch within the next several years.

She answered almost all of our questions, and even if she couldnt answer them she gave her theory about stuff and it was just really fun, Ronan Agard, a third grader at DSI said was his favorite part of speaking with Becker. And I like space, it was very interesting.

jamie.swinnerton@chron.com
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 5)  Josefa Tauli hopes to inform and empower her fellow indigenous youth to get a seat at the table on matters concerning nature.

"I'm particularly very excited to use the opportunity for the capacity development basically targeted towards indigenous youth," the 2020 National Geographic Young Explorer told CNN Philippines' The Exchange with Rico Hizon.

The 25-year-old Igorot indigenous people's rights and environmental advocate is among 24 youth all around the world who made it to NatGeo's 2020 Fall Young Explorers, which it announced this January.

"This can help facilitate access to information and the process like, by which we can gain confidence to represent ourselves in decision-making spaces about the environment, which have such deep implications for our future and the quality of life we get to enjoy in the future," Tauli said of her newfound platform.

The University of the Philippines alumna also reiterated how indigenous people play a crucial role in protecting the world's most biodiverse areas given their deep connection with their lands.

Tauli likewise thanked her parents and extended family members for being among her major mentors when it comes to her advocacies, noting they have been fighting for IP rights and lands even before.

"I learned a lot from them on how to navigate these issues and stay grounded to the values of indigenous people," she said.
Remains of 40 Iraqi Christians With Their Crosses Found in Mass Grave

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Iraqi security forces and pro-government militias have discovered mass graves near Mosul, which include bodies of 40 Christians who had small crosses with them when they were killed by Islamic State terrorists and then buried together, according to the Syriac Orthodox Church.

The mass grave was found in Iraq's Halila region, west of Mosul, by Iraqi security forces and Al-Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as Popular Mobilization Forces, an Iraqi state-sponsored umbrella organization composed of some 40 militias, the church said, according to Iraqi News.

"Most of the human remains were buried collectively. Some of them were for women and children. They had small Christian crosses with them," a church source was quoted as saying.

Islamic State, also known as IS, ISIS, ISIL or Daesh, captured Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city, in 2014 and held it until their defeat last July.

IS' violence displaced more than 125,000 Christians in Iraq's Nineveh region, which was also held by IS, and the community is now facing extinction.

Open Doors, a Christian ministry that operates in over 60 countries worldwide, and its partners have built nearly 700 homes for Christians in the region.

Iraqi Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil, who has been outspoken about the plight of Christians in his country, expressed concerns about the future of Christians while speaking at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. last month. The attacks by IS left Christians "without shelter, without refuge, without work, without properties, without monasteries, without the ability to participate in any of the things that give our lives dignity," he said.

"So few of us are left, some estimate 200,000 Christians or less," he said of the total number of Christians in the country, down from 1.5 million in 2003. However, he added, "while it is true that our numbers are small, the Apostles were much smaller."

He said Iraqi Christians are reaching out to Islamic radicals with forgiveness.

"We forgive those who murdered us, who tortured us, who raped us, who sought to destroy everything about us. We forgive them in the name of Christ," Warda declared.

In December, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met Warda to discuss how the U.S. government can best help the recovering Iraqi Christian community.

"I updated him (Pence) on the situation facing our people and expressed our hope that peace would soon come to Nineveh," Warda said in a statement at the time. "On behalf of our people, I expressed our gratitude for his promise of swift assistance to our communities who suffered genocide at the hands of ISIS. I also mentioned to the vice president the importance of the aid and support we have received from the Knights of Columbus in the United States, and Aid to the Church in Need in Europe."

In November, Pence had announced that the Trump administration was changing existing policy so that U.S. aid would go directly to those aiding Iraqi Christians without having to go through the U.N.
Rising sea levels, changing weather patterns and other looming effects of climate change are legitimate concerns. But as we work to manage and mitigate the impacts, its important to keep the focus on facts.

A recent article in The Chronicle said the Bay Area is plunging downward under the weight of urban development, amplifying problems for cities struggling to figure out how theyll stay above water in the coming decades.

The alarming language suggests that this is a sudden phenomenon, and that San Francisco, in particular, is at risk of sinking underwater as bay fill is compressed by the weight of the skyscrapers that rest upon it.

The truth is that these dynamics are not new  nor among the serious threats to coastal areas from global warming.

Downtown subsidence has been recognized as far back as 1931, when the local branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers published a report called Subsidence and the Foundation Problem in San Francisco. Near-shore areas were filled in during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to extend the citys boundaries, and they have been slowly subsiding for decades, under the weight of the fill itself.

It is also the case that buildings, especially the high-rise towers in downtown San Francisco, are not constructed on that infamous bay fill. Rather, their foundations are either extended into sturdier native soils that underlie the fill or reach even deeper to bedrock. As such, their settlement performance is not controlled by the high compressibility of the fill and soft soils.

Millennium Tower, one of the buildings said to be exerting the greatest downward pressure on the earth, is a good case in point. The Mission Street tower is supported by a foundation with nearly 1,000 concrete piles that extend beyond the fill into dense sands about 80 feet below the ground. An upgrade now under way will further fortify the building, with new pilings transferring some of its weight even deeper, directly into bedrock.

Despite the dramatic numbers scenario outlined in the Chronicle piece, we advise caution about settlement predictions that are based on the aggregate weight of urban development. Although stress effects and settlement of a given building are not confined precisely to the building footprint, they diminish rapidly beyond that footprint, especially when the foundation derives its support well below ground. For example, the settlement of Millennium Tower was noticeable along the sidewalks adjacent to the building  in cracks and depressions  but was insignificant beyond the limits of the sidewalk.

Whats clear from the record is that buildings often behave differently, and how much a skyscraper shifts can be influenced and exacerbated by external factors such as groundwater drawdown from dewatering at nearby construction sites and stress changes and ground movements from deep excavations. In 1953, another American Society of Engineers article described that differential settlement in examining the performance of several buildings in the downtown area, including one that settled 10 inches from 1922 to 1950, with one portion settling 4 inches more than the others.

Such building behavior, dubbed differential settlement by civil engineers, makes for good headlines, but its threat has been misunderstood, mischaracterized and overblown. Similarly, it is easy to sow fear with computer modeling and worst-case predictions, especially as the grim realities of climate change emerge. But the bottom line is this: Subsidence in San Francisco is both gradual and self-limiting, and as the region settles, the supporting soils gain strength and settlement slows.

Any measures taken to protect the city against long-term sea level rise will certainly be able to compensate for the minor subsidence that has occurred in San Francisco and will continue over time. That may not make for a great sound bite, but its a fact.

John Egan and Ron Hamburger are the engineers who designed the Perimeter Pile Upgrade for the Millennium Tower.

Brussels/Rome: No European Union country has a bigger stock of AstraZeneca vaccines or has used a smaller percentage of its stock than Italy, analysis shows.

Rome, with European Commission permission, stopped a shipment of 250,000 of the Oxford University jabs leaving the EU for Australia.

Italy has prevented 250,000 vaccine doses from being exported to Australia. Credit:Bloomberg

The export ban was a rebuke to the British-Swedish pharmaceutical company, which Brussels, and Italy, accuses of breaking its contractual obligations to the EU. AstraZeneca denies that.

In January it cut its supplies to the EU in the first quarter to 40 million doses from 90 million foreseen in the contract, and later said it would cut deliveries by another 50 per cent in the second quarter.

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court on Friday directed Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union minister P Chidambaram, to appear before investigators at the CBI headquarters on August 23 for questioning in a corruption case.

A bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud allowed Karti to be accompanied by a lawyer at the CBI headquarters during the questioning.

"During the course of hearing, the counsel for respondent number 1 (Karti) states that the respondent is ready and willing to appear before the investigating officer.

"We, therefore, hereby direct respondent number 1 to appear before the investigating officer on August 23 at CBI headquarters in New Delhi," the bench said.

It gave CBI the liberty to question him for as many days as it wants till August 28, the next date of hearing. It also asked Karti to carry all necessary documents required to defend himself against the allegations made by the CBI in the FIR.

The bench, however, clarified that the accompanying lawyer would sit in an adjoining room to the place where Karti will be quizzed by CBI investigators.

The bench has now posted the matter for consideration on August 28 and asked both parties to file their respective reports with regard to the investigation and other aspects of the case.

The apex court had on August 14 said that Karti would not be allowed to leave India without subjecting himself to the investigation in the corruption case.

The apex court, which stayed the Madras High Court order putting on hold the look out circular (LOC) issued by the Centre against Karti, had sought to know when he would make his appearance for questioning before CBI.

Also Read | INX media case: CBI summons Karti Chidambaram, asks him to appear at HQ on July 21

The case lodged by CBI in Delhi is related to alleged irregularities in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of almost Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti's father was the Union Finance Minister.

The CBI had claimed that the FDI proposal of the media house, cleared by Chidambaram, was "fallacious".

The FIR was registered on May 15 before the special CBI judge here and the registration of the case was followed by searches at the residences and offices of Karti and his friends on May 16.

The Madras High Court had on August 10 stayed the look out circulars issued against Karti and four others by the Centre under the Passport Act over the corruption case filed by the CBI.

The order had come on petitions filed by Karti and others seeking to quash the circulars, issued against Karti on June 16 last year and against the four others on July 18 this year.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-07 03:57:46|Editor: huaxia

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CAIRO, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Saturday reported 11,770 new COVID-19 cases, while Iran's total infections exceeded 1.68 million after 8,212 daily cases were registered.

Among the new cases confirmed in Turkey, 702 were symptomatic patients, as the total number of positive cases in the country reached 2,769,230, according to Turkish health ministry.

The death toll from the virus in Turkey rose by 64 to 28,965, while the total recoveries climbed to 2,616,139 after 7,291 more cases recovered in the last 24 hours.

The country started mass vaccination against COVID-19 on Jan. 14 after the authorities approved the emergency use of the Chinese CoronaVac vaccine. More than 7,519,000 people have been vaccinated so far.

Iran's health ministry reported 8,212 daily COVID-19 cases on Saturday, raising the total nationwide infections to 1,681,682.

The pandemic has so far claimed 60,594 lives in Iran, up by 82 in the past 24 hours, said Sima Sadat Lari, the spokeswoman for Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, during her daily briefing.

A total of 1,435,357 people have recovered from the disease and been discharged from hospitals, while 3,784 remain in intensive care units, she added.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health reported 4,068 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total nationwide infections to 723,189.

It also reported 11 new deaths, raising the death toll from the infectious virus to 13,548, while the total recoveries in Iraq climbed by 3,883 to 657,032.

Earlier, the Iraqi health authorities approved a package of health restrictions, including the re-imposition of a partial and full curfew, but the restrictions exempted pilgrims of religious shrines from curfews provided that preventive measures are adhered to.

Israel's Ministry of Health reported 3,262 new COVID-19 cases, raising the tally of confirmed cases in the country to 799,727.

The death toll from the COVID-19 in Israel reached 5,856 after 22 new fatalities were added, while the number of patients in serious condition increased from 690 to 710.

The total recoveries in Israel rose to 753,306, with 2,645 newly recovered cases, while the number of active cases increased to 40,565.

The number of people vaccinated against COVID-19 in Israel have surpassed 4.92 million, or 52.9 percent of its total population, since the vaccination campaign began on Dec. 20, 2020.

Kuwait reported 1,318 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 199,428.

The Kuwaiti Health Ministry also announced seven more deaths, taking the death toll to 1,120. The tally of recoveries nationwide rose by 992 to 185,231.

On March 4, Kuwait's government decided to impose a partial curfew, starting on March 7 from 5 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) to 5 a.m. until April 8, as part of its efforts to curb the COVID-19 spread.

During the curfew time, all commercial activities will be suspended and people are allowed to go to mosques on foot, and pharmacies, shops buying medical supplies, cooperative societies and markets are permitted to practice their activities through only delivery service.

In addition, the government also decided to close parks, restaurants and cafes are allowed to serve through delivery only and taxis to transfer two passengers only.

Morocco announced 407 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally of confirmed cases in the North African country to 485,974.

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 in Morocco increased to 471,919 after 509 more were added. The death toll rose to 8,676 with three new fatalities during the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, 3,913,615 people have received the first vaccine shot against COVID-19 in the country, and 578,942 people have received the second dose.

The North African country launched a nationwide vaccination campaign on Jan. 28 after the arrival of the first shipment of China's Sinopharm vaccines.

The Qatari Health Ministry announced 460 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 166,475.

Meanwhile, 293 more recovered from the virus, bringing the overall recoveries to 155,700, while the fatalities increased by one to 262.

Lebanon registered on Saturday 3,158 new COVID-19 cases, raising the number of infections to 393,211, while the death toll went up by 42 to 5,013.

The Health Ministry added that 76,130 people have been vaccinated so far. Enditem

The Dalai Lama, the 85-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, has received the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine at a hospital in the north Indian hill town of Dharmsala, Associated Press informs.

After receiving the injection, he urged people to come forward, be brave and get vaccinated. Dr. G.D. Gupta of Zonal Hospital, where the shot was administered, told reporters that the Dalai Lama was observed for 30 minutes afterward.

Ten other people who live in the Dalai Lamas residence were also vaccinated, Gupta said.
Nearly 300 new homes are ready to rent in a new development on Westbank First Nation land. Over the next two decades, it's expected that four times as many homes will be built on WFN land as in the City of West Kelowna.
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By Camillus Eboh and Omar Mohammed

ABUJA/NAIROBI (Reuters) - Nigeria, Kenya and Rwanda started inoculating frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable citizens against COVID-19 on Friday as Africa, the world's poorest continent and home to 1.3 billion people, stepped up its vaccination campaigns.

While some wealthy Western nations have already inoculated millions of people, many African states have struggled to secure doses and have yet to administer a single shot.

But the global vaccine-sharing COVAX facility, co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the GAVI vaccine alliance and others, has begun to bear fruit in nations from Ghana to Rwanda.

"This means that I will die when God wants because the coronavirus cannot kill me now," 90-year-old Stephanie Nyirankuriza said, leaning on a walking stick after her shot at a health centre just east of the Rwandan capital Kigali.

Rwanda is the first nation in Africa to use pharmaceutical company Pfizer's doses that require ultra-cold storage.

President Paul Kagame's government, which prides itself on technological prowess but is often criticised as authoritarian, has installed special infrastructure to keep the Pfizer vaccine at the required -70C.

The Kagame government, which has received both Pfizer and AstraZeneca shots via the COVAX facility, plans to vaccinate up to 30% of Rwanda's 12 million people by the end of the year.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous country and its biggest economy, inoculated healthcare workers with AstraZeneca shots on Friday, the start of a campaign that aims to vaccinate 80 million of the 200 million-strong population this year.

"I want everybody to be vaccinated," Ngong Cyprian, a 42-year-old doctor, told Reuters in the capital Abuja as he became the first in Nigeria to receive his shot, while officials clapped and cheered.

President Muhammadu Buhari will be vaccinated on Saturday in an effort to increase public confidence in the shots.

Story continues

Nigeria took delivery of 3.92 million AstraZeneca doses on Tuesday under COVAX, but the facility only aims to cover 20% of the population in the countries it helps. Nigeria is also expecting at least 40 million doses from the African Union as well as 100,000 donated doses of India's Covishield vaccine.

'THE VACCINE IS SAFE'

Applause greeted the first vaccinations in Kenya on Friday after it received its first million doses this week via COVAX.

"I am feeling great," said Patrick Amoth, director general at the ministry of health, after getting his shot. "The vaccine is safe."

Kenya, which is keen to revive its tourism-dependent economy, East Africa's largest, plans to vaccinate 1.25 million people by June and another 9.6 million in the next phase, with more vaccines expected within weeks.

"This may mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic," said Susan Mochache, a senior official at the health ministry.

Neighbouring Uganda took delivery on Friday of its first batch of 864,000 AstraZeneca doses via COVAX and aims to begin inoculations on March 10.

As of Thursday, Africa as a whole had reported nearly 4 million infections and 104,000 deaths - still a relatively small toll compared to other continents, with higher national death counts in the United States, India, Brazil, Russia and Britain.

South Africa has recorded by far the most COVID-19 infections and deaths on the African continent, with 1.5 million cases and more than 50,000 fatalities to date.

On Friday, a senior health official said South Africa was negotiating with an African Union (AU) platform to buy vaccines for at least 10 million of its people.

The country was provisionally allocated 12 million doses developed by AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson in an AU vaccine plan, but it was unclear how many vaccines it would seek to buy after it halted plans to use the AstraZeneca shot. ($1 = 109.5500 Kenyan shillings)

(Additional reporting by Clement Uwiringiyimana in Kigali, Elias Biryabirema in Kampala and Alexander Winning in Johannesburg; Writing by Gareth Jones; Editing by Alex Richardson)
Lebanons embattled central bank chief is threatening to sue Bloomberg after the news outlet reported on Thursday that the United States was considering imposing sanctions against him.

Citing four people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported that the US administration was discussing with European counterparts the possibility of coordinated sanctions on Riad Salameh, who has run the Middle East country's central bank since 1993.

"The discussion has so far focused on the possibility of freezing Salamehs overseas assets and enacting measures that would curtail his ability to do business abroad," Bloomberg said.

Washington denied possible sanctions on Salameh, with a State Department spokesperson telling Reuters on Friday that the reports are untrue.

Salameh is believed to be a suspect in an ongoing Swiss investigation into possible money laundering and embezzlement linked to the bank. The Swiss public prosecutors office hasnt publicly named Salameh, but Lebanons Al Akhbar newspaper reported the probe is looking into whether the bank chief, along with his brother and an assistant, transferred some $400 million out of Lebanon.

Salameh has denied any wrongdoing and has described the allegations as fabrications. On Friday, he threatened to sue Bloomberg and its reporter in Beirut, the Daily Star reports.

Lebanon is in the midst of its worst economic crisis since the 1975-1990 civil war, with nearly a third of the population living below the poverty line. The Lebanese pound plunged to a record low on Tuesday of 10,000 to the dollar on the black market.

The small Mediterranean country is still reeling from the massive explosion that tore through the capital, Beirut, in August, killing nearly 200 people, injuring thousands and causing billions of dollars in damage.

Prime Minister Hassan Diab's cabinet resigned in the aftermath of the blast and the country has been without a functioning government since. Years of government corruption and mismanagement, coupled with a lack of basic services, triggered widespread anti-government protests in October 2019. Amid the deepening financial crisis, Lebanon defaulted on its debt for the first time in its history last March.
Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Allen Weisselberg in January 2017. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

In a statement from February released just after the Supreme Court ruled that Manhattan district attorney Cyrus Vance can access his tax records, Donald Trump didnt seem too pleased, calling the order a threat to the very foundation of our liberty. Based on this reaction, the former president probably wont be thrilled by the reported development on March 4 regarding Vances criminal investigation into possible tax fraud at the Trump Organization.

According to the Washington Post, with the tax docs now in hand, prosecutors at Vances office are focusing their current efforts on Trumps former chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg and two of his adult sons  one of whom manages the Trump Organizations ice rinks in Central Park, and another who works at a major lender to his business. According to a source familiar with the inquiry who spoke to the Post, the goal of this widely applied pressure is aimed at flipping Weisselberg against his employer. On March 31, the New York Times reported that investigators have subpoenaed Weisselbergs personal bank records. If they did find possible wrongdoing, prosecutors could then leverage that hypothetical exposure to convince Weisselberg to cooperate with the inquiry into Trump.

For years, Trump fashioned himself as a real-estate figure with close ties to the New York mafia. Now, the ex-president who speaks like a mob boss will be investigated like one: In February, Vances office hired Mark F. Pomerantz on a special assignment for the Trump Organization inquiry. A current member of the prestigious firm Paul, Weiss, Pomerantz oversaw the trial of John A. Gotti in the 1990s, who led the Gambino crime family after his father was sent to prison. With Pomerantz on the district attorneys team and the goal of flipping a key financial player, the inquiry into the Trump Organization is sharing some parallels with past investigations into mob figures whom Trump has referred to as very nice people.

Weisselberg, 73, has been in charge of the Trump Organizations books for decades; he began his time in the company working for the former presidents father. The CFO since 2000, he once described himself in a deposition as Trumps eyes and ears  from an economic standpoint. And though he remained loyal to his boss when his name was brought up in congressional and federal investigations during his presidency, investigators are now scrutinizing Weisselbergs work in helping to assess the value of Trump buildings as the company sought to obtain loans or property-tax reductions, according to the Post.

This focus is important, as investigators are looking for proof that the Trump Organization inflated the value of its properties to obtain loans or deflated their value to reap tax benefits, acts that could constitute fraud. Naturally, prosecutors are also poking for weak spots in Weisselbergs relationship with Trump. Questions about the accountant include Whats his relationship with Donald? and How loyal is each person to each other? As for the son angle, the Post reports:

[Prosecutors] have also asked about a Trump-owned luxury apartment where Weisselbergs son Barry lived for several years. The exact nature of Vances interest in the apartment is not known, but if Barry Weisselberg, who manages Trumps ice-skating rinks, got the apartment rent-free, that might be considered a fringe benefit of his job and subject to income tax.

The Post did not mention if Vances office has had made any progress in flipping Weisselberg, but if the accountant does go to the other side, one can expect some excoriating words from a former president who loathes cooperation. In August 2018, just after Michael Cohen pleaded guilty to five counts of tax evasion and two counts involving unlawful campaign contributions, Trump said that flipping  almost ought to be illegal. He was right to be upset at the time: Vances current investigation has roots in the inquiry into hush-money payments that Cohen, Trumps then-personal lawyer, paid off to women just before the 2016 election who claimed they had affairs with Trump.

This post has been updated to include reported details regarding the subpoena of Allen Weisselbergs personal bank records.
courtesy of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

A 30-year-old was taken into custody Thursday in connection with the homicide of a man whose remains were found in January in Conroe.

Justin Duane Fisher, of Gilmer, is being charged with murder, according to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office. Fisher is being held on a $300,000 bond, according to jail records.
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Pope Francis today went without a mask as he held the first public mass of his landmark trip to Iraq before a limited gathering of masked faithful due to coronavirus restrictions.

The 84-year-old pontiff - who, alongside the Vatican delegation, has received a Covid-19 vaccination - presided over his first-ever liturgy in the Eastern rise at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Baghdad this afternoon.

Earlier in the second of his four-day trip to the Gulf, Pope Francis was told by Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani that Iraq's Christian citizens should live in 'peace and security' during a landmark meeting.

The pontiff met with the Grand Ayatollah in Najaf for an hour, with al-Sistani saying in a statement shortly afterwards that he 'affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights.'

The Christian population in Iraq has collapsed following years of persecution and sectarian violence, from 1.5 million in 2003 to far fewer than 400,000 today.

At St. Joseph's Cathedral on Saturday, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the first time for a pontiff using the Chaldean rite that is known to most Iraqi Catholics.

Francis delivered a meditation on the Beatitudes, taken from Jesus' sermon that in God's eyes, those who are blessed are not the wealthy, powerful or famous, but 'the poor, those who mourn, the persecuted.'

He said: 'Love is our strength, the source of strength for those of our brothers and sisters who here too have suffered prejudice, indignities, mistreatment and persecutions for the name of Jesus.'

Pope Francis is delivering his first public mass of his Iraq trip in Baghdad on Saturday to a spare gathering of faithful and officials due to coronavirus restrictions. Pictured: Pope Francis, centre arrives to celebrate a mass in the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph, in Baghdad on Saturday

With this papal mass in the church of St. Joseph in central Baghdad, the 84-year-old pontiff is presiding over his first-ever liturgy in the Eastern rite. Pictured: Francis (centre) reads the liturgy as he leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral on the second day of the first papal visit to Iraq on March 6

Pictured: Pope Francis blesses the congregation as he leads mass at Baghdad's Saint Joseph Cathedral on the second day of the first papal visit to Iraq on March 6

Pope Francis walks to hold a Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of 'Saint Joseph' in Baghdad. Iraqi and Vatican church officials had promised social distancing and other health measures would be enforced during Francis' four-day visit to Iraq, especially at his indoor events. Organizers said an estimated 180 people could fit safely in the St. Joseph's Chaldean Church

The church was full of mask-wearing faithful despite concerns about possible coronavirus contagion. Francis and the Vatican delegation are vaccinated, but the majority of Iraqis are not

Iraqi and Vatican church officials had promised social distancing and other health measures would be enforced during Francis' four-day visit to Iraq, especially at his indoor events. Christian faithful crowded toward the center aisle as a maskless Francis processed toward the altar, flanked by other priests

The church was full of mask-wearing faithful despite concerns about possible coronavirus contagion, as the majority of Iraqis are not vaccinated against Covid-19.

Iraqi and Vatican church officials had promised social distancing and other health measures would be enforced during Francis' four-day visit, especially at his indoor events. Organisers said an estimated 180 people could fit safely in the St. Joseph's Chaldean Church.

They crowded toward the middle aisle as a maskless Francis made towards the altar, flanked by other priests. A choir sang and incense wafted around.

Pope Francis, who said he was travelling to the Gulf as a 'pilgrim of peace' on his first foreign trip since Covid-19 struck, was driven to the home of the Grand Ayatollah in a bullet-proof vehicle on Saturday morning.

Children had lined the streets and waved Iraqi and Vatican flags to mark his arrival.

The private meeting was unusual for al-Sistani, 90, who rarely sees world leaders and has previously refused to meet with Iraq's current and former Prime Ministers.

Pope Francis arrives at the home of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq, during the first-ever papal visit to the Gulf

The 84-year-old, who defied security fears and the pandemic to become the first pontiff to travel to Iraq, met with the Grand Ayatollah in Najaf today on the second of his four-day trip

Pope Francis is welcomed to Najaf, southern Iraq with the release of a dove as he arrived to meet al-Sistani

Pope Francis arrives to hold a Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of 'Saint Joseph' in Baghdad, Iraq, today after delivering a service in Ur

Pope Francis walks between the crowd as he arrives to leas a mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of 'Saint Joseph' in Baghdad, Iraq, today

Onlookers take pictures as Pope Francis arrives to hold a Mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of 'Saint Joseph' in Baghdad, Iraq, today

During his address in Ur today (pictured), Pope Francis said freedom of conscience and of religion were 'fundamental rights' that should be respected everywhere

It is understood al-Sistani agreed to speak with the Pope inside his rental home in Najaf on the condition that no Iraqi officials would be present.

Following the discussion, Pope Francis travelled to the ruins of Ur in southern Iraq, revered as the birthplace of Abraham, father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

'It all started from here,' the pontiff said, after hearing from representatives of Iraq's diverse religious communities.

Present at the meeting were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State group in 2014, alongside Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians.

Shiite and Sunni sheikhs, as well as Christian clerics, were also in attendance.

Iraq is a Muslim-majority country of 40million whose Christian population has shrunk in the last two decades to just one per cent, with minorities still complaining of ostracism and persecution.

During his address, Pope Francis said freedom of conscience and of religion were 'fundamental rights' that should be respected everywhere.

'We believers cannot be silent when terrorism abuses religion,' he said, in a message of solidarity with the minorities persecuted under IS rule. He also made an impassioned plea for 'unity' after conflict.

'Let us ask for this in praying for the whole Middle East. Here I think especially of neighbouring war-torn Syria,' he said.

Following the prayer service in Ur, Pope Francis is to head back to Baghdad to preside over a mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral.

The Pope left Rome early on Friday for the four-day trip, his first abroad since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which left the leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics saying he felt 'caged' inside the Vatican.

Delivering a message of hope to worshippers in Iraq, Pope Francis (pictured arriving to hold a Mass at Chaldean Cathedral of 'Saint Joseph' in Baghdad this afternoon) paid tribute to the 'age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation'

The Pope reached out to Yazidis who were killed and tormented by ISIS, saying that 'here, among so many who have suffered, my thoughts turn to the Yazidis, innocent victims of senseless and brutal atrocities'

Pope Francis arrives to meet with Iraq's top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani today

Pope Francis attends an interreligious meeting near the archaeological area of the Sumerian city-state of Ur, near Nasiriyah in Iraq

The pope was greeted today as he arrived at a meeting near the Sumerian city-state of Ur

He later delivered a speech at the site, which is considered the traditional birthplace of Abraham, the prophet common to Muslims, Christians and Jews

Pope Francis speaks at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province

The interreligious prayer took place on the second day of Pope Francis' trip to Iraq

He will leave on Monday, following a four-day visit previously described as a 'pilgrim of peace'

Later today Pope Francis will fly back to Baghdad, where he is expected to deliver mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph

He yesterday made an impassioned call for peace, as he pleaded with his hosts for an 'end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance.'

The pontiff urged religious faiths to 'look beyond our differences' in a country ravaged by ISIS that is home to one of the world's most persecuted Christian communities.

Delivering a message of hope to worshippers in Iraq, he paid tribute to the 'age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation'.

But he also reached out to Yazidis who were killed and tormented by ISIS, saying that 'here, among so many who have suffered, my thoughts turn to the Yazidis, innocent victims of senseless and brutal atrocities'.

'Only if we learn to look beyond our differences and see each other as members of the same human family will we be able to begin an effective process of rebuilding and leave to future generations a better, more just and more humane world,' he said, describing religious minorities as a 'precious resource' to be protected.

He also urged Iraqi officials to 'combat the scourge of corruption, misuse of power and disregard for law,' in a country consistently ranked one of the most graft-tainted by global watchdogs.

The Pope's convoy arrives at the house of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Saturday ahead of the landmark meeting

Pope Francis wore a face mask as he arrived at the small home in Najaf on the second of his four-day trip to Iraq

The meeting was highly unusual for al-Sistani, 90, who rarely sees world leaders and has refused to speak to Prime Ministers

Pope Francis, the first to meet with such a senior cleric, was driven to the home of the Ayatollah in a bullet-proof vehicle

The Pope (seen in Najaf today) left Rome early Friday for the four-day trip, his first abroad since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic

Pope Francis landed in the Gulf at 1.55pm on Friday, the plane flying the flags of both Vatican City and Iraq as it taxied on the tarmac at Baghdad International Airport, where Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi greeted him.

'With love and peace, Iraq's people and government are welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis and reaffirming the depths of this humanitarian bond,' Kadhemi said ahead of the pope's arrival.

Francis subsequently met Iraqi president Barham Salih and other authorities gathered at the Baghdad palace inside the heavily fortified Green Zone, telling them that no one should be considered a second-class citizen.

He said Iraqis of all faiths deserve to have the same rights and protections as the Shiite Muslim majority, in a country facing turmoil beset by both political violence and the effects of the pandemic.

While Francis has been vaccinated, Iraq has been gripped by a second wave of infection with 5,000 plus new cases a day, prompting authorities to impose a full lockdown during the pontiff's visit.

Pope Francis travelled to the ruins of Ur in southern Iraq, revered as the birthplace of Abraham, father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam

Pope Francis is received at the House of Abraham in the ancient city of Ur in southern Iraq's Dhi Qar province today

Present at the meeting were Yazidis, whose ancestral heartland of Sinjar was ravaged by the Islamic State group in 2014, alongside Mandeans, Kakais, Bahais and Zoroastrians

A convoy of cars accompany Pope Francis as he arrives to the House of Abraham in Ur, southern Iraq during the visit today

The pope's visit has deeply touched Iraq's Christians, whose numbers have collapsed over years of persecution and sectarian violence, from 1.5 million in 2003 to fewer than 400,000 today

Following the prayer service in Ur, Pope Francis is to head back to Baghdad to preside over a mass at the St. Joseph Cathedral

'I'll try to follow directions and not shake hands with everyone, but I don't want to stay too far,' Francis said ahead of his arrival.

Security will be tight in Iraq, which has endured years of war and insurgency, is still hunting for Islamic State sleeper cells, and days ago saw a barrage of rockets plough into a military base.

Francis will preside over a half-dozen services in ravaged churches, refurbished stadiums and remote desert locations, where attendance will be limited to allow for social distancing.

Inside the country, he will travel more than 870 miles by plane and helicopter, flying over areas where security forces are still battling IS remnants.

For shorter trips, Francis will take an armoured car on freshly paved roads that will be lined with flowers and posters welcoming the leader known here as 'Baba Al-Vatican'.

The pope's visit has deeply touched Iraq's Christians, whose numbers have collapsed over years of persecution and sectarian violence, from 1.5 million in 2003 to fewer than 400,000 today.

'We're hoping the pope will explain to the government that it needs to help its people,' a Christian from Iraq's north, Saad al-Rassam, told AFP. 'We have suffered so much, we need the support.'

Pope Francis is the first to visit Iraq, after Pope John Paul II had to cancel a trip in 2000 when talks with the Government of then-leader Saddam Hussein broke down.
New Delhi:

Uttar Pradesh government may impose National Security Act against Bareillys Barelvi madrasas for defying government directive to record Independence Day celebration and sing national anthem.

Bareillys divisional commissioner PV Jaganmohan talking to the media said that if madrasas have violated the directives and violated fundamental duty action will be taken.

Jaganmohand said, NSA could also be slapped against them as not singing national anthem amounts to being anti-national.

He added, Singing the national anthem is fundamental duty of every citizen. If any madrasas has violated the government order of singing the national anthem during Independence Day celebration, they will asked for reasons.

He added, We are waiting for the footages to be submitted. An inquiry will be carried out according to the complaints we receive.

The commissioner added that the madrasas are not above the law of the country.

According to reports, Barelvi madrasa  the biggest in Bareilly  hoisted the national flag but did not sing the national anthem. People who had gathered to celebrate the Independence Day at the madrasa sang the 20th century patriotic song Sare jahan se acha.

A senior cleric of the madrasa in an interview to the local media said that they traditionally do not sing the national anthem.

The Yogi goverment a week prior to Independence Day had issued directives to celebrate and record Indepence Day celebration in madrasas and also to record the event.

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WABASHA COUNTY, Minn. - A southeast Minnesota homicide Friday has resulted in a son being arrested for killing his father.

The Wabasha County Sheriffs Office said a 911 call was received at 6:11 p.m. from 59376 County Rd. 6 in rural Zumbro Falls.

Authorities located a deceased male, identified as Edward William Riley, age 73.

Shortly after, James Edward Riley, 44, was arrested and charged with murder.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension was called in to assist the sheriffs office.


North Korea illicitly imported far more refined petroleum products last year than allowed under an annual threshold set by United Nations sanctions, a report seen by AFP revealed.

Pyongyang can import up to 500,000 barrels per year, but from January through September last year the isolated regime received petroleum products that exceeded that cap "by several times", according to a Panel of Experts report submitted to the UN Security Council.

Citing "images, data and calculations", the new report claimed at least 121 shipments of refined petroleum products -- such as gasoline and diesel -- were delivered to North Korea by an unnamed member state's tankers and others.

The shipments mark Pyongyang's latest circumvention of international embargoes meant to stem its weapons development by choking off revenue needed to keep its economy running.

Despite multiple sets of sanctions -- including limits on Pyongyang's oil imports and a ban on its exports of coal, fish and textiles -- the country has continued to develop its nuclear and ballistic missile arsenal, analysts say.

Nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been at a standstill since a summit between Kim Jong Un and then-US president Donald Trump broke down over sanctions relief and what North Korea would be willing to give up in return.

The panel of UN experts also said the North has continued to produce fissile material -- a crucial ingredient for nuclear weapons -- and has stolen more than $300 million worth of cryptocurrencies through cyberattacks to support its banned nuclear programmes.

Pyongyang's "total theft of virtual assets from 2019 to November 2020 is valued at approximately $316.4 million", the report said, citing a UN member state.

cdl/lb/oho
Sri Lanka has ended its forced cremation policy by allowing the burial of two persons who died due to coronavirus, Army Chief General Shavendra Silva said on March 5. Nearly a year ago, the island nation, foisted stringent rules which said that the bodies of those who die by the coronavirus should only be buried, not cremated. The mandatory order had sparked both domestic and international outrage especially from the Muslim community, a minority community in Sri Lanka.

However, in February, the government revised the controversial order. Later, it released the modified version of the gazette notification stating that both cremations and burials are allowed. The government had briefly allowed burials in December last year, but the move was retracted quickly. According to the official records, the country has reported a total of 84,960 positive cases and nearly 500 deaths since the pandemic first emerged last year.

Read: Sri Lanka Approves New Port Development With India And Japan

Read: IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria Meets PM Mahinda Rajapaksa During 2-day Visit To Sri Lanka

COVID Vaccination

Sri Lankas drug regulatory body, earlier this, month, approved the Russian Sputnik V vaccine as the second available for use in the Indian Ocean island nation. The state minister overseeing pharmaceutical products, Channa Jayasumana, said Sri Lanka has requested doses from Russias Gamaleya Research Institute and was awaiting confirmation of the amount it would get.

The country is already administering the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute in India. It received 1 million doses, half donated and half purchased from the institute. Starting in January with frontline health workers, Sri Lanka has given the vaccine to more than 550,000 people. According to a report by AP, the Rajapaksha government plans to purchase 10 million Oxford-AstraZeneca doses for $52.5 million from the Serum Institute, and it has decided to enter into an agreement with the AstraZeneca Institute in Britain to buy 3.5 million more. Sri Lanka has counted 84,225 cases of COVID-19 with 484 fatalities.

Read: The Latest: Sri Lanka Approves Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine

Read: IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria Meets PM Mahinda Rajapaksa During 2-day Visit To Sri Lanka

With inputs from Associated Press

(Image credits: AP)
A man has been shot by police after injuring at least eight people with an axe in Sweden.

Investigators are looking into a possible terror motive for the attack in Vetlanda, a small town in the countrys south.

Some of the victims are believed to have been seriously injured, according to authorities.

A suspect was shot and hospitalised, a police spokesperson said. The man, in his 20s, has also been arrested, they added.

The Swedish prime minister said on Wednesday evening it was not clear exactly what happened and what the motive was for the attack, which police said was carried out by a lone perpetrator who seriously injured several people in the town.

In the light of what has emerged so far in the police investigation, prosecutors have initiated a preliminary investigation into terrorist crimes, Stefan Lofven said.

Police, who initially said the attack was not believed to be terror-related, were called to reports of a man attacking people with an axe in Vetlanda around 3pm local time (2pm GMT) on Wednesday.

The suspect attacked at least five different locations in the small town, which has a population of around 13,000 people and sits around 340km south of Stockholm.

We heard a scream from the street. Then we saw a man enter the store, shouting that he had been stabbed, Asa Karlqvist, owner of a florist shop, told local newspaper Vetlanda-Posten.

Blood was pouring from his shoulder, so we got towels and applied pressure on the wound, she said.

Investigators said on Wednesday they had started a preliminary investigation into attempted murder with details that make us investigate any terrorist motives.

The suspect was previously known to police for minor crimes, a police spokesperson said.

Mr Lofven condemned the terrible violence in his statement and said Swedens security service SAPO was working with police on the attack.

We confront such heinous acts with the combined force of our society, he added.

Additional reporting by agencies
House Bill 4049, Transfer power to close schools during epidemic to locals: Passed 20 to 15 in the Senate

To establish that the director of the Department of Health and Human Services does not have the authority to issue epidemic-related emergency orders that close schools for in-person instruction or prohibit school sporting events. The legislature gave this authority to the state health department director in the Public Health Code enacted in 1978; the bill would amend that law by instead giving this authority to local health departments.

31 Sen. Kevin Daley, R - Attica, Y

32 Sen. Kenneth Horn, R - Frankenmuth, Y

36 Sen. Jim Stamas, R - Midland, Y

Senate Bill 11, Require concealed pistol permits be processed during state of emergency: Passed 20 to 15 in the Senate

To establish that the emergency executive orders issued by the governor or the state health department do not relieve county clerks of their duty to process concealed pistol carry permits, or the State Police of their duty to provide fingerprinting services for this.

31 Sen. Kevin Daley, R - Attica, Y

32 Sen. Kenneth Horn, R - Frankenmuth, Y

36 Sen. Jim Stamas, R - Midland, Y

Senate Bill 118, Revise sanction on school district that hires unlicensed teacher: Passed 35 to 0 in the Senate

To revise a law that punishes a school district that hires an instructor, counselor or administrator who has not complied with the licensure mandates imposed by law on these professions. Currently, the amount paid to the individual is deducted from state school aid. The bill would deduct 50 percent for 10 days after a district is notified, and then revert to the usual 100% deduction. The same law makes it a felony subject to a $1,500 fine for a school official who fails to comply. The Senate Fiscal Agency reports that just under $1.0 million in penalties was assessed on districts in the 2019-20 school year.

31 Sen. Kevin Daley, R - Attica, Y

32 Sen. Kenneth Horn, R - Frankenmuth, Y

36 Sen. Jim Stamasm, R - Midland, Y

House Bill 4048, Allocate more state and federal coronavirus relief dollars to schools: Passed 31 to 4 in the Senate

To appropriate $1.946 billion in additional school spending in the 2021-22 fiscal year, of which $1.876 billion is federal money and $170 million comes from state tax collections. However, $840 million of the federal money may only be spent if House Bill 4049 becomes law, which transfers the power to close schools during an epidemic from the state health department to local health departments.

31 Sen. Kevin Daley, R - Attica, Y

32 Sen. Kenneth Horn, R - Frankenmuth, Y

36 Sen. Jim Stamas, R - Midland, Y

House Bill 4048, Allocate more state and federal coronavirus relief dollars to schools: Passed 77 to 33 in the House

The House vote on the school spending bill described above.

95 Rep. Amos O'Neal, D - Saginaw, N

96 Rep. Timothy Beson, R - Bay City, Y

97 Rep. Jason Wentworth, R - Clare, Y

98 Rep. Annette Glenn, R - Midland, Y

99 Rep. Roger Hauck, R - Mount Pleasant, Y

House Bill 4047, Appropriate state and federal coronavirus dollars: Passed 34 to 1 in the Senate

To appropriate $2.309 billion in state and federal epidemic relief dollars, with $1.677 federal money and $632 million coming from state taxpayers. Of this, $600 million would go for food stamps, $150 million for unemployment benefits, $150 million to temporary raises for front-line social welfare direct care workers, $110 million for vaccines, $547 million for more coronavirus testing and lab grants, $282 million in rental housing subsidies of which $62 million is for administration, $300 million state dollars for property tax relief and much more. Of the testing and lab grant dollars, $347.3 million can only be spent if a bill passes limiting state health department emergency orders to 28 days without legislative approval (see Senate Bill 1).

31 Sen. Kevin Daley, R - Attica, Y

32 Sen. Kenneth Horn, R - Frankenmuth, Y

36 Sen. Jim Stamas, R - Midland, Y

House Bill 4047, Appropriate state and federal coronavirus dollars: Passed 85 to 25 in the House

The House vote on the supplemental spending bill described above.

95 Rep. Amos O'Neal, D - Saginaw, N

96 Rep. Timothy Beson, R - Bay City, Y

97 Rep. Jason Wentworth, R - Clare, Y

98 Rep. Annette Glenn, R - Midland, Y

99 Rep. Roger Hauck, R - Mount Pleasant, Y

House Bill 4061, Restrict Integrated Public Alert Warning System use by governor: Passed 63 to 47 in the House

To prohibit officials including the governor from using an official Integrated Public Alert Warning System to transmit an announcement of a new law or change in government policy, and instead limit its use to emergencies involving immediate or nearly immediate loss of life or property. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used this system during a 2020 state of emergency she had ordered to make announcements that did not meet this standard. The system is described as a secure network connecting all of the public alert and warning systems in the United States into a single system.

95 Rep. Amos O'Neal, D - Saginaw, N

96 Rep. Timothy Beson, R - Bay City, Y

97 Rep. Jason Wentworth, R - Clare, Y

98 Rep. Annette Glenn, R - Midland, Y

99 Rep. Roger Hauck, R - Mount Pleasant, Y

Source: MichiganVotes.org, a free, non-partisan website created by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, providing concise, non-partisan, plain-English descriptions of every bill and vote in the Michigan House and Senate. Visit www.MichiganVotes.org.

Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy. Very hot. High 104F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 74F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
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PHILIPSBURG:--- Building on his passion to assist young potential entrepreneurs, businessman Khalil Revan, in collaboration with Shoreline Beach Bar, hosted a business information workshop last Thursday. It was held at Shoreline Beach Bar located at the Kimsha Parking lot.

The workshop was for young men and women as part of Revans Dreams to Reality series. Coming of the family background of entrepreneurs, the series is Revans initiative to have representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Qredits and the NRPB Enterprise Support Project (ESP) share information directly with interested persons.

The project is focused on encouraging and informing young persons in the community to start their own businesses and become active participants in the economy of St. Maarten. The topics discussed on Thursday were registering your business at the chamber of commerce, the importance of tax compliance, the Qredits application process, the importance of establishing and utilizing a business plan, the ESP program of NRPB, and the application process.

There were some 30 people in attendance that got the opportunity to network and with the chamber, Qredits, and NRPB representatives. Many people are willing and have dreams of owning a business. But it can seem daunting without the proper information. This series of sessions reinforces that nothing is impossible, there is assistance out there and there is a network to tap into to get you on your way. Many thanks to the representatives of the three entities present and for those who participated, Revan said.
Erik Trautmann / Hearst Connecticut Media

Here we go again with the Norwalk Board of Educations perpetual Big Ask budget.

It goes something like this: 1. The BOE and Norwalk Public Schools management submit a very large increase for the upcoming year. 2. Next, they say they made a mistake and need even more money. 3. Norwalks CFO removes the fluff in the NPS budget. 4. NPS management and BOE are aghast and assail Norwalks CFO. 5. NPSs own CFO says that they can cut just a few million dollars, but no more. 6. The state gives more money to NPS which says it didnt know it was being given to them. 7. NPS management and BOE still want the original increase and are battling behind the scenes to get it. 8. Norwalks politicians tell NPS management and BOE not to worry, that the money will be given to them through special appropriations during the year and that these appropriations will not be added to the school budget. Lets make it difficult for taxpayers to find out. Look for this scenario next year! Just how much money (through its budget and city special appropriations) has been given to Norwalk Public Schools this budget year? Whats the real per pupil spending?

Equality Act would jeopardize pro-life pregnancy centers, Save the Storks CEO warns

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If the Equality Act becomes law, it will jeopardize the freedoms of pregnancy resource centers and hinder other pro-life protections, warns Save the Storks' CEO Diane Ferraro.

Ferraro of Save the Storks told The Christian Post in a Thursday interview that if the Equality Act passes the Senate, pro-life centers and nonprofit organizations would be endangered.

If the Equality Act passes, the religious freedom will be taken away, and as a Christian nonprofit organization that partners with pregnancy resource centers across the state, we believe in equality for every woman as well as for every human being, Ferraro said. [This] could strip away those privileges and those rights that our pregnancy resource centers have right now.

The 500-page plus bill, which passed in the House by a vote of 224-206 on Feb. 25, bans discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity. It would also inhibit healthcare providers and faith-based organizations from having autonomy and nullify conscience protections for those who object to participating in abortions.

Employees in faith-based organizations such as a pregnancy resource center could be asked to do things against their religious beliefs or against their conscience , Ferraro said. They could also be forced to hire people that are pro-choice.  This is very detrimental to what they believe and goes against why they are in the pro-life space in the first place.

The Equality Act states, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition [which includes abortion] shall not receive less favorable treatment than other physical conditions.

This means the bill could require doctors to perform abortion despite moral objections, leave no protection for employers who have religious objections to covering abortion and abortion-inducing drugs in their healthcare coverage, and require taxpayer funding of abortion in federal government healthcare plans as well as for those who receive federal funding," according to Alliance Defending Freedom.

The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention said of the Equality Act that it would be the most pro-abortion bill ever passed by Congress and noted that it would redefine the term sex to include pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition.

Melanie Israel, a research associate for the conservative think-tank the Heritage Foundation, wrote in an online commentary that the Equality Act is a Trojan horse for the abortion lobby and would have a devastating impact on current pro-life policies.

Israel asserted that the bill would eliminate prohibitions on taxpayer-funded abortions on the state and federal level, reverse pro-life protections of religious people and organizations gained by long-fought court battles, and end conscience-protection provisions for individuals in healthcare.

The Equality Act is now with the Senate and will require 60 votes to bring it to a vote. President Joe Biden has already promised to sign in into law.

Ferraro said that in 2019, 2,700 pregnancy resource centers across the country served nearly 2 million people, which saved taxpayers $270 million.

If the Equality Act passes, these services could be hindered, she explained.

Pregnancy resource centers and pro-life organizations such as Save the Storks would be in danger because we dont promote or provide abortions. We dont support abortions. We dont believe that abortion is the best for a mom, for a woman. , Ferraro said. We also believe as Christians that all human beings deserve equality. Thats what Jesus would want us to do. But the Equality Act could take liberties away that Christians need to effectively (as nonprofit or churches) serve moms with love and compassion" through pregnancy or adoption, not abortion, she added.

We truly do stand for love and compassion, and we want to make sure pregnancy resource centers can keep serving women in their communities, she added.
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Icelandair Group hf.: Candidates for the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group at the AGM on 12 March 2021

The following candidates, listed in alphabetical order, have declared their candidacy for the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group at the Annual General Meeting on 12 March 2021:

Gumundur Hafsteinsson; ID no. 290875-3319

John F. Thomas; ID no. 250359-3409

Martin J. St. George; ID no. n/a

Nina Jonsson; ID no. 100567-3189

Steinn Logi Bjornsson; ID no. 010959-5869

Sturla Omarsson; ID no. 130972-5359

Svafa Gronfeldt; ID no. 290365-3769

Ulfar Steindorsson; ID no. 030756-2829

orunn Reynisdottir; ID no. 120560-5149

Gumundur Hafsteinsson

Gudmundur Hafsteinsson is an investor and entrepreneur and previously led product development for Google Assistant at Google. He joined Google in 2014 subsequent to the merger of Google and Emu, a chat-based virtual assistant start-up he founded in 2012. Prior to the founding of Emu, he was VP Product at Siri, and stayed on after the acquisition by Apple through the launch of Siri on iPhone 4S. Prior to Siri/Apple, Gudmundur was a Senior Product Manager at Google, where he managed the initial launches of Google Maps for mobiles and Google Voice Search. Mr. Hafsteinsson holds an MBA degree from MIT and a BSc. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Iceland. He joined the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group on 8 March 2018. He neither holds shares nor share options in the Company. He has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

John F. Thomas

John F. Thomas is the owner and CEO of Waltzing Matilda Aviation LLC, a jet charter and aircraft management company based in Boston that he founded in 2008. In 2016-2017, Mr. Thomas was Group Executive at Virgin Australia Airlines where he led a financial turnaround as CEO of a AU$ 4.0bn (appr. USD 3bn) full service carrier with over 6,000 employees and 125 aircraft, and from 1990-2016 he was with the global strategy consulting firm L.E.K. Consulting, as a Managing Director/Senior Partner from 1993 and created and led the Global Aviation Practice for over 16 years. Additionally he is a Senior Advisor to the management consultancy McKinsey & Co., the aviation infrastructure firm Nieuport Aviation Infrastructure Partners GP and the tourism technology firm Plusgrade. He also sits on the Board of SkyService Inc. the largest corporate aviation provider in Canada where he also Chairs its Health and Safety committee. He continues to provide advisory work to the global airline industry. Mr. Thomas holds an MBA degree from Macquarie University Graduate School of Business (which included 9 months at the MBA program at INSEAD) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of New South Wales. He joined the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group on 6 March 2020. He holds 2,715,600 shares in the Company and subscription rights for 678,900 shares. He has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

Martin J. St. George

Martin J. St. George has been the Chief Commercial Officer of the LATAM Airlines Group since 2020. From 2019-2020 he was the Interim Chief Commercial Officer of Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA. From 2006 to 2019 he held various positions at JetBlue Airways including EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, President of JetBlue Travel Products, SVP Commercial, SVP Marketing and Commercial Strategy and VP Network Planning. From 1996-2006 he worked for United Airlines as Director Network Planning and Managing Director of Marketing and Product Development. Previous roles include marketing, strategy and network management at US Airways, United Airlines and Northwest Airlines. He has been a Board Member of the Boston College High School since 2020. Previously he was a Board Member at the Ad Club of New York (2011-2014), Long Island City Partnership (2012-2019), The Ad Council (2016-2019), US Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Advisory Board (2016-2018) and Discover Puerto Rico Strategic Advisory Board (2016-2019), Mr. St. George holds an SB degree in Civil Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He neither holds shares nor share options in the Company. He has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

Nina Jonsson

Nina Jonsson is currently a Senior Advisor at aviation consultancy Plane View Partners and a board member at aviation technology firm FLYHT. Between 2015 and 2017, she held the role of Senior Vice President Group Fleet at Air France-KLM Group where she was responsible for group-wide fleet strategy, aircraft sourcing, leasing and sales. Previously, Ms. Jonsson held a number of other executive positions within the aviation industry including Fleet Management Officer at the Bristow Group (2012-15), Director Fleet Planning at United Airlines (2006-2011) and Director Fleet Management at US Airways (2002-2005). Ms. Jonsson holds an MBA degree from Rensselaer Polytechic Institute and a B.Sc. degree in Air Transport Management from the University of New Haven. She joined the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group on 6 March 2020. She neither holds shares nor share options in the Company. She has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

Steinn Logi Bjornsson

Steinn Logi Bjornsson was the CEO and 50% owner of Bluebird Nordic from 2014 to 2020. He was the SVP of Marketing & Sales at Icelandair from 1996 to 2005 but during 1985 to 1996 he held various positions within Icelandair, such as Assistant to the President, Director Continental Europe, Africa & Asia and Director of the Americas. He was the President & CEO of Husasmidjan from 2005 to 2010 and President & CEO of Skipti from 2011 to 2013. He is currently a Board Member of Kynnisferir-Reykjavik Excursions and the American-Icelandic Chamber of Commerce. He was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hagar from 2010 to 2012, Steinull ehf. from 2009 to 2010, Farice ehf. from 2007-2008, Loftleidir-Icelandic from 2004 to 2005, Island Tours from 1996 to 2004, Iceland Travel ehf. from 1997 to 2012, the Icelandic Travel Industry (SAF) from 1998 to 2003 and the American-Icelandic Chamber of Commerce from 1994-1996. He is also a former Board Member of Nordic Visitor and various Internet and IT companies such as Salt/Vyre, Amadeus Island, TripCreator ehf. and Ferasmiurinn ehf. Mr. Bjornsson holds a BA degree in Economics from Drew University and an MBA degree from Columbia University. He holds 32,911 shares in the Company and further 14,230,716 shares in the Company and subscription rights for 3,307,679 shares through Rock Holding ehf. He has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders except for being a Board Member of Kynnisferir.

Sturla Omarsson

Sturla Omarsson worked as a Pilot and Commander for Icelandair from 1998 to 2020. He was also a Type Rating Instructor at the Company from 2016 to 2019. He was a Board Member of the FIA Pension Fund (EFIA) from 2010-2013 and has been the Chairman of the Board since 2013. Previous positions include working at the finance departments of the National Hospital and the Icelandic Transport Authority. He has also undertaken various assignments for the Icelandic Pilots Association such as being a member of the negotiation committee. Mr. Omarsson graduated as a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor from Flugskoli Islands. Furthermore, he holds a BSc degree in Business Administration from the University of Iceland and an MsC degree in Corporate Finance from Reykjavik University. He holds 2,500,000 shares in the Company and subscription rights for 675,000 shares. He has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

Svafa Gronfeldt

Svafa Gronfeldt is a Professor of Practice at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is a founding member of MITs newest innovation accelerator DesignX focused on the design and development of technology- and service-based ventures created at MIT. Svafa is the co-founder of The MET fund, a Cambridge based seed investment fund. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Ossur since 2008 was a Board Member of Origo from 2019 to 2021. Previous positions include executive leadership positions at two global life science companies where she served as Chief Organizational Development Officer of Alvogen and Deputy to the CEO of Actavis Group. Her executive career has been focused on organizational design for high growth companies, strategy implementation, service process design for operational improvement and performance tracking. She is a former President of Reykjavik University. Svafa holds a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics where she examined the impact of customer-oriented behaviours and service design on business outcomes. She joined the Board of Icelandair Group on 8 March 2019. She holds 10,000.000 shares in the Company and subscription rights for 2,500,000 shares. She has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

Ulfar Steindorsson

Ulfar Steindorsson is CEO and Chairman of Toyota in Iceland ehf. and Ju ehf. He was CEO of Primex ehf. in Siglufjordur from 2002 to 2004 and CEO of the New Business Venture Fund from 1999 to 2002. Ulfar is Chairman of the Board of Bilautleigan ehf., Okkar bilaleiga ehf., Motormax and TK bilar ehf. He is Board member of Toyota in Iceland ehf., Fagkaup ehf., UK fjarfestingar ehf., Skorri ehf., Keila ehf. and My Car ehf. and a vice board member of Blaa loni ehf. Ulfar holds a Cand. Oecon. degree from the University of Iceland and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. He joined the Board of Icelandair Group on 15 September 2010. He holds 17,240,000 shares in the Company and subscription rights for 1,250,000 shares through JU ehf. He has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders.

orunn Reynisdottir

orunn Reynisdottir has been the CEO of Feraskrifstofa Islands since 2015 and has been the CEO & owner of Iceland Reps since 2012. She was the VP of sales & marketing at Iceland Express from 2011 to 2012, the CEO of Destination Europe in the USA from 2005 to 2011, the CEO & owner of AVIS Iceland from 1998 to 2005. Previously she held various positions within Icelandair Group from 1978 to 1998 such as being Director of Sales Icelandair / Hertz Iceland (1989-1998), Managing Director of Hotel Loftleidir (1992-1995), Station Manager in Denmark (1987-1898) and working for Icelandair Cargo in daily operations and sales & marketing (1978-1986). Ms. Reynisdottir holds a degree in Business from the University of Iceland. Furthermore, she holds an IATA Passenger and Cargo Operation diploma and has received the Sabre Excellent Award in USA and As we try harder award worldwide. She holds 150,000 shares in the Company but has no option rights. She has no interest links with the Companys main customers, competitors or major shareholders except for being the CEO of Feraskrifstofa Islands.

It is the conclusion of the Board of Directors of Icelandair Group that all the candidates are independent of the Company, its management and significant shareholders except for Sturla Omarsson who has been an employee of Icelandair ehf. within the previous three years.

Candidates to the Nomination Committee

The following candidates have declared candidacy to the Nomination Committee of Icelandair Group at the Annual General Meeting on 12 March 2021.

Helga Arnadottir; id.no.120371-3479

Hjorleifur Palsson; id.no 281163-4269

According to the Companys Articles of Association the Annual General Meeting elects two members for the Nomination Committee. As two have declared candidacy, these candidates will be elected to the Nomination Committee without ballot at the meeting.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on public gatherings the Board of Directors has decided that Icelandair Groups Annual General Meeting on 12 March 2021 will be held electronically, cf. Article 4.6 of the Companys Articles of Association. Shareholders who intend to participate electronically at the AGM shall register no later than at 4 pm on Sunday 7 March 2021.

Further information:

Ari Gujonsson, General Counsel

e-mail: ari@icelandairgroup.is
Gordon Elliott apologised for his disgraceful conduct as the leading trainer saw his licence banned for a year  the last six months of which are suspended  by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB).

Mr Elliott was before the Referrals Committee of the IHRB at Naas racecourse yesterday after a picture, taken in 2019, emerged last weekend of the Meath trainer sitting on top of a dead horse, seven-year-old gelding Morgan, on his gallops.

The 43-year-old was found in breach of Rule 272 (i) which relates to the proper conduct and good reputation of horse racing after the controversial photo caused serious damage to the racing industry.

Mr Elliott told the three-person committee, chaired by Mr Justice Raymond Groarke and accompanied by Mrs Justice Siobhan Keegan and Nick Wachman, that his ill-judged conduct was disgraceful, horrific, wholly inappropriate and distasteful.

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The IHRB acknowledged the receipt of an avalanche of complaints with the matter rightly and fully scrutinised in the media and Mr Elliott was said to have fully cooperated during their investigations without contesting the fact of the photograph.

The Committee deduced that the image showed the most appalling bad taste with a complete absence of respect for the horse at a time when he still remains in his charge.

The photo was deemed to have caused enormous distress for those inside and outside of racing with Mr Elliott callously participating in posing for a photograph which, given all the circumstances, was entirely inappropriate.

It was clearly noted that Mr Elliotts case was not an act of cruelty to animals or an animal welfare issue, however, with horses in his care looked after to the highest standards and his success being testament to the care and attention given to his 200-plus team at Cullentra.

The committee also noted a sinister aspect to the case with publication believed to be part of a concerted attack upon Mr Elliott given the timing of the photos release, two years after it was taken.

In their sanction considerations, the committee judged that Mr Elliotts actions have damaged the reputation of the Irish racing and the thoroughbred industry but they felt that he had shown genuine remorse for his extraordinarily foolish actions.

The sanction to be visited upon Mr Elliott by this committee is but one of a plethora of punishments which he is already suffering and will likely continue to suffer, the IHRB judgement read.

These include serious damage to his reputation and, anecdotally, substantial economic loss through loss of business contracts and departure of horses from his yard to be trained elsewhere.

Evidence given by the IHRBs senior medical officer Dr Jennifer Pugh highlighted the effects of the photo scandal on Mr Elliotts health as well as the considerable adverse consequences to his staff and businesses in the locality of his Longwood

yard.

Mr Elliott had his licence terminated for 12 months  the last six months suspended  as well as incurring costs of 15,000 to the IHRB while he stated that he will not attend a race meeting or a point-to-point for six months with his ban commencing on Tuesday.

Mr Elliott, who has sent out nearly 2,000 career winners and notched a double at Fairyhouse yesterday, will be back in time for the start of the next jumps season with his ban concluding in September.

Contingency plans are understood to be in place for the sizeable string of horses under Mr Elliotts care to be transferred to another licence holder and he will have no runners in his name at the Cheltenham Festival, jump racings marquee meeting, later this month.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) had placed a temporary ban on Mr Elliott having a runner on British soil until a verdict was reached, but prominent Cheltenham hopes like dual Aintree Grand National winner Tiger Roll could still take part.

If horses are transferred to other licensed trainers prior to March 9  when the suspension is due to commence  they will be able to run, a BHA statement said last night.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin labelled Mr Elliotts behaviour as absolutely unacceptable and the under-fire trainer had no complaints with the verdict as he prepares to bounce back from the biggest challenge of his career.

I have a long road ahead but I will serve my time and then build back better, Elliott said.
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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 09:32:19|Editor: huaxia

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A tourist feeds black-headed gulls in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Feb. 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Guansen)

"China is expressing confidence in its future and its ability to deliver improved economic outcomes for the Chinese people," said Allan Behm, director of International and Security Affairs Program at The Australia Institute.

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China made significant strategic achievements in epidemic prevention and control and became the only major economy with positive growth last year, experts have said, adding that the blueprint laid out in the government work report has brought new hope for the world's economic recovery and boosted confidence in global development.

Attending the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress on Friday in Beijing, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang presented the government work report on behalf of the State Council to the legislature for deliberation.

Japanese economist Hidetoshi Tashiro said the Chinese government has adopted a long-term vision in formulating its development plans, especially in key areas, which is very admirable.

Workers weld at a workshop of an automobile manufacturing enterprise in Qingzhou City, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 28, 2021. (Photo by Wang Jilin/Xinhua)

The "two sessions" held as scheduled in 2021 "are of great importance," said Hussein Ismail, deputy editor-in-chief of the Arabic version of China Today magazine, adding that China is entering a new stage of development.

China aims to expand its gross domestic product (GDP) by over 6 percent in 2021, which shows "the determination and confidence of the Chinese government to promote sustained economic recovery to the world, and China will continue to boost the world economy," said Tursunali Kuziev, a professor at Uzbek University of Journalism and Mass Communications.

"China is expressing confidence in its future and its ability to deliver improved economic outcomes for the Chinese people," said Allan Behm, director of International and Security Affairs Program at The Australia Institute.

Wilson Lee Flores, a columnist for the English daily The Philippine Star, said that China's achievements in the fight against COVID-19, its reviving economic growth and its commitment to greater openness and international cooperation are positive catalysts for global recovery. 
Mali received its first batch of vaccines against COVID-19 on Friday, the first Sahel-Saharan country to receive shots through the COVAX initiative. A plane carrying 396,000 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine landed in Bamako where President Bah N'Daw and Prime Minister Moctar Ouane were among those waiting.

The leaders were joined by members of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. By Friday, Mali had registered 8,509 coronavirus cases and 358 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. As other African countries, Mali is receiving the vaccines through the COVAX mechanism created to ensure that low- and middle-income countries can access the jabs.

The COVAX delays have pushed other African countries to seek more doses elsewhere, including via bilateral deals that can be unfavourable. Ten million COVAX doses had been delivered to 11 African countries, including the most populous country in the continent, Nigeria, which received almost 4 million doses and started its vaccination campaign on Friday.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

Terminal 5 and 6 will meet direct export-import needs to the European and American markets

Investment capital for the project is VND6.425 trillion ($279.35 million), 15 per cent of which will be equity while the remaining 85 per cent will come from loans and other sources.

The project will be separated into two phases, with the first one (VND6.073 trillion [$264 million]) lasting from 2020 to 2025, and the VND352.23 billion ($15.3 million) second one from 2030 until after 2030.

Terminals 5 and 6 will be 375m long each and be able to receive vessels of 100,000DWT. It is being invested by HATECO Group JSC and will operate for 70 years.

The construction of phase 1 is expected to take four years from the approval of the decision on investment policy, while phase 2 is expected to be built within one year.

The two terminals are going to facilitate goods export and import from the north directly to the European and American markets. Additionally, it also contributes to the development of Dinh Vu-Cat Hai Economic Zone, promoting the socioeconomic development of Hai Phong city and the northern area.

Hai Phong City People's Committee is in charge of checking and supervising HATECO Group and the project's implementation process.

Additionally, the committee coordinates with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to direct and guide HATECO Group in assessing the environmental impacts of the project.
Attackers at the police station (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Hanoi police on March 5 summoned three persons suspected of sexually attacking foreign women in Tay Ho district.

They also confessed to commit the act as reported by victims.

The same day, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh also asked the municipal Peoples Committee to direct competent agencies to promptly verify behaviours of harassment against women around the West Lake as recently reported by the media.

Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Chu Ngoc Anh requested local police to seriously punish offenders and take measures to prevent similar occurrence.

Director of the municipal police Lieut. Gen Nguyen Hai Trung assigned the criminal police office to work with Tay Ho districts counterparts to promptly investigate the case and punish those who committed such acts in line with the law.

BJP nominates former Union minister Pon Radhakrishnan for Kanyakumari Lok Sabha bypoll

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oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P

Chennai, Mar 06: In a recent development, the BJP on Saturday named senior party leader and former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan as its candidate for the April 6 bypoll to the Kanyakumari Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu.

It can be seen that the bypoll was necessitated due to the death of Congress MP H Vasantha Kumar in August last year due to COVID-19.

Crude bomb blast: Six BJP workers injured in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas

The BJP's Central Election Committee (CEC), which met earlier under its National President JP Nadda and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, approved the candidature of Radhakrishnan, the party announced in a statement in Delhi.

On Friday, the BJP clinched its seat-sharing deal with its southern ally AIADMK for the April 6 Assembly polls in the state where the latter, the lead partner, allocated 20 seats to the BJP, besides the Kanyakumari parliamentary segment, besides extending its full support to the candidate.

Explained: Will Rahul Gandhi win over south Indian votes by sea-diving, dancing and eating biryani?

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

Radhakrishnan had won from Kanyakumari in the 2014 parliamentary polls to be inducted in then Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA dispensation as Minister of State, but lost the subsequent 2019 Lok Sabha elections to Mr Kumar from the same constituency.

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Story first published: Saturday, March 6, 2021, 13:53 [IST]
Kate Cullen and Guevara Hughes on the official poster for the short film 4x4'

When a film producer contacted a Wexford company enquiring about hiring quads, it resulted in a local woman and her teenage cousin taking the lead roles in a short movie which is to be shown as part of Dublin International Film Festival opening this week.

Twenty-five-year-old Kate Cullen and her 17-year-old cousin Guevara Hughes play two sisters in '4x4', a film written and directed by Ayla Amano and produced by Aishling Malone.

In 1998, Kate's farm-based family started the business that is now Quadventure and Guevara is her younger cousin who lives nearby in Killegney, Clonroche.

Looking for land and quads to use for the film, the producer did a Google search and found Quadventure before getting in contact with the Cullens.

'They also asked if we knew of any young girls who were able to drive the quads well. That's when I took over the conversations with them. Guevara and I did video auditions together and facetimed Ayla,' said Kate.

'We knew they were on the fence about choosing girls who were natural on the quads but were not professional actors as opposed to choosing actors who were not natural quad drivers. Thankfully they decided to go with us.'

It's the first film work that Kate has ever done, even though she has always had a passion for acting and wants to pursue it as a career - in the meantime, she works as a Technical Product Manager with Mastercard.

Growing up, she was a member of County Wexford Youth Theatre, Rathnure Pantomime Society and while studying Enterprise Computing in DCU, she was part of the college Drama Society.

She said '4x4' was easy for the pair to work on because it was such a natural relationship and setting for them. 'Guevara is my younger cousin and lives over the road from me. We are super close, and she has always been like a little sister to me.'

'Ayla Amano, our amazing writer and director made our jobs so easy and so much fun at the same time. I loved every minute of the filming process and the whole experience. The crew were amazing to work with.'

Guevara is a 5th year student attending Colaiste Bride in Enniscorthy and had little or no acting experience before joining the film project but was always interested in the profession.

'Kate and I were extremely lucky to have been picked to play the roles of Sam and Edie. The roles came naturally to both of us as we grew up surrounded by quads and farm life, Kate more so than I.

'It was a supernatural experience thanks to the amazing guidance of Ayla Amano, who is extremely talented. She really took me under her wing during this project. It was an amazing experience and I hope to do more projects in the future.'

Set in the heart of rural Ireland, 4X4 is about two teenage sisters who set out on their daily rounds to feed the animals. But tensions soon mount between them when they discover a pest caught in a trap and must decide what to do with it.

Kate said her favourite scene was one shot in a quarry because it was light and fun to perform. 'I loved the atmosphere the cast and crew created during production. We were all really proud of the film.'

'My favourite thing about the film in general was the fact of how well it represented the relationship between sisters, one minute you're fighting the next you're going for a spin on your quad and having fun.

Since the filming of '4x4', she has been involved in two music videos -she had a small part in Robert Grace's video for his song 'Fake Fine' and a video for K.P. Ring's song 'Not a Hopeless Place'.

Kate is currently auditioning and actively looking for new roles. 'After '4X4', I got to be part of an advert for Failte Ireland, promoting Wexford which will be out in the springtime.'

Ayla Amani studied Screenwriting and Directing at South Seas Film and Television School in Auckland, New Zealand, winning Best Film and Best Screenplay in her graduating year.

In 2018 she moved to Vancouver, Canada where she focused on documentary filmmaking, co-directing and writing a feature documentary for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation..

She now lives in Cork and received a Special Mention for Best Director for '4X4' at the Cork International Film Festival in November last.

The film is showing as part of this year's shorts programme at the Virgin Media Dublin International Film Festival, which is taking place online from March 3-14. For tickets and full listings see diff.ie.
Andy Stanley 'embarrassed as a Christian' by churches that sparred with gov't over COVID lockdowns

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Pastor Andy Stanley of Atlanta's North Point Community Church said he is embarrassed by churches that engaged in spitting matches with state and local governments over COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, lamenting that far too many churches abandoned the mission for the sake of the model.

Stanley, who made headlines last year when he announced that his Atlanta-area multisite church would not resume in-person worship services until 2021, said during Expoentials Future of the Church event on Thursday that many churches across the country had the exact wrong approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The thing that has been concerning to me about the local church is how quickly so many local churches felt like, We've got to get back in our building, shoulder to shoulder, doing what we've always done, Stanley said.

It was the exact wrong response to COVID because we had an opportunity ... of a lifetime to do new things, try new things, experiment with new things because we couldn't do the old things. And instead of focusing on what we can't do, we should have been 100% ... focused on what we can do.

The megachurch pastor said he was embarrassed by the churches that sued and engaged in a spitting match with local governments over COVID-19 restrictions.

I thought, Wait a minute. We're the Body of Christ. We're not in it to win it. As you're in it to win it, you've abandoned our New Testament mandate. We're in it to serve, and there is more need than there's ever been. Everybody's experiencing the same thing, all at the same time  that's never happened before. Not just all over our communities, our country, but the whole world, he charged.

The pastor stressed hes not discounting the pain and suffering and the job loss and the death Atlanta experienced due to COVID-19, but said the pandemic presented the church with a tremendous opportunity to focus on external ministries and accelerate online programs.

[We were able to do] so much more in the community because the community had our undivided attention, he said, revealing that The Red Cross biggest blood drive was held at North Point.

I know it sounds like I'm bragging, but I'm so proud of our staff and our churches and the adults in our church who put up with me saying, No, we're not going to meet. I know the church down the street's meeting ... But we are intentionally re-deploying and refocusing our attention at this time because this is a unique opportunity, and it's going to come to an end, but we need to take full advantage of the opportunity.

The pastor said that North Point learned so much in the wake of COVID-19, adding: We're going to carry so much of what we've learned forward.

He stressed to other church leaders, You marry the mission, you date the model.

You inspire people to follow Jesus  that's our mission. You date the model: Shoulder to shoulder in a building, singing songs and worshiping and listening to sermons. I know I'm going to get in trouble for saying this  all that is, is a model.

He continued: During this season, you abandon the model for the sake of the mission. But the local churches that abandoned the mission for the sake of the model and rushed back into the model. ... I feel like we, in some cases, missed an extraordinary opportunity, especially the churches that got in a spitting match ... with local and state governments. That was just embarrassing to me as a Christian.

Churches across the U.S. have grappled with how to operate amid ever-changing circumstances presented by state government lockdowns in response to COVID-19.

Most notably, Pastor John MacArthurs Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, has been embroiled in a legal court battle with the county for months after the church openly defied public health restrictions amid COVID-19. MacArthur has held in-person services since July of last year amid the ongoing series of restrictions in California.

In a recent interview, Pastor Rick Warren of the California-based Saddleback Church said he rejects the notion that churches are being discriminated against. He posited that COVID-19 revealed a fundamental weakness in the Church, which was that most churches see worship as their sole purpose.

And if you take worship away, youve got nothing. Theyre in a hurry to get back to worship because thats all theyve got, he said.

But the 20,000-member Saddleback Church is built not on one purpose, but on five, Warren explained.

You take one circle out, weve still got four other circles. Weve got ministry going on. Weve got mission going on. Weve got fellowship going on. Weve got discipleship going on. Those all stand on their own.
The Accra Juvenile Court C has remanded a Junior High School (JHS) final year pupil of the Nungua Kroma Two JHS, for allegedly assaulting a teacher who punished him for failure to do his homework.



He has denied conspiring with 15 other men to assault the teacher and has been remanded into Police custody, his plea was not taken by the court.



The court ordered the suspect to make his next appearance on March 18, 2021, whiles efforts were underway to apprehend his accomplices.



The prosecution told the Court that the accused (name withheld) refused to do his homework and after he was punished for that, he dashed home to call 15 other young men who allegedly stormed the school in a Sprinter Bus and attacked the teacher, inflicting wounds on his face.



The prosecution said the teacher and the complainant, Mr Moses Onyameasem, was rescued by his colleagues and rushed to the LEKMA Hospital, Accra, where he was treated and discharged.



The prosecution said after the attack, the mother of the pupil also allegedly besieged the school and assaulted the teacher verbally.



According to the Prosecution the development led to the closure of the School and others in the community.



Prosecution said on Monday, February 22, at about 1215 hours, the teacher, accompanied by one Roger Asempa, the Head Teacher of the school, came to the Police Station with a head injury to report of an assault.



The prosecution said the teacher reported that earlier at about 1200 hours, a student in his class and 15 other young men from the Nungua town came to the School in a bus to physically assault him.



The prosecution said a medical report form was issued to him to seek medical attention, whilst a joint stakeholder meeting was held over the incident.



At the meeting were Madam Monica Ankrah, the Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, the Municipal Director of Education, Madam Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, and the Member of Parliament for Krowor, and representatives of the Ghana National Association of Teachers, Parent-Teacher Associations and traditional authorities.



The prosecution said the Police then assured the teachers of adequate security in and around the school.

Source: GNA









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Eventually, someone always asks actor Jason Watkins to walk on his hands. He's been doing it since he was nine and he once came close to breaking the world record for distance covered.

Jaws drop, and not just because he's quite nimble for a 54-year-old. Sometimes they drop because of what he's wearing when he springs into position.

'I did it on the set of The Crown while dressed as Harold Wilson,' he says. 'It did get a laugh.' If the stage and TV work dries up, who knows when the skill might come in handy? 'There could be a circus out there,' he agrees.

His flexibility extends to hisacting. He admits he's made a career out of playing oddballs. He's wowed in serious dramas like The Lost Honour Of Christopher Jefferies (for which he won a BAFTA), but also in comedies like W1A and Trollied.

Jason Watkins admits he's made a career out of playing oddballs. He's wowed in serious dramas like The Lost Honour Of Christopher Jefferies (for which he won a BAFTA), but also in comedies like W1A and Trollied

It takes versatility to be cast both as a vampire leader in Being Human and as Mr Humphries in the BBC revival of Are You Being Served?. 'And in lockdown people are discovering things in box sets that I've been in previously, which is quite nice,' he says.

He's just returned to our screens in the second series of hit ITV detective drama McDonald & Dodds, which pairs the go-getting young DCI McDonald (played by Cold Feet's Tala Gouveia) with Jason's nerdy, oddly precise DS Dodds.

On the surface Dodds is 'bland, beige, middle-aged', yet he has 'a presence', says Jason. 'He's one of those people who's easily overlooked, but he's actually rather good at what he does.'

Hurrah for the beige people then. Jason finds them appealing to play. 'Dodds is gentle, subtle and effective. He'll get to the finishing line,' he says.

There are parallels with his own life. In his twenties Jason was told he wasn't leading man material ('Well, look at me. I'm not Brad Pitt,' he says) and that success, if it came, probably wouldn't happen until he was 40.

And so it came about. He nearly gave up and had to be financially supported by his wife Clara. He even joined her working in her jewellery business for a while.

'And I've never forgotten it,' he says. 'I'm doing OK today, but it took a long time to build that. As a character actor it takes a while to even get in the room.'

He's not only in the room now, but choosing the furnishings. He says he'd like to give Hollywood a whirl. 'I'm not going to be cast as a superhero, but I could play a villain.

He's just returned to our screens in the second series of hit ITV detective drama McDonald & Dodds, which pairs the go-getting young DCI McDonald (played by Cold Feet's Tala Gouveia, left) with Jason's nerdy, oddly precise DS Dodds

It would be a challenge. Some of the stuff coming out there is brilliant, and it has mass appeal, which is what we all want. We want our work to be seen.'

Ten years ago he would not have been making these sorts of decisions because his career took a back seat to his home life  which pretty much imploded overnight when he and Clara lost their daughter Maude to sepsis.

'Maudie', as he calls her, died on New Year's Day 2011, aged two, after developing a cough. Even after repeated visits to the doctor and A&E, they were wrongly told that Maude just had croup. She died in the night, bringing their world crashing down.

Jason and Clara's way of dealing with their seismic loss has been extraordinary. They've campaigned endlessly for charity and privately counselled other bereaved families.

Jason dedicated his BAFTA to Maude, and the film Nativity 2 ended with a moving credit to her.

Pictured: Jason Watkins as DS Dodds in McDonald & Dodds

They have two children now  Bessie, Maude's older sister, 13, and Gilbert, nine, who turned out to be a balm to their grief. Clara insisted she wanted another child soon after losing Maude.

'It was primal. Clara wanted another child not as a replacement, but because she didn't want to be cheated by life. It was a way of re-establishing her role as a mother.'

He chats about the strains of parenting in this pandemic, and the pride  and terror  of discovering your kids are just like you.

'Gilbert sits gazing out of the window when he's supposed to be working and I think, "That's how I was." 'How can you criticise your children for being the way you were?'

The bigger question is how can you have a normal family life when you've been through the worst? 'It was very hard early on,' he admits. 'Because Maude died in the night we didn't sleep as we were always worried.

'But it does ease. Children don't let you stay in that place. They're wiser than you think, and have their own needs.

'What I say to any parent now is enjoy your children. Don't expect too much of them, or yourself. Some of the nicest times are spent just hanging out with them. Just mess about!'
The Dublin woman who led gardai on a high speed chase which she live streamed on Instagram has laughed at the amount of hit hits the video got on social media.

Gemma Greene, from Coolock in north Dublin, was arrested by gardai after the lengthy chase from Dublin to Wicklow and back which ended in Ballymun last Monday.

She was released from custody and will appear before Dublin District Court later this month in connection with the incident.

In live stream of the incident which lasted just under an hour Greene can be heard singing along to music and taunting gardai as she whizzes down the M50 in her Mercedes.

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Posting on social media this week after her release she posted laughing emojis at the amount of hits her Instagram page was getting. That is mad. 2 million impressions, she said.

In an interview with todays Irish Daily Star she claimed the incident started after she was driving out of her estate and spotted a garda and thought he was going to pull her over so she sped off.

I said Im not f**king listening to this today. He didnt even put the blue lights on. He didnt even pull me to stop. I put the foot down and went for it.

She said the only reason she stopped was because she was running out of fuel.

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The incident started when Greene failed to stop for gardai shortly before 6pm on Friday. She then drove at speed on the M50 southbound towards Wicklow.

Dozens of garda vehicles joined in the chase along with the Garda helicopter and Greene drove to the Kilmacanogue exit of the N11 before turning around and heading back north towards Ballymun.

During the livestream she sings along to music and boasts about how shes outrunning gardai in her car. She can also be seen throwing an object out of the window of her vehicle during the chase as gardai pursue her.

The chase eventually stopped when Greenes car stopped at Hampton Wood in Ballymun shortly before 7pm and she excited the vehicle before numerous gardai tackled her to the ground.

Saad Salloum notes that al-Sistani's Islam is different from that in Qom and is open to other religions. In his view, The roots of the Iraqi tree are Christian. Iranian scholar says that Al-Sistani is a good choice to convey a message of peace to the Islamic world. Even in Israel the balance with the Muslim world is changing, says pacifist rabbi.

Baghdad (AsiaNews)  The meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf and the interfaith prayer in Ur of the Chaldeans are laying the foundations for an Iraq based on coexistence, pluralism, peace and a multicultural vision.

Analysts and commentators, from Iran to Israel, stress the historic significance of this mornings meeting between the pontiff and the Shia spiritual leader and the dialogue between different faiths in the birthplace of Abraham, father of the three great monotheistic religions.

This rare and special event received an unusually wide media coverage, said Saad Salloum, journalist and associate professor of political science at Baghdads prestigious Al-Mustansiriyya University, speaking to AsiaNews about the meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani.

Co-founder of the Iraqi Council for Interfaith Dialogue and president of the Masarat Foundation, dedicated to the protection of diversity, Salloum described the meeting as a symbolic visit between two similar personalities: both with great spirituality but humble; the latter lives in a small house in Najaf, considered the Shia Vatican, while the former resides in a flat in Santa Marta.

Today we saw Vatican support for a neutral Shiism, separate from politics that looks at national and patriotic aspects and condemns corruption and violent trends. For the scholar, Najaf's Islam is a very different Shia Islam from that in Qom, in ayatollah-controlled Iran; Iraqi Shiism is open to other religions.

Today Iraq has a central place in the world, a country that offers a different vision than that of the past of war and violence. This other Iraq is based on faith, culture, pluralism that finds its maximum expression in the interfaith meeting in Ur.

For us Ur is the most important place, Salloum explained. This is where Abraham began his journey and today it is a symbol for everyone.

Ultimately, The roots of the Iraqi tree are Christian, so we cannot imagine our nation without them. We work precisely for a multicultural society and, with this in mind, I am launching a project aimed at establishing a 'House of Abraham', an institution that is open not only to the three great monotheistic religions, but also able to those outside its circle, namely Zoroastrians, Yazidis, etc. We must realise that diversity is a richness. The pope's visit is a fundamental moment from this perspective.

A Muslim academic from Tehran, the capital of Iran, describes the event as very important because it brings together the head of the Church and a great Shia leader.

In his view, Peace is a message that must be spread all over the world and Ayatollah al-Sistani is a good choice to direct it to the Islamic world. He is an Islamic leader of peace and we hope that this will be emphasised in his meeting with the Pope and that it will be underscored by the media around the world.

From Israel, Jeremy Milgrom, an Israeli rabbi and member of Rabbis for Human Rights, said: I have spent most of my life on interreligious activities, so I can only be in favour and support events such as those of today in Najaf and Ur.

On the issue of the balance of power between Muslims and Jews, he added, an interesting process is taking place in Israel from a political point of view. In the coming election Netanyahu is seeking the support of an Islamic party which has all the cards to enter the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament) from a position of strength and autonomy.

Photo: Vatican Media



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Commissioners, Vaux discuss shortage in affordable housing

Codington County commissioners and Mark Vaux, new executive director of the Watertown Development Company, discussed issues Tuesday.
Two people are behind bars in connection with the shooting of an immigrant at a stash house in central Laredo, according to a criminal complaint filed on March 1.

The case unfolded at about 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 25, when U.S. Border Patrol agents from the Corpus Christi Station detained 24 immigrants from an eastbound Kansas City Southern train near Agua Dulce, Texas. One immigrant was identified as Noe Perez-Ixtupe. He had a bandage on his left arm.

Asked about what happened, Perez-Ixtupe stated that he was shot in the arm at a stash house in Laredo. He was able to provide GPS coordinates, and authorities located the home in the 1600 block of San Jorge Avenue. Agents in Laredo set up surveillance at the location.

The Laredo Police Department crimes against persons unit responded to ensure the safety of the residents while Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and LPD set up perimeter security at the residence on San Jorge. At about 9:30 p.m., LPD investigators and officers conducted a welfare check.

Authorities then identified the caretaker of the house as Victor Manuel Vega-Valadez, 26. He was taken to LPD headquarters for questioning. Vega-Valadez allegedly told detectives that he is an immigrant himself.

In a post-Miranda interview, Vega-Valadez stated to LPD he was harboring undocumented (immigrants) for money at his residence. Vega-Valadez further admitted he had just left two (immigrants) at a motel in Laredo, Texas, states the affidavit.

Officers responded to the Motel 6 located in the 5300 block of San Bernardo Avenue, where they found two immigrants inside a room.

HSI special agents and LPD investigators spoke to Perez-Ixtupe, a citizen of Guatemala on Feb. 26. Perez-Ixtupe stated his friend made arrangements for him to be smuggled into the United States for approximately $11,500. About $10,000 had been paid already, according to court documents.

Perez-Ixtupe stated he crossed the border illegally on Feb. 21 along with five immigrants and three guides. Then, the group was taken to a stash house in Laredo.

Perez-Ixtupe stated (that) on Feb. 23, a male smuggler shot him in the arm and then left the house, states the affidavit.

A man identified as Tarta arrived at the home about four hours later. He took Perez-Ixtupe out of the house through the back window. Perez-Ixtupe said Tarta was the caretaker of the house where he was shot at. Perez-Ixtupe and two other immigrants were taken to a second stash house, where he was kept overnight. Then a smuggler transported him to the train. Perez-Ixtupe stayed on the train until Border Patrol detained him.

Perez-Ixtupe (was) shown a 6-pack photography array, and he positively identified Vega-Valadez as the male he knows as Tarta and as the individual who was the caretaker of the stash house where he was shot at, states the affidavit.

Vega-Valadez was arrested on the state charges of smuggling of a person younger than 18 years old and smuggling of a person. He is also being charged in federal court with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport immigrants who had crossed the border illegally.

Further investigation revealed that a juvenile had shot Perez-Ixtupe, according to the affidavit. The juvenile is also being charged in connection with the incident.

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The first phase of a public consultation on the Codling Wind Park project got under way on Monday.

The joint venture between EDF Renewables and Fred Olsen Renewables is proposed to be located off the east coast between Greystones and Wicklow town.

With an expected capacity of up to 1,500 megawatts, the wind farm is said to have the potential to supply up to 70 per cent of Irish households with low carbon, low cost electricity, amounting to around 1.2 million homes.

A series of online consultation activities will take place over the coming four weeks, including two webinars hosted by the project team and a series of virtual information clinics to facilitate individual and small group meetings with project representatives.

The project is in the early development stages with a range of environmental and technical studies and site investigations scheduled to be undertaken this year.

The planning applications are expected to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala later this year or early next year, alongside an Environmental Impact Assessment Report.

'We are in the early stages of planning our project and this is the first of many opportunities people will have to see our progress and provide their feedback,' Codling Wind Park Project Director, Arno Verbeek, said.

'This input will help us to shape and design the project in the months ahead,' he said.

The virtual exhibition as well as webinars and information events can be accessed at codlingwindpark.ie.

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore is urging the public to engage in the consultation process.

'I recently met with the Codling Wind Park team to get a sense of the scale and impact this development will have both on our renewable energy goals but also on local communities across Wicklow,' said Deputy Whitmore.

'At the meeting, I raised the need for full consultation with the public at each stage of development as well as the need for proper communication with local communities.

'I welcome this opportunity for the public to engage with and communicate directly with the company their concerns or issues they believe should be considered as the project develops.

'I also welcome the accessible format of the consultation process which includes a Virtual Codling Wind Park exhibition, webinars and information clinics which will help people to understand exactly what is involved in this large scale infrastructure project and how it will impact on Wicklow.

'People should also be aware of the huge potential the community fund will have and which will be developed alongside the development of the various wind parks due to be construction,' she said. 'While details of the make up of such as Fund are not yet drafted, now is a chance for local communities to input into what they believe should be prioritised.

'Many people and organisations will have environmental concerns regarding the construction of large scale turbines in the sea, something I am very much aware of and which I relayed to the team at our last meeting, and so I encourage environmentally conscious individuals and groups to have their say at this first phase of consultation and any forthcoming engagement with Codling Wind Park.'
After 21 years as president and CEO of the Scranton Counseling Center, Edward F. Heffron, Ed.D., is stepping down.

Heffron announced Friday that he will retire from the center effective March 31. His departure will coincide with Scranton Counselings move from its longtime home in the 300 block of Adams Avenue to its new campus on Cherry Street in South Scranton.

Thats where the center is completing the $15 million adaptive reuse and renovation of a three-building complex that was originally part of an old button factory and later became the home of Capitol Records.

Heffron said the new state-of-the-art facility, which he described as a five-year project of love, will position Scranton Counseling for the future.

More importantly than that, it provides an attractive setting where we can provide the best quality care for children and adults who have behavioral health issues, he said. That really is the major thing.

Heffron, an Old Forge resident, said he made a commitment to the centers board that would remain on the job until the new campus was ready. He honored that even as the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the projects completion, which was originally scheduled for mid-October.

Scranton Counselings more than 200 staff members are set to begin moving in March 15, a process expected to take two to three weeks.

Although the new center is the capstone of his time as leader of Scranton Counseling, Heffron said he is most proud of having made the nonprofit agency the largest integrated behavioral health care provider in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The center sees an average of 10,000 unduplicated consumers on an annual basis, he said.

We have been able to grow our services in terms of both complexity and variety to meet the needs of individuals in Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties who have behavioral health and substance abuse issues, Heffron said. We have grown and developed and expanded.

Scranton Counseling said an executive search committee will undertake a search for the centers next president/CEO, reviewing internal candidates and external applicants.

During the transition, Sal Santoli, a long-term manager with more than four decades of service with the center, will oversee operations as interim CEO, the center said.
KYODO NEWS - Mar 6, 2021 - 21:57 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Saturday pledged to step up reconstruction of areas hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern Japan in 2011.

"The state would like to promote reconstruction with full responsibility," Suga told reporters during a visit to Fukushima Prefecture, one of the affected areas, ahead of the 10th anniversary Thursday of the March 11, 2011 disaster.

Referring to a strong quake that rocked Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures last month, he said the government has drawn up a program to assist affected residents as much as possible so they will not get discouraged.

Suga indicated the government will soon decide how to dispose of treated radioactive water stored in tanks at the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant, especially with space expected to run out this summer.

"We should no longer put off a decision. I would like to finalize a disposal plan at an appropriate time," he said.

The government is considering discharging the water used to cool reactors stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station into the sea.

However, the government has yet to make a final decision in the face of strong opposition by the local fishery industry, given concerns about the reputation of the area's marine products.

The prime minister resumed traveling to regional areas after the government recently lifted the state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic in several prefectures while extending the order on the Tokyo metropolitan area for an additional two weeks.

Related coverage:

Most 2011 quake, Fukushima crisis survivors back ending nuclear power

FEATURE:Efforts made to archive 2011 Japan disaster data to pass on lessons

Photographer of Japan nuke disaster training lens for all power users
A Cork county councillor has said he hoped news that a multi-million contract has been signed for the upgrading of Mallow's overloaded sewer network will herald a new era of prosperity for the town and the surrounding area.

It emerged this week that Irish Water, working in partnership with Cork County Council is set to invest 14 million in the project, which the company said will eliminate sewage overflows into the River Blackwater at a number of different locations.

Irish Water has said it is also progressing with planned upgrades to the waste water treatment plant in Mallow, with the project also expected to commence within the coming months.

The company said it anticipated work on upgrading of the town's outdated and inadequate sewage infrastructure along the northern and southern banks of the River Blackwater will commence next month and will take two years to complete.

It will incorporate works along the N72, R619, R620 and several other streets within the town.

The project will entail the construction of 5.5 km of new sewer pipes making the system fully compliant with stringent waste water discharge regulations.

Expand Close The beautiful River Blackwater which is to benefit from the 14m project. Photo: John Tarrant / Facebook

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Whatsapp The beautiful River Blackwater which is to benefit from the 14m project. Photo: John Tarrant

It will also incorporate the elimination of Combined Sewer Outflows (CSOs), which are currently in breach of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the subject of a European Court of Justice infringement notice, at nine locations along the River Blackwater.

Irish Water has said the project would protect the integrity of the local environment and, perhaps just as importantly, benefit the River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation (SAC) which has been the topic of much debate in relation to the presence of the protected Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

The company's regional infrastructure lead, Eugene Canavan, said the upgraded infrastructure would serve to "enhance local amenities and provide a platform for social and economic development."

"We are looking forward to delivering this important project on behalf of the local community in Mallow. This project will enhance the local environment by alleviating sewer flooding and improving water quality in the River Blackwater, while all new infrastructure has been sized to accommodate future population growth," said Mr Canavan.

"We will be engaging with elected representatives, businesses and stakeholders over the coming weeks to advise on the proposed programme of works, the works areas and traffic management. Additionally, we will be providing regular updates to all interested stakeholders for the duration of the project".

Welcoming the development Cllr Pat Hayes, chair of Cork County Council's Kanturk/Mallow MDC, said it was vital for the future development of the town.

"We have already seen where a number of developments and plannings have been held up on account of the lack of capacity within the existing system to cater for increased demand," said Cllr Hayes.

He said he hoped it would also bring about a resolution to the controversy surrounding the protection of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel in the Blackwater SAC, which has been blamed for the refusal of planning for developments along the river basin.

"When complete, this project will open the way for many new commercial and residential developments in the Mallow area, heralding a new era of prosperity for the town and its catchment area," said Cllr Hayes.

"I am glad to see that Irish Water has committed to engaging with all stakeholders to ensure there is as little disruption to the town as possible during the course of the works," he added.


Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors attending a joint group meeting at the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2021. Xi joined them in the discussion and heard their comments and suggestions. Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, also attended the discussion. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday stressed giving "strategic priority" to safeguarding people's health when he joined national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors in a joint group meeting.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for focusing on tackling major diseases and problems that affect people's health.

The country's public health protection network should be fortified and efforts should be made to promote the high-quality development of public hospitals, he said, demanding comprehensive health care for the people at all stages of life.

The meeting was held during the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the top political advisory body.

Noting that China had scored hard-won achievements over the past year, Xi commended health workers for "putting up an iron wall" against COVID-19 at a critical time.

The fight against COVID-19 has once again proved that prevention is the most economical and effective health strategy, Xi said, calling for reforming and improving the disease prevention and control system.

He urged efforts to strengthen the capabilities for initial monitoring and early warning, rapid testing, emergency response and comprehensive treatment.

Stressing the "main force" role of public hospitals in fighting COVID-19, Xi called for strengthening construction of public medical and health institutions.

Health infrastructure at the grassroots level should be improved and support policies for rural doctors should be implemented in an effort to enhance the grassroots capacity of disease prevention and treatment, he said, calling for efforts to deepen the reform of the medical and healthcare system.

Xi also urged the preservation and development of traditional Chinese medicine and breakthroughs in core technologies in key areas, as well as more protection, care and support for health workers.



Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visits national political advisors from education, medical and health sectors attending a joint group meeting at the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, capital of China, March 6, 2021. Xi joined them in the discussion and heard their comments and suggestions. Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, also attended the discussion. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
The first hotel at the waterfront Ferry Wharf development in Mount Pleasant is now welcoming overnight guests.

The 175-room Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Harbor opened this week near the foot of the Ravenel Bridge.

Along with the recently completed Portside office building and a 759-space parking garage, the hotel is among the first elements of the $325 million Ferry Wharf development. Michael Bennett of the Charleston-based firm Bennett Hospitality and Atlanta-based Holder Properties broke ground on the mixed-used project in mid-2018.

Future phases at Ferry Wharf include more hotel rooms, additional office space, residences and retail.

The Embassy Suites, which opened March 1, has more than 6,000 square feet of event space and an on-site bar and restaurant called High Tide.

With all of that meeting space, including a ballroom that overlooks Charleston Harbor and an outdoor courtyard, the hotel is hoping to attract weddings and other group business, said Lindsey McQueary, director of sales and marketing for the property.

Some suites in the seven-floor hotel have views of the water and the nearby aircraft carrier Yorktown at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum.

The hotel is the third in the Charleston region to open under the Embassy Suites flag. Bennett Hospitality owns one other, the Embassy Suites on Marion Square that's housed in the original Citadel Military College building.

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The other local Embassy Suites is on International Boulevard, near Charleston International Airport.

Just a couple of miles down the road from Ferry Wharf, on Patriots Point-managed land, Bennett is planning another sprawling, mixed-used complex called Patriots Annex. Those plans include three hotels and a conference center.

While 2020 was a slow period for hotel openings in the Charleston region, early 2021 has several big lodging debuts on the docket.

On the Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes Resort plans to open its 153-key Sweetgrass Inn later this month.

And on the Charleston peninsula, a Meeting Street hotel is aiming to reopen this spring after a complete design overhaul and rebranding. The Ryder, formerly the King Charles Inn, will add a new restaurant and bar, Little Palm, and a coffee shop to the tourist-heavy part of downtown Charleston.

Also, Mount Pleasant-based Charlestowne Hotels plans to open The Loutrel, a 50-room boutique property on State Street later this year and the delayed debut for the nearby Saint Hotel on East Bay Street is expected soon.

Slightly more than 200 guest rooms were added in the Charleston area's hotel inventory last year  down from more than 850 in 2019  but this year is on track to exceed that total in the first quarter alone.
Aggreko has become the latest British company to fall into private equity hands after it accepted a 2.3billionn takeover bid.

The FTSE 250 power equipment provider has accepted an offer from I Squared Capital and TDR Capital worth 880p per share, 39 per cent above the closing price on February 4 when it was first tabled.

Chairman Ken Hanna insisted the offer was 'an attractive price in cash that fairly recognises Aggreko's future prospects'.

But critics warned it was just the latest case of buyout firms snapping up British businesses on the cheap in what has been dubbed 'pandemic plundering'.

Asda, G4S, LV and the AA are among other businesses that have been taken over by private equity firms in the past year.

And so far this year, private equity has snapped up 39 British companies in deals worth more than 10billion, according to data firm Dealogic.

When the bid for Aggreko was made last month, the company's shares were trading nearly 25 per cent below their value at the start of 2020.

It followed a drop in demand during the pandemic for temporary generators, which the company normally supplies to outdoor events such as the Glastonbury Festival.

On Monday Aggreko reported that its profits in 2020 had been almost cut in half to 103m.

Investment manager Justin Urquhart Stewart, of 7iM, claimed the takeover was a 'classic example of a private equity firm buying assets at a discount'.

He said: 'It's a great shame because Aggreko is a really good business and to lose another listed company to private equity is very sad.

'Is this actually going to add value, in terms of growing the business and employing more staff? I am sorry to be cynical but I doubt it.

'It is more likely the main objective it is to buy the company at a discount now and sell it for a higher price later on. This is the perfect feeding time for private equity, because there are lots of businesses which have been damaged by the pandemic but still have very good underlying assets.

'In Aggreko's case, yes it has lost a lot of business but clearly people are already talking about the return of events this summer and next year.'

Power surge: Shares in Aggreko rose 0.7 per cent, or 6p, to 895p

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said Aggreko's takeover was the latest sign that the 'breadth and depth of the UK market continues to be chipped away'. Professor John Colley, a takeovers expert and associate dean at Warwick Business School, added: 'We have seen a lot of private equity firms buying up distressed assets in the past year.

'That can be good, because in some cases these are businesses that otherwise might not be able to raise money and would go bust.

'But it's quite likely we will see a lot of these companies returning to the market, because if quantitative easing keeps driving stocks higher then the private equity firms will want to float them and get rid of them for a higher price.'

Gary Lindsay of TDR Capital LLP, said: 'I Squared Capital and TDR Capital together have a proven track record and deep expertise in investing in the power infrastructure and equipment rental sectors.

'Aggreko is a business that fits this investment focus well. It has the potential to enable the energy transition through clean technology investment, as the world focuses increasingly on energy efficiency and sustainability.

'We fully support Aggreko's vision for long term growth and believe our partnership will enable it to accelerate its strategy.' The takeover will be need at least 75 per cent approval from shareholders at its forthcoming general meeting and is expected to complete in the summer if it receives the go-ahead.

Shares in Aggreko rose 0.7 per cent, or 6p, to 895p yesterday
Last Thursday, the University of California, Berkeleys Center for Southeast Asia Studies hosted a well-attended online lecture by historian Dr. Joseph Scalice entitled Three Grenades in August: Fifty Years since the Bombing of Plaza Miranda in the Philippines.

Full video of the lecture

Scalice is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and author of The Drama of Dictatorship: Martial Law and the Communist Parties of the Philippines, to be published next year.

The ground-breaking lecture reviewed the circumstances and political consequences of the August 1971 grenade bombing of an election rally by the then opposition Liberal Party in Plaza Miranda in central Manila. Scalice cited strong evidence that the Stalinist Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) carried out for the attack, which killed nine people and injured 100 others.

President Ferdinand Marcos seized on the event to suspend habeas corpus and the following year imposed martial law. It was a turning point that saw post-war democracy abolished in the Philippines, the lecturer explained. Thousands of workers and peasants were killed and tens of thousands more were arrested during the next decade and a half.

Using contemporaneous statements from the CPP and its leader Jose Maria Sison, information from journalist Gregg Joness 1989 book Red Revolution, and other damning material, Scalice said the overwhelming weight of evidence suggested the CPP was responsible for the grenade attack.

The bombing, Scalice said, flowed from the CPPs Stalinist and Maoist perspective and its partys perpetual orientation toward so-called progressive sections of the Filipino bourgeoisie. It welcomed the bombing, the lecturer said, calculating that the Liberal Party would blame Marcos and move closer to the CPP; and that the predictable state crackdown on the population would increase mass resistance and increase CPP membership.

This bankrupt and reactionary agenda, Scalice said, was a constant for the CPP and its founder and theoretician Sison, who had routinely declared over decades that fascism and martial law were good for revolution.

This was seen in the CPPs welcoming of Marcoss declaration of martial law in 1972, as well as recently with the prospect of a dictatorship under the current fascistic President Rodrigo Duterte, who the CPP supported in the 2016 presidential election campaign.

Just as it did in response to his First as tragedy, second as farce: Marcos, Duterte, and the Communist Parties of the Philippines online lecture last August, the CPP continues to denounce Scalice as a US CIA agent, and did so just prior to Thursdays event.

The same slanders were also hurled at journalist Gregg Jones after he published evidence of CPP involvement in the Miranda Plaza bombing, Scalice said. The CPP regularly denounces anyone who dares to expose its reactionary historical record as agents of the CIA.

Scalice referred to Sisons statement last month that the best thing that can happen for the benefit of Philippine revolution is for Duterte to impose a fascist dictatorship. The lecturer quoted Leon Trotskys urgent warnings to the German working class in December 1931 about the disastrous consequences of the Stalinist line of after Hitler, us that enabled the Nazis to come to power.

Scalices lecture concluded with a passionate appeal for workers and youth in the Philippines and internationally to study the political lessons of the Miranda Plaza bombing and the consequences of the CPPs policies. It is impossible to defend democracy through an organisation that welcomes and defends fascist dictatorship, he said.

Over 130 people watched the lecture live, with significant numbers from the Philippines and other participants from the US and Canada, Europe, as well as Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. An animated question and answer session continued for 30 minutes after the lecture. Many of the questions focused on asking about the alternative to the CPP, indicating a growing revulsion towards its opportunism and an interest in genuine Marxist politics in the Philippines.

Appreciative comments from several Australian participants indicated the lectures powerful impact.

John, a hospitality worker from Newcastle, said the lecture, and Scalices work on the betrayals of the Stalinist and Maoist CPP and Sison were outstanding.

CPP leader Sison has regurgitated Stalins Third Period line in the early 1930s when the German Communist Party proclaimed, After Hitler, us! This resulted in devastating defeats for the working class in Germany and across Europe, John commented.

Dr. Scalice demonstrates that these policies are not just the product of bad individuals in the CPP leadership but the outcome of the very program and Stalinist perspective on which the CPP is based. I encourage everyone to watch and review this material. These are not simply lessons for the working class of the Philippines but of strategic importance for the international working class.

Clay, a retired teacher, said, the lecture was an important, revealing, and factual account of the CPPs leaderships role in the Miranda Plaza bombing. The detailed examination of the incident and the historical background constitutes a damning indictment of the Maoist brand of Stalinism and its role not just in the Philippines and Asia but internationally

The lecture made clear why Sison in so sensitive to any exposure of the CPPs role in the 1971 murders. Its involvement in the attack on the Liberal Party, the then main opposition party to the Marcos regime, must be purged from popular consciousness in order to eradicate any obstacles to the CPPs current deals with the ruling class. Sison lies about this, just as he does about his support for Duterte in 2016.

Erika, from Sydney said: Dr. Scalices exposure of the filthy history of Sison and the Communist Party of the Philippines must be supported by people around the world. He has once again shone a light on the dirty secrets of Sison and laid bare the bankrupt perspective of Stalinism Keep up this important work Joseph Scalice!

Margaret, from Melbourne, said: It was really important that Joseph Scalice placed the Plaza Miranda bombing on August 21, 1971 in the international context of the ending of the Bretton Woods Agreement, the mass social unrest throughout the world and the growing crisis of Stalinism. He showed that it was a turning point in Philippine history.

Josephs presentation was really compelling and he fielded the many interesting questions that followed his lecture with authority. This is an invaluable resource for the Philippine and international working class.

We urge WSWS readers to watch the lecture, study the issues raised and share the event widely through social media and other means. Understanding, and acting on, the political clarifications presented in the lecture are vital for the revolutionary struggles now emerging globally. We welcome comments about the lecture.

The International Committee of the Fourth International fights for Trotskyism, the only revolutionary alternative to Stalinism. We invite those who want to discuss these issues and to build our movement in the Philippines and elsewhere to contact us.
Audrey and Brian Watson: Couple from Staffordshire sent a question to Steve Webb a year ago, sparking our investigation - read their story here

Elderly women could receive 3billion in state pension arrears after being shortchanged for decades, the Government admitted this week.

The scandal was uncovered by This is Money and former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, after we launched an investigation into a reader question to his weekly column a year ago.

The huge bill results from a failure to increase some women's payments when their husbands reached state pension age or died, or when they themselves reached the age of 80.

Many women are understandably asking if they lost out on thousands of pounds, and we explain how to find out and what to do below.

Who is affected by the blunder?

Married women who retired on small state pensions before April 2016 should get an uplift to 60 per cent of their husband's basic state pension payments once he reaches retirement age too, but some have missed out.

Since 2008, the increases are supposed to be automatic, but before that women had to apply to get the full sum they were due.

Some widows can also inherit large sums in basic and second state pension from their late husbands, but this depends on their ages and the strength of their late spouse's National Insurance record.

Over-80s who are resident in the UK should also be getting a 'Category D' pension of 80.45 a week.

The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that deceased women who were underpaid will have arrears paid to their estate, so it will go to their beneficiaries.

The above groups should be contacted by the DWP eventually as part of a correction exercise.

However, some divorced women may also have missed out, and women whose husbands reached state pension age before 17 March 2008, and they will need to make proactive claims to the DWP.

What was the error causing women to be underpaid state pension?

An estimated 200,000 elderly women have lost money over many years due to the DWP failing to make increases in their state pension.

This is being blamed on junior civil servants not manually updating records properly over several decades.

Many women who rang up to question why their state pensions were so low were fobbed off, sometimes repeatedly, by DWP staff over the years.

And the cases where problems were discovered and corrections made don't appear to have rung alarm bells at the DWP, until This is Money began publishing stories about women receiving backpayments of thousands of pounds.

This prompted a rush of calls from women asking for their state pensions to be reviewed from early 2020 onwards. The DWP looked into the issue, and has now announced its 'correction exercise' to ensure women receive what they are owed.

The 3billion arrears figure is vastly bigger than a previous estimate of 100million by Webb, who is now a partner at pensions consultant LCP. He based that figure on a Freedom of Information request made to the DWP a year ago.

How can you tell if you were underpaid state pension?

If you think you have been underpaid, Steve Webb's firm LCP has launched an online tool to help older married women work out if they are getting the correct amount. Find out more here.

If you are a widow and think you have been underpaid, LCP has a separate web page designed to help you, and you can find out more here.

But Webb stresses that the LCP websites are simply designed as useful tools, and anyone with any doubt about the amount of pension they are receiving should contact the DWP.

If you prefer to write, you can input your postcode here to find an address. It is best to keep a copy of your letter, and if possible to send it by recorded delivery so you can prove when it was sent if necessary.

Under its 'correction exercise', the DWP will be contacting some women proactively, but this could take years.

In processing cases, it is prioritising errors that are the longest standing and recipients who are older to reduce the time these women have to wait.

Meanwhile, those who contact the DWP themselves to query their state pensions will continue to have them reviewed.

The DWP has confirmed that deceased women who were underpaid will have arrears paid to their estate, so it will go to their beneficiaries.

In this case, ideally the executor or administrator of a will, but also a beneficiary could contact the DWP.

Try to have the following information to hand if you phone, or include it in any letter.

Steve Webb: ' 'Repayments of 3billion over the next five years imply huge numbers of women have been shortchanged'

Name

Date of birth

NI number

Current basic state pension - this can be found on your latest annual statement, but if not give the total weekly or monthly amount

Husbands name

Date of birth (and date of death if this applies)

NI number

His current basic state pension, or last known before he died

Address

Telephone number

What if you are only given a one-year backpayment?

While some women are getting full arrears from the DWP, others are only receiving a one-year backpayment and an increased state pension going forward - all depending on when they and their husbands were born.

As explained above, married women who retired on small state pensions before April 2016 should get an uplift to 60 per cent of their husband's payments once he reaches retirement age too.

Since 17 March 2008, the increases are supposed to be automatic, so women with husbands retiring since then get a full backpayment.

But before that women had to make a claim to get the full sum they were due, so they get a much smaller payout.

The key date of birth for husbands is 17 March 1943.

The Government was meant to write to the couples affected before March 2008 and ask them to apply for an increase.

But all the women This is Money have spoken to who missed out are adamant neither they nor their husbands received such a letter, and insist they would have acted on it if they had done so.

Penny and Paul Loseby: She missed out on 16,000 over seven years, and was ignored or fobbed off on repeated occasions when trying to dispute her low payments, which were 40 a week by this year - read her story here

The DWP says that in cases where a one-year backpayment is due, it accepts the first letter or telephone communication from a customer querying their state pension entitlement as the valid date of claim.

It then determines the 12-month backdating arrears period based on this claim date.

In other words, this means women should not be left out of pocket for the subsequent time the DWP takes to process their claim.

But it would be sensible to keep a record of the first date you phone up or a copy of your initial letter so you can prove it if necessary.

There are four 'loopholes' that we know of where women with 'pre-March 2008 cases' might receive a bigger payout.

1. Date of birth: It depends on whether you reach state pension age before or after your husband, as well as his date of birth.

If your husband reached state pension age before 17 March 2008, and you did so after him - even if your state pension age also fell before that key date - you still get full arrears

This is because the DWP should have taken account of your husband's state pension status, and automatically increased your state pension in line with it when you started receiving your payments too.

2. Deferment: If your husband deferred his state pension before 17 March 2008 and began taking it after a rule change on 6 April 2010, you can receive a payout back to the date he ended the deferment.

3. Complaint: Many women raised the issue of their low state pension with the DWP over the years. If it has a record of this, or you can prove it somehow, your payout could be backdated to this point.

4. Zero basic state pension: Around 5,000 women in the UK receive graduated retirement benefit, earned between 1961 and 1975, and translating to just over 1 a week in state pension today.

They receive zero basic state pension pension, because of a rule which required a 25 per cent contribution record before any was due.

As they never received basic state pension, they also didn't claim on their husband's record when he reached state pension age.

The women on tiny graduated-only payments are technically regarded as having 'deferred' their basic state pension, so they will get full arrears even if their husbands retired earlier than March 2008.

However, as with other married women affected by the scandal, those whose husbands retired before that key date have to proactively contact the DWP - even though they stand to lose a lot more.

Webb says lottery-sized payouts could be involved in such cases.

'It is very important that women on these very small pensions make contact with the DWP as soon as possible to see if they could be entitled to a windfall,' he says.

Can you appeal against a one-year backpayment?

Many elderly women who only received a one-year backpayment are battling with the Government for full arrears, but were recently dealt a bitter blow by the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

The complaints body has told women it will not intervene in the Government's decision to only hand them a one-year payment.

They include Audrey Watson, whose husband Brian wrote to Steve Webb a year ago, sparking the investigation which has benefited many other women.

Webb had previously written to the Ombudsman asking it to look at whether the DWP was guilty of maladministration, and to find a way to put things right.

After it announced it would not step in, he said: 'I will be making the strongest possible representations to the Ombudsman to think again about this decision.'

This is Money is supporting women in their campaign for full arrears, and we will report on any further developments.

You can still complain to the DWP and there are two ways to challenge it on this issue.

- Appeal: Argue that the law has been applied incorrectly; if the DWP rejects this, as it has in all cases we know of so far, you can ask for a 'mandatory reconsideration' of your complaint, followed by a tribunal.

- Complain about maladministration: This is about how the DWP ran the system; you should complain first to the DWP - give as much detail as possible, including that key documents were sent to husbands - then to an Independent Case Examiner, then to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.

In all cases, it is worth asking your MP to press your case with the DWP as well.

If you go to the Parliamentary Ombudsman, your MP will have to sign your form as part of the process.

If you have already gone to the Ombudsman, and were recently informed of its decision not to intervene in backpayments, you can go back to your MP and ask for their support in getting the Ombudsman to reconsider.

We would like to hear from people who went to the Ombudsman and have been turned down. Please write to Steve Webb at pensionquestion@thisismoney.co.uk and put OMBUDSMAN in the subject line.

What about interest for the years you were underpaid?

The DWP has just announced that it has ceased giving 'special payments' or interest to women paid incorrectly.

This is because the DWP now classes this as a 'correction exercise' - however, no money will be clawed back from those who have already received it.

The cut-off date is January 11, so if you contacted the DWP before then you may still get interest on the money you were underpaid over the years, and it is worth asking if you do not.

Previously, This is Money understood the DWP was deciding interest payments based on whether a woman was underpaid for more than a year, whether it was down to government error and whether interest would amount to 10 plus. However, it never confirmed the criteria to us.

Will you have to pay income tax on any backpayment?

We have reported on many cases of women who are normally on too low an income to pay tax, but whose huge backpayments will push them into a higher income tax bracket in the tax year they receive it.

After the Labour Party asked the Treasury about this, it clarified that women will only be taxed as they would have been if paid state pension correctly at the right time, and only then in the current tax year and for the previous four years.

'Income tax is calculated on arrears of state pension for the tax year in which the pensioner was entitled to receive it, and not in the year in which a lump sum is paid,' it said.

'Where arrears of state pension are paid, income tax will only be due on any income that exceeds the personal allowance for the respective tax year.

'In addition, HM Revenue and Customs can only collect income tax for the current tax year and the four preceding tax years. Any arrears of state pension relating to earlier years will not be subject to income tax.'

If you receive a large sum and are uncertain how to report it to HMRC, it is worth asking a tax accountant to help sort out your return to ensure it is dealt with correctly.

Webb explained the implications of payouts for benefits, care fees and inheritance tax here.

What does the DWP say?

A DWP spokesperson said: 'The action we are taking now will correct the historical underpayments that have been made by successive governments and anyone impacted will be contacted by us to ensure they receive all that they are owed.'

It previously told us: 'We are aware of a number of cases where individuals have been underpaid state pension. We corrected our records and reimbursed those affected as soon as errors were identified.'

It added that married women who are already getting a state pension are required to make a separate claim to have it increased if their husband reached state pension age before 17 March 2008.

A claim is not needed if their husband reached state pension age from 17 March 2008 onwards.

The DWP encourages anyone who thinks they have failed to claim a state pension increase they are eligible for to contact the department.

Read the DWP's full statement on underpaid state pension here.
Boats in Fusan's harbor in December 1918. Robert Neff Collection



By Robert Neff



Ray Jerome Baker, an American photographer and lecturer, traveled to Japan and Korea in the summer of 1917. After a short stay in Japan, he traveled by train from Kobe to Shimonoseki where he caught the steamer/ferry bound for Fusan (modern Busan)  it was his intention to catch the train in Fusan and take it to Seoul and then travel on to China.



Generally the worst part of the voyage seems to be the stretch of water between Tsushima (Daemado) and Fusan. Many of the early Western visitors to the peninsula described with exaggerated misery the bouts of seasickness they suffered from the storm-driven swells  even now the passage can be rough. Last year, while coming back from Tsushima on the small ferry, I spent most of my time in the restroom praying to the porcelain god Ralph.



Baker, however, seems to have been blessed. The weather was good and the only thing he had to complain about was his two Japanese roommates  they insisted on sleeping with the lights on and one of them, a sumo wrestler, snored loudly throughout the night.





Along the wharf at Fusan in the early 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Nars Collection



Upon arriving at Fusan in the morning, Baker immediately went to a nearby "scrupulously clean" Japanese hotel where he was shown to his room and given a kimono which they wouldn't let him put on until the servants had thoroughly bathed him. Whatever modesty he may have possessed in Hawaii (probably very little as he was fined in California for "taking obscene photographs" in 1908) seems to have disappeared through his earlier experiences in Japan.



Baker proudly declared, "They scrubbed the cinders of the Imperial Government Railway out of my hair and when the job was finished I felt like the product of one of my young son's efforts  a polished kukui nut." Baker and his family lived in Hawaii so he was probably aware that the Hawaiian demi-god of fertility, Kamapua'a, was able to transform into the kukui nut tree (also known as the candlenut tree).



After his bath, Baker went to the dock area to watch the laborers unload the ships. His descriptions of the port are sparse and are mainly about the inhabitants he encountered:



"Korean women squatted at the side of the street, sometimes under giant umbrellas, more often in the broiling sun, and offered for sale boiled rice and other articles of Korean food to the men who worked."





One of the streets in Fusan in the early 1910s. Robert Neff Collection



While he was busy watching them, he was also being observed  by a curious Korean gentleman who quickly befriended him. This provided Baker with the opportunity to study Korean clothing  his descriptions are rather simple and unflattering.



"[The Korean's] hat was of black horsehair, woven with a mesh resembling mosquito netting. In shape it was like a tomato can inverted on a rim the size of a pie tin. It was held on his head by a beaded cord tied under his chin. His hair which was long was tied up in a little knot on the top of his head, plainly visible through the loose meshes of his hat."



His jacket and pants were loose-fitting  as if "the tailor who made them had lost the pattern and never found it  and the trouser legs were tied down at the bottom over socks which were partially hidden by the straw sandals on his feet. For adornment, the Korean gentleman had a large massive silver chain that was attached  presumably  to a pocket watch. A very human aspect was added by the fact that there was visible between the vest and the trouser, three or four inches of a perfectly round abdomen."





A man with his ox cart circa 1900s. Robert Neff Collection



Soon, another young man caught Baker's attention and he offered to assist him in getting subjects for his photographs. He managed to snap pictures of a woman with a bundle on her head, a man with an ox and cart and especially of some Korean laborers  each with a jiggy (A-frame) on their back and piled high with farm products. It was this last group that he encountered some problems with for they were not eager to be photographed but, through the efforts of his young Korean assistant and a handful of copper coins, he eventually managed to snap a few photographs.



No longer having any blank photograph plates, Baker bid farewell to his assistant (paying him the princely sum of ten cents) and set off to explore the streets on his own. Once again, he wasn't alone.



"My progress was much impeded by a crowd of youngsters who went always before me bowing and begging. I drew a handful of coppers from my pocket and threw them as far as I conveniently could. I have seen hungry, half-famished dogs struggle for food as these children struggled for the coins."





A man with a load of firewood in the early 1900s. Courtesy of Diane Collection

His attempt to appease them with his rudely-thrown coins failed and "only aggravated the nuisance." He described the children as scarcely wearing any clothing with only a few dirty rags covering their nakedness.



Baker, in desperation, ran down the side streets and soon made his way up to a park on the hillside where he could enjoy the beautiful view of the city while seated upon a rustic bench under the trees.



His peace was short-lived. The beggar-children could not be lost so easily and had quickly discovered his location. "They fought with each other to get near me. They clawed the ground, threw rocks at each other, and gibbered with one another."



Baker and his descriptions of the Korean people were far from flattering  describing the children as so ferocious, so animal-like and so primitive." His views on the political situation in Korea were equaling biased claiming that "the testimony of old residents of Korea" all claimed without exception that Korea was improved under the Japanese occupation. He snidely wondered, considering what he had seen in Fusan, what the country was like when Korean kings reign.



Unfortunately, Baker  despite the many slide-show lectures he gave  did not publish much about his short trip through Korea (he probably only stayed a day or two in Fusan and a short time in Seoul before taking the train to China) but I guess, considering his rather narrow-minded views, less is best in this situation.





The view of Fusan harbor from the park on the hillside in December 1918. Robert Neff Collection

The family of a woman who went missing in south London earlier this week have appealed to the public for information about her disappearance.

Sarah Everard, 33, was last seen setting off home to Brixton at around 9pm on Wednesday evening after visiting a friend in Clapham.

In a statement, her family said they were getting more worried about her with every passing day, as it was totally out of character for her not to be in touch with them.

We long to see her and want nothing more than for her to be found safe and well, they said.

Ms Everards family added that they are desperate for news and urged anyone with any information to come forward to the police. No piece of information is too insignificant, they said.

The Met Police believe she left her friends house on Leathwaite Road before walking across Clapham Common. However, the force does not know if she returned home.

When she was last seen, the 33-year-old was wearing a green rain jacket, navy blue trousers with a white diamond pattern, and turquoise and orange trainers, according to Scotland Yard.

The force has released a CCTV image of her to help with their search efforts.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Kenward said: Sarahs disappearance is completely out of character and understandably her family and friends are incredibly worried.

We are also growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and have officers working round the clock to try and find her.

He urged anyone in the Clapham Common area on Wednesday night to think about whether they saw Ms Everard or noticed any suspicious activity taking place.

People who may have footage or were in the following areas are being urged to check cameras: the A205 South Circular around Clapham Common, Cavendish Road, New Park Road, Brixton Hill and Brixton Water Lane, he added.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting CAD 3309/06MAR, or call the Missing People charity anonymously on 116 000.

Additional reporting by PA
In view of the rising coronavirus



cases, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has instructed the state authorities to make it mandatory for the travellers coming from Maharashtra to carry a negative COVID- 19 test report.

Chouhan issued the directives in this regard during a meeting held on Friday, an official statement said.

"It will be mandatory for the travellers coming from Maharashtra to carry a negative report for infection. The responsibility for this will be with the bus operators, who will allow passengers to board the bus only on the basis of the report," Chouhan said.

Adequate arrangements should be made for checking along the the state's border areas, he said.

Chouhan said that the number of cases in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Betul, Chhindwara, Ujjain and the state's districts bordering Maharashtra, has been on the rise.

He also said that the situation in all the districts along the Maharashtra border should be monitored constantly.

The chief minister expressed the possibility of imposition of night curfew in Indore and Bhopal- the two cities in the state that are worst-affected by the pandemic.

"The infection in Bhopal and Indore is continuously rising. If there is no drop in the COVID-19 cases in the next three days, then night curfew will be imposed in Bhopal and Indore from March 8," Chouhan said.

The coronavirus cases in Indore have almost doubled over the last fortnight. Hence, there is a need to pay special attention in Indore and Bhopal,the chief minister said.

On Friday, six persons in Indore district were found infected with the UK variant of coronavirus. These patients - all of them males aged between 19 and 49 years - had no history of foreign travel, an official had said.

Madhya Pradesh on Friday reported 457 COVID-19 cases, taking the infection tally to 2,63,747, health officials said.

With 176 new cases, Indore's caseload went up to 60,386, while that of Bhopal rose to 44,474 with the addition of 77 cases. Indore has so far reported 933 deaths and Bhopal 618.

(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.)

There will come a time when enough people are immunized against COVID-19 that government will be able to eliminate the vast majority of its public health restrictions.

There will come a time when enough people are immunized against COVID-19 that government will be able to eliminate the vast majority of its public health restrictions.

The question becomes: at what point should that occur, and does government have an obligation to inform the public in advance on where the goal posts are?

The threshold to achieve herd immunity from COVID-19 has been pegged at somewhere between 70 and 80 per cent. But is it reasonable to keep most restrictions in place before reaching that threshold, even after the vast majority of high-risk people (primarily those over age 70) are vaccinated?

Maintaining restrictions longer than needed could result in a net harm to society. The benefits of economic lockdowns (reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2) could be outweighed by the costs (bankruptcies, job losses, psychological anguish).

Finding the right balance, as governments have tried to do throughout the pandemic, will not be easy during the vaccine rollout. It is a conversation that needs to happen now.

When will we be able to hang out at Old Market Square and see fringe festival performances? (Trevor Hagan / Winnipeg Free Press)

There are many people under the age of 70 who are at high risk of a severe outcome from COVID-19, such as those with underlying health conditions. It could be argued all those who fall into that category should be immunized before the economy is allowed to fully reopen.

The problem is those conditions exist on a broad spectrum and are not easily categorized.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists a dozen categories where people are at high risk of a severe outcome from COVID-19, including those suffering from cancer, chronic kidney disease, heart conditions and Type 2 diabetes. Pregnancy, smoking and obesity are also on the list.

The CDC has a second list of those who "might be at an increased risk." They include people with asthma, cystic fibrosis, high blood pressure, liver disease and Type 1 diabetes.

Should government wait until all the above are vaccinated before reopening the vast majority of the economy?

Probably not. The logistics alone would be a nightmare.

Once people over age 70 have received their first dose (and the required two weeks has passed to build up immunity), government would be hard-pressed to justify keeping most restrictions in place.

Some will likely be phased out over time, even after most are vaccinated. Mask wearing in indoor public places, for example, will probably be around for awhile. Not only does it offer substantial protection, it has few downsides.

It will be some time before large arena and stadium crowds are allowed. But as far as physical interaction goes, most of it should return to normal after the highest-risk population gets its first vaccine dose.

Fans packed together in stadiums and arenas probably won't be happening any time soon. (Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press files)

The whole point of using the blunt instrument of lockdowns and restrictions is to mitigate severe outcomes, including death, and to protect hospital capacity. Once the majority of those 70 and up are vaccinated (assuming case counts and hospitalizations remain under control), those risks fall dramatically.

No one can eliminate all risk; thats not what public health officials do. Their job is to mitigate risk and impose restrictions, if necessary, proportionate to the level of harm.

Government doesnt shut down the economy during flu season to prevent the 3,000-4,000 influenza deaths that occur most years in Canada. That would be a disproportionate response.

This is an issue government needs to deal with sooner rather than later.

A basic framework of how the economy will reopen once a certain vaccine threshold is reached should be shared with the public as soon as possible. Businesses and not-for-profits need it for planning purposes; its critical to help prevent further destruction of the economy.

With greater certainty around Canadas vaccine rollout, this level of planning can now be done based on reliable data and epidemiological evidence.

These decisions should be made in advance, at least in broad strokes. They should not be made on the fly.

tom.brodbeck@freepress.mb.ca
Socialist Policies Can Be Resisted Peacefully If People Do Not Lose Hope: Trevor Loudon

When socialists try to conquer a country they first demoralize people and make them feel that it is impossible to resist or fight back, said author and filmmaker Trevor Loudon, who has been researching radical and terrorist groups and their covert influence on mainstream politics for more than 30 years.

However, people who love their country, uphold the Constitution, and traditional values make up the majority in America, representing the most economic power and the most votes, Loudon told The Epoch Times. They can win if they join forces to resist socialism in a peaceful way, he said.

When socialists carry out a revolution they try to demoralize people, shock them, make people feel there is no hope and little point in standing up against it, Loudon said.

But a lot of this is based on bluff, he added, saying that the majority of people in America love their country and its Constitution, they love God and want the best for their families. Those people are still by far the majority in this country, they still have the most economic buying power, they still have the most votes.

If this majority realizes that they have right on their side, then when they fight without resorting to violence they can prevail, Loudon explained. The only way we can lose this is if we give up, and thats what theyre trying to make us do, he added.

The sculpture of German philosopher and revolutionary Karl Marx is uncovered during its inauguration at the 200th anniversary of the birth of Karl Marx in Trier, Germany, on May 5, 2018. (Thomas Lohnes/Getty Images)

The Road to Socialism

The communist wing inside the Democratic Party is the Congressional Progressive Caucus which was set up by the Communist Party USA and the Democratic Socialists of America, Loudon said. The caucus consists of 93 members of the House of Representatives and one senator.

Its members control many congressional committees and have introduced several socialist policies and ideas such as the Green New Deal, the $15 minimum wage, fracking bans, critical race theory, changes to voting procedures, and packing the Supreme Court, Loudon said.

Some policies currently being enacted attack freedom of religion and freedom of speech, he added.

For example, the Equality Act recently passed by the House prohibits churches from refusing to provide marriage services to homosexual couples even if it contradicts the churchs religious doctrine, Loudon said.

If someone expresses their belief that there are only two genders, it would also be considered breaking the act, Loudon said.

Another socialist policy introduced in February is the one-day stand down in the military ordered by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to assess extremism and racism within the ranks of armed forces.

It is based on Marxism and it may lead to purging from the military Trump supporters, patriots, Christians, and those who can stand up for the Constitution, so the Army can be transformed into a left-wing military and used to control the country completely, Loudon said.

Also in February, President Joe Biden called on Congress to enact tougher gun laws that would ban assault weapons and remove immunity for gun manufacturers.

Making gun manufacturers liable for gun violence would end gun manufacture in the United States which would effectively end the Second Amendment, Loudon said.

The purpose of the Second Amendment was not only to protect families and communities from criminals but also to put a check on the government.

Another socialist policy is Democrats plan to bring over 50 percent of American landmass into government ownership within the next 25 years, Loudon said. That process will be controlled by the Department of the Interior, he added.

Bidens nominee for interior secretary is Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) who also is vice-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

The petition supporting Haalands nomination was led by Judith LeBlanc, a member and a former vice-chair of the Communist Party USA (CPUSA), as well as the director of the Native Organizers Alliance, Loudon said.

If Haaland is nominated, a communist party protege will oversee a massive seizure of land across the country, Loudon said.

Loudon criticized Bidens executive orders, saying that they are going to implement every element of the communist agenda.

Among them are fully socialized health care and granting statehood to Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. which will increase the number of senators, making it easier for the Democrats to retain control of the Senate, Loudon said.

Shortly after taking office, Biden has undone several border security measures that the Trump administration had put into effect, including temporarily suspending deportations of illegal aliens, reversing President Donald Trumps ban on travel from terror-prone countries, halting border wall construction, and issuing a sweeping immigration package to Congress that includes amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants.

If Lenin was in the White House today hed be doing exactly what Biden and [Vice President Kamala] Harris are doing. There would be no appreciable difference. This is Leninism, Loudon commented.

(L) Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a COVID-19 and storm preparedness roundtable in Belleair, Florida, on July 31, 2020. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images) (R) Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks during a news conference where he provided an update to Texass response to COVID-19 in Austin, Texas, on Sept. 17, 2020. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)

Collaboration of States and Grassroots Movement

Loudon said that the communist agenda of the Democrats had to be stalled for the next two years so there is a meaningful election in 2022. To accomplish this Loudon advised that free states like Florida and Texas should form an alliance that could be joined by another 15 to 20 states and stretch from the Florida Keys to the Canadian border.

The purpose of the alliance would not be to secede but to exercise 10th Amendment rights by telling the federal government that the states will not do anything unconstitutional and will defy unconstitutional orders issued by it, Loudon said.

The 10th Amendment defines the relationship between federal and state governments: The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.

On a lower level, a grassroots movement needs to begin that will form a nationwide network joined by the Tea Party movement, the Trump movement, grassroots Republicans, and patriotic Democrats to primary out radical leftist candidates in both parties and promote MAGA (Make America Great Again) candidates, Loudon said.

There are about 80 million people who voted for Donald Trump and his agenda to Make America Great Again and they constitute the majority voting base, Loudon said. The base just needs to be organized similarly to how Democrats did it to elect their candidates, he added.

Loudon also advocates boycotting unpatriotic companies and supporting patriotic companies. We have got the majority, weve got the buying power, the economic power, we just have to get organized and use it to resist this Marxist power grab, Loudon said.

People need to realize that no one will help them if they do not help themselves so they need to work on the restoration of the country, Loudon said. When we win it will be a very sweet victory and itll be a very long-lasting victory because weve done it ourselves and not had someone else do it for us, Loudon concluded.

Zachary Stieber and Charlotte Cuthbertson contributed to this report.
In its 2020 Social Panorama report issued Thursday, the UN Economic Commission on Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) documents unprecedented social devastation during the COVID-19 pandemic, which set off the worst economic crisis in the regions history.

After years with negligible economic growth since the end of the commodity boom in 2014, the region saw its GDP fall 7.7 percent last year. This is far worse than the 5 percent drop in 1930, at the height of the Great Depression, or the 4.9 percent drop in 1914 at the beginning of World War I.

A Tropical Medicine University virology lab researcher works to develop a test that will detect the P.1 variant of the new coronavirus, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Thursday, March 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

With 8.4 percent of the worlds population, the region accounts for 27.8 percent of the globes confirmed COVID-19 deaths. Brazil and Mexico have the second and third highest death tolls in the world, while Colombia, Argentina and Peru rank in the top 15.

The virus swept across societies shaped by imperialist oppression and the highest levels of social inequalitytheir health care systems overwhelmed even before the pandemic began. A majority of the regions workers scrape by in the informal sector, while public treasuries have been depleted for decades by social spending cuts and payments to Wall Street vultures. With the spread of COVID-19, the transnational corporations inflexibly opposed any prolonged shutdown affecting their factories, plantations, banks and store chains.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reported in its last report, covering 2019, that 47.7 million people were going hungry across Latin America and the Caribbean, 9 million more than in 2015. It concluded that given the existing trend, this number would rise by another 20 million over the next decade. The agency warned, however, that the pandemic would cause the spike to go beyond their projections and called for extraordinary measures against an imminent social catastrophe.

Of course, no such measures were forthcoming. According to the ECLAC, 22 million fell below the official poverty line during 2020, reaching a total of 209 million, or more than one third of the regions population. Seventy-eight million or 12.5 percent were categorized as living in extreme poverty, the highest number in two decades.

The poorer you were at the beginning of the year, the greater the drop in income. However, the entire working class and rural poor saw their incomes fall to desperate levels. The report found that the income for the poorest fifth fell on average 42 percent, while that of the top fifth fell 7 percent.

Eight out of every 10 Latin Americans fall into the category of what the ECLAC calls economic vulnerability, earning less than three times the minimum wage.

Unemployment rose to 10.7 percent from 8.1 percent. This doesnt include the massive numbers of working-age people that stopped looking for jobs, which reached 10.3 percent of the work force in Argentina, 10.8 percent in Chile, 12.8 percent in Mexico and 26.7 percent in Peru.

While varying significantly between countries, the policies to reduce the social impact of the crisis were miserable across the region.

The ECLAC found that in 2020, social assistance in the form of cash transfers or staples benefited 326 million people or nearly half of the population. Between March and December, however, no government provided an average monthly transfer greater than the poverty line. Only in Brazil, Chile, Panama and the Dominican Republic did it exceed the extreme poverty line.

The inevitable conclusion is that the measures were designed to starve workers and their families into accepting the lifting of the limited lockdowns implemented in mid-2020 and a reckless return to work.

While the data it presents is a criminal indictment of the native ruling classes and imperialism, the ECLAC limits itself to moral appeals and a submission to the capitalist imperative of reopening businesses and schools.

ECLAC executive secretary Alicia Barcena called on the regions ruling elites to build a new welfare state based on equality and sustainability, starting with an emergency universal basic income. In the reports presentation, a representative of UNICEF pointed to the huge disparities in access to online resources, but instead of demanding a massive investment in computers, internet access, training and hiring of teachers and specialists, he called for the reopening of schools.

What actually comes out of the report is the pressing need for a frontal assault on massive fortunes and brutal corporate exploitation across the region in order to contain the pandemic and meet basic needs.

This is clearly displayed in Sao Paulo, whose 33 dollar billionaires and 106,333 millionaires make it the most unequal metropolitan area in the region, and also the hardest-hit by COVID-19. At the same time, it has seen the eviction of thousands of families amid the raging pandemic. A woman unable to pay her $120 rent told AP after being threatened by police with eviction, For the government, people like us are just dust. Now, authorities and trade unions are proceeding with school re-openings so that students parents can generate profits at nonessential and unsafe workplaces.

Across Latin America and the Caribbean, according to the firm Wealth X, there were 8,260 individuals with more than $30 million in assets, with a combined wealth of $1.13 trillion. This enormous amount is likely an underestimation given the local elites growing use of tax havens. Over the last decade, for instance, Colombian investments in Switzerland rose 697 percent.

Todays levels of inequality and the domination of economic life by Wall Street are the result of a protracted shift to the right of the entire Latin American bourgeoisie in response to globalization, the dissolution of the USSR and the deepening crisis of global capitalism. This process is mirrored in every part of the world.

This shift was reflected in the ECLAC itself, which kept its headquarters in Santiago, Chile after the 1973 US-backed coup, accommodating itself to the fascist-military Pinochet dictatorship even after the killing of four of its associates. After traditionally promoting state-led social reforms and import-substitution industrialization in backwards economies, the ECLAC chief at the time, Enrique Iglesias, applauded the undeniable accomplishments of Pinochets shock-therapy privatizations, claiming these supposed advances were consolidated by subsequent governments.

In the last two decades, the bourgeois-nationalist forces of the so-called pink tide led by Hugo Chavez in Venezuela implemented limited increases in social spending and partial nationalizations, only to re-adopt policies based on social austerity once commodity prices fell.

In recent years, millions across the region have taken to the streets and carried out mass strikes to overturn the staggering levels of social inequality.

Student-led demonstrations in Nicaragua, triggered by an IMF-dictated pension cut, were crushed by the police and paramilitary forces, which used live fire against mass marches and hunted down suspected leaders, killing at least 325, leaving thousands injured and displacing over 70,000. The widening uprising was channeled by peasant and student organizations tied to the US State Department, as well as the American Chamber of Commerce, behind an aborted National Dialogue with the Daniel Ortega government.

In Honduras, demonstrations by teachers, students and health care workers were brutally repressed, with four protesters shot dead and another 20 students shot by troops who invaded the National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH). Demonstrations were demobilized by opposition trade unions and politicians calling for a national dialogue overseen by foreign mediators, i.e., representatives of imperialism offering positions and buyouts.

October 2019 saw mass uprisings in Ecuador and Chile involving general strikes and marches with millions of people. The militaries were deployed in both countries leaving at least eight dead in Ecuador and 36 in Chile.

The trade union and indigenous organizations in Ecuador called off the protests after talks with the Lenin Moreno government. In Chile, a coalition involving the trade unions, the Broad Front and the Communist Party, backed by pseudo-left organizations, channeled discontent behind a referendum on re-drafting the Constitution in a process regulated by the far-right Sebastian Pinera administration.

Protests against the US-backed military overthrow of Bolivian president Evo Morales in November 2019 were crushed by security forces that left a death toll of 33 and involved the shooting at marchers from helicopters. With Morales, his party MAS and ostensible allies in the trade unions playing a leading role, demonstrations were channeled behind elections overseen by the fascistic coup regime.

In Colombia, a series of strikes and mass demonstrations began on November 21, 2019, against social inequality and austerity measures. Last September, protests were rekindled by a police killing. As the military and police massacred at least 17 demonstrators, the trade unions, working with the main opposition figure Gustavo Petro and the pseudo-left, channeled these demonstrations behind talks with the murderous Ivan Duque administration, along with useless calls for the resignation of the defense minister, who has since died of COVID-19, and a superficial overhaul of the police.

In these recent experiences, workers and youth unwilling to accept further blows to their living standards and public services have taken to the streets outside of the control of the established institutions. So far, the ruling classes have relied on a carrot-and-stick strategy to bid its time: stints of murderous repression as preparations are made for dictatorship, combined with promises of democratic reform peddled by the official left and trade unions.

All the political forces and the trade unions that tirelessly work to subordinate the mass eruptions to bourgeois politics have paved the way to the murderous herd-immunity policies and the historic impoverishment over the last year, while laying the groundwork for the rise of a new wave of fascist-military dictatorships.

The pandemic crisis is inevitably intensifying the class struggle, with strikes by Sao Paulo teachers and Chilean health care workers and the mass protests in Haiti as initial signs. The crucial task confronting workers and youth is to build new organizations of class struggles and a new socialist, internationalist and revolutionary leadership. This means the establishment in every country of sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.

San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin said Friday that he would seek to remove Police Commissioner John Hamasaki from his position unless Hamasaki apologizes for a series of controversial social media posts he made this week about teens, guns and other members of the Board of Supervisors.

The announcement comes after days of vitriolic tweets fired at and from Hamasaki. The debate began Tuesday, following a tweet in which the commissioner argued that it was dangerous in some cases for police to seize guns from teens.

Supervisors Catherine Stefani and Ahsha Safai both called for Hamasakis resignation, arguing that the sentiment was unbefitting of a public safety official. Supervisor Myrna Melgar did not demand that he step down, but tweeted in support of Stefani.

Hamasaki and supporters fired back at the supervisors and other critics, with the debate devolving into an ugly series of memes and name-calling that played out in public. Hamasaki was appointed to the commission by the Board of Supervisors in 2018, and the board can vote to remove him.

Hamasaki said he was trying to introduce a nuanced discussion on the realities of gun violence in low-income communities of color, and how some feel put at risk if they are not carrying a firearm.

Peskin told The Chronicle that he had called Hamasaki on Friday to discuss the matter and Peskins potential actions.

I let him know, in no uncertain terms, that his behavior on Twitter to his appointing authority, the Board of Supervisors, was unacceptable and conduct unbecoming and he needed to walk it back back and apologize, Peskin said.

Short of that, I would be taking efforts pursuant to (the City Charter) to terminate his public position.

Hamasakis removal would require the vote of six of San Franciscos 11 supervisors, or a simple majority.

When asked by The Chronicle whether Peskins words were concerning to him, Hamasaki said yes.

Its a privilege and an honor to serve on the Police Commission, Hamasaki said. I think Ive been fortunate to be on that commission, to speak on behalf of people in the community who have not felt heard before.

Hamasaki, a criminal defense attorney, said he would not stop speaking out on what he said is a crucial matter of public safety. But he acknowledged that his sentiment could have perhaps been better explained in an editorial rather than the 240 characters allowed on Twitter.

I wholeheartedly believe in the dialogue that I was trying to generate, which is that gun control doesnt end with taking guns off the street, he said. We need to get to the core of why people feel the need to pick up guns.

In response to Stefanis call to step aside following his gun tweet, Hamasaki responded that he actually works in communities where gun violence occurs, and said The world is bigger and more complicated than (District Two) and the Marina, which Stefani represents.

Hamasaki later in the week fired back at Melgar, citing a tweet that linked her sister to a police scandal in Vallejo. The commissioner has since deleted the tweet and apologized for it on Twitter.

Its emotionally tiring to be attacked for 24 hours straight, and sometimes you even see your allies can come across as your enemies, Hamasaki told The Chronicle. I own that mistake. That was wrong, and Im happy to apologize to her.

Melgar said she understood Hamasakis initial tweet on guns and teens from the point of view of a criminal defense attorney, but said as a commissioner he had an obligation to respect the citys public policy.

That was my issue  it was about the policy, she said. And then it just veered into the very personal, and that is not my style. He came after my sister, and Im just not going there.

Melgar said she would not vote to remove Hamasaki from his post.

Hamasaki said he hopes to speak personally to both Stefani and Melgar, and said he believes both of them are coming from a good place and the right place on gun violence.

I just think some wires got crossed on Twitter, the debate between us is a mistake, and I think based on a misunderstanding, he said. I would like to correct my part in that, and Im happy to apologize for anything that I said arising out of this that was inappropriate.

Megan Cassidy is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: megan.cassidy@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @meganrcassidy
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  A women's group claimed on Saturday that most of the current peasant women political prisoners were detained under the Duterte regime, adding that the creation of an anti-insurgent task force has worsened the persecution of activists.

The Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women has called on the government anew to release 78 peasant women political prisoners, 62 whom were imprisoned under the present administration.

The fascist Duterte has put 62 innocent peasant women in jail behind bars and deprived them of their rights as women, mothers to their children, and peasants advancing rights to land and livelihood. This March 8 International Women's Day protest, we are calling for their immediate and unconditional release and hold Duterte accountable," Zenaida Soriano, Amihan National chairperson, was quoted as saying in a statement on Saturday.

Political prisoners, especially the elderly, sick, pregnant women, nursing mothers, those who are due for parole or pardon, at least one spouse each of political prisoner couples and accidental victims of political arrests should be released for humanitarian grounds," she added.

In a separate statement, Amihan also demanded the release of Amanda Echanisthe daughter of slain peace consultant Randy Echanisand her four-month-old son.

Echanis was arrested along with her son in December, and charged with illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

Anakpawis Party-list, however, claimed that Echanis was "arrested on planted evidence."

RELATED: Daughter of slain peace consultant arrested with newborn son in Cagayan

Amihan said President Rodrigo Duterte's "whole-of-nation" approach to counter-insurgency being led by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has intensified political persecution of peasant women activists.

The group added that "the police and military are the main implementors of redtagging, fake news peddling and black propaganda against peasant women activists."
On other hand, testimonials abounded of how smart and encouraging she can be

When Tatler magazine commissioned me to write this months cover story on Carrie Symonds, the warnings came in fast  from her friends... and foes.

It will be a world of pain, warned a Fleet Street veteran. Even if you write something nice, shell hate it.

Certainly, the First Fiancee has a reputation for taking offence  and often hitting back in tirades.

Its a nightmare, I was told with a sigh. Boris is just exhausted trying to keep her happy. He doesnt know how to say no to her.

A long-standing friend of Boris Johnson offered me an entertaining spiel about how the 32-year-old chatelaine of No 10 had turned it into the court of Henry VIII, with herself as a scheming Anne Boleyn-figure, ousting her fiances political cardinals such as Dominic Cummings.

Weathering the storm: Boris Johnsons fiancee Carrie Symonds pictured visiting the Birdfair annual event for birdwatching at Rutland Water in 2019

On the other hand, testimonials abounded of how smart, empathetic and encouraging of colleagues she can be.

John Whittingdale MP, who hired Carrie in her first senior adviser job, oozed: She was utterly brilliant. Organised and patient.

Having watched over the years as a number of highly able women  Cherie Blair, Sarah Brown and Samantha Cameron  chafed in the role, I was fascinated to discover how a much younger woman is dealing with a seemingly endless series of toxic rows.

Team Carrie, her loyal outriders, did not seem displeased at the idea of her being written about in the so-called society bible which had the Duchess of Cambridge on the cover last summer. Although she did not speak to me in person, I was allowed exhaustive access to many friends and allies.

It was a bit like witnessing the White Houses West Wing PR machine whirr into life.

Her office runs noticeably more smoothly since Sarah Vaughan-Brown, a former top ITN communications boss, was appointed. Im not sure Boriss own communications operation is anywhere near as energetic as his other halfs.

But I also heard from enemies shed made on her rapid ascent through the Conservative Party to seal a relationship with a serially unfaithful politician whose second marriage had nonetheless lasted nearly a quarter of a century.

Anne Boleyn apart, her soubriquets are many  and often tinged with sexism: including Cersei, after the controlling diva in TVs Game Of Thrones, Marie Antoinette for her free-spending habits and, most savagely, Princess Nut Nuts for her supposed regal/crazy behaviour.

A long-standing friend of Boris Johnson offered me an entertaining spiel about how the 32-year-old chatelaine of No 10 had turned it into the court of Henry VIII, writes Anne McElvoy

Carrie picks and promotes allies, and can dispatch enemies ruthlessly. Whereas Boris is accused of not bothering too much about female advancement, the First Fiancee lobbies strongly for women in the Cabinet. It was her wish to have Allegra Stratton brought in to be the public face of No 10s clunky communications.

She has bonded, too, with Baroness Simone Finn  a talented fixer whos been appointed as Downing Streets gatekeeper.

Finn and Symonds are a power duo to watch. When Finn hosted Symondss 30th birthday party, they belted out Abbas hit The Winner Takes It All  leading wags to call them Eddie and Patsy after the Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley characters in TVs Absolutely Fabulous.

Despite this sisterly solidarity, Carrie is accused of being curt or rude about women she distrusts or who do not meet with her approval. The least edifying story  with information I gathered since the Tatler piece was published adding extra piquancy  concerns stylish Civil Service high-flyer Antonia Romeo with whom there was bad blood.

The socially well-connected Romeo had worked her way through the salt mines of the diplomatic world as a senior official at the Department for International Trade slogging over Brexit difficulties, had become Consul-General in New York, then sought big promotion to the top job of Cabinet Secretary.

Symonds, sources say, made clear she disliked Romeo, believing that she had become too (platonically) friendly with Johnson on a trip to New York  and carping at her ambition.

Romeo didnt get the Cabinet Secretary job, after a final round of interviews in which she was the only female candidate.

When Tatler magazine commissioned me to write this months cover story on Carrie Symonds, the warnings came in fast  from her friends... and foes, writes Anne McElvoy

A Minister with whom Romeo has worked commented: Antonia is very sharp and analytical. She understands power and how to wield it for Britain. She deserved far better. But she is seen as a mans woman. And Carrie is clearly allergic to that.

The product of a childhood in which she was brought up by a single mother and got a theatre studies degree from Warwick University, she has always been a supporter of a new generation who are staunchly Conservative but not part of the glib Oxbridge- to-politics Tory conveyor belt.

Her very close friend Nimco Ali exemplifies Team Carrie  being both superglue loyal and involved in a scattergun network of charitable causes.

They first made common cause during a trip to Somalia in 2018. They then campaigned to highlight violence against women and female genital mutilation.

Not unreasonably for someone who only got together with her partner three eventful years ago and who had found life in her bachelor girl South London flat stressful, creating a home in Downing Street has mattered a lot to Carrie.

She was, as she quipped to one visitor, desperate to see the back of the John Lewis nightmare bequeathed by Theresa May. And despite Samantha Cameron having fitted a stylish kitchen, Carrie wanted rid of what I was told she described as the greige vibe (a Notting Hill chic mix of grey and beige).

The Lulu Lytle (pictured above) look appeals to a side of Carrie that savours luxury and the company of the wealthy and powerful

Visitors to the couples No 11 flat have raved to me about a new, deep green drawing room with jewel-coloured fabrics, lit by lanterns and candles in the evening and a golden yellow kitchen.

When I mischievously asked Michael Gove last week  during a video discussion about the newly published diaries of the 1930s MP Chips Channon  what the indiscreet socialite might have made of Carries expensive makeover with designs by upmarket stylist Lulu Lytle, he replied wryly: Lulu is clearly a sought-after designer. But I think Chips would have been rather more extravagant.

Equally, though, I have been told many tales of Carries thrift  doing up a treasured but ancient baby crib herself and using clothes-rental services for red carpet events.

But the Lulu Lytle look appeals to a side of Carrie that savours luxury and the company of the wealthy and powerful. Indeed, her new job is as head of communications at an animal charity run by Damian Aspinall, whos reckoned to be worth 200 million.

When I inquired about her salary, the terse reply from a proxy was its a commercial agreement. No surprise, either, that its been suggested that a multi-millionaire Tory donor, Lord Brownlow, has been asked to help set up a charity to pay for the refurb at No 11.

He is a major investor in Samantha Camerons Cefinn niche fashion label and is said to be helping it after a trying year. An affable character with a good line in tart gossip, he has also been a generous donor to charities associated with the Duchess of Cornwall.

Undoubtedly money is a pressing issue for Carrie and Boris.

He had an expensive divorce and theres the need to help support some of his four children by ex-wife Marina Wheeler, another child by a former mistress as well as the costs of funding a new family with Carrie.

He was annoyed at being warned he might need to repay a publishers fat advance for a book on Shakespeare when he became Prime Minister  a stand-off which was resolved by pushing back the publication date by at least a decade.

Day-to-day running costs (not least the 12,500 worth of gourmet, organic food delivered to Downing Street for the couple) are mounting up. And that is before the big wedding that friends of Carrie anticipate as soon as lockdown ends properly after Boris turns 57. She is already thinking about her dress.

A sample design from Lulu Lytle. Michael Gove said: Lulu is clearly a sought-after designer. But I think Chips would have been rather more extravagant'

Visitors to the couples No 11 flat have raved to me about a new, deep green drawing room with jewel-coloured fabrics, lit by lanterns and candles in the evening (sample design pictured)

Boris Johnson and his fiancee Carrie Symonds seen leaving the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in March last year

When I raised Carries spending with a friend, I got an angry response: Everyone has forgotten what a terrible year they have hadIt has been really tough and the months after Boriss Covid were horrible.

Another source told me his recovery was slow and his energy levels so drained by the virus that Carrie, recovering from having baby Wilfred, sank down on the stairs in exhaustion on one occasion. The couple have finally chosen a nanny, so domestic life in their Downing Street love-nest has become smoother.

But such is the febrile atmosphere around Carrie that ahead of the new edition of Tatler going on sale, I got a spate of calls from Team Carrie spear-carriers asking anxiously what I had written and how critical it might be. This was a sign that the outward confidence of the new, feminised No 10 is not immune to bouts of nerves.

But her fiances Government is well ahead in the polls with the successful vaccine rollout and a corner having been turned from the early mishandling of the pandemic. The tug-o-war between Boriss so-called Bromance Boys from the Vote Leave campaign and their nemesis, cheerleaders for Carries coup, has ended in an all-out triumph for Team Carrie.

However, the next few months wont all be about quiet nights in with deliveries of organic chicken tagine from Daylesford, the UKs poshest farmshop, and watching nature documentaries such as Our Planet on Netflix.

Carrie set out to be part of her mans political story, as well as his romantic one. Shes a political thoroughbred who loves to race, as a Conservative Central Office veteran puts it. One thing is for sure: there will be thrills  and doubtless more spills  to come on the newly fitted soft-pile carpets in Downing Street.

Anne McElvoy is Senior Editor at The Economist and hosts The Economist Asks talk show podcast.
Susan Zirinsky (pictured) worked on CBS's 48 Hours Investigates in 2004 when it screened two images of an unconscious Diana slumped in the back of a car after the crash in Paris in 1997. The 69-year-old is now head of CBS News, one of the network's most powerful jobs

An executive at the US TV network which will broadcast Harry and Meghan's interview was executive producer of a controversial programme that screened images of Princess Diana as she lay dying.

Susan Zirinsky worked on CBS's 48 Hours Investigates in 2004 when it screened two images of an unconscious Diana slumped in the back of a car after the crash in Paris in 1997. The 69-year-old is now head of CBS News, one of the network's most powerful jobs.

The decision to broadcast the pictures, which had never been shown before out of respect to Diana's family, provoked outrage.

Prince Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer, said he was 'shocked and sickened' while then Prime Minister Tony Blair branded the pictures 'distasteful'. Prince Harry has previously spoken of how hard he finds it to come to terms with the behaviour of photographers who took pictures of his injured mother.

Known in the newsroom as 'Z', Ms Zirinsky is a legendary figure at CBS. Describing herself in 2002, she said: 'I'm not a girly girl. I'm a hard news harlot at heart.'

CBS has also been engulfed by sexual harassment, racism and bullying scandals in recent years. Earlier this year, two senior executives were suspended after allegedly cultivating 'a hostile work environment' that included bullying female managers and blocking efforts to hire and retain black journalists.

An executive at the US TV network which will broadcast Harry and Meghan's interview (pictured) was executive producer of a controversial programme that screened images of Princess Diana as she lay dying

The decision to broadcast the pictures, which had never been shown before out of respect to Diana's family, provoked outrage. Pictured: Princess Diana

Prince Harry's uncle, Earl Spencer, said he was 'shocked and sickened' while then Prime Minister Tony Blair branded the pictures 'distasteful'

Les Moonves, chairman and chief executive of CBS Corporation, was ousted in 2018 after allegations of sexual assault and harassment against him by six women were made in The New Yorker magazine. He angrily denied the claims.

In January this year, The LA Times detailed allegations of racism and misogyny at CBS's local stations. Peter Dunn, president of CBS TV stations, and David Friend, senior vice-president of news, were suspended pending investigation.

Mr Dunn was accused of denigrating Ukee Washington, a black news anchor, as 'just a jive guy'.

An employee also claimed Dunn questioned whether a job applicant was 'too gay for Philadelphia', while another claimed when he refused to extend the contract of a black anchor, he raised 'bizarre objections' such as, 'I hate her face'.

Mr Dunn refused to comment on the allegations in January, while Mr Friend said he had a 'strong track record' in hiring women and black and ethnic minority journalists in important roles.

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The last month has seen an uptick in coronavirus cases, but only 16,000 cases are officially recorded, writes Asharaq Al-Awsat.

Syria has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus infections since mid-February but lockdown options remain limited due to the countrys dire economic situation, a member of the countrys coronavirus advisory committee said on Thursday.

Starting February 10th or around that time we started seeing a spike in cases, Dr. Nabough al-Awa told Reuters.

I dont have accurate percentages as Im only one doctor but I also talk to my colleagues. If I was seeing in my clinic two or three cases a day last year, now I am seeing five or six.

The health ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

On Monday it started administering coronavirus vaccinations to frontline healthcare workers and said the country was experiencing a rise in infections. It gave no further details.

Syria has officially recorded a total of 15,753 cases and 1,045 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Actual numbers are expected to be much higher owing to the governments limited testing capability.

The government imposed a nationwide curfew when the pandemic first hit last year but restaurants, shops, and schools reopened as that lockdown was gradually eased starting from May. Mask wearing is required in government offices and on crowded public transport.

One relief worker said the number of people seeking oxygen tanks spiked around a week ago but was now stabilizing again.

Several schools in Damascus have had to shut classes in the past week due to the rise in cases amongst students.

Online learning remains difficult in a conflict-ridden country where the internet and electricity supply are not stable.

Awa said adding to the problem was the fact that most schools in Syria dont have access to functional bathrooms, and soap and sanitation facilities, which if provided could decrease the number of infections.

These things could help reduce numbers if a closure is difficult, Awa said.

Its still not too late to act but the problem is we have to admit that we are being subjected to a severe spike.

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.
Three out of four Britons would be willing to carry proof they have been vaccinated if it meant they could travel, a new survey suggests.

Acceptance is highest among people aged over 65 who have been offered Covid-19 jabs ahead of most younger people, with 89 per cent happy to carry some sort of vaccination passport, the poll found.

This figure falls to 67 per cent for 18 to 24-year-olds, but London City Airport, which commissioned the research, believes it will rise as vaccines are rolled out further.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has pledged that all UK adults will be offered their first dose by the end of July.

Excited green pass holders in Israel show their proof of vaccination before entering a concert for vaccinated seniors, organised by the municipality of Tel Aviv, February 24

Under his road map, international holidays could be permitted for people in England from May 17.

Currently, anyone who gets a jab is given a vaccination card and has their medical records updated.

But the Government is considering the introduction of vaccine passports as a specific way for people to prove their status, potentially through the existing NHS app - similarly to Israel's 'green passports'.

There are concerns about ethical and legal issues, but Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs 'it is clear' that individuals will need a way of showing that they have had a jab.

The European Union has confirmed plans for a 'digital green pass' to allow people to travel into the bloc by showing they have been vaccinated or had a negative Covid test.

People queue to enter terminal 2, at Heathrow Airport, amid the spread of the coronavirus disease, January 18, 2021

The London City survey of 2,014 adults also indicated that 72 per cent of frequent flyers want to return to travel as soon as restrictions are lifted.

Some 71 per cent of those polled believe travel should be allowed between countries that have the virus 'under control'.

Civil Aviation Authority data shows just 6,474 passengers travelled through London City in January, down 98 per cent on the same month last year.

The airport's chief executive Robert Sinclair said: 'After the weakest first quarter that anyone in the industry can remember, the survey results show that the Prime Minister's road map has given British people hope again and it is very pleasing to see that so many see travel as a priority as restrictions are eased.

A holder of the 'green pass' (proof of being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus), trains at a gym in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, on February 21

'It has also given our airline partners confidence to schedule services throughout the summer and I am delighted that we will be able to connect travellers to so many destinations across the UK and Europe for the most well-deserved summer holiday they will ever have.

'The challenge now for industry and Government is to make sure that May 17 is not another false dawn and to agree travel standards with our key international partners as soon as possible which will allow everyone to fly safely from early summer.

'And when this is achieved, I would anticipate another surge in bookings that will not only be a huge shot in the arm for the industry but demonstrate that we can finally begin our recovery.'

Israelis shows their 'green pass' (proof of being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus) before entering the Green Pass concert for vaccinated seniors, Tel Aviv, Israel, February 24

In Israel only those with a 'green passport' are permitted to enter certain locations as the country tries to reopen following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Israelis are being asked for evidence of vaccinations status before being allowed into busy locations such as bars, shopping centres and theatres.

People who have received the required two vaccinations receive the green passport which allows them greater freedom.
She joked on Friday she has to learn to wear heels again when lockdown eventually lifts in the U.K.

And Victoria Beckham was pining for her pre-Covid life on Saturday as she took to Instagram to share a throwback snap from a fitting for her spring/ summer 2021 collection.

The fashion designer, 46, showcased her slender physique and went braless in a plunging purple silk maxi dress.

Daring display: Victoria Beckham was pining for her pre-Covid life on Saturday as she took to Instagram to share a throwback snap in a plunging purple silk gown

The dress was adorned with black lace detailing on the straps and bust, while a silk ribbon cinched in Victoria's tiny waist.

She wore her brunette hair in a low ponytail and was surrounded by assistants who were picking out clothes from her collection to try on during the fitting.

Posing for a mirror selfie barefoot, she captioned the shot: 'Missing the office! Last year at production fits for the Spring Summer 2021 collection, trying on one of my favourite pieces.'

Work: She captioned the shot: 'Missing the office! Last year at production fits for the Spring Summer 2021 collection, trying on one of my favourite pieces.'

'Happy Friyay!': Victoria, who has children Romeo, 18, Cruz, 16, and Harper, nine, still in school shared a picture of a whiteboard with the words 'Happy Friyay' written on it

It comes after Victoria celebrated the end of homeschooling on Friday.

Posh, who is currently in Miami with her brood, told her Instagram followers she felt 'relieved' it was the end of the week.

Victoria, who has children Romeo, 18, Cruz, 16, and Harper, nine, still in school shared a picture of a whiteboard with the words 'Happy Friyay' written on it.

She captioned the post: 'End of homeschooling for the week! And I'm relieved!'.

The Beckham family, including eldest son Brooklyn, 22, are currently in Miami as David, 46, headed out for work purposes for Inter Miami FC.

Her boys: The Beckham family, including eldest son Brooklyn, 22, are currently in Miami as David, 46, headed out for work purposes for Inter Miami FC

Gorgeous: And the designer joked she 'had to learn how to wear heels again' as she showed off a green silk dress from her collection in a video posted to Instagram earlier in the day

And the designer joked she 'had to learn how to wear heels again' as she showed off a green silk dress from her collection in a video posted to Instagram earlier in the day.

In the video she said: 'OK so I've feeling positive I'm feeling inspired, summertime is on its way and I cannot wait to wear this beautiful green kaftan dress which I love.

'It's got these really cool pockets, it's got slits up the side, it's comfortable, I'll be wearing this over a bikini when I go on holiday, which I will be going on holiday, and with heels.

'I've got between now and then I wear it to figure how to wear heels again!'

Victoria added in the caption: 'The perfect summer dress! So light and floaty and such a great shade of green x VB.'

The dress, which is priced at 1,290 on the Victoria Beckham website, also clearly had the seal of approval from her Spice Girls bandmate Emma Bunton, who commented 'Love' alongside a green heart emoji.
Union minister on Saturday said the government is open to evaluate and explore new technologies, including cryptocurrencies, for improving governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself is a strong advocate of embracing technology in various aspects of governance, the Minister of State for Finance said while addressing an event organised by Entrepreneurs' Organisation - EO Punjab.

"Let me say that we welcome innovation and new technology...blockchain is a new emerging technology. Cryptocurrency is a form of virtual currency. I firmly believe that we must always evaluate, explore and encourage new ideas with an open mind," he said.

A High-Level Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) was constituted under the Chairmanship of Economic Affairs Secretary on digital currencies and it has submitted its report.

The government would take a decision on the recommendations of the IMC and the legislative proposal, if any, would be introduced in Parliament following the due process, he said while inviting suggestions and views on this issue.

are digital or virtual currencies in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of their units and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the government is still formulating its opinion on and will take a calibrated position.

Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das had last week said the apex bank has certain "major concerns" over the impact may have on the financial stability in the economy and has conveyed the same to the government.

The RBI had virtually banned cryptocurrency trading in 2018 and had directed all entities regulated by the central bank to cease dealing in virtual currencies. The Supreme Court had also asked the Centre in 2019 to frame policies for crypto, and in 2020, struck down the curbs imposed by the RBI.

The Reserve Bank had through various public notices on December 24, 2013, February 1, 2017 and December 5, 2017, cautioned users, holders and traders of virtual currencies, including bitcoins, regarding various risks associated in dealing with such virtual currencies.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
(St. Paul, MN) Governor Tim Walz announced a state of emergency in Minnesota. Additionally the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced a series of community-level strategies to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus in Minnesota communities. With a total of 14 cases of travel-associated COVID-19 now confirmed in Minnesota, health officials urge swift action to limit the spread of the infection and reduce its impacts on our communities and our health care system.

The broad set of recommendations will remain in place until further notice, and touch on many aspects of society, including families, faith-based organizations, employers, assisted living facilities, schools and health care settings. Each strategy is designed to make person-to-person transmission less likely by reducing the close-contact interactions (interactions with others within 6 feet for 10 minutes or more) that tend to result in passing along the illness.

The full set of recommendations is available on the MDH Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) website. Key items on the list include:

 Event organizers cancelling or postponing gatherings with 250 or more people, including concerts, conferences, professional and amateur performances or sporting events.

 Event organizers cancelling or postponing smaller events (those with less than 250 people) that are held in settings that do not allow social distancing of 6 feet per person.

 Event organizers limiting attendance to no more than 10 people for events where the majority of participants are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

 People and families at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness staying at home and avoiding gatherings or other situations of potential exposures, including travel.

 Employers making telework arrangements for workers whose duties can be done remotely.

 Employers staggering work schedules and limiting non-essential work travel.

 Health care facilities and assisted-living facilities more strictly limiting visitors.

 Faith-based organizations offering video or audio events.

 Hospitals and other health care facilities implementing triage before entering facilities (for example, parking lot triage, phone triage, and telemedicine to limit unnecessary visits).

The Minnesota recommendations include school-specific guidance for limiting close-contact interactions. However, consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MDH has not recommended that K-12 schools close unless specifically advised to do so by health officials. However, as the situation evolves there may be points where specific or broad closures would be ordered. Parents of children and teens with underlying health conditions should consider distance learning as a precaution.

Shopping for groceries and other items is not affected by these recommendations, although it is a good idea to limit close contact when doing so  and people who are sick should not be shopping or using transit. They should stay home until they recover.

The recommendations to avoid mass gatherings do not pertain to normal operations of airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, or other spaces where 100 or more people may be in transit. Even so, people in high-risk categories (the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions) should consider limiting such activities.

According to Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm, these recommendations show that every Minnesota resident and organization has an important role to play in protecting our state from the risks of this disease.

We know these strategies will impact the lives of all Minnesotans, but we are hopeful we can reduce the impacts of this outbreak by working together, Commissioner Malcolm said. All Minnesotans share the risks and the responsibilities now.

"For everyone, the responsibility first and foremost is to stay home when you are sick, Commissioner Malcolm said. I want to make it clear that this applies to everyone  no exceptions during a serious outbreak like this. For communities and organizations, the responsibility means making temporary adjustments to events, operations and activities to help make person-to-person transmission less likely.

Since the outbreak started in December 2019, more than 134,000 cases and 4,967 deaths have been reported worldwide. That includes 1,701 U.S. cases and 40 deaths as of this morning.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is spread primarily by respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza spreads. It can also spread when people touch contaminated surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. More information can be found on MDHs Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) website. MDH has set up a COVID-19 public hotline that is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The hotline number is 651-201-3920.

To listen to Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm and MN Attorney General Keith Ellison during their press conference on Friday, March 13th.
Senegal's interior minister said on Friday four people have died during three days of protests in support of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Demonstrators have clashed with security forces since first taking to the streets on Wednesday after Sonko's arrest.

Interior Minister Antoine Felix Abdoulaye Diome said the protests were "unprecedented and uncommonly provocative acts" organized with the support of "identified occult forces." He did not elaborate and avoided naming Sonko, but made clear references to "a legislator involved in a case of rape."

"The accused person demonstrated in one hand, his public and open refusal to answer before the justice. On the other hand, through repeated messages, he made calls for violence, insurrection and the undermining of the authority of the state," Diome said.

The minister condemned looting and damage to public and private property during the protests, and described the violence in the street as "acts of terrorist nature". Diome called on the public to stay calm and warned large gatherings were a violation of coronavirus restrictions.

Earlier on Friday police fired tear gas to disperse protesting supporters of Sonko, who were throwing objects against the security forces and setting fire to tires and barricades in the streets of Dakar. This week's unrest in the capital, has been the worst seen in years in a country known for its stability. Thousands have also protested nationwide. The demonstrations began Wednesday before Sonko's court appearance for questioning on accusations of rape.

He was detained on the way to the courthouse and arrested for disturbing public order after hundreds of his supporters clashed with police who were blocking unauthorized protests. His lawyer Friday said he is now charged with rape and making death threats.

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[March 05, 2021] Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP, a Leading Securities Fraud Law Firm, Announces Investigation of Range Resources Corporation (RRC) on Behalf of Investors

Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), a leading national shareholder rights law firm, today announced that it has commenced an investigation on behalf of Range Resources Corporation ("Range Resources" or the "Company") (NYSE: RRC) investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you suffered a loss on your Range Resources investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at https://www.glancylaw.com/cases/range-resources-corporation/. You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights. On February 10, 2021, Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection (the "DEP") announced that Range Resources had paid a $294,000 civil penalty to the agency on January 8, 2021 for violating the 2012 Oil and Gas Act. According to the DEP's investigation, "between Tuesday, July 16, 2013, and Monday, October 11, 2017, 42 of Range Resources' conventional wells were placed on inactive statusbut were never used again" and that several of the Company's "wells had not been in use for 12 months at the time Range Resources submitted its applications for inactive status," even though "after 12 consecutive months of no production, the well would be classified as abandoned and must be plugged." In addition to paying the DEP's civil penalty, Range Resources was ultimately required to plug the wells the agency identified as having no viable future use to remediate the issue.



On this news, Range Resource's stock price fell $0.62 per share, or 6.08%, to close at $9.57 per share on February 11, 2021, thereby injuring investors. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding Range Resources should consider their options to aid the investigation or take advantage of the SEC (News - Alert) Whistleblower Program. Under the program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Charles H. Linehan at 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 or email shareholders@glancylaw.com. About GPM Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP is a premier law firm representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. ISS Securities Class Action Services has consistently ranked GPM in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report. In 2018, GPM was ranked a top five law firm in number of securities class action settlements, and a top six law firm for total dollar size of settlements. With four offices across the country, GPM's nearly 40 attorneys have won groundbreaking rulings and recovered billions of dollars for investors and consumers in securities, antitrust, consumer, and employment class actions. GPM's lawyers have handled cases covering a wide spectrum of corporate misconduct including cases involving financial restatements, internal control weaknesses, earnings management, fraudulent earnings guidance and forward looking statements, auditor misconduct, insider trading, violations of FDA regulations, actions resulting in FDA and DOJ investigations, and many other forms of corporate misconduct. GPM's attorneys have worked on securities cases relating to nearly all industries and sectors in the financial markets, including, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, real estate and REITs, financial, insurance, information technology, health care, biotech, cryptocurrency, medical devices, and many more. GPM's past successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, Reuters, the Associated Press (News - Alert), Barron's, Investor's Business Daily, Forbes, and Money. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210305005566/en/

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A Vermont high school has relocated to a former Macy's department store at an abandoned mall after toxic chemicals were found in the old school building.

Students at Burlington High School initially shifted to remote learning due to the pandemic back in March, but before the current academic year started, potentially dangerous chemicals were found in the air of the high school building, forcing the city to shutter its doors.

In the meantime, students are now attending classes in what used to be a Macy's, sitting at desks and reading library books among old clothing displays and signs for fashion brands like Levi's and Michael Kors.

A designer education! A Vermont high school has relocated to a former Macy's department store at an abandoned mall after toxic chemicals were found in the old school building

Getting out: Last year, dangerous chemicals linked to old construction materials were found in the air at Burlington High School

Certainly unique: The school board signed a three-year lease for an old Macy's department store that closed in 2018

Grand entrance: Ten weeks were spent renovating the former shopping destination to turn it into a school, complete with classrooms, cafeteria, and library

Flashback: The Macy's in the Burlington Square Mall has been closed since 2018 and is set to be demolished, but the demolition has been put on hold

Out of business: The Burlington Square Mall, also called Burlington Town Center, has been closed since 2017

While the Burlington school district solves the issue of chemicals in the air at the old high school building  which have been linked to old construction materials  students in Vermont's most-populous city needed to be relocated.

Proposed measures  like sending the teens to a local middle school or a local college  wouldn't work for the long-term, so city officials got creative.

They turned to the old Burlington Square Mall, which was shuttered in 2017. The mall's Macy's  which has been closed since 2018  is set to be demolished with the rest of the building, but the demolition has been put on hold.

With the space sitting empty, the school board agreed to a 3.5-year lease of the building for $1.2 million annually in November.

'In-person learning is very important. It needs to happen as soon as possible,' Stephen Carey, a school board member, told WCAX.

'It seems like the Macys option is the one that provides that best. Im excited about the potential for a dynamic downtown high school thats connected to the city in the way that none of our schools are connected to the city right now.'

Cool library: Macy's giant escalators are still in use, while library books are stacked on shelves that once housed accessories or homeware

'In-person learning is very important. It needs to happen as soon as possible,' Stephen Carey, a school board member, said

Downsides: There are some drawbacks to having a school in the unconventional space. There are no windows and no gym

There are some drawbacks to having a school in the unconventional space. There are no windows and no gym, students must return to the gym in the original high school building for winter sports.

But with a $3.5 million 10-week-long renovation that started in December, the city has transformed the old Macy's into a workable  if unique  high school.

The 150,000-square-foot space has a library, and dozens of classrooms, and separate rooms for music, art, and physical education.

There are still plenty of remnants of the old department store, including the grand entrance where the city has fitted a 'Downtown BHS' sign.

Pictures show a cafeteria that has been set up under a Michael Kors sign where the brand used to display accessories, and giant escalators run through the middle of the school.

Decor in one classroom consists of a giant sign for Levi's jeans, while library books no line shelves that likely once displayed shoes or kitchenware.

Voila! The Macy's-cum-high-school held its ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, and students returned part-time  two days a week each  on Thursday

'Its amazing to think that we are standing in what used to be a department store,' Superintendent Tom Flanagan said at the opening ceremony

Students are excited about their new digs, not least of all because it means somewhat of a return to normalcy

'We want to pay homage to the fact that this was Macys,' acting Principal Lauren McBride told VT Digger.

The Macy's-cum-high-school held its ribbon-cutting on Tuesday, and students returned part-time  two days a week each  on Thursday.

'Its amazing to think that we are standing in what used to be a department store, that were greeting people where we used to buy winter coats, reading books where they once sold fine China, taking phone calls in converted changing rooms, and learning science in the old suit racks,' Superintendent Tom Flanagan said at the opening ceremony, according to Seven Days.

'Being downtown provides so much opportunity for learning, that its connected to the city, to the lake and to the kind of hands-on learning thats necessary for the 21st century,' he added WCAX.

Students are excited about their new digs, not least of all because it means somewhat of a return to normalcy.

'I think its pretty cool,' senior Maya Standard said. 'It definitely exceeded my expectations'

Sound travels a lot in the building, since makeshift classroom walls don't reach all the way up to the ceiling

'Its taken a while for people to come around to the idea, but I think people are just accepting it as the new normal,' added junior Rebecca Cunningham

'I think its pretty cool,' senior Maya Standard said. 'It definitely exceeded my expectations. I thought it was going to be a lot smaller. Its really big, which is cool. And its just so nice to see all of my teachers.'

'Its really cool to see,' another senior, Ariel Felcan, said. 'Im excited to spend the rest of the school year here.'

There are, of course, some odd things to adjust to. Wyatt Harte, a BHS senior, told WCAX that sound travels a lot in the building, since makeshift classroom walls don't reach all the way up to the ceiling.

'The walls arent exactly soundproof, but its kind of nice because its nice to hear all these different voices and you feel like youre kind of back in a community again,' he said.

'Its taken a while for people to come around to the idea, but I think people are just accepting it as the new normal,' added junior Rebecca Cunningham. 'With everything going on this year, COVID and the election, theres been so many surprises that ending up in a Macys is not as big of a surprise as it could have been.'

Ta-da! Social studies and history teacher Brennan Carney telling Seven Days he was 'pleasantly surprised' by how well it turned out

'I think that theres that excited energy, across the board, of returning to  in-person instruction and making those connections outside of the screen,' the principal said

Looks familiar! The cafeteria sits where old stalls of designer goods used to be

'As much as our students are craving it, our faculty and staff are craving it just as much,' said the principal

Teachers who spoke to the media are also happy to be back, with social studies and history teacher Brennan Carney telling Seven Days he was 'pleasantly surprised' by how well it turned out.

'Theres no institutional knowledge of this space, so everyone  teachers, admin, every student [grades] nine through 12  is going to feel lost for a while, which actually gives you kind of a fresh vibe,' Carney said.

'I think that theres that excited energy, across the board, of returning to  in-person instruction and making those connections outside of the screen,' Interim principal McBride added.

'As much as our students are craving it, our faculty and staff are craving it just as much.'
Microscopic examination supports early suspicions that wear and tear caused a fan blade to snap inside one engine of a United Airlines plane that caused debris to rain down in Denver last month, federal safety investigators said Friday.

The Boeing Co 777 plane had flown 2,979 cycles before its last inspection in 2016. At the time of the incident, checks were required every 6,500 cycles mandated after a separate United engine failure in 2018. A cycle refers to one take-off and landing.

'Multiple fatigue fracture origins' were found on the inside of the fan blade and 'multiple' secondary cracks were also discovered, Fox News reports.

The aircraft, with 231 passengers and 10 crew on board, was heading to Honolulu on Feb. 20 from Denver International Airport when debris struck the plane's right engine, causing it to erupt into flames.

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Microscopic examination supports early suspicions that wear and tear caused a fan blade to snap inside one engine of a United Airlines plane that caused debris to rain down in Denver last month, federal safety investigators said Friday

The engine of United Airlines Flight 328 is on fire after after experiencing a 'right-engine failure' shortly after takeoff from Denver International Airport

The incident forced the pilot to attempt an emergency landing back in Denver just 20 minutes after take-off, at around 1.30pm local time.

Video recorded aboard Flight UA328 captured the moment it touched back down on the runway safely, prompting the cabin to erupt into applause and cheers of relief.

Remarkably, there were no injuries reported either on board the flight or on the ground.

The aircraft, with 231 passengers and 10 crew on board, was heading to Honolulu on Feb. 20from Denver International Airport when debris struck the plane's right engine, causing it to erupt into flames

A handout photo made available by Broomfield Police Department showing parts of the debris from the United Airlines flight 328

The Boeing Co 777 plane had flown 2,979 cycles before its last inspection in 2016. At the time of the incident, checks were required every 6,500 cycles mandated after a separate United engine failure in 2018. A cycle refers to one take-off and landing

After the United engine failure shortly after takeoff from Denver, Pratt & Whitney, a unit of Raytheon, issued a bulletin calling for inspections every 1,000 cycles.

The Federal Aviation Administration subsequently issued an emergency order requiring inspections of all 777 airplanes with PW4000 engines before resuming flights.

The NTSB said earlier that damage to a fan blade in the United engine failure was consistent with metal fatigue.

The agency said the blade that fractured underwent inspections in 2014 and 2016. The 2016 inspection data was examined again in 2018 after the incident involving a United 777 that suffered an engine failure near Honolulu.

The engines are used on 128 older versions of the plane, accounting for less than 10% of the more than 1,600 777s delivered. Only a handful of airlines in the United States, South Korea and Japan were operating 777s with that engine before the incident.

United, which is the only U.S. operator of 777s with the PW4000 engine, declined to comment on Friday. It voluntarily grounded its fleet of 24 planes with that engine after the incident. Boeing did not immediately comment Friday. The engine failure showered engine parts over a nearby Denver suburb but no one was injured. The captain elected not to dump fuel for safety and time reasons, the NTSB said.

In this aerial view from a drone, a piece of an airplane engine that fell from Flight 328 sits in the median of Sheridan Boulevard on February 20, 2021 in Broomfield, Colorado

UK fintechs seek 'cure for Brexit' in Lithuania Rockit -- CEO Sarune Smalakyte Rockit pictured here -- is an office complex for fintech companies settling in the Lithuanian capital

Thanks in part to Brexit, Lithuania is becoming a fintech hub as a growing number of UK-linked digital financial companies are getting licences there so they can continue to operate in the European Union.

The Baltic eurozone state with a population about a third the size of London is now leading the EU in fintech with over 230 companies, according to the Invest Lithuania government agency.

Some two dozen have links to Britain.

One of the first to come after the 2016 Brexit referendum was London-based Revolut bank.

"Lithuania is currently a hub for our European operations after Brexit," Virgilijus Mirkes, CEO of Revolut Bank in Lithuania, told AFP.

"We opened our Vilnius office in 2017 after considering the fintech-friendly business environment," he said, pointing to a speedy licencing process and good local talent.

Invest Lithuania estimates that the sector employs more than 4,000 people in the country -- an increase of more than 18 percent in the past year.

"During the Brexit transition period, fintech companies began to search for an alternative EU harbour and thus Lithuania has become one of their primary options," said Jekaterina Govina, a senior official in charge of supervision at Lithuania's central bank.

- 'Continue to scale' -

Lithuania says it can process licence applications in as little as three months, more quickly than anyone else in the EU.

The central bank has granted a total of 118 fintech licences allowing companies to operate anywhere in the EU -- far higher than Germany with 77 licences and France with 76, according to a report from Invest Lithuania.

Britain is still first by far with 610 licences.

Lithuania's central bank has also set up a "regulatory sandbox" -- a framework to allow fintech companies to test out innovations.

"That was a lighthouse for companies searching for a cure for Brexit," Govina said.

While the capital Vilnius does not offer the big city attractions of London and getting there is tricky at the moment because of coronavirus restrictions, internet speeds in Lithuania are good and it has a tech-savvy workforce.

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Revolut employs some 200 people in the country, including in product development and customer support, and Mirkes said the company would "continue to scale (up) our operations here".

Revolut started its operations in Vilnius in a gleaming glass-fronted office hub called Rockit, which is funded by Swedbank and provides workspace and industry events for some 30 member companies.

"Our hub helps to create a fintech community where foreign companies can easily find local partners," Rockit CEO Sarune Smalakyte told AFP during a recent visit to the space.

- Need for firmer approach -

But the push into fintech also comes with risks.

Sergejus Muravjovas, CEO of Transparency International Lithuania, said "the ambition to become a fintech centre comes with a responsibility to take money laundering prevention to a new level.

"There is a need for a firmer and more data-driven approach from monitoring the institutions involved," he told AFP.

Govina said the authorities were "fully aware" of their responsibilities as a licence in the Baltic state opens the gates to the entire EU market.

Another company that has recently set up in Lithuania is London-based DiPocket Group, which has developed an e-money wallet app.

"Brexit was definitely the trigger event," said DiPocket CEO and co-founder Fedele Di Maggio.

He said he found the central bank "both strict and supportive" and described the local workforce as "generally English-speaking and with reasonable financial expectations".

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For Sydney teenager Hayley Evans, International Womens Day is special for two reasons - its her birthday, and also a day to celebrate female friendship.

Its important for us women to stick together and always be there for each other, said Hayley, a year 12 student who lives near Manly. I dont think its competitive.

Hayley said her friends, - her best friend Tia-Drew Kelso-Ferrier and a wider circle of 10 friends - helped her through a difficult year in 2020.

Hayley Evans (left) and her friend Tia Drew Kelso-Ferrier, both 17. Credit:James Brickwood

The shared experience of the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple lockdowns on the northern beaches meant they grew closer even when relationships went virtual and they started talking on the phone instead of hanging out at the beach.
International

Pope, cleric discuss plight of Iraqi Christians

London, Mar 6 (Agencies) | Publish Date: 3/6/2021 1:07:51 PM IST

Pope Francis has discussed the safety of Iraqs Christian minority with one of Shia Islams most powerful figures, on his landmark trip to the country.

Like many communities in Iraq, Christians have been hit by waves of violence over the past two decades. The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, spiritual leader of millions of Shia Muslims, said the talks had emphasised peace.

The meeting was seen as a highly symbolic moment in the Popes visit.

The Pope is on his first international trip since the start of the pandemic - and the first ever papal visit to Iraq. Covid-19 and security fears have made this his riskiest trip yet.

The 84-year-old leader of the Catholic Church earlier told reporters that he had felt dutybound to make the emblematic journey, which will see him visit several sites over four days in Iraq. Iraqs Christian minority has experienced considerable violence since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

Receiving the Pope at his home in the holy city of Najaf, Grand Ayatollah Sistani affirmed his concern that Christian citizens should live like all Iraqis in peace and security, and with their full constitutional rights. Pope Francis thanked the ayatollah for having raised his voice in defense of the weakest and most persecuted during some of the most violent times in Iraqs recent history, the Associated Press reports. The Shia leaders message of peace, he said, affirmed the sacredness of human life and the importance of the unity of the Iraqi people. Audiences with the reclusive ayatollah are rare but he received the Pope for around 50 minutes, talking without face masks. Pope Francis later travelled to the ancient city of Ur, where the Prophet Abraham - central to Islam, Christianity and Judaism - is believed to have been born.

From this place, where faith was born, from the land of our father Abraham, let us affirm that God is merciful and that the greatest blasphemy is to profane his name by hating our brothers and sisters, the pontiff said. About 10,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel are being deployed to protect the Pope during his visit, while round-the-clock curfews are also being imposed to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Some Shia militant groups have reportedly opposed the visit, suggesting the tour amounts to Western interference in the countrys affairs.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined the broad contours of President Joe Biden's foreign policy Wednesday, saying this administration will promote democracy abroad, but not through "costly military interventions", which he said had failed in the past.
Commissioners, Vaux discuss shortage in affordable housing

Codington County commissioners and Mark Vaux, new executive director of the Watertown Development Company, discussed issues Tuesday.

The emergency security patch Microsoft rolled out a few days ago to fix four zero-day flaws in Exchange Server didn't deter the hacking group that's been exploiting them. In fact, according to Krebs on Security and Wired, the the Chinese state-sponsored group dubbed Hafnium ramped up and automated its campaign after the patch was released. In the US, the group infiltrated at least 30,000 organizations using Exchange to process email, including police departments, hospitals, local governments, banks, credit unions, nonprofits and telecommunications providers. Worldwide, the number of victims is reportedly in the hundreds of thousands.

"Just about everyone who's running self-hosted Outlook Web Access and wasn't patched as of a few days ago got hit with a zero-day attack," a source told Krebs. A former national security official Wired talked to said thousands of servers are getting compromised per hour around the world. When Microsoft announced its emergency patch, it credited security firm Volexity for notifying it about Hafnium's activities. Volexity president Steven Adair now said that even organizations that patched their servers on the day Microsoft's security update was released may have still been compromised.

Further, the patch will only fix the Exchange Server vulnerabilities  those already compromised will still have to remove the backdoor the group planted in their systems. Hafnium is exploiting the flaws to plant "web shells" in their victims' servers, giving them administrative access that they can use to steal information. According to Krebs, Adair and other security experts are worried about the possibility of the intruders installing additional backdoors as the victims work to remove the ones already in place.

Microsoft clarified from the start that these exploits have nothing to do with SolarWinds. That said, Hafnium's activities' may dwarf the SolarWinds attacks when it comes to the number of victims. Authorities believe around 18,000 entities were affected by the SolarWinds' breach, since that was the number of customers that downloaded the software's malicious update. As Wired notes, though, Hafnium's activities focus on small and medium organizations, where the SolarWinds hackers infiltrated tech giants and large US government agencies.

When asked about the situation, Microsoft told Krebs that it's working closely with the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, along with other government agencies and security companies, to provide its customers "additional investigation and mitigation guidance."
Richwood, TX (77531)

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Partly cloudy skies early will give way to cloudy skies late. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 72F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
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In 2008, Timothy Adams pleaded guilty to taking a 67-year-old jewelry store owner hostage in a seven-hour standoff with police in Journal Square

He spent nearly seven years in prison for the crime, including time served for a previous conviction. However, it was the time he spent in the prison library, reading and researching, that inspired him to work toward a better life.

Today, Adams, 44, is out of prison and enrolled in a cyber security certification program at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), which he used his stimulus check to pay for. He told The Jersey Journal last month that he looks to bridge the gap in the shortage of cybersecurity professionals and, hopefully one day, do something for the victims of the hostage incident.

(Going to the library), it made me fight for my life ... At first, my attitude was my life is over, I messed up, and Im finished. But over time my mindset started to change, Adams said.

When Adams was released in 2012, he started pursuing entrepreneurship and embracing his business mindset. He sold cell phone accessories in New York and New Jersey, and encouraged nearly a dozen children to take free business classes offered in East Orange.

Adams sells masks at his pop-up shop.Courtesy of Timothy Adams

But then Adams said he was sent back to prison in 2015 after a technical violation of his parole. Two years were taken off from his original sentence because of consideration of his psychiatric problems.

He was released in summer 2016 and hasnt looked back since.

Adams started his semester at NJIT at the beginning of February and said he should earn his certification in November. This is the first time in 25 years that hes back in school.

Hes currently taking a course called introduction to cybersecurity and in March, hell be taking the second part of the class. He said hes still getting the hang of it, but cybersecurity has always been an interest of his.

Despite all the progress hes made, Adams said Sept. 21, 2005 is a day hell never forget.

Thats one thing I would love to take back, but I know I cant, he said.

According to the original charges, Adams and another man entered A&E Jewelry on Sip Avenue at 2 p.m. One had a gun on owner Yung Park, 67, while Parks wife ran out of the shop. Adams accomplice chased the woman and attacked her on the sidewalk, but a passing Secaucus cop and probation officer saw the struggle and intervened.

Back inside, Adams forced Park into a basement where he barricaded himself, holding an apparent grenade. Park eventually escaped while a hostage negotiator distracted Adams, who was then arrested. Police found the gun and grenade used in the incident were both fake.

I was dealing with so much around that time, but that by no means excuses my behavior, he said. ... If theyre still around, I would one day like to do something for the victims because it really affected their lives.

But first, Adams says hes investing in himself, his education and a better future.
BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Leung Chun-ying on Saturday said he firmly supports the country's top legislature to improve the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

A draft decision on improving the HKSAR electoral system was submitted on Friday to the National People's Congress for deliberation at the top legislature's annual session.

Leung, who served as the chief executive of the HKSAR from 2012 to 2017, made the remarks while attending a group discussion during the annual session of the CPPCC National Committee, or the top political advisory body.

Leung called on national political advisors from Hong Kong to take a firm stand and resolutely safeguard the overall interests of the state and the fundamental interests of Hong Kong.

Efforts should be made to dispel misconceptions and further unite the people who love the country and Hong Kong, Leung said.
On Thursday night Manar Al-Khoury, a deacon at the Church of Mar Youssef in the Baghdad upper class district of Karrada, was working hard to oversee the last preparations for an anticipated mass that Pope Francis will be holding on Saturday, the second day of the visit of the Holy See to Iraq.

On Friday, Pope Francis arrived in Baghdad in his first overseas trip since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the visit, the Holy See stated in a message on Thursday to the Iraqis, I long to meet you, see your faces, visit your land, ancient and extraordinary cradle of civilisation.. I arrive among you as a pilgrim of peace, to repeat: You are all brothers.

Upon his arrival in Baghdad, the pontiff said that his visit was a duty towards a land that has been martyred for so many years. In the Iraqi capital where he started his three-day tour of Iraq, Pope Francis will hold the mass that is expected to see a high turnout.

We are really looking forward for this mass; we are rejoicing over his visit. The mass will be a jubilant moment for us, El-Khoury said.

"Those who will attend the prayers may not be many but those who will follow it, here in Iraq and elsewhere all over the world where many Iraqi families have been residing since the big wave of immigration started in 2004, will be so much more.

As Christians of Iraq, we have suffered so much, especially during the past two decades; we deserve a moment of joy to heal our wounds, El-Khoury said over a telephone from Baghdad.

During the years that followed the 2003 US war on Iraq, the 1.5 million Iraqi Christian minority dwindled to less than half a million. The first big waves of migration had started a decade earlier with the economic embargo imposed on Iraq in the wake of its defeated invasion of Kuwait which wrecked what should have been one of the most prosperous world economies and forced many young men, both Muslim and Christians, to pursue a better life elsewhere.

Under Saddam Hussein, things were alright for Christians so long as they decided to be just Christians and not to get involved in politics in any way form, said Joseph Salio, a former Iraqi parliamentarian. He added that if one got involved in politics or expressed discontent with anything he would not have been in a good place  not because he was Christian but because he was politically active.

Since the fall of Saddam and the beginning of civil conflicts between the Shia majority that was harshly coerced by Saddam and the Sunni minority to which Iraqs former dictator belonged, the rise of radical militant groups has given the Christians of Iraq a nightmare. Clergy were attacked, kidnapped and killed. Churches were attacked and worshippers were killed. Entire cities were evicted of its Christian population who had to run for their lives under the terrifying threats of the Islamic State (IS).

It was in the summer of 2014 that Emane Hannah had to run from her Mosul house with the dress I was wearing and with just very few things, along with her husband and children to escape the IS threats against Christians to either convert to Islam, die, or leave their houses.

We left. Our houses were confiscated and we had to move from one place to the other before we finally managed to settle in Baghdad, she said over the phone.

Today, she added, some of her good old neighoburs have tried to find their way back to the houses they once lived in. She, however, is not sure she is up to this move. Well, I am not sure that things are permanently secure there; we dont know; we have seen so many horrors  not just us in Mosul but all of us, the Christians of Iraq, she said.

In the autumn of 2010, a bloody attack against the Church of Our Lady of Salvation killed close to 60 people and left so many others wounded. This was one of the worst attacks that hit the Christians of Iraq; it was a moment of transformation that made so many people realise that they can no longer live in Iraq and that they had to go, El-Khoury said. It was a heartbreaking moment for all the Christians of Iraq, not just the followers of this Assyrian Catholic church, he added.

Himself of the Chaldean Catholics, El-Khoury was closely associated with the Church of Our Lady of Salvation. My school was affiliated to this church; I used to pray and play there until the late 1990s; I love this church and it broke my heart to see what happened there, he said.

Chaldeans, Assyrians, and other Catholics make up over 60 percent of Iraqs Christian minority. For all of them, the visit of the Pope is a ray of sunshine rather than an answer to any of their profound problems.

The problems of Christians as a minority in Iraq goes way back in time because once we became a religious minority we have been treated as such, Salio said. He added that he was not aware that the Pope was in Iraq to fix the unfairness to which the Christians of the country have been faced with, especially during the past decade.

It is too complicated; to undo the unfairness we need to first see a stable and democratic state that is liberated from radical militant groups and all the militias and then we need to have laws that treat all Iraqis as equal citizens, Salio argued. However, he added, the visit of the Holy See would at the very least shed light on the suffering of the Christians of Iraq, he added.

For her part, Hannah is hoping that the pontiff will be able to prompt Iraqi officials to try and help those Iraqis who had been forced out of their houses to have enough security and possible job opportunities to take them back to their cities and villages. Maybe one day I will go back to Mosul  just maybe, she said.

Pople Francis is planning to visit Mosul in the north of Iraq that has been liberated from IS  despite major security concerns. Mosul is scheduled to be his third stop in Iraq after Baghdad, where he was received with Iraqi President Burham Salih, and Najaf where he is planning to meet with Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, the most senior Shia clergy.

This meeting is very important because it sends a message of tolerance and coexistence to people of all faiths, said Yasser Mekki, a Najaf-based Iraqi activist.

During the tough years of assaults on the Christians of Iraq, Ayatollah Al-Sistani called for compassion with their plight, he said. According to Mekki, some of the Christians who had to flee Mosul, found refuge in Karbala, a leading Shia city.

However, Christian rights activists in Iraq have been complaining about the attempts of some radical Shias in the north of Iraq to incite Christians to leave, not just their cities but all of Iraq.

Salio is arguing that this is a very difficult moment for the Christians of Iraq where they have to grapple with haunting security concerns, a reality of inequality, and a sense of uncertainty over the future. We hope the Pope will raise these issues with his interlocutors in Iraq, but we dont know what he will say and what they will do, he said.

In addition to Baghdad, Najaf and Mosul, the pontiff is planning a visit Ur, the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, who is revered by Christians, Muslims, and Jews. Only if we learn to look beyond our differences and see each other as members of the same human family will we be able to begin an effective process of rebuilding and leave to future generations a better, more just and more humane world, Pope Francis said in a statement during the reception the Iraqi president accorded to him.

During the ceremony, the Holy See saluted the Christians of Iraq. He said, The age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation, constitute a rich heritage that they wish to continue to place at the service of all. He, however, did not speak much of the fact that the numbers of Christians in Iraq have been irreversibly dwindling to the point that the attendance in some of the churches has gone down from hundreds on a given Sunday to tens.

Those who go and start a new life are unlikely to come back; some may come back out of nostalgia, family commitments or maybe some business interest -- but not many, El-Khoury said. However, he added, the question today is not about getting those who left to come back to their land, but to make sure that those who are still here are not leaving so that the churches of Iraq will not become so empty one day, he added.

The plight of the Christians of Iraq is part of a larger dilemma that is facing the Christians of the Middle East, as their numbers have been dwindling substantially in all the countries they had lived in, for better and for worse, during 20 centuries, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and even in Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ.

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What just happened? Four exploits found in Microsoft Exchange Server software have led to some 30,000 U.S. government and commercial organizations  including police departments, hospitals, and nonprofits  having their emails hacked. Microsoft rolled-out a patch to fix four zero-day exploits in Exchange Server a few days ago, but that hasnt stopped a hacking group from taking advantage of the situation.

According to Microsoft, the vulnerabilities in Exchange Server are being targeted by a previously unknown Chinese hacking group known as Hafnium. In the days since Microsoft issued the patch for Exchange, the group is said to have dramatically doubled-up its efforts, targeting unpatched servers around the world and accessing the accounts of some 30,000 U.S. organizations. This is said to include local governments, banks, and credit units, as well as police departments, hospitals, and nonprofits.

Krebs on Security explains, In each incident, the intruders have left behind a web shell, an easy-to-use, password-protected hacking tool that can be accessed over the Internet from any browser. The web shell gives the attackers administrative access to the victims computer servers.

Although the attacks have exploded in recent days, the group has reportedly been taking advantage of the vulnerabilities since early January. In fact, the first attacks were quietly targeting users on January 6, 2021  a day when all eyes were focused on the U.S. Capitol.

Thoughts on the Hafnium Exchange hack: (1) it's going to disproportionately impact those that can least afford it (SMBs, Edu, States, locals), (2) incident response teams are BURNED OUT & this is at a really bad time, (3) few orgs should be running exchange servers these days. https://t.co/bc5yutThve  Chris Krebs (@C_C_Krebs) March 6, 2021

Microsoft explains that self-hosted servers running Exchange Server 2013, 2016, or 2019 are at risk and should download its security patch as a matter of urgency. If your organization uses Exchange Online, it wont be affected.
Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
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Crumlin Road and Oldpark residents protest at the Old Bank on the Crumlin Road. The residents are protesting at ex-cons being housed at the accommodation. Picture: Colm O'Reilly, Sunday Life.

Concerned families living next to a hotel which is being used as a temporary hostel for the homeless are demanding assurances that it is not housing criminals.

A third protest in as many weeks took place at the doors of the three-star Old Bank on Belfasts Crumlin Road last Friday. The demonstration was in response to what locals claim is a rise in anti-social behaviour linked to some residents.

Women waved placards demanding an end to criminality, with organisers calling for a meeting with its owners and Housing Executive chiefs.

Local woman Lorraine Drumgoole said: The protest is to rid the area of all criminals.

Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic last year the Old Bank Hotel has been taking in people classed as homeless who would normally live in hostels.

This is because resident numbers in this type of accommodation had to be cut significantly to comply with social distancing rules.

The Housing Executive, which is responsible for the arrangement, did not deny that individuals with criminal records have been transferred to the Old Bank.

However, it stressed that placements in these types of accommodation are carefully managed and we move people on from these arrangements as soon as is practical.

A Housing Executive spokesman said: As a response to Covid-19, we have seen a significant increase in demand for emergency temporary accommodation as we strive to ensure that no one is sleeping rough on the streets in Northern Ireland.

As a result of social distancing requirements, the number of spaces in voluntary hostels has been reduced. A number of different types of accommodation are in use, in various locations across Northern Ireland, to allow us to perform our statutory duty of providing accommodation for those in need.

The Housing Executive added: These include traditional hostel provision, single-let accommodation in the private rented sector and bed and breakfast accommodation. Hotels are also used, where required.

A spokesperson for the Old Bank Hotel said: The Housing Executive is utilising this hotel as part of its response to Covid-19, to provide short term, socially distanced accommodation to those in need of support.

cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
HOUSTON (AP)  U.S. immigration authorities will no longer use a small Pennsylvania detention center to hold parents and children seeking asylum, part of a broader shift by President Joe Biden's administration to reduce the use of family detention.

In a court filing Friday, the U.S. government said it had released all families detained at the 96-bed Berks County family detention center in Leesport, Pennsylvania. The detention center will instead be used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold adults, the government said.

Families will still be detained at larger detention centers in Karnes City and Dilley in Texas, but the government intends to hold people at those sites for three days or less, the court filing said.

Lawyers who work with detained immigrant families welcomed the news and credited the Biden administration for announcing the shift. But they noted that even shorter detention stays could be harmful to children.

Family detention will never truly be over until the facilities are closed and the contracts with ICE end, said Bridget Cambria, executive director of the legal group Aldea - The People's Justice Center.

All three family detention centers opened when Biden was vice president to President Barack Obama. While running for president, Biden pledged to release detained families.

The Biden administration has already released several families seeking asylum who had been detained for a year or longer in Texas and in some cases came within hours of deportation. Those families will pursue their cases while remaining subject to ICE monitoring.

In his early days, Biden has confronted increasing numbers of families and unaccompanied children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, leading to shortages of space in Border Patrol holding cells and long-term facilities for children operated by Health and Human Services. In the case of the Border Patrol, hundreds of children in recent weeks have been detained longer than 72 hours, the general limit set by the agency's standards.

Biden stopped the practice initiated by former President Donald Trump of expelling unaccompanied immigrant children under public health authority. Officials expelled thousands of children to their countries of origin without giving them a chance to seek asylum or other protections under federal law.

The Biden administration continues to expel immigrant families and adults.
Each week, Sunday Lifes beauty director Stephanie Darling roadtests a different makeup or skincare trend to find out whether its worth your time. Ahead, Stephanie chats with author and beauty expert Zoe Foster Blake.



Zoe Foster Blake: What you think about, you bring about. Credit:Kristoffer Paulsen

Beauty Insider

Zoe Foster Blake is an author and the founder of cult Australian skincare brand, Go-To. She and her family have just relocated from Melbourne to Sydney. Here, she offers her take on what works for her right now.

Loving Rolling with the summer hyper-pigmentation on my cheeks using liquid bronzer and plum-cream blush instead of masking it with foundation.

Popcorn

Tacos

Pizza

Chili

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chips

Seafood

Something on the grill

Ice cream because I like it cold all the time

Jambalaya

I could care less, give me summer already

Vote

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The U.S. Capitol in the evening hours in Washington on March 5, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Where Are All These Lies Coming From?

Commentary

In a country with two major parties, democracy is safe only if both care more about preserving the political system than about beating their opponents.

If, without knowing who wrote those words, or in what publication they appeared, you had read them a year ago, just after the failed first attempt to impeach then-President Donald Trump, what country and what parties would you have supposed the author was talking about?

No peeking now. Given that the country in question was the United States, which of the two parties would you imagine he or she intended as the one that, by implication, cared less about preserving the political system than about beating their opponents?

Ill give you a hint. The words that follow the quotation above are these: But one of Americas big parties is now willing to break the most basic rule of democracy: that free and fair elections should determine who gets to govern, and that those who lose must accept the legitimacy of their successor.

Now do you know?

Its too easy! A year ago, everybody would have known the answer to that one. If ever in American historyat least since 1824one party has refused to accept the free and fair election and, thus, the legitimacy of the other, it was during the years 20162020.

What else was the Mueller investigation about? What else was impeachment, Mark 1, about?

What else was the famed Democrat and deep state Resistance about?

Everybody knows this stillexcept, apparently, for Yascha Mounk, a graduate of Cambridge and Harvard Universities and an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University.

In his role as contributing writer at The Atlantic, professor Mounk is the author of both the quotations above, and he has a different answer to my questions about them, as he reveals in the words immediately following them:

The danger for American democracy is far from over, he writes. Until the Republican Party banishes Trump and drops his big lie, every presidential election will be a potential extinction-level event.

I know this idea of Trump as a threat to democracy, as well as a big liar, is not at all an uncommon one on the progressive left, or at The Atlantic magazine, which has lately become one of the progressive lefts most prestigious organs. And professor Mounk is of course entitled to his opinion.

But shouldnt he at least have mentioned the change in the political landscape by which, only four months ago, the electorally aggrieved parties in our threatened democracy have swapped roles?

How can the Democrats own big lie about Trumps illegitimate presidency have been any less of a threat to that democracy than the one he is touting now?

Im afraid the history of the past four years has somehow slipped his mind.

Or did those years go by, for him as for so many of his persuasion, in a state of only partial awareness of what was really going on?

In other words, he knew, or thought he knew, what those whom he had chosen to regard as political enemies were doing, but he didnt know what he and his political friends were doingperhaps because they were all too busy doing it.

It wouldnt have taken much in the way of self-awareness to spot that the terms in which he now describes the aggrieved Trump-supporters could equally well have described himself and his aggrieved Democratic friends a year or two back.

But neither self-awareness nor long memories have ever been the long suit of the media left, and I think I know why.

Last week, Holman Jenkins Jr. of The Wall Street Journal published a column, headed What Altered the Publics Taste for Lies?

He was referring to lies on both sides. Those of Trump were taken for granted, but two in particular were mentioned that once enjoyed great currency on the media left: the one about Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknicks supposedly having died as a result of a blow on the head from a fire extinguisher and the Russian collusion campaign of 20172019, which included many subsidiary lies, few of them acknowledged as false even today, as Sicknicks supposed cause of death now has been.

Jenkinss answer to the question posed by his headline is: I partly blame Mr. Trumps arrival on the political stage but not precisely for the reason you might think. His nonconformity, his brand of unauthorized and idiosyncratic lying, triggered a response from our national elites that amounted to hooray, now we can lie more recklessly, too.

But what if it was the other way around? What if Trump and his supposed lies werent the originators but the products of the culture of lying?

What if, once it became permissible for respectable politicians and journalists to accuse each other of lying without consequence, something which began to be the case under the Bush administration and has since become utterly routine, it also became routine to lie?

For if you are bound to be accused of lying by the other side, whether you are lying or not, you might as well lie if it suits your convenience to do so.

Obviously, in such an environment of lies advertised as truth and truth advertised as liesan environment in which the only way for most of us to tell the difference is by which side were onsomeone like Mounk, whose intellectual stock in trade remains the big lie supposedly told by the other side, must rely on his own and his readers lack of any capacity for self-doubt and very short memories.

Otherwise, they could hardly help remembering the time, not so long ago, when the same big lie was being told by themselves.

James Bowman is a resident scholar at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. The author of Honor: A History, he is a movie critic for The American Spectator and the media critic for the New Criterion.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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The Board of Directors of FCMB Group Plc has announced the retirement of Peter Obaseki, the Chief Operating Officer of the financial institution, with effect from March 1, 2021. He was also an executive director of the group.

Mr Obasekis retirement was approved at a meeting of the Board of the FCMB Group on February 26, 2021.

This has also been announced in a statement to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) by the financial institution.

The Chairman of FCMB Group Plcs Board of Directors, Oladipupo Jadesimi, thanked Mr Obaseki for his valuable service and excellent support to the Board for many years.

FCMB Group Plc is a holding company divided along three business Groups; Commercial and Retail Banking (First City Monument Bank Limited, Credit Direct Limited, FCMB (UK) Limited and FCMB Microfinance Bank Limited); Investment Banking (FCMB Capital Markets Limited and CSL Stockbrokers Limited); as well as Asset & Wealth Management (FCMB Pensions Limited, FCMB Asset Management Limited and FCMB Trustees Limited).

The Group and its subsidiaries are leaders in their respective segments with strong fundamentals.

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Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska introduced the "Alaska Tourism Recovery Act," legislation that they hope will temporarily relieve restrictions in place as a result of the Passenger Vessel Services Act.

U.S. maritime law requires international stops on ships flagged in foreign countries, which includes many major cruise lines' ships. The bill would allow cruise ships to sail to Alaska without requiring a stop in Canada. Right now, Canada's ban on cruise ships prohibits such a stop, posing a challenge to Alaska's tourism industry and the cruise industry.

Canadas recent decision to prohibit Alaska-bound cruise ships from operating in Canadian waters creates legal hurdles that will hamstring the Alaska cruise season, creating additional economic strain on Alaskas entire economy, especially in our Southeast communities, Murkowski said in a release.

While this is the first bill introduced to circumvent impacts of Canada's cruise block, it isn't Congress' first effort to address the situation.

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, introduced "companion legislation" in the House of Representatives, according to the release.

Last week, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure asked Canada to reevaluate its cruise ban, barring ships from Canadian waters until March 2022.

The Committee sent a letter to Kirsten Hillman, the Canadian ambassador to the U.S., hoping to "encourage" the Canadian government to work with the U.S. and the cruise industry to find a "mutually agreeable solution."

In the letter, the committee expressed its "concern regarding the potential economic impact on local businesses and communities," saying that "by closing Canadian ports to passenger vessels for another year, the livelihoods of tens of thousands of Americans and Canadians are at risk from more job losses and further economic devastation."

Story continues

Canada's ban not only impacts ships in Canadian waters, it also puts a roadblock in the way of cruises in Alaska, New England, Washington state or the Great Lakes. Ocean cruise ships have not sailed in U.S. waters since March 2020.

The committee suggested allowing stops at Canadian ports without passengers disembarking, noting that could minimize COVID-19 risk Canada is concerned about.

The letter was signed by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., who is chair of the committee; ranking member Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo.; Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Calif., who is the chair of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; ranking member Rep. Bob Gibbs, R-Ohio, who is also on the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation; and Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska..

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Alaska proposes rules to allow cruises to skip stops in Canada
Despite a hiring freeze in Washington State agencies, a preposterous position was recently concocted called Provider Navigator.

One shudders at the H.R. groupthink behind defining the P.N.'s purpose: to increase access to quality health care for injured workers with limited English proficiency (LEP) and cultural needs that affect their claims and recovery.

While other important positions are going unfilled, and important business is being delayed during the freeze, these P.N.s are receiving undeserved salaries to essentially schmooze with medical providers who operate under the workers' compensation system.

Sure, the providers must observe some protocols to do business with the state, but it's not their mission to mollycoddle LEP workers. They might reach out voluntarily, but they shouldn't be coerced by the pretentious P.N.s under the aegis of the granny state. Often, the workers' comp system needs providers more than providers need the bureaucratic rigmarole.

Why would immigrants have such limited English proficiency, anyway? And what's with their special cultural needs? English is one of the most spoken languages in the world. Masses yearning to breathe free managed to learn it as they waved their American flags while passing the Statue of Liberty and through Ellis Island en route to America's plenty.

LEP immigrants don't deserve to be pampered by taxpayer-supported P.N.s if they are reluctant to learn English. Research shows that Spanish-speakers aren't learning English as quickly as other immigrant groups.

Part of the problem cited in the linked article is the testimonial that "they didn't wanna learn it [English language] as fast because they didn't need to use it." How will P.N.s aiding and abetting them confront this failure?

According to the Pew Research Center, a majority of Latinos believe that immigrants need to speak English to participate in our society  perhaps the minority should participate instead of relying on P.N. proxies.

Actually, what's disturbing is that the minority is so large  41%!

One who values the vivid patchwork of cultures that blended into a beautiful E Pluribus Unum tapestry wonders: if they are LEP and have specific cultural needs, then did their employers properly vet them? Per the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, workers are required to show I-9 documents proving their employment eligibility. If the LEP worker is discovered to be interloping illegally, then for the sake of law and order in America, for the sake of citizens and legal immigrants, repercussions await. After all, not only did they illegally insinuate themselves into our society, but they've perpetrated fraud while some hapless victim suffers the havoc of identity theft.

Americans are a humane and generous people, so we magnanimously provide LEP workers medical disability services if they are injured on the job. This accords with court cases that affirm workers' compensation coverage even for the illegals. However, P.N.s only further LEP worker dependency and isolation, making them a public charge.

Presuming they are not deported, do they want a better life, with more freedom and civic engagement, or will they succumb to the clingy clutches of Gov. Jay Inslee's officious minions? With a little less hubris and a bit more commitment, one can graduate from LEP to E.P.  English-Proficient.

It's really not that hard, as many of the more than billion people who've done it attest. An additional benefit is that the very endeavor of learning a language fosters an appreciation for the culture  the two are inextricably linked.

That should make P.N.s obsolete before they have a chance to navigate the immigrants to the public trough.

We can live up to our deserved moniker of "the last great hope of Earth" while preventing self-isolation and pockets of immigrant sanctuaries from dimming our shining light. It's called muscular liberalism; it eviscerates whatever distorted rationale conceived the profligate Provider Navigator positions.

Spanish-speaking immigrants' slowness in learning English is a man-made crisis, brought on by government enabling. For these immigrants' own good, it's time to make it more profitable for them to learn English than to remain unproficient.

Instead of mollycoddling LEP workers, it's time to navigate the P.N.s to more productive employment...after the hiring freeze thaws.

Image: Pixabay, Pixabay License.
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By Colin McNickle

The Allegheny Institute for Public Policy is reiterating its long-standing call for the state Legislature to repeal Pennsylvanias Prevailing Wage Law.

Many studies over the years involving many states have demonstrated the higher construction costs . . . that are caused by prevailing wage laws that require prevailing wages and benefits be paid to employees on projects using government funds, says Jake Haulk, president-emeritus of the Pittsburgh think tank.

The prevailing wage and other compensation are the union wage in most states.

But repeal has not been entertained in the Keystone State because of the political power of the laws supporters, the Ph.D. economist says (in Policy Brief Vol. 21, No. 8).

Liberal and progressive groups push back against the evidence showing prevailing wages unnecessarily raise the cost of government-funded projects claiming such laws create offsetting benefits.

Among them is the contention that because most of the prevailing wage workers are union labor that have been through union training and apprenticeships, the workers are more skilled, make fewer errors and have a better safety record than non-union workers.

But the Manhattan Institute, among others, argues that prevailing wage laws increase compliance costs because of their myriad rules governing wage levels and payments.

Worse, research by scholars at George Mason University show prevailing wage restrictions disproportionately hurt minority contractors. It cites statistics showing that 98 percent of Black and Hispanic contractors are non-union. Thus, union-favoring prevailing wage restrictions hit these communities harder.

And lest it be forgotten, a Heritage Foundation study found that the U.S. Labor Department calculates the federal prevailing wage law (the Davis-Bacon Act) using unscientific methods.

Not only does Davis-Bacon employ unrepresentative and too-small sample sizes, wage rates often are determined using statewide rates based on surveys half of which are a decade old. The survey errors alone inflate federal construction costs by about 10 percent, Heritage concluded.

More recent research looking at the New York state experience concluded the average prevailing wage union premium in construction costs per square foot compared to open shop costs per square foot was roughly 30 percent higher. The study examined residential, office and industrial projects in five Empire State regions.

And while New York states historically higher costs (when compared with national costs) might skew the case against prevailing wages laws, national construction cost data that compare costs with states having prevailing wage laws to those that have right to work laws show the clear cost advantages taxpayers enjoy with the latter  even if they also have prevailing wage laws.

Since 2002, when the Allegheny Institute (first) recommended that Pennsylvania repeal its 1961 law, six states have repealed their prevailing wage laws to join the 10 states that had already done so since 1979, Haulk reminds.

Two other states (Oklahoma and Arizona) prevailing wage laws were invalidated by court decisions over the period. And note that even though Tennessee and Texas have prevailing wage laws, they are strong Right to Work states.

The debate will undoubtedly rage on as its defenders in deep blue states are well entrenched and have the complete support of unions, Haulk says.

But the bottom line must hinge on whether in the long run heavy government interference in the marketplace harms the economy and produces overly strong interest groups with outsized political influence that further stifles free markets and free enterprise and creates intended or unintended consequences and injustices.

The evidence of that unfortunate outcome keeps piling up in the form of slower employment growth rates in many of the prevailing wage states, Haulk concludes.

Colin McNickle is communications and marketing director at the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy (cmcnickle@alleghenyinstitute.org).

.
By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - Mar 6, 2021 - 20:03 | World, All

Many Chinese citizens on the mainland have apparently provided positive support for the Communist Party's hard-line policy against Hong Kong, further jeopardizing democracy, freedom and human rights in the former British colony.

The Chinese Communist-led government has accelerated measures to exclude pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong's politics to tighten its control over the special administrative region, as the ruling party marks the 100th anniversary of its founding.

Some regional experts warn that the leadership of President Xi Jinping has been attempting to conquer Hong Kong, in which democracy is supposed to be guaranteed, by clamping down on those who have stymied Communist Party rule.

"The Communist Party regards any person critical of it as an enemy. The mainland will continue to take whatever steps it can to thoroughly suppress pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong," a diplomatic source in Beijing said.

"To make matters worse, Chinese on the mainland, who have persevered under Communist rule, have basically disliked Hong Kong people, who have benefited from freedom and democracy for the past decades," the source said.

"Xi has tactfully used such sentiment and imposed tougher restrictions on Hong Kong to maintain the Communist Party," he added.

Under China's "one country, two systems" policy, Hong Kong was promised it would enjoy the rights and freedoms of a semiautonomous region for 50 years following its return to Chinese rule in 1997.

Xi's leadership, however, has begun to take strict actions against Hong Kong since large-scale protests sparked by a now-withdrawn extradition bill with mainland China morphed into a pro-democracy movement in 2019.

Related coverage:

China to review Hong Kong electoral system at parliament

China urges U.S. not to politicize sports amid Olympic boycott fears

China raps Britain's BBC World News for producing "fake news"

In late June 2020, Beijing enacted a controversial national security law for Hong Kong to crack down on what it considers secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces.

At this year's annual session of China's parliament scheduled to be held for seven days through next Thursday, the nation's lawmakers will review the electoral system of Hong Kong, in the latest move dealing a crushing blow to democracy in the territory.

The electoral system there needs improvement to keep pace with the times for the accurate implementation of the "patriots governing Hong Kong" principle, Zhang Yesui, a spokesman for the National People's Congress told reporters on Thursday.

It remains to be seen how China will change the electoral system, but a legislative election in Hong Kong is likely to be postponed for a second time to September 2022 against a backdrop of Beijing's planned overhaul, local media reported.

"The national security law for Hong Kong helped build up a fence for safeguarding national security and electoral reform makes sure the power of authority is firmly held by patriots," said the Global Times, a tabloid affiliated with the Communist Party.

A 45-year-old Chinese man told Kyodo News, "I totally agree with the Communist Party on Hong Kong."

"Although Hong Kong people have always acted like victims of the mainland, they have adequately blessed with democracy and freedom, while recently receiving economic benefits from China," he said.

Around 20 years ago, Hong Kong's economy accounted for one-fourth of China's gross domestic product as the city developed as an international financial hub, but the scale is now only about 3 percent, analysts say.

"Hong Kong is part of China. It can no longer survive without the mainland. People there should obey the Chinese central government," he added.

A 53-year-old woman in Beijing said many Chinese citizens have been irritated by Hong Kong people, who have a "dream that is impossible to come true."

"Whenever they open their mouths, Hong Kong people say China must respect democracy, freedom and human rights. But in any case, Hong Kong will be completely absorbed into the mainland in 2047, right? What do they want to get?" she said.

"Even if Hong Kong became independent from China, how would people there be able to rule the region? They have no experience in governing a country. They are only fantasists ignorant of reality like elementary school students," she added.

Stephen Nagy, a senior associate professor at International Christian University in Tokyo, said the Communist Party's policy on Hong Kong is "broadly supported in mainland China."

"Hong Kong people are seen as selfish, traitors to the motherland, and tools of Western countries, especially the United States and Britain," Nagy said.

"This sentiment is both real and carefully curated by the Communist Party to ensure Hong Kong's vibrant and critical civil society does not spread into mainland China," he said.

The novel coronavirus pandemic had also "bolstered the Communist Party's and ordinary citizens' confidence and righteousness of the central government's approach to Hong Kong and we should expect no compromise," Nagy added.

The diplomatic source echoed the view, saying it is necessary for the international community to "work as one" in a bid to curb "abuses" by Xi's leadership against Hong Kong.

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden, who took office in January, "should impose sanctions on Beijing if it makes Hong Kong's electoral system worse. Chinese citizens may become aware of the policy gaffe of the Communist Party," the source said.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump slapped sanctions on China, inflaming already strained tensions between the world's two major powers.

Should bilateral relations deteriorate further under Biden, Washington would have "no option but to strengthen sanctions on Beijing to counter the Communist Party and protect Hong Kong," the source added.
Fierce fighting between Yemeni pro-government forces and Iran-backed Huthi rebels has killed at least 90 combatants on both sides in the past 24 hours, government military sources said Saturday.

The Shiite rebels launched an offensive last month to seize Marib, the last stronghold in northern Yemen of pro-government forces who are backed by a Saudi-led military coalition.

The clashes in the oil-rich province left 32 dead among government forces and loyalist tribes, while 58 Huthi rebels were killed in coalition air strikes, the sources told AFP.

They said heavy clashes broke out on six fronts as government forces were able to counter attacks by the Huthis who managed to advance only on the Kassara front northwest of Marib city.

The fighting also left dozens of people wounded, the sources added.

The loss of Marib would be a huge blow for the Yemeni government, but would also threaten catastrophe for civilians, including hundreds of thousands of displaced people sheltering in desolate camps in the surrounding desert.

It would also be a major setback for Saudi Arabia, which has been the target of increasingly frequent Huthi missile attacks in recent weeks.

Shrapnel from Huthi drones intercepted by the Saudis on Friday wounded two civilians, including a 10-year-old, in the southwest of the kingdom, the official SPA news agency reported.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged the Huthis to halt their offensive in Marib, as he announced $191 million in aid at a donors' conference.

"Aid alone will not end the conflict. We can only end the humanitarian crisis in Yemen by ending the war... so the United States is reinvigorating our diplomatic efforts to end the war," he said.

The United Nations had sought to raise $3.85 billion from more than 100 governments and donors, but only $1.7 billion was offered.
If it weren't for characters, movies and TV shows would all take place in empty rooms full of immobile objects (who are not all-wise supercomputers). But sometimes, even some pretty important characters are mysteriously absent either due to rights issues, time constraints, or just plain old screwing up. We've noticed a few glaring fictional absences, such as how ...

5 The Amazing Spider-Man 2 Cast Mary Jane, Didn't Put Her In The Movie

Despite the fact that it stars a slew of Oscar winners and nominees (plus Dennis Leary for some reason), the Amazing Spider-Man movies are basically the Luke to Marvel movies' Hemsworths -- most of the time we tend to forget they exist at all. The franchise fizzled out after just two disappointing movies, and the bloated sequel is now mainly remembered as the film that gave us the most baffling DVD packaging in cinema history.

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The Amazing Spider-Man 2 was basically a Russian nesting doll of nonsense; crammed full of unnecessary storylines like the revelation that Peter Parker's parents were murdered, and the introduction of multiple villains including Electro, The Green Goblin, and Rhino, played by Paul "I graduated from the Yale School of Drama, why am I in a mechanical rhinoceros suit" Giamatti. And in a twist that shocked no one who had never picked up a comic book in their life, the movie ends with the death of Spidey's girlfriend, Gwen Stacy.

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Amazingly, this movie was also supposed to introduce Peter's future love interest Mary Jane Watson. They even cast Divergent star Shailene Woodley in the role, and shot multiple scenes with her.
The teacups could soon be spinning again: Disneyland, which has been closed for a year, is poised to reopen this spring.

California officials announced on Friday that theme parks in the state could reopen on a limited basis as soon as April 1. Eligibility, however, will depend on coronavirus transmission statistics in individual counties.

For instance, theme parks in counties where the virus threat remains the most severe (in the purple tier under the states system) must remain closed. But parks in areas where the threat of infection has eased somewhat (red tier) will be allowed to reopen at 15 percent capacity. Even less threat (orange tier) will allow for 25 percent capacity.

Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors.

Disneyland is in Orange County, which is in the purple tier. But if coronavirus cases continue to decline in Southern California at the current pace, the county could fall within the orange tier by late April. The Walt Disney Company said last year that reopening a park at less than 25 percent capacity would not make economic sense. A Disney spokeswoman declined to comment on a specific reopening timeline on Friday.
Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Simon Coveney to Iran

Press release

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney, T.D., will visit Iran on 7 March. He is set to meet with President Rouhani and Minister for Foreign Affairs Zarif.

Ahead of the visit, the Minister said:

Ireland has been appointed as Facilitator for Resolution 2231 on the Security Council. This Resolution provides for the Security Councils engagement with the Iranian nuclear deal, the JCPOA.



Ireland is a strong supporter of the JCPOA. In our role as Facilitator, Ireland is keen to maintain a close dialogue with all actors, and encourage all parties to return to full compliance with the agreement.



The visit will also be a valuable opportunity to discuss the JCPOA, along with other key issues in the Middle East, many of which feature on the agenda of the Security Council.



The Minister added:



This visit also comes at an important moment in our bilateral relationship, following the decision of the Government this week to designate a Charge dAffaires to Tehran, and to work towards the re-establishment of an Irish Embassy in Tehran by 2023.

ENDS

Press Office

5 March 2021



Notes to Editors Ireland is Facilitator of Resolution 2231 on the Security Council. In this role, Ireland updates the Council on progress towards implementing Irans nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The JCPOA was agreed in 2005 between Iran and the E3+3 (France, Germany, UK, US, China, Russia). The US, under President Trump, withdrew from the agreement in 2018. The Biden Administration has indicated a willingness to re-engage with the JCPOA, should Iran come back into compliance.

On 2 March the Government announced the re-establishment of an Irish Mission in Tehran, to be headed at Charge dAffaires level. The Mission will be co-located with the German Embassy under a co-location agreement.

The Government also committed to re-establishing an Irish Embassy in Tehran by 2023.

The delegation will be travelling in full compliance with public health requirements and guidance in regard to essential travel.

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I was always acutely aware of how I should try to fit in. When I was 4 years old, we moved to Vancouver, Canada, where we lived in a predominantly white neighborhood. When I started elementary school in the late 1970s, many people had never heard of Korea. Another Asian girl in my class by the name of Ming Ming would sit at the corner of one of the long lunch tables with her thermos of noodles. The other children would wince at the smell. I did not fare better. Next to her, I would open up my doshirak, a Korean lunch box packed with fried rice, meat and vegetables and a pair of chopsticks that fit neatly inside. Mimicking the other children, I would scrunch up my nose at my own lunchbox and pretend that its contents were equally offensive to me.
The other day, a reporter asked Andrew Cuomo whether he had taken training regarding sexual harassment. He replied, the short answer is yes.

It may be, however, that the even shorter answer is no.

Charlotte Bennett, who has accused Cuomo of sexually harassing her, claims she overheard Cuomos office director Stephanie Benton complaining about having to take the training for the governor. If true, I think its pretty funny. And telling.

Many men who have taken sex harassment training must probably wished they could have delegated that duty. Few would have thought of delegating it to a woman.

Having practiced in the this area of law, I was happy to receive the training just to see what a session looked like. The bonus occurred when one of the firms old bulls, whose body language showed his disgust with being there, challenged the trainer, a man, and was made to look like a fool.

This type of training is not a waste of time. Sexual harassment is a real problem in the workplace. Granted, its meaning is being stretched to encompass behavior that ought not give rise to litigation, and maybe to encompass even behavior that isnt improper. But thats all the more reason to receive training, so as to avoid traps for the unwary.

Via John Sexton at Hot Air.
DALLAS, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Comerica Bank announced it has appointed Summer Faussette as its National African American Business Development Manager supporting its ongoing commitment to building strong relationships with African American business leaders, entrepreneurs and communities across all markets. These responsibilities are an extension of Faussette's current role as Vice President, External Affairs - Arizona.

Summer Faussette, Comerica Bank National African American Business Development Manager

As National African American Business Development Manager, Faussette will collaborate with Comerica's African American Business Resource Groups, Chief Diversity Officer Nate Bennett, and Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford, Jr. on building external partnerships with African American nonprofit organizations across the bank's national footprint.

"Summer brings with her a wealth of experience and knowledge, which will benefit us as we continue to support initiatives that engage African American communities across our markets," said Ashford, Jr.

"Comerica's hallmark is building relationships and this role will allow us to continue strengthening partnerships with nonprofits and community leaders who do so much for our communities," said Faussette. "I am also honored to accept these new responsibilities and broaden Comerica's reach in our communities."

A veteran of more than 17 years in the financial services industry, Faussette will continue to oversee Arizona's Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) activities, which include CRA volunteerism, civic and community relations, internal and external CRA strategic planning, and fostering community partnerships and investments.

Pivotal to the external affairs team's outreach includes the Business Bootcamps and Comerica Money $ense programs that have gone virtual since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comerica's impact on local communities in 2020 was felt through the more than 110 of the business bootcamps hosted across its markets, assisting 1,250 small businesses. And, more than 35,000 low- to moderate-income individuals took part in financial education sessions and in 2021 it looks to increase its reach.

Story continues

In late 2020, Comerica also moved $10 million in deposits to Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs), as well as established mutual mentoring relationships with these institutions. MDIs assist minority and underserved communities and foster economic viability in their communities. Specifically, Comerica allocated $2.5 million to each selected MDI, including First Independence Bank in Detroit, Mich.; Broadway Federal Bank in Los Angeles, Calif.; Unity National Bank in Houston, Texas; and Commercial Bank of California in Irvine, Calif.

"Summer has demonstrated a passion for working in our communities and will serve to play an instrumental role in developing ways to strengthen our racial equity efforts internally and externally," said Bennett.

Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Commercial Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Comerica reported total assets of $88 billion as of Dec. 31, 2020.

Comerica logo. (PRNewsFoto/Comerica Bank) (PRNewsfoto/Comerica Bank)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/comerica-bank-appoints-summer-faussette-national-african-american-business-development-manager-301241538.html

SOURCE Comerica Incorporated
Cass City village leaders continuously look at options to make the community better.

The Cass City Downtown Development Association is in the process of researching if the DDA board can draft an ordinance to expand the board's membership to 13 members, which would include the village president.

Also, village Manager Debbie Powell explained there were training opportunities for DDA members, and training funds were included in this year's budget for that.

She suggested members attend at least three training sessions.

"Each training session is about 10 to 15 minutes each," said Powell.

During the village's Economic Development Corporation meeting, which follows the DDA meeting, Powell presented an agency that could help with improvements to the community.

According to her, the benefits of the role of the Eastern Michigan Council of Governments are worth looking at.

A collaboration with EMCOG could help the village with future investments, expansion of the village's industrial park, and with the development of the recreational park, she noted.

EMCOG provides a regional forum to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern, and to develop recommendations and plans to address those issues. All of this is in hopes of leading to a common goal of improving the quality of life for the residents of the east central region of Michigan.

EMCOG serves the counties of Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, Saginaw, Sanilac and Tuscola, as well as the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe.

Village President Dan Delamarter proposed future discussions on updates to the industrial park definition and policy for expansion of the park.

To go along with that, Powell recommended updates to the village's website on the industrial park and its map.

The next DDA-EDC meeting will be 1:30 p.m., March 9, and there will be parks and recreation meeting at 5 p.m. on that day as well.
NEW YORK, March 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Atlantic Power Corp. ("AT" or the "Company") (AT) relating to its proposed merger with Tidal Power Goldings Limited. Under the terms of the agreement, AT shareholders are expected to receive US$3.03 and C$22.00 in cash per share.

The investigation focuses on whether Atlantic Power Corp. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, 2) whether the transaction is properly valued, and 3) whether all material information has been disclosed.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/atlantic-power-corp. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018 and 2019 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2019 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, in 2019 we recovered or secured six cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you own common stock in Atlantic Power Corp. and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC ( www.monteverdelaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

Related Links

http://www.monteverdelaw.com


Pope Francis held a historic meeting with Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani on Saturday, in a powerful appeal for coexistence in a land torn by sectarianism and violence.

Franciss meeting in the holy southern city of Najaf, during a whirlwind and risky tour of Iraq, marked the first time a pope has met with such a senior Shia cleric.

Children lined a street and waved Iraqi and Vatican flags at the leader of the world's Catholics.

The pontiff has visited predominantly Muslim countries including Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates and the Palestinian territories, using those trips to call for inter-religious dialogue.

After his 55-minute meeting with Sistani, Francis headed to the ruins of ancient Ur in southern Iraq, revered as the birthplace of Abraham, father of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He is scheduled to give a speech at an interreligious meeting.

After flying back to Baghdad, he is expected to deliver mass at the Chaldean Cathedral of Saint Joseph.

Sistani is one of the most important figures in Shia Islam, both within Iraq and beyond.

He wields enormous influence over politics. His edicts sent Iraqis to free polls for the first time in 2005, rallied hundreds of thousands of men to fight against Islamic State in 2014 and toppled an Iraqi government under pressure from mass demonstrations in 2019.

Sistani, 90, rarely takes meetings, and has refused talks with Iraqs current and former prime ministers, according to officials close to him. Sistani agreed to meet the pope on condition that no Iraqi officials would be present, said a source in the president's office.

The meeting with Francis took place at Sistani's humble home which he has rented for decades, located along a narrow alleyway in Najaf.

An ascetic cleric of almost mythical stature among millions of Shia followers, Sistani intervened at critical junctures as Iraq lurched from one crisis to another.

A gaunt figure, the reclusive Sistani worked from his spartan base near the golden-domed Imam Ali shrine in Najaf. He was rarely seen in public.

Pope Francis began his most risky foreign trip on Friday, flying into Iraq amid the tightest security ever seen for a papal visit to appeal to the country's leaders and people to end militant violence and religious strife.

The country has deployed thousands of security personnel to protect him during the visit, which comes after a spate of rocket and suicide bomb attacks and a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Francis said he was making the trip to show solidarity with Iraq's devastated Christian community of around 300,000, just one fifth of the number before the U.S. invasion in 2003 and the brutal Islamist militant violence that followed.

Pope John Paul II came close to visiting, but had to cancel a planned trip in 2000 after talks with the government of then-leader Saddam Hussein broke down.

The 84-year-old Francis, limping from what appeared to be a fresh flare-up of his painful sciatica, made an impassioned call for Iraqis to finally give peacemakers a chance during a gathering of Iraqi officials and diplomats at the presidential palace.

He later paid tribute to people killed in attacks motivated by religion, visiting a Baghdad church where Islamist gunmen killed about 50 worshippers in 2010.

Iraq's security has improved since the defeat of Islamic State in 2017, but the country continues to be a theatre for global and regional score-settling, especially a bitter U.S.-Iran rivalry that has played out on Iraqi soil.

The U.S. invasion of 2003, after years of international sanctions and a devastating war with Iran instigated by former leader Saddam Hussein in the 1980s, plunged Iraq into sectarian conflict and chronic mismanagement that has plagued it since.

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Start your weekend with actress and entrepreneur Malaika Arora, who talks to us about maintaining a dedicated fitness routine and the importance of self care.Dont miss this one! Indias favourite heartthrob gets chatty about his grooming routine.Celebrity dermatologist, aesthetic expert, and author Dr. Rashmi Shetty will share expert tips to help you understand two basic skincare terms--hydration and moisturising.Be a part of this interesting session with Swedish direct selling beauty brand, Oriflame's Vice President and Head of South Asia and Managing Director of India on beauty and more!Lifestyle and makeup blogger Corallista, influencer Shereen Sikka, and body positivity champion Shraddha Gurung come together for a fun-filled and insightful session on body positivity.Looking for a beauty regimen thatll make you look like a celebrity? Then be there glued to your screen as this diva shares beauty and skincare practices that work for her!Enter the world of organic skincare in this chat session with the Co-Founder of beauty brand Juicy Chemistry.International makeup artist and one of Sonam Kapoor's A-team member, Maria Asadi demonstrates a glam look to wear.The Made In Heaven star shares inside secrets on her lockdown routines, beauty hacks, and more.Skincare expert Paula Begoun, popularly known as The Cosmetics Cop', joins us for an exclusive chat for the FeminaXGrazia Virtual Beauty Carnival.Celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra and Student of The Year 2 actor Tara Sutaria swap skincare secrets and wellness routines! Take a leaf or two out of their books as we end Day #1 of the second installment of FeminaXGrazia Virtual Beauty Carnival.
MARIGOT:--- On Friday morning about 350 parents that are part of the parents association gathered in front of the West Indies Mall in Marigot to continue their protests action against the use of masks for children from the ages of 6 years to 11 years old.

The parents feel that the government should allow parents to decide whether or not they want their children from ages 6 to 11 years old to wear masks at such a young age while attending school.

Despite the protests action which began earlier this week the parents have not won their case. The Collective wants to meet again with the vice-rector Michel Sanz, to ask him, in a constructive step, to use its prerogatives to improve the conditions of school-age children. However, the rectorat is not the competent authority to decide on measures that were imposed by the state through a decree.

Five representatives of the Collective were received on the premises of the rectorate in Saint-Martin, for an interview, which lasted nearly two hours. This meeting allowed a frank discussion, during which the Collective obtained from the rectorate, in particular, that it ensures the necessary benevolence of the teaching staff, mainly in the application of the decree aiming at the mandatory wearing of the mask to school.

Indeed, parents have referred to the Collective, threats of sanction against children who wear the mask badly during class or during recess. A note to school administrators and teachers will be sent by the rectorate, to recall this and show more patience towards children who encounter difficulties with wearing a mask, and not to have any stigma, threat, or punishment against these students.

The Collective has managed to get the rectorate to allow and encourage the implementation of school time arrangements, to offer children more breathing time, with staggered recess, or even an increase in the frequency of breaks.

The protesters obtained from Vice-Rector Michel Sanz, that he communicates more effectively with parents who do not wish to leave their children at school, during the period of application of the decree, and that he offers them specific support. With also the possibility of reintegrating the child into a school environment before the end of the year, if the wearing of a mask becomes no longer compulsory in elementary school

The Collective regrets, on the other hand, that no intermediate solution has been found, leaving no other choice than to have children wear the mask or to do "home instruction", with all the consequences that entail, no guarantee of being able to return to the same class before the end of the year, no guarantee of transfer to a higher class the following year, risk of the child being isolated, etc.

Thus, the request for the establishment of pedagogical continuity was rejected by the rectorate. However, this possibility remains possible for private schools not under contract and can be discussed with the head of the institution on a case-by-case basis. The vice-rector also specified that he could only act within the framework of the public or private school under contract.

If the Collective condemns, of course, the very rigid position of the State services, it nevertheless considers itself satisfied with this progress and will remain attentive to the implementation of the commitments made today, until the lifting of this obligation.

It is now established that the movement of the Collective for the free choice of wearing a mask for children aged 6 to 11 is useful and supported by a growing number of parents and concerned citizens.

The Collective claims to be only at the beginning of this fight for the well-being of children and the mobilization continues. New actions will be organized from next week. Details of upcoming actions will be sent over the weekend on social networks and in the press.

SMBN
New Delhi:

Raymond founder Vijaypat Singhania was on Friday hospitalised after he complained of chest pain. Singhania complained of severe chest pain when he was at a South Mumbai Club.

Singhania was immediately taken to Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital on Thursday.

Singhania was recently in news on reports that he has moved out of his home and living in a rented house because to differences with his son.

As per the reports in a newspaper, doctors at the hospital said that Singhania had to be admitted as his parameters were not normal and required immediate attention and investigation.

Dr Hemant Thacker examined him and placed him in the high dependency unit. The doctor wants to keep him under observation for 48 hours as his blood pressure was high. Dr Thacker confirmed that Singhania was under his care. He said his condition was stable. Dr Thacker had spotted heart blockages when Singhania had visited him earlier this year with chest pain, the newspaper further said.

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Saturday - The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) Channel 4, 6.45pm. The jury may still be out on whether JRR Tolkien's sprightly novel really benefited from being stretched out over a trilogy of movies, but there is still much to enjoy in director Peter Jackson's opening instalment, including a near perfect cast.

In the first deviation from the text, Jackson begins his picture at Bag End with the elderly Bilbo (Ian Holm) penning a book to his cousin Frodo (Elijah Wood). We rewind 60 years to meet Bilbo (Martin Freeman) in the Shire as he encounters Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and a 13-strong company of dwarves, who intend to reclaim their lost gold from the dragon Smaug in his mountain lair.

After a sleepless night, Bilbo agrees to accompany dwarf leader Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and his troops on their perilous journey.

Sunday

Jurassic Park (1993) ITV2, 6.25pm

Steven Spielberg's monster blockbuster sees a group of scientists (including Sam Neill and Laura Dern) being given a sneak preview of a safari park set up on a remote island by an eccentric tycoon (Richard Attenborough).

The creatures on display are genetically engineered dinosaurs and it isn't long before something goes wrong and the prehistoric beasts escape their cages. Now that the dinosaurs are free to roam the island, the visitors become prey for a multitude of carnivorous critters.

The plot may be a rehash of author Michael Crichton's earlier hit Westworld, but at the time this was one of the greatest shows on earth. In 2021, it still packs a punch, not least because of great effects, sound design, action scenes and Jeff Goldblum's wonderful performance as a swaggering 'chaotician'.

Monday

Hidden Figures (2016) Film4, 9pm

Katherine Johnson (Taraji P Henson) and fellow mathematicians Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) and Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) work in the segregated West Computing Group in Hampton, Virginia. They are part of Nasa's concerted effort to put a man into space before the Soviets.

Al Harrison (Kevin Costner), director of the Space Task Group, desperately needs a mathematician in his team to check computations. Supervisor Vivian Mitchell (Kirsten Dunst) selects Katherine, who is the first African-American to work with Al's crack squad.

Based on an inspirational true story, Hidden Figures is a crowd-pleasing drama, emboldened by sparkling performances from Henson, Monae and Spencer. Sterling support from Costner and Dunst, and a dramatic role for Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons, add to the golden lustre.

Tuesday

Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa (2013) BBC2, 11.30pm

Much excitement surrounded the announcement of Steve Coogan's return as the hapless Norwich-based DJ, and for once, the resulting movie more than lived up to the hype.

The plot sees radio station North Norfolk Digital being taken over by new owners - and one of their first actions is to sack Alan's fellow DJ Pat Farrell (Colm Meaney). Unfortunately, Pat responds to the news by storming into the studio with a shotgun and taking hostages.

When the police enlist Alan as a negotiator, he sees a chance to turn the situation to his own advantage by using the resulting publicity to boost his career. I'm Alan Partridge regulars Felicity Montagu and Simon Greenall (aka long-suffering Lynn and Michael) are among the supporting cast.
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan won a vote of confidence from parliament on Saturday in a session marked by an opposition boycott of the vote and clashes between government supporters and opposition leaders outside the parliament building.

Khan was able to secure 178 votes, against the 172 required to win confidence, the speaker of the house announced.

Khan, who became prime minister following the 2018 general elections, volunteered to seek parliament's confidence after the governments finance minister lost a high-profile Senate seat election earlier in the week.

Opposition parties boycotted the session, saying the Senate seat defeat was enough to show that Khan no longer enjoyed the confidence of the house, and the vote of confidence was unnecessary.

"An illegal session is being called to cheat the Pakistani people," former prime minister and opposition leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi told media outside the parliament building.

Opposition leaders were protesting and speaking to media outside parliament when a crowd of government supporters surrounded and attacked them, local media footage showed.

The footage showed an attack on Abbasi, a female opposition leader and an opposition senator.

(Reporting by Umar Farooq in Islamabad and Gibran Peshimam in Karachi; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)



A Black Marine officer whose career stalled despite -- as one gunny reportedly put it -- doing everything you could in the Corps minus securing "a hand salute from Jesus Christ himself" has now been nominated to pin on his first star.

Col. Anthony Henderson, the director of concepts and plans at the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory in Virginia, was nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced this week.

The nomination from President Joe Biden follows an August story from The New York Times about Henderson being overlooked for promotion over a four-year period despite several combat tours, leadership experience, and respect from superiors and subordinates.

"Tony Henderson has done everything you could do in the Marines except get a hand salute from Jesus Christ himself," former Gunnery Sgt. Milton Whitfield Sr. told the Times after Henderson was passed over for promotion three times.

Henderson, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, is one of nine active-duty colonels to be nominated to pin on a star. He's one of two Black officers up for promotion to brigadier general.

The Marine Corps has had 25 Black generals since admitting African American troops in 1942, according to the Times, but so far only white men have earned four stars.

"Tony Henderson has the potential to be the commandant of the Marine Corps," retired Lt. Gen. Ronald Bailey, the former head of Marine Plans, Policies and Operations, told the paper this week. "He's an individual who will work above and beyond what is required. This is well overdue."

Before joining the Warfighting Lab, Henderson led the California-based 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit through a deployment to the Pacific and Middle East. He also led Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan as executive officer of 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, and commanding officer of 1st Battalion, 6th Marines.

Marine Commandant Gen. David Berger said in September that the Marine Corps has more work to do to build diversity in senior leadership positions. One trend that Berger said he wanted to better understand was why women and people of color take themselves out of the running for Marine command screening boards at higher rates than white male officers.

It's not just that women and minorities aren't getting promoted or selected for command, he said. They're opting out of the process.

"You're allowed the opportunity to write a letter and say, 'Please don't consider me,' because of family reasons or whatever," Berger said. "Women and minorities asked not to be considered at a much higher rate than their white male counterparts."

Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper last year announced several efforts to end policies that could be discriminatory, including ordering an end to the use of photos in promotion boards.

"We must root out prejudice and bias that may exist but isn't always transparent," he said.

The Marine Corps announced in August that photos would no longer be used when making decisions about promotions, assignments or education and training opportunities.

-- Gina Harkins can be reached at gina.harkins@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @ginaaharkins.

Related: Marine Commandant Wants Answers on Why Women, Minorities Decline to Seek Command
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  Lisa Adkins, director and chief operating officer of the New Mexico coworking company FatPipe, said shes noticed a surprising trend about the people who joined the coworking spaces since the COVID-19 pandemic began: Nearly all of the new members have been women.

Obviously we still have some male members, but it does seem like the ones that have signed up recently have been women, Adkins said.

Some have had to find new jobs during the past 12 months, while others are just looking for more flexibility to care for children and families, Adkins said.

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While the trend has been a boon for the coworking company, it may be a symptom of a larger disruption to the workforce. The pandemic and associated restrictions have caused a wave of unemployment and forced many other workers to adapt to new ways of working.

And theres a growing body of research showing that working women have faced the brunt of these impacts. Some researchers are concerned that these impacts may linger well after the pandemic abates.

There are economic ramifications that are absolutely throwing back womens rights for a couple decades, said Julie Steinkopf, associate professor of sociology for New Mexico State University.

Whats behind the disparity?

The statistics beginning to come out of the pandemic paint a dire picture for women in the workforce. Of the nearly 4.3 million Americans that left the labor force between January 2020 and January 2021, roughly 58% have been women, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In September, four times more women than men dropped out of the workforce, according to the National Womens Law Center.

In New Mexico, theres some evidence that fewer women are inventing new technologies since the pandemic began. Just one-third of invention disclosures from the University of New Mexico include at least one woman on the disclosure during the current fiscal year, compared to 56% the year prior, according to data supplied by Lisa Kuuttila at UNM Rainforest Innovations.

Researchers agree that the factors driving the disparity were in place before the pandemic began, but have been exacerbated by the unique conditions created by the virus.

COVID-19 is hard on women because the U.S. economy is hard on women, and this virus excels at taking existing tensions and ratcheting them up, reads an October report from the Brookings Institution on the pandemics impact on women in the workforce.

Nicole Bateman, senior research analyst for the Brookings Institution and co-author of the report, said the pandemic has hurt low-wage workers most, and women on average earn less than men.

We often undervalue the work that women perform, she said.

With schools and day cares limited or shuttered to prevent the spread of the virus, Bateman said the gaps in Americas child care system have become even more apparent during the pandemic.

She added that more of the work of taking care of kids in the house continues to fall to women, even when both parents are working.

Historically, women have done more of the housework and child care, and that has remained the norm even as women have increasingly worked outside of the house, Bateman said.

These added factors, on top of the ambient stress of the pandemic, have led to an uptick in mothers experiencing stress and burnout, said Kathryn Jacobson, associate dean at UNMs Anderson School of Management.

There are all of these different factors chipping at your ability to do high-quality work, Jacobson said.

What can be done?

Going forward, Steinkopf said shes concerned that some of the impacts could last far longer than the pandemic. Given that children model the behavior of their parents, Steinkopf said an environment where mothers are sacrificing their careers could subconsciously reinforce traditional gender roles.

Theres both social and economic aspects that are both going absolutely the wrong way for womens equity, she said.

With the economy expected to steadily add back jobs over the next few years, experts pointed to a few steps that could help women share in that recovery equitably.

Steinkopf pointed to the Child Tax Credit expansion proposed by the Biden administration, which would provide up to $3,600 for children up to 6 years old, as a proposal that would help working women.

Once women are able to go out and work and gain economic security, then we can start to  make strides, she said.

Individual workplaces can make changes as well. Jacobson encouraged employers to be understanding and flexible about pandemic gap years when hiring new employees.

Kristelle Siarza, owner and CEO of the Albuquerque marketing and advertising firm Siarza Social Digital, said employers need to get more flexible with allowing employees to work from home and work around busy schedules. In some cases, she said this will require making changes to the company culture.

Employers have to adapt, employers have to be able to make exceptions for women, Siarza said.

Locally, some groups are taking matters into their own hands. Earlier this year, the Anderson School began launching its Women in Leadership advisory board, building off the work of a student organization.

Jacobson said the program will offer professional education and mentorship opportunities for female students preparing to enter the workforce. Ideally, Jacobson said the program will prepare more women for leadership roles once the pandemic abates.

Post-pandemic, it would be great to not go back to business as usual, Jacobson said.
GOOSE CREEK  Though nothing on the building's exterior indicates its purpose, the modest structure is home to a tiny, but faithful, religious community in the Lowcountry.

The edifice at 101 Jean Wells Drive in Goose Creek is the first permanent location for the region's Sikh community, organizers said. Sikh adherents in the Charleston region said the new gurdwara, as Sikh worship spaces are called, is the third in the state.

For many years, observants either used their homes to host services or they traveled to the Midlands or the Upstate, where two other Sikh temples are located.

Now they have a place close to home.

Its a good feeling," Randhir Makkar said. "We pray that COVID is gone soon and we are back to normal as we were two years ago so we can meet and have more people come there.

The Sikh community held its first worship service in their new gurdwara in December, when they celebrated the 551st birthday of guru Nanak, founder of the religion.

Nanak, who was born in the Punjab region of India and established the monotheistic religion in the 1500s, preached that all people could have access to God without rituals and priests and rejected the caste system.

Attendance at the religious holiday celebration was limited to 25 people due to the pandemic.

A priest from Columbia joined the Lowcountry congregation, Makkar said.

The Goose Creek Sikh community doesn't yet have a priest, so observants lead worship through songs and readings of holy texts. Services are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, when adherents also enjoy a meal together.

"Maybe in the future, well have a full-time priest," Makkar said.

A loan was obtained to secure the $120,000 building and members will chip in to help pay for the structure, Makkar said.

Rajinder Multani, who led efforts to find the building, said the house of worship is 15 minutes from her West Ashley home. She said having a permanent space is an important milestone for the Sikh community.

"We are so happy," she said.

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The property has some religious ties. The building formerly served as a church before becoming home to a different faith community.

Some minor interior work was done to the property.

On the outside, a wooden shed was installed to allow for outdoor cooking, Multani said. Inside work included painting and replacing the carpet with vinyl flooring.

A raised deck was also installed to hold Guru Granth Sahib, or the Sikh holy book. Curtains were also put in place to separate the guru when congregants begin eating after prayers.

The text is revered in the faith, requiring someone to care for it and conduct regular prayers and rituals. This requires a congregant at the Goose Creek temple to take it home after worship service to conduct religious practices.

We consider it a living guru," said Varinder Pal Singh, who worships at the temple.

The Sikh religion makes up a tiny portion of the population. The Association of Religion Data Archives noted just under 250 congregations nationwide in its 2010 report, the association's most recent count.

In the Lowcountry, the number of Sikhs is small, with about 15 to 20 families, Makkar said.

Charleston-area Sikhs have a close relationship with other Asian religious communities.

For the past 13 years, the Sikh community has used the Hindu temple in West Ashley for large gatherings. Hindu observants also join Sikhs for worship services.

Pal said the faith embraces people of all religions and welcomed anyone for worship at the Goose Creek gurdwara.

For those who might not know much about Sikhism, Pal uplifted three main tenets: meditating on the name of God, earning a living by honest means and treating all people equally.

The meaning of "Sikh" is seeker of truth, and it's a faith rooted in love, he said.
A disgraced ex-DUP mayor faces being stripped of his MBE award after he was convicted of trying to get a boy aged under 16 to engage in sexual activity.

Former Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough councillor Thomas Hogg denied the offence but was found guilty following a contest hearing at Belfast Magistrates Court last week.

The case followed the 32-year-old's arrest at the dance music festival V36 in Newtownabbey.

Hogg, of Brae Hill Park in the Ballysillan area of north Belfast, was charged with inciting a 14-year-old boy to engage in sexual activity on September 28, 2019.

Following the charges brought against him, Hogg left the DUP and resigned his seat on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

Hogg was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2016 for services to local government but is likely to lose the title as it can be taken away from those who have done something to damage the honour system's reputation.

A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office, where the Honours Secretariat coordinates the UK honours system, explained that it is possible to rescind an honour on the advice of the Forfeiture Committee and with the approval of The Sovereign.

Commenting on Hogg's case, the Cabinet Office stated: "Forfeiture action is confidential and we cannot comment on whether or not specific cases are being considered by the committee."

The former politician wouldn't be the first disgraced public figure to have been stripped of an honour.

Film producer Harvey Weinstein's honorary CBE was removed after he was convicted of rape and sexual assault, while children's entertainer Rolf Harris' CBE was taken away when he was found guilty of sex attacks on girls as young as seven.

Broadcaster Stuart Hall lost his OBE following his conviction for sex offences against children.

Meanwhile, television personality Jimmy Savile, who was awarded an OBE in 1972 and was knighted in 1990, is suspected to have raped 35 women and girls, and sexually assaulting 450 people before his death in 2011.

The Honours Forfeiture Committee said they would consider posthumously revoking his honours as they automatically expire when a person dies.

Speaking at the time of receiving his MBE, Hogg said: "This is not something I ever contemplated or imagined, but I am nonetheless very honoured and humbled."

A spokesperson for the child protection charity NSPCC Northern Ireland, said that child sexual abuse can have a devastating impact which can last long into adulthood and it is important that the victim in Hogg's case receives all appropriate support.

"Anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, no matter when it happened or who the offender is, should have the confidence to speak out and seek support, knowing they will be listened to," the charity added.

Hogg previously pleaded guilty to drink driving in May 2018 and received a 12-month driving ban and a fine.

The conviction saw him suspended as a councillor for five months, and also suspended by the DUP for eight months.

Hogg grew up in Fermanagh before moving to Belfast to study at Queen's University, while taking on a more prominent role in the DUP. He worked closely with former North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds and the party's MLA Paula Bradley.

Hogg is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on March 12 for sentencing.
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A San Antonio family has sued a funeral home, claiming the facility failed to pick up their fathers body from a hospital for cremation, so it was deemed abandoned and Bexar County buried him in a paupers grave.

The plaintiffs are daughters of Arthur Martinez, who was 83 when he died on June 28 from complications of COVID-19 at Northeast Baptist Hospital.

We are grief stricken about the events surrounding our fathers cremation, and how the arrangements we made were not honored, the family said in a statement released by their attorney, Jason Hoelscher. We desperately seek to fulfill his wishes regarding his remains, and we are hopeful this litigation can prevent others from experiencing our pain and loss.

The daughters, Veronica Martinez, Maria Martinez, Victoria Gonzales and Judy Esparza, purchased cremation and funeral services on July 6 from the defendants, Heart of Texas Cremations San Antonio, Affordable Funerals, and Javier R. Reyes, according to the suit, filed Feb. 23 in the 224th Civil District Court.

On ExpressNews.com: Mission Park sued by two families over funeral mishaps

But the funeral home intentionally, recklessly and/or negligently failed to comply with its contractual obligation and promise to secure and maintain care, custody and control of the remains of Arthur Martinez at all times, the lawsuit states.

The plaintiffs also accuse Reyes, who was acting as agent and on behalf of the remaining defendants when he told family members that their fathers body had been secured from the hospital, that his account at the funeral home was paid in full, and that the cremation of Arthur Martinez would soon follow, the lawsuit states.

On ExpressNews.com: Lawsuit: another pair of bodies switched by San Antonio funeral home

But that did not happen, according to the lawsuit, which seeks a jury trial and monetary damages of more than $1 million..

Defendants never picked up the Decedent, and his body was ultimately declared as a case of family abandonment by Bexar County, and Arthur Martinez was buried by the county, the lawsuit states.

The burial was expressly contrary to the wishes of the Plaintiffs, who had contracted with Defendants for cremation services for their father, it states.

Hoelscher said the family still doesnt know where the body is.

We are trying to confirm location so we can secure the remains, he said in an email.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio family makes startling discovery at funeral home: body in casket not their mother

The county maintains records for pauper burials, which are done for families who cannot afford funeral services, or for deceased persons whose identities are not known, said David Marquez, the Bexar County economic and community development director.

We have records, he said. We know who they are and where they have been buried.

A person who answered the telephone at Heart of Texas Cremations took a detailed message seeking comment on the lawsuit, but the call was not returned.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
Mumbai, Mar. March 6 : A shroud of mystery continues to envelop the death of Thane businessman after his autopsy report remained inconclusive on the exact cause/s of his demise as the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party aggressively demanded a probe by NIA, here on Saturday.

The autopsy report's findings and medical opinion are kept on 'reserve' though the viscera have been preserved and sent to the Sir J. J. Hospital here for further analysis, officials said.

Though there are reportedly no visible injury marks on Hiren's body, his family and friends have dismissed the 'suicide by drowning' as he was an expert swimmer, besides eyewitnesses who have questioned why his mouth was gagged with 5-6 handkerchiefs.

Hiren, 48, came into the limelight after his stolen SUV, a Scorpio was abandoned near Antilia, the home of industrialist and Reliance Industries Ltd Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Feb. 25.

The next day, the police found 20 gelatin sticks in it besides a purported threat letter to the Ambani family, triggering a sensation in corporate and political circles.

Exactly 10 days later, Hiren's body was fished out of the wetlands in Thane Creek near Mumbra town on Friday morning, stoking a massive political row.

The owner of a car accessories business, Classic Car Decor and a resident of Vikas Palms complex, Hiren's family accepted his mortal remains from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwe and performed his last rites late on Saturday evening.

The state government late on Friday handed over the probe to the Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) which has started its investigations.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) Avinash Ambure said that the autopsy report was shared with the family, but declined further details as the probe is underway.

The President of Thane Vyapari Sangh Devi Jain demanded a thorough probe and the causes leading to Hiren's death, whom he described as a good family-centric man, financially sound with no vices.

Meanwhile, a letter claimed to be penned by Hiren on March 2 to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh, Thane Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar, spoke of police harassment after the recovery of his SUV with the gelatin sticks and threat letter.

Police are also trying to verify Hiren's wife Vimala's statement that on Thursday he was summoned by one officer Tawde from Kandivali Crime Branch who asked him to meet him near the Thane Creek.

As the matter snowballed into a political row, Minister Deshmukh held a review meeting with Director-General of Police Hemant Nagrale.

The BJP targeted the Maha Vikas Aghadi government alleging failure on all fronts and vociferously demanded that the case be handed over to the NIA, besides senior MP Narayan Rane wanting President's Rule in Maharashtra.

BJP State President Chandrakant Patil said that prima face, the death of Hiren is a 'murder' and sought a probe by NIA.

However, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said that the Mumbai ATS is capable of probing the case and urged that Hiren's death should not be politicised.

"It will be wrong to politicise the (Hiren's) death and put the government in the dock... Doubts are being raised whether his death was a suicide or a murder. The police are investigating. He was also an important witness in the (SUV) case," Raut said.

Lashing at the MVA, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane said in series of tweets: "Disha Salian - was happy but committed suicide, Sushant Singh Rajput - was ambitious but committed suicide. Pooja Chavan - was too strong but committed suicide, Mansukh Hiren - wife says he can't commit suicide! This is what happens in Maharashtra under the MVA!" Several BJP leaders met Hiren's family members and a large number of people including businessfolk turned up for Hiren's funeral held late on Saturday.
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Amelia Gray Hamlin is back to work in Los Angeles following her extended Miami vacation with Scott Disick.

On Friday the 19-year-old reality television protege turned model shared shots from a modern abode overlooking the ocean as she said it was her 'set 2 day.'

Sporting a few business casual looks, she traded her bikinis for suits as she finished off the work week strong.

She means business: Amelia Gray Hamlin, 19, is back to work on set in Malibu as she trades her Miami bikinis for business suits after her romantic extended vacation with new beau Scott Disick

Amelia looked tailored in the brown suit that she paired with a simple white button down.

She wore a pair of stylish nude mules and kept her balayage brown hair down with natural makeup.

To create a clean set shoot she sat on a red chair against a white backdrop before flashing a view of the ocean.

A second look seemed to feature the same white button down and a skirt with a pair of sandals.

Set life: To create a clean set shoot look she sat on a red chair against a white backdrop

Ocean views: She posted from her 'set 2 day' an ideal location for any working model as she overlooked the ocean

Vacation vibes: She and the KUWTK star jetted to Miami ahead of Valentine's Day where she spent a few weeks there

Earlier this week she and Disick, 37, continue to solidify their relationship with more Instagram content.

Ahead of Valentine's Day he posted a photo with Hamlin on his story for the first time ever as they cozied up at dinner.

The next day they were seen packing on the PDA in South Beach and she even spent time with his children Mason, 11, Penelope, eight, and Reign, six, as things continue to get more serious.

While in Florida the pair were also seen what looked to be house hunting as they checked out a waterfront home, making it the second time they've been seen touring property together after looking at a Holmby Hills mansion a few months back.

Amelia left no room for confusion on her feelings for Scott when she shared some cuddly snaps of them at dinner at Carbone.

Dream man: The pair have a nearly 20-year age gap but that didn't stop Amelia from posting about their relationship throughout the entirety of the trip in true millennial fashion

Dinner date: In one snap a braless Amelia sat on Scott's lap as he put his arm around her

In one snap he had his arm around her waist as she appeared braless while looking at her man.

In another she wrote 'My dream man,' but when a Bravo fan account posted the photos Amelia seemed to try and downplay that anything too serious was going on between the couple as she commented 'everyone can calm down.'

Not the first time she has spoken out subtly on the internet when it comes to their relationship, a few months after they were first linked she wrote 'ppl r extra weird and judgemental these days,' as she seemed to defend their nearly 20-year age gap.

Scott has been linked to a string of models since calling it quits with Sofia Richie, 22, over the summer but Amelia has consistently been on his arm since October.

Valentine's gift? Amelia flashed a pricey gold Rolex around Valentine's Day which was seemingly a gift from Disick as she has sported a more modest timepiece in months past; pictured March 2

From Tulum vacations to scenic strolls in Malibu, the pair have spent a lot of time together, with a source close to the Kardashian-Jenner family saying that they approve of the relationship.

'They really like the two of them together and think Amelia is a great influence on Scott. Scott and Amelia are in a really good place,' a source told Us Weekly.

The mother of his three children Kourtney Kardashian has also embarked on a new relationship with Blink-182's Travis Barker who has been a longtime family friend but it has been reported that Disick is not 'threatened' by the relationship.
More than 20 prisoners have died in a fortnight after contracting coronavirus, figures suggest.

Provisional data from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) show the deaths of 24 inmates for the two-week period to March 1 were Covid-related.

During this time, 1,478 prisoners tested positive in around half the jails in England and Wales. As of Monday, 63 prisons had at least one prisoner who was testing positive.

The reported deaths include all those where an inmate tested positive within 28 days of their death or where there was a clinical assessment that Covid-19 was a contributory factor, regardless of the cause of death - which must later be officially determined by a coroner.

More than 20 prisoners have died in a fortnight after contracting coronavirus, figures suggest

The Office for National Statistics estimated that 248,000 people across England are infected with the coronavirus, down from 370,000 in its estimate last Friday

UK will have to 'live with a substantial degree of death' in post-lockdown era, SAGE adviser says The UK will still have to live with 'substantial' levels of Covid deaths after lockdowns come to an end because the virus won't go away, one of the Government's scientific advisers said today. Professor Andrew Hayward, an infectious disease expert based at University College London and a member of SAGE, said he believes 'we've been through the worst of this'. But he said vaccines won't totally get rid of the virus and the country would still have to live with 'a degree of mortality that will be substantial'. SAGE has predicted that a third wave of the virus is inevitable and tens of thousands more people will die because millions will be left unprotected by vaccines, which aren't 100 per cent effective and won't be taken by everyone. Almost 125,000 people in Britain have been killed by Covid so far in the pandemic, but deaths are now down to a four-month low at 255 per day from a peak of more than 1,200 per day at the end of January. This drop means that the number of 'excess' deaths - those above what is considered normal for the time of year - may already be back to zero, meaning deaths from all causes are now at average levels, one doctor has claimed. Advertisement

Campaigners have previously called for more of the prison population, currently standing at 78,037 people, to be released on temporary licence over fears for the safety of inmates as outbreaks occur behind bars.

But the MoJ says it has taken action to try to keep staff and prisoners safe which has significantly limited the spread of the virus.

It comes as Britain's Covid infection figures have dropped to 5,947 and deaths have fallen by a third, official figures revealed.

In the latest sign Britain is bringing Covid under control, infection figures show a 30 per cent drop week-on-week compared to last Friday, when more than 8,500 cases were recorded.

The figures are also down from Thursday, when 6,543 Covid cases were recorded. There have been more than 4million cases since recorded in the UK since the pandemic began.

Department of Health officials revealed there had been 236 more Covid fatalities - down by a third week-on-week, with the Health Secretary tonight boasting the decline was becoming 'faster and faster'.

Bolstering hopes that the darkest days of the pandemic are over, Mr Hancock claimed the figures offered proof that the once 'unbreakable' link between cases inevitably turning into deaths was 'now breaking'.

He told tonight's Downing Street press conference: 'The vaccine is protecting the NHS, saving lives right across the country. The country's plan is working.' Two-fifths of adults have now been jabbed and 1million have had both doses.

His comments come after an array of official data revealed Covid cases are falling rapidly, fuelling calls for No10 to relax lockdown measures sooner. Under current plans heavily criticised by anti-lockdown Tory MPs, England will still have some restrictions until at least June 21.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed England's outbreak shrank by a third in the week to February 26, with 248,000 people infected - the equivalent of one in every 220 people.

And a symptom-tracking study revealed the number of people getting infected each day has started to drop again after levelling off in February. Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiologist behind the research, revealed he hoped lockdown could be eased 'earlier'.

Even No10's normally-cautious advisers are optimistic about Britain's prospects, with SAGE member Professor Andrew Hayward admitting that he believed the country had already 'been through the worst' of the pandemic.

However, the Government's advisory panel claimed the R rate has crept up for the first time since January.

Modellers predicted the rate was between 0.7 and 0.9 but remained below one, meaning the outbreak is still shrinking. Last week it was estimated to be as low as 0.6.

But one SAGE epidemiologist insisted the era of caring about the R rate was 'coming to an end' because the figure is no longer at the heart of No10's Covid strategy.

Professor John Edmunds, from the London School for Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said a rise in cases 'may be tolerated as long as it doesn't put undue pressure on hospital services'.

Almost 21.4million vulnerable Britons have already been vaccinated, with the mammoth NHS operation continuing to run smoothly.

Any hiccups in the inoculation drive - which will save countless lives - could threaten lockdown-easing plans.

It comes after the Health Secretary also announced the mystery person in Britain infected with the Brazil variant of coronavirus had been found, following a nationwide hunt lasting five days.

The infected person who didn't fill in key contact-tracing forms was a man from Croydon, who handed himself in.

Department of Health bosses have yet to confirm exactly how many new cases have been spotted or coronavirus vaccines dished out because of a 'delay' in getting the data.
During Pope Francis' visit, a rebel group linked to a recent rocket attack on U.S. forces in Iraq has called a ceasefire, a grudging suspension of hostilities that hints at the papal tour's strategic significance.

The militant group declares ceasefire for Pope Francis' Iraq Visit

The commitment provides some comfort as the Pope travels through territories roiled by attacks from Iranian-backed militias. The Guardians assumed responsibility for a rocket attack on Erbil last month, which President Biden responded to by bombing a Syrian base used by Iranian forces and their proxies.

New Lines Institute senior analyst Rasha al Aqeedi, an Iraqi national who hails originally from Mosul, said, "They would not escalate during a visit like this because it would backfire immensely." The analyst added that any violence amid Pope Francis's visit would endanger his life and would severely backfire on them, resulting in being blacklisted everywhere, Washington Examiner reported.

The Pope's visit will take him to Iraqi regions where Iranian-backed forces have shown their resolve, including Erbil, a recent barrage site. He will fly to Najaf, a holy city for Shia Muslims, on Saturday to visit Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, the Shia Muslim world's most respected official. According to the Guardians ' letter, the truce is intended to show our gratitude to Imam al-Sistani since we are Arabs and honor the guest.

Nonetheless, the militants' public rhetoric clarified that the papal visit poses a threat to Iran's status in Iraq. Sistani opposes the Iranian revolution's understanding of "wilayat al-faqih," a jurisdictional rule - Ali Khomeini's theology, which asserted the right to exert not only divine but also political control over "the administration of the land." On the other hand, Sistani follows a "quietist" tradition that rejects the government's clerical domination.

Read also: Prince Philip Recovering After Surgery, Spending More Days in Hospital as Interview Looms

In short, the compulsion to "respect" the Pope's meeting with Sistani puts the Iranian-aligned militias in the position of honoring an encounter between the Roman Catholic leader and the Shia teacher, whose example poses a challenge to Iranian ambitions in Iraq.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps' proxies are openly critical of the visit, especially the Pope's intention to visit Ur, Abraham's birthplace, for an interfaith service of "prayer for the sons and daughters of Abraham," a reference to Abraham's role as a foundational prophet in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, as per Reuters.

According to Wall Street Journal, Kata'ib Hezbollah spokesman Abu Ali al-Askari wrote on social media on Wednesday, "We must not be overly optimistic about Pope Francis' visit and that he will make our lands cool and safe." He added before congratulating that there is a conspiracy in Ur City under the facade of interfaith dialogue. Besides, he acknowledged the "resistance" fighters for the recent U.S. forces attack at the Ein Al-Asad base in Iraq.

Read also: Pope Francis Visits Iraq Amid Threat of Virus and Security Risks

Pope urges end to violence

On his first papal visit to Iraq on Friday, Pope Francis called for an end to extremism and violence, as per The Telegraph. The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics emphasized the relevance of Iraq's strong Christian heritage at the Iraqi presidential palace. In a country that Transparency International has regularly rated as one of the most corrupt, he also urged Iraqi officials to fight the menace of corruption, misuse of power, and disregard for the constitution.

As he descended the red-carpeted stairs at Baghdad airport, an honor guard dressed in red coats and white plumed helmets flanked the red carpet, where a huge delegation greeted the 84-year-old pontiff. The Pope then sat with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi at the airport before meeting President Barham Salih later.

Read also: WHO To Throw Away Interim Report Plans on COVID-19 Origin Investigation

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Lacson Thankful for Hope Brought by Donated COVID Vaccines

More at: https://pinglacson.net/2021/03/06/lacson-thankful-for-hope-brought-by-donated-covid-vaccines/

Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson expressed thanks over the weekend to the donors of COVID-19 vaccines that arrived in the Philippines recently, saying these give Filipinos hope of recovering from the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

Lacson said the vaccines from China-based Sinovac, as well as AstraZeneca vaccines from the COVID-19 Vaccines Advance Market Commitment (COVAX AMC), will help achieve herd immunity that is a key to resuming economic activities.

"Always grateful to China and COVAX AMC for making us see a sliver of hope to achieve herd immunity," he said on his Twitter account Friday evening, adding the P2.2-billion daily loss in household consumption and the 9.5-percent economic contraction was driving the country a step closer to insanity until the Sinovac and AstraZeneca vaccines arrived.

Earlier, Lacson cited figures from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing the Philippine economy contracted 9.5 percent in 2020, the largest contraction ever recorded. On the other hand, the National Economic and Development Authority said quarantine restrictions reduced household spending by P801 billion in 2020 or some P2.2 billion a day.

Last Feb. 28, an initial batch of Sinovac vaccines donated by China arrived in the Philippines. Last March 4, some 480,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines arrived via the COVAX facility.

Although the donated doses are not even one percent of the targeted 70-million population to attain herd immunity, Lacson said they "give us hope that the vaccines are already here."

"We will always be grateful to them for our first taste of the vaccines. It gives us hope," he added.
Hundreds of people gathered in the streets of Santiago on Friday to protest police violence but were met with tear gas and water cannon trucks.

Authorities were seen attempting to disperse the demonstrators roaming the Chilean capital.

Another large group of protesters massed at the iconic Plaza Italia, the scene for similar rallies during a year of anti-government protests which began in October 2019.

The Chilean National Human Rights Institute said more than 450 people suffered eye damage from supposedly non-lethal projectiles fired by police during those street protests.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)

A FORMER garda clerical worker who spat on a shop security woman in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic has claimed the victim made a racial slur against him and he "over-reacted.

John Medupe (51) said this was his explanation for his attack on the shop worker, when he threatened he would crack her head open and enjoy every minute of it.

She had challenged him for skipping the queue.

Medupe told Dublin District Court he was not blaming the victim and accepted what he did in a moment of madness was irrational and disgusting.

Judge Bryan Smyth said he would consider sparing him a criminal record if he pays 1,000 compensation and takes part in a restorative justice programme.

Medupe, of Killarney Parade, Phibsboro, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour.

The court heard he went to Marks & Spencer, Jervis Shopping Centre last July 2 and passed a queue. The security woman spoke to him about this, he replied f**k you.

He then tried to come in through another section and the victim stopped him and told him he could not enter.

Medupe became verbally abusive to her and spat on her, the court heard. It landed on her chin, shirt and tie and she was very distressed and afraid she could catch Covid-19.

The accused also said to the woman: If you keep following me, Im going to crack your head open and enjoy every minute of it.

A victim impact statement was handed in to court. Garda Sergeant Tony Flanagan said Medupe had no prior convictions.

I felt that there had been a racial slur said to me, I acted irrationally and completely out of character, Medupe told the court. I have never been in trouble before, its been eight months to the day this week and its been haunting me every day. Its something which was incredibly irrational, disgusting, it was a moment of madness.

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Medupe had written a letter of apology to the victim and brought 500 to court as a token of his contrition.

The court heard the victim was out of pocket for the dry cleaning of her uniform and a days work.

Judge Smyth said it was a serious thing to say that somebody made a racial slur and he did not know if the victim was aware this was Medupes contention.

Defence solicitor Matthew De Courcy said the accused had been arrested immediately and gave a full explanation in his garda interview, which was on the record from the outset.

Medupe was not in any way trying to blame the victim, but just trying to contextualise the reaction," which was disproportionate, he said.

The accused moved from South Africa to Ireland for a better life in 2013, and undertook further education in computers, business, financial services and customer support. He had started a law degree but could not afford to complete it.

He had worked in several jobs, then as a clerical officer in the public sector since 2019, including the office of the Data Protection Officer.

Medupe had since lost his job, and the case and adverse publicity had had a catastrophic effect on his employability. He was on a waiting list for work but was in limbo pending the outcome, Mr De Courcy said.

Judge Smyth said the fact that the spit happened during the pandemic was an aggravating factor.

He said he would consider leaving Medupe without a conviction if,as well as the 500, he paid another 1,00 in compensation and took part in a restorative justice programme.

The accused was remanded on continuing bail to appear in court again next month.
Gardai have confirmed skeletal remains found by the side of a disused rail line in east Cork earlier this year are not those of missing Fermoy woman Tina Satchwell.

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

On January 5 last shocked workers undertaking clearing work for the 20 million greenway along the old Midleton-Youghal railway line discovered a human skull in the undergrowth.

During a press briefing outside Midleton Garda station on Monday Superintendent Adrian Gamble outlined how, over the following nine days, the area known as the 'Tipping Point' off the Shanty Pass at Roxborough, Midleton was mapped in 3-D using drones and searched by members of the north Cork divisional search team in what he said were challenging weather conditions.

The scene was also examined by a forensic anthropologist and an experienced Garda scenes of crime team.

Supt Gamble said that during the search a number of evidential items, including complete skeletal remains, were located and retained as evidence.

At the time this prompted speculation that the remains may be those of Ms Satchwell, who has been missing for almost four years.

However, speaking on Monday Supt Gamble said that following a post mortem undertaken by state pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster at the CUH, DNA samples were taken from the remains and subsequently set against the national DNA database but it was unable to find a match.

He said that while the services of the Missing Persons Bureau and the Garda National Protected Services has been engaged, attempts to formally identify the remains have thus far proved unsuccessful.

Supt Gamble confirmed the remains were those of a female who was aged in her 70s at the time of her death, was 5' or 5' 2" and large framed, wore dentures and suffered from arthritis. He said he deceased was wearing a white faded garment, similar to a nightdress. A crucifix with a chain was also found on the remains.

The remains are believed to have been in situ for at least five years and possibly up to a decade.

Supt Gamble confirmed Gardai are treating the discovery of the remains as a criminal investigation but for operational reasons Gardai declined to say if this could be upgraded into a murder inquiry.

However, Supt Gamble did say Gardai believed the key to solving the mystery may lie locally and appealed to anyone with information that may assist their investigation to come forward.

"The message here today is that someone in the community must know how the female skeletal remains came to be at this place," said Supt Gamble.

An Garda Siochana are determined to formally identify the deceased and treat her with the respect and dignity that she deserves. We want to provide closure for a family that at this early stage remain unknown and to ensure the remains are brought to a final resting place."

Any person with information can contact investigating Gardai at the incident room at Midleton Garda Station 021 - 4621550, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station."
From March 8, schools and colleges will fully reopen in the UK with more than 10 million pupils, students and education workers in attendance. This will take place under conditions in which the R (reproduction) rate of the virus is just below 1and is rising and thousands of infections and hundreds of deaths are being recorded daily.

Everyone knows where Prime Minister Boris Johnsons criminal policy will lead. Within two months of schools reopening last September, 8,000 schools suffered coronavirus infections, with school settings accounting for 29 percent of all COVID-19 clusters. The infection rate among secondary school-aged pupils surged by 2,000 percent and 600,000 pupils were forced to self-isolate at home.

Year seven pupils are directed to socially distance as they arrive for their first day at Kingsdale Foundation School in London, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020. AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Another wave of disease is being prepared. The added safety measures for the March 8 return are a fraud. Neither masks nor testing are mandatory. Tests are woefully inaccurate.

The former head of the Ofsted schools inspectorate, Sir Michael Wilshaw, recently blurted out the governments murderous calculations by insisting that teachers should show a similar commitment to medical professionals, some of whom have sacrificed their lives. At least 570 education workers have been killed by COVID-19.

The reopening of schools and the economy last year was followed by a devastating second wave of the virus, which cost more than 80,000 lives. By December, school-aged children had the highest rates of infection in the country, alongside young adults.

At the time of the reopening in September, the Office for National Statistic reported that one in 1,400 people in England had COVID-19. The latest figure is one in 220. An estimate provided to the governments Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies predicted that even a more gradual reopening than is planned could cost 58,000 lives by June 2022, despite the existence of life-saving vaccines.

School workers have been determined to oppose being treated as Covid fodder for the governments herd immunity strategy. But they have been undermined at every turn by the Labour Party and the trade unions, who work as loyal enforcers for the corporations and the government.

Schools were first closed last March due to a mass rebellion of teachers and workers who refused to send their children to school. The unions called no action whatsoever.

The government used the breathing space granted by the first lockdown to carry out an unprecedented bailout of the corporations and the super-rich. They then moved quickly to force children back to school and their parents back to work, producing profits. Johnson announced plans for the full reopening of primary schools and partial opening of secondary schools in June.

This was met with overwhelming opposition. A National Education Union (NEU) poll found that nine in 10 teachers opposed the plan to reopen primary schools and over 400,000 teachers signed a petition opposing the reopening of schools without proper safety measures.

The education unions demobilised this opposition, making a pathetic appeal to the government to step back from its reopening plan. The government tried to proceed but was thwarted as schools and families refused to cooperate. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was forced to delay a full reopening until September.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer's tweet of August 16, 2020 demanding the government reopen schools.

The Labour Party and the trade unions did all they could to bring school workers into line. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer penned an infamous article in the Daily Mail in August declaring: I dont just want all children back at school next month, I expect them back at school. No ifs, no buts, no equivocation. The education unions jettisoned their five tests for a safe reopening, sending their members back into schools without safety measures in place. Their only demand was for the government to outline a Plan B for when the inevitable explosion of infections took place!

When a surge of cases overwhelmed testing capacity in late September and October, the NEU, the GMB, NAHT, Unison and Unite warned the government that they were being undermined in their efforts to keep workers in schools. An October 3 NEU survey found that 84 percent of teachers did not trust the government to keep schools safe.

Johnson was forced by the spiralling pandemic crisis and the threat of a social explosion to declare a lockdown in November that excluded schools. NASWUT, the NAHT and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) did not oppose this decision. The NEU was pushed into begging for schools to be included in the lockdown, after its own petition was signed by over 150,000 teachers in 48 hours. Johnson ignored the plea.

On November 12, the NEUs national executive committee voted down a proposal to ballot for strike action. This information was leaked on Facebook.

With the pandemic catastrophic by the end of the December school holidays, the NEU called for just a two-week delay in the reopening of schools in the New Year. The education unions changed tack only in the face of a growing rebellion of school workers, reflected in a 400,000-strong attendance at an NEU meeting the weekend before schools were due to return.

To avoid industrial action, the unions advised their members to individually refuse to return to work by citing Section 44 of the workplace Health and Safety Act. Fearing a wider revolt in the working class, the government declared a third national lockdown, this time including schools, the next day.

Johnsons announcement of a roadmap to lifting the lockdown again demands the services of Labour and the trade unions to force education workers back into schools. Starmer declared, Ideally I'd like to see all schools back open on 8 March and all children back in schools on 8 March.

At the NEUs latest mass meeting, on March 1, its leaders opposed repeated demands for strike action by claiming the situation has changed, there are lower rates of infections, deaths and hospitalisations and that strike action was not the necessary, desirable or the right way to proceed. They also insisted that Section 44 must not be used without their approval, opposing the basic legal right of their members to a safe workplace.

A year of the pandemic has proved that workers cannot fight for their basic interests outside of a struggle against the Labour Party and the trade unions.

The same is true in every country. In recent months, planned action by Chicago teachers was betrayed by the Chicago Teachers Union, paving the way for a reopening of schools across the US. A mass strike of teachers in Sao Paulo, Brazil has been sabotaged by the APEOESP union and wildcat French teacher strikes strangled by the French unions.

From these common experiences, workers internationally must draw the same conclusion: Building a new political leadership is a life and death question.

The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) has fought throughout the pandemic to provide an independent programme for workers, based on the formation of rank-and-file committees independent of the unions.

In an August 8, 2020 statement we called for the development of an interconnected network of rank-and-file committees to prepare for a general strike against the opening of schools and the murderous policy of the ruling class.

In September, we launched the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee to unite all those opposed to the unsafe reopening of schools and provide the necessary leadership to prepare for a nationwide general strike to halt the reopening of schools.

The Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee demands a full lockdown until the pandemic is suppressed, strict safety measures for genuinely essential workplaces, guaranteed jobs and wages for those required to stay at home, and a fully funded programme of online learning. This must be paid for by seizing the ill-gotten gains of the major corporations and the billionaires.

The reopening of schools is the spearhead of the governments plan for throwing open the economy, sending millions of workers back into unsafe workplaces to face infection and ramped-up exploitation. For the working class, therefore, the fight against school reopenings must spearhead a broader struggle against the pandemic and the deadly profit drive of the ruling class.

A network of rank-and-file committees must be established throughout the education and other sectors to defend workers interests and fight for a political general strike against the Johnson government and a unified struggle with educators throughout Europe and internationally facing the same threat.

We call on all workers to register to attend todays meeting of the Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee to discuss this programme of action.
Yangon: Myanmar security forces used tear gas and stun grenades to break up a protest in Yangon on Saturday, just hours after a United Nations special envoy called on the Security Council to take action against the ruling junta for the killings of protesters.

The Southeast Asian country has been plunged into turmoil since the military overthrew and detained elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on February 1, with daily protests and strikes that have choked business and paralysed administration.

Sporadic protests were staged across Myanmar on Saturday and local media reported that police fired tear gas shells and stun grenades to break up a protest in the Sanchaung district of Yangon, the countrys biggest city. There no reports of casualties.

Anti-coup protesters wearing helmets and face masks gather during a protest in Mandalay, Myanmar, Saturday, March 6, 2021. Credit:AP

More than 50 protesters have been killed according to the United Nations - at least 38 on Wednesday alone. Protesters demand the release of Suu Kyi and the respect of Novembers election, which her party won in landslide, but which the army rejected.
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The European Union had supported Italy's decision of vaccine export blockade to Australia. Now, Germany has raised concerns over Italy's decision of blocking vaccine export after Australia had asked Italy for a review of its decision. Health Minister of Germany Jens Spahn expressed caution over the long term effect on global vaccine supplies after Italy's ban on vaccine export, reported the Guardian. Australia is now seeking assurance from the EU to not block future vaccine shipments.

Germany raises concern over ban

Jens Spahn said, "With a measure liked that, in the short term there's a win, but we have to be careful that it does not create problems by disrupting the supply chains for vaccines." According to reports, Italy banned the export of 2,50,000 doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. The blockade was later approved by the European Union. This is the first instance when a European country has used the new EU law to prevent vaccine doses from being exported. The law was introduced after AstraZeneca said it would not be able to fulfil its contractual obligation with the EU due to production issues.

Read: EU, Italy Stop AstraZeneca Vaccine Exports To Australia

Read: Italy's Lombardy Witnesses Sudden Spike In COVID-19 Cases, Authorities Concerned

France backs Italy in the decision

France backed its European partner Italy over the latter's decision to block the export of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine doses to Australia. French Health Minister Olivier Veran, during an interview on March 5, said he understands the decision, adding he "could do the same" if needed. This comes after Australia slammed the European Union and Italy, accusing them of "tearing the rule book" amid a global crisis. Australia on Thursday slammed the European Union for blocking the shipment of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine. According to Sky, Australian Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the move shows the desperation of other countries as compared to Australia. Birmingham added that it is "unsurprising some countries would tear up the rule book", referring to Italy, who decided to invoke the EU's new law to block the shipment of vaccine doses to Australia.

Read: 'Didn't Happen': Australian Attorney General Christian Porter Denies Rape Accusation

Read: UKs Sonnenkrieg Division To Be 1st Right-wing Terrorist Group Listed In Australia: Report

(Inputs from AP)
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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 
Thiruvananthapuram, March 6 : The Customs Department on Saturday served a notice to former Kerala CPI-M state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan's wife Vinodhini asking her to appear before it on March 10.

The notice has been served in connection with the now infamous missing iPhones that were alleged to have been given by Santhosh Eapen, one of the beneficiaries in the controversial Life Mission flat project.

The department during its investigation has found that Vinodhini was using one of the iPhones till July last year before the infamous Kerala Gold smuggling case surfaced.

Eapen heads Unitac Builders, which got the contract to build the Life Mission flat project at Wadakkancherry in Thrissur.

In an affidavit filed in the high court, Eapen sought to quash the FIR that mentioned that Swapna Suresh (prime accused in the Kerala gold smuggling case) had asked him to buy five iPhones to be given to VIP guests, who have been called to participate in the UAE national day celebrations held here in December 2019.

Trouble began after rumours started doing rounds that Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala was given one of the smartphones, but he came out sharply and threatened legal action against those who were trying to malign him.

At that time, while it was identified all who were given the devices, but the owner of the most expensive iPhone was not identified.

Now the Customs has found that Vinodhini was using the Rs 1.13-lakh worth iPhone.

It was Congress legislator Anil Akkara, who unravelled the scam and approached the Kerala High Court for a CBI probe, which was given green signal.

Balakrishnan had to bow out as Secretary of the CPI-M, last year after his younger son Bineesh Kodiyeri was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in Bengaluru, after his close friend was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau. Bineesh continues to be in jail.

His elder son Binoy Kodiyeri is also entangled in a case where a woman from Bihar has approached the Mumbai High Court stating that her child is the son of Binoy, who is already married and has a family.
The journey to rescue dogs and cats in Vietnam

On a cold drizzly day at the end of 2020, while everyone was rushing to complete the unfinished work of the old year and preparing to start anew in 2021, around a dozen members of animal protection organisations in Vietnam were assisting the owners of a dog and cat meant restaurant in Thai Binh city remove the signboard and bring the 25 dogs and cats into special care.

Ninh Thi Phuong Thao, programme advisor at Four Paws, an international animal protection organisation with branches in 15 countries, said the success in Thai Binh has been a special turning point for not only Four Paws but also other animal protection organisations because this was the first time they managed to persuade the owner of a dog and cat restaurant to quit. The victory was made even sweeter for it taking place in Thai Binh  the citadel of cat meat trade in Vietnam.

Goodbye from a cat meat restaurant owner

Located in the citys Tran Lam ward, Pham Van Duongs restaurant was well-frequented by locals and tourists alike, who came to enjoy a dish considered the local specialty: cat meat. Although the store opened only a year ago, Duong has seven years of experience in trading dog and cat meat and has owned two large restaurants dealing in these types of meat in Thach That district of Hanoi.

Duong said that every day he got up at 4am to slaughter the animals and begin preparing the meals for patrons. I studied music and my wife studied accounting, but we both ended up slaughtering and selling dog and cat meat. For seven years, I never thought I would do this job for long because it was cruel. Every time I have to slaughter an animal, I always ask myself: Why do I kill it? Yet to maintain our lives and raise two children, I could not give it up.

Each month, about 240 animals were consumed at his shop, mostly cats, fetching him VND40-50 million ($1,700-$2,200) a month. While this business helped secure the life of his family, it has also inflicted him with tremendous psychological trauma and has come at the expense of his personal life. The holidays, which are a time for spending quality time with their children, are the busiest days at the store when he has to slaughter the most animals.

The most taxing, however, is the fear that his two children would walk in on their father doing the job of an executioner. I cannot let my children see that scene, it would scar them forever, he said.

The Four Paws volunteers arrived to tilt the scales of his emotional turmoil, gently urging them to change business model.

Four Paws helped me make up my mind once and for all. Just five days after their visit, I announced that the store would be closed, to the surprise of my friends and customers.

With both physical and mental support from the volunteers, Duongs restaurant was turned into a shop selling electric and used motorbikes, which opened in January. At the end of December, the signboard of the restaurant Specialty Dog - Cat hung by his own hands more than a year ago was removed and smashed to pieces. I feel happy and a bit emotional. This is a sacred and meaningful moment for me, Duong confided.

Although not the first case, Duongs restaurant was the first specific one widely mentioned by the media. Before that, nearly 50 dog meat stalls running along Nhat Tan street in Hanois Tay Ho district also closed even though they were doing very well. From a famous street which was the capital of dog meat with 30-year-old restaurants lying close together and attracting diners from far and wide  now Nhat Tan has only one dog meat store. According to many people living in Nhat Tan, in recent years as land in the area increased in price, most dog meat shop owners sold land to switch business or move elsewhere to live.

In 2018, Hanoi proposed to eventually limit people from eating dog meat, and many urban districts of Hanoi could see a complete ban in the trade, causing the Nhat Tan dog meat brand to gradually fade into the past.

Large-scale rescue campaign for dogs and cats

The success of closing the first dog and cat meat restaurant has been a rallying cry for Four Paws members and other animal protection organisations in Vietnam to double efforts to rescue dogs and cats.

Ninh Thi Phuong Thao from Four Paws said that after the restaurant closed, 20 cats and 5 dogs were taken from the store to the Four Paws Bear Sanctuary Ninh Binh for health checks before placing them at animal rescue stations in Danang and Hoi An to look for new homes.

She asserted that she was very lucky to have met the right people at the right time and could persuade them to give up. Because even though offering consultancy and supporting business households throughout the change, Four Paws members have always had their work cut out for them. So far, they have only successfully persuaded one shop owner in Vietnam and two others in Cambodia.

Most restaurant owners go into this business for profit. Just like Duong, there are people who are not interested in trading cat and dog meat  they may be even repulsed by it  but profit and securing your family life are difficult to argue with, she said.

Beginning mainly from the northern provinces, the trade of dog and cat meat gradually gained traction across Vietnam in past year and is not considered illegal due to belief held by some that the meat has many health benefits as well as the centuries-old superstition that it brings good luck.

According to Four Paws research, a kilogramme of dog meat fetches between 6-9 ($7-10). Cat meat, meanwhile, can cost up to 11 ($13) per kg  and even up to 20 ($24) in the case of a black cat.

The situation costs the lives of millions of animals each year, and has also become a concern for millions of dog and cat owners as a large number of the slaughtered animals are home-raised.

Each year, millions of dogs and cats  both healthy and sick, owned and stray  are violently captured on the streets of Vietnam, crammed into tiny cages, and transported unchecked across the country, often for days. This is not only incredibly cruel to the animals, but also a blatant violation of public health recommendations, especially in times like these, says Dr. Katherine Polak, veterinarian and head of Four Paws Stray Animal Care in Southeast Asia.

As more Vietnamese people are now keeping pets, there is a perceptible rise in the number of people coming to think of these animals as companions and saying a firm No to their meat. This trend is reinforced by the rising demand for clean and healthy food. The unsanitary conditions during transport as well as in slaughterhouses and restaurants, which often keep a wide variety of species for slaughter, serve as a petri dish for zoonotic diseases like COVID-19 and has been linked to outbreaks of rabies and cholera.

To put a sustainable end to the cruel dog and cat meat trade in Southeast Asia, Four Paws has also launched a campaign on an international and national level. More than one million people worldwide have already signed the petition to end the dog and cat meat trade, including 200,000 Vietnamese in late 2019.

After the rescue programme in Thai Binh city, the representative of Four Paws Vietnam said they would organise other activities such as coordinating with the dog and cat protection associations or cat protection alliances (such as Change for Animals Foundation, Hanoi Pet Rescue, Paws for Compassion, and Vietnam Cat Welfare) to conduct communications campaigns to alter peoples perceptions, rescue stolen pets and animals awaiting slaughter, and improving the welfare regime for these animals.

The main objectives of these campaigns will be education and cooperation with the responsible authorities and tourism associations to urge governments to introduce and enforce legislation banning the dog and cat meat trade to protect both animals and public health. In addition, in Four Paws supports local communities with humane and sustainable dog and cat population management programmes.

Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the consumption of dogs and cats in Vietnam and then around the world, said Thao.
Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan holds a dose of Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin, during a vaccination campaign at an All India Institute of Medical Sciences hospital in New Delhi, Jan. 16. Reuters



A technical committee of experts in Mexico gave a unanimous favorable opinion Friday approving the Covaxin vaccine made by the Indian pharmaceutical company Bharat Biotech.



The report by the Committee for New Molecules will be sent to the federal medical safety commission's approval board, which usually follows such recommendations.



The interim results from the vaccine manufacturer's late stage trials shows the COVID-19 vaccine to be about 81% effective in preventing illness from the coronavirus.



The Bharat Biotech vaccine was controversially approved by India in January without waiting for trials to confirm that it was effective. Since then 1.3 million of doses have been administered in India.



Health care workers have been reticent to take the shots and health experts are concerned that the regulatory shortcut has amplified vaccine hesitancy. Bharat Biotech has already signed an agreement with Brazil to supply 20 million doses of the vaccine by September.



It will be the fifth vaccine approved for use in Mexico, which has received relatively small amounts of each. Mexico has administered only about 2.7 million doses of all vaccines, a tiny amount given the country's population of 126 million.



Mexico reported 712 more confirmed deaths Friday, bringing the total to almost 190,000. However, Mexico does so little testing that government excess-death figures suggest the real toll was well above 220,000 at the start of January, the last date for which such figures were available. There were almost 6,800 more confirmed cases Friday, bringing the total to over 2.1 million. (AP)


STEELTON, Pa. A leaning, rusting fence separates the Rite Aid store from a vast, mostly silent former steel mill.

The store sits in the heart of a community with many minority and economically-disadvantaged residents.

It has COVID-19 vaccine, but only 100 first doses per week  far short of whats needed to vaccinate the surrounding community.

Still, the fact that pharmacies including Rite Aid and others have a growing supply of vaccine, combined with additional strategies aimed at distributing vaccine widely and fairly, was presented Friday as another step forward as Pennsylvania reaches the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have tried to figure out, as we roll out vaccine, how to have a footprint that connects to as many Pennsylvanians as possible. That is the rural counties, the urban counties. Rite Aid has an amazing footprint. They also have great logistics experience, Gov. Tom Wolf said of the Cumberland County-based national pharmacy chain.

We still have to work out how we might do a better job, Wolf said, while noting theres a possibility the Pennsylvania National Guard might become involved in the effort.

That would be in addition to the increasing number of health system-run vaccination sites, including mass vaccination sites expected to open soon.

Still, its all contingent on the continued expansion of the weekly vaccine supply received from the federal government.

Jocelyn Konrad, Rite Aids chief pharmacy officer, said Rite Aids 190 or so Pennsylvania stores are each getting about 100 first doses and an equal number of second doses per week.

She said she expects the number to grow and Rite Aid is ready to add pharmacists and staff to handle the demand.

She also said on Friday that Rite Aid is working with churches and community organizations to reach minority and underserved communities with COVID-19 vaccine.

Wolf and Konrad spoke with reporters outside the Rite Aid in Steelton in order to highlight efforts to ensure equality in vaccine distribution.

Rite Aid, through a federal program, has been receiving limited supplies of the first available brands of vaccine, from Pfizer and Moderna.

It also will soon be receiving the newly-approved Johnson & Johnson vaccine to give to child care workers who arent able to get vaccine through a school district. Thats part of the states new plan to concentrate the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose, among teachers and child care workers in order to get children back to school and daycare.

Wolf said Pennsylvania is now receiving about 450,000 first and second doses of vaccine per week.

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UP: Raped 27 years ago, woman files complaint against 2 after her son asks his father's name

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Shahjahanpur (UP), Mar 06: Raped on several occasions by two men at the age of 12 about 27 years ago, the victim, who had become a mother, has now lodged a case against the accused on court orders after her son enquired about his father''s name.

About 27 years ago, the victim was living in the city with her sister and brother-in-law. One Naki Hasan of her locality had entered the house when she was alone and allegedly raped her, Superintendent of Police (City) Sanjay Kumar told PTI on Saturday.

Referring to the police report lodged on the basis of the woman''s complaint, Kumar said after the accused, his younger brother Guddu also raped her. The victim has alleged that she was raped by both the accused on multiple occasions.

She was 12 years of age at the time of the incident, the SP said.

According to the complainant, she became pregnant at the age of 13 and gave birth to a boy in 1994. The infant was given to a person belonging to the victim''s native village Udhampur, located within the Shahabad police station limits, while she moved to Rampur as his brother-in-law got transferred there.

Teenage girl raped in UP

The SP said the victim''s brother-in-law got her married to a man in Ghazipur district, but after 10 years, when her husband came to know that she was raped, he divorced her and she returned to Udhampur.

Meanwhile, the boy who had grown up by now enquired about his mother and father and was told his mother''s name.

The boy met the victim and got to know about the incident, the SP said, adding that on Friday evening, a case of gangrape was lodged against the two accused at the Sadar Bazar police station on the basis of her complaint.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

Kumar said the police are investigating the case and the DNA test of the boy would be conducted.

The woman had moved the court after the police refused to entertain her complaint.
At 31 years old, Dustin Amore has to wait at least a few more months before he can receive a COVID vaccine.

Amore, a bartender, said he already felt slighted by Gov. Ned Lamonts new vaccine rollout that does not prioritize essential workers like himself and now hes even more anxious with the states plan to open up restaurants to full capacity.

March, April, May, without a vaccine and then more people  it sounds unsafe, Amore said.

Lamont announced Thursday that capacity limits will be lifted at all restaurants, retail stores, personal services facilities, houses of worship, museums, aquariums, zoos, office buildings and other similar businesses starting March 19.

While mask wearing and social distancing requirements will remain in effect, Amore said the plan still creates some trepidation for food industry workers who have not been vaccinated.

I think its going to cause a little bit of anxiety for workers in this industry, as well as for consumers, because theyre going to be walking into a place with less vaccination, said Amore, who works at Conspiracy in Middletown.

Sal Luciano, president of Connecticuts AFL-CIO that represents about 220,000 workers, including those in the restaurant and hotel industry, said theres mixed feelings out there about the states reopening plan.

Luciano said workers felt it was a slap in the face to not be prioritized for the vaccine after assuming they were next in line.

Luciano said hes also concerned about the impact the reopening plans will have on bus drivers. Though COVID-19 protocols for buses, such as restricting people from using the front door, remain in place, Luciano is worried that could change. Hes also concerned about the impact lifting restrictions on restaurants and other businesses will have on bus ridership that will place drivers at higher risk.

This puts them in greater danger, when theyre not in line to get the vaccine first, he said.

Others concerned about the reopening plan include library employees. Helene Murtha, director of the Fairfield Public Library, said she was somewhat alarmed to hear that capacity limits are being lifted at library buildings.

The vast majority of library staff (and patrons) are still not eligible for the vaccine, creating an unsafe workplace and public space, Murtha said.

She pointed out that some facilities, including Plumb Memorial Library in Shelton and the Darien Library, have each had recent COVID outbreaks that forced the facilities to close. In the case of the Shelton library, officials said at least one death was linked to the outbreak.

A representative of one retail industry does not expect the governors order will greatly affect his members.

Wayne Pesce, president of the Connecticut Food Association  which represents roughly 240 food retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and service providers in the state  said he doesnt expect the grocery industry to be greatly affected by the changes.

Im of the opinion that grocery stores will not be impacted by this ruling one way or the other, Pesce said. As long as food retailers dont see the surges that they experienced at the start of the state lockdown, Connecticut grocery stores will individually make decisions on capacity limits. However, we dont anticipate much change to our current consumer traffic due to this latest announcement.

Allyson McCabe, who celebrated her 21st birthday in quarantine, said she wishes the state had waited until May to ease restrictions when everyone will be eligible for the vaccine.

As an assistant manager at a large Stop & Shop in Simsbury, McCabe does not expect eliminating the capacity limits on retail stores will put her in contact with more people. On a typical day, she said the store runs below capacity.

But she is worried eliminating caps at other businesses could lead to a spike in cases, and place frontline workers who are not yet vaccinated at higher risk.

I think there will definitely be a spike, she said. Im not happy about it.
Golden Gate Park is celebrating its 150th birthday this year, and Western Neighborhoods Project is honoring this milestone in a variety of ways as an official Community Partner of the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

Before we began sheltering in place in early March, we were preparing to unveil our newest exhibition, "Monumental Golden Gate Park," at our Home for History at 1617 Balboa Street. Co-curated by the park's Historian in Residence, Christopher Pollock, this exhibition will feature incredible relics from the past not seen by the public in decades; one special piece has been hidden from view for over 60 years! It will also include gorgeous watercolors and illustrations by Richmond District resident Patrick Mahar.

Make no mistake about it: this park is absolutely monumental. Carved out of sand dunes in the Outside Lands, legislation officially created Golden Gate Park on April 4, 1870. Since that time it has been an inspiration to and also a reflection of San Francisco. Statues, structures, recreation areas, and memorial spaces show us what was important to people of the past. They speak to the simultaneous devotion of immigrant communities to their birth countries and their adopted home; to times of peril like wars and health crises; to great men and women such as presidents, generals, and civic-minded San Franciscans; and to an appreciation of natural resources, art, science, and culture.

We'll get that exhibition up and running soon, but, in the meantime, you can explore that theme remotely from the comfort of your own home. Here you'll find articles, videos, podcasts, and historic photographs that will keep you entertained for hours.

Please enjoy this selection, explore the rest of our site, and consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the work (if you can).

- Nicole Meldahl, Executive Director, Western Neighborhoods Project
CBC

Michael Megenbir was someone who generally kept his personal life separate from work. That is, until one June day in 2017. Sitting among his fellow educators in the library of the Regina school where he worked at the time, the intensive support teacher rose at the year-end staff meeting to announce to his colleagues that he's transgender. "I really love and respect all of you, and I think you all feel the same way about me," Megenbir, now 37, remembered saying. He went on to tell them that when they return to work in the fall, he'd be changing his name to Michael and using he/him pronouns. Megenbir's palms were sweaty as he assessed the room. "I remember looking out and seeing the faces, focusing in on a couple of the staff who I had become really close with and just watching them smile," he said. Then came the applause. "It was honestly a little overwhelming, but in a good way," Megenbir said. "It gave me that little boost of confidence and it just let me know that I was doing the right thing." In 2018, Megenbir had his long-awaited top surgery, marking the first time in decades he says he felt 'comfortable in my own skin.'(Submitted by Michael Megenbir) Allison Boulanger, who knew Megenbir as a friend and colleague for years before his transition, remembers smiling and clapping in the crowd. "When he got up to tell the staff, you could tell this was something that was right for him and it was how he needed to live his life  and live his life truthfully," she remembered thinking. Megenbir was reassured he had the support of his co-workers and school administration; what he couldn't predict was how his openness about his identity would inspire his students and colleagues to live their truths, and pave the way for more conversations around inclusion in schools. 'Business as usual' Fast forward to the new school year that fall, and Megenbir said it was a welcome surprise to notice there was "very little change" in how people treated him. He joked it was almost as though his colleagues practised over the summer. "It was kind of business as usual," he said with a chuckle. Megenbir noted that seemingly little things, like the use of his pronouns and new name, made the biggest impact on feeling accepted. And on the off-chance people messed up, they were quick to correct themselves and didn't draw attention to it. "It was the happiest he'd been," Boulanger remembered noticing. "You could tell that he felt like himself." The next year, Megenbir had long-awaited top surgery  a mastectomy and chest-sculpting procedure. "It was the first time in my life since I was probably nine or 10 years old that I felt comfortable in my own skin," he said. Megenbir dressed up as Kenny Rogers for Halloween in 2019 while his friend and colleague, Allison Boulanger, dressed up as Dolly Parton.(Submitted by Michael Megenbir) Making students feel 'a little bit more understood' When the opportunity arose for Megenbir to help start a gay-straight alliance (GSA) at the school, it naturally sparked conversations about his gender identity with students. On the first day of the GSA, when he got everyone to introduce themselves, he said, "I'm excited to be here and to be a part of the GSA because I am transgender"  something that surprised a few students. All that I hope my students take away from any encounter with me personally is that it's OK to be who you are.  Michael Megenbir Some kids told Megenbir he was the first person in the LGBTQ community they had ever met. That's the moment he knew sharing a piece of who he was added a layer of support for those children who needed it. "All that I hope my students take away from any encounter with me personally is that it's OK to be who you are," he said. "As an educator, if that's the only thing I ever teach a student, I will have felt like I did my job." Megenbir and his former student, Rylan Moir, show off their matching moustaches at the Regina Pride festival in 2018. Megenbir said the support he received during his transition from his students and their parents was 'overwhelmingly positive.'(Submitted by Michael Megenbir) As a teacher outside the LGBTQ community, Boulanger said having Megenbir as a resource for students across the entire school proved invaluable. "I'd always tell students, 'I'm here if you want to talk to me,' but Mike was just the person they gravitated towards because he just knows what's going on and how they're feeling," she said. "He just has a way of making them feel a little bit more understood." Looking back on his childhood in rural Saskatchewan, Megenbir wonders how different his gender identity journey might have been had he had a teacher who was open about being queer, or resources like a GSA. He thinks it might not have taken him until he was 30 to live out his truth had he had those positive influences. "It was really hard to feel that you were different, and also be made to feel like there was something wrong with you because of that," he said. He points to a picture of himself in a dress at his parents' wedding as an example. When he looks at his childhood photos, Michael Megenbir says he doesn't recognize who he used to be on the outside; however, on the inside, he said he's 'the exact same now, just in different packaging.'(Jessie Anton/CBC) "As a kid, I never liked dressing up, especially in dresses," he said. "This picture is how my family explains who I am and have always been: a little goofy, dancing to my own drum and not caring what anyone else thinks about me. "I'm the exact same now, just in different packaging." LGBTQ inclusion in the classroom Talking about LGBTQ representation among teachers is important, too, said Raylee Perkins, a teacher-librarian at another Regina school. "Whatever a person's coming out story is, it's often sad and steeped in trauma," said Perkins. "Seeing someone like Mike, who's happy and radiates this love and joy, it demonstrates that you can also have that joy in your future  and you don't always see that in books or on TV." Raylee Perkins, a Regina teacher-librarian who openly identifies as queer at school, says it's important for teachers and students to see LGBTQ role models with positive experiences.(Richard Agecoutay/CBC) That's in part why Perkins is open about identifying as queer at school. But that also means the advocacy work to promote LGBTQ inclusion in the classroom tends to fall on her shoulders, despite the best efforts of allies around her. "Sometimes, it's felt like I was the only queer voice in the room or queer voice in the conversation, and that can be really tiring," she said. According to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education's website, the government "is committed to ensuring schools are safe and inclusive environments for all students, including those who identify as gender and/or sexually diverse." That includes encouraging school divisions to develop policies specifically to include groups, like GSAs, to create safe spaces for LGBTQ students and their allies. The province's Deepening the Discussion: Gender and Sexual Diversity framework from 2015 also contains curriculum for teachers and school administrators. Regina's public school board also recently unanimously approved training for teachers and staff about gender and sexual diversity. While LGBTQ inclusion exists under the curriculum, Boulanger said there are still some teachers who don't cover it in their classrooms. "If they can start talking about it and talk to people who identify as LGBTQ, that might help them to realize that it's not something to fear; it's something to learn about and to grow," she said. Creating more transgender inclusive spaces To make sure her classroom or library is visibly inclusive to transgender people, Perkins hangs posters that delineate the room as a safe space, and she wears rainbow pins and pronoun buttons. "For some kids, they'll never notice those little details, but for the kids who need it, they will notice even the smallest detail," she said. Perkins also makes a point of not shying away from answering tough questions and having more complex talks with her students. Allison Boulanger, Megenbir's friend and former colleague, says having openly LGBTQ teachers can give students a sense of belonging.(Richard Agecoutay/CBC) Boulanger agreed, saying that on top of the curriculum around diversity and identity, she finds informal chats with her students to be the most impactful. Looking back on Megenbir's positive "coming out story" at work, Perkins said it has created a safe place for other LGBTQ people to do the same. "Both [students and teachers] can look to him as a role model or for hope  whatever that is for them," she said. "The more we can see it and talk about it and not be afraid of those conversations and face them head-on, I think the more progress we'll make."
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Another organization representing prison workers is speaking out about the need to accelerate COVID-19 vaccinations for those working in commonwealth prisons.

This time, however, Steve Stepanski, head of the union that represents registered nurses at the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill, is pleading for any medical facility or hospital in Pennsylvania that is able to vaccinate his members to come to the rescue. Hundreds of infections have been reported at the prison in Lower Allen Township.

Im basically pleading, said Stepanski, a registered nurse and the president of SEIU HCPA Local. He has been trying without success for weeks to secure vaccines for his members.

Stepanski on Friday spoke to PennLive through a lingering cough which he said was due to COVID-19. Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, representing approximately 11,000 corrections officers and prison workers, asked for guards and staff to get priority in vaccinations.

Amid an outbreak of COVID-19, registered nurses at the Camp Hill prison have been told that there are no vaccine doses available for them, and that they should try to get appointments elsewhere on their own, he said.

We are begging for the vaccine, Stepanski said. We really need to be vaccinated. Its sad. We have nurses that cry.

State Corrections Secretary John Wetzel last week confirmed the outbreak at the prison, including 208 COVID-positive cases. In the span of three days last week, SCI-Camp Hills infection tally shot up to nearly 400, the correction officers union said.

Its not a question if we will get COVID. Its when we get COVID, Stepanski said. We are way beyond possible. Its not if. Its when.

Stepanski said his union has been negotiating since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic to secure safety mitigation efforts for the unions members, including the vaccine. Officials at SCI-Camp Hill, however, he said, have directed registered nurses to find their own vaccines.

They are trying, he said of Department of Corrections officials. They are trying to get freezers. Its just not working.

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has designated staff and inmates at SCI Laurel Highlands, SCI Waymart and SCI Muncy for the Phase 1A of the vaccination distribution plan because they are federally designated long-term care facilities.

While the vaccine is voluntary for staff and inmates, it is strongly encouraged, Maria Bivens, press secretary for the Department of Corrections, told PennLive in an email.

Gov. Tom Wolf says end is near, but urges Pa. residents not to quit before COVID-19 finish line

At all the other facilities, DOC medical personnel are in Phase 1A and can receive their COVID-19 vaccines at outside facilities, she explained.

We dont have the vaccine available for us to distribute other than at the three federally designated long-term care facilities, Bivens said.

Stepanski has reached out to Holy Spirit Hospital to try and see if there is a chance that the facility can vaccinate his 18 or so members (six members of the union have left this year). The union represents only registered nurses at Camp Hill prison. License practitioner nurses are represented by AFSCME.

Stepanski described a dire situation, in which everyone - inmates and prison staff - are at risk.

The latest tally of COVID-19 cases by ZIP code show that Camp Hill ZIP code 17011 leads all Pennsylvania ZIP codes in new cases this week, with 357 reported new cases.

On Thursday, John Eckenrode, president of the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, called on the state to prioritize the COVID-19 vaccination program for prison workers.

Weve been working this pandemic in institutions that are super spreaders, Eckenrode said. Its time to prioritize corrections employees to be vaccinated.

Since the start of the pandemic almost a year ago, the corrections officers union has seen 2,000 members test positive for the coronavirus, and has lost four members to the virus. According to the Pennsylvania Prison Society, 116 prison inmates in Pennsylvania have died since the start of the pandemic, along with 10 staff members.

Stepanski said its impossible to social distance in the prison, noting that every time they tend to an inmate, that individual is accompanied by a corrections officer.

You just accept it, Stepanski said. You accept it and hope for the best. What are you going to do? Its inevitable.

Stepanski said he contracted COVID-19 after his first dose of the vaccine a few weeks ago. That left only one other nurse counted among those that had not come down with the illness caused by the coronavirus.

Stepanski, who works in the infirmary, said COVID-19 is running rampant at the Camp Hill prison.

Everyones got it, he said. We are running on agency nurses. We have so many people out with COVID. Its incredible. We are overworked.

Stepanski, who wears a face shield, N-95 masks and gloves, gown and boot covers, said all staff is required to observe the mitigation efforts at risk of penalty.

Still, despite his compliance with COVID-19 medical protocol, he still came down with the disease caused by the deadly virus.

We need to prioritize the vaccine, Stepanski said. We are in March and its going right through and we still have no vaccine.

He said he is pleading for any facility or institution that has available doses to vaccinate the nurses at Camp Hill prison.

Im begging, he said. Let them know Im begging.

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 16:10:30|Editor: huaxia

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KAMPALA, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Uganda remains on high alert as neighboring Kenya has turned into a breeding ground for the marauding desert locusts, officials said here on Friday.

Pius Wakabi Kasajja, Ugandan's permanent secretary at the agriculture ministry, said that desert locusts are still active in some neighboring parts of Kenya, citing a February report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

These regions put Uganda at high risk of a locust invasion. "It should further be noted that some parts in Kenya are breeding areas for desert locusts," he said while attending a handover ceremony for FAO-sponsored pest control equipment.

Kenya is among the 12 countries worldwide currently battling desert locusts, according to the FAO's Desert Locust Bulletin published Wednesday.

While the situation in Uganda has remained calm since the last round of attacks on Sept. 12, ongoing breeding in nearby regions poses a threat, according to the FAO.

Uganda last year faced a series of locust attacks from neighboring Kenya that had threatened to destroy thousands of acres of cropland and pasture. The country, with support from its partners, beefed up its fight against the pest outbreak including using the military.

"It is worth noting that Uganda successfully controlled desert locusts and averted a potential loss of over 800 million U.S. dollars arising from protection of food and cash crops in the affected areas and the efforts assured food security," said Kasajja.

Officials said while the country has so far been successful, there is a need to stay vigilant.

"The FAO considers its fight against the rapid spread of desert locusts in East Africa one of its top priorities," said Antonio Querido, FAO representative in Uganda, at the handover ceremony.

The equipment included two mobile storage facilities, vehicles, personal protection equipment, mobile phones, camping gear and surveillance kits.

According to the FAO, a very small swarm of locusts eats as much food in one day as about 35,000 people. Enditem
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

Today

Partly cloudy. Very hot. High 104F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 74F. N winds at 10 to 20 mph, decreasing to less than 5 mph.
Gilbert Cox Sr., 94, of Chittenango died Tuesday at the Oneida Extended Care Facility.

Born in Perryville, he lived in Chittenango for 66 years.

He had owned the Oswego Tavern for several years, and the Seneca Tavern in Chittenango for 12 years, according to his obituary.

He also drove school bus for the Chittenango School District and retired from the New York State Thruway Authority after 13 years.

If you have a suggestion for a feature obituary, please email the link and any other information youd like to share to bduncan@syracuse.com

More recent feature obituaries:

Contact Brenda Duncan anytime: 315-470-2265 | Email | Twitter
New Delhi, March 6 : The Congress launched a scathing attack on the Centre on Saturday, which marked the completion of 100 days of the farmers' agitation against the three farm laws, terming the period as a "black chapter" in the history of India's democracy.

The Congress also said that Saturday marked the completion the ruling BJP's "arrogance", for the treatment it meted out to the protesting farmers.

Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Nails have been laid on the borders of Delhi for those whose sons risk their lives on the country's borders. 'Annadaatas' (farmers) demand their rights, but the government commits atrocities." In a tweet in Hindi, party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "100 days of the struggle of the farmers, of the battle of rights. Respect for the annadatas (farmers), (Mahatma) Gandhiji, Sardar (Vallabhbhai) Patelji, (Jawaharlal) Nehruji, (Lal Bahadur) Shastriji, and the path shown by Shaheed Bhagat Singh. 100 days of BJP government's arrogance, of assault on farmers, of lies..." Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "Today is the 100th day of the farmers' protest. The farmers have been sitting on several borders of the national capital. They have braved the rain and winter chill and now the summers are here." He said the farmers also braved all kinds of insults which were heaped upon them by the government, while 255 farmers have lost their lives during the protest till date.

"Today there is an attempt to wipe out the narrative of the farmers, to wipe out the narrative of the protest. The farmers are waiting for a phone call from the government, the one promised by the Prime Minister himself. But no phone calls have been made to the farmers yet," he said.

"Now we are entering into a more dangerous arena. We have to wait and watch how the cornered government reacts. The farmers have termed this day as a 'Black Day'. We think this is a black chapter in our democracy, where everything has been done to disrupt the peaceful protest; all kinds of conspiracies were hatched against the farmers, but they remained undeterred," Khera said.

"The Congress demands that the three farm laws should be immediately repealed," he added.

Khera also shared an example from 1988 when the government had shifted a programme from the Boat Club to make way for a farmers' protest.

"I remember in 1988, there was a huge farmers' movement at the Boat Club when Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister. A big event was planned there in the memory of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. But the Rajiv Gandhi government shifted the venue of the event out of respect for the protesting farmers," he said.

He added that the government did not remove the farmers from the Boat Club or demonise them, nor did it link them with foreign powers.

"We did not do any such thing which are being done now. That is how a government should behave in a democracy," he said.

Earlier on Saturday, agitating farmers blocked the 136-km Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway to mark 100 days of their protest against the three Central farm laws which were enacted in September last year.
Even if they are not subject to the Open Meetings Act, there is the question of voluntary transparency, especially with something like this, Benjamin Silver, attorney for the Citizen Advocacy Center of DuPage County told the BGA. They have now flagged 41 monuments. And whether anyone agrees or disagrees with those choices, I think there is a public interest in knowing how they reached that decision.
Kolkata: Sonali Guha, once a close aide of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee and a four-time MLA of the party, on Saturday (March 6) hinted at joining BJP after she was denied a ticket for the coming assembly poll in West Bengal.

The TMC MLA, who represented Satgachia seat for the past four terms, had broken down on Friday immediately after getting the news that she was not being given the party ticket this time.

Guha said she will speak to BJP national vice-president Mukul Roy and decide her future course of action.

"I wish to be given a honourable post, be acknowledged as a political personality," Guha said without elaborating.

"May God give Mamata didi good sense and counsel. I have been with her from the beginning. I have to think about my future moves. I cannot sit idle being a political person," She said.

Roy said apart from Guha many other Trinamool MLAs and leaders have contacted him since Friday evening after Banerjee announced the party's candidates for 291 assembly seats in the state.

Several TMC MLAs, an MP and a number of its leaders have already joined the saffron party.

Guha was seen in every movement and rally by Banerjee during her days in the opposition and after TMC came to power a decade ago. She was also a former deputy speaker of the state assembly.

Meanwhile, Former TMC MP Dinesh Trivedi had resigned from the Mamata Banerjee led party on Saturday (March 6) saying he felt suffocated. He also alleged that the party was "no longer in hands of" its chief Mamata Banerjee.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan

Islamabad [Pakistan], March 6 (ANI): After suffering a massive setback in the Senate election, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is set to face a vote of confidence in the National Assembly has threatened his party lawmakers to follow the party line or face action.

This comes after Khan said that he will sit on "Opposition benches" if lawmakers said they have no confidence in him. "Raise your hand and send me out of the government and I will go to the opposition," he said adding, "I will sit on the opposition benches if I lose the vote."

Khan's party Pakistan -- Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) -- has 157 members in the 342-member National Assembly. Opposition Pakistan Muslim Leauge-Nawaz and Pakistan Peoples' Party have 84 and 54 members, respectively.

In a letter addressed to "All Members of the Parliamentary Party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf in the National Assembly of Pakistan" regarding the "Vote of Confidence", Khan wrote, "You are required to take part in the voting on the resolution for a vote of confidence in the Prime Minister as per the directions of the party."

"The party head may declare any member to have defected from the political party and forward a copy of such declaration to the election commission in case he or she votes or abstains from voting contrary to the direction issued by the party in the vote of confidence in the Prime Minister under paragraph ii of clause b of Article 63A of the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan," he added.

The President of Pakistan has summoned the National Assembly on March 6, 2021, at 12.15 pm in the Parliament House, in the country's capital for the purpose of requiring Khan to obtain the vote of confidence from the National Assembly under clause 7 of the Article 91 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The decision to go for a trust vote came after a candidate from Imran Khan's party lost a crucial Islamabad senate seat to Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leader and former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani by a slim margin of five votes.

Story continues

Khan is not the first Pakistani Prime Minister to face a vote of confidence in the National Assembly.

In fact, under the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, all prime ministers of Pakistan, from 1985 to 2008, received a vote of confidence from the National Assembly. These included the late Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat, Shaukat Aziz, and Yousuf Raza Gilani, reported Geo News.

But Imran Khan is also the second in the history of Pakistan who has sought for a 'voluntary' vote of confidence.

Muhammad Khan Junejo was the first prime minister in the parliamentary history of the country to receive a vote of confidence from the National Assembly, which he received on March 24, 1985, under General Zia-ul-Haq's Revival of Constitution of 1973 Order (RCO), reported Geo News.

Under the RCO, the president appoints the prime minister at their discretion and the prime minister must obtain a vote of confidence from the National Assembly within 60 days of their appointment.

Pakistan's Constitution states that if the president feels that the prime minister has lost the confidence of the majority of the parliament's members, then he will direct him to seek a vote of confidence and this vote is taken through an open ballot.

Imran Khan, under all circumstances, must have the support of a simple majority of 172 lawmakers in the National Assembly, according to Article 91(7) of the Constitution. However, since the NA-75 seat lies vacant after its by-election results were nullified by the Election Commission of Pakistan, he will need the support of 171, reported The News International. (ANI)
A 55-year-old registered sex offender is on the run in Melbourne.

Victoria Police issued an urgent alert on Saturday afternoon, after Paul Kraft failed to comply with his reporting obligations.

Officers allege the registered sex offenders 'is actively avoiding police'.

The 55-year-old is believed to live in the Sandringham area and he is known to frequent the bayside area of Melbourne, including Beaumaris, Black Rock, Mentone and Mordialloc.

Victoria Police issued an urgent alert after Paul Kraft failed to comply with his reporting obligations

Kraft was last seen by police in January when he visited a police station to pick up some belongings.

Victoria Police have released an image of Kraft amid their hunt for the sex offender.

They said he is also known to go by the name Paul Fleming.

Kraft is of a medium built and about 187cm tall. He has short brown wavy hair, hazel eyes and a fair complexion.

Anyone who sees Kraft is urged to contact police immediately.
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Case counts, test positivity rates, death tolls and vaccine doses  numbers seem to rule everything in our pandemic world, yet some figures appear to carry more weight than others.

Case counts, test positivity rates, death tolls and vaccine doses  numbers seem to rule everything in our pandemic world, yet some figures appear to carry more weight than others.

Earlier this week, the province released a long-awaited report on the impact COVID-19 is having on racialized communities in Manitoba. Health-care workers in May 2020 started collecting data on the race, ethnicity and indigeneity of people who had tested positive for the virus, with the government proudly announcing, at the time, that this was the first jurisdiction in Canada to do so.

In Manitoba, Filipino, African and South Asian residents bear brunt of COVID-19 infection rates Click to Expand Mely Dela Cruz, a home care aide, takes precautions and wears proper PPE while she works. (John Woods / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 7:22 PM Mar. 1, 2021 For the past 15 years, Mely Dela Cruz has been looking after seniors in their homes, and she didn't stop when COVID-19 started to spread. The home-care aide has worked throughout the pandemic, meticulously donning her personal protective gear and asking her clients COVID-19 screening questions before she goes into their homes. Read Full Story

Yet it took 10 months for that data to be released publicly, and officials seem to have done little with the information during that time.

The report shows Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) have been disproportionately affected by the virus. Racialized people represent 51 per cent of COVID-19 infections, while making up only 35 per cent of the provinces total population. African, Indigenous, Filipino and South Asian residents in particular are over-represented in the data.

The results, sadly, are not surprising. From the United States to the United Kingdom, BIPOC communities have been hit hardest by the virus and have suffered worse outcomes and more deaths than white populations. The culprit, one must reasonably conclude, is systemic racism.

The Manitoba report is upfront about this, naming systemic racism as the root cause of the disparity and providing ample context for the claim. Racialized residents are more likely to work in front-line industries, live in overcrowded or inadequate housing and suffer underlying medical conditions as a result of poor access to health and social services  all of which increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

The correlation between systemic racism and poor health is not new. Winnipeggers in low-income neighbourhoods have long been more likely to die prematurely and be diagnosed with a chronic disease than those in higher-income neighbourhoods, according to a 2019 assessment of community health. The gaps that already existed have become chasms during the pandemic.

So, how is the government planning to use the data it has collected to improve health outcomes for BIPOC Manitobans? By collecting more data, making health information available in more languages, and community outreach, explained chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin during last Mondays media briefing. None of these addresses the aforementioned factors contributing to health inequality.

MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Chief provincial public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin

If the government is unable or unwilling to directly deal with the effects of systemic racism during the pandemic, other than making mention of them in a 10-page report, the least it can do is update the vaccine eligibility criteria to include at-risk BIPOC communities.

If a segment of the population is experiencing more cases of COVID-19, vaccinating that population should be a priority. This is already happening with older Manitobans and First Nations groups (although Inuit and Metis residents are not yet included), who are first in line for immunization.

Decisions about who to vaccinate first are based on risk factors determined by the best available data. Its curious, then, that the province isnt using the data it has been collecting for nearly a year on the disparate impact of COVID-19 on racialized communities to inform and improve its vaccine rollout plan.

Unless it isnt curious at all, and its another example of systemic racism at play. If thats the case, Manitobans deserve better.
BEIJING, March 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference started its fourth session on Thursday afternoon in Beijing with about 2,100 members attending, raising the curtain on the two sessions, China's biggest annual political event.

While presenting a work report to the session, Wang Yang, chairman of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, noted the efforts of the CPPCC members in COVID-19 response and economic and social development, with 699 related proposals among the total of 5,974 submitted.

Kolkata: The Congress released its first list of candidates for upcoming West Bengal assembly elections on Saturday (March 6). The party has named 13 contenders for the first two phases of the eight-phase assembly polls.

The announcement of the Congress candidate list came hours after the BJP released its list with 57 names. Earlier, on Friday the ruling party of West bengal, Trinamool Congress, also declared its complete list for the elections to the 294-seat assembly.

The Congress will be contesting the state assembly election in alliance with its long-time rival the Left.

Meanwhile, the assembly elections in West Bengal are scheduled to be held in eight phases. The voting for phase 1 for 30 constituencies will take place on March 27, voting for phase 2 for 30 constituencies will be held on April 1.

The polling for phase 3 for 31 seats will take place on April 6, for phase 4 for 44 constituencies on April 10, for phase 5 for 45 constituencies on April 17, for phase 6 for 43 constituencies on April 22, for phase 7 for 36 constituencies on April 26 and for phase 8 for 35 constituencies on April 29.

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WAYLAND, MI -- Wayland Union High School is switching to virtual learning for two week because of an increase in coronavirus cases, school administrators said.

The high school will begin virtual classes on Monday, March 8 and return to in-person instruction on March 22.

School leaders consulted with the Allegan County Health Department in making the decision for the two-week period of virtual learning.

It wasnt immediately clear how many COVID-19 cases have been identified at the high school.

More from MLive

Holland School District warns parents of potential closures if teachers call in sick after second COVID-19 shot

FBI informant sheds light on details of Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot

Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a member of the Armenian United Opposition, announced that a meeting of the country's President Armen Sarksyan with the opposition may take place on March 7.

"We were informed that the president has requested another meeting with the leaders of the movement," RIA Novosti quotes Saghatelyan as saying.

He stressed that during the previous meeting the opposition received assurances that the issue of the resignation of the head of the General Staff of Armenia will be directed to the Constitutional Court. "The President is obliged to apply to the Constitutional Court, otherwise he will bear personal responsibility for the situation in the country and further consequences," Saghatelyan said.

CORE Higher Education Group announced today that the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy has successfully launched a PharmD Exploration Center to help educate potential students on the College of Pharmacy and on the multitude of career options available to pharmacists.

Dean E. Paul Larrat, PhD stated, We are pleased to collaborate with CORE Higher Education Group on this exciting project that exposes students to the wide spectrum of opportunities offered by study toward a pharmacy degree.

URIs PharmD Exploration Center currently offers 17 digital learning activities via an accessible and engaging platform with content focused on URI alumni career experiences, pharmacy practice settings, pharmacist career paths, 360 degree virtual tours of pharmacies, and URI College of Pharmacy details.

Shannon Staton, PharmD, MBA (URI class of 16) and Sr. Director of Pharmacy Solutions at CORE stated, Prospective pharmacy students typically have a very limited and narrow understanding of where a degree in pharmacy can take them. By educating prospects with career-focused content on the RECRUIT platform, we anticipate not only an increased interest in pharmacy as a career option, but an increase in overall applications and acceptance rates for schools.

Part of the mission of the URI PharmD Exploration Center is to expose students to the career paths and diverse roles of College of Pharmacy graduates, helping prospective and current College of Pharmacy students envision a career in pharmacy through relatable success stories.

Our alumni represent valuable resources to mentor, educate, and connect with our students in many ways. This platform will be valuable for prospective students, but also support our current students and introduce them to additional career paths and professional relationships, said Erica Estus, PharmD, BCGP Clinical Professor, Chair of Admissions Committee, URI College of Pharmacy.

Ian Lester, Manager of Technology Services mentioned, I had the privilege of editing the alumni interview videos for our PharmD Exploration Center. It was wonderful to see and hear the stories from our alumni, many of whom I remember from their time at URI, to see how they are excelling in their careers and making a real difference in the world. It was also fantastic to see what a wonderful job Erin Foeri, one of our current students, did interviewing the alumni. Seeing how well she connected with them and how she brought out their stories. Truly the interviewees and the interviewer are sources of pride for the URI College of Pharmacy.

Claire Burbridge, current P2 pharmacy student mentioned, "The platform is very helpful for students who want to know what certain jobs entail or learn the various paths graduates can take with a pharmacy degree. Being able to see the URI alumni and where they work is great to know that different jobs are possible upon graduation."

In 2020, CORE launched RECRUIT, a custom recruiting platform designed to help pharmacy programs engage, educate, and excite potential student candidates. With 70% of pharmacy schools currently using technology within the CORE Technology Suite, and major pharmacy chains currently utilizing the RECRUIT platform, CORE continues to position itself as a comprehensive resource in supporting the student journey.

Gregory Cianfarani, RPh (URI class of 92) and CEO of CORE reflected on the launch, Recruiting pharmacy students is becoming more of a challenge for pharmacy schools. The CORE team has always made an effort to listen closely to the needs of pharmacy schools and the pharmacy market, and we are excited to partner with URI to help them with their student recruitment efforts.

About CORE Higher Education Group:

Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, CORE Higher Education Group is a pharmacist owned and operated education technology company providing software applications that help manage the experiential education process for over 200 colleges and university programs across the US and Canada. Since 2006, CORE has grown to accommodate the experiential education, student competency assessment, co-curricular eLearning, recruiting, and digital portfolio needs for pharmacy education, as well as many other health science disciplines.

http://www.corehighered.com
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central Istanbul Friday to denounce violence against women.

Hoisting banners and posters, the mostly-female crowd chanted "you will never walk alone" and "women will live equally."

The demonstration took place just days ahead of International Women's Day, which is marked globally on March 8.

Last year's International Women's Day march ended in clashes when riot police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of people in Istanbul who defied a government ban on the demonstration.

According to government figures, hundreds of women were killed across Turkey in 2020.

Turkish women have staged peaceful demonstrations calling on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government to remain committed to a European treaty on combatting violence against women.

Some officials from Erdogan's Islam-oriented party have spoken in favor of reviewing the agreement to adapt it to Turkey's more conservative values.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Starbucks drive-thru. Photo by Jason Whitman/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Starbucks and Chick-fil-A both use video ordering and workers with tablets.

An analyst says the new tech is key to reducing drive-thru wait times.

Drive-thrus have become key for fast food companies during the pandemic.

Visit the Business section of Insider for more stories.

Starbucks and Chick-fil-A both rely heavily on drive-thrus, and use video technology and handheld tablets to take orders.

Fast food and fast-casual brands across the country have optimized drive-thrus over the last year as they became crucial in the age of COVID-19. Drive-thru orders have grown across the fast-food industry since the pandemic closed many dining rooms.

McDonald's, already a drive-thru heavy hitter with 25,000 worldwide, says that 70% of sales in top markets are from drive-thru orders. Even salad chain Sweetgreen is jumping on the trend. Starbucks and Chick-fil-A are two of the biggest drive-thru players, and they've adopted some similar strategies.

On-the-go orders, meaning drive-thru and pickup orders, made up 80% of Starbucks orders prior to the pandemic, Starbucks told Insider, and increased more than 10% over pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2021. Drive-thrus have been up industry-wide because they are perceived as a "safe way to use the brand" Kalinowski Equity Research founder Mark Kalinowski told Insider.

Starbucks baristas can also take orders through digital drive-thru screens, which the company says are installed at about 3,800 stores. Starbucks began rolling them out in 2015, and they use AI called "Deep Brew" to recommend food and drinks based on the weather and time of day.

The video ordering is a way Starbucks is "facilitating the barista-customer personal connection," a spokesperson told Insider. The company is also rolling out handheld devices for baristas to input orders on. Starbucks says they are in 500 stores and were first implemented this past summer.

Starbucks barista. Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

While giving customers face time with baristas could certainly be a consideration, Kalinowski points to how these newer drive-thru technologies can minimize wait times in drive-thrus. "In a traditional drive-thru, there's only one place an order can be taken," he told Insider. "That creates huge bottlenecks," compared to having mobile stations where customers can place orders.

Story continues

Chick-fil-A is the most well-known example of applying this model. The chain stands out from the drive-thru crowd in large part thanks to its workers with iPads who take orders from cars even before they reach the window. At Chick-fil-A, ordering and delivery are "zones," not set locations.

TikTok/jillianooo

Chick-fil-A has also started taking orders virtually through a tablet. Chick-fil-A confirmed to Insider that this is essentially a tech-savvy twist on having workers walk out to take orders. The tablet allows customers to see workers face-to-face, without having to wait for them to reach the actual building.

"It allows the Team Member to stay inside, while still offering guests the friendly customer experience of a smiling Team Member," Chick-fil-A told Insider in a statement.

The chicken brand's drive-thrus can get so busy that they create traffic and even legal issues in some locations. Chick-fil-A has installed double drive-thru lanes at some locations, with plans to continue adding more. Starbucks says it is designing new drive-thru ideas, including double lanes, drive-thru-only stores, and drive-thru plus curbside pickup locations.

Quick service restaurants have "learned a lot in last 12 months with things they might never have tested without the pandemic" Kalinowski told Insider. "They're still learning, so it should continue to get better."

Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A Fort Lauderdale male escort Friday was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to failing to report hundreds of thousands of dollars in income to the federal government.

Jami Kopacz, 46, admitted that he filed a false tax return in 2018, but he was ordered to pay $278,325 in back taxes to the IRS on the unreported income from his escort business over four years.

Kopacz, who faced up to three years in prison, was given a shorter sentence by U.S. District Judge Roy Altman because he accepted responsibility, promised to repay the IRS and is cooperating with the U.S. Attorneys Office in an ongoing investigation of South Floridas escort industry, according to his plea agreement.

Kopacz, described as a paid escort by authorities, was the manager and sole shareholder of JK Training LLC, which was located at 901 NE Third St. in Fort Lauderdale. Both he and his business received cash, checks and wire transfers from clients, according to a factual statement filed with his plea agreement. Kopaczs company also received payments from a private business for whom he worked as an independent contractor and escort.

The false reporting of income on JK Trainings corporate tax return flowed to Kopaczs individual tax return. But for tax years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Kopacz acknowledged in the factual statement that he filed false IRS returns by knowingly under-reporting his corporate and personal income.
The flood triggered by a glacier burst in Uttrakhand last month was the result of a massive rockslide just below the Ronti peak, a new scientific study has suggested.

The study conducted by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) said that the flood was not caused by a Glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) as there were no significant glacial lakes in the area.

ICIMOD

The study instead argues that rockslide resulted in the energy of the fall of about 22 million cubic metres of rock mixed with ice melted the ice creating the source of the flood.

This remobilized the debris and ice on the valley floor deposited by previous events, pushed the stream water and created an excessive flood wave.

Strong western disturbance resulted in heavy precipitation

The study further noted that a strong western disturbance resulted in heavy precipitation in the area, causing the rockslide and increased the flood magnitude downstream.

Reuters

The report also pointed out that other factors including an increase in the temperature in the region over the years and the destabilization of the rock due to the lack of ice cover.

Kathmandu-based ICIMOD, which has eight member countries, including India, Nepal and China in its report recommended that comprehensive monitoring of mountain environments is needed to avoid such disaster in the future.

The findings of a team of seven ICIMOD researchers, led by climate change specialist Arun Bhakta Shrestha, observed that infrastructure in the flood path, particularly hydropower projects, exacerbated the impact of the flood.

Reuters

The researchers said that human interference in the mountain environment is rapidly increasing. Mountain settlements are increasing in size and land use patterns are changing. Infrastructure such as roads and hydropower projects are rapidly penetrating mountain landscapes. The interplay between natural hazards with human settlements and infrastructure is an important aspect, which can significantly escalate the impacts of an event like the Chamoli flood. Disaster risk management, therefore, needs to incorporate a multi-hazard risk assessment approach.

"Infrastructure in the flood path, particularly hydropower projects, exacerbated the impact of the flood. Infrastructure development in fragile mountain environments should consider a sustainability framework, including environmental sustainability," it said.

The floods last months had swept away over 200 people out of which only around 70 bodies have been recovered so far.

It had also badly danged two hydroelectric projects in the region.

Though it is not considered an immediate threat, a lake that was formed from the avalanche is adding to the concerns of the villagers who witnessed the horror unfolding in front of their eyes.
Since we are introducing the assault weapon ban and providing the option for cities to decide if they wish to ban pistols in their jurisdictions or not, why do we not ban knives as they are proven to be quite deadly.

Knives of any type, steak, bread, cheese etc, as these items are capable of horrific crimes in the wrong persons hands, for example:

Japan - Eight students were stabbed to death at an Osaka school in 2001

Australia - Eight siblings killed in a mass stabbing in Queensland in Sydney in 2009.

Australia - Eight siblings killed in a mass stabbing in Queensland in Sydney in 2009.

China , Eight school children murdered with a knife in Nanping in March 2010

China, Nine murdered in Hanzhong with a meat cleaver in May 2010.

China, Terrorist knife attack in Kunming left 33 dead and 143 injured 2014

Canada - Matthew de Grood, murdered 5 people in 2016, using only a knife.

Japan - A former employee of a nursing home stabbed to death 19 of the patients 2016.

The United Kingdom that has some of the strictest gun control measures in the world.

On April 3, 2018, an article in USA Today stated that the murder rate in London exceeded that of New York City for the first time. A large number of articles and posts have since repeated this claim.

These are facts that I located on the web in 10 minutes, not opinions. Any item, whether it be a gun, knife, automobile, or anything else for that matter is capable of inflicting mass carnage in the wrong persons hands.

I am an RPAL holder and attend the local range frequently, and I am legally able to use my Mossberg .22 with a 10 round clip. This weapon can, in the wrong persons hands, kill just as many people as the rifles which our government has banned, so can the SKS which can hold 5 rounds legally. I do not see how banning a list of rifles that are similar to the aforementioned rifles will save lives.

First and foremost, we need to make a dramatic improvement in stopping the criminals who are bringing these illegal weapons into Canada from the US and supplying them to the gangs. Then we need to increase the penalties for illegal firearms, 10-20 year mandatory sentences. This makes much more sense than penalizing legal gun ownership, but it will not earn you votes.

James Anderson
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The proposal to build a new fire station in Enniscorthy is not included in the current Capital Programme of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

However, the proposal is included in a list of projects to be considered in an annual review.

That was the news relayed to Deputy Paul Kehoe, in response to a parliamentary question he submitted to the department in relation to the matter.

In his submitted question Deputy Kehoe asked Minister Darragh O'Brien if an application for funding had been received and to make a statement on the matter.

In his reply, Minister O'Brien said that while a new fire station in Enniscorthy is not included in the current Capital Programme, it is included in a list of projects for inclusion in an annual review

He confirmed that Wexford County Council submitted a preliminary appraisal, with a request for approval-in-principle to proceed to design stage, for a new fire station in the town.

Minister O'Brien said the submission from the local authority, which was made in October 2020, is currently under review.

He said his department will continue to work with Wexford County Council to progress the Enniscorthy fire station project.

Minister O'Brien said the provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003.

He said his department supports such fire authorities through establishing general policy, providing a central training programme and issuing guidance on operational matters and other aspects of the service including provision of capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

The minister recently announced a new Fire Services Capital Programme for the period between 2021 and 2025, with funding in the region of 61m.

He said that following extensive engagement with local authorities a number of proposals were received and were evaluated prioritised on the basis of: Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station; Established Health and Safety needs; and value-for-money offered by the proposal.

While the new programme will not see any development of a new station in Enniscorthy it will see six new fire stations being built along with continued support for the planned construction of a further 12 new stations.

Nine stations will also undergo refurbishment and 35 new fire engines will be allocated.

Provision of a new fire station in New Ross and upgrading of Gorey fire station will be included in the programme.

Minister O'Brien, in his reply to Deputy Kehoe, said his department reassess the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and stated some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that offer best value-for-money.

Deputy Kehoe told this newspaper that he will continue to work at ensuring Enniscorthy and Wexford are included in the review.
Gurugram, March 6 : The Gurugram police have been put on high alert in view of the farmers' threat of blocking the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) Expressway against the three agricultural laws and to mark Day 100 of protests at Delhi borders.

The blockade is scheduled to take place for five hours -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The Gurugram police have intensified security and has deployed huge force on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway (NH-48), connecting the KMP Expressway for security purpose.

All the concern Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACPs) and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCPs) have been asked to ensure patrolling in their respective areas.

The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) in Gurugram and the farmers sitting on the hunger strike have also wore the black bands to mark their protest against the three farm laws.

The farmers, however, have said that the entire exercise will be a "peaceful protest".

Hundreds of police personnel, wearing safety gears and armed with batons, have been deployed near the KMP Expressway.

Besides, a fire engine and ambulance have also been stationed on the spot to tacle any untoward situation, the police said.

"The protesters have announced to block the highways for five hours on Saturday. The Gurugram district is peaceful since the beginning of the farmers' agitation and till now no untoward incident was occurred across the city but we beefed up security arrangements to maintain peace," said a senior police official.

SKM President Chaudhary Santokh Singh, while tying the black band, said the farmers' agitation is now a mass demonstration against the government. The fight will continue till the government agrees to the protesters terms.
New Delhi: Six Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were injured in an alleged crude bomb blast in Rampur village of South 24 Parganas district. The incident occured on Friday (March 5) night while the workers were returning from a wedding.

News agency ANI reported that the injured were brought to Canning Subdivision Hospital for treatment. The injured BJP workers alleged that the bomb was hurled at them by Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers when they were returning from the wedding.

The police has started an investigation into the incident. Incidents of political violence have been regularly making headlines in poll-bound West Bengal.

The elections for 294 Assembly seats in West Bengal will begin on March 27. The state is going to witness eight-phase Assembly polls this year.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday (March 5) announced that she will contest from Nandigram seat while releasing a list of 291 candidates that includes 50 women, 42 Muslim candidates. Mamata, however, did not decide the names on three seats of north Bengal.

(With inputs from ANI)

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The Whooper Swan has a yellow bill and no black knob like that of the Mute Swan. The yellow on its bill extends below its nostrils

As we leave winter behind, the evocative, loud, bugling calls of Whooper Swans will soon fall silent for another year as these impressive winter visitors to Ireland depart northwards for their breeding grounds in remote areas of the Icelandic tundra.

We have three species of swan in Ireland. The Mute Swan with its orange-red bill and prominent black knob on its forehead, is a well-known and widely distributed resident. The other two have yellow bills, do not have black knobs on their foreheads, and are winter visitors from the far north.

The Whooper Swan, the larger of the two winter visitors, is immortalised in the legend of the Children of Lir in which the children's wicked step-mother turned the four offspring of King Lir into swans.

The Whooper Swan is larger and the yellow on its bill extends below its nostrils as shown above. Bewick's Swan is smaller, more goose-like, and the yellow colour on its bill stops short of its nostrils. It nests in Arctic Russia.

The results of the 8th International Swan Census that took place in January 2020 have just been released and they show that while Whooper Swan numbers increased by 27% since 2015, Bewick's Swan numbers continued to tumble, so much so that the species looks set to be extinct in Ireland in the coming years.

The census is carried out over a single weekend every five years. Nearly 300 volunteer birdwatchers, as well as staff from BirdWatch Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, take part in the census, checking over 1,500 locations across the island of Ireland.

In 2020, 19,111 Whooper Swans were recorded, 14,467 in the Republic of Ireland and 4,644 in Northern Ireland, the highest total ever recorded on the island. In total, 550 flocks were recorded. Wetlands along the River Shannon and its lakes and tributaries form a stronghold for the species. The largest numbers of birds were recorded in counties Offaly, Galway, Roscommon, Donegal, Derry and Antrim.

Only 12 Bewick's Swans were recorded in all of Ireland during the 2020 census - 11 in Co Wexford and a lone bird in Co Roscommon. It is expected that the species will cease to occur in Ireland altogether in the near future due to changes in its migration as a result of climate change.
Charleston, WV (25301)

Today

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy this evening with showers after midnight. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
He is known for his iconic roles in The Mask of Zorro and Once Upon A Time in Mexico.

And Antonio Banderas looked dapper as he led the stars on the 35th Goya Awards red carpet in Malaga, Spain, on Saturday.

Also attending the event was Rambo: Last Blood star Paz Vega, 45, who looked radiant in a shimmering black gown with a breathtaking cut-out design.

Stylish: Antonio Banderas looked dapper as he led the stars on the 35th Goya Awards red carpet in Malaga, Spain, on Saturday

Antonio looked dapper at the event in a suave black suit that he paired with a casual V-neck T-shirt for the red carpet.

The actor finished his look with a pair of smart patent black lace-up brogues and he sported a neatly groomed beard and moustache.

The actor accessorised with a barely-there silver chain and kept the sleek outfit minimal.

Wow! Also attending the event was Rambo: Last Blood star Paz Vega, 45, who looked radiant in a shimmering black gown with a breathtaking cut-out design

Suave: Antonio looked dapper at the event in a suave black suit that he paired with a casual V-neck T-shirt for the red carpet

Also taking to the red carpet was the stunning actress Paz who looked radiant in a shimmering black gown with a breathtaking cut-out design.

Featuring a plunging neckline and tastefully revealing panelling, the actress highlighted her flawless figure in the diamond-print dress.

She completed her red carpet look with a pair of transparent and black embellished stilettos.

Looking good: Antonio cut quite the handsome figure as he posed for pictures on the red carpet

Dashing: The film star flashed a dazzling smile as he greeted photographers at the event

Gorgeous: Also taking to the red carpet was the stunning actress Paz who looked radiant in a shimmering black gown with a breathtaking cut-out design

The brunette bombshell styled her luscious locks in a centre parting with a long fringe curled away from her face.

She accentuated her brown eyes with dark kohl liner along her water line and made the most of her statement brows with volumising gel for added shape.

Never afraid of too much sparkle, Paz finished the outfit with a diamond and gold necklace.

Antonio was in charge of hosting the prestigious awards alongside the journalist Maria Casado.

Star-studded: Antonio was in charge of hosting the prestigious awards alongside the journalist Maria Casado

Stunning: Maria oozed old school Hollywood glamour in a floor length black gown for the star-studded evening

Maria oozed old school Hollywood glamour in a floor length black gown for the star-studded evening.

She wore her shiny golden tresses swept to the side in flawless bouncy waves.

The pair wore matching black protective face coverings amid the coronavirus pandemic at the glamorous ceremony.

Held at the Soho Caixabank theatre in Malaga city, this year's Goya Awards were required to be held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.

Safety first: The pair wore matching black protective face coverings amid the coronavirus pandemic at the glamorous ceremony

'Here we are! Ready to celebrate our cinema!,' tweeted Antonio excitedly of the Spanish event.

With 14 nominations, including for best film and best director, Salvador Calvo's Netflix drama, Adu, was the frontrunner of the evening.

Other best film nominees include: David Perez Sanudo's Ane Is Missing, La boda de Rosa (Rosa's Wedding) from Iciar Bollain, Pilar Palomero's The Girls, and Cesc Gay's The People Upstairs aka Sentimental.

Take to the stage: The actor shone as he hosted on stage alongside journalist Maria
Manitobans got another shot of hope this week when Ottawa approved a new COVID-19 vaccine that is less complicated to get into arms, making it the second, easier-to-handle vaccine to receive approval in recent weeks.

Manitobans got another shot of hope this week when Ottawa approved a new COVID-19 vaccine that is less complicated to get into arms, making it the second, easier-to-handle vaccine to receive approval in recent weeks.

Here's how the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines work, and whether they  or the first-on-the-market Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech products  are a better choice, and for whom.

How do these two news vaccines differ from the existing shots?

In brief, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are both cheaper and easier to store than the two previously approved vaccines, and they use a different type of technology against the virus.

All four products are extremely effective.

"All these vaccines that have been approved are essentially 100-per-cent effective against death, and they're all in the range of 90-per-cent effective against severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization," said University of Toronto infectious-diseases expert Dr. Tara Moriarty.

"With every single one of them, we've hit it out of the park."

The previous Pfizer and Moderna vaccines used mRNA, a genetic code the body uses to detect then block the prickly spike protein of the coronavirus.

This mRNA is encased in fats to keep its shape, which is why the vaccine requires storage in extreme cold temperatures.

The two new shots are called viral vector vaccines, meaning they use modified viruses from colds that don't make the recipient sick, to sneak in genetic information on the coronavirus, training the body to defend itself.

SUPPLIED Dr. Jason Kindrachuk, assistant professor and Canada research chair in emerging viruses at the University of Manitoba.

AstraZeneca is based off a chimpanzee cold virus that cannot infect humans and has been modified to include information about the coronavirus spike. Humans haven't previously encountered the virus, so it tricks the immune system into producing antibodies against this spike protein.

Johnson & Johnson is similar, but uses a human cold virus that doesn't result in illness and can't replicate. It's the only one currently approved for a single shot.

University of Manitoba virologist Dr. Jason Kindrachuk said the two new vaccines transform COVID-19 from a debilitating, potentially deadly, illness to a moderate cold-like episode, if any symptoms emerge.

"All these vaccines help us get back to a more normal type of lifestyle, at a much faster rate," Kindrachuk said.

The two new shots have lower documented efficacy  what does that actually mean?

Probably not much.

"Efficacy" refers to the result of clinical trials that compare the number of people who developed symptomatic COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine, versus an unvaccinated placebo control group. The percentage is a baseline infection rate, or an "educated guess" as to how many vaccinated people will contract the virus.

"Effectiveness" is the real-world comparison of how many people get infected, which is more difficult to measure.

The efficacy or the Pfizer and Moderna shots were, respectively, 95 and 94 per cent in U.S. trials  but the trials occurred in situations where the virus wasn't as widespread.

The AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson trials both took place in much more challenging scenarios, including in Brazil and South Africa, during months of high spread.

FRANK AUGSTEIN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Vials of AstraZeneca vaccine.

AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were 82 and 85 per cent effective, respectively, at preventing severe illness and 63 and 66 per cent at preventing moderate illness.

"The transmission rates in communities (being studied) was likely quite different, because COVID-19 is not static; it's very fluid," said Kindrachuk.

He said hospital data from the U.K. suggests the AstraZeneca vaccine is more effective in real-life scenarios than what studies suggested.

"This presumption that AstraZeneca was a lesser vaccine, I think was potentially wrong," he said.

Why are some scientists hesitant to give the AstraZeneca vaccine to people over 65 years old?

This week, Canada's independent vaccine advisory council recommended against giving the AstraZeneca shot to people age 65 and older, citing a lack of clinical-study data on its effectiveness in that age group.

(ATTILA BALAZS/MTI VIA AP) In Manitoba, the AstraZeneca shot will be prioritized for people aged 50-64 with a list of health conditions the province has yet to publish.

The federal Liberals and most provinces quickly rejected that idea. They cited real-world results, such as the steep drop in seniors being hospitalized in Britain, which has injected thousands of seniors with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Moriarty noted that conventional vaccines are generally are less effective in older people.

"That's why older people get high-dose flu shots, for example," she said.

This week, Manitoba announced it would stick with what most experts suggest: giving the mRNA shots to older people who would have a harder time fighting off COVID-19.

The AstraZeneca shot will be prioritized for people aged 50-64 with a list of health conditions the province will publish shortly.

Do these new shots work against variants?

A month ago, South Africa pulled the AstraZeneca product entirely, because it appeared to not halt minor and moderate infections from the COVID-19 variant that is predominant in that country.

AstraZeneca is retooling its vaccine to better protect against the variant. It appears all four approved vaccines can be retooled to account for the mutations that are causing concern, because the variants all involve changes to the spike protein.

Health Canada said this week it would fast-track approval of modifications to any vaccines that have already been approved.

Is there any good reason to decline a vaccine?

Only people with extremely rare allergies would have a reason. For example, the mRNA shots include polyethylene glycol and polysorbate, which are common in foods, over-the-counter drugs and makeup.

"There are no concerns from anyone with any other kind of food or environmental allergy," Moriarty said.

"I don't think there is a good reason right now to not take any of the vaccines."  University of Manitoba virologist Dr. Jason Kindrachuk

In any case, Manitoba vaccination sites are all equipped to help anyone who goes into anaphylactic shock, which is why everyone is monitored for 15 minutes after getting a shot. People who inform the vaccination team about an allergy might be asked to wait and be observed for a half-hour out of extra caution.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should discuss vaccines with their doctors. The vaccines appear to be safe for both, but studies are undergoing final reviews.

"I don't think there is a good reason right now to not take any of the vaccines," Kindrachuk said.

Do vaccines prevent people from spreading COVID-19 to others?

Scientists are still trying to figure that out.

The vaccines are designed to prevent people from getting sick, but it's possible they can still carry and transmit viable coronavirus particles to others.

Doctors welcome COVID-19 questions Canadian scientists and doctors are answering questions about vaccines every evening on Zoom or by phone, 7-9 p.m. Manitoba time, including on weekends. "Anyone can drop in from anywhere across the country, and ask questions about the safety of any of the vaccines, to pharmacists, physicians and scientists, said Dr. Tara Moriarty, an infectious-diseases expert at the University of Toronto. click to read more Canadian scientists and doctors are answering questions about vaccines every evening on Zoom or by phone, 7-9 p.m. Manitoba time, including on weekends. "Anyone can drop in from anywhere across the country, and ask questions about the safety of any of the vaccines, to pharmacists, physicians and scientists, said Dr. Tara Moriarty, an infectious-diseases expert at the University of Toronto. She's helping lead COVID-19 Resources Canada, a volunteer group that has also hosted vaccine-information sessions for specific groups, such as nail-salon workers, or people who speak Tagalog. For more information, visit: covid19resources.ca/public/discussions/. Doctors Manitoba also encourages people to ask their family physicians about any vaccine concerns they have.  Dylan Robertson Close

Experiments to test whether vaccinated people can infect others are difficult and ethically dubious.

However, preliminary data from Israel and Britain suggests vaccines might have helped lower transmission, even during periods where highly contagious variants were widespread.

Kindrachuk said that logically makes sense, since vaccines decrease a person's viral load, as well as the time frame and severity of symptoms such as coughing, which can help spread virus particles.

"In communities that have been vaccinated broadly, you're seeing a very significant decrease in cases and test-positivity rates, and that ultimately is extremely encouraging," he said.

How many doses are coming to Manitoba?

Manitoba's first 18,000 AstraZeneca doses should arrive Monday, with many more scheduled for April and May.

ALESSANDRA TARANTINO / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES Manitoba's first 18,000 AstraZeneca doses should arrive Monday, with many more scheduled for April and May.

Johnson & Johnson shots are still being allocated to provinces, but Manitoba's per capita share would be about 370,000 doses by late September.

Pfizer announced Friday it was speeding up shipments to Canada, meaning Manitoba will receive, roughly, a cumulative 290,000 shots by the end of the month, including the 96,000 already delivered.

Manitoba is expecting a cumulative 228,000 Moderna shots by March 31, including the 28,900 already delivered.

Is there any plan to vaccinate kids?

Not yet; this is still being researched. The data for teenagers and children might not come in time for the resumption of classes in September, Health Canada officials said Friday.

In any case, it's not clear how well vaccines cut down on virus transmission, which is the main concern for schools, given that children rarely have severe COVID-19 symptoms.

However, the federal plan to vaccinate all willing adults by then might provide sufficient herd immunity for schools to safely resume.

Manitoba and other provinces are allowing four-month intervals between doses, one of the longest lags in the world. Are we guinea pigs?

Not necessarily. The vaccines are so new that it's hard to know exactly when the second shot should be administered; some clinical trials suggest a single shot might be adequate.

The guidance this week from Canada's vaccination advisory council was that it made more sense to step up the pace of first-dose vaccines than provide second doses while others wait.

"I think they're erring on the side of caution, in a different way partly because Canada has had challenges in receiving enough does until now, and because we're rapidly seeing an increase in (more contagious) variants across the country," Moriarty said.

"I don't think we have a lot of choice."

Kindrachuk said data increasingly shows that immunity from single shots doesn't wane after four months, and would likely cut down on COVID-19 spread.

Federal officials said they will monitor how things go, and shift plans if it appears the longer interval isn't safe.

Can people get a mix of shots?

Studies are underway in Britain to see whether its possible to boost immunity with unmatched doses instead of using the same vaccine for both shots.

The rationale is that mRNA vaccines produce a response in your cells, while AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson focus only on antibodies, and both might solidify an immune response, including to variant strains.

Canada is exploring research on the issue.

dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
Its been a troubling week of news, evoking intense discussions and reflection, among my fellow middle-aged girlfriends, our partners and our teenage children. I cross between despair and hope for women in todays landscape (Death and despair in the outback town society forgot, February 28). Then I read the story of two Indigenous teenagers dealing with FASD, neglect, violence and destitution, to name just a few issues. Hope was lost at birth. This should be front page news. Its such a horrific and horrendous story of part of Australia that so many of us know nothing about or choose to ignore, and all resources need to be thrown at it to make change. Im overwhelmed by the scale of the deep-seated issues. Rebecca Meagher, Maroubra

Marta Pascual Juanolas compelling article tells a disturbing story of despair and tragedy in the outback township of Newman. How can we have such a good life, even as a poor person in Sydney, while fellow Australians suffer so terribly? The article mentions only two community support organisations. It would be good to hear about the full range of support available in Newman, and the young couple in the article. It would be good to know why the boy was able to attain adulthood without anyone recognising and assessing his disabilities. It would be good to know what, if anything, is being done to raise the educational achievement levels in a town where for 10 years no one has graduated from high school. And good to know how many Aboriginal people gained, and sustain, employment in the mine. Stein Boddington, St Clair

Required reading

Jacqueline Maleys opinion piece needs to be read by every federal politician, and especially those interested in changing the workplace culture in Parliament (Why women dont pursue their attackers via correct channels, February 28). Establishing an independent body with effective powers to investigate and to hear complaints about anyone in that place is obviously vital. It also needs to conduct education programs so that staff can relearn how to behave towards others - especially women. Bill Johnstone, Blackheath

Universal inspiration


Jennifer Dorsey is chief copy editor and Business section coordinator. She worked in Washington, D.C., and Chicago before moving to the Tetons.
It appears drug dogs aren't as needed as they used to be

opinion
New Delhi/Kevadiya, Mar 5 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday lauded and saluted selfless courage of soldiers during the recent Eastern Ladakh standoff.

Addressing the Combined Commanders' Conference at Kevadia, Mr Singh said, 'India's resolute response on the borders has helped in positive and peaceful resolution of certain significant issues. I salute the selfless courage displayed by the soldiers.'

'Our ability to secure Indias territorial integrity and sovereignty from external threats and internal challenges have been strengthened in the recent years. Our forces today are proactive and more resolute in their response,' he said in a series of tweets.

He noted that enhanced defence capabilities will allow us to be better prepared for contingencies.

During the address, he spoke on a wide range of issues pertaining to the defence and security of the nation, the emerging nature of military threats, the critical role of the Armed Forces in meeting these challenges and the nature of warfare in future.

'We as a country are looking to strengthen our ability to create secure and stable environment that can facilitate India's economic growth,' the Defence Minister said.

'Our national interests are defined by the elements of National integration, sovereignty, sociology-economic development, conservation of our values and peaceful and harmonious region and world. We are committed to protect the territorial integrity and ensure peace in the region,' he tweeted.

The armed forces are capable to protect our nation's interests. India has nurtured close relations and partnerships with like-minded countries to further the common security interests, the Defence Minister said.

'We are working towards increasing jointnes in the armed forces. The optimal utilisation of our resources and rationalisation of manpower holds the key to jointness and better coordination between the forces.

It is for the first time in the history of this Conference that the top military leadership is closely interacting with JCOs and other ranks. This is a step taken in right direction, ' he posted on twitter.

Mr Singh reached Kevadia this morning to attend the Combined Commanders' Conference and started the day by visiting the Statue of Unity and paying tributes to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

UNI SV SHK2013


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.

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Pope Francis meets with top Shiite cleric in Iraq, urges for peaceful coexistence

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

Najaf (Iraq), Mar 06: Pope Francis met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, one of the most senior clerics in Shiite Islam, in Iraq''s holy city of Najaf on Saturday to deliver a message of peaceful coexistence, urging Muslims to embrace Iraq's long-beleaguered Christian minority.

The historic meeting in al-Sistani''s humble home was months in the making, with every detail painstakingly discussed and negotiated between the ayatollah''s office and the Vatican.

When the time came, the 84-year-old pontiff''s convoy, led by a bullet-proof vehicle, pull up along Najaf''s narrow and column-lined Rasool Street, which culminates at the golden-domed Imam Ali Shrine, one of the most revered sites in the world for Shiites. He then walked the few meters (yards) to al-Sistani''s modest home, which the cleric has rented for decades.

A group of Iraqis wearing traditional clothes welcomed him outside. As a masked Francis entered the doorway, a few white doves were released in a sign of peace.

The closed-door meeting was to touch on issues plaguing Iraq''s Christian minority. Al-Sistani is a deeply revered figure in Shiite-majority Iraq and and his opinions on religious and other matters are sought by Shiites worldwide.

For Iraq''s dwindling Christian minority, a show of solidarity from al-Sistani could help secure their place in Iraq after years of displacement - and, they hope, ease intimidation from Shiite militiamen against their community.

The visit was being carried live on Iraqi television, and residents cheered the meeting of two respected faith leaders.

Pope prays for dead in Capitol rioting, appeals for calm

"We welcome the pope''s visit to Iraq and especially to the holy city of Najaf and his meeting with Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani," said Najaf resident Haidar Al-Ilyawi. "It is an historic visit and hope it will be good for Iraq and the Iraqi people."

Francis arrived in Iraq on Friday and met with senior government officials on the first-ever papal visit to the country, aimed at promoting his call for greater fraternity among all peoples. It is also his first international trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, and his meeting Saturday marked the first time a pope had met a grand ayatollah.

On the few occasions where he has made his opinion known, the notoriously reclusive al-Sistani has shifted the course of Iraq''s modern history.

In the years after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion he repeatedly preached calm and restraint as the Shiite majority came under attack by al-Qaida and other Sunni extremists. The country was nevertheless plunged into years of sectarian violence.

His 2014 fatwa, or religious edict, calling on able-bodied men to join the security forces in fighting the Islamic State group swelled the ranks of Shiite militias, many closely tied to Iran. In 2019, as anti-government demonstrations gripped the country, his sermon lead to the resignation of then-prime minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi.

Iraqis have welcomed the visit and the international attention it has given the country as it struggles to recover from decades of war and unrest. Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State group in 2017 but still sees sporadic attacks.

Taapsee speaks on I-T raids: '3 things they are searching for' | Oneindia News

It has also seen recent rocket attacks by Iran-backed militias against US military and diplomatic facilities, followed by US airstrikes on militia targets in Iraq and neighboring Syria.

The violence is linked to the standoff between the US and Iran following Washington''s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear accord and its imposition of crippling sanctions on Iran.
Attorney General Jeff Landry has said hes backing a $100 million settlement between a dozen coastal parishes and mining corporation Freeport McMoRan to end a lawsuit over damage to Louisianas coastal wetlands, in what could become a landmark agreement.

The Republican attorney generals decision to sign off on a deal immediately provoked swift criticism from organizations representing the oil and gas industry and some of his fellow Republicans who worry the agreement could set a precedent affecting dozens of other pending coastal lawsuits involving 12 coastal parishes and New Orleans against major oil companies. (New Orleans was not part of the Freeport McMoRan settlement.)

The settlement already had the backing of Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards administration.

The lawsuits, some of them dating to 2013, charge that oil and gas firms failed to follow state law when they drilled wells, built canals, disposed of waste and carried out other activities that contributed to coastal wetlands loss. Industry representatives cast the suits as an unjust attack  led by trial lawyers  on a vital industry and employer.

Landry approved the settlement with Freeport McMoRan, which has sold off many oil and gas assets in recent years, while sticking to his position that the lawsuits against the oil and gas industry for coastal damage are counter-productive to job creation in the energy industry. And he echoed industry contentions that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers levee and flood protection system is a significant contributor to Louisianas disappearing coastline.

But he also said, When a party to litigation comes to the table with a request to resolve the matter apart from that litigation, as a lawyer, I have a duty to listen.

Let me be clear, he added, my actions today should not in any way be construed as pressuring any of the parties still in litigation to resolve these matters outside the litigation.

Edwards office, however, in a statement praising the settlement, said the Governor is hopeful that this settlement can act as a framework for how other similar actions might be handled.

And John Carmouche, one of the lawyers representing coastal parishes, said he hopes the settlement will encourage other companies to seek a settlement. I hope, since they see now that the attorney general and the governor have united and will endorse companies that come to the table and they will get a better deal, Im optimistic we will see some very soon.

The Freeport McMoRan settlement was announced in 2019, a possible landmark agreement in lawsuits by coastal parishes that accuse energy companies of damaging the coast with drilling and dredging activities.

Defendants include BP America Production Company, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil Pipeline Company and Shell.

The attorney general described the terms of the deal in a brief news conference and follow-up statement, later releasing a document outlining terms.

Landry said Freeport McMoRan would be freed from liability from the ongoing coastal lawsuits. In exchange, the company would deposit $15 million into an escrow account and then make additional payments of $4.25 million annually over two decades, he said.

The money wouldnt be distributed until lawmakers set the terms for a board to oversee and manage the spending  and the money must be used on coastal restoration and hurricane protection projects consistent with the states Coastal Master Plan, Landry said. Sixty percent would be dedicated to state projects and 40% to local projects, according to Landrys office.

The oil and gas industry disagreed with Landrys assessment of the deal, saying the money could be used for projects unrelated to the coast and criticizing the secretive manner in which it was developed.

It is disappointing that some elected officials have sided with plaintiffs attorneys in support of job-killing lawsuits and a flawed settlement scheme, Tyler Gray, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association, and Mike Moncla, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, said in a joint statement.

The organizations vowed to keep fighting the coastal lawsuits and to oppose legislation to implement the deal  setting up a fight that appears headed for the upcoming legislative session that begins in mid-April.

This complete lack of transparency and oversight has allowed private plaintiffs attorneys to act with unbridled discretion over government-sponsored lawsuits, which have the potential to impact coastal, economic and environmental policy in the state for generations, Gray and Moncla said in their statement.

State Senate Republican leader Sharon Hewitt, of Slidell, trashed the settlement and said she would work against it in the Legislature.

This secret settlement begins a dangerous path that leads to false promises, bankruptcies and job losses, Hewitt said.

McGill reported from New Orleans.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Lawsuits Louisiana
The houses are for poor and near-poor households and those from ethnic minority groups in Dak Rong, Huong Hoa, Cam Lo, Gio Linh, and Vinh Linh districts (Photo: VNA)

Quang Tri - Construction of 106 houses in natural disaster-hit areas worth 14.3 billion VND (615,000 USD) began in the central province of Quang Tri on March 5, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The houses are for poor and near-poor households and those from ethnic minority groups in Dak Rong, Huong Hoa, Cam Lo, Gio Linh, and Vinh Linh districts, which were all hit by flooding and landslides last year. They are scheduled for completion by May 24.

Addressing the ground-breaking ceremony, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Peoples Committee Ha Sy Dong asked local authorities and beneficiaries to coordinate closely to ensure that the houses are completed on time with high quality.

The province will continue to mobilise resources for the construction of public works serving local people, he went on, especially those in mountainous and ethnic minority areas and those prone to natural disasters.

The historic flooding last October in Quang Tri killed 53 people and left two missing, while destroying more than 2,000 houses and inundating 110,000 others. Total losses were estimated at over 4.25 trillion VND (183 million USD).
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The huge number of children being lured into car crime can today be revealed as a police chief warns that gangs are using county lines tactics.

Children as young as six are caught stealing from cars and organised crime groups use messaging apps like WhatsApp to groom thousands of teenagers.

A study of vehicle crime in the UK has revealed that 39,635 offences were committed by children as young as six in the past five years.

Sir David Thompson, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, said children were being sent out with a shopping list of cars to hunt for after being lured with cash, clothing and trainers by gangs, who often have links to the drug trade (stock image)

Police figures show 40 per cent of those offences were carried out by those aged 15 or younger.

Sir David Thompson, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, said children were being sent out with a shopping list of cars to hunt for after being lured with cash, clothing and trainers by gangs, who often have links to the drug trade.

He spoke out as official figures  revealed under freedom of information laws  show that since 2015, nearly a thousand children aged 13 have been arrested for crimes including aggravated vehicle-taking, theft of a vehicle, taking a vehicle without consent, theft from a vehicle and interfering with a vehicle.

Sir David said: What we see is some examples of tasking, on things like WhatsApp, where people would be tasking young people or other groups to go and steal.

It has some similar features to county lines: there was a suggestion that people would be rewarded with money for cars and there are examples where people were offered money to supplement food, shopping bills and stuff in the same way that children can be groomed around county lines.

Figures from 40 forces across England and Wales show that 941 suspects aged 13 and 327 12-year-olds were investigated for the offences from 2015-2019.

At least 76 children aged ten and 138 11-year-olds were suspected of carrying out the crimes. In some cases, thieves as young as six have been caught interfering with a vehicle or stealing from a car.

In total, there were 194 records relating to youngsters under the age of ten suspected of breaking into a vehicle across 15 force areas.

Figures from 40 forces across England and Wales show that 941 suspects aged 13 and 327 12-year-olds were investigated for the offences from 2015-2019

The numbers were even higher among older children.

Since 2015, 2,179 teenagers aged 14 and 3,667 15-year-olds have been held on suspicion of committing car crime across the UK. The figures show that 15,904 youths aged 15 and below have been investigated for vehicle offences between 2015 and 2019. In 2019 alone, 6,756 car crimes were committed by teenagers aged 18 and below.

London, which is the nations car theft capital, had the highest rate of youth involvement with 7,847 suspects aged 11-15 and a total of 9,476 crimes committed by teenagers between 2015-2019. West Yorkshire came next with 3,349 crimes committed by those aged 18 and below over the period.
A priest in Brazil used a fake plastic gun to rob two supermarkets and a pharmacy within an hour. According to Daily Mail, the incident took place on March 2 in Passo Fundo in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. In the CCTV footage, from one of the two supermarkets, the Catholic clergyman can be seen casually pointing a gun towards the cashier, which he took out from his pocket while pretending to pay for the purchase he had made.

Read: Lady Gaga's Dog Walker Opens Up About Shooting And Robbery: 'Close Call With Death'

Caught by the police hours later

The priest named Elizeu Moreira was arrested by the local police later in the evening, who found a plastic gun in his car and some cash that he had allegedly stolen earlier in the day. According to the report, Moreira confessed to the police that he carried out the robberies at three places on March 2. The police reportedly recovered $116 of the $249 he had stolen from the shops. On March 3, a court in Passo Fondo placed Moreira in detention.

Read: Video: Dog Sleeps Through Robbery Training Drill, Netizens Say 'Lucky Is Lurking'

Police chief Diogo Ferreira told reporters that Moreira was looking very calm when he committed those robberies. The police chief added that Moreira confessed to them that he committed those robberies out of "madness". Moreira's lawyer informed that his client had missed out on his medication before he committed the crime and that he is undergoing a psychiatric assessment.

Read: Cardi B Calls On Followers For Help In Finding Robbery Suspect: Report

Moreira ordained priesthood 18 months ago and was working at Santa Terezinha Church. Archbishop Dom Weber, who oversaw Moreira's training, said he was "shocked" by the incident. Weber said that Moreira was performing his duties very well and was good at his job, adding that he still can't think of a reason that might have pushed the 27-year-old towards darkness.

Read: Funniest Videos Of 2020: From Clever Cat To Dumbest Robbery, Watch 10 Hilarious Clips

(Representative Image)

New Delhi: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Saturday (March 6) declared the final results of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the Naval Academy Examination (NAE) exams.

A total of 533 candidates have qualified on the basis of the results of the written examination held on September 6, 2020 and the subsequent Interviews.

The interviews were conducted by the Services Selection Board, of the Ministry of Defence for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy for the 145th Course and Naval Academy for the 107th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC).

The UPSC has uploaded the merit list of candidates in PDF format on its website on upsc.gov.in. The list contains roll numbers and names of the selected candidates.

Information regarding date of commencement of the courses, are available on the websites of the three wings of the Ministry of Defence.

The results of the medical examination have not been taken into account in preparing the lists, the UPSC said.

According to the notification, the candidature of all the candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth and educational qualifications.

How to check NDA, NAE Final Results 2021?

Follow these steps to check NDA, NAE Final Results 2021:

Step 1: Go to the official website of UPSC on upsc.gov.in

Step 2: Click on Final Results tab available on the right side of the screen

Step 3: Click on Examination Final Results link on the new window

Step 4: Click on the link to download National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (I), 2020

Step 5: Check the list of selected candidates
Ms. Colwells senior infants class on their first day at St. Malachys Infants School in 2021. Photo: Aidan Dullaghan / Newspics

'It will be so good to hear the sound of children in the school corridors again,' says Brid Galligan, Principal of St. Malachy's Girls N.S.

The 'Friary' Girls school are welcoming back their second class only this week as part of the planned phased return of pupils and staff over the coming weeks.

'We have really missed the children, seeing them every day, so it will be great to have the buzz of busy classrooms again.'

She added that although remote learning 'has worked well', there is simply no substitute for the face to face learning and daily interactions between teachers, pupils, and their classmates.

'The kitchen table isn't the place for children to be learning, they need to be in school, and benefit so much more from learning in the classroom.'

Although just a small number of pupils will be going through the school gates again this week, Brid added: We just have second class for now, but we are all really looking forward to the whole school getting back again.'

Ms. Galligan acknowledged the 'huge contribution' from parents in homeschooling since the beginning of January, many coping with the challenges of working from home themselves.

'Teachers too have been under extraordinary pressure, it's been ten hour days at times, and working on Sundays too to prepare for the week ahead. We will all be very glad to get back to some sort of normality again.'

The government have outlined how the phased and carefully managed return of pupils has been done to gauge the impact of schools opening again on infection rates and hospitalisations. Although the Department of Health and the HSE have reaffirmed that schools are 'low risk environments' the gradual phased reopening is the safest approach to take.

Public health authorities have reviewed the measures put in place to ensure safe operation of schools and are satisfied that infection prevention and control measures will keep the school community safe during this period, if rigorously adhered to.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar admitted that the continued opening of schools is contingent upon case numbers, hospital numbers and vaccination progress being maintained in the coming weeks and months.

* More photos in the March 2nd edition of The Argus
Roy Greenslade was fully informed of all developments from the very minute that Liam alerted the newspaper to the threat to his life. But now I wonder: did he know about the plot before? Had he been consulted about it? Kathryn Johnston is pictured above with husband Liam Clarke

That October night in 1988 was chilly and wet, and rain was pelting against the windows of our little three-bedroomed semi in Glengormley, just north of Belfast.

It was late and I was in our bedroom, hurriedly trying to cram enough clothes into a suitcase for a few days for my husband, myself and our sons Adam, eight, and five-year-old Daniel.

The boys were asleep in their bunk beds next door, blissfully unaware that their lives were about to be turned upside down for years to come.

In the narrow street outside our house, its engine running, was an unmarked Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) police car, flanked on either side by armoured police Land Rovers. Two armed officers stood guard.

My husband Liam Clarke, a senior journalist with The Sunday Times, was downstairs talking to RUC Special Branch officers.

Less than an hour earlier, an anonymous caller had warned Liam he was the target of an IRA assassination attempt to take place the next day. Liam had immediately called the RUC and now we had to leave.

We didn't know it then, but it was our last night in our Belfast home.

I closed the suitcase and woke our boys. They had been looking forward to the Halloween half-term break from school, even though we had recently returned from a holiday in Peru.

They were confused and irritable at being woken, as I stuffed some of their favourite toys into backpacks.

We're going to a hotel for an adventure for a few days, I told them.

'Like Peru?' they asked me.

'Yes, like Peru,' I lied.

All this week I've been pondering the events of that night 33 years ago and the long shadow they cast over our lives. The trigger?

The admission last weekend by Roy Greenslade, a former Fleet Street editor turned professor of journalism  and specialist in media ethics, to boot  that he was 'in complete agreement about the right of the Irish people to engage in armed struggle'.

Writing in the British Journalism Review, Greenslade added: 'I came to accept that the fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms. In other words, I supported the use of physical force'

He had, he said, come to that position as early as January 1972, after British paratroopers shot dead 13 unarmed protesters during a civil rights march in Derry.

Writing in the British Journalism Review, Greenslade added: 'I came to accept that the fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms. In other words, I supported the use of physical force.'

Let's not mince our words here. Greenslade was referring explicitly to the IRA's 30 years-plus war of attrition against the British state: to the murder of Lord Mountbatten, members of his family and a young local boat boy off the coast of Sligo in 1979, followed that same day by a second massacre at Warrenpoint in Co Down, where 18 soldiers were slaughtered; to the Harrods bomb in 1983 that killed six; to the attempted murder of Margaret Thatcher in 1984 in the Brighton bombing in which five people died; to numerous other atrocities.

And to the deaths of hundreds of members of the British security forces, and of civilians caught up in murderous attacks down those blood-soaked years.

During much of that time  as a hugely influential senior executive at the heart of the British newspaper establishment, which was largely united in its condemnation of the IRA  Greenslade was writing under a pseudonym for An Phoblacht, Sinn Fein's newspaper.

Week after week, its column 'War News' would list dehumanised details of the slaughter of soldiers, police officers and civilians.

Dead IRA officers and volunteers, in contrast, would be remembered in the 'Roll of Honour', where their actions in defence of the cause of Irish freedom would vie for space with descriptions of their fine personal qualities.

In his Review article, Greenslade says he knew that owning up to his support for Irish republicans 'would result in me losing my job . . . however much I believed [the IRA's] tactics to be valid, I could not hope to convince colleagues that the killing of civilians, albeit by accident, was justifiable.'

Greenslade's Republican sympathies first emerged some years ago and he is now a member of Sinn Fein. He is known to have guaranteed bail for convicted IRA member John Downey, who was accused of the 1982 Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers died; and is a close friend of Pat Doherty, an alleged former IRA army council member.

But last Sunday, in his own words, he 'came out of hiding' to confirm the extent and longevity of his breathtaking deception.

And why should these revelations so trouble me now? Because back in 1988, as managing director (news) at The Sunday Times, Roy Greenslade was effectively my husband's line manager.

At exactly the same time that Greenslade was directing my husband in exposing the shadowy secrets of both republican and loyalist paramilitaries and delving into the sometimes murky world of the British state, he was engaged in a secret propaganda war against that very state.

If Greenslade had worked for the British Army instead of The Sunday Times, he might have been called a double agent.

Now he is 'out of hiding' he has questions to answer  questions that Liam can no longer ask. My husband died six years ago, so I must ask them on his behalf.

But first, let me return to that night we had to flee our home.

Liam had been away on a job that day for The Sunday Times, accompanied by Crispin Rodwell, an award-winning Irish photographer. It was early evening, after the boys had been put to bed, when the phone rang.

A man asked to speak to Liam. He was out working, I told him, and couldn't be contacted until much later.

The man pressed me urgently.

'He is meeting someone for a story tomorrow. You must tell him, under no circumstances to go ahead with that meeting. Get him to ring me the minute you hear from him.'

Last Sunday, in his own words, he 'came out of hiding' to confirm the extent and longevity of his breathtaking deception. And why should these revelations so trouble me now? Because back in 1988, as managing director (news) at The Sunday Times, Roy Greenslade was effectively my husband's line manager

When Liam got home, I passed on the message and he returned that call. It was obvious what he heard shocked him to the core.

He put down the receiver and without pausing, dialled another number. When the call was over, he said: 'The police are on their way. We have to get out of the house. Tonight.'

Liam told me he had been tipped off about a plot to kill him the next day. The plan was to lure him to a crowded bar in Belfast to meet a source, abduct him, shoot him in the head, then dump his body.

The plot was a direct result of a series of hard-hitting stories he had written about struggles within the IRA, including exposes of tension among factions and intimate details of their military campaign.

On the surface the IRA appeared united but behind the scenes, fissures were deepening and Liam's sources  as Greenslade would have known  were often Republicans unhappy with the direction the IRA was taking.

The IRA leadership, fearful of a deadly feud that would follow any split, had to dam those leaks and silence the person responsible for disseminating them.

We spent two days in a small hotel outside Belfast, before being moved to another hotel for four days after Special Branch feared our whereabouts might have been divulged to the IRA.

Liam was then flown to London by The Sunday Times, where he was 'safe housed' in a hotel near the paper's base in Wapping.

Greenslade was fully informed of all developments from the very minute that Liam alerted the newspaper to the threat to his life. But now I wonder: did he know about the plot before? Had he been consulted about it? Might he even have been the person who tipped off the security services, who then alerted Liam in that phone call to our home?

After Liam's departure, my father, who was then 74, collected me and the boys from our hotel. We broke the drive at Murlough Bay on the Antrim coast road, where Adam and Daniel had their first chance for more than a week to let off some steam.

As they played, my father turned to me: 'What the hell did the two of you do to bring this to your door?' was the question that exploded from his mouth.He regretted those testy words immediately, but the damage was done.

There is a syndrome that will be familiar to many people who have been subject to similar threats or attacks. As well as feeling fear, anger, distress and vulnerability, victims frequently experience a crippling sense of responsibility  guilt at having put their families through such pain and stress.

It is an overpowering weight to bear and I would later suffer from depression and severe anxiety that, over the years, has returned to plague and paralyse me.

In the weeks that followed, Liam flew secretly to Belfast on several occasions for briefings with senior Special Branch officers to discuss measures designed to protect us.

He wanted to move back to Belfast but the RUC ruled it out of the question.

Our final meeting was with Brian Fitzsimmons, then deputy head of the Special Branch (Fitzsimmons died in 1994, along with 24 other anti-terrorist experts, in a Chinook helicopter crash in Scotland).

Fitzsimmons advised The Sunday Times that, given the seriousness of the threat to Liam's life, he should be armed with a semi-automatic pistol and that we should have weapons training at a local gun club.

'If you are attacked,' Fitzsimmons told us, 'speed and certainty are of the essence . . . what you need is something that will knock someone out with the very first shot. And aim at their upper body, not the head. That is a bigger target than the head, which is easy to miss, and the impact will blow any attacker to the ground.'

It was as if we had been transported to a parallel universe. From a life of buying a Chinese takeaway on a Saturday night and sharing it over a bottle of wine after the boys  and the newspaper  had been put to bed, here we were being instructed in how to kill.

Writing in the British Journalism Review, Greenslade added: 'I came to accept that the fight between the forces of the state and a group of insurgents was unequal and therefore could not be fought on conventional terms. In other words, I supported the use of physical force.' Let's not mince our words here. Greenslade was referring explicitly to the IRA's 30 years-plus war of attrition against the British state. The destruction caused by an IRA car bomb is seen above in London

The gun and weapons training were paid for from Roy Greenslade's editorial budget, as was the elaborate security system installed at the new home we bought in Coleraine, a quiet town 50 miles from Belfast, where my parents lived.

The house was a three-storey end-of-terrace. At the rear, the sash windows were fitted with sensor bars to detect any suspicious activity.

At the front, the window panes were replaced with bulletproof glass. We had cameras, movement sensors in every room, intercoms, panic buttons and a system that was wired through to the local police station.

We were among the lucky survivors of those terrible years. But in 1995  three years before the Good Friday Agreement  we were again put at risk, and by Greenslade's direct actions.

By now a columnist for The Guardian (he had left The Sunday Times to become editor of the Daily Mirror in 1990), he penned a vicious attack on his previous newspaper and on Liam in particular, in which he accused it of trying to derail the peace process by deliberately publishing false stories about the fragility of the IRA's fledgling ceasefire.

As my husband later wrote, the allegations were based 'on conversations [Greenslade] claimed to have had with unnamed Irish journalists . . . It was a malicious attack, based on no more than tittle-tattle, yet the damage was real . . . His fanciful thesis was that I was in thrall to the British security services . . . The allegations were wild, wrong and, for me, dangerous. For a journalist living and working in Northern Ireland to be accused of collusion with the security forces is life-threatening'.

Greenslade knew every detail of how our lives had been upended by that 1988 plot. I wondered then  and again now  what on earth possessed him to embark on such a vicious, unfounded attack on a former colleague that would once again put him and his family in immediate danger?

Throughout his career, Liam gave no quarter to paramilitary organisations and their actions, whether republican or loyalist. Yet he was no stooge of the British state.

Indeed, he was arrested several times and subjected to 'requests' to reveal his sources. He would never have done that.

Liam died from a rare cancer on December 27, 2015, aged 61  and with his boots on, still working, as political editor of the Belfast Telegraph, despite a terminal diagnosis.

But in the last six months of his life he was plagued with guilt and depression over our family's disrupted life in the Eighties and Nineties and its impact on our sons. They were torn away from a home, school and friends they loved, never to return. For years we had to warn them not to say what their daddy did or who he worked for.

After Liam's death, his friend and colleague Henry McDonald wrote: 'Liam's compassion for people regardless of their politics stretched all the way from the fringes of Ulster loyalism to Sinn Fein and IRA members.

I know for a fact that Liam found out about a plot to kill a senior Belfast Sinn Fein member by loyalists in the early 1990s. Liam immediately warned him, advising him to change his routine and beef up his security. The warning was heeded and mercifully the attack never took place.

'His willingness to help a member of a movement that included others willing to kill Liam at one time was a measure of the man. It was also part of his political philosophy. He saw armed struggle and political violence as not only immoral but futile and counterproductive.'

That is an epitaph to be proud of  and a very different philosophy from that of which Roy Greenslade boasted this week.

A few years ago, Greenslade wrote: 'Journalists cannot abide being the subject of the journalism they practise themselves. It is fine for them to hold every institution to account  Westminster, Whitehall, the judiciary, the police, the Church, banks and businesses  and fine also to berate and ridicule everyone in public life, be they politicians or celebrities.

'But woe betide those evil 'commentators' who treat their own trade to similar scrutiny, who regard media, and especially the Press, as an institution that should itself be held to account in the wider public interest.'

Well, it is time for Roy Greenslade to practise that transparency and undergo the scrutiny he so lauds.

So I ask: will he sit down with me to discuss what I have written here today and answer my questions?

Did he know in advance about the IRA threat to kill my husband in 1988?

Does he agree that by concealing his allegiance to the IRA he was lacking in his duty of care to a colleague who risked his life covering the Troubles and the Peace Process?

And why, in 1995, did he accuse Liam of involvement with British Intelligence and endanger him and his family?

Last Saturday would have been my 41st wedding anniversary. I'd planned to spend the day looking through old photographs of Liam and the boys. Instead, I was drawn back to that terrifying night more than 30 years ago.

Liam is gone but the questions remain. And perhaps some echo of the answers I seek from Greenslade might yet reach my husband beyond the grave.
Holly Franklin, 49, is a nurse who lives in Jefferson County. She has a son who requires a ventilator for day-to-day life, and said her family has been very careful during COVID-19. But she knows many people dont believe the threat from the disease is real.

I see it in the hospitals, there are so many people that say oh its just the flu. I see the death, I see the suffering. I see the people who cant breathe and the scared faces. Its just horrible, but other people dont see that part.

Ive been cutting my husbands hair, Ive been cutting my sons hair. I felt like a dummy the other day. I hadnt had a haircut in almost a year, and I called the hair dresser, and she was like its safe, its safe. Well I sat in the parking lot, and I saw people were going in and out without masks. I called her and I said Im sorry, I will go ahead and pay you for your time, but I cant go in there, and she came outside to cut my hair for me. It was pretty awesome.

But she doesnt think its ever going to be back to normal. I think masks are always going to be in our future. I dont feel its going to be eradicated, and people die from it. I did get the vaccine, and it would be great if everybody could get the vaccine, because I think it will help.

How has the pandemic made her feel?

Theres a lot of sadness, and its all negative. Weve hit 500,000 (deaths). A lot of it could have been prevented. Its just sadness.

We get food delivered and we have a big sign on the front of our house that says, Masks are required on this property. We have cameras on the house, and when people deliver food, we talk to the camera and say, Thank you, have a good day, can you please put it down? and we put gloves on to pick the bags up. Thats just sad. Its almost like an alternate universe that were living in, and its almost like, how could this be our United States? How could this be our world? Its just so hard to believe what were going through. Its kind of apocalyptic.

This is part of a series of stories by AL.com to reflect on the 1-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic reaching Alabama. Each day leading up to March 13 we will elevate the voices of those impacted.


Editor's Note: The following is an opinion piece.

Our state has failed us again. Our governor has trashed the state mask mandate and allowed the state to reopen at 100 percent capacity.

The grim news that will undoubtedly further spread the virus came just shortly after thousands across Texas lined up in recent weeks for food and water distribution after the winter storm. Thousands left stores shelves empty, quickly panic buying food and supplies needed to get them through a disaster no one knew how long might last.

Others lined up for food distribution sites organized by non-profits like the San Antonio Food bank and city-run water sites, mirroring Soviet-era images from ration ravaged Eastern Europe. This is our new normal.

But if there's a glimmer of hope, it's that Texans and San Antonians have been saved by their neighbors and local organizers who have worked together to minimize need and suffering in a catastrophic time. When pipes froze across the city, San Antonio breweries opened their tasting rooms offering free water as neighbors do.

When we can't count on the government, we turn to these same neighbors  neighbors that work, run business, or volunteer in our communities. We expect honesty and compassion from those in our own backyards.

On Thursday however, another alleged business scandal, apart of those that have been all too common throughout the pandemic as businesses suffer, came to light.

REALTED: San Antonio brewery in legal brouhaha with Austin beer maker

A local brewery came under fire after being accused of not showing donation receipts from the widespread and locally founded "Black is Beautiful" initiative.

The Black is Beautiful initiative, a collaborative effort to raise awareness around the injustices faced by Black people, was founded in San Antonio by Weather Souls Brewery owner and founder Marcus Baskerville.

Breweries across the world jumped into the initiative that asked them to create their own "Black is Beautiful" brew and donate 100 percent of the profits from that brew to programs designed to help Black people. The movement served as a wake up call for breweries across the nation that are dominated by mostly white, male owners and producers to do more for the communities they operate in.

Back Unturned Brewing Co. was accused by Cholanda White, a.k.a. Afro Beer Chick, a craft beer enthusiast and podcaster from Chicago of not giving proceeds from the initiatives. Though according to Kate Bernot and Holly Regan, writers at GoodBeerHunting.com, Weathered Souls didnt ask breweries to submit receipts for their donations and didnt conduct an overall tally of funds raised.

White posted screenshots to Twitter Thursday said to be from a conversation between Baskerville and Ricardo Garcia, owner and head brewer at Back Unturned. Baskerville also shared the conversation while sharing he won't support Back Unturned going forward.

White claimed Garcia refused to show proof of donation to Baskerville from the Black is Beautiful initiative that Unturned participated in. Baskerville was since been blocked from Back Unturned's Instagram page.

According to one screenshot, Baskerville asked Garcia to withdraw his brewery from the initiative because of this.

In another message, another San Antonian, @CounselorTejada asked Garcia about his actions. Garcia refuted claims and began his reply with, "I have a lot of haters and I'm tired of wasting time on them."

White alleges Garcia pocketed profits from the initiative and used it to pay for personal training.

RELATED: 'Bring anything:' San Antonio breweries team up to supply residents with clean water

It's been a full 24 hours since the news broke. The San Antonio Let's Talk Craft Beer group limited posting abilities for members who were worked up into a tizzy over Garcia's behavior, which included blocking negative commenters on Back Unturned's Facebook and disabling comments on Instagram.

Despite all this, both breweries said they plan to hash out the issue in a civil way, planning to meet next week to iron the issue out.

"Were not going to take legal action. Were going to work with the brewery to make it right. We dont want the initiative to be in a negative light," a spokesperson for Weathered Souls told MySA.

Baskerville himself also posted a personal reflection on the incident, writing "People came out in full force to support the initiative and I absolutely love that, but on the other hand we do not want to crucify someone or bring a negative light to Black is Beautiful."

Although this won't be settled in court, its an eye-opening experience for the craft beer community that learned of Garcia's behavior, and how honesty and compassion are still needed even in business.

Karly Williams is a digital producer for MySA. She holds a bachelors degree from the University of Cincinnati. Follow her @karlyjwilliams
China unveiled on Friday a comprehensive plan to upgrade its manufacturing capabilities by 2025 via eight priority areas, sharpening its global competitiveness amid a broad trade and tech dispute with the United States. As SCMP reports, the plan, which was introduced at the annual meeting of top legislative body the National Peoples Congress (NPC), is focused on rare earth and special materials, robotics, aircraft engines, new energy vehicles and smart cars, high-end medical equipment and innovative medicine such as vaccines, agricultural machinery, major equipment used in shipbuilding, aviation and high-speed rail, and industrial applications of Chinas Beidou global navigation satellite system.

We must keep the share of manufacturing stable in the overall economy and enhance Chinas competitive advantages in this sector, the government said in the 142-page 14th five-year plan, which is set to be endorsed by the NPCs nearly 3,000 delegates.

Beijings emphasis on advanced manufacturing forms an integral part of the countrys 14th five-year plan, which spells out the countrys economic and development goals for 2021 to 2025. The two sessions  the annual gatherings of the NPC and the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference  provide a window on the central governments new priorities and programmes.

The renewed focus on advanced manufacturing, years after Beijing played down its Made in China 2025 strategy amid complaints from Washington and Brussels, reflects the Chinese governments determination to pursue a hi-tech transformation of this sector. That would help offset rising production costs, strengthen the countrys position in global supply chains, reduce reliance on foreign technologies and enhance its competitiveness against the US.

Chinas latest manufacturing strategy comes amid reports that the US Senate is considering including US$30 billion in funding in a new bill to boost competitiveness against China. US lawmakers aim to bring the package, which would include other elements to boost Americas tech sector, to a full vote in April, according to a Reuters report citing a congressional source.

China will fix its weak links in key components, software, materials and fundamental systems over the next five years, according to the new five-year plan. It said the country will develop an industrial value chain that is more innovative, secure and with higher value added, helping enhance competitiveness in high-speed rail, electrical equipment, new energy and shipbuilding. It also indicated that key parts of the value chain must remain within China.

Advanced manufacturing, which covers various aspects, from scientific research to production, provides China with the foundation to foster innovation and cut reliance on foreign technologies, according to industry experts.

Look at these companies blacklisted by the US [including telecommunications equipment maker Huawei Technologies Co and chip foundry Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp] and you will see that what is being stifled is advanced manufacturing in things like chips and lithography equipment, said Li Yi, chief research fellow at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. Chinas top authorities are shifting talent and funding to manufacturing industries because they realise the risks.

Manufacturing  which accounted for 33 per cent of Chinas gross domestic product in the first half of 2020, according to official data  is considered the backbone of the countrys industrial economy. China is the worlds largest manufacturer in terms of output and has gained a reputation as the worlds factory soon after its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001.

Advanced manufacturings impact on Chinas economic growth covers not only employment, but also the development of supply chains, said Guo Wanda, executive vice-president of Shenzhen-based think tank China Development Institute.

The draft plan presented to the NPC also expects nascent industries to add significant economic value and account for 17 per cent of the countrys GDP from 2021-2025 period. It also pushed for a faster roll-out of 5G mobile networks to increase user penetration up to 56 per cent in the same five-year period. Stressing the importance of tech innovation benefiting a range of industries, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mentioned technology 23 times in the governments work report this year, up from nine times last year.
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Particularly, raw sugar with HS codes of 1701.13.00 and 1701.14.00 will be imposed an anti-dumping duty of 29.23 percent and an anti-subsidy duty of 4.65 percent. Refined sugar with HS codes of 1701.99.10, 1701.99.90, 1701.91.00, and 1702.90.91 will be subject to an anti-dumping tax rate of 44.23 percent and an anti-subsidy tax rate of 4.65 percent.



According to the Vietnam Sugarcane and Sugar Association (VSSA), since the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement took effect on January 1, 2020, the agreement has dragged the import tariff on cane sugar to 5 percent from an import tariff of 80 percent of raw sugar and 85 percent of white sugar, causing cane sugar imported from the ASEAN to the Vietnamese market to spike, approximately 1.5 million tons, doubling the domestic sugar production. Of which, the imported sugar that was subsidized and dumped from Thailand reached nearly 1.3 million tons last year, up 330.4 percent compared to 2019. Therefore, Decision No.477 will create an equal competitive environment for domestic sugar enterprises and more sustainable livelihoods for sugarcane farmers.





By Le Dung  Translated by Thanh Nha
San Antonio and Bexar County officials reported 287 newly diagnosed coronavirus cases and three more deaths Friday, including another death of a man in his 30s who succumbed to the illness at home.

It was the second time this week that local officials announced that a Bexar County resident in his 30s died at home.

The other victims were a Hispanic woman in her 60s and a Hispanic man in his 70s. Both died at Methodist Hospital.

All of the deaths occurred in the past two weeks.

Were on a downslide in terms of cases, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said Friday. Everybodys been really doing a good job ... but we do need to remember, we still are getting cases. Were still getting new people in the hospital, were still having deaths. So its not over yet. We still have a ways to go.

Wolff and Mayor Ron Nirenberg have both expressed concerns that Gov. Greg Abbott will no longer require all Texans to wear face masks effective this Wednesday. The governor has also announced hell allow Texas businesses to resume operating at 100 percent capacity.

Wolff thanked several businesses that have announced they will continue requiring customers to wear masks at their establishments.

The business community might save us by taking that kind of a stand, he said.

On ExpressNews.com: A guide to getting vaccinated in San Antonio

Those businesses include Jims Restaurants, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Starbucks, Target, Macys, Bakery Lorraine and Carmelitas, a Mexican food restaurant, Wolff said. The Spurs also will require fans to wear masks when the AT&T Center starts allowing limited in-person attendance at the teams games beginning March 12.

San Antonios number of newly diagnosed cases continues to be far lower than what was recorded during the pandemics winter peak. At some points in January, as many as 3,000 daily new cases were being reported.

The seven-day rolling average of new cases has dropped to 298 per day. A month ago, that average was nearly five times higher, standing at 1,463 per day.

Bexar County is closing in on nearly 200,000 coronavirus cases recorded and almost 3,000 deaths since the COVID-19 pandemic began a year ago.

Local hospital numbers related to the virus also continue to improve. On Friday, 335 patients sick with the virus were being cared for in San Antonio hospitals  the lowest number in four months. That figure included 34 patients admitted to local hospitals in the past 24 hours.

Among those hospitalized, 126 patients were being monitored in intensive care units, while 65 were on ventilators.

City officials reported 8.3 percent of all patients hospitalized in San Antonio are sick with COVID-19. Thats a significant improvement from Jan. 22, when more than a third of patients hospitalized  34.3 percent  were sick with the virus.

As of Thursday, 157,921 Bexar County residents have been fully vaccinated against the virus, while 272,289 people have received their first doses only, Nirenberg said.

The city and the county continue to need a vastly bigger number of vaccines, Nirenberg and Wolff said. The mayor said the vaccines arent being equitably distributed across Texas.

In nearby Comal County, the number of newly diagnosed coronavirus cases also continues to remain low. On Friday, public health officials reported 22 new cases  16 confirmed, six probable. No new deaths were reported.

Comal County currently has 365 active cases of the virus, and 47 of those patients are hospitalized.

On ExpressNews.com: Many of San Antonios tourist attractions will still require masks, but see trouble ahead

Since the pandemic began last March, Comal County has reported 9,268 cases of the virus  more than 70 percent of them in New Braunfels. More than 8,600 of those who contracted the virus have recovered  a recovery rate of 93 percent.

Comal Countys vaccination standby list, which is currently full, will reopen Monday. A link to that waiting list will be posted at 10 a.m. Monday on the countys website at www.co.comal.tx.us. The link will also be shared on all of the countys social media accounts.

Across Texas, more than 4,000 newly confirmed cases of the virus were reported Friday, along with more than 1,600 new probable cases and 256 more deaths.

More than 5,000 Texans confirmed to be sick with the virus are currently being cared for in hospitals across the state. Texas currently has an estimated 147,360 active cases of COVID-19.

Since the pandemic began a year ago, nearly 2.68 million confirmed cases of the virus have been reported statewide, along with nearly 365,000 probable cases. Among those patients, 44,155 Texans have died.

An estimated 2.47 million Texans have recovered from the virus, amounting to a recovery rate of 92 percent.

pohare@express-news.net | Twitter: Peggy_OHare
Pope Francis declares Iraq visit pilgrimage of peace, bringing focus to dwindling Christian population after ISIS

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Pope Francis described his first visit to war-torn Iraq amid a raging pandemic and security concerns as a pilgrimage of peace, bringing focus on that countrys dwindling Christian population that suffered mass killings by the Islamic State terror group and a mass exodus.

The age-old presence of Christians in this land, and their contributions to the life of the nation, constitute a rich heritage that they wish to continue to place at the service of all, said Pope Francis after arriving in Baghdad Friday, addressing Iraqi President Barham Salih and other officials and diplomats at the Presidential Palace, The Telegraph reported.

May there be an end to acts of violence and extremism, factions and intolerance! May room be made for all those citizens who seek to cooperate in building up this country through dialogue and through frank, sincere and constructive discussion, added Francis, who has been working to improve relations with the Muslim world, according to La Croix.

It is essential to ensure the participation of all political, social and religious groups and to guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens. May no one be considered a second-class citizen, The Wall Street Journal quoted the pope as saying.

Francis added, Only if we learn to look beyond our differences and see each other as members of the same human family will we be able to begin an effective process of rebuilding and leave to future generations a better, more just and more humane world, according to The Associated Press.

The religious, cultural and ethnic diversity that has been a hallmark of Iraqi society for millennia is a precious resource on which to draw, not an obstacle to eliminate. Iraq today is called to show everyone, especially in the Middle East, that diversity, instead of giving rise to conflict, should lead to harmonious cooperation in the life of society, he continued.

Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane, Francis said his first travel outside of Italy in more than a year was also symbolic. This is an emblematic journey. It is also a duty to a land tormented by many years, he was quoted as saying.

In a video message broadcast on television in Iraq days before his visit, the pope said, I am coming as a pilgrim, as a penitent pilgrim, to implore from the Lord forgiveness and reconciliation after years of war and terrorism, to beg from God the consolation of hearts and the healing of wounds.

Salih, who is from Iraqs ethnic Kurdish minority, responded to the popes address, saying, The East cannot be imagined without Christians. The continued migration of Christians from the countries of the east will have dire consequences for the ability of the people from the same region to live together.

There were about 1.5 million Christians in Iraq, the traditional birthplace of Abraham, in 2003, and the number has reduced to roughly 250,000, according to estimates, thanks to violence, kidnappings and killings by ISIS from 2014 to 2017 and a resulting mass fleeing.

Even after the defeat of ISIS in December 2017, Iraqs Christians didnt find the cradle of Christianity livable and continued to leave the country that became a land of militias.

Christians are also concerned about their safety, as they dont have traditional tribal networks for self-defense.

The Rev. Johnnie Moore, president of The Congress of Christian Leaders and Commissioner at the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, compared the popes visit against the time when ISIS was gaining territory in Iraq.

The Oct. 2014 cover of the ISIS magazine showed their grotesque black flag flying over Vatican Square. Today, the Pope arrived on a pilgrimage of peace to the Iraq they tried (& failed) to destroy, Moore tweeted.

Francis was greeted with excitement by Christians and others, who lined the road to cheer his motorcade. The popes visit is a real-world embodiment of the love of Jesus to our troubled land, a place of violence and conflict, said Saleem Mansour Gorgees, a church deacon in Erbil, told The Telegraph.

A UAE-based independent body, the Muslim Council of Elders, also praised the pope for his visit.

Pope Francis visit to Iraq serves as a great opportunity to promote peace and is a message of solidarity with victims of violence in the region and around the world, the Council said in a statement, according to Vatican News. After years of destruction and war, we believe that the historic visit will help heal the wounds of the Iraqi people, while offering hope for a brighter future for Iraq and the region, one which will be filled with tolerance and coexistence.

On Saturday, Francis is scheduled to meet with Iraqs leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. On Sunday, the pope is expected to honor the dead in a Mosul square surrounded by shells of destroyed churches and meet with Christians who returned to the Qaraqosh town.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y., on March 3, 2021. (Office of the NY Governor via AP)

New York Lawmakers Approve Bill to Strip Cuomo of Pandemic Emergency Powers

New York lawmakers voted on Friday to approve a bill to strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of special temporary pandemic powers granted to him during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Democrat-majority Senate voted to repeal temporary powers that were granted to Cuomo in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic. The bill, S. 5357, would revoke Cuomos ability to issue new COVID-19 related directives.

Under the bill, directives that Cuomo had issued and are currently still in enforcement will continue with much greater legislative oversight. He can still extend or change directives that are currently in effect but will need five days notice to lawmakers or local elected officials before the changes go into effect.

The bill also provides legislators the ability to end the state of emergency, something that only Cuomo had authority to decide on previously.

I think everyone understands where we were back in March [2020] and where we are now, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said in a statement. We certainly see the need for a quick response but also want to move toward a system of increased oversight and review. The public deserves to have checks and balances. This legislation creates a system with increased input while at the same time ensuring New Yorkers continue to be protected.

The bills passing comes as Cuomo faces two major scandals that have seen growing pressure from both Republicans and Democrats for him to step down. Six New York Democrats on March 2 issued a letter calling for his impeachment over his handling of the states pandemic response and sexual harassment allegations against him.

The 63-year-old New York governor is accused of harassment by three women, two of whom are his former aides. He has also been under fire for withholding COVID-19 death data from state lawmakers and the public.

Emergency medical workers are seen unloading a patient outside a nursing home in Brooklyn, New York, on April 18, 2020. (Justin Heiman/Getty Images)

Cuomos administration in March 2020 ordered nursing homes to take back residents or take in new residentseven if they had tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.

It is unclear whether the policy led to additional deaths. Yet state officials refused to disclose how many nursing home residents died in hospitals, only revealing the figure after the states attorney general issued a scathing investigative report in January 2021.

Officials also rebuffed queries from state legislators on the data, claiming it could be used against us by former President Donald Trumps administration.

Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Frankly, in my view, Freedom House, the Washington based global democracy watchdog, should be booked by our ever-vigilant govt for sedition

Frankly, in my view, Freedom House, the Washington based global democracy watchdog, should be booked by our ever-vigilant government for sedition. The organisation has had the audacity to demote India from free to partly free in the rankings of its latest annual report. The government has rightly called the report misleading, incorrect and misplaced. To call the worlds largest democracy only partly free is incontrovertible evidence of an attempt to subvert our sovereignty and integrity, an international conspiracy directed against the Indian state. I think our law enforcing authorities should immediately file an FIR against the organisation and those who run it, and officially protest to President Joe Biden.

Anurag Kashyap and Tapsee Pannu should also reject this report forthrightly. If the income tax department has raided them, and unearthed hundreds of crores of discrepancies, it is only doing its job. Obviously, the raids have nothing to do with their being vocal critics of the government. Our tax sleuths are mandated to uncover such wrongs, and the investigation was a routine exercise in fulfilling it. It just so happens that there are no discrepancies to be found in those in Bollywood who happily sing praises of the government. Why cant Kashyap and Pannu just be like them?

The report should also be trashed by the hundreds of activists who protested against the CAA-NRC combine. If they are facing the might of the police, and many are still languishing in jail, it is because their intent was not to invoke the right to dissent but to act as part of a planned conspiracy against the State. Journalists, who have had draconian laws slapped against them for reporting facts on the ground in UP and elsewhere, should also reject the report. Journalistic ethics demand objective reporting. No one should presume that they have the right to unnecessarily be critical of the government, because how can a government which has been duly elected not know what is in the best interests of the people?

Farmers protesting against the new farm bills must also junk the report. If some in the ruling dispensation called them Khalistanis, anti-nationals, stooges of Pakistan, and puppets in the hands of political parties determined to malign the government, there must be valid reasons to do so. Farmers cannot sit in peaceful protest for months on the borders of the capital of the nation, with many dying in the bitter Delhi winter, unless they are part of a foreign hand hatching a plot against the government. Now, the government has hard proof of such a plot. Climate activist, Disha Ravi, all of some 21 years old, was rightly arrested for sedition for supporting the farmers, because her toolkit could well undermine the great Indian State. It appears Rihanna and Greta Thunberg are also part of this dangerous conspiracy. The ramifications of what is going on are huge, and require the authorities to take prompt and penal action.

Stand-up comics, dalit activists, human rights advocates  even Election Commissioners who dare to right dissenting notes  must join hands to condemn this seditious report. They must accept that they have no right to question the government in a manner that diminishes its self-esteem, or that of its leaders. The tremendous work the government is doing for the people needs to be acknowledged. It is indecent to subject it to irreverent questioning. Right to Information activists, worried about the reducing ambit of the Act, must not worry. If the government wishes not to reveal certain things, which otherwise it must do, there must be very good reason for it. The security of the State is a very important matter. So is the image of our great nation.

Truly patriotic citizens should take umbrage at this attempt to call India only partly free. We are a nation of completely free agencies. The CBI acts freely; so does the I-T department; so does the NCB; so does the CBDT; so does the NIA; and so does the media. Nobody tells them what to do, and who to target. They may have been a caged parrot in the past. Not anymore.

All free citizens must be patriotic in ways approved by the government. For instance, any questioning of defence policy is tantamount to treason, and an insult to our brave soldiers. Those who are critical of the government become ipso facto critics of the nation, and those who are critical of the nation, are naturally anti-national. A democratic government must act strongly against such traitors.

Our former rulers, the British, had the following lines  still visible  engraved in stone at the North Block of the Central Secretariat in New Delhi: Liberty will not descend to a people, a people must raise themselves to Liberty. It is a blessing which must be earned before it is enjoyed. How relevant these lines are today. How can India be accused of being only partly free when the real problem is that the people  and especially the Opposition  have not yet raised themselves to enjoy liberty? They must earn their liberty, behave properly, watch what they write and speak, not protest about any and everything, learn to be patriotic citizens, and then the benevolent government can allow them the freedoms that it deems appropriate for them.
Democratic leaders struck an agreement with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.) on emergency unemployment insurance late Friday, clearing the way for Senate action on President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus package to resume after an hours-long delay.

The state of play: The Senate continued to work through votes on a marathon of amendments overnight into Saturday morning.

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Helping unemployed Americans has been an issue that's divided progressives, hoping to help constituents who've lost jobs amid the pandemic, and Manchin and his fellow moderates who have wanted to cut costs from the sweeping legislation.

The big picture: Democrats will offer an amendment extending the enhanced unemployment insurance of $300 per week, trimmed from $400, through Sept. 6. The bill passed by the House pushed the program through Aug. 29.

The deal also provides tax relief to those who receive unemployment insurance from the program by making the first $10,200 received non-taxable for households with incomes under $150,000.

What they're saying: "The President supports the compromise agreement, and is grateful to all the Senators who worked so hard to reach this outcome," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement Friday night.

"Most importantly, this agreement allows us to move forward on the urgently needed American Rescue Plan, with $1400 relief checks, funding we need to finish the vaccine rollout, open our schools, help those suffering from the pandemic, and more."

What to watch: A final Senate vote on the bill is expected later Saturday.

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(Natural News) Clean water is a scarce resource in dry, off-grid environments. In these areas, conventional water sources such as snowfall, rainfall, river runoff and groundwater are rare if not completely absent. But innovative water sourcing methods could help address that scarcity.

In an article for the Conversation, environmental scientists Manzoor Qadir and Vladimir Smakhtin, both from United Nations University in Japan, detailed five water harvesting techniques that tap into unconventional water sources such as fog and saltwater. These techniques require advanced technologies but could help meet water demand in arid and remote regions.

Fog collection

Dry areas that regularly experience intense fog, such as mountainous and coastal regions, can harvest water droplets embedded in the vapor. According to Qadir and Smakhtin, fog can be collected using a vertical mesh that captures water droplets from passing fog. Those droplets then drip into a water collection, storage and distribution system.

Fog collection systems offer the benefit of being clean and low-maintenance. With technical support from local institutions, local communities can easily run these systems by themselves. Countries that use this technique include Chile, Israel, Oman and Eritrea.

Minimizing evaporation

Micro-catchment rainwater harvesting is meant to minimize evaporation, or the process of turning liquid into vapor. This method captures rainwater on the ground where it would otherwise evaporate.

There are two major types of micro-catchment rainwater harvesting systems. One is water harvesting through rooftop systems, in which runoff is collected and stored in tanks or other similar containers. The collected water can be used at home or for livestock.

The second is water harvesting for agriculture, which involves collecting runoff that pools in a small reservoir or in the root zone of a cultivated area. The catchment surface may be natural or covered with a material that prevents the soil from absorbing water.

Desalination

Desalination removes salt from seawater to make it drinkable. This allows for the collection of water beyond what is available from the water cycle and provides a steady water supply that is independent of the climate.

Many places now obtain their water partly from desalinated seawater. California, for example, has 11 desalination plants and 10 more proposed for construction. Arid regions around the world like the Middle East and North Africa also obtain their water supply from the sea.

At present, desalination provides around 10 percent of the municipal water supply of urban coastal centers worldwide. By 2030, this is expected to reach 25 percent.

Qadir and Smakhtin noted that more places will become reliant on desalinated water due to the techniques declining costs and, on the other hand, the rising costs of conventional water resources. Indeed, technological advances are expected to cause a significant decrease in production costs by 2030. (Related: Stand-alone desalinating drinking water system runs on solar energy, can be used in off-grid locations.)

Iceberg harvesting

Icebergs may float on seawater but they are actually made of freshwater. But despite their potential as a clean water source, harvesting icebergs is not exactly easy. It requires locating a suitable source, calculating the necessary towing power requirements, predicting melting rates in transit and estimating the economic feasibility of the entire process.

Scientists are currently working to efficiently harvest icebergs from the poles. Countries such as the United Arab Emirates and South Africa also expressed interest in towing icebergs to narrow gaps in their water demand and supply.

Cloud seeding

Cloud seeding has been used before to increase the amount of rainfall. This technique increases the likelihood of precipitation by dispersing small particles into the sky that promote raindrop or ice crystal formation.

According to Qadir and Smakhtin, only up to 10 percent of the total cloud water content gets released spontaneously to the ground as precipitation. Cloud seeding can bring that up by 20 percent depending on factors such as cloud type, cloud water content and base temperature.

With many places worldwide lacking conventional water sources, its important to explore new water harvesting options that tap into unconventional water resources like icebergs and fog to provide adequate water supplies to arid, off-grid communities.

Learn more about innovative water harvesting techniques at CleanWater.news.

Sources include:

TheConversation.com

E360.Yale.edu

USGS.gov

ThoughtCo.com
The weather in the Houston region may be warming up, but many residents still need help dealing with damage caused by the recent frigid storm.

City and Harris County leaders said tens of thousands of area residents and business owners suffered burst water pipes or other damage from the winter storm, with the resulting property damage likely costing tens of millions of dollars.

Lawyers from Baker Botts have come together on a pro bono basis to produce a Winter Storm Uri Consumer Resource Guide that is worth checking out.

Here are some other things you can do if you need disaster relief.

What are my options?

Homeowners and renters whose homes were affected by the storm can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company as soon as you can. FEMA wont duplicate benefits for losses that insurance covers. The available assistance can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loss, according to an agency spokesperson.

The Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund plans to distribute $1.65 million in emergency grants to community groups. The grants include $1.5 million being invested in the Disaster Home Repair Collaborative, a cadre of home repair groups. Volunteers with Crisis Cleanup can also help you with minor repairs if your home was damaged.

Harris County Appraisal District officials said owners of damaged residential property are also eligible for temporary property tax relief. Properties that sustained at least 15 percent damage in a governor-declared disaster area, such as the mid-February freeze, can receive the temporary exemption.

How do I get assistance?

FEMA officials say the fastest way to apply for help is online at this link. If you cant apply online, call 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Central time, any day of the week. People are encouraged to document damage and hold onto receipts of any expenses related to repairs.

To get information about the Houston-Harris County fund, those in need can text HoustonFreeze  or HoustonAyuda for Spanish messages  to 898211 for notifications about the program and other resources. City and county officials said people will be texted with eligibility and application guidelines. A text message Thursday said applications were not being accepted yet, but information would be distributed when available.

The Houston area has faced one challenge after another, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a statement. We cannot control the weather, but we can control our response to it.

You can register for Crisis Cleanup by calling 844-965-1386, according to city and county officials.

Is there a deadline to apply?

For the property tax relief, owners have 105 days after the declaration of a disaster. Gov. Greg Abbott declared Harris County a disaster area on Feb. 12, which would make the deadline to file for relief May 28. The application can be found at this link.

FEMA officials said deadline dates change but you should register for assistance right now if you sustained damages.

How do I avoid scammers?

Authorities have issued warnings about people posing as businesses or government agencies like FEMA to swindle those recovering from the storm. The Harris County Sheriffs Office said it had received reports of people trying to repair damaged homes being asked to purchase gift cards.

No legitimate business or government agency will require a gift card in order to make a transaction, the office said in a statement Friday.

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said you should check the license of whoever is helping you to ensure it is legitimate and never give out your Social Security number, whether it is online or via email or text or phone.

These are just strategies to try to take your information, he said in a video shared by the department. Be aware. When in doubt, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

alejandro.serrano@chron.com
Fairbanks, AK (99707)

Today

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. High 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 46F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
TRUMBULL  Matt Bracksieck flinched for a moment as he received his COVID-19 vaccination, then broke into a grin even his face mask couldnt contain.

This is a great day, the Trumbull High English teacher said at Fridays vaccination clinic for school staff. Theres been a lot of pressure to reopen the schools, and weve seen the impact that having schools closed has had on things like the economy. Its really exciting to see teachers finally treated like the essential workers theyve always been.

Bracksieck was one of about 800 people to receive a Johnson and Johnson vaccine Friday at the clinic held at Trumbull High. The clinic was staffed by the Health Department and school nurses, plus numerous volunteers from the town EMS and Community Emergency Response Team.

The school superintendent called a special remote learning day today so we were able to use the building, said Nursing Director Lynn Steinbrick. We have 16 school nurses in the Trumbull school system, and every one of them is here today because the students are home.

Steinbrick said school nurses had taken on many additional duties in the past year, like contact tracing and enforcing social guidelines. Delivering vaccines was the logical extension, she said.

We knew there was going to be a vaccine at some point, and we always wanted to to be part of distributing it, she said. Today were helping educators get back in the classroom and hopefully that builds a little herd immunity to protect the children too.

The clinic was set up in the senior lounge area of the school cafeteria, with 22 vaccination stations. A small group of workers at a separate table spent the day drawing doses from sealed bottles into syringes, five at a time. Each dose is .5mL or just over a tenth of a teaspoon.

Even as the group prepared to hand out 800 doses, nurse Victoria Benoit lamented that it couldnt be more.

You draw five doses out of each bottle, she said holding a vaccine bottle smaller than a AA battery. But each bottle actually contains 2.75mLs, which is 5.5 doses, so you dont come up short in case you accidentally draw a tiny bit too much into the syringe.

She calculated that combining the remnants of each bottle would have allowed to clinic to vaccinate an extra 80 people, but such actions are strictly against protocols.

Working in 22 two-person teams, each nurse and assistant was averaging about one vaccination every five minutes. Once they received their shot, the staffers moved back into the main cafeteria for the mandatory 15-minute post vaccination observation period.

As they waited to check out, a party-like atmosphere reigned in the waiting area, with relieved laughter and occasional high-fives among the newly vaccinated.

I cant wait until we get back to food parties in the teachers lounge, said Michelle Slais, a Spanish teacher at Trumbull High who had taken a short break from teaching remotely from her classroom while her students worked on individual projects.

Pam Berlekovic, an agri-science teacher, said she had to hurry back to her remote class to lead a discussion in bio-tech careers. For her Friday was also special because it would mark the first time she has seen her mother since New York closed nursing homes to outside visitors a year ago.

Weve been Zooming, but this is the first time Ive been able to see her, she said. But they told me everyone that visits has to take a COVID test, so I got vaccinated this morning and Im going to have to take a test this afternoon.

Health Director Lucienne Bango said the Trumbull High clinic wasnt the only vaccinating happening in Trumbull Friday.

Were starting to vaccinate the homebound, she said.

Combined personnel from four town departments  EMS, nursing, social services and the Health Dept.  had scheduled 20 at-home vaccinations for Friday afternoon, Bango said.

Steinbrick said the cooperation was inspiring.

Its amazing to me to see all these people come together and get this done, she said.

deng@trumbulltimes.com

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was heavily trolled by netizens on social media after he had a brain fade moment on Thursday night during a live telecast to the nation. This incident took place when the Pakistani Prime Minister during the live telecast was explaining the current political situation of the country after the recent Senate elections in which the Opposition managed to stage an upset.

READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Sri Lanka Visit Expense Out; Team Claims It's 1/8th Of Ex-PM's

Imran Khan has a brain fade moment

In the video, which has now gone viral on Twitter, Pakistan PM was lashing out at the Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for making a "mockery of democracy". During the telecast, he also called out the ECP for "protecting those who made money by holding the Senate elections through a secret ballot, cited the local media, Dawn.

At the beginning of his address, Imran Khan said, "It is important to talk about it and explain it, because the problems in our country can be understood through the kind of election that happened." However, later during the speech the Prime Minister forgot a sentence midway. He said, Yeh jo sarebade bade badekya hai jo bhi hai, he says. (Translation: All these big-shots, thesebig-shots..what are they whatever they are.)"

READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan Faces Vote Of Confidence LIVE Updates: FM Presents Resolution

Pakistan PM to face No-Trust vote today

Imran Khan will be facing a No-Trust vote in the National Assembly today (March 8, 2020). Pakistan PM opted for a voluntary vote of trust after his candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost to the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) nominee Yousuf Raza Gillani in Senate elections. The PDM is an 11-party alliance set up in September last year to topple the government of Khan which it alleged came after rigging of elections in 2018.

READ | Imran Khan's PTI Members Afraid Of 'puppet Govt', Claims Bilawal Bhutto On Election Day

In the history of Pakistan, it is not just Imran khan to face a confidence vote in the country's Parliament. All prime ministers of Pakistan from 1985 to 2008 face a vote of trust under the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. However, Imran Khan is the second Prime Minister who has sought a 'voluntary' vote of confidence. On March 24, 1985, under General Zia-ul-Haq's Revival of Constitution of 1973 Order (RCO), Muhammad Khan Junejo faced a vote of confidence in the National Assembly for the first time in the history of the country.

READ | Pakistan PM Imran Khan Targets Indian Cricketers & Bollywood Celebs; Confuses With Hashtag
In Somalia's Mogadishu, at least 20 deaths and 30 wounded were recorded due to a suicide car bomb exploding outside a restaurant near the port. According to witnesses and state-owned media, the explosion sent plumes of smoke into the sky and provoked gunfire.

Suicide Car Bomb

The blast transpired at the Luul Yamani restaurant near the port. According to official Mohamed Osma, the blast was powerful and resulted in remarkable destruction and caused civilian casualties, reported Africa News.

"Our team saw 20 bodies and took 30 injured people to hospitals," stated Abdulkadir Abdirrahman, Aamin Ambulance director. He cautioned of casualties that could be higher as the explosion destroyed nearby buildings. Police spokesman Sadik Aden Ali initially remarked that the majority of the injured were civilians, reported CGTN.

Witnesses remarked they heard a huge explosion near the popular restaurant. The militant group reportedly targeted it in August 2020. According to Omar Sheikh, a witness, a huge blast occurred, and they learned that numerous people were killed in the blast. He added heavily armed forces arrived at the scene and blocked the area.

Condemnation From Turkey

On Friday, Turkey denounced the fatal suicide car bomb attack that hit Somalia's capital. According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry, "We strongly condemn this heinous terrorist attack. We offer our condolences to the brotherly Somali people and the government, we wish Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives and a speedy recovery to the wounded," reported AA.

Ahmed Abdullahi, who lives in proximity to the site, said an accelerating car exploded at the restaurant. He was going to the restaurant but ran back when the explosion shook and spewed smoke all over the area.

Also Read: Nashville Bomber Mails Writings Promoting Conspiracy Theories Before Blast

Somalia faces recurrent attacks by al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab insurgents. The group has been waging a brutal rebellion against authority throughout the Horn of Africa country.

The suicide bomber targeted the Luul Yamani restaurant. The restaurant is located in proximity to Mogadishu's seaport.

Who Was Responsible for the Suicide Car Bomb?

Al-Shabaab has claimed to be accountable for the car bombing. The Somali National Army (SNA), supported by African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom), drove al-Shabaab out of Mogadishu in 2011. However, the terror group remains capable of conducting attacks, targeting hotels, restaurants, public places, and government installations.

According to another witness, a plume of black smoke can be seen billowing from the scene in the midst of heavy gunfire between the extremists and security forces. Hussein Ali said the explosion was so huge that one house in proximity to the scene collapsed. Efforts are being made to rescue individuals remaining to be underneath the rubble.

The statement from Turkey underscored it would continue to stand by the brotherly and friendly public of Somalia. They are in support of the combat against terrorism.

Al-Shabaab, via radio Andalus, stated they attacked security officials' meeting point. They conduct such bombings in Somalia and elsewhere as part of their campaign to topple the Horn of African country's central government. They aim to establish their own rule based on their rigid interpretation of Islamic sharia law.

Related Article: Downtown Nashville Explosion an 'Intentional Act,' According to Police

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NEW MILFORD  The town was set to open its first clinic for teacher vaccinations at the John Pettibone Community Center on Saturday, according to health director Lisa Morrissey.

Im really excited, Morrissey said. I think that it really is important for the community.

In its first three weeks, the clinic will be a closed clinic meaning that the town is not taking appointments through the federal Vaccine Administration Management System, (VAMS), but rather targeting specific groups in the community to get their vaccines. In the first two weeks Morrissey said she expects to complete public school staff and daycare provider vaccinations, and following that, the clinic will start to vaccinate any stragglers from group 1b  residents over 65 who have yet to be vaccinated.

Mayor Pete Bass said that getting teachers and students safely back in classrooms is a priority.

In their first seven days of clinics, New Milford has been able to schedule 62 percent of their Pre-K through 12th grade teachers and early childhood providers. The first 500 doses will be administered on Saturday, with another 600 more education workers already scheduled in the first half of next week, making a total of 1,100 appointments, Morrissey said.

When I say its been busy, its been busy, she said.

Since officially stepping into her new role as health director last month, Morrissey has been busy getting this clinic up and running. She had heard that residents were frustrated about having to schedule appointments outside of New Milford, and worked with the mayor, senior services, Nuvance Health, New Milford hospital, over 100 local volunteers, and other partners to make their hometown clinic a reality.

Across the state, other towns and cities have also ramped up efforts to get their teachers and school staff vaccinated now that theyve been made eligible.

Danbury Health Department planned to vaccinate 900 public school educators on Friday and Saturday at clinics at Rogers Park Middle School. The Friday clinic ran from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the Saturday clinic was planned for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Its been a great effort from many volunteers and our staff to get through so many of our teachers in this short window, city spokeswoman Taylor OBrien said in an email.

All Danbury Public School teachers who want a vaccine will receive their first dose by the end of next week, she said. The city also plans to hold smaller-scale clinics for educators at the citys private schools, she said.

After these priority groups are vaccinated, Bass said New Milford aims to open their clinic for appointments through VAMS. The location will serve as a regional hub at that point, with vaccine appointments made available to residents in nearby towns, as well.

Those are all like win-win-wins in my book, said Bass.

The clinic will be administering all three vaccines  Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson  and pending receipt of adequate supply from the state, they could eventually have the capacity to hit between 1,200 and 1,500 vaccinations per day at the clinic, Bass said.

And thats if  thats the big if  we get the vaccine, he said.

Educators in Newtown will be vaccinated on Saturday at Newtown High School. The Connecticut Institute for Communities' Greater Danbury Community Health Center is hosting the clinic, in coordination with the local school district and health department. Eligible Newtown teachers and education staff have been enrolled through the district, and all available slots are filled. A second-dose clinic will follow in about four weeks.

With additional reporting by Julia Perkins.
And... theyre off!

No, not the horses. Im referring to Gordon Elliotts growing army of critics, who are competing with each other to see who can be most outraged by the now infamous photo of the trainer sitting astride a dead gelding like a big game hunter. It was a horrible image. My first response was one of contempt and a degree of revulsion  as in every picture, its the little details that get you and I can still see the horses dead face in my minds eye. In many ways its hard to decide which was worse  posing for the picture in the first place, or not immediately insisting it was deleted. After all, an image that juicy, involving such a high profile trainer, was always going to leak into the public eye. Always.

His cause wasnt exactly helped when, a few days ago, a different picture of jockey Rob James pretending to ride a dead horse was leaked. Is this what they do in horse racing circles? Do they routinely make fun of their dead animals? I doubt it. But then again, dont be surprised if more images of a similar nature begin to seep into the public domain.

On one level, the furious response to Elliotts picture, which may yet see the end of his career, was a heartening one. You can tell a lot about a society by the way it treats its animals and, on that score, we obviously love our animals.

But do we really? Or was the bile directed in Elliotts way just another example of the performative outrage which has now apparently become our national hobby?

Just look at the greyhound industry, for example. Even after the frequently sickening practices of this pursuit were exposed by RTE in the harrowing 2019 documentary, Running For Their Lives they continue to receive vast sums in government grants.

At least 6,000 dogs are killed each year when they fail to reach the required running times. many more are exported to places like China, where a fate worse than death awaits them.

Similarly, despite being banned in most civilised countries, we continue to permit hare coursing, which is an utterly shameful, indefensible pursuit of a small animal who will ultimately be ripped to shreds by dogs. Then we have the infuriating lack of legislation surrounding those disgusting puppy farms.

Barely a day seems to go by without yet another story of cruelty, neglect and forced breeding hitting the papers, but those places wouldnt exist if so many of us werent prepared to splurge five hundred quid on a cute, Insta-friendly puppy that will more than likely be riddled with diseases and congenital conditions.

Of course, none of that means much to the horse racing industry. But even the trainers and professionals who love their horses  and the response from Elliotts peers has been one of utter condemnation  will also be aware that the stupid stunt has now placed them under an extremely uncomfortable spotlight. For instance, there has been growing concern over animal welfare at big events such as the Grand National. Between 2000 and 2013, 40 horses died  39 horses were put down during the same period at Cheltenham. Im not a betting man, so Ive never been interested in horse racing. Frankly, how many people would still be interested in the sport if there was no gambling involved? Remove the betting and youre just looking at a bunch of people whipping an animal.

Horse racing is in a stronger position than the greyhound industry, which is under greater pressure than it has ever experienced before. Indeed, heres a very real chance that, within our lifetime, it will be banned outright. Horse racing is much bigger and has an even more powerful lobby wing but public opinion, aided and abetted by Elliotts unfortunate photograph, is beginning to shift against it.

As I said, like everyone else, I found the picture to be repugnant and inexcusable. But on the other hand, were moving too far down a one-strike-and-youre-out mentality. Its a rotten, mean-spirited attitude that seems to take delight in ruining someones life and cancel culture is becoming voracious  sooner or later, were all going to be the victims of a witch hunt.

Elliotts reputation lies in ruins.

He has lost numerous contracts and been told he cant bring his horses to any meets in the UK.

The three-time winner at the Grand National is obviously paying a heavy price for his decision.

His life as he knew it is, effectively, over. From now on, wherever he goes he wont be celebrated for all the winners he has trained; he will be vilified and ostracised for that picture.

Surely that is punishment enough or does the mob want real blood?

The gruesome twosome just want their privacy  as they tell all to Oprah

Well, this could get tasty...

Everyone likes looking at a good family row  as long as its not our own family, that is.

But theres a reason why familial strife is the bread and butter of so many soap operas.

Well, the royal family are currently enduring the kind of row that would make the writers of EastEnders or Coronation Street blush with envy.

At the time of writing, ITV was due to air the long-awaited bombshell interview with Harry and Meghan on Monday evening. I look forward to missing it, but the clips will be ubiquitous. Frankly, the thoughts of wasting two hours of my life watching them simper with trembling lips to Oprah Winfrey fills me with dread.

Early leaks seem to suggest that Meghan looks on the queen as if she is the Don of a mafia family, not the queen of England.

This insufferable pair of hypocrites have spent the last few years moaning about being bullied by The Firm.

But wadda ya know?

On Wednesday, it emerged that she was the subject of multiple bullying allegations by royal staff when she was still in the UK.

According to one report, she forced two young women PAs to leave their jobs. She reduced another, older aide to tears on a regular basis.

In fact, when a senior palace staffer asked her to be a bit more polite to the help, she snapped back that its not my job to coddle people.

That, many of her former friends and colleagues have claimed, is far closer to the real Meghan than the platitude-spouting earth mother she likes to portray.

This utterly unlovable double act like to parp on about unleashing a groundswell of compassion.

Unless you work for them, apparently.
Press Release

5 March 2021

WASHINGTON - The spring break season is traditionally the first major travel period of the yearbut only about one in eight Americans plans a spring break trip this year, according to polling data by Destination Analysts.

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And despite the nationwide progress on vaccines, spring break travel intentions actually appear to be dropping: the 12% who plan to travel for spring break is down from 16% the week priorthe first time that question was polled.

The data suggests that Americans remain wary about traveling amid the COVID pandemicand that they may prefer to defer their travel plans until the process of vaccinating the populace is more complete.

It is the latest worrying sign for the hard-hit travel industry, which experienced a collapse in travel demand and steep setbacks in 2020 as the pandemic took hold. Of all jobs lost nationwide, 39% are in Leisure & Hospitality.

Among those who do plan to travel for spring break this year, the reasons cited as most important were:

Relax and escape stress (73%)

Spending time with family (71%)

Escape boredom (71%)

Visit new places or destinations (68%)

Get away from daily life (67%)

Headed into the spring break travel season, the U.S. Travel Association on Thursday released new updates to its "Travel in the New Normal" health and safety guidance, first released in May and last updated in November prior to the holiday travel surge.

The latest updates to the guidance mainly reflect the growing availability of COVID vaccines, and include strong encouragement from the travel industry for every American to get vaccinated as soon as they are able.

But the latest data underscores that it is far from clear when demand for travel will rebound on its own and travel jobs can begin to be restored. Travel leaders say aggressive policy action is still needed to help travel employers keep their doors open, or else many will be at risk of shuttering and their jobs will be lost permanently.

"Travel is a central pillar of the U.S. economy, so an overall recovery will only be possible if Washington moves quickly to keep the industry on its feet," said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Roger Dow. "A true travel comeback can also only happen once the pandemic is decisively behind us, and we all have an important part to play: get vaccinated as soon as you can, and don't become complacent about mask-wearing and other important health practices."

Continued relief to travel through the Paycheck Protection Program and tax incentives to help travel-dependent businesses and spur individual travel demand are among the provisions the industry is requesting from Congress. Click here for a full treatment of travel policy proposals.
I think most people realize that a library has lots of stuff that someone can consider controversial for different reasons, he said. You may not agree with an authors point of view; you may not like something in a movie. But we just try to make everything widely available, and then people select what they want it to be able to read.
Kanye West can't keep his shoes from flying off the shelves.

The latest addition to his Adidas footwear line sold out in under one minute after being released on Saturday morning.

The Yeezy 450 went on sale in Cloud White after first garnering attention in 2020 when the 43-year-old rapper was spotted wearing their alien-like silhouette in Paris.

Yeezy 450: The latest addition to Kanye West's Adidas footwear line sold out in under one minute after being released on Saturday morning

First sighting: The Yeezy 450 went on sale in Cloud White after first garnering attention in 2020 when the 43-year-old rapper was spotted wearing the alien-like silhouette in Paris

Kanye sported the bizarre shoes while strolling around the French city during Paris Fashion Week in March of last year.

He was in town to debut his Yeezy Fall 2020 Ready-to-Wear collection and the shoe's abstract proportions immediately sparked numerous memes online.

The model finally reached a wider audience a year later - for those lucky enough to snatch a pair.

High demand: Despite the numerous jokes about the new shoe, it flew off the shelves before most fans could even log into the Adidas app or YeezySupply.com to get a pair of their own

Despite the jokes, the demand was clearly high for the item as all pairs disappeared before most fans could even log into the Adidas app or YeezySupply.com to get their own.

Retailing for 200 bucks a pair, the Yeezy 450's adopt a grey-beige, wholly knit construction for a sock-like fit.

But all conversation surrounding the shoe focused on the ribcage-like shape of its exoskeleton.

Unfortunately for those unable to purchase a pair, they're now being resold for as much as 800 dollars.

Missed opportunity: Retailing for 200 bucks a pair, sneakerheads who were unable to purchase a pair of their own may have to shell out as much as 800 dollars on resale sites

Shoe designer: Kanye launched his first Yeezy shoe back in 2009 and quickly secured a hold on the sneaker game, with popular releases like the Air Yeezy 2 SP 'Red October' in 2014

'YEEZY 450 release was some BS. 15 minutes of youre in the waiting room, dont refresh with the page refreshing itself until sold out,' Tweeted one annoyed fan.

'Release @ 7am, sold out by 7:01. People was hating on this shoe all year, but never keep the same energy on release day #yeezy450,' said another.

Kanye first teased these sneakers on social media during summer 2018 with sketches of its much-discussed design.

This long-awaited drop is among the nine styles Adidas will release from its Yeezy line throughout the month.
A convicted burglar who looted a shop during Storm Emma in 2018 will go to prison if he does not stay "on the straight and narrow", the Court of Appeal has warned.

David Berney (39), of Suncroft Park, Tallaght, Dublin pleaded guilty in 2018 to burglary at a Centra store in Jobstown, Tallaght on March 2, 2018, during the heavy snow. He was given an 18-month suspended sentence which the Court of Appeal ruled in March last year was unduly lenient.

The court gave Berney time to show that he could rehabilitate and on Thursday Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy said she was "gratified that he has progressed very well." She said the appropriate sentence is three years but in light of his successful efforts to rehabilitate the court would suspend the entire term for three years.

The suspension is subject to conditions, including that if he loses his job he must engage with probation services to find a new one. Ms Justice Kennedy backdated the sentence to November 2019.

President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham said Berney has the suspended sentence "hanging over his head." He added: "Having got himself on the straight and narrow he must stay there and if he lets matters slip he will be in a very serious situation."

At Berney's sentence hearing his barrister Eoin Lawlor BL said Berney was, like many people, reminded of his childhood by the heavy snowfall.

But unlike others he was high on cocaine at the time, counsel told Judge Cormac Quinn.

He was also on bail awaiting prosecution for a burglary of a private home at Rocklodge, Stepaside on December 3, 2014. He pleaded guilty to both offences and Judge Quinn imposed a two-year sentence for the 2014 burglary. He imposed a further 18 months for the looting incident but suspended this term on condition that he keep the peace and engage with addiction and social reintegration services. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed the sentence on the grounds it was unduly lenient.

Additional Evidence

Detective Garda David Jennings told Eoghan Cole BL, prosecuting, that in March 2018 gardai in Tallaght became aware of looting at the Centra store. At the time most shops had closed due to the severe weather warning.

He said because of the severe weather, officers travelled to the shop in an official jeep. They were forced to abandon the 4x4 before reaching the shop because the road was impassable with the snow and other abandoned vehicles.

He said there were around 20 people at the scene. A con saw had been used to cut a hole in the security shutters and people were running in and out of the shop.

People began shouting garda garda to alert others who were still inside the shop, but the shop's alarm was ringing so the shouts could not be heard from inside, Det Jennings said.

He said Berney had entered the shop about 90 seconds before gardai arrived. While others were looting the shop, Berney and two other men had gone to the store room at the back of the shop.

Another man had a sledgehammer and used this to smash the store room door open, and the three then entered the cash room inside.
Advance Local, publisher of nine digital news sites and 24 affiliated local newspapers, has applied for federal Paycheck Protection Program loans under a Covid-19 relief package passed by Congress in December.

The loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are aimed at helping companies keep workers on their payroll during the coronavirus pandemic.

Advance Local said its loan application, along with that of one of its affiliated newspapers, The Star-Ledger in New Jersey, are pending with the SBA.

Loans to three other affiliated newspapers have been approved: The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, The Republican in Springfield, Mass., and the Jersey Journal.

Advance Media New York, which publishes The Post-Standard and operates syracuse.com, is a legal affiliate of Advance Local. The company did not disclose the amount of the Advance Local loan application.

Paycheck Protection Program loans provide small businesses with low-interest, forgivable loans of up to $10 million to pay for eight to 24 weeks of payroll, rent and other business expenses.

Advance Local said it plans to use the loans to cover some of its 2021 payroll expenses, utilities and other eligible costs, allowing its news sites to continue to provide vital local news and information during the pandemic.

The Small Business Administration made the loans available to most businesses with fewer than 500 employees to help them keep operating without layoffs during the pandemic.

Many local news publishers and broadcast outlets were excluded from applying for PPP loans last year because the companies are affiliated with larger ownership groups that have more than 500 employees spread across the nation.

Congress changed the eligibility requirement when it passed a $900 billion Covid relief bill on Dec. 21, its latest round of aid.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., pushed for the change, allowing individual local news outlets to apply for loans if they serve a single community or metropolitan area and have fewer than 500 employees at one location.

Newspapers are eligible if they have fewer than 1,000 employees per location.

Schumer said the emergency loans would help keep local news outlets operating as they recover from losing up to 80% of their advertising revenue during the peak of the pandemic.

A group of 124 House Democrats and Republicans supported making local news publishers and broadcasters eligible for the loans.

The group sent a letter to House leaders in April, noting that the pandemic underscores the need for reliable local information and reporting.

Under ordinary circumstances, this work is essential to public health and safety, local businesses, and our democracy, the letter said. But it is more important than ever as our country responds to and recovers from the Covid-19 crisis.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Details for land purchase agreement should be ready by next week
Transgender ideology is a threat to children, and also to their right to childhood. Childhood should be a time of innocence and learning to grow into an emotionally well-adjusted, intellectually competent, morally capable adult. Transgender activists seek to sexualize and politicize children long before puberty, telling them they have a right to transition even though their bodies and minds are not fully-formed, and against their parents objections.

Transgender ideology treats children as if they have the same rights as adults and ignores the fact that they are vulnerable to all kinds of suggestion and manipulation. This undermines the principle that we should value a childs protection above all other considerations, protecting children from the negative effects of their own ignorance, impulsiveness, and enthusiasms, and from those adults who may seek to pursue their own interests at the expense of a childs well-being and welfare. It amounts to a war on childhood and on responsible parenting.

But trans activists have already labeled attempts by some state legislatures to head off the undermining of protection for children as a war on trans people.

These state legislatures are actually seeking to protect children. Children are being targeted for life-changing and irreversible medical procedures to prevent their natural development, the long-term implications of which they are not mature enough to understand.

Some medical professionals have expressed concerns, but they are not being listened to because the ideology of transgenderism is now firmly embedded in the medical profession.

The slightest indication of confusion about sex and the expression of sexual identity can be seized upon as an indication of transgenderism and cultivated as such by activists. This is a form of grooming. Most children are not in a position to resist this unless they have very wise, committed, and resourceful parents to protect them.

Transgender ideology presumes that children can have a clear and firm conviction as to their gender identity and can decide on those grounds that they are in the wrong body and they are really of the opposite sex. But the logic is faulty.

Gender is supposedly not biologically determined. Medically qualified trans activists advocate puberty-blocking hormone treatments and gender-reassignment surgery to address an incompatibility between a subjective, non-biologically determined gender identity and the childs biological sex. But if gender identity has nothing to do with sex or biology this can only make things worse not better. We know that adults identifying as trans already have a significantly higher incidence of mental illness. And this risk continues after transition.

Which is a clear indicator that transition did nothing to address the underlying psychological problems. Perhaps this is why trans activists are so angry and resentful.

But the same approach is being advocated for vulnerable, impressionable, confused and anxious children who get caught up in the spiders web of transgender ideology.

How can any doctor know for sure that a childs adoption of a transgender identity is not a passing fad? Certainty is impossible. While a child is growing towards adulthood, different genes will express themselves and all manner of psycho-social influences will impact. No one -- not even the parents, let alone the child -- can possibly know in advance exactly what this process will involve or what the eventual outcome will be. Parents can only hope for the best whilst doing everything they can to bring this about.

The child, meanwhile, is experimenting at being the kind of person he or she imagines best expresses his/her aspirations. But those aspirations may change drastically over the course of growing up. What children need is guidance, support, and protection. This should come primarily from their parents but also those in loco parentis. Children are prey to all sorts of misguided ideas and need protection from themselves as well as from those adults who might do them harm, and this protection should remain in place until children have reached maturity and can take responsibility for themselves.

Doctors who offer transgender interventions to children argue that the developing body and mind of a child can offer unequivocal evidence of the desirability of transitioning before maturity is reached. But transgenderism is not viewed as a pathology by transgender activists; not even the medically qualified ones. This view is becoming increasingly prevalent.

But if transgenderism is not a pathology, what is it? A lifestyle choice? So why all the rush to intervene in the lives of children who are confused about their sexuality? If these children are not ill or disordered, what is the medical justification for altering their minds and bodies (with hormones and surgery) even before they are fully formed? Even if the child desires this outcome, is it wise to gratify this desire before mental and physical maturity is attained?

And yet medically qualified transgender activists seek to do just this.

This is an example of what I term pathological irrationality -- the kind of reasoning that undermines the very idea of reason itself. The logic of transgender ideology is riddled with contradictions.

In what sense is it defensible to hold that children are competent to make life-changing decisions that are irreversible, the consequences of which will be with them for the rest of their lives, and which in any case might not be necessary at all and simply reflect a lifestyle choice, which in itself might be a passing fad? The doctors treating such children are literally playing God because they are taking upon themselves the role of omniscient benefactor when in fact they are not omniscient. They cannot possibly know for sure that what they are doing is for the long-term benefit of their patient. But at present they can act with impunity whilst the child carries all the risk and suffers the adverse consequences for life.

Concerns about the well-being and welfare of children motivate the child protection laws, policies, and practices. Why should such protections be sidelined in the case of medical interventions in the lives of children in the name of transgenderism?

If the child later has a change of heart, will that child be justified in judging that they have been mutilated by adults who took advantage of their vulnerability? Even if what happened was with the child's consent, this consent will have been influenced by the medical transgender activists who have a vested interest in changing children from one sex to the other to suit their political agenda. But if they turn out to have changed a child into the opposite sex who then decides that this was the wrong thing to do after all, then in reality what happened was the taking advantage of a vulnerable, suggestible child to gratify the adults involved.

This is a child protection issue, one that is created by transgender activists who refuse to acknowledge that children have a right to a childhood unmolested by adults with a political agenda. What is really needed is much stronger protection, so that children are allowed to be children without being manipulated into making decisions that may irreversibly ruin their lives.

Image: Pixabay
Mar. 6A man wanted in connection to a murder in Indiana County last fall has been arrested in Altoona.

Terrion Gates was taken into custody by U.S. Marshals and officers with the Altoona Police Department, according to a post on the department's Facebook page. Gates was wanted on homicide, robbery and theft charges following the October death of Jayden Wright, a student at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Wright, 20, of Pittsburgh, was found shot in a parking lot on Oakland Avenue in Indiana around 4 a.m. Oct. 17, police said at the time.

Initial investigations led police to believe four people conspired to rob Wright of a large quantity of marijuana, which led to the shooting.

According to police, the four people fled following the incident at the Carriage House East apartment complex.

Three of them were arrested earlier:

Isabella Marie Edmonds was 17 when she arraigned on Oct. 17 on multiple charges of homicide, robbery and two counts of criminal conspiracy. Edmonds, who turned 18 on Oct. 24, was charged as an adult. She was found walking along Oakland Avenue following the incident.

Delmar L. Chatman, 21, of Johnstown, turned himself in Oct. 18 in connection to the incident.

Isaiah A. Moore, 20, of Philadelphia was also charged in relation to the shooting.

According to police, Gates was taken into custody in the 1800 block of Second Avenue in Altoona without incident. He signed a waiver of extradition and was transported to Indiana County for arraignment.

Officers with the Altoona Police Department did not immediately return a request for comment.

Megan Tomasic is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Megan at 724-850-1203, mtomasic@triblive.com or via Twitter .
Egypt: The African Development Bank signs agreements worth 109 million to transform sewage coverage in rural areas
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Market Highlights

According to MRFR analysis, the Global Neurodiagnostics Market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.88% from 2019 to 2025 and held a value of USD 4,848.48 Million in 2018.

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Neurodiagnostic tests which are also known as neurodiagnostics. records and monitors electrical activities of patients peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain. These tests help physicians to confirm or rule out a neurological disorder or other medical condition. The growth of the global neurodiagnostics market is boosted by factors such as rising number of strategic initiatives by key players such as mergers, joint ventures, acquisitions, partnerships, coupled with the advancements in technology across the globe. Furthermore, many non-profit organizations in various countries are working towards creating awareness regarding neurological diseases. For instance, the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), founded in July 2016, is a membership organization focused on raising awareness about the age and neurological conditions and diseases associated with age.

However, the high cost of neurodiagnostic treatment is likely to restrain the market growth to a certain extent in the coming years.

Market players such as GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers, Philips Healthcare, and Hitachi, Ltd., currently dominate the global neurodiagnostics market. The key players are involved in product launches and agreements to strengthen their market positions. For instance, in December 2019, GE Healthcare (US), signed USD 100 million technology partnership agreement with AFFIDEA (Ireland). GE Healthcare will install 200+ new equipment in Affideas network of centers across Europe. The deal includes the provision of 60 new MRIs, 50 ultrasound devices, 40 CT scanners and 30 X-rays machines in the next 3 years. It also includes a six-year service contract.

Regional Analysis

The market has been divided, by region, into the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. The Americas held maximum share in the base year 2018, owing to the high incidence rates of neurological disorders in countries such as US. According to the American Neurological Association, as of 2016, mealy 100 million Americans were affected by at least one of the neurological diseases. The neurodiagnostics market in the Americas has further been branched into North America and Latin America, with the North American market divided into the US and Canada. The European neurodiagnostics market has been categorized as Western Europe and Eastern Europe. The Western European market has further been classified as Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and the rest of Western Europe. The neurodiagnostics market in Asia-Pacific has been segmented into Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, and the rest of Asia-Pacific. The neurodiagnostics market in this region is anticipated to be the fastest-growing during the assessment period due to the increasing awareness about the diagnostic treatments and favorable reimbursement policies. The neurodiagnostics market in the Middle East & Africa has been divided into the Middle East and Africa.

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Segmentation

The Global Neurodiagnostics Market has been segmented based on Product, Condition, and End User.

The market, based on product type, has been divided into diagnostic imaging systems, clinical diagnostic instruments, and reagents & consumables. The diagnostic imaging systems segment held a major share in 2018 owing to the rising number of diagnostic laboratories an imaging centers in the developing as well as developed countries. The reagents & consumables was the fastest-growing segment in 2018 due to high consumption in various routine techniques. The market, based on diagnostic imaging systems, has been further segment is segmented as, MRI systems, EEG systems, CT scanners, PET scanners, EMG devices, ultrasound imaging systems, MEG devices, angiography systems, and others. The market, based on clinical diagnostic instruments has been further bifurcated into PCR instruments, NGS instruments, sanger sequencers, and others. The market, based on reagents & consumables has been further segmented into media & sera, antibodies, buffers, solvents, enzymes, proteins, & peptides, probes, and other
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With no way to make money due to border closure, the North Korean traders turned to mahjong.

In a file photo, Mahjong tiles are shuffled in the outskirts of Beijing, China.

Police in a Chinese city on the border with North Korea have arrested 10 North Korean trade workers for gambling in illegal mahjong dens, sources in China told RFA.

The 10 were said to have turned to the popular ivory-tile game in desperationwith the coronavirus pandemic sapping all opportunities for them to make money, they needed a way to support themselves.

At the start of the pandemic, Beijing and Pyongyang closed the 880-mile Sino-Korean border and suspended all trade. The closure has made life difficult for North Koreans involved in the buying and selling of Chinese goods on both sides of the border.

A Chinese citizen of Korean descent from Dandong, just across the border from North Koreas Sinuiju, told RFAs Korean Service Thursday that the trade workers were arrested March 1.

The Dandong Police received a tip-off and raided some mahjong dens, arresting everyone gambling there, said the source, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

About 20 people were arrested at the two mahjong dens that day, 10 were North Korean trade workers and the others were Chinese. They were found to have gambled by betting 100 yuan [about U.S. $15] each game, and they will be punished by Chinese authorities, the source said.

The source said the trade workers had frequented several other mahjong dens, but only recently started gambling in the newly established dens that were raided.

A Chinese woman in her 50s launched a new illegal gambling house and customers were flocking in. This is when the person who ran an illegal gambling site popular with North Koreans reported it to the police, said the source.

The Dandong Public Security Bureau fined each person 5,000 yuan [about $770]. They fined the owners of the private gambling houses 10,000 yuan. Even after they pay the fine, they will only be released if they complete the gambling education program while they are imprisoned for 15 days, the source said.

The source said many in Dandong are surprised by the news that North Koreans were gambling.

They are well aware that North Korean trade workers cant make money because of the border closure As the North Korean trade workers are suffering from so many hardships, people are surprised that they can gamble thousands of yuan each day, said the source.

Another Chinese citizen of Korean descent in Dandong confirmed the arrests to RFA Thursday.

Most of the North Koreans arrested at the gambling houses were known to be workers from the Pyongyang trading company. As the borders were closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus, it seems like they began gambling because they were out of work and needed money, the second source said.

Its been a shock to people here in Dandong that the North Korean trade officials were playing mahjong for 100 to 200 yuan per game all day long. Even Chinese people who love gambling are hesitant to use three to five thousand yuan in a single day, said the second source.

The second source added that many traders appear to owe a lot of money from losses.

People are curious as to what punishment the authorities in Pyongyang will impose on the arrested trade workers. If the gambling was with the intention to earn foreign currency due to the lack of work, this will end with light punishment.

But if it is because the trade workers simply became habitual gamblers, it will be difficult for them to avoid heavy punishment when they are summoned to North Korea, the source said.

Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 6)  The government has kicked off a multibillion-peso Barangay Development Program aimed at implementing various support projects in barangays deemed cleared of communist rebels.

President Rodrigo Duterte, chairman of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Insurgency, led the symbolic distribution of over 2.38 billion worth of projects or 20 million each to 119 barangay captains in Northern Mindanao during an event in Cagayan de Oro City on Friday. This is part of the 16.4 billion allocated for 822 barangays.

Duterte had wanted to start the program in the earlier in 2020 but it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said.

But today, we have the funds for the barangay development program for 822 barangays which were under NPA (New Peoples Army) influence but cleared in 2016 to 2019, Esperon said. One hundred nineteen of them are in Region 10; all the barangay captains are here to symbolically receive the projects.

The New Peoples Army is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has waged a five-decade insurgency and is now designated as a terrorist organization by the executive Anti-Terrorism Council. Esperon said the promised development projects to cleared barangays should be implemented as soon as possible to prevent the return of NPA influence.

According to a circular from the Department of Budget and Management, the Davao region will get the lions share, or 4.3 billion, of the development projects, followed by Caraga with 3.82 billion, and then Northern Mindanao.

So we are ready to roll out the projects on March 15 or upon your orders, Esperon, who is vide-chair of NTF-ELCAC, told the President.

The projects will include farm-to-market roads, electrification, classrooms, water systems and communal irrigations, Esperon said.

In his speech, Duterte again pledged housing and livelihood for armed rebels who would surrender. He said he was even willing to go to the mountains to talk to the communists, but the demands of the communist leadership could lead to a coalition government and even the countrys economy was involved.

Thats non-negotiable to me. So maybe the insurgency cannot end during my term, Duterte said.

The President walked away from peace negotiations with communist rebels in 2017 and has recently said there would be no more talks or ceasefire under his term. Localized peace talks are encouraged, but the CPP rejects this, accusing the government of fabricating reports on mass surrenders.

The Daily Beast

Kevin Lamarque/ReutersThe Secret Service is spending nearly $35,000 to rent portable toilets for the next four months in Bedminster, New Jerseywhere former President Donald Trump is reportedly summeringaccording to federal procurement data reviewed by The Daily Beast.BATHROOM TRAILERS BEDMINSTER, the expenditure states. A NOTICE TO PROCEED WAS GIVEN ON MAY 24, 2021. The contract will run through Sept. 30, which works out to rental costs of about $8,500 per month. Imperial Restrooms of Saug
The Daily Beast

Kevin Lamarque/ReutersThe Secret Service is spending nearly $35,000 to rent portable toilets for the next four months in Bedminster, New Jerseywhere former President Donald Trump is reportedly summeringaccording to federal procurement data reviewed by The Daily Beast.BATHROOM TRAILERS BEDMINSTER, the expenditure states. A NOTICE TO PROCEED WAS GIVEN ON MAY 24, 2021. The contract will run through Sept. 30, which works out to rental costs of about $8,500 per month. Imperial Restrooms of Saug
Question

I have a HTC Desire 310 smartphone which is about seven years old and has served me well. Recently it has got slow and the screen freezes sometimes. I want to buy a new sim-free Android phone and am looking for one that is under five inches long.

All the retailers that I have checked have a range of phones that are 5.7in and upwards in size. I use the phone for checking news, emails and WhatsApp mainly. Would you know if it is possible to purchase a phone of this size anywhere or am I chasing a lost cause?

 Eamonn Heslin

Answer

Youre not wrong about screen sizes. There are very few smartphones out there with a display under five inches in size. This is purely down to demand  people can see and read things far more easily on larger screens, while battery life has now caught up to make them last at least a full day.

You obviously have your reasons for wanting (what is now) a miniature smartphone. Unfortunately, for your Android preference, the only really decent phone under five inches is Apples iPhone SE (4.7in display).

You could go for Alcatels 1 Android model, which has a five-inch display. An Post Mobile also sells a five-inch Android handset called the Emporio S4. But I cant, in all honesty, recommend either of those phones. Theyre just too basic for what I suspect youre looking for  a long-term replacement handset.

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So assuming you wont consider the (excellent) iPhone SE and are trying to keep your new Android as close to five inches as possible, Id steer you towards Googles Pixel 4a (390 directly from store.google.com).

It has just about the smallest screen you can get on a decent Android smartphone  5.8in. Let me say a word about this, though. If you actually place this Pixel 4a back to back with your old HTC Desire 310 model, you wont see much of an actual size difference. In fact, theyre exactly the same width, while the Google phone is only 12mm taller than the HTC, despite having a much bigger screen. The reason for this is that the technology has advanced to the point where new smartphones have almost no bezels (the bits between the edge of the screen and the actual side of the phone) anymore. So the same size phone in your hand now has a much larger screen simply because more of the front side is the actual display.

Question

Can you give me advice on getting a TV? I need one with a width of less than 110cm but I have no idea of key specifications or brands to look for.

 Paul P

Answer

When you say width, Im presuming you mean from one side to the other, rather than how the TV manufacturers measure it (from one corner of the screen to the opposite one).

In this case, youll be looking for a set with a screen of between 40 and 43in in diameter. A 43in telly will generally measure between 95cm and 100cm from side to side. If 110cm is the actual size of your space (say in a bookshelf unit), you really will need a few extra centimetres each side to get in behind it for cables and the like.

As for brands and models, you wont go wrong with a basic Samsung 43in TV, like its TU7100 model (399 from Harvey Norman or DID Electrical).

Recommendation: Samsung 43UETU7100 (399 from Harvey Norman or DID Electrical)

Question

I bought an Apple Mac Mini around 2005. It was mostly used for email and for uploading photos. It started to cause problems and then it wouldnt start up. All my techie friends tried to get it going but to no avail. I held on to it in the hopes that someone would be able to retrieve the photos. Do you think that this is possible or should I just let it go?

 Carmel Tuffy

Answer

While its possible that your hard drive has corrupted or failed, the more likely explanation is that it is a different kind of problem that stops the machine from switching on. In this case, you should be able to get whatever photos and other files are on the devices hard drive. But unless you really know what youre doing and you have the right equipment, youre almost certainly better off getting it done by a professional. This will likely cost you between 80 and 150, depending on where you go and whether you need them to give you an external hard drive to switch your photos on to.

If youre in Dublin, the Laptop Lab offers a pretty decent service for this  I had something similar done to an ancient Apple Time Capsule, which was a storage drive and internet router built into one. They managed to get the stuff off the drive, although they had to hack it (with my permission) to do so.

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Tech two reviews

Logitech MX Anywhere 3 for Mac

93 from Logitech.com

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One of the things about working from home is that you often have to move from surface to surface. Logitechs rechargeable MX Anywhere 3 is one of the best all-round mice you can buy for working on all sorts of different surfaces, from shiny tables to couch fabric. You dont really need a mouse mat and it works with iPads.

Coros Pace 2

200 from runningwarehouse.eu

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Ive covered a lot of casual sports smartwatches for beginners and dabblers in recent months. This is different: an affordable sports watch for those who are either serious runners or who really, really want the maximum amount of health metrics on a budget of around 200.


Despite the quixotic scale of his work, Mr. Polans vision of New York wasnt grandiose or especially nostalgic. He drew whoever caught his eye, and that didnt depend on whether his subjects said in or on line, or if they ate their pizza with a fork. They were just people who happened to be in this particular place. (Crucially, he didnt insist that people be New Yorkers. He allowed each person to be of this city, at least for a moment.) Most of his subjects were anonymous, but their anonymity wasnt some step on the way to being discovered or transformed by attention. When practiced responsibly, anonymity is one of the primary pleasures of city living.

Jason Polan died before the pandemic, when most of us still had yet to learn that those occasional breaks from urban anonymity, those small moments of connection  wordless, spoken, odd, quotidian  are a tremendous luxury.
Texas Governor Backs Bill Prohibiting Social Media Censorship of Conservative Speech

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday said he supports a new bill that aims to combat the censorship of conservative voices by social media companies.

Speaking at a press conference, Abbott warned about a dangerous movement across the United States to silence conservative ideas and religious beliefs. He blamed social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for contributing to that nationwide movement by choosing which viewpoints are going to be allowed to be presented.

Conservative speech will not be canceled in the state of Texas, the Republican governor said. We see that the First Amendment is under assault by the social media companies, and that is not going to be tolerated in Texas.

They are controlling the flow of information and sometimes denying the flow of information, Abbott continued. Texas is taking a stand against big tech political censorship. Were not going to allow it in the Lone Star State.

Abbott was joined by Republican state Sen. Bryan Hughes, who introduced Senate Bill 12 (pdf) on Monday, which would declare social media platforms public central public forums for public debate, and prohibit social media companies from blocking, banning, demonetizing, or otherwise discriminating against any user based on their viewpoint or geographic location within Texas.

This bill will give Texans a right to get back online when theyre mistreated in that way, Hughes said, adding that a handful of billionaires in the Silicon Valley shouldnt get to play as gatekeeper of free speech.

Free speech is that uniquely American right, isnt it? he added. The right to hash things out, to hear views that we may not like, because we want to get to the truth, we want to get to the right place. Were not afraid of debate.

The bill was referred to the State Affairs Committee on Wednesday. Once approved by the committee, it will need to clear both houses of the state legislature before heading to the governor to be signed into law.

Texass legislative effort to limit the power of Big Tech came weeks after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, announced his support for a bill that aims to give users more control over their data.

The proposed legislation, formally called the Florida Information Protection Act, would require tech companies to explain in detail to users exactly what information is being collected, and ultimately allow the users to decide what kind of information can be collected or sold to advertisers for a profit.

In Florida, were gonna make sure consumers are in the drivers seat to make that decision, not Silicon Valley or other global companies who are far more focused on their profits than on your privacy, DeSantis said at a Feb. 15 press conference.
Drug major Cipla on Saturday said it has voluntarily liquidated a wholly-owned step-down subsidiary.

This liquidation was a part of internal reorganisation and it will not affect performance or revenue of the company, Cipla said in a BSE filing.

"Cipla (UK) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cipla (EU) Ltd and a wholly -owned step down subsidiary of the company, has been voluntarily liquidated with effect from March 5, 2021," the Mumbai-based drug firm said.

Also Read: WHO head wants virus vaccine patents waived to boost supply

GARDAI had to remove a drunken man from a canal after he stumbled in and ended up submerged up to his neck, a court has heard.

Andrius Rudaitis (44) was arrested for his own safety after he was seen falling into the water of the Royal Canal in Dublin.

He later shouted abuse at other gardai when separately found drunk in the city centre, and urinated in a station cell.

Rudaitis, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to public order offences and criminal damage.

Garda Emmet Cooke told Dublin District court he was on duty at Royal Canal Way at 12.30am on September 3 last year when he saw the accused unsteady on his feet and swaying from side to side.

Rudaitis stumbled into the canal and became submerged up to his neck, the garda said.

When removed from the canal, he had a strong smell of alcohol on his breath and was arrested for his own safety.

Gda Cooke agreed with defence solicitor Andrew Broderick that the accused was co-operative and the arrest was more because they were concerned for him.

Later, on September 30, Rudaitis became extremely abusive, insulting and threatening to gardai who found him drunk at Wolfe Tone Square.

He was unable to stand and was very close to the road.

He urinated in a cell at Store Street garda station, which required specialist cleaning that cost 120.

Judge Bryan Smyth fined him 100 for drunkenness and adjourned the other charges for finalisation, after hearing he had a problem with alcohol.
Colorado Springs, CO (80903)

Today

Variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms. Gusty winds and small hail are possible. High 68F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 46F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Hai Duong records six more Covid-19 patients on Saturday morning

Seven more people have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam including six in the Covid-19 hotspot of Hai Duong, raising the total number of patients in the country to 2,501, the Ministry of Health reported on Saturday morning.













Illustrative photo





According to the ministry's report, one of the new patients is a 42-year-old Korean expert who arrived at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on February 19. He was sent to a quarantine area in Thai Nguyen Province upon arrival and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on March 5. He is being treated at the Hanoi-based National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.



Six other patients are Vietnamese people in Hai Duong Province.



With these new infection cases, the number of Covid-19 patients in Vietnam has increased to 2,501, including 885 locally-transmitted cases reported since the new outbreak started in Hai Duong on January 28. Hai Duong Province alone has recorded 701 cases.



As of 6 am on March 6, a total of 1,920 Covid-19 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital. There have been 35 deaths, most of them being the elderly with serious underlying diseases.



At present, nearly 50,000 people who had close contact with Covid-19 patients or returned from virus-hit areas are being monitored at hospitals, quarantine facilities, and at home.
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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En espanol | Medicare beneficiaries who are treated in the hospital under a so-called observation status instead of being formally admitted should be allowed to appeal that categorization, AARP and AARP Foundation argue in a legal brief filed as part of a long-standing federal lawsuit. The way patients are classified can cost many older Americans thousands of dollars in health care costs, especially for rehabilitative care they need in skilled nursing facilities after being discharged from the hospital.

The way Medicare works, if someone needs to go from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility for more care, Medicare will pay for those services only if the beneficiary has spent at least three days in the hospital before being transferred to rehab. (The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] has suspended that rule to some extent during the COVID-19 pandemic.) Such aftercare is common for people who have had strokes or other injuries and illnesses for which they no longer need to be in the hospital but who require more care before they can safely go home.

Medicare enrollees could lose out financially even if they don't have to go to rehab. If someone is in the hospital but classified as an outpatient, Medicare says they are subject to Medicare Part B rules, making them responsible for 20 percent of the bills for their hospital care. Medicare Part B pays for outpatient services. That 20 percent can be more than they would have to pay if they were admitted as a regular inpatient and classified under Medicare Part A, which covers inpatient services after a deductible is paid.

Patients often in the dark about their status

What often happens is that Medicare enrollees who go into the hospital think they have been admitted as a regular patient but instead are classified as being under observation, even if they get the exact same treatments and care as that of someone who is formally admitted. When they go to a rehab facility or later see their hospital bill, beneficiaries who were under observation status are often surprised to learn that Medicare has not picked up the tab and they owe thousands of dollars out of pocket because they weren't officially inpatients.

In April 2020, a federal district court judge ruled that beneficiaries are entitled to appeal their designation as being under observation to the Medicare program and recoup some of their hospital and rehab expenses if they win that challenge. The federal government has appealed that ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, headquartered in New York City.

"The court's decision will have broad ramifications for older adults and people with disabilities covered by Medicare, said William Alvarado Rivera, AARP Foundation senior vice president for litigation. Vulnerable members of this population who require skilled rehabilitation care after they leave the hospital can face dire financial consequences  including tens of thousands of dollars in surprise bills. Because of the potential financial burden, many of them may decide they cannot afford the care they so desperately need.

'Observation can be costly

For example, the AARP and AARP Foundation brief tells the story of Betty Goodman, a former high school teacher from Rhode Island who had to pay $7,000 for the rehab she received in a nursing facility after she had knee replacement surgery. Even though Goodman was in the hospital for three days as a result of the surgery, she was classified as being under observation and Medicare wouldn't cover her rehab stay, something she said didn't seem fair  after paying for Medicare all these years.




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Cast members for RuPauls Drag Race Down Under have now been confirmed.

They were revealed during the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras last night.

They are:

Art Simone (Geelong, VIC)  @rtist_

The current reigning Queen of Australia has played roles in Australian feature films, theatrical shows, television programmes, and commercials; as well as being awarded Drag Performer of the Year for the last two years running. Last year, Art travelled to Los Angeles and New York, representing Australia in the worlds largest drag convention, RuPauls DragCon.

Coco Jumbo (Sydney, NSW)  @_cocojumbo

Coco has performed on the Mardi Gras party mainstage many times and is a multi DIVA (Drag Industry Variety Awards) award winner most prestigious Entertainer of the Year in 2017, Sydneys Favourite Showgirl in 2016-2019 and Rising Star in 2015. Coco has worked with Absolutely Fabulous Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst, with Australias very own Sandra Sully.

Etecetera Etcetera (Sydney, NSW)  @etcetera__etcetera

Etcetera is a striking non-binary drag artist, who at only twenty-two years of age has already made a splash within the Australian drag community for her aesthetic and activism. Known as the glamour bug, she runs the shows at one of Sydneys iconic establishments: The Imperial Erskineville.

Elektra Shock (Auckland, NZ)  @therealelektrashock

Elektra Shock is the Dancing Queen of Tamaki Makaurau! Runner up on Season 2 of TVNZ House of Drag and star of Pleasuredome The Musical, the NZ Herald describes her as utterly charismatic. Starting Drag in 2012, she is now a resident performer at a number of venues on Karangahape Rd. Her amazing dance ability, shocking high kicks and live vocals, puts her in high demand for corporate events and theatre performances around Aotearoa.

Jojo Zaho (Newcastle, NSW)  @jojo_zaho

In 2015 Jojo started her drag career as a political response to a council member stating that homosexuality is not part of the indigenous culture. So for Dubbos first annual Central West Pride March she walked the parade in a costumes she made with both the indigenous and gay pride flag and she hasnt looked back since. Since then, she has made her first television cameo on Get Krackin, competing in the inaugural Miss First Nation Indigenous drag queen pageant, the documentary Black Divaz, and hosting the VIP party for the Newcastle leg of Chers Australian tour.

Karen from Finance (Melbourne, VIC)  @karenfromfinance

One of the most renowned drag artists in Australia; Karen was one of the original members of the award winning, cult queer cabaret YUMMY and has built an international fan-base, touring the world with her singular brand of office-themed character drag. At the beginning of this year, Karen was appointed as an Ambassador for DragExpo in Melbourne. She has appeared at RuPauls DragCon in LA in 2017, 2018 and 2019 in headlining performances, as well as headlining shows all over the US, including the Austin International Festival in Texas.

Maxi Shield (Sydney, NSW)  @maxishield

Maxi has been a drag artist for twenty- three years, and is noted for her work within the community, including Drag Storytime where drag artists read stories to children, engaging them in fun and creative ways and conveying the overall message of inclusion. Maxi won Entertainer of the year at the Drag Industry Variety Awards in 2015, has been names Madonnas national Hostess for her Australian Rebel Heart Tour and has closed both a straight Olympics (Sydney 2000) and opened a gay one (Gay Games 2022).

Scarlet Adams (Perth, WA)  @scarletadamsdragqueen

Scarlet is a burlesque performer, pole dancer, costume designer and self- proclaimed party girl. Since she turned eighteen, Scarlet has worked tirelessly to build her reputation and brand as a drag artist. After only a year of doing drag, Scarlet won the prestigious title of Queen of the Court, ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2016 at the annual PROUD Awards, and even took out the title for Miss Burlesque Western Australia 2018, becoming not only the first drag queen to compete in Miss Burlesque Australia history  but to go on and win the title.

Anita Wiglit (Auckland, NZ)  @anitawiglit

Anita is the owner and resident queen of Aucklands famous Caluzzi Cabaret and the host of the TVNZ show House of Drag as well as the monthly comedy show Drag Wars. Over the last decade she has wiggled her way into the hearts of many, winning both Vancouvers next top Drag Superstar and Drag Entertainer of the year in 2013, before returning to Auckland. Her favourite performances to date include Mardi Gras (Sydney 2016 and 2019) as well as Adeles world tour after party in 2017.

Kita Mean (Auckland, NZ)  @kitamean

Kita started drag when she dressed up for a New Years Eve party and wowed all her friends. Before long she found herself in the thick of the nightlife, firmly making her mark on the Auckland scene. A few years down the line she joined Anita Wiglit as a drag duo where the two started a monthly event which gave local kiwi drag artists a platform to perform on called Drag Wars. Kita now co-owns the iconic Caluzzi Cabaret and Phoenix Venue in Auckland and has since hosted two series of TVNZs House of Drag as well as maintaining her position as resident Drag Queen at Family Bar and Club.

They are joined by judges Michelle Visage, Rhys Nicholson and host Ru Paul.

Rhys Nicholson, said: I mean look at this list. Look at this list of full blown, gleaming, shimmering, phosphorescent, deadset bloody stars. Week after week I got to bear witness to these entertainers dazzling the other judges with their world class cleverness, uniqueness, nerve and talent. There were many times where it was so fabulous it felt like it could be illegal. I have since consulted with my legal team and we are in the clear.

We do a very special kind of drag down here that I think we can sometimes take for granted. I know for a fact that Ru, Michelle and the whole Drag Race team were blown away by the queens. Each one already a star, but now the world can give them the recognition they deserve. They should be so proud.

Celebrity guest appearances will be announced soon along with the premiere date, due later this year on Stan.

Stan Original Series RuPauls Drag Race Down Under is a World of Wonder production in collaboration with Warner Bros. International Production New Zealand for Stan and TVNZ. Randy Barbato, Fenton Bailey, Tom Campbell and RuPaul Charles serve as Executive Producers. Passion Distribution will distribute the series globally in line with Passion Distribution and WOWs distribution strategy.

Related
New Delhi:

Sonu, a Class 12 student of the Kendriya Vidyalaya in Gole Market died on Thursday after he allegedly became unconscious and fell during the school's morning assembly, the police said.

The deceased, belonged to Bihar, and was staying with his family at the Railway Colony in Kishanganj, they said.

Prima facie, no foul play is suspected in the incident, the police said.

The police said that the boy lost consciousness and fell during the assembly. He was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, they said.

Read more: AISA DU president Kawalpreet Kaur alleges harassment by ABVP members

After being informed, a team rushed to the spot and started investigations, the police said, adding that the post mortem report is awaited.

His family claimed that he did not have any health issues and was completely fit, they added.
The head of Germany's disease control agency is urging people to get vaccinated against the coronavirus when given the opportunity, no matter which vaccine is offered.

The comments Friday from Robert Koch Institute President Lothar Wieler come amid reports that many have declined the AstraZeneca shot, over concerns it may not function as well as others.

Germany's independent vaccine committee on Thursday approved AstraZeneca for people aged 65 and over.

Several countries, including Germany, initially restricted it to people under 65, or in some cases under 55, citing a lack of data on its effectiveness in older people.

Germany is also administering the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

Wieler says "all vaccinations that are available in Germany now protect very well."

"If you are offered a vaccine, please get yourself vaccinated. They are safe and effective," Wieler said, adding that getting large numbers of people vaccinated is "the way out of the pandemic."

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Thats nice

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I would buy this more if he weren't following racist Gary Janetti on IG

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I was going to say, I'm glad he has evolved from liking racist anti-Meghan posts by that creep to finally speaking out in support of her.

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My brain quickly read this as Gina Linetti and I was very confused lol

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Patrick's tweets just make me ask again why the heck did Harry and Meghan had the brilliant idea of bringing the interview with Oprah right in the middle of her second pregnancy. (again, not saying they should have kept quiet, I just want to know why middle of a pregnancy with the world still dealing with Covid seemed like the perfect timing to do so).

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Its weird that she was all "Teehee I didn't know him *giggle*" when......there's pic of you as a kid in front of Buckingham sis

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They were offered $7 million from Oprah.

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https://instagram.com/p/B5xxnG9BNN4



Also, much as I said in a prior post - Meghan is a BLACK woman. If she was some sort of evil scheming diva not only would it have come out during her time acting in some way BUT they would've used it already during the pregancy or while they were leaving initially instead of coming up with inane stories about what she was eating, how she held her pregnant stomach or how she was 'awful' for cutting off leaching family members that she barely acknowledged even beforehand.



ETA: not to mention - no shade but I've seen suits and she was NOT that good of an actress to pull one over on an entire system of monarchy and the public at large for over a decade.



Edited at 2021-03-06 06:19 pm (UTC) From December 2019:Also, much as I said in a prior post - Meghan is a BLACK woman. If she was some sort of evil scheming diva not only would it have come out during her time acting in some way BUT they would've used it already during the pregancy or while they were leaving initially instead of coming up with inane stories about what she was eating, how she held her pregnant stomach or how she was 'awful' for cutting off leaching family members that she barely acknowledged even beforehand.ETA: not to mention - no shade but I've seen suits and she was NOT that good of an actress to pull one over on an entire system of monarchy and the public at large for over a decade.

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all of this. like the most they have is her crazy half-sister who obviously is out to lie about meghan for $$$.

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I wonder what the story was behind her wearing a cap that says "thank you" in finnish since there is an arrow pointing at it

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This is what I was wondering too! Is there a large Finnish population in Toronto or?

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I think Meghan mistakingly thought "I'm going to be a princess and that means I can do whatever I want and people will have to do what I say!" when in reality, it's actually the opposite - this family has to do what they're told. Some will do it in exchange for a life of privilege, but some will want it both ways.

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IDK



a lot of the stories that were coded seemed to revolve around her wanting to work hard or being 'difficult' for asking too many questions so it seemed - at least back then - that she was opinionated but not some sort of steam roller.



I remember another story about how someone she worked with - that had been with the royal family for ages - quit during her time there when the truth is that the person was already set to retire beforehand but stayed on longer to help her transition and simply left after that instead.



I do think there was a level of naivete involved with her tho

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i really doubt she thought that, she doesn't sound like an asshole and i doubt harry is a simp that will do everything she ask.

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i wish simp and cuck would die on the reddit floor istg

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all on the same day? very ellen lol

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also lets add Jessica Mulroney to that list. you know the one who bullied a black influencer.



im not saying i believe meghan is a bully but people can change when they suddenly have more power. the people she allegedly bullied are all no name employees

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Its been happening for days but a lot of the people who first tweeted their support were people who previously worked with her on various projects and charities, as well as on-set staff, most of whom dont have a large following and/or blue check marks. Its just that its now gotten a ton of attention because Patrick tweeted.

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If this ends up being a simple Oprah Fluffview, the attempts to sling mud at Megan M. (and ONLY Megan M. because hmmm not a peep about Harry, would you look at that) is going to look so fucking nasty when we look back at this in a few weeks.



Either way, the Palace PR team is going to look ridiculous at the end and smeone better get fired for this.



lmao fuck i give up trying to make lj-spoiler work with me. Sorry for your inbox, OP.



Edited at 2021-03-06 06:29 pm (UTC)

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I find it interesting how it seems like some portrayed her as coming from literally nothing but like.....she def came from a privileged life growing up let's not pretend. The racism is uncalled for though.



Is Patrick the guy who played The Spirit because I'm still waiting for a refund on tickets for that godawful film

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Gabriel was in The Spirit, not Patrick

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Oh god they multiply

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I think that Meghan didn't understand fully what it meant to be a royal. She reminds me of my coworker, 20s, living in a major city in North America and very on top of celeb news and such. This girl thought Kate Middleton was the luckiest woman alive. And I was like....almost every minute of Kate's life needs to look perfect and she had no privacy left. I tried to point that out it's probably much better to be rich or even a celeb but this girl didn't get it and would take Kate's life in a heartbeat.

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Kate had to get out all glammed up after popping out a baby. After louis (??) She came out what 4hrs after giving birth? That sounds like a nightmare tbh

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I bet if Kate gained 5 lbs there'd be an article about it.

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She didnt really have to. She chose to, probably because she felt she was expected to.



Meghan chose not to, and psycho people yelled at her about how the royals are paid by the taxpayers and they deserve to see her baby and deserve to know who the godparents are and deserve to know exactly when she went into labor.

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There are definitely parts of Kate's life that I wish I had, and obviously she's very privileged so as someone who's not, I'm like, gimme!!! But at the same time, like...she gets highlights, people hate them and talk shit about her online. She can't ever gain weight. If she had lipstick on her teeth it'd be a tabloid cover. Mentally I think I would want to die.

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Wasn't her whole MO though that her parents really wanted her to marry into the family? Put her into the right schools and all of that, trying desperately to get her with William? She knew better than most what it entailed.

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Well if shes nice to famous people, that solves it. Definitely wouldnt bully anyone.

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If you go on Twitter its not hard to find tweets from on-set staff, people who have worked with her on charities and other projects, and even her ex-husbands friends who have been saying the exact same thing as Patrick the past couple of days.

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None of these seem genuine. They just want to stay in the good graces of glorified influencer former working Royal duchess of Cambridge

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Where was this energy by ~courtiers~ for noted rapist Prince Andrew?

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mysteriously absent for some reason.....

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I cant wait for the never ending Piers Morgan tweets about this.

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His existence is proof the Devil is real.

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So she was nice to her friends, writers, and producers. Totally not a bully.

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in that Angela tweet there's crew talking about her and saying she was great to work with and, as I linked above, a charity she was heavily involved in also mentioned her character as well.



What evidence is there of her bullying?

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If you get a beer from Four City Brewing Company in Orange, youll immediately notice some unusual names.

Theres the Miseducation of Loral Hops, a not-so-subtle reference to South Orange native Lauryn Hill and her Grammy-winning project from the late 1990s. You can also order the You Down With FCB? wheat beer, a play on East Orange hip-hop trio Naughty By Natures famous line you down with O.P.P.? Other beers honor local landmarks.

Its what happens when three musicians from the Oranges -- Roger Apollon Jr., Anthony Minervino and Jeff Gattens -- open a brewery. Music, art and history are baked into the place. Local musicians have played there, and theres always a solid rotation of tunes on. And, Four City partners with a nonprofit community organization called the University of Orange to host an art installation each month.

The Oranges have a lot of history and I feel a lot of people dont know that, said Apollon, who was raised in West Orange and attended high school in East Orange.

So, since opening in April of 2019, Four City has focused on incorporating the areas history -- musical and otherwise -- and its diversity, into its offerings. Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the owners said the mix was working, and attracting a broad customer base to the brewery.

What were finding is that we are a place of meeting for African-American, Latino, and LGBTQ groups that are finding us in larger numbers, said Apollon, who is Black. There are some times you walk into the taproom and youll see three Black men, only. Which I dont think Ive ever seen on the East Coast.

Of the more than 8,000 craft breweries in the U.S. only about 60 are Black-owned, according to a 2020 New York Times report. And there are only a handful in New Jersey.

Apollon, as well as other local African-American brewers, said some minority communities are not typically associated with craft breweries. When Four City opened, it was filling a local void -- it had been about 40 years since a similar brewery operated in Orange, the owners said.

Bringing the idea to the Oranges hasnt been that easy, especially being a relatively new business when the pandemic hit last March. Four City was shut down completely for weeks, and it was forced to cut staff, the owners said.

It was a serious gut check, Apollon said. We had no income but the bills kept on going. As a first-year business owner, you start to get momentum and then this happens. It was scary.

We went from running a brewery, to owning a brewery, he joked.

But the owners were able to pivot, especially as the pandemic has proven that people still want beer (alcohol sales have risen dramatically since last March).

We (flipped) our business plan from 80% taproom and 20% distribution, to 20% taproom and 80% distribution, Rogers said about COVID-influenced changes. For me that meant I had to step up my sales game.

Four City offers online ordering, curbside pick-up, and local home delivery. And the taproom has reopened, with COVID protocols in place, from Thursday through Sunday every week.

Local community leaders have noticed the impact the brewery is having. Elliot Lee, the Executive Director of HANDS, Inc., a non-profit organization focusing on revitalization in the city and improving its neighborhoods, hosted an awards ceremony there in 2019. Hes been celebrating the business ever since.

One of the features that we liked about them was the artwork that they were able to feature on their wall, and have a very conscious effort to try to engage local artists, also curators. Its the kind of place that we appreciate, Lee said.

Im really positive about Four City. I hope other like-minded entrepreneurs want to come here and help create a place.

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Tennyson Donyea may be reached at tcoleman@njadvancemedia.com.
LANSING  Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan rabbit owners are concerned as yet another infectious disease continues to spread across the United States.

The rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2, or RHDV2, is highly contagious and almost always fatal. Although humans cannot contract the virus, it can still be spread through human-to-rabbit contact.

According to the U.S Department of Agriculture, it affects both domestic and wild rabbits.

The nonprofit American Rabbit Breeders Association is keeping rabbit owners up to date on the spread of RHDV2.

According to the association, owners should enhance their typical biosecurity measures. That includes keeping wild rabbits separate from pet rabbits, not allowing visitors to a rabbitry and quarantining new rabbits.

Proper hygiene is also strongly encouraged.

People should wash their hands in warm soapy water after touching a rabbit  especially if they intend to have contact with others. Additionally, clothing and shoes should be changed and the sharing of rabbit cages and feeding equipment should be avoided.

Despite being aware of RHDV2, the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine hasnt had any experience with the virus yet.

No one in our clinic has treated this virus or seen any rabbits with it. Our diagnostic lab is aware but has never conducted a test for it, said Kristen Lare, the colleges marketing and communications director. Many of our clients come from across the country and the world.

Dr. Kurt Williams, an MSU veterinary professor, is among those who havent treated the disease.

Williams said hes aware of the seriousness of the disease for rabbit breeders and fanciers, but added, In my opinion, this is not a reason, beyond COVID, for a lack of rabbit shows in Michigan.

According to Sherry Garrett of Reed City, the secretary of the Michigan State Rabbit Breeders Association, RHDV2 should be a concern despite no confirmed cases in the state.

It cannot get here without being transported from one of the states where the outbreak is in the Southwest United States, Garret said. The American Rabbit Breeders Association has rules that no rabbits may be transported out of those areas or within 250 miles of an active outbreak.

This means the breeders and pet rabbit owners within this red zone cannot attend any shows and should not be transporting animals from their area anywhere across the U.S., she said.

If a rabbit shows signs of RHDV2, it must be euthanized and sent to the state vet, she said.

Additionally, the state vet will come and test the herd. If the rabbit has been in the rabbitry, there is a significant possibility the herd may also need to be euthanized.

The state association has 650 adult breeders and around 250 youth members, Garrett said, and many pet owners and non-members participate in shows across Michigan.

Rabbits are especially popular pets among children and for adults and children to raise and show.

Rabbits are a great 4-H project that has limited costs and shows our youth how to be responsible owners of the creatures we love, Garrett said.
A motorcyclist has died and another man is in a serious condition after two separate crashes on south-east Queensland roads overnight.

The 55-year-old motorcyclist from Birkdale had been travelling northbound on Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton, at 1.20am on Saturday when police allege he was struck by an oncoming car.

The fatal collision came just hours after a three-vehicle Gold Coast crash left a man in his 40s with serious injuries.

He was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition but died shortly afterwards. The 20-year-old Mount Cotton man behind the wheel of the car was not injured.

A few hours earlier, a three-vehicle crash on the Gold Coast Highway at Miami left a man in his 40s with serious chest and face injuries. The man was rushed to the Gold Coast University Hospital.
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) on Thursday said that Section 104 of the Criminal and other Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) proscribes unnatural carnal knowledge.



While the Commission recognizes the controversy surrounding the LGBTQI rights, the Commission however acknowledges that discourse around LGBTQI even though quite emotive and sensitive in context, must be guided by one of the most cherished Ghanaian values- tolerance.



A statement signed by Mr Joseph Whittal, CHRAJ Commissioner and copied to the Ghana News Agency at Tema emphasised the need for tolerance which was reinforced by Article 28 of the African Charter.



The African Charter provides that every individual shall have the duty to respect and consider his fellow beings without discrimination, and to maintain relations aimed at promoting, safe-guarding and reinforcing mutual respect and tolerance, the statement stated.



The statement said: Members of the LGBTQI community being human are equally entitled to protection of their human dignity as expressed in article 15 of the 1992 Constitution.



CHRAJ emphasized that most members of the LGBTQI community are Ghanaians, who come from Ghanaian homes and families, and live in Ghanaian communities.



The statement said while their sexual orientation may not conform to the prevailing Ghanaian values and norms, it does not cast a doubt on their humanity and therefore entitled to equal protection under the laws of Ghana.



The Commission urged the public to desist from utterances and actions that have the propensity to occasion aggression, hatred and violence against members of the LGBTQI community.



The Commission considered as unacceptable practices such as public humiliation and references to members of the LGBTQI community as animals among other degrading conduct and utterances.

The Commission therefore called for calm among the Ghanaian public, and to approach the national conversation having regard to the Ghanaian values and norms while at the same time being each others keeper.



As the National Human Rights Institution, we assure the Ghanaian public of our commitment towards the protection of the dignity of all persons under the 1992 Constitution without compromising the values and norms of Ghanaian and African People that constitute the bedrock of our Society, CHRAJ stated.



The Commission also acknowledged that the discourse around LGBTQI in the country was highly emotive, sensitive, divisive, and had polarized the Society.



The statement said Ghana, as a nation State, had ratified several international human rights instruments; these human rights treaties impose obligations on the State of Ghana to respect, fulfil and protect the rights of all persons within its jurisdiction.



Article 15(1) of the 1992 Constitution is quite categorical that the dignity of all persons shall be inviolable; whilst Article 17(1) on equality before the law guarantees equal protection for all persons before the law.

Source: GNA









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One hundred years ago this week Charleville man Sean O'Brien was murdered by Crown forces at his hardware shop at Main Street Charleville in a reprisal attack. Here local historian and genealogist Evelyn O'Keeffe, who is chair of Charleville Heritage Society, researched the details and recalls the terrible event, and its aftermath.

'Terrible Fate of Well-known Charleville Shopkeeper' was the headline 100 years ago this week when Sean O'Brien, a hardware merchant was murdered.

Sean died from his wounds as his wife and young daughter bore witness to his terrible end.

'At 8.30pm there was a knock on the door. The Tans came into the town looking for blood that night, a Volunteer attack earlier that day on an RIC patrol in Charleville had maddened the Tans.

'They went to the home of Sean O'Brien. The Tans knocked at his door, and Sean, without opening the door, enquired what they wanted, and the Tans' reply was to fire several volleys through the door and they also threw some grenades through the fanlight. It was an extremely brutal murder, for his body was ripped asunder. He died seven and a half hours later.

'Sean was president of the local Gaelic League and was a committed Irish-Irelander. He was elected in June 1920 to the Urban District Council on the Sinn Fein ticket and was the unanimous choice for chairman.

Expand Close A photograph of the Sean O'Brien funeral showing the huge attendance making their way along Main Street to to Holy Cross Cemetery / Facebook

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Whatsapp A photograph of the Sean O'Brien funeral showing the huge attendance making their way along Main Street to to Holy Cross Cemetery

'O'Brien's funeral prompted an ugly scene. During his funeral procession on 4th March 1921 'two military officers approached the clergy, who were in front, and asked them were they not aware of the fact that the Republican flag which covered the coffin was not permitted in accordance with official regulations. One of the priests pointed out that the ensign was wrapped around the remains and secured to the lid, and that the coffin should be opened if they insisted on having the flag removed. After some controversy the military officers decided not to interfere further'.

On the 5th March 1921, Mrs Deborah O'Brien, his widow, claimed 10,000 for the loss of her husband; she also sought 500 for shop damage and loss of his stock-in-trade. On the 19 April 1921, she and another relative were awarded 4,000 and costs by the Recorder of Cork early in February 1922.

'Sean took an active interest in all aspects of life in Charleville and the turnout at his funeral was huge, being a member of the Kilmallock Board of Guardians, Cork County Committee of Agriculture, and was always ready to volunteer his services to resolve labour disputes. He enjoyed the respect and esteem of all classes in the town, including those who did not coincide with his political views.'
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Ted Cruz en CPAC el 26 de febrero de 2021 en Orlando, Florida (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Ted Cruz is being hunted by mobile billboards accusing him of being a "traitor". Activist group Really American PAC posted an image on Twitter of a truck bearing a banner blasting the Texas Senator, encouraging followers to donate so that the activists can "stay in Cruz's neighbourhood, follow him to church and more".

The Super PAC says it is dedicated to defending Truth, Democracy, Social Justice, and Environment and is focused on delivering high-impact political messaging against right-wing politicians.

The group took aim at Mr Cruz after he voted against the congressional certification of the electoral college votes despite the ransacking of the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters on 6 January.

In a 17 January statement, the group said that Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley deserve the most blame for firing up the violent mob of Trump supporters that attacked the U.S Capitol and killed five people.

On the fundraising page for the billboard campaign, the group adds that rioters who broke into the Senate were quoted as saying Cruz would want us to do this. Thats why were crowdfunding these billboards in his hometown in Texas to remind his voters and neighbours that Ted Cruz is a traitor and also betrayed this country. He must face consequences, electorally and under the law.

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A video from Really American PAC calling for the expulsion of Mr Cruz and Mr Hawley has reached 3.7 million views on Twitter.

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In a video by The New Yorker documenting the riot from inside the Capitol, a member of the mob says: "Ted Cruz would want us to do this, so I think we're good."

Read more:Follow live updates on the Biden Administration and the Trump post-presidency

A spokesperson for Mr Cruz responded in a statement on 17 January, saying: "As Sen. Cruz has said repeatedly, the terrorist attack on the Capitol was reprehensible, and the criminals who carried out the attack should be fully prosecuted. He has been clear, consistent, and unequivocal: violence is always wrong-whether from Left or Right-and violent criminals should go to jail for a very long time."

Story continues

Mr Cruz voted to acquit former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial in which Democrats charged Mr Trump with inciting the insurrection at the Capitol on 6 January. Really American PAC argues that Mr Cruz is guilty of the same crime.

The Texan is one of many Republicans eyeing a presidential run in 2024, but the field is frozen in place as long as a run from Mr Trump is possible.

Mr Cruz's approval rating among his home state voters nosedived after he fled to Cancun in Mexico during the power outages and freezing temperatures in Texas, The Houston Chronicle reported. Authorities at first thought that at least 40 people died from the cold in Texas, according to The Associated Press, but theDallas Morning News reported that the real number is likely much higher and will take months to ascertain.

The Independent has reached out to Really American PAC and Mr Cruz for comment.

Read More

People baffled by Ted Cruz Seuss tweet, as Seinfeld-themed CPAC clip goes viral

Former GOP speaker says Cruz a reckless a**hole, and says he repeatedly told Trump to shut up when asked for advice

Ted Cruz now blames Trump withdrawal for Cancun trip criticism

Ted Cruz just made his first public speech since Cancun and oh boy, was it a journey

Ted Cruz jokes about his Cancun trip in CPAC speech dubbed unhinged by critics
A TEENAGE girl who required stitches to her forehead after a goalpost on which she was swinging fell on her has secured some 52,000 under a settlement of her High Court action.

Angelica Riabusko, suing by her mother Marina, of Charlesland Park, Greystones, Co Wicklow, sued Wicklow County Council over the accident which happened on the pitch at Arklow Leisure Centre on August 27, 2016.

Mr Justice Garrett Simons was told the girl, now aged 17, then aged 13, was out for a walk with her mother. The gate of the centre's pitch, where they had not been before, was unlocked and they went in.

Angelica started to swing from the goal post, it fell on her, she hit her head off the ground and had to have stitches to her forehead.

Counsel for Ms Riabusko said a full defence had been filed in the Circuit Court and it was decided to bring the case to the High Court because of the possibility his client may decide to have cosmetic surgery in the future.

He said the defence had pleaded contributory negligence and raised issues whether Ms Riabusko and her mother should have been in that section of the centre that day.

That impacted on the size of the settlement offer but his side considered there was a significant risk in proceeding to trial and was seeking approval of the offer, counsel said.

The judge said the girl had fallen while swinging from a goalpost in the presence of her mother and serious issues were raised concerning liability and contributory negligence.

The 50,000, plus special damages of 2,091, was close to the full value of the case, with a discount for contributory negligence, he said.

There was a likelihood she would have done worse if the case went forward to trial and, in the circumstances, he would rule this a "very good" settlement.

5 1 of 5 Provided by Plainview Rotary Club Show More Show Less 2 of 5 Provided by Plainview Rotary Club Show More Show Less 3 of 5 4 of 5 Provided by Plainview Rotary Club Show More Show Less 5 of 5









Its a little late in the year compared to years past, but the Plainview Rotary Club managed to keep with tradition to provide dictionaries to local third graders. Past president Jay Givens visited Plainview Christian Academy on Tuesday to make the special delivery on behalf of the Rotary Club. The program, called Words For Thirds, is one of several service projects led by Plainview Rotarians. For this project, the club delivers dictionaries to third graders in Plainview and in surrounding areas.
YEREVAN, MARCH 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. Nikol Pashinyan first congratulated Mr. Blinken on being appointed to such a high state position. Speaking about the bilateral relations, Prime Minister Pashinyan appreciated the U.S. Governments continued support to Armenia and the role played by the United States within the OSCE Minsk Group, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The parties next referred to the situation established in the region following the war. The need to resume the peace process in the OSCE Minsk Group format was emphasized on both sides. The Armenian Premier called his interlocutors attention to the need for Azerbaijan to immediately return the prisoners of war, hostages and people held in captivity. In this context, the U.S. side highlighted the Minsk Group Co-Chairs activities and voiced readiness to continue its role in resolving the conflict. The Secretary of State stressed the importance of developing close partnerships with Armenia. He hailed Armenias achievements in the field of democracy and assured that the United States will continue to assist Armenia with the ongoing reform process.

Both sides stressed the need for endeavoring towards strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption and advancing the judiciary and police reforms in Armenia. Nikol Pashinyan thanked the U.S. side for appreciation and readiness to provide assistance in the field of reforms.


If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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A 36-year-old registered sex offender is being sought by police after he failed to comply with his reporting obligations.

Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert said Robert Crilly is actively avoiding police and is known to frequent the Tatura area of Shepparton.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate registered sex offender Robert Crilly. Credit:Victoria Police

He knows hes wanted, he needs to hand himself in and he will be held to account for that, its inevitable he will be found and arrested, Mr Gilbert said.

Police dont believe he is dangerous. Authorities last saw Crilly in December last year when he was served with a court order.
Drugmaker Merck Co Inc said on Saturday the experimental antiviral drug molnupiravir it is developing with Ridgeback Bio showed a quicker reduction in infectious virus in its phase 2a study among participants with early COVID-19.

'The secondary objective findings in this study, of a quicker decrease in infectious virus among individuals with early COVID-19 treated with molnupiravir, are promising,' said William Fischer, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, in a statement from the companies.

The antiviral is being currently tested in a Phase 2/3 trial that is set to be completed in May.

Drugmaker Merck Co Inc said on Saturday the experimental antiviral drug molnupiravir it is developing with Ridgeback Bio showed a quicker reduction in infectious virus in its phase 2a study among participants with early COVID-19

Officials say the vaccines were well-tolerated but didn't generate enough of an immune response compared to other shots or natural infection. Pictured:L isa Taylor receives a COVID-19 vaccination from RN Jose Muni during a vaccine trial

Merck decided to focus on therapeutics after its two COVID-19 vaccines failed to generate desired immune responses, prompting it to abandon the program in January.

The company said its vaccine candidates, V590 and V591, were 'well tolerated' by patients, but they generated an 'inferior' immune system response compared with other vaccines or natural infection.

'We are grateful to our collaborators who worked with us on these vaccine candidates and to the volunteers in the trials,' Dr Dean Y Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories said in a statement in January. 'We are resolute in our commitment to contribute to the global effort to relieve the burden of this pandemic on patients, health care systems and communities.'

The US is now vaccinating a sustained two million people a day. A woman talks with a soldier at the Javits Center as people wait to receive a vaccine against the coronavirus on March 2, 2021 in New York. Long wait times were reported at vaccination sites across the city

Merck entered the race to fight COVID-19 later than other top drugmakers.

Last fall, the firm said it had started early-stage research in volunteers on potential vaccines that require only one dose, different from.

At that point, vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna - each of which require two doses - were already in late-stage research.

Within a few months, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use of the two-dose shots, both of which are are 95 percent effective.

However, the rollout of these vaccines have moved at a sluggish pace, especially as new mutant variants popped up around the world, including in the UK, South Africa and Brazil, with cases now spreading across the U.S.

Biden says US will have enough vaccines for every adult by end of MAY Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the US will have enough vaccine doses for every adult in the country by the end of May. Biden made the announcement on the heels of green-lighting the Defense Production Act to be used to assist Merck & Co with manufacturing Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine. As it's a one-dose vaccine, with Johnson & Johnson, more people can be vaccinated with fewer doses. Biden also announced an initiative to get schools reopened by prioritizing the vaccination of K-12 teachers and staff using the federal pharmacy program during a brief speech from the White House's State Dining Room on Tuesday. 'When we came into office the prior administration had contracted for not nearly enough vaccine to cover adults in America,' he said pointing a finger at former President Donald Trump. 'We rectified that about three weeks ago and were able to say that we'll have enough vaccine supply for adults by the end of July. 'I'm pleased to announce today as a consequence of the stepped up process that I've ordered and just outlined, this country will have enough vaccine supply - I'll say it again - for every adult in America by the end of May. That's progress.' Advertisement

The government is paying Merck about $356 million to fast-track production of one of its potential treatments under Operation Warp Speed, a push to develop COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.

The US is now vaccinating a sustained two million people a day, according to data from Bloomberg.

Two million COVID-19 shots were administered on Thursday, keeping the seven-day rolling average of doses administered a day to two million for the second day in row.

It puts the Biden administration well ahead of the president's goal of giving 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office - a feat that was well within reach even before vaccine makers increased supplies and third shot, Johnson & Johnson's one-dose vaccine, was authorized last week.

More than 82.5 million doses have been administered since the US vaccine rollout began on December 14. More than half of seniors 65 or older have gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, White House officials announced Friday.

Since President Biden took office on January 20, 65.3 million doses of vaccine have been given, according to a DailyMail.com analysis of Bloomberg data.

That puts the president way ahead of his modest goal. With 34.7 million shots to go, at this rate, the US could reach 100 million doses by March 22, rather than the end of April.

Around 164,800 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses are expected to be delivered to New York this week and the Governor's office said additional sites will be used for the overnight scheme when supplies of the vaccine increase.

It comes as President Joe Biden announced on Tuesday that the U.S. will have enough vaccine doses for every adult in the country by the end of May.

Biden made the announcement on the heels of green-lighting the Defense Production Act to be used to assist Merck & Co with manufacturing Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine.

As it's a one-dose vaccine, with Johnson & Johnson, more people can be vaccinated with fewer doses.

US cases have plunged more than 70 percent over the past two months from an average of nearly 250,000 new infections a day, while average deaths per day have plummeted about 40 percent since mid-January. The current nationwide average COVID numbers are at 2,000 deaths per day and 68,000 cases per day.

While cases are plunging nationally, Texas and Mississippi are among a handful of states that have seen a slight uptick in new infections and deaths in recent days. Hospitalizations are still trending downwards in both states, according to data from the COVID Tracking Project.
The Biden administration is still sheltering children separated from close family members in federal facilities for weeks on end  something immigrant advocates and attorneys had hoped the new administration would resolve by now.

Biden administration officials have signaled that they are pivoting away from Trump administration policies they say were inhumane toward migrants, especially children. But as federal agents grapple with a rising influx of unaccompanied immigrant children at the U.S.-Mexico border, what to do with the children who come with an adult who is not their parent is becoming a rising concern.

The migrant children often arrive with a grandparent, older sibling or other relative but are separated until federal officials can confirm the accompanying adult is their relative, as required under U.S. law. The procedure, which is different from the highly controversial Trump administration policy of separating immigrant parents from their children, is designed to protect minors from human traffickers and grant them legal protections.

But it also classifies the youngsters as "unaccompanied minors" and places them in federal shelters until a sponsor or adult is vetted, a process that can take several weeks or even months.

Migrant children wait for travel arrangements at the Casa del Refugiado in El Paso, Texas, in April 2019.

Though not as dramatic as Trump administration-era family separations, which unleashed a furious backlash, separating children from close relatives could be equally detrimental, said Lisa Koop, associate director of legal services at the National Immigrant Justice Center, a legal advocacy group that represents young immigrants.

"It really does look and feel in many ways like a parent-child separation," Koop said. "The trauma of the separation is very similar."

A growing wave of unaccompanied children at the border is fast becoming President Joe Biden's first major immigration challenge. More than 4,000 migrant children were transferred in January to the custody of the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement, the agency tasked with caring for them once they cross the border  up from 3,330 in December and nearly four times the number that arrived in October, according to agency statistics.

Story continues

At a press briefing Friday, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki re-emphasized that the Biden administration intends to take a different approach to processing the children than former President Donald Trump did, even as the number of minors at the border climbs.

"Were going to chart our own path forward," she said. "And that includes treating children with humanity and respect and ensuring they're safe when they cross our borders."

But where to house all the children as they await immigration proceedings remains a daunting question. The resettlement agency oversees about 7,000 beds for the minors because of reduced capacity amid COVID-19 restrictions, and this week it had about 7,700 migrant children in its custody, according to the statistics. Some of the children were being housed in at least one "influx care facility," or temporary shelter, with no state oversight.

Girls eat lunch at a shelter for migrant teenage girls, in Lake Worth, Florida, on Sept. 24, 2019.

Federal officials were housing 224 of the children at a temporary shelter in Carrizo Springs, Texas, which has drawn criticism from advocates because of the facility's remote location and lack of regular inspections. The 700-bed facility was shuttered in July 2019 after the Trump administration faced blowback for poor conditions at a number of temporary shelters housing unaccompanied children. Biden reopened the facility last week.

Among the thousands of children appearing at the border are those who show up with an adult other than their parent. The exact number of those minors is unknown. The resettlement agency referred questions about that group of children to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman said Friday that the agency doesn't keep those statistics.

Leah Chavla, a senior policy adviser at the Women's Refugee Commission, a nonprofit that helps migrant children, said she has noticed a steady rise in the number of children arriving at the border with an adult other than their guardian and placed into federal custody.

"We dont have good numbers because CBP doesnt collect data on that," she said. "But there is a lot. We've observed it, we've heard it from service providers. It's happening more so than in the past."

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection and Reauthorization Act of 2008, children who show up with an adult who are not their parent are classified as unaccompanied minors to make sure they're placed in less restrictive facilities, can avoid expedited deportation and have their immigration case presented as an interview in front of an asylum officer rather than in a more former court setting.

Children line up to enter the Homestead Temporary Shelter for Unaccompanied Children in Homestead, Fla., in February 2019.

Advocates have said they want the children who show up with relatives to retain those protections but hoped the Biden administration could reduce the amount of time they spend in federal shelters. For months, advocates have lobbied Biden officials to implement changes to reduce the time those children spend in federal custody.

"It is a very complex situation," said Wendy Young, president of Kids In Need of Defense, an advocacy group for refugee and immigrant children, "and one that we are hoping the new administration will address aggressively."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said at a White House press briefing this week that his agency is considering locating officials with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at Border Patrol stations to more quickly verify whether migrant children have sponsors in the United States and reunite them with relatives.

"We are taking a look at where efficiencies can be achieved in the best interest of the child," he said.

Often, parents who have been living in the United States will send for their children with an older sibling, said Koop, the legal advocate. Other times, a grandparent who has raised the child since birth will take the arduous journey with them and arrive at the U.S. border  only to be separated from the child for weeks or maybe months, she said.

"There should be a way legally for the children to be essentially reunified in place with the adult caregiver without having to go through the entire system," she said.

Linda Brandmiller, a San Antonio immigration attorney who represents unaccompanied minors, said children arriving at the border with relatives and shuttled through federal shelters has been a challenge for years.

Two years ago, she represented a 10-year-old boy from Mexico who arrived at the border seeking asylum with his 18-year-old sister. Because the sister was old enough, she was placed in an adult facility, while the boy shuttled between federal shelters, she said. Even though the boy had an uncle living in San Antonio who was a U.S. citizen and willing to sponsor him, it took Brandmiller two months to have the boy released.

Those types of cases are only going to increase as more families and children arrive at the border, she said. Brandmiller said she understands children need to be protected against human traffickers, but verifying next of kin shouldn't take as long as it does.

So far, the process hasn't noticeably improved under the Biden administration, she said.

"The frustration is almost worse," Brandmiller said. "We had expected so much better."

Follow Jervis on Twitter: @MrRJervis.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Migrant children facility used to house minors separated from family

This I find quite a scandal, Heidemann told me.

As it so happened, Claude Boisgirard was being investigated in connection with a series of thefts from the venerable Parisian auction house Hotel Drouot, where he spent decades as an auctioneer; he would be given a 10-month suspended sentence for fraud and conspiracy in 2016. (Boisgirard-Antonini did not respond to requests for comment.) The Hamburg museum notified German authorities, but did not pursue legal action against Boisgirard-Antonini; it kept the marble in storage and out of sight.

In August 2018, I received an email from Tobias Morike, a curator of Islamic Art, introducing himself and the marble. Von Achenbach had retired in 2017; the museum was now planning to exhibit the marble as part of a series called Looted Art?  a mea culpa, of sorts  and wanted to return the artifact to the Afghan government. There were still many unanswered questions that surrounded the marble, he told me. How had it gone from the hands of looters to the showrooms of Paris? And what did this say about the other Ghazni marbles held by prestigious institutions? It appears that not only none of these museums cared about the provenance of their objects, he wrote. They all might go back to the same source. Morike had read my stories on smugglers and corruption in Afghanistan. Would I be interested in visiting for the opening of the exhibition?

Two months later, I stood in central Hamburg in front of the three-story former vocational school that housed the MKG, as it is known by its German initials. The museum was founded in the late 19th century, when Hamburg was a thriving entrepot for the expanding German empire, importing raw materials like rubber, sugar and ivory from colonies around the globe. Silke Reuther, the museums provenance researcher, led me on a tour of the collection. Dressed in a rakish jacket and trousers with piping, she explained that, like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the MKG was intended, in an era before Wikipedia and Google, as a reference for design and manufacturing, illustrated with a collection of masterworks spanning geography and time: Kashan tiles, Etruscan vases, Coptic funerary-cloth embroidery. Occasionally, she pointed out the little orange tags she had affixed to certain exhibits  much to the irritation of some of her fellow curators  intended as footnotes about how that artifact came to the museum. The question I ask of every object, she said, is, Are you stolen or not?

If we listen, objects have their own stories to tell. Even the phones in our pockets could testify to oceans crossed and hands that labored. But works of art speak as individuals. The question of provenance  the chain of ownership from creation to the present  was originally concerned with establishing authenticity, and therefore value. You might know that a painting was really a Velazquez, say, if you could find its original bill of sale, or that a desk was a genuine antique if it was recorded in a 17th-century will. But in recent decades, provenance research has come to be wielded against the perceived wrongs of the past. Like many professions pushed by a new generation of activists and scholars, the museum world is coming to grips with thorny issues of power and inequality. One of them is the concentration of valuable antiquities from around the world in the hands of Western museums. A fierce debate is underway about whether some of these objects should be returned to their former owners or places of origin, in what is known as restitution.

The paradigmatic case for restitution is the Nazis extensive looting and expropriation of art during World War II, some of it for a grand museum that Adolf Hitler dreamed of establishing after the war in his hometown, Linz  one that would demonstrate, in a line of masterpieces beginning with classical Greece, the evolution of world civilization into its Aryan apex. At a conference in 1998, 44 countries, including the United States and Germany, reached a consensus that, if an artwork was discovered to have been stolen by the Nazis, it should be returned to its original owners or their heirs. At the MKG, Reuther and I stopped in front of a glass case full of silverware that had been confiscated by the Nazis, the first exhibit in the Looted Art? series. Its all from Jewish families, she said gravely, and then smiled as she recounted how just two weeks earlier, a family had flown in from Vancouver to retrieve their grandfathers kiddush cup.


On March 1, the Phnom Penh Municipal Court sentenced Sam Rainsy, the acting president of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), in absentia to 25 years in prison for an alleged 2019 plot to overthrow the government.

Eight other CNRP leaders were sentenced in absentia from 20 to 22 years for attempting to attack the government. All are banned from voting or participating in future elections.

On March 2, the CNRP said in a statement that it resolutely rejects the verdict handed down by the court. But Ministry of Justice spokesman Chin Malin defended the court decision, saying prosecution of the opposition leaders was lawful.

[T]the authorities have acted in accordance with legal procedures, and the courts conducted the trial based on procedure and made decisions based on the facts and existing legal aspects, the Khmer Times quoted him as saying.

That is false. Outside observers said the trial failed to meet basic standards of due process.

The court delivered its verdict in a hearing that was neither attended by the defendants nor defense lawyers. New-York based Human Rights Watch said local nongovernmental organizations were provided inaccurate information about the verdict hearing date, so no trial monitors were in the courtroom on March 1.

Rainsy and others were not allowed to return to Cambodia to take part in their own defense. Court spokesperson Y Rin tried to justify the exclusion of the defendants from the verdict hearing by saying government lawyers had been present at the hearing.

The European Union rejected that argument.

The accused were not allowed to return to the country to defend their cases in court, in what appears to be a violation of due process rights, firmly established by international human rights law, the European External Action Service said.

U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia W. Patrick Murphy tweeted he was troubled by the sentencing, particularly given a lack of due process.

Responding to Murphy, HRW Deputy Asia Director Phil Robertson expressed outrage at the verdict. It's a politically motivated case based on bogus charges, heard by kangaroo court that issued ridiculously long sentences, & didn't even tell people when verdicts would be issued, he wrote.

Rainsys latest conviction stems from his attempt to return to Cambodia on November 9, 2019, where he already faced years behind bars for previous convictions.

Prime Minister Hun Sen had threatened to deploy the army and use weapons of all kinds to attack CNRP supporters wherever they are seen if Rainsy returned.

Rainsy said that a popular uprising was the only option left for Cambodia to bring about democratic change, citing Hun Sens increasingly authoritarian 36-year reign. Following the July 2018 general election, Cambodia became a one-party state. The European Union, Japan, the United States and others called the election illegitimate."

On Thursday, March 4, Hun Sen said he would rule indefinitely.

In 2019, Rainsy said he would reevaluate his decision to return to Cambodia and calls for a popular uprising if Hun Sen released imprisoned CNRP leader Kem Sokha, reinstated the CNRP and held free and fair elections, Reuters reported.

For more than a decade, Rainsy has been subjected to a slew of criminal prosecutions supporters say are linked to his political activity. He left Cambodia in 2015 after being hit with defamation charges. He has been charged and convicted in absentia numerous times, including a defamation and incitement conviction over claims that the state murdered political analyst Kem Ley in 2016.

Rainsy stepped down as CNRP leader in February 2017 in a failed bid to save the party. His successor, Sokha, was arrested in September 2017 for an alleged foreign-backed plot to overthrow Hun Sens government. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted in another case that has been widely condemned.

In November 2017, following Sokhas arrest, Cambodias top court dissolved the CNRP, a move Charles Santiago, chairman of the advocacy group ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, called "the final nail in the coffin for Cambodian democracy.

The court has been slow in moving on Sokhas trial, which he says violates his rights. In February, the court said the trial, already delayed for a year, might not resume in 2021 due to coronavirus concerns. In January, the court said Sokhas case was not a priority, even as mass trials of lower-profile opposition figures began that month.

Amnesty International estimates 150 people affiliated with the CNRP are facing jail on charges that include treason and incitement.

The CNRP has condemned the crackdown.

Throughout the rushed mass trials conducted from November 2020 to February 2021, no reliable evidence was presented, the defendants were not allowed to be present, and the public was largely excluded from the proceedings. The farce that was staged by the Phnom Penh court violates the procedural and substantive requirements of a fair trial reflected in the Cambodian Code and Article 14(3)(d) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights, the CNRP wrote in the March 2 statement.

CNRP members are regularly assaulted, and family members face intimidation and harassment.
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Minority-owned businesses have historically faced disadvantages in obtaining the capital, knowledge and market access needed to grow and create jobs. Senate Bill 53, now pending in the state Legislature, recognizes those disadvantages, as well as the disproportionate economic harm that minority-owned businesses have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation will improve the access of minority-owned businesses when seeking contracts with state and local governments.

That access will be key to New Mexicos economic recovery from the pandemic. Minority-owned businesses added most of the new jobs in the last U.S. economic recovery, research shows. Senate Bill 53 is part of a package of legislation proposed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to get New Mexicos economy back on track. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Bill ONeill, D-Albuquerque, will amend the state Procurement Code, which governs most public spending in New Mexico.

Each year, state agencies, local governments, school districts and other public entities spend billions of dollars on purchases of goods and services. Under current law, New Mexico resident businesses and veteran-owned resident businesses have preferences when seeking state and local government contracts. Senate Bill 53 will extend those preferences to businesses owned by women and Hispanics, African Americans or Blacks, Native Americans and other minorities.

While some minority- and women-owned businesses have been able to qualify for the current bidding preference for New Mexico resident businesses, many Native American-owned businesses have not because they are located on tribal land. Senate Bill 53 will remove that obstacle, allowing Native American-owned businesses to qualify regardless of their location within the state.

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Senate Bill 53 also will allow state and local governments to award contracts for goods and services to only New Mexico companies. An important caveat: A government entity will still have the option of seeking bids or proposals from businesses both inside and outside New Mexico if it believes that is in the best interest of taxpayers.

Because of the reporting and certifications required for the current and new bidding preferences, government entities will be able for the first time to track the amount of their contracting dollars flowing to minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as businesses with their principal locations on tribal lands. That tracking will be important in measuring the success of Senate Bill 53.

New Mexicos economy has been one of the hardest hit by business closures over the past year due to the pandemic, but there is early evidence of a recovery from the economic pain. Data released in January show the state is among the nations leaders in business reopenings. We shouldnt be surprised by that. New Mexicans are a resilient people.

We need to maintain the momentum of the last few months. Working together we will rebuild the states economy. And with Senate Bill 53 and the aid it provides to our businesses, we will build a better New Mexico.
JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- As Mississippi approaches the one-year anniversary of its first diagnosed case of COVID-19 (March 11), Jackson County and the Mississippi coast saw COVID-19 cases and deaths both increase over the past week, but another 13,505 people received vaccinations in south Mississippi in the past week, as well.

While the number of new cases statewide dropped again over the past seven days, deaths rose 40.4 percent to 146, even as Gov. Tate Reeves rescinded his statewide mask mandate.

In Jackson County, new cases rose by 38.2 percent to 217 over the past week. There were nine deaths in the county -- more than double the week prior. Jackson County now totals 12,700 cases -- about 8.8 percent of the countys population -- along with 230 deaths.

The news in Harrison County was much better, with 281 new cases nearly identical to the 280 of the week prior. There were five deaths in Harrison County during the week after three consecutive weeks in double digits. Harrison County now totals 16,850 cases -- roughly 8.1 percent of the population -- and 282 deaths.

The Mississippi coast as a whole saw a 23.4 percent increase in new cases, with 607 total. There were 18 deaths, up from 15 the previous week. The coast now totals 33,077 cases, or about 8.3 percent of the population, and 589 deaths. The coast death rate stands at 1.8 percent.

Other data from the Mississippi Department of Health was more encouraging, with hospitalizations for COVID-19 continuing to drop. As of Friday, there were 366 COVID patients hospitalized statewide, with 90 of those in intensive care units. Both numbers represented decreases from the week prior (466 patients, 119 in ICU).

Locally, Singing River Hospital reported eight COVID patients, with one in ICU. Ocean Springs Hospital had six COVID patients, also with one in ICU.

The MDH now estimates 278,162 Mississippians are now recovered from the virus, leaving 11,800 known active cases -- down from 13,467 a week ago. Total testing stands at 2,472,673, with a positive rate of 12 percent, down from 12.1 percent last week.

Vaccinations numbers continued to swell, with 144,105 additional doses administered across the state over the seven-day period ending Friday. The MDH now says 717,228 doses have been administered, with 257,907 people now fully vaccinated.

In Jackson County, 4,556 doses were administered, bringing the total to 31,496. Harrison County saw 7,671 new doses administered for a total of 43,242. Coastwide, there have been a total of 82,398 doses, pr 11.5 percent of the statewide total, with 13,505 of those in the past week.
The number of locations in New Jersey providing coronavirus vaccines has nearly doubled in a matter of days with the arrival of the Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 shots that can be stored through routine refrigeration.

At the start of the week, New Jersey had around 300 sites providing the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines that require specialized cold storage. The latest update to the Department of Healths vaccination location list on Thursday includes nearly 500 locations. That doesnt include the addition of another 120 CVS locations that began offering appointments for the J&J shot on Friday morning.

Gov. Phil Murphy said on Monday those numbers could grow significantly as more shipments of all three vaccines arrive in the state.

As we start receiving a steady supply of vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, as the increased manufacturing promised by Pfizer and Moderna add to our weekly inventories, we will not only be able to ensure these 300 sites can gear up from their own operations, but well be able to distribute to even more sites, whether they be doctors offices, neighborhood pharmacies, healthcare clinics and the like, Murphy said.

The state has between 1,800 and 1,900 sites pre-approved to provide vaccines once they can be sent supplies, he said.

Weve got a lot more distribution muscle at our disposal once we have the supply that can match that muscle, Murphy said. For the moment, were going to keep working within the framework that we have in place with our six vaccine mega sites leading the way in administering thousands of doses per day.

There have been about 2.33 million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in New Jersey as of Friday morning, according to state data. That includes about 1.5 million first doses and 788,000 second doses of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

Thats out of more than 2.78 million doses the state has received, according to a running tally by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The states goal is to vaccinate 70% of its adult population  about 4.7 million people  within the next few months.

New Jersey hit a peak in daily vaccinations of 79,121 on Feb. 26 and 78,287 a day earlier, though those days likely included a surge in rescheduled appointments due to snow closures in previous days. This week, the state has been hitting 50,000 to 60,000 vaccinations on weekdays.

The increased availability of distribution locations comes as the state prepares to significantly expand the number of people eligible for vaccines.

Those currently eligible include:

Paid and unpaid healthcare workers

Residents and workers of long-term care and high-risk congregate care facilities

First responders including sworn law enforcement and fire professionals

Individuals aged over 65

Individuals aged 16-64 that have certain medical conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from the virus

Pre-K to 12 educators and staff

Childcare workers in licensed and registered settings

The list of medical conditions for those between 16-64 includes:

Cancer

Chronic kidney disease

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

Down Syndrome

Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies

Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)

Severe Obesity (BMI  40 kg/m2)

Sickle cell disease

Smoking

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Beginning Monday, March 15, the following categories are eligible for vaccination:

Public and local transportation workers, including bus, taxi, rideshare, and airport employees; NJ TRANSIT workers; and Motor Vehicle Commission staff;

Public safety workers who are not sworn law enforcement or fire professionals, including probation officers and fire safety inspectors;

Migrant farm workers;

Members of tribal communities;

Individuals experiencing homelessness and those living in shelters, including domestic violence shelters.

In addition, on March 15, individuals with the following conditions that might be at increased risk for severe illness from the virus, will be added to the list of individuals at high risk and eligible for vaccination:

Asthma (moderate-to-severe)

Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)

Cystic fibrosis

Hypertension or high blood pressure

Neurologic conditions, such as dementia

Liver disease

Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)

Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)

Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)

Type 1 diabetes mellitus

Beginning on Monday, March 29, frontline essential workers in the following categories are also eligible for vaccination:

Food production, agriculture, and food distribution;

Eldercare and support;

Warehousing and logistics;

Social services support staff;

Elections personnel;

Hospitality;

Medical supply chain;

Postal and shipping services;

Clergy;

Judicial system.

New Jersey on Friday reported another 3,347 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 35 additional confirmed deaths. The state of 9 million people has reported 23,521 residents have died from complications related to COVID-19, including 21,124 confirmed deaths and 2,397 fatalities considered probable in the year since the outbreak began.

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

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
GDPR rules is causing a 'ridiculous' situation that is preventing Laois and other county counciles from using cameras to catch dumpers, according to Laois Offaly Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley.

The TD said he has been raising the issue of illegal dumping with the Minister for Environment Eamon Ryan and also with Secretary General of his Department.

"The recent GDPR regulations preventing councils from using CCTV cameras to collect information on illegal dumping is causing huge frustration across the Constituency and especially in rural areas.

We currently have the ridiculous situation where county councils are prevented from collecting the evidence required to successfully prosecute those who are involved in this illegal activity. Up to last year, they were able to use CCTV but the Data Protection Commissioner has deemed this to possibly be a breach of GDPR rules.

"Community groups in both rural and urban areas find themselves in a position where they are cleaning up waste, only to find that within a few weeks their locality is back to square one. Without their efforts and the work of local councils, some parts of the countryside would resemble a dump.

"I have been raising this with the Department of Environment and with Minister Ryan since the problem with GDPR started to arise last year. I have also been requesting that the fines would be increased on those who engage in this activity.

"I am now promised that new legislation is being brought forward to put laws in place which will enable councils to erect cameras wherever they may be needed to prevent dumping. The Department is also reviewing the level of fines and I believe these need to be increased substantially.

"CCTV evidence is essential for successful prosecutions and we cannot continue to have a situation where the hands of the local authorities are tied in this way," said the TD.

The Department told Deputy Stanley that the Governments recently published Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, contains a commitment to ensure that all waste enforcement legislation will be data proofed so that all available and emerging technologies can be fully utilised for enforcement activities in a manner which is General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) complaint.

Minister Ryan said his Department is currently working on a Circular Economy Bill which will include provisions to give effect to the commitment in the Waste Action Plan.

"This will help to ensure that the processing of personal data could be carried out by local authorities, in order to protect our environment from the scourge of illegal dumping, while at the same time respecting the privacy rights of citizens," he said.

The Laois TD was also told that other commitments in the Waste Action Plan to target illegal dumpers include:
By Yew Lun Tian

BEIJING (Reuters) - China's 2021 defence spending will rise 6.8% from 2020, up slightly from last year's increase and broadly tracking the government's modest growth forecast, as the world's second-largest emerges from the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier Li Keqiang pledged that efforts to strengthen the People's Liberation Army, which is developing an array of weapons from stealthy fighters to aircraft carriers, would continue apace in the face of what China views as multiple security threats.

The spending figure, set at 1.35 trillion yuan ($208.47 billion) in the national budget released on Friday, is closely watched as a barometer of how aggressively the country will beef up its military.

Last year China said the defence budget would rise just 6.6%, its slowest rate in three decades, as the wilted during the pandemic. This will be the sixth year in a row for a single-digit increase.

Li, in his state-of-the-nation address to the largely rubber-stamp legislature, said this year the government would strengthen the armed forces "through reform, science and technology and the training of capable personnel".

"We will boost military training and preparedness across the board, make overall plans for responding to security risks in all areas and for all situations, and enhance the military's strategic capacity to protect the sovereignty, security and development interests of our country," Li said in a government translation of his remarks.

"We will improve the layout of the defence-related science, technology and industry, and enhance the defence mobilisation system," he added, without giving details.

Li set an annual economic growth target of more than 6%, significantly below the consensus of analysts, who expect growth could be more than 8% this year. China last year reduced the target after COVID-19 damaged its

Yang Yujun, a former senior Chinese officer now at Communication University of China, said it was a natural rate of increase given the many problems facing the economy post-pandemic.

"China is facing a relatively complicated and regional security situation, and the tasks of advancing the military's modernisation, reform and building are also very arduous. It is very necessary to ensure sufficient defence expenditures," he added.

China is nervous about challenges on several fronts, ranging from Taiwan to U.S. missions in the disputed South China Sea near Chinese-occupied islands, a border dispute with India and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.

The budget gives only a raw figure for military expenditure, with no breakdown. Many diplomats and foreign experts believe Beijing under-reports the real number.

In Washington, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby declined to speculate about whether China was under-reporting its defence budget.

"I'm in no position to judge right here today what we believe about the veracity of the figure that they're putting out there," Kirby told a news briefing.

China's reported defence budget in 2021 is about a quarter of U.S. defence spending, which amounted to $714 billion in fiscal year 2020 and is expected to increase to $733 billion in the 2021 fiscal year.

China has long argued that it needs to close the gap with the United States. China, for example, has two aircraft carriers, compared with 11 in active service for the United States.

China routinely says that spending for defensive purposes is a comparatively low percentage of its GDP and that critics want to demonize it as a threat to world peace.

Military spending accounts for around 1.3% of China's total GDP, far lower than the United States, Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the state-backed Global Times, tweeted.

"You will believe China is a peace-loving country as long as you are not biased," he said.

(Reporting by Yew Lun Tian; Additional reporting by Beijing newsroom and Phil Stewart in Washington; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Gerry Doyle and Grant McCool)

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A Transcona neighbourhood development is set to offer 29 deeply affordable housing units later this year, within a total of 87 reduced-rent homes.

A Transcona neighbourhood development is set to offer 29 "deeply affordable" housing units later this year, within a total of 87 reduced-rent homes.

The federal government will provide a $22.9-million low-cost loan to support the residential building at 140 Transcona Blvd. The six-storey Park City Commons structure will offer affordable rents for middle-class tenants, according to Ahmed Hussen, minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

"This is an example of the type of project that actually serves everyone. Twenty-nine units out of the 87 units are deeply affordable, meaning those folks will pay annual rents which are at or less than 30 per cent of the Winnipeg household median income and the affordability of those units will be maintained for many, many years."

The minister said the remaining units add to overall housing options, an increase that will help stabilize rental rates. He said paramedics, firefighters, construction workers and teachers may all fall into the middle-income bracket that could utilize such housing.

"The very people who run our cities... are at risk of being priced out of (housing in) the large urban centres," said Hussen.

Keith Merkel, president of EdgeCorp Developments, said his company expects the units will be ready for tenants by July, with rent for the remaining 58 units priced at 10 per cent less than market value. He said the affordable rents will be guaranteed for 20 years.

Mayor Brian Bowman said the new builds will also help address the needs of some low-income Winnipeggers. As those in the middle-income category gain access to more mid-range units, the least expensive homes will become available for others, he said.

"When there are less options available it does take up space that would otherwise be utilized by those in even greater need in our community."

The new Park City Commons building will be constructed on a former city public works yard in the Regent neighbourhood. The new construction adds to a previous Park City building, which created 95 housing units with rents set at or lower than 30 per cent of the local median household income.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga

Modis partythe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)currently holds power in several of the states that border Delhi.

by Vijay Prashad

For the past three months, Indian farmers and agricultural workers have been in the middle of a difficult struggle against the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tens of thousands of them have gathered around the capital city of New Delhi; they say that they will not disband unless the government repeals three laws that negatively impact their ability to remain economically viable. The government has shown no sign that it will withdraw these laws, which provide immense advantages to the large corporate houses that are close to Prime Minister Modi. The governments attempt to crack down on the farmers and agricultural workers has altered the mood in the country: those who grow the food for the country are hard to depict as terrorists and as anti-national.

Modis partythe Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)currently holds power in several of the states that border Delhi. It is from these statesHaryana and Uttar Pradeshthat many of the farmers have gathered, although they have also come from far afield, from Bihar and Maharashtra (they have also come from Punjab, which is governed by the Congress Party). Even if there are some shifts in the political calculations in these states, particularly Uttar Pradesh (population 200 million), these will not be tested at the ballot box for some years to come: Punjab and Uttar Pradesh do not go to the polls until 2022, and Haryana will elect its legislative assembly in 2024 when the Indian parliament will face a general election. Modi is safe for the next three years, an eternity in contemporary political life.

Little wonder that he has not felt the need to make any concession to the farmers and that he has turned to the full arsenal of intimidation and violence to fragment the unity of the farmers. This intimidation includes a general attack on those branches of the media that have favorably reported the protest (Newsclick, a news portal, faces a bewildering investigation becauseas is widely acknowledgedit had amplified the views of the protesting farmers).

State Elections

Over the next few months, assembly elections will take place in one union territory (Puducherry) and four states in India: Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. To put this into perspective, the populations in these four states total 225 million, by itself the fifth-largest country in the world behind Indonesia. That the democratic fate of so many people will be decided by May 2 and that these elections get so little attention outside India tells one a great deal about the Eurocentrism of our global media (certainly the result of the national election in Germanywith a population of 83 millionwill be far more consequential than these five regional elections in India, but nonetheless the lack of any interest should not be shrugged at).

The prime ministers extreme right party, the BJP, is in power in only one of these states, Assam (population 31 million). It is likely that the BJP will retain hold of that state, although there is tension around the highly unpopular Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) pushed by the BJP in 2019. In a triangular contest, the BJP and its allies will face on the one side a grand alliance of the center-right Congress Party and its Left and regional allies; and on the other side, newly formed anti-CAA parties (the Assam Jatiya Parishad and the Raijor Dal). Fragmentation of the anti-BJP vote could very well be decisive for its re-election, a point made by the Congress Party, which has sought unsuccessfully to bring in the new parties.

West Bengal (population 91 million), like Assam, will face a triangular contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), the BJP, and a bloc of the Communists and the Congress. On February 28, 2021, more than a million people gathered at Kolkatas Brigade Ground for a massive show of strength led by the Left and its allies against both the BJP and the TMC. The Left Front had been in power in West Bengal from 1977 to 2011, when it was ousted by the TMC. Since then, the TMC has gone in and out of alliance with the BJP in Delhi, and it has promoted corruption, cronyism and social despair. The power of BJP money and the projection of Prime Minister Modi as a charismatic figure have drawn key TMC leaders into the BJP. This is the first time that the Left and the Congress are going to the polls together. A recent ABP/C-Voter poll found that the TMC looks to be on track to hold the state government.

Regional parties such as the TMC are a familiar feature in Indias larger states. Here linguistic sub-nationalism provides the foundation for the local elites to drive their own agenda through such entities. In Tamil Nadu (population 68 million), the history of anti-Brahmin agitation led to the creation of a non-Brahmin party, which then fissured into several parties, two of which (AIADMK and DMK) remain the dominant forces in the states politics. The AIADMK, currently in power, is gripped most tightly by the regional elites and has an intimate relationship with the BJP even if there are some social divergences. The DMK, on the other hand, has been smart with its alliances, although it is dogged with accusations of nepotism. As in earlier elections, the DMK has made an alliance with the Left, which has deep pockets of support among the working class and the peasantry; anti-privatization fights, led by the Left, will help the alliance gain the support of workers in densely populated urban areas. Opinion polls suggest that the DMK-Left alliance will prevail in Tamil Nadu.

Kerala Flies the Red Flag

Since 1980, the electorate of Kerala (population 35 million) has not re-elected its state government, with power oscillating between the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front. This year, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), which has been in office since 2016, looks set to break the pattern and return to power. There is widespread agreement that the LDF governmentled by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanhas fulfilled the promises of the communists 2016 manifesto; there is overwhelming clarity that the LDF administration has been efficient and rational. The LDF government confronted a series of cascading crises with calm competence: the aftereffects of Cyclone Ockhi in 2017, the Nipah virus outbreak of 2018, the floods of 2018 and 2019, and then the COVID-19 pandemic (Health Minister K.K. Shailaja was called the Coronavirus Slayer by the Guardian). Despite what seemed like a never-ending cycle of crises, the government pushed hard to strengthen public education and public health care, and to provide housing and food to the public.

No anti-incumbency was visible in the local body elections in 2020, when the younglargely femalecandidates of the LDF triumphed. The LDF opened its 2021 campaign with a march to deepen development (Vikasana Munnetta Yatra) that began at the north and south ends of Keralas length. Development is the key themethe promises that the LDF government has met include a major push to build basic infrastructure through the pro-people budgets of Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac. The LDF record is strong, which is why it has entered the election campaign with the slogan Urappaanu LDF or LDF for Sure.

The return of the Left to government in Kerala would be significant, but it is not a bellwether of the Lefts overall strength in India. Nonetheless, the cycle of farmer agitations and the linkage with the main trade union federations suggests the possibility of the future growth of the progressive forces.

This article was produced by Globetrotter.

Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is the chief editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest book is Washington Bullets, with an introduction by Evo Morales Ayma.
While the cumulative number of covid-19 vaccine doses administered in India crossed 2.06 Crore on Saturday, the country also reported over 18,327 fresh coronavirus cases highest in this week.

Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have reported a high number of covid-19 daily new cases. They cumulatively account for 82% of the new cases reported in the past 24 hours. Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 10,216. It is followed by Kerala with 2,776 while Punjab reported 808 new cases. Indias total Active Caseload has reached 1,80,304 as on Saturday which is 1.61% of Indias total Positive Cases, highest this week.

The Central Government on Saturday rushed high level multi-disciplinary public health teams to Maharashtra and Punjab in view of the increase in number of daily new covid-19 cases being consistently reported by these States. They are being deployed to assist the State Health Departments in covid-19 surveillance, control and containment measures.

The high-level team to Maharashtra will be led by Dr P Ravindran, senior CMO, Disaster Management Cell, union health ministry. The public health team to Punjab will be led by Dr S K Singh, Director, National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi.

The teams will visit the States immediately and will visit the hotspot areas in the States and ascertain reasons for the surge. They will also brief the Chief Secretary/Secretary (H) on their observations and remedial measures to be undertaken by the State Health authorities.

Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary and Vinod K. Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog on Saturday interacted with Health Secretaries and mission directors of the national health mission (NHM) of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and UTs of Delhi and Chandigarh.

These States/UTs have in the recent past seen increased positivity and increased number of daily positive cases. They reviewed the ongoing public health measures of surveillance, containment and management of COVID cases in wake of the steep rise in daily new cases of COVID and the high number of active caseload being reported from these eight States/UTs.

In a detailed presentation, it was pointed out that 9 districts in Delhi, 15 in Haryana, 10 in Andhra Pradesh, 10 in Odisha, 9 in Himachal Pradesh, 7 in Uttarakhand, 2 in Goa, 1 in Chandigarh continue to be of concern as these districts are seeing a decrease in total tests being conducted, low share of RT-PCR tests, increase in weekly positivity and low number of contact tracing of the COVID positive cases. These together can pose high risk of transmission to the neighbouring States and UTs. A granular analysis of the COVID response in the districts was shared with the States/UTs for further action.

States were specifically asked to continue with the effective strategy of Test Track & Treat that had yielded rich dividends at the height of the pandemic, improve overall testing in districts reporting reduction in testing and increase share of RT-PCR tests in districts dependent on high levels of antigen testing.

The centre also asked the states to refocus on surveillance and stringent containment of those areas in selected districts which are seeing cluster of cases. The states were asked carry out an average close contact tracing of minimum of 20 persons per positive case. States focus on clinical management in districts reporting higher deaths.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on 16th Jan 2021 with vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) and vaccination of the Frontline Workers (FLWs) started from 2nd Feb 2021.The next phase of covid-19 vaccination has commenced from 1st March 2021 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. A total of 2,06,62,073 vaccine doses have been given, as per the provisional report till 7 pm.

These include 69,72,859 HCWs who have taken the 1st dose and 35,22,671HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 65,02,869FLWs (1stdose), 1,97,853FLWs (2nd dose), 4,60,782beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 30,05,039 beneficiaries aged 45 and above with specific co-morbidities.

Total 11,64,422vaccine doses were given till 7 pm today, the 50th day of nationwide covid-19 vaccination. Out of which 9,44,919 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 2,19,503HCWs and FLWs received 2nd dose of vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight.

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Plush carpets underfoot, a large modern kitchen with a fully stocked walk-in pantry, a map of the Tauranga Moana rohe on the dining room wall and a piano in the entrance provide a warm welcome to Whare Matariki.

Although it is not a typical home, it is the first of its kind in New Zealand and it will take a new approach to youth justice.

The new community remand home in Bethlehem has a dedicated mental health nurse and psychologist. It will also be one of the few remand homes that focuses on young women.

Depending on demand, the home will take males or females aged 13 to 17, housing up to three at a time.

Whare Matariki will also provide an outreach, so the youth get support once theyre back in the community.

Youth Justice central North Island regional manager Shaun Brown says the young people in the home will likely have experienced significant trauma, which has led to them being there.

Were talking about a really high needs type of group, says Shaun.

The only way they know how to reach out is to do something that gains attention. Those are often cries for help and offending and those types of things are just offshoots of that.

They're not who the person is, theyre just offshoots of that trauma.

This place is about trying to find the reason for that and trying to help at the cause.

Whare Matariki is run by Te Tuinga Whanau Trust and will have live-in house parents, Tarn and Brad Farry.

Tarn and Brad have been house parents for Oranga Tamariki at their home in the bush, East of Opotiki, for seven years and are excited to join the Te Tuinga whanau and bring their experience to the new home.

Brad says theyre hoping to teach the young people traits that will enable them to be strong in difficult situations.

They aim to create a family environment that the rangatahi are able to stay connected to even after theyve left.

We want them to feel comfortable, loved and at home, says Brad.

Tarn says the goal is to put the youths on their feet and send them away proud with their wairua intact.

Theyre broken, so we want to reconnect them with their roots, who they are and their self-worth, so that they go away stronger, says Tarn.

Shaun says it is a lovely home and for a lot the teenagers it will the best environment theyve ever been in.

When you put someone in an environment where theyre being well cared for, they learn to appreciate it, he says.

They start to protect it because its a nice place to be. It's somewhere that they don't have to struggle, lie, take or steal, because here theyre accepted for who they are.
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An attorney for the so-called 'QAnon Shaman' charged in the U.S. Capitol riot has compared his client to the fictional character Forrest Gump, as he argues for his release on bail.

Jacob Anthony Chansley, 33, is being held without bail in Washington DC on charges of civil disorder and five other counts in connection with the January 6 storming of the Capitol.

At a pre-trial hearing on Friday, Chansley's attorney Al Watkins argued that his client had gone to the Capitol at the invitation of Donald Trump, 'like Forrest Gump.'

In the fictional 1994 film, Gump stumbles unintentionally through history, including accidentally exposing the Watergate scandal after President Richard Nixon invites him to stay at the DC hotel and office complex.

An attorney for the so-called ' QAnon Shaman' Jacob Chansley (right) who is charged in the U.S. Capitol riot has compared his client to the fictional character Forrest Gump

In the fictional 1994 film (above), Gump stumbles unintentionally through history, including accidentally exposing the Watergate scandal after meeting President Richard Nixon

'We're not dealing with a man of violence,' Watkins told U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth at the hearing, according to Fox News. 'They genuinely believed in the truth of what was being asserted by the highest hired hand in the land, the president.'

Watkins pointed to his client's hobbies as a painter and potter. He also asserted Chansley was only carrying a decorative 'spearhead' during the riot, and not a dangerous weapon.

Watkins argued that Chansley believed police were allowing him and other protesters to enter the Capitol building.

Prosecutors are opposing Chansley's release before trial, saying there is no reasonable version of events in which Chansley believed it was legal to enter the Capitol as windows were being broken and alarms went off.

Judge Lamberth promised to rule shortly on the bail request, but as of Saturday afternoon he had not issued a ruling, according to the court docket.

At Friday's hearing, Lamberth scolded Watkins, claiming he violated federal rules to facilitate a jailhouse interview for his client.

'We're not dealing with a man of violence,' attorney Al Watkins said at the hearing, comparing Chansley (left in a court sketch) to Forrest Gump (portrayed by Tom Hanks right)

'There's no subterfuge here, at all. ... I did not under any circumstances try to conduct subterfuge to this court, certainly, and not to the facility where my client is currently housed,' Watkins responded . 'It's just not my style.'

He did say the jail was told it was an 'attorney-client interview video,' and that he did not tell them it was actually for a '60 Minutes' interview.

In the interview, which aired on Thursday, Chansley broke his silence to claim that he stormed the Senate floor to 'sing a song' and stop people from stealing and vandalizing in the hallowed hall.

The Arizona native - who was pictured in the Capitol on January 6 sporting a horned headdress, face-paint, a Star-Spangled spear and a bullhorn - argued that he actually helped curb the chaos, not exacerbate it.

'Well, I sang a song. That's a part of shamanism. It's about- creating positive vibrations in a sacred chamber,' he said of his visit to the Senate floor.

'I also stopped people from stealing and vandalizing that sacred space, the Senate. Okay? I actually stopped somebody from stealing muffins out of the break room.

'And I also said a prayer in that sacred chamber. Because it was my intention to bring divinity, and to bring God back into the Senate.'

Jacob Anthony Chansley, the so-called 'QAnon Shaman' spoke out for the first time since his arrest in the January 6 Capitol riots in an interview with 60 Minutes on Thursday (pictured)

My actions were not an attack on this country, says Jacob Chansley, aka the QAnon Shaman. For the first time since his arrest, Chansley talks publicly about his actions that day, and he tells @LaurieSegall why he wanted to be in the Senate chamber. https://t.co/AhuFQOSzts pic.twitter.com/bIgKjVYS5I  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) March 4, 2021

Video included in Chansley's indictment showed him standing at Vice President Mike Pence's chair in the Senate and pumping his fists in the air.

When 60 Minutes correspondent Laurie Segall reminded that Chansley was not legally allowed to be in the 'sacred chamber', he asserted that he thought it was okay because police welcomed him in.

'That is the one very serious regret that I have, was believing that when we were waved in by police officers, that it was acceptable,' he said.

Chansley grew incredulous when Segall described his actions as 'an attack on this nation'.

'No, they were not, ma'am,' he said. 'My actions were not an attack on this country. That is incorrect. That is inaccurate, entirely.

'I consider myself a lover of my country,' he continued. 'I consider myself a believer in the Constitution. I consider myself a believer in truth and our founding principles. I consider myself a believer in God.'

Chansley also expressed disappointment that Donald Trump didn't give him a pardon before leaving office, saying that he thought the president 'had our back'.

He added that he regrets storming the Capitol 'with every fiber of my being' but does not regret his loyalty to Trump.

'Well, I sang a song. That's a part of shamanism. It's about creating positive vibrations in a sacred chamber,' Chansley said in the 60 Minutes interview

Video in Chansley's indictment showed him standing at Vice President Mike Pence's chair in the Senate and pumping his fists in the air

Chansley is among more than 300 people who have been charged in connection with the Capitol insurrection that left five people dead and over 130 police officers injured.

He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on two felony and four misdemeanor counts, including violent entry and civil disorder.

Chansley (pictured in his mugshot) faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on two felony and four misdemeanor counts, including violent entry and civil disorder

In a filing on Monday, prosecutors argued that Chansley should not be released because he poses a danger to the community.

The prosecutors cited Chansley's indictment, which accused him of holding a weapon as he confronted officers inside the Capitol, speaking about ridding the government of traitors and writing a threatening note to Pence which read: 'It's only a matter of time, justice is coming.'

'He cannot be trusted now to suddenly change course,' prosecutors said.

Chansley's attorney, Albert Watkins, disputed those claims, saying that Chansley's spear was an ornament, not a weapon, and that the letter he wrote to Pence wasn't intended to be threatening.

Watkins also said his client is suffering from digestive tract difficulties, even though the jail has complied with his request for organic food.

The defense attorney has sought to cast blame for Chansley's actions on Trump, claiming that his client was 'duped' into participating in the riot.

'Mr Chansley is not alone. We all are compelled to be introspective about our role in creating and permitting an environment where believing the words of a president [is] criminally actionable,' Watkins told DailyMail.com last month.

He argued that Trump had drawn Chansley into a web of lies, but said that Trump's lack of action during the riot and failure to issue pardons had been a wake-up call to his client.

'My client is understandably compelled to reconcile the words of the former president with the subsequent actions of the former president,' Watkins said.

'The reconciliation of a betrayal necessarily requires the bellying up to the bar by the betrayed to acknowledge their role in making themselves ripe for betrayal.'
Two new staff members have joined the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer team. Murphee McDowell has joined the team as the foundations development coordinator and Becky Lyle has joined as the foundation's patient navigator.

Ms. McDowell graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a B.S. in Political Science and Public Service with a concentration in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. She minored in Child and Family Studies. Ms. McDowell also has nonprofit development experience from internships in the Chattanooga area.

Because I went to UTC, I knew there were several nonprofit organizations in Chattanooga where I could pursue my goals, said Ms. McDowell. But when I found the Austin Hatcher Foundation, I could tell it was different, and thats where I wanted to be. I am more than excited to join this amazing team

Ms. Lyle graduated from Athens State University with a B.S. in Educational Studies with a minor in Autism. She is also pursuing her masters degree in School Psychometry beginning in May of this year.

When I first interacted with the staff at the foundation, I was immediately welcomed into a warm and friendly environment," said Ms. Lyle. "As a patient navigator, I have the unique role to be able to interact with all of our patients and families and make them feel as comfortable as I did on my first visit. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to put that practice each day when I walk through the doors.






The annual week-long meeting of Chinas National Peoples Congress (NPC) began yesterday, overshadowed by a continuing rise of tensions with the US. Just weeks after his inauguration on January 20, President Joe Biden has already set out to escalate the confrontation with China that had its origins in the Obama administrations pivot to Asia, of which Biden was a part, and was intensified under Trump.

The discussion at the NPC is shaped by fears in Beijing that Biden will continue Trumps aggressive trade war measures, naval provocations in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, close to the Chinese mainland, and a broader military build-up in the Indo-Pacific in preparation for war.

People walk past a video screen displaying an image of Chinese President Xi Jinping at an exhibition in Beijing, March 1, 2019 [Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein]

On the opening day of the Congress, Premier Li Keqiang delivered the government work report, focused on the economy in the context of the 14th five-year plan, which was also published on Friday. He foreshadowed an economic growth target of above 6 percent, indicating a substantial recovery from last year when the economy contracted by 6.8 percent in the first quarter before rebounding to grow at 2.3 percent for 2020 as a whole.

The target appears to be an underestimate, according to outside observers. In January, the International Monetary Fund forecast that Chinas economy would grow by 8.1 percent in 2021.

The growth figures underscore the deep concern in Washington that China will eclipse the USa situation that is intolerable for the American ruling elite, which will use all methods, including war, to prevent its global dominance being undermined. In his first foreign policy speech, Biden declared that he foresaw extreme competition with China.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated the rivalry. Despite the weaknesses and bureaucratic character of its response to the coronavirus, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime did in large measure contain its spread and enable a revival of economic activity. The 2020 figure of 2.3 percent growth was the fastest of any major economy. By contrast, COVID-19 was allowed to run rampant in the US, resulting in more than half a million deaths and an economy that contracted.

Brookings Institution senior fellow Homi Kharas last year indicated that China would reach parity with the US economy by 2028 in absolute termstwo years earlier than he previously estimated. Analysts at the Japanese investment bank Nomura suggested that China would overtake the US as the worlds largest economy even earlier, by 2026.

Li boasted that China had recovered from an extraordinary year, saying: Facing the adverse and severe impact of a sudden coronavirus epidemic and a deep global economic recession, we the Chinese people responded with tremendous tenacity.

However, the CCP leadership is acutely aware that it faces both the external threat posed by the US, and internal dangers, above all from the working class as a result of the acute social tensions fuelled by deepening social inequality, rising unemployment and underemployment, and hostility to its oppressive police-state methods of rule.

In a speech to party officials last week, as reported in the New York Times, President Xi Jinping declared that China was entering a period of opportunity as the East is rising and the West is declining. But he warned that the biggest source of chaos in the present-day world is the United States, which was also the biggest threat to our countrys development and security.

The Beijing regime has no progressive answer to the US war drive. With the prospect of a compromise and eased tensions with Washington increasingly unlikely, the CCP is continuing to boost its military spending in a reckless arms race with the US that can only end in disaster. Li announced that military spending would increase by 6.8 percent for 2021, to 1.36 trillion Renminbi ($US210 billion), up from a rise of 6.6 percent last year, although still less than the 7.5 percent increase in 2019.

Xi in particular, and more generally the CCP, is heavily dependent on the Chinese military or Peoples Liberation Army to prop up their rule. Generals and military officials, together with top representatives of the paramilitary Peoples Army Police used for internal repression, make up around 400 of the more than 5,000 NPC delegatesone of the largest contingents at the congress.

Just as significant is the heavy emphasis being placed on research and development. Premier Li said the five-year plan aimed to increase R&D spending by at least 7 percent each year in an effort to establish technological self-reliance as a strategic support for national development. Key areas of research include next-generation artificial intelligence, semiconductors and quantum computing, as well as electric cars and green technology.

President Trump effectively forced China to boost its investment in research by imposing crippling sanctions on key Chinese corporations, including the hi-tech giant Huawei. More than 60 Chinese companies, notably leading computer chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation, were blacklisted during the final weeks of the Trump administration. The sanctions were aimed at cutting off access to high-tech components and technology, including much-needed advanced computing chips.

The Chinese government is making large investments in the military and research spending despite concerns over the impact of very high levels of debt for the stability of the financial system. Last year, the ratio of government debt to gross domestic product hit 270 percent, up from 246.5 percent in 2019, after Beijing boosted spending in a bid to maintain economic growth during the pandemic.

Last week the South China Morning Post noted that 15 of the NPC delegates owned or managed real estate companies with combined debt of 2.44 trillion yuan ($US375.5 billion). The wealthiest, Hui Ka-yan, is chairman of the Evergrande Group and Chinas 14th richest person, with a fortune valued at $US28.5 billion. Their presence at the NPC makes clear whose interests the CCP representsthose of the ultra-wealthy oligarchs that have benefited from the four decades of capitalist restoration in China.

While the super-rich have grown even wealthier during the pandemic, the vast majority of the Chinese population has faced unemployment, financial stress and uncertainty. Xi last week again boasted that China had eradicated absolute poverty, describing it as another miracle in the annals of history. He will undoubtedly make much of the claim in the coming week, as he declares that China has met his target of becoming a moderately prosperous countrytimed to coincide with this Julys 100th anniversary of the founding of the CCP.

The staggering growth of the Chinese economy over the past 40 years has undoubtedly lifted overall living standardsa fact that the CCP regime has relied on to limit opposition and dissent. But the elimination of absolute povertyeven if trueis based on an extremely low benchmark of just $620 a year. The continuing existence of serious financial hardship was indicated in May 2019 when Premier Li pointed out that 600 million people in China had to survive on a monthly income below 1,000 RMB [$US155], or about $5 a day.

Lis comment points to the nervousness in Beijing about the acute social tensions, which have only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In his work report, Li set a target of creating over 11 million new urban jobs this year, compared to a target of 9 million last year, and achieving an urban unemployment rate of 5.5 percent, compared to about 6 percent last year. These figures, which exclude the social problems confronting the rural population, are highly suspect.

For all of Xis boasting about creating a moderately prosperous country, the CCP regime is sitting on top of a social time bomb that its enormous police-state apparatus is incapable of containing.
Last week, billionaire SpaceX founder Elon Musk announced plans to set up a new city in South Texas.

The city  Musk thinks Starbase is a good name  would be the jumping-off point for humanitys next step toward interplanetary travel.

From thence to Mars, and hence the stars, he tweeted.

Musk, who announced he was moving to Texas in December, is serious about reaching for the stars from the Lone Star State.

Wednesday, SpaceX made history by launching a rocket at its facility near Brownsville, presumably the site of the future Starbase. The Starship SN10 was brought down for an upright landing, and while it did burst into flames  SpaceX called the explosion a rapid unscheduled disassembly  the mission was deemed a success.

But thats not all SpaceX is doing. The company also tweeted Wednesday confirmation that 60 of its Starlink satellites had been deployed, bringing its plan of creating a globe-encirling web of tens of thousands of internet-provider satellites a little closer to reality. And this came a few days after news spread about SpaceX job postings for a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Austin, although SpaceX is being quiet about those plans.

All this means jobs for Texas, especially if Starbase happens. And why not? Clear Lake City took off near the Johnson Space Center in the 60s. A planned community near Galveston Bay, it was where engineers working for NASA and the petrochemical industry laid down roots. Gov. John Connally opened Clear Lake City in 1963, and five years later, 3,785 people lived there. In 1974, it had 16,000 residents. Today, the population stands at around 60,000.

Even for a billionaire, wanting to launch a city isnt the same as getting one. There are rules regarding incorporation, and Cameron County officials have made clear those will apply. But growth means jobs. It means construction, development and governance. Growth means restaurants, hotels, shops and schools. And communities need firefighters, police officers and first responders. And for South Texans who want to stay in South Texas, that means a lot.

The idea of Starbase isnt out-of-this-world, and a little help from SpaceX could bring generations of working people of the Rio Grande Valley an overdue boost. From thence to Mars is pretty cool if youre from thence.

Uncontrolled growth isnt always beneficial. If driven by those who cut corners and place profit over process, it can destroy opportunity before it has a chance to happen, stifling a region for generations.

Of course, it is hard to get excited about a new city when were still trying to figure out what happened to the water and power in San Antonio last month and how were going to prevent such things from happening in the future. We might have our sights on the Red Planet, but the average Texan is more likely to see pictures from the Jezero Crater on the Martian surface than get a clear explanation of what their next energy bill is going to look like.

It takes the dreams of giants who have the means to spark planned development and nudge the bigger giants that drive regulation and infrastructure. And if Musks dream of taking rockets full of people to the far reaches of the solar system means opportunities for people here on Earth, it might be in our collective interest to get fired up and make sure it happens the right way.

Starbase, Texas? We dont have a problem.

mariaanglinwrites@gmail.com
DUBUQUE, Iowa  The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dubuque is telling believers they may accept COVID-19 vaccination, despite a connected between the vaccines and abortion.

Archbishop Michael Jackels of Dubuque released the following statement:

Originally, it didnt seem necessary to make a statement about the Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine; any message would be essentially the same as what was said in December 2020 regarding the other vaccines.

However, some Catholics are a little confused about whether they may receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. So, some clarification is called for:

If Catholics are given a choice about which COVID vaccine to receive, they should choose the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines over the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Why?

Because Johnson and Johnson used cell lines from the fetal tissue of an aborted baby in the production of its vaccine, whereas Pfizer and Moderna used them only for lab testing.

Its a subtle distinction. All three companies used those ethically compromised cell lines; its just that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, because they made only limited use, are further removed from the evil of abortion than is the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

However, if Catholics are not given a choice about which vaccine to receive, it is morally acceptable for them to use the Johnson and Johnson vaccine against the serious health risk of the coronavirus.

In this regard, it appears that, at present, and for the foreseeable future, no one is being offered a choice of vaccines.

Besides, as stated above, right now there isnt a COVID vaccine available that didnt use those abortion-derived cell lines in design, development, production, and/or lab testing.

So, if Catholics have the opportunity to get vaccinated, and arent given a choice of vaccines, they should gratefully receive whatever is available; the sooner, the better.

The common good of protecting the public health against a contagious and potentially deadly virus takes precedence over any reservations Catholics might have about being treated with any of the available vaccines.

Michael Jackels

Archbishop of Dubuque

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester also has a link on its website to a Vatican statement on the morality of receiving COVID-19 vaccines.
WASHINGTON  Democrats who represent communities along the border are ratcheting up the pressure on President Joe Biden to take action as a wave of migrants has started crossing into Texas.

We are weeks, maybe even days, away from a crisis on the southern border. Inaction is simply not an option, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar said Thursday. Our country is currently unprepared to handle a surge in migrants in the middle of the pandemic.

The Laredo Democrat released figures showing Border Patrol in the Rio Grande Valley had arrested 10,000 migrants in the last week  2,500 in the last two days alone. Experts said those figures offer only a limited snapshot, but fit with broader data trends that suggest the border could be on the verge of another migration surge  especially of unaccompanied minors  on par with those in 2019 and 2014.

We are approaching the numbers that have characterized past peaks or surges, said Jessica Bolter, an analyst at the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Whether or not its a crisis is determined by how the government manages it.

The Biden administration has said its focus is establishing an orderly and humane immigration system. The administration ended Trump-era policies requiring migrants to remain in Mexico while their cases are processed and is preparing to convert its immigrant family detention centers in South Texas into rapid-processing hubs to screen migrant parents and children with a goal of releasing them into the United States within 72 hours.

Republicans have slammed the shift in immigration policy and sought to cast the situation at the border as the first major crisis of Bidens term.

All of the signals the Biden administration is sending is that border security and enforcement of our immigration laws come second to their desire to see as many people who show up at the border make their way into the United States and then get lost in the backlog of asylum cases, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said.

At least one Democrat in a border district is now sounding similar warnings.

U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen told CNN that if the administration follows through with its plan to quickly release migrants seeking asylum, it will send a message to Central Americans that tens of thousands of people can show up to the border. That would be catastrophic for our party, for our country, for my region, for my district, in the middle of a pandemic.

Cuellar, however, noted that even as hes warning the administration of rising apprehensions, those figures started growing during the final months of the Trump administration.

The Biden administration, too, has said it inherited the situation, which officials have said is a challenge and not yet a crisis.

What we are seeing now at the border is the immediate result of the dismantlement of the system and the time that it takes to rebuild it virtually from scratch, said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas.

This is a challenge that the border communities, the non-governmental organizations, the people who care for individuals seeking humanitarian relief all understand it is an imperative, Mayorkas said. Everyone understands what occurred before us, what we need to do now. And we are getting it done.

The bulk of the apprehensions in recent months have been single adults, though apprehensions of unaccompanied children are also on the rise and could be on the cusp of a surge, experts said.

Border Patrol apprehended 5,700 unaccompanied child migrants in January, the most recent data available, and anecdotal evidence suggests that number rose considerably in February, said Bolter of the Migration Policy Institute. The 2014 and 2019 surges saw between 7,000 and 9,000 apprehensions a month with peaks above 10,000, she said.

But the number of families crossing the border appear to be far from the past surges, especially in 2019, which included several months when Border Patrol apprehended between 50,000 and 60,000 family members. The peak that year was 84,000. In January, there were just 7,300 apprehensions of family members, Bolter said.

And Bolter said it appears that the Biden administration is trying to manage this actively.

Cuellar, meanwhile, has called for Biden to continue using a Trump administration public health order to quickly expel migrants during the pandemic, a practice that immigration activists have urged the president to scrap.

COVID-19 concerns

Cuellar voiced concern that some of those entering the country may be bringing the coronavirus with them  echoing comments that Republican Gov. Greg Abbott made on Wednesday as he sought to deflect criticism from the White House over his decision to rescind the states COVID restrictions.

Migrants are illegally crossing, potentially exposing border communities to the coronavirus and putting us at risk, Cuellar said. I urge the Biden administration to listen and work with the communities on the southern border who are dealing with the surge of migrants.

While Cuellar said Border Patrol has not been testing for coronavirus, some border cities and shelters have been testing migrants once they are released. The city of Brownsville, for instance, had tested 1,267 migrants as of March 3 and 169 tested positive, a city spokesman said.

CNN reported Thursday that the Department of Homeland Security is planning to use Federal Emergency Management Agency funds to bolster community efforts to test, isolate and quarantine migrants released from Border Patrol custody. But the grant money needs to be approved by the state before it can be distributed to border communities.

Gov. Abbott has so far declined the FEMA aid.

Border security is strictly a federal responsibility. The federal government alone has the responsibility to test, screen and quarantine illegal immigrants crossing our border who may have COVID, Abbott said in a statement. Instead of doing their job, the Biden administration suggested it did not have the sufficient resources and, remarkably, asked Texas to assist them in aiding their illegal immigration program. Texas refused.

Instead, Abbott blames the White House.

The Biden Administration is recklessly releasing hundreds of illegal immigrants who have COVID into Texas communities. The Biden Admin. must IMMEDIATELY end this callous act that exposes Texans & Americans to COVID, Abbott tweeted on Wednesday, apparently ignoring the distinction between those who enter the country illegally and those seeking asylum.

Cuellar, meanwhile, said he has been stressing to the White House that federal officials need to engage more with local leaders on the border to get a better understanding of the situation and not only to the immigration activists where a lot of them live thousands of miles away.

I sincerely feel theyre not listening to the border communities, he said.

Jessica Cisneros, an immigration attorney who lost to Cuellar by 4 percentage points in the Democratic primary last year, accused him of trying to generate a fake crisis on the border for attention.

Of course the numbers are higher than previous months because our country was committing human rights violations by not following our own laws and treaties, Cisneros tweeted. This is a slap in the face to on-the-ground organizations which have been raising the issue of proper and safe processing for asylum seekers during the pandemic AT LEAST six months in advance.

ben.wermund@chron.com

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Blind trust in social media cements conspiracy beliefs

PULLMAN, Wash. - The ability to identify misinformation only benefits people who have some skepticism toward social media, according to a new study from Washington State University.

Researchers found that people with a strong trust in information found on social media sites were more likely to believe conspiracies, which falsely explain significant events as part of a secret evil plot, even if they could identify other types of misinformation. The study, published in the journal Public Understanding of Science on March 5, showed this held true for beliefs in older conspiracy theories as well as newer ones around COVID-19.

"There was some good and bad news in this study," said Porismita Borah, an associate professor in WSU's Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and a corresponding author on the study. "The good news is that you are less susceptible to conspiracy theories if you have some media literacy skills, one of which is being able to identify misinformation. But if you blindly trust the information you find on social media, those skills might not be able to help."

Identifying misinformation is just one part of media literacy, Borah pointed out, and people may need a deeper education around social media to avoid falling for conspiracy theories.

For the study, the researchers surveyed 760 people recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing website. The participants were roughly split between male and female as well as Democrat and Republican. The majority, 63.1%, used Facebook and 47.3% used Twitter daily. They answered a range of questions related to the level of their social media news use and trust as well as ability to identify misinformation.

The participants were also asked to rate the truth of several COVID-19 conspiracy theories, such as the belief that the virus was a weapon of biological warfare developed by foreign countries. They also were presented with older conspiracies to rate, such as that the moon landing was a hoax and that Princess Diana was killed by a British intelligence agency.

The researchers found that a greater ability to identify misinformation lowered beliefs in all conspiracy theories--except for those who had high levels of trust in social media information. This is particularly problematic because other research has shown that once a conspiracy belief takes hold, it is very hard to convince the believer that it is false.

"The patterns around trust is one of the most important findings from our study," said Borah. "We need to go deeper into what this trust means."

Borah and her co-authors, recent WSU Ph.D. Xizhu Xiao and current doctoral student Yan Su, suggest that political ideology may play a role in this trust--that people want to believe the words of political figures they admire, whether what they say is actually true or not. Borah said more research is needed to understand why conspiracy theories appeal to people and how best to combat them as there can be serious consequences.

"There are different levels of danger with these theories, but one of the prominent conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19 is that it isn't true, that the virus is a hoax and that can be really dangerous: you're putting yourself, your family members and your community at risk," said Borah.

The researchers advocate for making media literacy part of the educational system and starting it well before college. They argue that such education should include a better understanding of how information can be manipulated as well as social media environments, news production and dissemination.

"There's a long list of tasks to do to keep ourselves well informed," Borah said. "I think there is hope with media literacy and a better understanding of the information environment, but it is a complicated process."

###

This story has been published on: 2021-03-05. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.




Haiti - FLASH : Two Haitian criminals transferred to the USA





On Friday March 5, Divisional Inspector Gary Desrosiers, spokesperson for the National Police of Haiti (PNH) confirmed that a Haitian fugitive naturalized American Joseph L. Mathieu and a Haitian Peterson Benjamin were the subject of a judicial transfer to the United States to be tried and sentenced for their crimes. They were taken care of by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).



The first individual Joseph L. Mathieu, a naturalized Haitian American of Haitian origin known in the United States under the name of Mathieu Lissner was on the run and actively wanted by the American justice for drug trafficking and was the subject of a warrant of international judgment issued by the DEA. He was arrested last week by the Haitian National Police (PNH) and handed over to the DEA.



Reacting to this arrest, the Ministry of Justice declared "The MJSP welcomes the cooperation between Haiti and the United States in the prosecution of criminals of various orders including drug traffickers. Haiti is not a refuge for fugitives who have committed crimes abroad. They will be located, arrested and surrendered, according to the law."



The second individual, Peterson Benjamin aka "Pepet" or "Ti Peter", number 3 of the 5 seconds Gang which operates in Village de Dieu and who had been arrested at the end of November 2020 by the Central Directorate of Judicial Police (DCPJ), for several kidnappings including that of two American nationals was handed over to the FBI.



SL/ HaitiLibre


















Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

Oliver Kahn replaces Karl-Heinz Rummenigge as Bayern Munich's manager

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Arturo Vidal tests positive for COVID-19

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Thomas Tuchel's contract with Chelsea automatically extended

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Do pets need to be vaccinated against coronavirus?

Sean Bean stops watching Game of Thrones after his hero's execution

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Roma, Mkhitaryan reach deal

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Armenia national squad hold last training session before friendly against Croatia

Roland Garros: Naomi Osaka withdraws due to disagreement with organizers

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Scientists offer new approach to overeating treatment

FC West Armenia announce end of career

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Brazil to host Copa America

Caparros: I think Henrikh Mkhitaryan will help the team during matches in September

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Aguero signs deal with Barcelona

Courtney Cox re-enacts Friends dance with Ed Sheeran

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Henrikh Mkhitaryan declines Zenit's and Monaco's offers

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia
The fourth session of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) opens at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2021. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Premier Li Keqiang delivered a government work report at the opening of this year's session of the 13th National People's Congress in Beijing on Friday. Here are some highlights.

Main targets for 2021

- China sets its GDP growth target for 2021 at above 6 percent (Read more)

- China plans to create more than 11 million new jobs in 2021

- China to maintain its CPI at around 3 percent in 2021

- China plans to cut the ratio of its deficit to GDP to around 3.2 percent for the year of 2021

- China to cut energy consumption per unit of GDP by around 3 percent in 2021

- China to expand effective investment this year, with a central investment budget of 610 billion yuan (about $94 billion)

- China to hold key exhibitions including the China International Import Expo, the China Import and Export Fair, and the China International Fair for Trade in Services

- China to make meticulous preparations for Beijing Winter Olympics
Tesla has created a new website for its fans, one mainly designed to spur them to political action on its behalf. Dubbed Tesla Engage , it was spotted by CNBC and Electrek . The company says it made the platform to create a digital home base for all of our work, and make it easier for Tesla community members to learn what's top of mind for us, take meaningful action, and stay in the loop.

So far, Tesla is pushing a handful of causes. One calls on people to donate to disaster relief charities in Texas after the unprecedented winter storms that left much of the state without electricity. Texas, it should be noted, is home to its upcoming Austin Gigafactory, as well as Space X's facilities in Boca Chica. Yet another post urges people who live in Nebraska to call state legislators in support of LB 633  a bill that, if passed, would allow the company to sell its cars to customers there directly.

With the launch of Engage, the automaker is also winding down its official forums. On March 15th, theyll be transitioned to read-only. At the moment, only the company can publish new posts on Engage. But as a customer, you can create a profile and comment on its posts, as well as earn likes for your replies and follow other people. All of that makes Tesla Engage not a one-to-one copy of the outgoing forums.

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey testifies remotely during a hearing to discuss reforming Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act with big tech companies in Washington on Oct. 28, 2020. (Greg Nash/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

House Republicans Request Documents From Twitter on Trump Censorship Policies

Republican Reps. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Ken Buck (R-Colo.) made a renewed request to Twitter for documents related to the social media platforms internal moderation policies.

They asked for an accounting of all content moderation decisions made by Twitter over the past year, and documentation on the decision to apply fact check notations to posts made by President Donald Trump about mail-in ballots and the autonomous zone in Washington, D.C.

The letter from the congressmen addressed to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey (pdf) says the platform played a leading role among Big Tech companies in enacting political censorship. During the election, Twitter suppressed news from a mainstream news outlet (New York Post) unfavorable to then-candidate Joe Bidens son and then banned Trumps account.

Big Tech, especially Twitter, Inc., is engaged in systematic viewpoint-based discrimination. In the unfortunate phenomenon of cancel culture, Twitter plays a leading role in silencing and censoring political speech of conservative Americans, the letter reads.

The suspended Twitter account of President Donald Trump appears on a laptop screen on Jan. 8, 2021. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

In recent months, Twitter throttled the dissemination of a mainstream newspaper article critical of then-candidate Joe Bidens son and later took the unprecedented step of de-platforming the sitting President of the United States. If Twitter can do this to the President of the United States, it can do it to any American for any reason, the letter reads.

The letter also states that Twitter failed to provide documents requested in July last year by Jordan, the top Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, and Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), the top Republican on the chambers Subcommittee on Antitrust, Commercial and Administrative Law, about the examination of the size, competitiveness, and role of social media companies.

They gave the social media platform a deadline of 5 p.m. on March 18.

The letter was also copied to Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

In November of last year, a number of Twitter posts by Trump regarding the election results and vote-counting irregularities were deleted by Twitter and Facebook.

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg testifies before a combined Senate Judiciary and Commerce committee hearing in the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington on April 10, 2018. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Since Nov. 5 of last year, more than a dozen posts or reposts by Trump were censored by Twitter. Some of the posts were hidden with labels that read, Some or all of the content shared in this Tweet is disputed and might be misleading about an election or other civic process.
A New York woman investigating a hole behind her bathroom mirror went through the proverbial looking glass and made a startling discovery -- an entire empty apartment.

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Samantha Hartsoe, who chronicled her discovery in a series of TikTok videos, said she was investigating the source of a cold draft in her Roosevelt Island apartment, and she tracked the blowing air to her bathroom mirror.

Hartsoe removed the mirror and discovered it was hiding a large, square hole into a dark room.

"Curiosity killed the cat, curiosity is going to kill me," Hartsoe recalled thinking in an interview with NBC New York. "I can't not know what's on the other side of my bathroom."

Hartsoe climbed through the opening and discovered the room was part of a two-story vacant apartment. She said she explored the whole residence, finding only trash bags, an uninstalled toilet and an empty water bottle.

"I was kind of expecting there to be somebody, especially with the water bottle being there," Hartsoe told Curbed.

Hartsoe said she made sure the door to the unfinished apartment was locked before making her way back to her own residence. She said the front door to the vacant domicile was located elsewhere in the apartment complex from her own home.

She said she contacted maintenance to patch the hole in her bathroom and a representative from the management office is expected to visit her apartment soon to investigate her discovery.
Ivory Coast is set to vote in a parliamentary ballot on Saturday in a key test of stability after presidential elections last year marked by violence.

Grappling with a deep political crisis, President Alassane Ouattara has offered an olive branch to his former rival, Laurent Gbagbo, whose party has now lifted a decade-long boycott of elections.

His Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) is the driving force of a centre-left coalition named Together for Democracy and Solidarity (EDS).

More than 1,500 candidates are vying for the votes of roughly seven million people in a contest for the 255-seat National Assembly.

In contrast to the bloodshed that marked the October 31 presidential polls, campaigning has been as peaceful as it has been enthusiastic.

All the candidates have pledged support for peaceful elections and signed up to a code of conduct.

Mood

The prospect (of a high turnout) favours peaceful elections, said Adama Bictogo, a candidate for the constituency of Agboville, near Abidjan.

In the last legislative vote in December 2016, Ouattaras RHDP party teamed up with the centre-right Ivory Coast Democratic Party (PDCI), winning an absolute majority with 167 seats.

But last years crisis has shattered that deal.

 New alliances 

In an unprecedented move, the PDCI has forged an election alliance with the left-of-centre EDS  their declared aim is to prevent Ouattara and his party from consolidating absolute power.

As a result, some commentators believe these could be the most open elections in years, with the prospect that independents could hold the balance of power.

The October 31 presidential vote was marred by violence that claimed 87 lives and left hundreds wounded.

Clashes had erupted over Ouattaras bid for a third term  a plan that critics said sidestepped constitutional limits.

The 79-year-old was returned to power in a landslide thanks to an opposition boycott, but the country was mired in crisis.

READ ALSO: UN Chief calls for peaceful presidential polls in Ivory Coast

Ouattara reached out to Gbagbo, whom he forced out in April 2011 after a post-election civil war that claimed several thousand lives and left the country deeply split.

After his ouster, Gbagbo, 75, was flown to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to face war crimes charges arising from that conflict.

He was acquitted in January 2019 and is now living in Brussels pending the outcome of an appeal.

Ouattara, in his declared vow to seal national reconciliation, has issued Gbagbo with two passports, one of them a diplomatic pass.

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Gbagbo previously said he hoped to return in December but his supporters now say it will be in mid-March, and have set up a committee to prepare a spectacular welcome.

A notable absentee on Saturday will be Prime Minister Hamed Bakayoko, who is seeking re-election in northern Seguela.

He left for France two weeks ago, purportedly for medical reasons.

France 24 is Premium Times syndication partner. We have permission to republish its content.

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.
Authored by Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh, the book is divided in five chapters providing a brief introduction to Vietnam and Russia; President Ho Chi Minh, who laid the foundation for the establishment of the bilateral ties; the relations between Vietnam and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in the 1950-1990 period; the Vietnam  Russia ties during the 1991-2011 period; and from 2011 until now.

The publication features more than 700 photos and documents on the bilateral cooperation across the vast fields of politics, economics, defence-security, culture, education, science-technology, and people-to-people diplomacy.

The book also quotes opinions and memories of leaders, researchers, and historical witnesses from the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Ngo Duc Manh said that he came up with the idea of penning a book on the great friendship between Vietnam and Russia quite a long time ago, with the aim of further promoting the special bilateral relationship.

He expressed his thanks to leaders, archives, press agencies, individuals and friends from the two countries for their enthusiastic support and comments in compiling the publication.

In the introduction of the book, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh stated that with an abundance of information and data, the book chronicles the 70-year history of Vietnam  Russia ties as well as the effective, comprehensive and deep cooperation between the two countries in various fields.

For her part, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council V. Matviyenko appreciated that Ambassador Manhs book includes many notable documents on the establishment and development of Russia  Vietnam cooperation.

She also reaffirmed that Russia and Vietnam are determined to further develop the bilateral ties under the spirit of friendship, mutual trust, and respect for each others interests.

Book chronicling 70 years of Vietnam-Russia ties launched
More coordinated measures are needed to improve the prevention and control of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and meet targets to effectively control the spread of TB in China by 2030, said Mao Zongfu, a deputy to the 13th National People's Congress (NPC).

Mao said China attaches great importance to TB control and has so far achieved remarkable progress. "However, as one of the high-TB-burden countries, China still has a long way to go in this regard," he noted.

In 2010, China met its Millennium Development Goal (MDG) for TB control five years ahead of schedule. Committed to ending the TB epidemic by 2030, as outlined by the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, China set targets to "reduce the incidence of TB to under 55 per 100,000 people by 2022" and "effectively control the spread of the disease by 2030."

From 2015 to 2019, China witnessed a 3.4% annual reduction in its TB incidence rate, marking a faster drop than the world average of around 2%. "But estimates show that the figure needs to remain above 10% until 2030 to reach our target," said Mao.

Mao, director of the Global Health Institute at Wuhan University, said MDR-TB, which features a low discovery rate, low treatment rate, and high drug resistance, poses a major challenge to the overall prevention and control of TB in China.

According to the Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 released by the World Health Organization (WHO), China had the second-largest proportion (14%) of global drug-resistant TB in 2019.

"Drug-resistant TB continues to be a public health threat. Worldwide in 2019, close to half a million people developed rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB), of which 78% had MDR-TB," the report states.

Mao said that since MDR-TB treatment is time and cost-intensive, some patients are reluctant to receive standard treatment, leading to low cure rates and in turn reducing other patients' confidence in the treatment.

"Low admission rate may also cause the emergence of extensively drug-resistant TB, making the overall TB prevention and control a more daunting task," Mao added. "Therefore, it is imperative that relevant authorities take coordinated measures to cut patients' expenses for MDR-TB treatment."

Mao suggested adopting a flexible volume-based procurement approach in negotiations with pharmaceutical companies on the prices of MDR-TB drugs and for them to be incorporated into medical insurance catalogs.

"In such negotiations, companies will be informed about the rough quantity of the drugs needed nationwide, and a reasonable price range will be decided based on the volume. This will help lower prices of the drugs," he explained.

Mao said more of the funds for basic public health service programs need to be allocated to community-level medical institutions for screening suspected MDR-TB cases and offering rehabilitation services.

He also advised more sound utilization of medical insurance funds, government-managed specialized funds for TB control, and corresponding local funds, to ensure that those in need can be either tested, hospitalized, or treated.

Source: Xinhua| 2021-03-06 18:18:37|Editor: huaxia

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WASHINGTON, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Strong government commitment, an effective national implementation as well as corruption control and third-party assessments are three major principles other developing countries can learn from China's success in poverty alleviation, a leading U.S. expert has said.

"I've thought a good deal about how the world can benefit, particularly developing countries and the poorest countries, from China's experience on poverty alleviation," Robert Lawrence Kuhn, chairman of the Kuhn Foundation, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Feb. 25 that China had secured a "complete victory" in its fight against poverty.

Over the past eight years, the final 98.99 million impoverished rural residents living under the current poverty line have all been lifted out of poverty.

Kuhn, who has been closely following China's transformation, said he was fascinated that China's solution is to create a massive, highly targeted and individualized poverty alleviation program.

"China's success demands it to be analyzed and to be understood what are the principles that other countries can apply," said Kuhn.

The expert believed that Xi's leadership and commitment are one of the prime reasons for such an achievement.

The second principle is an effective national implementation structure, said Kuhn, who emphasized that "there's a standardization in defining poverty" in China.

"A standardization of programs doesn't mean one-size fits all, but it might be a constellation of different ideas that people can try or pick from a list of techniques to use (to fight against poverty)," Kuhn said.

Those techniques then are fed back to the central government where officials keep records, so that other people working on poverty alleviation can learn from and use the techniques, he added.

A system that can really crack down on corruption is another factor, the expert said.

The success of China's poverty alleviation campaign depends on strict, quantitative and transparent procedures, said Kuhn.

"So poverty alleviation is a remarkable achievement for China as a whole. It has benefited hundreds of millions of Chinese people, but it also gives great insight into how the whole Chinese system works," he said.

Every impoverished household is guaranteed help, every village has designated officials to carry out targeted measures, and different levels of local Party secretaries coordinate their roles, he said, adding that third-party assessments are conducted regularly and randomly to assure accuracy and honesty.

Kuhn and his team have spent three years to complete a documentary titled "Voices From the Frontline: China's War on Poverty," which observes the poverty alleviation plan in China.

The documentary provides a textured and intimate portrayal of China's poverty alleviation by following six cases that highlight China's strategy and the systems as well as the organization needed to implement it. Enditem
Less than 60 hours before an unprecedented exit permit will be required from outbound travellers, the government has revealed details of the new Declaration to Travel.

From Monday 8 March, anyone who enters a port of departure to travel internationally in England without a completed form will be committing a criminal offence  even if they are legally entitled to travel.

Airlines, train operators and ferry companies will be required to check that passengers have a valid reason to travel abroad.

Read more: What is the Declaration to Travel and how do I get one?

At present all holidays  at home or overseas  are illegal under the stay-at-home rule. The earliest possible date for going abroad from England for leisure is 17 May.

International travel is allowed only for a limited number of exemptions, including work, urgent family matters and medical treatment.

The form asks travellers for their personal details including their address, passport number and destination, and requires them to tick a box to indicate their claimed reason to travel.

The government says: You may carry evidence to support your reason to travel.

The Declaration to Travel represents the latest tightening of the most draconian restrictions on movement ever known in peacetime.

In January, the home secretary warned: There are still too many people coming in and out of our country each day.

Priti Patel told parliament that the Declaration to Travel was a necessary step to protect the public and our world-class vaccination programme.

Labour has supported government restrictions on movement, and has frequently called for tougher controls.

The publication of the permit coincided with Cyprus announcing it will open its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from 1 May.
This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy.

For the second time, the Senate failed to convict Donald Trump at the end of an impeachment trial, but was the trial a failure? For many, Trumps second acquittal was further evidence, along with his acquittal in his first impeachment trial in 2020, that the impeachment process is inherently broken. It seemed that the constitutional threshold for conviction, requiring at least two thirds of senators present in favor, was practically impossible to meet, even more so if the members of the presidents party generally stuck together in opposition. For Trumps base, it was a failure of a different sortthe failure of the hateful and hate-filled Democrats to pervert the process to their own nefarious ends; and for many lawyers, it was a failure of the Senate to conduct the proceedings like a real trial, one overseen by a real judge, who might have insisted on something that more closely resembled rigorous procedures and evidentiary rules that a real trial or judicial proceeding would follow.

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Presidential impeachments are, however, never just about whether the nations chief executive did something so wrong he should be ousted from office prematurely. They are tests not just for the presidents on trial but tests for the Senate itself, the lawyers or advocates on each side, and the American people. Far too many viewersand participantshad to be retaught the unique scope and purposes of impeachments, including why senatorssitting as both jurors and judgescomprise the court of impeachment under our Constitution. The framers vested senators with the ultimate power to convict, remove, and disqualify presidents for their misconduct in office because they expected that senators had the special qualities and temperament to rise to the occasion, not to be easily swayed by the whims of their constituents, and to be held politically accountable for gross neglect in their decisions. In Federalist 65, Alexander Hamilton explained that senators were the ideal arbiters of whether an impeached president or other high ranking official should be convicted, because the Senate would be a tribunal sufficiently dignified and sufficiently independent of the president or factional interests aligned with the subject of impeachment. Further, Hamilton explained, because the entire Senate was the trial body, it can never be tied down by such rules, either in the delineation of the office by the prosecutors, or in the construction of it by the judges, as in common law trials.

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Presidential impeachments are, however, never just about whether the nations chief executive did something so wrong he should be ousted from office prematurely.

In the second trial, there was no question of curtailing a presidents term, as it had been in the first trial. Yet, to no scholars surprise, impeachment is generally designed to undo presidential electionsthats one of the major reasons for impeachment: Presidents take their job based on condition that they are subject to impeachment and conviction if they commit treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The question whether a presidents misconduct merits removal and disqualificationthe only two remedies the Constitution recognizes as applying to convicted officialscan be as hard as any challenge a member of Congress must address, undoubtedly even harder if the president is from their own political party. The framers, who distrusted popular majorities, would have frowned on public pressure being a factor in the decision making on impeachment and conviction; but the advent of the Seventeenth Amendment, making senators directly elected by the people of their respective states, makes such pressure relevant and inevitable. In order to work, the process therefore requires members of Congress to have the courage to do not the expedient thing but the right thingplacing the best interests of the nation and the Constitution above petty partisanship.

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Given the fact that I have studied, commented on, testified in, and consulted on impeachments for more than thirty years, I am deeply invested in figuring out whether impeachment retains any utility or can serve its original function of holding presidents accountable for their misconduct in office. In rendering my judgment (I should note that I served as Special Counsel to the Presiding Officer of the second Trump trial, Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt), we should acknowledge and come to terms with several major lessons. These takeaways cannot be ignored by people who are genuinely interested in the viability of impeachment as a check on presidential misconduct.

The first is that the impeachment process is broken, as many of us have said, but it is not as broken as many of us think. True, the Constitutions requiring a conviction by a vote of at least two-thirds of the senators present is practically impossible to meet. Weve had four presidential impeachment trials and acquittals in every one of them with only the first of thosefor President Andrew Johnsoncoming anywhere close to the threshold for conviction. The impossibility of meeting that threshold becomes even more certain given the rise of rigid party fidelityallegiance to political party is often stronger than allegiance to the institution of the Senate (and protecting its prerogatives) or to the Constitution. For many of those who held Congress in disdain before the proceedings, the outcome merely reinforces their sour opinion of the institution. And for those who think that the impeachment trial was a bust because it did not mimic civil or criminal proceedings or have a judge presiding who would guide the proceedings, Trumps acquittal surely reinforced their views that the whole episode was a waste of time because it lacked the seriousness of purpose they equate with judicial proceedings.

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Nothing can likely be said that will make people disdainful of the process more respectful of it, but there are several numbers that cannot be denied. The first is that while 57 votes for conviction fell 10 short of the number the Constitution requires for conviction, 57 votes for conviction are the largest vote for conviction in any presidential impeachment trial in American history. Perhaps more importantly, that number included seven Republicans, the most senators ever to risk the censure of their party to vote to convict someone from their own party in an impeachment trial. (Interestingly, Richard Nixon in 1974 appeared likely to have been impeached and convicted had he been tried in the Senate, which, at the time, had 57 Democrats, 1 Independent, 1 Conservative, and 41 Republicans.) But that is not all. If we broaden our view, there were more than 67 senators seriously criticizing or denouncing Trumps misconduct. Perhaps the most searing came from Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a partisan of the first order, who condemned Trump for being practically and morally responsible for the unprecedented mob attack on Congress. True, Senator McConnell voted to acquit (ostensibly because he opposed using the impeachment process against someone no longer in office) and later said he would support Trump if he were again the Republican nominee for president, but his censure of Trump sticks because it came from a (former) Trump ally and powerful leader of the Senate Republicans. While Trump can relish his acquittal only if he ignores the fact of the strong bipartisan condemnation of his behavior, historians, most of the American people, and most members of Congress will not. They understand that Trumps legacy is a mess of his own making, and no amount of lying, protesting the truth, or blaming others can change the fact that he will go downliterally go down to the bottom of any pollas Americas most corrupt president and likely its worst. If Trump has any future in American politics, that says more about the state of the American polity than it does Trump, and hardly good news for the future of the republic.

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There is a second lesson. Precedents matter because they serve the important functions of facilitating stability, fairness, and predictability in constitutional law and procedures. In litigation, the most important question is often about which judicial precedent is most closely analogous to the conflict at hand. The same dynamic is at work in impeachment proceedings. Precedents, in other words, are not just made by judges. Congress makes them, too. Past proceedings are precedents, which are not binding on subsequent congresses but which influence or inform later proceedings. Just as the case in constitutional law and the common law, the meaning of a precedent depends on how subsequent generations view it and how much they are willing to invest in its meaning. The fact that no other presidents quote James Buchanan or look to him as a model reflects his abysmal performance in office. The same may hold true for Trump, though it is too soon to know for sure.

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The precedent likely established in Trumps second trial is likely to be far different than what Trump says it should be.

The precedent likely established in Trumps second trial is likely to be far different than what Trump says it should be. He was not vindicated; indeed, most of the 43 senators who voted to acquit him explained they did so on their beliefs that former presidents are not subject to impeachment. A majority of the Senate formally voted (56-44) to acknowledge and accept jurisdiction over the trial even though Trump was no longer in office when the trial began. Senator Richard Burr, Republican from North Carolina, explained in his post-trial statement on why he voted to convict Trump that he had accepted that a majority of the Senate had retained jurisdiction and therefore felt he had no choice but to vote on the merits of the case. For him, the merits were clearhe voted to convict Trump. Some others like Senator Charles Grassley, Republican from Iowa, said they voted against jurisdiction but accepted the decision of the Senate to hold the trial and thus they reached the merits of the case. He voted to acquit.

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The important point is that this was not the first time the Senate accepted such jurisdiction. This was the sixth time the Senate had done thata majority voted in the first impeachment trial in 1798 that it had jurisdiction to consider the conviction of Senator William Blount, who was no longer in office; the Senate proceeded with an impeachment trial of West Humphreys more than a year after he had abandoned his federal judgeship to join the confederacy; the Senate voted that it had jurisdiction to conduct the impeachment trial of William Belknap, who had resigned just before the House impeached him for bribery; and the Senate proceeded with impeachment trials of two other judges, George English and Robert Archbald, after they had left the positions in which they had committed misconduct. (In a seventh case, the Senate voted to dismiss the trial because the impeached official, Samuel Kent, had resigned from office before the start of the trial.) It is true, as one of Trumps lawyers said, that senators were free to disregard those precedents and vote their consciences; however, it is also true that in the future senators may follow these precedents to hold an impeachment trial for someone who has left the office. The Senate vote to accept jurisdiction over Trumps case is not binding but it is persuasive authority for any senator in future to consider.

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The third lesson to be learned from Trumps impeachment trials has to do with how the different mechanisms for holding presidents accountable for their misconduct fit together. Late on the last day of the second impeachment trial, one of Mr. Trumps lawyers disdainfully dismissed what he termed, with a sneer, the Raskin doctrine, or the possibility that an acquittal of Trump would license future presidents to abuse power all they want in the last few weeks of their terms. Michael van der Veen suggested that presidents would not get away with misconduct in their final days in office because they remained liable at law for their actions. If, for example, a president incited insurrection, then he could be prosecuted later for having done so, he argued.

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Like so many arguments made during the trial, this one was politically effective but legally weak (more on that discrepancy later), because it required distorting facts and the law of impeachment. It is true that if a president murdered someone in his last week in office, he could be prosecuted later for the crime. But that situation (putting aside the question of whether the deed was done in the Presidents official capacity) largely misses the point of either trial: Neither Trumps lawyers nor senators who defended Trump paid sufficient attention to original meaning. In fact, their arguments had little or nothing to do with original meaning (raising the question whether they do not really believe original meaning ought to always guide constitutional interpretation). Indeed, the framers designed impeachment to address political crimes or abuses of power that are not indictable offenses. For example, presidents may be impeached for betraying their office, though that is not a crime for which they could go to prison. For those who care about principled originalism, every example of an impeachable offense given in the constitutional convention was an abuse of power for which there was no remedy at law. Thus, saying that there is a remedy at law for a presidents misconduct near the end of his trial is mistaken, since the misconduct impeachment was primarily created to address is not redressable in a court of law. Impeachment was placed in the Constitution as the only sanction for the misconduct that most concerned the framers, and notably they accordingly provided for no timeframe for the impeachment or trial to take place.

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And yet both the House and the House Managers fell into the trap of characterizing Trumps misconduct as criminal. This allowed Trumps lawyers to explain why the managers had failed to demonstrate each of the elements of the crime of incitement to insurrections, though the managers were not obligated to do so. Defense lawyers in impeachment trials naturally try to narrow the field of impeachable offenses to felonies, but, as retired judge Michael McConnel argued recently, the House could have crafted the impeachment article more broadly and not in terms of any given felony, something that House Managers would have had an easier time proving in the trial.

This brings us to the final lesson of Trumps second trialon the importance of legal ethics. It featured a repeat of his lawyers making outlandish accusations against the House Managers and equally outlandish revisions of history to exonerate Trump. To be sure, it made eminent sense for Trumps defense lawyers to make political appeals in a political proceeding, particularly since they had enough votes to acquit all along to prevent a conviction. But they still crossed ethical lines, and there is no excuse for that, and there should be no pass for it either. For example, Rule 3.3 of the rules of professional responsibility (adopted in every jurisdiction) requires lawyers to be truthful and candid in any proceeding before a tribunal, including a legislature. Yet, Trumps lawyers claimed, with the Senate and nation listening, that the entire premise of [Trumps] remarks was that the democratic process would and should play out according to the letter of the law. This was pure fiction. Instead, according to Trumps lawyers, he was urging his Vice-President to reopen the certification of the election and send it back to the states even though Pence had no such power. Trumps lawyers insisted (as any defenders might) that he had encouraged those in attendance to exercise their rights peacefully and patriotically, a fact that was true but they neglected to mention that Trumps statement was made only once in contrast to his using the word fight 20 times. Van der Veen declared that at no point was the president informed the vice president was in any danger, but Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), whom Trump called to urge to continue to protest the election, told Trump that Pence had to be taken out of the chamber for his safety. (The House Managers final piece of evidence, an affidavit from a congresswoman who said House Minority Leader informed her of his inability to get Trump to issue a strong statement telling the mob to disperse.). Trumps lawyers blamed the Democrats for not starting the trial before Trumps term ended, but they left out the fact that Mitch McConnell, as Majority Leader, refused to accept the articles until the day before Bidens inauguration. Van der Veen also told the Chamber, One of the first people arrested was a leader of antifa, a claim decisively proven false.

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Lawyering is not about who bangs the table or who screams the loudest, and zealous representation does not include misleading and lying to a court or any other tribunal.

Lawyering is not about who bangs the table or who screams the loudest, and zealous representation does not include misleading and lying to a court or any other tribunal. The Trumpian gambit that he and his people are entitled to lie, cheat, and steal because the other side (supposedly) did all that and more is the apotheosis of misinformation, aimed to do nothing less than obliterate the rule of law, the search for truth, and holding Trump accountable.

The defense lawyers hyperbole and fantastical outbursts in denouncing the managers and all Democrats as dishonest and in repeatedly saying the Democrats were engaged in one long conspiracy against Trump were never proven (or relevant) and, worse, perpetuated a bizarre lie that groups like antifa or people masquerading as Trump supporters were somehow responsible for the mob violence that day. (Believing the big lie requires thinking that the people who won the election were attacking Congress to undo the election they had just won.) Trump reportedly enjoyed his lawyers disruptions of the trial (they had plainly performed for him), but when such disruptions take the form of professional misconduct, as they did in both trials, the credibility and legitimacy of the trial itself demands that the lawyers themselves must be held accountable in the proper forum for their own infractions. They cannot pretend they never engaged in the unethical conduct; their performances are all on tape, and the tape does not lie.

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Yes, impeachment trials are political theater, but that does not mean anything goes. At one point, Van der Veen left the lectern and approached the House Managers in a threatening manner, which prompted Senator Patrick Leahy as presiding officer to call the Senate back into order. Lawyers do not just get to do or say whatever they like or make accusations without any basis; their repeated insistence that Trump was entitled under the first amendment to say whatever he wanted regarding the election was in stark contrast with the facts that Trump was obviously responsible for the attack and that there was no evidence of voter fraud requiring storming the Capitol, much less overturning the election. The complete absence of such evidence explains why judges (appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents) rejected Trump and his associates claims of fraud in more than 60 lawsuits. It should go without sayingbut it cant any longerthat the integrity of Trumps trial depended on the actual facts of what occurred and the Constitution as it is written and designed, not as the parties wish them to be.

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After Watergate, law schools started requiring law students to take a course in legal ethics. Regrettably, that has not produced more ethical lawyers. Nor would it seem that more rules of professional responsibility would. What would produce more ethical lawyering is the vigorous enforcement of the rules that now govern the legal profession.

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In the rarified world of presidents, legacies matter.

The biggest failure of the trial was the abandonment of any pretense by Trumps lawyers to stick with the facts or the law. Lawyers understandably want to please their clients and, the more so, when those clients are powerful, rich, or both; and Trumps lawyers were eager to please him. But in doing so, they made a mockery of the Constitution and the process and sacrificed their own integrity and reputations, likely for good. This is not to say the House Managers were perfect; they dropped a few balls and made some mistakes, but that makes them human not unethical. When lawyers breach or disregard the rules of their profession and get away with it, it makes it more likely other lawyers will do the same. This undermines the administration of justice, which the rules expressly charge every licensed lawyer with protecting. Given that Trump had enough votes to secure acquittal even before the trial began, it was completely unnecessary for any of his lawyers (Bruce Castor, for example, in what appeared to be throwing Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) under the bus for his independence in concluding the Senate had jurisdiction to proceed or in threatening that Sasse and others will reap the whirlwind) to trash their reputations for nothing more than a few minutes of infamy.

In the final analysis, we have not seen the last of impeachment. This is not because members of Congress have developed a taste for the process (essentially no one involved actually relishes the experience) or that it has become a partisan weapon each side may use for its own inappropriate purposes. It is because it has had more impact than its critics acknowledge. In the rarified world of presidents, legacies matter. In Trumps case, his legacy will not be what he wants, for it will be a legacy no other president is ever likely to wish to emulate or restore. That stings, and, if you do not believe me Trump knows it, you can just read his rage against the dying of his light. Trump will not rest easy as he is beset with lawsuits and the prospect of either oblivion or infamy. And, if you happen to be like me, you can just turn the channel or the page to relish those political leaders who are committed to making our world a better place.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - State officials held a roundtable discussing with industry leaders Friday on how to equip workers for the jobs of today and the future.

DEED Commissioner Steve Grove says right now Minnesota has around six times the number of people collecting unemployment insurance than usual this time of year. At the same time, Grove says there are over 100,000 job openings across the state.

The figures have officials focusing on helping unemployed workers transition from the industries they left to careers where companies "can't hire fast enough," according to the commissioner.

Officials say some of those industries include technology, healthcare, and construction.

Industry leaders say job seekers often believe working in these fields requires experience or an expensive degree, when really the barriers for entry are very low. They add many only require a few weeks of coursework, or no-site training after being hired.

Dr. Jon Pryor, President of Essentia Health - East, says while you may not become a surgeon overnight, there are significant opportunities to advance after just getting started in healthcare.

"With two to four weeks, you can become a nursing assistant and make nearly $15 an hour," Dr. Pryor said. "Then you put in another five months, and you can become a clinical medical assistant. And then you put another six months in, and you're an LPN. And then you put another one year, and all of a sudden, you're an RN, making close to $100,000 a year."

During the conversation, multiple panelists made direct appeals to workers with service or hospitality experience. They say skills involved in those roles are central to the opportunities they're offering.
Principal of Gaelscoil Ui Cheadaigh in Bray Gearoidin Ni Bhaoill said that it was lovely to see the spring daffodils in bloom as teachers and pupils returned to school on Monday morning.

Junior and senior infants and first class went back to primary school and sixth years to secondary as phased re-opening got under way this week.

'The children were and are very enthusiastic about coming back,' said Ms Ni Bhaoill. 'There was more apprehension when they were coming back in September after the first lockdown, it took a little more time for some to settle in. This time they have all settled in so well.'

She said that teachers have worked very hard and put a big effort into online teaching. 'Most are relieved to have face-to-face teaching and that connection with the children,' said the principal.

She said that online support and remote learning are continuing for the children who remain at home until March 15.

Ms Ni Bhaoill said that there is a great feeling of good will among the pupils, staff and parents, who are enjoying something of a sense of normality.

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'The children were looking forward to meeting their friends,' said Ms Ni Bhaoill. 'We are all social beings, and the teachers are now also able to see each other in person.'

This is all under strict guidelines, as public health risks continue. She praised parents who are cooperating with guidelines around staggered times, and avoiding congregating outside the school. 'Ni neart go cur le cheile,' said Ms Ni Bhaoill. There is no strength without unity.
UCG Press release

The Company gives notice that today is available to the public, at the Company's Registered Office, on the website of the market management company Borsa Italiana S.p.A. (www.borsaitaliana.it), on the website of the authorized storage mechanism "eMarket STORAGE" managed by Spafid Connect S.p.A. (www.emarketstorage.com), as well as on the UniCredit website  documentation concerning the following items on the Agenda of the Shareholders Meeting convened on 15 April 2021.

Ordinary part 1. Approval of the 2020 financial statements 2. Allocation of the result of the year 2020 3. Increase of the Legal Reserve 4. Elimination of so-called "negative reserves" for components not subject to change by means of their definitive coverage 5. Distribution of a dividend from profit reserves 6. Authorisations to purchase treasury shares aimed at Shareholders remuneration. Consequent and inherent resolutions 7. Determination of the number of members of the Board of Directors 8. Appointment of the Directors 9. Determination of the remuneration of Directors 10. Integration of the Board of Statutory Auditors by the appointment of a substitute Statutory Auditor 15. Authorisation to purchase and dispose of treasury shares for the purpose of delisting the UniCredit shares from the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Consequent and inherent resolutions Extraordinary part 3. Cancellation of treasury shares with no reduction of share capital; consequent amendment to clause 5 of the Articles of Association. Consequent and inherent resolutions It is specified that further documentation concerning the items on the agenda of the ordinary and extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, including the draft of the financial statements, the consolidated financial statements and the integrated statements ex D.Lgs. 254/2016, will be published according to the terms provided by law. Milan, 5 March 2021 Enquiries Investor Relations e mail: investorrelations@unicredit.eu Media Relations e mail: mediarelations@unicredit.eu
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Emmanuel Macron: The Azerbaijani troops must leave Armenias sovereign territory

Armenia 3rd President on authorities and the upcoming elections

Armenia 3rd President reacts to photos of bodies of soldiers in freezer: It felt like the blood froze in my veins

Turkey's Erdogan expresses willingness to support Georgia-Azerbaijan-Armenia trilateral cooperation

Armenia acting MOD visits Border Guards Department of Russia Federal Security Service

French-Armenians hold protest against Armenia acting PM's visit to France

Karabakh ex-Ombudsman appointed State Minister

Rapid reaction service set up ahead of snap parliamentary elections in Armenia

Armenia has new ambassador to Ukraine

OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are ready to visit the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia President appoints judges

Wargonzo: Russian MOD is dealing with settlement of conflict in Armenia's Syunik Province on a daily basis

Armenia police encircle stage placed at Republic Square (PHOTO)

7 EU countries start issuing vaccination certificates

Latest on scandal over improper storage of Armenian soldiers bodies, more on COVID-19, Jun. 1

Armenia Constitutional Court launches case proceedings based on President's application

Armenia acting emergency situations minister says he's concerned about situation in army

Armenia acting education, science, culture and sport minister receives ICRC Delegation

Armenia ex-President Sargsyan nephew acquitted

Armenia deputy police chief: No real cases of vote-buying reported to date

Armenia human rights activists: Nearly 10 protesters detained during protest in front of government building

Audit Chamber director: About half of Armenia state agencies, institutions were not audited in 2020

Robert Kocharyan: Acting PM is an unsuccessful, political Lilliput

Armenia 2nd President: Authorities shamelessly deceived people throughout the 44-day war

Acting emergency situations minister: Armenia's Seismic Protection Service is the best in the region

Dollar gains value in Armenia

Macron: France will work towards restoration of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Richard Ferrand: France stands with Armenia

Armenia 2nd President: Incumbent authorities failed to fulfill their promises

Armenia Diaspora Youth Ambassador Program is launched

Yerevan court rules to conditionally release man who attempted to assassinate ex-presidential candidate

People came to power in Armenia who consistently destroyed army combat-readiness, says ex-President Kocharyan

Armenia 2nd President rules out collaboration with Nikol Pashinyan

Central Bank chief: Armenia national debt exceeded 63% of GDP

Armenia ex-President Kocharyan: Turkey persistently crosses boundaries of permissibility

Finance ministry: Armenia 2020 economic growth forecasts are revised downwards

Armenia 2nd President Kocharyan: It is disgrace when law enforcement agencies are subject to PM himself

US sells oil seized from Iran

Robert Kocharyan: Government does not pay enough attention to security issues

Armenia 1st President spokesperson: Ter-Petrosyan has nothing to speak with the nation-destroying plague

Armenia acting PM orders internal investigation into case of storage conditions of fallen soldiers bodies, remains

Armenia ex-president Kocharyan gives interview to Russia newspaper

Armenia acting deputy PM on unblocking of roads with Azerbaijan: There will be no troops standing there

Nikkei: Toyota and Honda stop car production in Malaysia

Armenia official on deploying international observers at Azerbaijan border: You will hear reaction on this matter soon

USAID helps UN World Food Programme support displaced people in Armenia

Armenia official: Work of trilateral working group on roads unblocking has stopped after recent incidents

Russias Putin to Armenias Pashinyan: Relations between our countries are developing very successfully

Armenia health minister: Improper storage of fallen soldiers bodies, remains was my omission

108 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Armenia President to children: I believe that you will make our country much better

Armenia CEC publicizes complete lists of political forces registered to run in snap parliamentary elections

World oil prices going up

Queen Elizabeth turns down PM's offer to name new royal yacht after Prince Philip

Armenia parliament discusses 2020 state budget report

Newspaper: Armenia acting FM resigns after 3rd attempt

Newspaper: Yerevan mayor to leave office

Israel, UAE sign tax treaty

Newspaper: Even vagrants are persuaded, taken to Armenia acting PM Pashinyans rally in Vanadzor

Swedish defense minister demands explanation from Denmark over spy scandal

Acting Deputy PM: Armenia has not discussed and will not discuss issues within logic of "corridor"

Armenia Central Electoral Commission determines numbers of political parties for elections

Armenia 2nd President visits Cathedral of the Holy Mother of God in Gyumri (PHOTOS)

Opposition Armenia bloc representative: We're running in elections to win

Azerbaijan MFA comments on calls for release of Armenian POWs with infinite hypocrisy

EC: Vaccinated citizens should be exempted from tests, quarantine when traveling within EU

Armenia Ombudsman discusses rights of 6 captured Armenian servicemen with ICRC Delegation head

EU ready to use all the tools at its disposal to change Turkey's behavior

Yerevan court obliges to abolish violation of rights of Armenia Supreme Judicial Council ex-chairman

Greek and Turkish leaders to meet in June on sidelines of NATO summit

Armenia Central Electoral Commission to set up 2,008 polling stations for snap parliamentary elections

Iranian companies to participate in reconstructing territories under Azerbaijan's control

Opposition Armenia bloc's representative on acting PM's invitation to debate with 1st and 2nd Presidents

Armenia acting FM dismissed upon presidential decree

Body of brother of Armenian criminal authority "Don Pipo" found under bridge

Armenia Prosecutor General holds consultation

Digest on Armenian local news, EU is ready to help Armenia, Azerbaijan with border issues, 31.05.21

Relatives of missing Armenian servicemen open Heratsi Street in Yerevan

Armenia acting PM to pay working visits to Paris and Brussels

Armenia bloc representative on FM's resignation and National Security Service

Armenia Investigative Committee: Fatal road accident, criminal case opened

Armenia deputy FM submits resignation

Chinese authorities allow families to have 3 children

Dollar devalues in Armenia

Stepanakert: Azerbaijan creates bridgeheads for pressure on Karabakh, expansion towards Armenia

Sergey Lavrov says Russia is ready to disconnect SWIFT

Armenia MFA spokesperson resigns

Republican Party of Armenia Vice-President: Our ratings are growing, but we have greater pretensions

Armenia acting PM's spokesperson responds to ex-FM

Armenia parliament majority leader: Refusing to debate with acting PM is manifestation of low self-confidence

Armenia State Revenue Committee, US Department of Justice sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Vardevanyan: Attempts made to create false grounds for obstructing Armenia bloc election offices legal activities

Lavrov says Russia is ready to resume dialogue with NATO

Armenia opposition MP on FM's resignation

India records lowest increase in COVID-19 cases in 50 days

Bright Armenia faction in parliament: No response to acting PM's proposal to deploy observers along Azerbaijan border

Ruling bloc MP: Acting premiers proposal does not limit Armenia in terms of cooperation with CSTO

Acting PM is proud of Armenian servicemens heroism, says parliament majority leader

Parliament majority leader: No border delimitation unless Azerbaijan army units leave Armenia territory

Outgoing Armenia acting FM opens brackets: My decision of resignation was conditioned by that very reason
The chief prosecutor of the Afghan National Directorate of Security has been assassinated in a car-bomb attack.

Sayed Mahmud Agha was killed on March 6 when the convoy he was traveling in to the southern city of Lashkargah was targeted by a suicide bomber driving a car filled with explosives, according to the provincial council chief for Helmand Province, Attaullah Afghan.

One of Agha's bodyguards was killed and eight others, including two passersby, were injured.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack.

There has been a rising wave of killings targeting journalists, civil society activists, and officials across Afghanistan in recent months amid ongoing peace talks between the Afghan government and Taliban negotiators in Qatar.

Most of the targeted killings have gone unclaimed. The Taliban has denied involvement in many cases. But Afghan and U.S. officials have blamed the militants.

Rights groups say the killings are intended to silence and intimidate independent voices and civil society in Afghanistan, which has made inroads on womens rights and free speech since the 2001 U.S.-led invasion that toppled the fundamentalist Taliban regime.

With reporting by Tolo News and AP
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WASHINGTON  First, he married a Kennedy. Then he behaved like one.

Like his idol Bill Clinton  he still cherishes the cigar humidor Clinton gave him  Gov. Andrew Cuomo did not seem to realize times had changed.

Back in 1998, when the story broke about the affair with Monica Lewinsky, Clinton aides whined to reporters that they should read biographies of President Kennedy. J.F.K. did stuff like that all the time, they said. So did F.D.R.! Yes, reporters explained, but that was then.

Clinton thought he could survive the scandal by hiding behind his circle of accomplished women, who filed before the cameras to repeat the presidents cowardly denials about that woman.

He believed that his progressive actions for women would be a shield against his retrogressive behavior.
Australian model Jessica Gomes was able to return home to Australia back in November from Los Angeles.

And on Saturday, the 35-year-old reflected on the 'uncertainty and fear' she experienced while living in her adopted home in California.

'It was a heavy year. Having that fear lingering over you for so long, it's quite heavy. You don't realise what you've been through and then you kind of come out of it and go "Oh wow",' she told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.

'It was a heavy year': Model Jessica Gomes reflected on the 'uncertainty and fear' she experienced while living in Los Angeles in 2020

'In LA everyone was really worried and not working, scraping kind of the barrels, and going "Oh god, what's happening?" There was a lot of uncertainty and fear,' she added.

While she was still in the US, the Portuguese-Chinese beauty - who hails from Perth - shared photos of herself wearing a facemask and encouraged her followers to do the same.

Despite calling LA home for a decade, she told the publication that she decided to leave at the end of the second lockdown because she no longer felt safe.

Safety first: While she was still in the US, the Portuguese-Chinese beauty shared photos of herself wearing a facemask and encouraged her followers to do the same

Luckily for her, she was able to get on a flight back home to Australia where there are barely any cases Covid and productions for film, TV and fashion have thrived.

'Obviously it's a very different situation here in Australia, and different environment, and I'm really happy that I'm back and it's great that things are open and people are working and being productive,' she said.

Jessica has recently been spending time in Byron Bay, where she has been pictured out and about with her model pal Gemma Ward.

'It's so Aussie and salt of the earth': In an interview with Vogue Australia in October, Jessica revealed she had discovered a newfound appreciation for her home city of Perth

She spent her quarantine period at the Meriton Suites hotel on Sussex Street, in Sydney's Central Business District.

In an interview with Vogue Australia in October, Jessica revealed she had discovered a newfound appreciation for her home city of Perth.

'Now, at this time of my life, I have to say I really love Los Angeles and I really love Perth,' she said.

Home sweet home: She told the magazine, 'I realised how much I loved Perth over this past summer holiday'

'I would never have thought that's what I would say about Perth, but it really is so special - it's so Aussie and salt of the earth.

'I realised how much I loved Perth over this past summer holiday.'

Jessica is one of dozens of Australian models and actors who have left America and returned to their home country during the Covid pandemic.
New Delhi, March 6 : An inquest proceeding has been initiated in the death of 72-year-old Muthoot Group Chairman MG George Muthoot in East of Kailash, the Delhi Police said on Saturday.

As per the police, Muthoot died on Friday evening after allegedly falling from the fourth floor of his house in East of Kailash in South East Delhi. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

The incident happened on Friday. Police said that the Amar Colony police station received information at around 9:21 pm regarding his admission to the hospital.

A probe was conducted into the matter and statements were recorded. The CCTV cameras were also checked.

"After the fall, he was taken to Fortis Escort Hospital and he was declared dead during treatment. On Saturday, his post-mortem got conducted at AIIMS. No foul play is suspected. Inquest proceeding is being done," said RP Meena, DCP South East Delhi.

An inquest is a judicial inquiry in common law jurisdiction, particularly one held to determine the cause of a person's death.

Muthoot was named the 50h richest Indian in 2011 by Forbes Asia Magazine and reached the 44th spot in 2019.

The Kochi-based Muthoot Finance offers loans using gold as collateral.

The companys headquarters in Gaithersburg, Md. Samuel Corum for The New York Times

WASHINGTON  Robert Kramer, the chief executive of Emergent BioSolutions, has told investors that extensive relationships across multiple agencies within the federal government have helped build a business that last year posted record revenues, with Mr. Kramer taking home a $1.2 million cash bonus.

The companys relationships form a web of revolving-door connections across Washington, an investigation by The New York Times found, that has included a former cabinet member, a retired Army general, three former members of Congress and a bipartisan array of former government employees.

As in previous years, Emergents biggest single source of revenue in 2020 was products for the Strategic National Stockpile, the countrys emergency medical reserve, which was woefully ill prepared for the pandemic. Even with the country focused on Covid-19, the government last year paid Emergent $626 million for products that included anthrax and smallpox vaccines.

Sometimes the company has turned to allies in the House or Senate to help push through its agenda, as it did in 2016 when lobbyists for Emergent met with Senator Roy Blunt, the Missouri Republican who chaired a subcommittee that controls the stockpiles budget, seeking his help in a funding fight involving the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, court records show. A spokeswoman for Mr. Blunt said he did not intervene on the companys behalf.

Six of Emergents 10 current board members have previously served in government. The company also has a corps of paid influencers, which has included lobbyists from more than a dozen firms with deep ties to Capitol Hill.

Here are some of those players and their links to Washington.

Ties to the Presidency

Christopher Cox, lobbyist Special assistant for legislative affairs under President George W. Bush. Former chief of staff to Representative Mike Rogers, Republican of Michigan, and Representative Robin Hayes, Republican of North Carolina. Lobbied from 2006 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $2.56 million.

Chris Frech, Emergents chief in-house lobbyist Mr. Bushs deputy assistant for legislative affairs, overseeing a team of White House officials assigned to working with the House. Co-chairman of the Alliance for Biosecurity, a trade group. Salaried employee. Emergent reported spending $46.26 million on lobbying between 2005 and 2020.

Timothy P. Hecht, lobbyist Longtime Republican strategist and President George Bushs deputy political director. Served as the commerce secretarys deputy counselor in the same administration. Lobbied from 2005 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $2.95 million.

Don Kent, lobbyist The younger Mr. Bushs assistant secretary for Homeland Security. Former chief of staff to Senator Ron Johnson, Republican of Wisconsin. Currently with the Nickles Group, chaired by Don Nickles, Republican former senator from Oklahoma. Lobbied from 2014 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $776,250.

Daniel Kidera, lobbyist Former Homeland Security official in the Obama administration. Onetime aide to Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, now the majority leader. Lobbied from 2015 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $440,000.

Lawrence F. OBrien III, lobbyist Treasury official in the Carter administration. Longtime Democratic donor with close ties to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Mr. Schumer. Lobbied from 2007 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $2.01 million.

Dr. Louis Sullivan, board of directors Health secretary to the elder Mr. Bush. Cash compensation from 2006 to 2019: $1,048,394. Shares owned: 48,714. Current value of shares: $4,496,789. Legislative Access

James L. Ervin, lobbyist Former Pentagon official and Air Force legislative liaison to the House. Chairman of Ervin Graves Strategy Group, a lobbying firm whose chief executive officer is former Representative Tom Graves, Republican of Georgia. Lobbied from 2014 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $810,000.

Pete Hoekstra, lobbyist Republican former congressman from Michigan; served as ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee. Appointed ambassador to the Netherlands in 2018 by President Donald J. Trump. Lobbied in 2014, when Emergent paid his firm $80,000.

Thomas Ingram, lobbyist Longtime Republican strategist and former chief of staff to Senator Lamar Alexander, the Tennessee Republican who led the upper chambers health committee. Lobbied from 2015 to 2017, when Emergent paid his firm $450,000.

Gary LaPaille, lobbyist Former Illinois state senator and longtime Democratic official who served as vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Lobbied from 2007 to 2014, when Emergent paid his firm $1.48 million.

Tom Latham, lobbyist Iowa Republican who served in Congress for 20 years. Lobbied from 2016 to 2020, when Emergent paid his firm $525,000.

Jim Saxton, lobbyist Served 25 years in Congress as a Republican from New Jersey. Lobbied from 2010 to 2015, when Emergent paid his firm $230,000.

Kyle Simmons, lobbyist Former chief of staff to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the minority leader. Longtime Republican strategist. Lobbied from 2011 to 2012, when Emergent paid his firm $250,000.

Bernard R. Toon, lobbyist Former chief of staff to four Democratic senators: Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico, Bill Bradley of New Jersey, Byron Dorgan of North Dakota and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, now the president. Founder of the Ingram Group. Lobbied from 2011 to 2012, and from 2015 to 2017, when Emergent paid his firm $750,000.

National Security and Public Health

Dr. Sue Bailey, board of directors Top Pentagon health official who defended the safety of Emergents anthrax vaccine while testifying before Congress in 1999, and again at a Defense briefing in 2000. Cash compensation, 2007 to 2019: $886,807. Shares owned: 28,009. Current value of shares: $2,585,511.

Jerome M. Hauer, board of directors Former commissioner of New York States Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Counterterrorism aide to Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, and a top emergency preparedness official under the younger Mr. Bush. Helped Emergent thwart a competitors anthrax vaccine. Cash compensation, 2006 to 2011 and 2015 to 2019: $603,340. Consulting fees, 2006 to 2011: $1,095,000. No shares owned.

General George A. Joulwan, board of directors A retired Army general who served as supreme allied commander in Europe. Cash compensation, 2013 to 2019: $536,409. Shares owned: 20,198. Current value of shares: $1,864,477.
Widow of televangelist Frederick KC Price defends his prosperity message Misleading ABC News report on message made him sick, she says

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Betty Price, the grieving widow of the late Crenshaw Christian Center founder Frederick K.C. Price, defended his teachings on prosperity and said a misleading ABC News report about the televangelist on the topic triggered health problems that haunted him until his death.

We cant even tell you what he went through when ABC did that to him. He had worked all of his life, the whole 50-something years he had been preaching  ABC and 20/20 messed his reputation up in 10 minutes, Betty Price recalled during a message about finding peace in a troubled environment two Sundays ago.

The ABC News segment headlined "Enough!" aired March 23, 2007, on "Good Morning America" and "20/20" and questioned whether several ministers who preach the prosperity gospel had used church donations to live lavishly," a 2010 news release about Price's defamation lawsuit said. The segment included a clip of one of the late preachers televised sermons in which he is seen telling his congregation: "I live in a 25 room mansion, I have my own $6 million yacht, I have my own private jet, and I have my own helicopter, and I have seven luxury automobiles."

Price, however, was not speaking of himself but a hypothetical person who had great wealth yet lived a spiritually unfulfilled life.

The televangelist went on to sue ABC News over the report, and four years later, the network admitted their mistake and publicly apologized as part of an out-of-court settlement between Price and the media company.

ABC News apologizes for any harm caused to you as a result of its broadcast of a video clip that ABC News stated was of you speaking about yourself when in fact you were talking about a hypothetical person, Kerry Smith, a senior vice president at the time, said in a statement. ABC News regrets that it did not conduct sufficient investigation of the clip after receiving it to establish its correct context. By presenting the footage out of context, ABC News misled its audience and failed to meet its own standards, which ABC deeply regrets.

Betty Price, who will bid her late husband goodbye at a funeral service at their Los Angeles-based church on Saturday, said her husband was deeply affected by the report because it took him off guard.

It took him off guard. That actually made him sick, she said. As a result of going through that, he had a mess with TB and a kidney thing, and the kidney thing never did get right as a result of that. And so little by little, hes had to carry that since 2007 when ABC did that.

Prices family announced on Feb. 12 that he died from COVID-19 at age 89, after a weekslong battle with the virus that has killed more than half a million people in the U.S. since a pandemic was declared last March.

Betty Prices recollection of the ABC News episode was part of a segment in her Feb. 21 sermon in which she staunchly defended her late husbands reputation as a man that lived a wonderful, wonderful Christian life, while speaking out against people who take pleasure in gossip and say stuff about people they dont even know anything about.

People have treated him, now, theres millions that have been wonderful to him all these years, but there were some people that didnt understand his life or else they were jealous. Im talking about ministers in the gospel and some people, she said. A lot of them have done a lot of evil speaking. Malice. Just wanted stuff bad to happen to him. And they havent been forgiving.

She added that because her husband stood up to defend his reputation against ABC News, ministers are now protected from what her husband experienced.

We did take that to court, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had a whole law change that they could never do that to any other minister. So instead of ministers talking about him, they ought to be glad he stood for something that would affect the ministry of everybody, she asserted.

The grieving widow, who also celebrate her late husbands journey to finally now be with God, said she chose to address the attacks on her husbands character in his death because too many people have chosen to write negatively about him, particularly because of his teachings on prosperity, which she argues should not be paired with the negative practices of those who seek to exploit Christians.

One of the main things they do is they talk about the fact that he preaches a prosperity message. He only preaches a small part of a prosperity message, so why would you want to write stuff like that and say that that was wrong? And the thing about it, he got his prosperity the right way. He didnt do stuff that caused wrong to get his prosperity, she said.

We got his prosperity by the word of God. We did what the word of God said. We started when we didnt know any better and God led us step-by-step that we needed to be giving more, so we started with our giving.

"How many people would do that? We started with our giving, giving 10% when we didnt have anything. If you heard all of his message[s] you would know that he isnt a prosperity teacher like you say. He teaches on prosperity, but he is not necessarily a prosperity teacher. We started giving ourselves outta debt, giving ourselves to be prosperous so we could be a blessing to people, Price added.

She also noted that while people do not have to tithe, she believes it is a healthy practice to follow.

You should be giving under grace, which should be more than the law, and so we started continuing to give more than the tithing 10%, 12%, 15%, 25%, 30%, all the way up to 40% of our offerings out of our salary. We give 40% away of our salary. Thats the way we have prosperity. Everybody can have prosperity that way, she explained. So you dont have to be condemning him because he preaches the prosperity message.

The Crenshaw Christian Church, also known as the Faith Dome, was founded by Price in 1973. With a seating capacity of 10,000, the church building is recognized as one of the worlds largest houses of worship. Price is also known for his global Ever Increasing Faith Ministries television broadcast that started in 1978.

He was scheduled to lie in repose for two days for a public closed casket viewing on Thursday and Friday at the Crenshaw Christian Center located at 7901 S. Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles.

His funeral service is set for March 6 at 11 a.m.